{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"CT\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2024-end-of-year-report", "Murphy Releases 2024 End of Year Report", "2024-12-31", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HARTFORD\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday released his End of Year Report outlining the work he\u2019s done for the people of Connecticut during 2024. The report details Murphy\u2019s legislative priorities this year, including continuing to implement the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, building more social connection, fighting for workers, making housing more affordable, and more. Murphy also helped deliver billions of federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act to create good-paying jobs in Connecticut.\n\nThis year, Murphy and his office:\n\nIntroduced or co-sponsored 367 pieces of legislation, including 68 bills or resolutions as the lead sponsor.\n\nCompleted his eighth Walk Across Connecticut: four days, 64 miles, 16 towns, and hundreds of people along the way.\n\nTraveled across the state, hosting 117 roundtables, listening sessions and more with Connecticut residents.\n\nResponded and reached out to Connecticut residents through over 383,000 calls, emails, and letters.\n\nReturned nearly $2 million to constituents, including owed Social Security payments, veterans\u2019 benefits, tax refunds, and other savings from federal agencies.\n\nHelped over 3,300 constituents work through federal issues and get their owed benefits.\n\nClick here to download Senator Murphy\u2019s 2024 End of Year Report.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-statement-passing-former-president-jimmy-carter", "Rep. Courtney Statement on the Passing of former President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "NORWICH, CT \u2013Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement in response to the passing of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. In 2023, Rep. Courtney penned an op-ed in CT Mirror and later spoke on the House Floor recounting Carter\u2019s exceptional service, including in the U.S. Navy, and his connection to Connecticut.\n\n\u201cAmerica lost a great man today. President Jimmy Carter personified the highest form of public service, not just as Governor and President, but as an ensign in the U.S. Navy who rose to be one of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover\u2019s select officers at the birth of the 'Nuclear Navy\u2019.\n\n\u201cIn 2005, when the Navy sought to close Submarine Base New London, former President Carter stood by'Team Connecticut' in opposition to a plan which would have moved the Base\u2019s fleet to his home state of Georgia. His decision to support \u2018Team Connecticut\u2019 in the face of political pressure at home represents the integrity and honor he served with throughout his life. Today, eastern Connecticut maintains our proud role as Submarine Capital of the World thanks to former President Carter. I join the American people in sending my deepest condolences and gratitude to the Carter family for his lifetime of service.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=55DFC002-A610-4B52-9DA6-183D76BE92EC", "Hayes Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", "hayes", "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WATERBURY, CT \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:\n\n\u201cToday, our nation mourns the passing of Nobel laureate and former President Jimmy Carter.\n\nDuring his presidency and in the decades after, President Carter served as an advocate for peace, human rights, and democracy.\n\nHis work with Habitat for Humanity inspired me to introduce my students to service and has helped build strength, stability and self reliance for so many through shelter.\n\nMy thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family during this time and I thank him for his lifetime of service.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-statement-passing-former-president-jimmy-carter", "Larson Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cPresident Carter led our nation with integrity, spending his life promoting human rights and peace across the globe,\u201d said Larson. \u201cHe was a man of deep conviction who always exhibited class on the public stage, whether he was a candidate, a President, or an elder statesman. With his deep commitment to his faith and his work with the Carter Center, Jimmy Carter demonstrated how to be a role model and make a difference in the world even when you leave elective office. He will be deeply missed by so many people he touched around the world. I send my condolences to his children Jack, Chip, Donnel, and Amy, and the entire Carter family.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter", "Blumenthal Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released the below statement following the passing of Former President Jimmy Carter:\n\n\u201cJimmy Carter was a public servant for all seasons\u2014leading by example, passionately and unstintingly, over deeply different and sometimes difficult phases of his life and the nation\u2019s.\n\n\u201cThe diversity and longevity of his public service is staggering\u2014as a military officer, Governor and President, home builder, health care activist, and much more. He certainly showed that leadership in elected office is only one of many ways to give back to our great nation. He believed fervently in the opportunity and obligation of every single person to make a difference and better the lives of others. I\u2019ll always be grateful for his appointing me as U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, which is how I first came to know him.\n\n\u201cWhile some disagreed with his political views or positions, none could doubt his sincerity and decency, his faith and humanity. He built a legacy of giving back\u2014personifying the adage that there\u2019s no limit to the good you can do if you don\u2019t care who gets the credit.\u201d\n\nBlumenthal was appointed to be the U.S. Attorney for Connecticut by President Carter and served in that role for four years during the Carter Administration.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-murphy-statement-on-death-of-president-jimmy-carter", "Murphy Statement on Death of President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HARTFORD\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the death of President Jimmy Carter:\n\n\u201cFew people have modeled what it means to live a life dedicated to the service of others more than President Jimmy Carter. He led with compassion, humility, and moral clarity even when it came at a political cost. Helping others was his calling, and President Carter didn\u2019t need the White House to change millions of lives. From his work at the Carter Center to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, he worked every day to build a more just world.\n\n\u201cIn a 1979 speech, President Carter warned the nation we have two paths to choose from \u2013 one toward fragmentation and self-interest and another toward common purpose. It\u2019s a warning that rings true still today.\n\n\u201cMy heart is with the Carter family as the nation mourns the loss of a giant.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-permanent-subcommittee-on-investigations-releases-report-and-supporting-documents-in-coast-guard-sexual-misconduct-cover-up", "ICYMI: Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Releases Report & Supporting Documents in Coast Guard Sexual Misconduct Cover-Up", "2024-12-27", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chair Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ranking Member Ron Johnson (R-WI) released a bipartisan interim staff report on their inquiry into the Coast Guard\u2019s efforts to conceal the investigation into mishandled cases of sexual assault and harassment at the Coast Guard Academy.\n\nThe report, Coast Guard Efforts to Conceal the Operation Fouled Anchor Investigation from Congress and the Public, includes several newly released documents, among which is an email explaining that then-Commandant Admiral Schultz chose not to affirmatively disclose Operation Fouled Anchor to either Congress or the public based on the continuing nature of the investigation. This email was sent the same day that a briefing by the Coast Guard to Congress on Operation Fouled Anchor was scheduled to take place \u2013 effectively engaging in a cover-up. Additional evidence further suggests that the Coast Guard took affirmative steps to remove references to Operation Fouled Anchor from internal Coast Guard communications which Congress had requested as part of an inquiry into harassment, bullying, and retaliation at the Coast Guard Academy.\n\n\u201cThis report provides additional evidence that the highest levels of Coast Guard leadership engaged in a purposeful and long-term cover-up of widespread sexual assault and harassment allegations at the Coast Guard Academy,\u201d Blumenthal and Johnson said. \u201cThe survivors of this misconduct deserve an explanation, and so does the public.\u201d\n\nBackground on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations\n\nInquiry into the Coast Guard\n\nIn September 2023, PSI opened a bipartisan inquiry into the Coast Guard\u2019s internal review of sexual assault and harassment cases that occurred between 1990 and 2006, which was called Operation Fouled Anchor. The Subcommittee\u2019s inquiry has focused on the Coast Guard\u2019s original mishandling of these cases and the Coast Guard\u2019s failure to reveal the conclusion of Operation Fouled Anchor, and its associated report, to Congress and the public. The Subcommittee is also examining the ways in which the Coast Guard currently handles reports of sexual assault and harassment.\n\nLast December, the Subcommittee held a hearing in which four current and former Coast Guard Academy cadets testified about the Coast Guard\u2019s mishandling of their cases.\n\nIn February 2024, the Subcommittee released additional documents showing that the Coast Guard was concerned that, should Operation Fouled Anchor be made public, it would \u201crisk the initiation of comprehensive Congressional investigations, hearings, and media interest\u201d and that \u201c[t]he rates of sexual assault reporting have not appreciably changed, calling into question impact of Coast Guard actions taken over the past decade to change CGA climate/etc.\u201d Handwritten notes on one document, which according to the Coast Guard were made by then-Vice Commandant Admiral Charles Ray, state, \u201cProblem is one of the past... .\u201d\n\nIn June, Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the Coast Guard, testified before PSI. In August, Blumenthal released a majority staff report highlighting firsthand accounts of Coast Guard enlisted personnel, officers, and Coast Guard Academy cadets who have experienced sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of misconduct ahead of a field hearing in New London, Connecticut, featuring testimony from two current and three former members of the Coast Guard.\n\nThe full text of the Senators\u2019 initial letter to the Coast Guard is available here. The letter from December 2023 is available here. Video of the Subcommittee\u2019s hearing in December featuring testimony from survivors can be viewed here. The Subcommittee\u2019s February 2024 letter is available here. The Subcommittee\u2019s hearing invitation to Admiral Linda Fagan is available here, and the video of Admiral Fagan\u2019s testimony in June 2024 is available here. The majority staff report highlighting the testimony of survivors of sexual assault and harassment in the Coast Guard is available here. Video of the field hearing in New London is available here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-statement-hr-82-and-path-forward-social-security", "Larson Statement on H.R. 82 and the Path Forward on Social Security", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cThanks to the tireless work of advocates from across the country, our public servants, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers, are finally on track to receive the benefits they have earned and deserve,\u201d said Larson. \u201cI want to commend the countless labor leaders and public servants for their work and advocacy to correct these unjust provisions, especially the National WEP/GPO Repeal Task Force, led by my dear friend and constituent Bette Marafino.\u201d\n\n\u201cNow we must all roll up our sleeves and work together to prevent automatic benefit cuts set to occur in 2034 and strengthen the program for years to come, especially for the 35 million Americans who rely on their earned benefits for the majority of their income,\u201d Larson continued. \u201cDemocrats have a plan to extend Social Security\u2019s solvency, cut taxes for seniors, and enhance benefits by making sure that everyone, including the most wealthy, pay their fair share into the system. Let\u2019s build on this hard-fought win for our public servants by enhancing Social Security for all beneficiaries for the first time in more than 50 years.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-spending-bill-to-avert-government-shutdown", "Blumenthal Statement on Spending Bill to Avert Government Shutdown", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) issued the following statement after the Senate passed an end-of-year spending deal that would extend government funding until March 2025:\n\n\u201cThis stopgap spending bill averts a government shutdown\u2019s devastating human consequences reaching every corner of Connecticut and the country. Connecticut\u2019s economy benefits from smart, targeted investments in our future\u2014not from repeated budgetary brinksmanship. This agreement will provide essential disaster aid for local farmers impacted by extreme flooding, safeguard Connecticut\u2019s submarine industry, and fund essential nutrition and public health programs on which so many Connecticut families depend. I pledge to continue the fight to fund vital programs that serve the American people, lower prescription drug costs, and promote economic growth and opportunity.\u201d\n\nThe Continuing Resolution (CR) includes a number of provisions that would benefit Connecticut, including a topline of $2.94 billion in post-disaster investments. Specifically, the CR includes:\n\nDisaster Aid for Connecticut Farmers: The CR includes $20.78 billion in disaster aid for farmers for necessary expenses related to losses of revenue and quality or production of crops. Extreme weather events, including severe floods and unprecedented droughts have devastated Connecticut farms in recent years. In the wake of these events, Blumenthal has authored legislation to improve access to disaster assistance programs and crop insurance for small-sized farms. The CR includes an estimated $22 million in disaster payments and an estimated $1 million in economic assistance payments for Connecticut.\n\nSupport for the Virginia Class Submarine Program: The CR provides $5.69 billion in emergency funds for the Virginia Class Submarine Program, including wage increases for non-executive workers. Blumenthal has fought for increased funding to safeguard Connecticut\u2019s submarine industry and continue steady production of the Virginia Class program.\n\nRelief for Recovering Small Businesses: The CR includes $2.249 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans Program Account to provide relief for small businesses recovering from natural disasters. Currently, 77 disaster loan applications from Connecticut are pending at SBA totaling $6.71 million in aid.\n\nFunding Repairs to Local Roads and Bridges: The CR invests $8.08 billion in the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program at the Department of Transportation to help communities recovering from natural disasters make necessary repairs. Connecticut could benefit from at least $48 million for emergency funding.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-short-term-deal-to-keep-the-government-open-2024", "Murphy Statement on Short-Term Deal to Keep the Government Open", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement after voting for a short-term deal to keep the government open and deliver disaster aid to impacted communities in Connecticut and across the country.\n\n\u201cThe government almost shut down because the only thing co-presidents Elon Musk and Donald Trump care about is making themselves and their billionaire friends richer \u2013 it\u2019s that simple. The past 48 hours were a hostage-taking exercise that put millions of families in the lurch just days before Christmas, all in the name of raising the debt ceiling so Trump can finance a giant tax break for billionaires in January. And now that Trump and Musk didn\u2019t get their way, they\u2019ve hatched an even more shameful plan to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits by $2.5 trillion instead. This \u2018Billionaire First\u2019 agenda is what we have to look forward to next year.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-applauds-delivery-future-uss-iowa", "Rep. Courtney Applauds Delivery of Future USS IOWA", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after General Dynamics Electric Boat delivered the future USS IOWA (SSN 797), the 24th Virginia class boat, to the U.S. Navy on Wednesday.\n\n\u201cThe delivery of the future USS IOWA marks the 24th boat delivered in the Virginia class program and the second boat delivered in 2024. Next year, the Navy will take delivery of the USS MASSACHUSETTS and IDAHO, the 25th and 26th boats in the class. Despite the nationwide manufacturing slowdown caused by COVID, the delivery of IOWA and the rising production cadence are promising signs of the industry's recovery. This momentum will be supported by the seapower provisions in the annual defense bill that will soon be signed into law and rejects the Navy\u2019s inadequate budget request by authorizing a second Virginia submarine, growing the supply chain, and boosting the wages of frontline shipyard workers, a critical step to increase recruitment and retention among the metal trades workforce.\n\n\u201cFair winds and following seas to the crew, and kudos to the outstanding shipbuilders who worked with great patriotism and skill to deliver the IOWA.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-votes-avert-costly-harmful-shutdown", "Rep. Courtney Votes to Avert Costly, Harmful Shutdown", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after voting to pass a Continuing Resolution that funds the government through mid-March and removes Elon Musk\u2019s demand to suspend the debt ceiling. The bill overwhelmingly passed by a vote of 366-34-1.\n\n\u201cTonight, I voted to pass a bipartisan Continuing Resolution that keeps our federal government open, ensures essential services remain uninterrupted, and retains several important provisions I fought for, like shipbuilding investments and essential aid for our farmers, while stripping Elon Musk\u2019s $4 trillion demand to suspend the debt limit. His last-minute intrusion had nothing to do with keeping the government open and was all about his selfish desire to pave the way for a tax cut for the super-rich next year. Last night, I joined a bipartisan majority of members to stop a blank check for Musk and his cronies.\n\n\u201cIn eastern Connecticut, the short-term spending bill will ensure that federal employees, including roughly 9,000 sailors and officers at the Groton submarine base, will not have their pay disrupted, as well the Coast Guard Academy staff in New London. Their important work will continue uninterrupted.\u201d\n\nOn the funding for submarine programs, Rep. Courtney, Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee, said: \u201cImportantly, the final Continuing Resolution maintains the Biden Administration\u2019s request to Congress of over $14 billion for the Virginia and Columbia class submarine programs and the industrial base, which will help the Navy and industry boost production cadence and grow the supply chain. Importantly, it includes the authorities I called for in the national defense bill to allow Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding to increase wages for frontline workers to ensure our shipyards can recruit and retain a talented workforce.\u201d\n\nOn direct disaster economic assistance for farmers, Rep. Courtney, said: \u201cMany farms in Connecticut have felt the devastating consequences of several extreme weather events over the last two years. My colleagues and I in the Connecticut delegation have been leading the push for direct disaster assistance that is free of red tape and roadblocks and meets the real needs of our farmers and producers. I am thrilled that this bill achieves that goal.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-letter-congressional-leadership-musk-chaos-government-funding", "DeLauro in Letter to Congressional Leadership: Musk Chaos in Government Funding Process Protects His Chinese Investments", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Earlier today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, sent a letter to congressional leadership raising concerns that Elon Musk may have upended the government funding process to remove a provision that would regulate U.S. investments in China.\n\n\u201cThe four corners of the Appropriations Committee and Congressional leadership reached a government funding deal earlier this week that included a key provision that would screen U.S. investments in critical sectors in China,\u201d said DeLauro. \u201cMusk\u2019s investments in China and his ties with the Chinese Communist Party have only grown over the last few years with Tesla\u2019s Shanghai plant producing about 50 percent of Tesla\u2019s global automobile output. It is no surprise \u2018President\u2019 Musk does not want to see a funding deal containing this provision be signed into law.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, DeLauro outlines how an outbound investment provision would have kept cutting edge technologies in the United States and prevent wealthy investors from offshoring production and U.S. intellectual property to China. Musk\u2019s Shanghai plant is Tesla\u2019s largest car manufacturing facility \u2013 producing about 50 percent of Tesla\u2019s global automobile output over the last year. Nearly a quarter of Tesla\u2019s global revenue in 2023 drew from sales of Chinese made vehicles from the Shanghai factory. In May of this year, Tesla broke ground on a new $200 million factory to manufacture large batteries critical to its electric vehicle supply chain \u2013 down the street from its Shanghai car factory. Notably, proponents of regulating U.S. investment in China have advocated for the inclusion of large battery manufacturing in the list of technologies subject to outbound investment screening.\n\n\u201cMusk\u2019s ties to China and Tesla\u2019s significant investments in the country raise significant questions as to why he urged House Republican leadership walking away from a bipartisan, bicameral negotiated funding deal that included this provision,\u201d DeLauro continued. \u201cI urge congressional leadership to return to the deal and include this critical provision that ensures U.S. capabilities and capital do not fuel that of the Chinese Communist Party.\u201d\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries, Leader Schumer, and Leader McConnell:\n\nI write to express significant concerns with the influence and potential conflicts of interest that unelected multibillionaire Elon Musk has wielded to sow last-minute chaos throughout the government funding process. It is particularly disturbing that Musk may have sought to upend this critical negotiated agreement to remove a bipartisan provision regulating U.S. investments in China in order to protect his wallet and the Chinese Communist Party at the expense of American workers, innovators, and businesses.\n\nDespite the four corners of the Appropriations Committees and Congressional leadership having reached a government funding agreement earlier this week, Republican leadership caved at the last minute to the demands of \u201cPresident\u201d Musk to shut down the government and strip out hundreds of pages of critical provisions that would have reauthorized important programs to support American workers and families. One key provision that Republicans\u2019 new government funding bill stripped out: a bill to screen U.S. investments in critical sectors in China.\n\nThis outbound investment provision was agreed to after months of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and years of advocacy from Members of Congress. It would have kept innovation and manufacturing in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies in the United States and prevented wealthy investors from continuing to offshore production and U.S. intellectual property into China \u2013 benefiting only their bottom lines and the Chinese Communist Party, while hurting American workers and threatening our national security. Importantly, many of the innovations this bill would have protected were developed with the help of taxpayer dollars \u2013 all the more reason for these innovations to remain at home and not be used to fuel adversaries\u2019 technological and military capabilities.\n\nIt is no surprise, then, that \u201cPresident\u201d Musk does not want to see a funding deal containing this provision be signed into law. Musk\u2019s investments in China, and ties with its government, have only grown over the last few years \u2013 alongside his growing involvement in American politics. Musk\u2019s car company, Tesla has poured billions of dollars into investments in China, particularly its \u201cgigafactory\u201d in Shanghai. The Shanghai plant is Tesla\u2019s largest car manufacturing facility \u2013 the Chinese gigafactory produced about 50 percent of Tesla\u2019s global automobile output over thel ast year, and Tesla drew nearly a quarter of its global revenue in 2023 from sales of Chinese made vehicles from the Shanghai factory. And there are signs that Musk plans to double down on his company\u2019s investments in China \u2013 as Tesla awaits the Chinese government\u2019s approval of its \u201cFull Self-Driving\u201d technology, Musk noted that \u201cthe value of Tesla lies primarily in its plans for autonomous driving.\u201d And in May of this year, Tesla broke ground on a new $200 million factory to manufacture large batteries critical to its electric vehicle supply chain \u2013 down the street from its Shanghai car factory. Notably, proponents of regulating U.S. investment in China have advocated for the inclusion of large battery manufacturing in the list of technologies subject to outbound investment screening.\n\nGiven the need for Chinese government approvals for his company\u2019s projects in the country, it is similarly unsurprising, yet concerning, that Musk has ingratiated himself with Chinese Communist Party leadership. In April of this year, for example, Musk met with Chinese premier Li Qiang, who helped rush the construction of Tesla\u2019s Shanghai gigafactory when he was still the secretary of the city\u2019s Communist Party. At the meeting, Musk noted that \u201c\u2018Tesla is willing to further deepen cooperation with China.\u2019\u201d Evidently, \u201c[w]hen Chinese leaders have an important message to convey to President Trump, Elon Musk would clearly be the best conduit.\u201d This is unsurprising given that Musk\u2019s personal finances depend heavily on Tesla\u2019s success or failure: Musk holds a 13 percent ownership stake in Tesla worth more than $100 billion, or more than a quarter of his total net worth.\n\nMusk\u2019s ties to China, and Tesla\u2019s significant investments in the country, are especially concerning in light of the significant U.S. federal, state, and local financial support Tesla and Musk\u2019s other companies have received. From Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 to present, Tesla has received nearly $3 billion in taxpayer subsidies and more than $466 million in federal loans, and since 2008, the company has benefited from $41.9 million in federal contracts. Musk\u2019s rocket company, SpaceX, received more than $100 million in federal loans and taxpayer subsidies since FY 2000, and has won nearly $19.8 billion in federal contracts since 2008. Some of those contracts include partnerships with U.S. government agencies to \u201cwork toward accelerating the knowledge and critical technology\u201d needed to support further space travel. All told, according to federal contracting data, \u201cMusk\u2019s business deals with the government total nearly $20 billion\u201d over the past 16 years.\n\nWhat is to stop Musk from offshoring his other companies\u2019 innovation and manufacturing to China, just as he did with Tesla? The answer: an outbound investment screening regime like the one House Republicans pulled out of the government funding deal at \u201cPresident\u201d Musk\u2019s behest.\n\nIt is extremely alarming that House Republican leadership, at the urging of an unelected billionaire, scrapped a bipartisan, bicameral negotiated funding deal that included this critical provision to protect American jobs and critical capabilities. This is particularly concerning given Elon Musk\u2019s extensive investments in China in key sectors and his personal ties with Chinese Communist Party leadership, and calls into question the real reason for Musk\u2019s opposition to the original funding deal. As conversations continue on a funding deal to avert a harmful government shutdown, I urge you to return to the bipartisan deal, which included this critical provision.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-secures-historic-disaster-assistance-new-england-farmers", "DeLauro Secures Historic Disaster Assistance for New England Farmers in Funding Bill", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that she created and secured funding in the government funding and disaster assistance package for a Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant Program for small and medium-sized farmers.\n\n\u201cThis year, we have seen the devastating impacts of extreme, localized weather events on small farmers across the country\u2013 particularly in New England,\u201d said DeLauro. \u201cWhat is worse is that these farmers are left with few resources to recoup their losses \u2013 forcing them to make difficult decisions that put their livelihoods in danger and community food systems at risk. This is one of the primary reasons that Connecticut has lost 460 farms over the last five years. In this bill, I created a historic new block grant that is tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized farmers, removing the barrier of crop insurance requirements, which often do not meet the needs of or provide adequate coverage for diverse crop producers. This grant also allows states to determine the need for funding, enabling more flexibility in response to extreme local weather events, which have significantly increased across our region. It will enable more farmers in need to receive disaster relief, opening the door to specialty crop producers left behind by our current farm safety net. We cannot leave small and medium sized farmers high and dry when disaster strikes.\u201d\n\nOn August 26, a severe 13-minute hailstorm damaged several farms in Connecticut. One of them was William Dellacamera\u2019s farm, Cecarelli\u2019s Harrison Hill Farm in Northford. Although Will had insurance coverage, he was only able to recoup a little less than half of his over $400,000 loss.\n\nMany specialty crop farms have a hard time receiving crop insurance because of the lack of availability of coverage for diverse and specialty crops. The Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant was created to ensure small and medium-sized farmers can get relief, as our current system often leaves them behind. This block grant also focuses on any weather event in 2023 or 2024 that a State, in its sole discretion, determines warrants such relief. Whether the extreme flooding in Connecticut in 2023 or a 13-minute hailstorm in 2024, this block grant was created to prioritize these farmers.\n\nThe parameters established in the block grant are intended to focus on states that struggle to access typical agriculture relief or aid, including New England and states like Hawaii and Alaska.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-house-passage-continuing-resolution-0", "DeLauro Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) voted in support of a bipartisan continuing resolution to keep government programs and services functioning until March 14, 2025. This package also includes supplemental relief funds necessary to help communities across the country recover from recent natural disasters.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan package is a responsible and necessary measure to ensure that key government functions, and the programs and services that assist and help American workers and families, continue uninterrupted. From Hurricanes Helene and Milton, to the fires in Maui, to extreme weather events in every corner of the country, severe disasters have forced hardworking families to rebuild their homes, restore their communities, and reestablish their local economies. The bill provides communities across the country with critical relief, investing $100 billion to help Americans rebuild and recover.\n\n\u201cI am pleased that this package includes important resources for American farmers, emergency defense investments, investments in the Virginia Class submarine program, and increased funding for child care. I am disappointed this final bill removes a provision on outbound investment protections I have long fought for to prevent American dollars from fueling the Chinese Communist Party's policies with our capital and capabilities.I believe at the last minute, Elon Musk blocked this provision from becoming law because of Tesla\u2019s significant investment in China. I will continue to fight for outbound investment screening that protects U.S. investments, capabilities, and jobs.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is now headed to the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-votes-avert-holiday-shutdown-secures-disaster-relief-connecticut", "Larson Votes to Avert Holiday Shutdown, Secures Disaster Relief for Connecticut Farmers", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cToday we stood up and stopped Elon Musk and Donald Trump\u2019s efforts to shut down the government ahead of the holidays,\u201d said Larson. \u201cOnce again, Democrats stood united and voted to keep government open for the people we serve. I was proud to secure critical relief for farmers in my District and across Connecticut who are recovering from the flooding and frost that devastated their crops and ensure both federal workers and our troops continue to receive their paychecks. However, this unprecedented chaos is a preview of how we can expect House Republicans, President-elect Trump, and Elon Musk to legislate in the future. I am thankful for the leadership of Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Leader Jeffries and hope we can continue to work together to fully fund the government and important community projects in the new year.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-connolly-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-protect_expand-national-scenic-trails", "Blumenthal & Connolly Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect & Expand National Scenic Trails", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) introduced legislation to preserve and expand America\u2019s national trail system. The Complete America\u2019s Great Trails Act gives a tax credit to landowners who voluntarily make land contributions towards the completion of National Scenic Trails, expanding the trail system and protecting the land from development.\n\nConnecticut is home to two of the 11 National Scenic Trails\u2014the Appalachian Trail, which extends 52 miles across the state from Salisbury in the north to Sherman in the south, and the New England Trail, which extends 117 miles across the state from Suffield in the north to Guilford in the south.\n\n\u201cThe system of National Scenic Trails provides access to truly extraordinary landscapes\u2014accessing the beauty of nature and recreational opportunities,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cThe Complete America\u2019s Great Trails Act incentivizes landowners to help close gaps in our national trail system, ensuring we protect habitat from encroachment of development while expanding the trails themselves. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to preserve these treasured spaces.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Complete America\u2019s Great Trails Act will enhance, expand, and protect trails in America\u2019s most treasured places, from Mt. Vernon to Mount St. Helens, by providing landowners with incentives to protect public access and natural landscapes along America\u2019s National Scenic Trails,\u201d said Connolly. \u201cI am proud to lead this effort with Senator Blumenthal and look forward to our continued work together to protect these American treasures for generations to come.\u201d\n\nThe Complete America\u2019s Great Trails Act provides landowners who make a voluntary land contribution towards the completion of the National Scenic Trails with a tax credit equal to the fair market value of the portion of the land, furthering the goal of strengthening the connectivity and improving the maintenance of the trail system.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\n\nThe legislation is supported by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.\n\n\u201cWalking and hiking in nature is a wonderful experience that brings with it many benefits, including good health, time with friends and family, and conserving the environment,\u201d said Andy Bicking, Executive Director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, the state\u2019s oldest conservation organization that manages the 825-mile network of Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful for Senator Blumenthal\u2019s leadership in reintroducing the Complete America\u2019s Great Trails Act. The legislation will help protect national trail resources for future generations and secure access to the outdoors for all people.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-480-million-for-sikorsky-helicopters", "Blumenthal Statement on $480 Million for Sikorsky Helicopters", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[Hartford, CT] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement applauding four awards totaling $480,294,997 for Sikorsky to support the manufacturing of CH-53K and VH-92A helicopters.\n\n\u201cThese blockbuster contracts, providing newest model helicopters, are crucial to key defense capabilities. They are also a boost for Connecticut\u2019s economy and good-paying jobs in our state. They are a testament to the highly skilled Sikorsky workers and supply chain companies who build the world\u2019s finest helicopters. There is an ever increasing urgency to the need for such aircraft. I will continue fighting to deliver contracts to Connecticut\u2019s expert defense manufacturers,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-speaker-johnson-abandoned-his-agreement-beck-and-call", "Rep. Courtney: Speaker Johnson Abandoned his Agreement at the Beck and Call of the President-elect and his Non-Elected \u201cDOGE\u201d Advisor Elon Musk", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement.\n\n\u201cIn the period of less than 24 hours after Republican Speaker Mike Johnson released the bipartisan Continuing Resolution that would avoid a government shutdown and fund critical programs for CT farmers, shipbuilders, and Medicare patients, he abandoned his agreement at the beck and call of the President-elect and his non-elected \u201cDOGE\u201d advisor Elon Musk.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan Continuing Resolution we agreed to provided approximately $23 million in long overdue economic and disaster assistance for Connecticut\u2019s farmers, expanded workforce training programs like Connecticut\u2019s Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative, and delivered sorely needed aid for Americans rebuilding from recent natural disasters. The bill also would have responded to the Biden Administration\u2019s request to Congress of over $14 billion for the Virginia and Columbia class submarine programs and the industrial base, which is desperately needed to help the Navy and industry boost production cadence and grow the supply chain\u2014requirements that are recognized by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.\n\n\u201cInstead of adhering to this pro-worker, pro-farmer, and pro-Navy bipartisan deal that would keep our government open, Republicans are catering to out of touch billionaires. As a result, they are jeopardizing the pay of over 9,000 sailors and officers in Groton, Coast Guard Academy personnel in New London, and TSA agents and other federal employees ahead of Christmas.\n\n\u201cSpeaker Johnson\u2019s waffling has brought this country to the brink of a totally avoidable crisis that will cause real life harm to eastern Connecticut.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-statement-after-musk-johnson-fiasco-fails", "Rep. Courtney Statement After Musk-Johnson Fiasco Fails", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after voting \u2018no\u2019 on H.R. 10515, which was resoundingly defeated in a bipartisan vote of 174-235.\n\n\u201cHouse Speaker Mike Johnson abandoned the bipartisan bill he himself introduced two days ago after misleading, threatening tweets from an unelected billionaire, Elon Musk.\n\n\u201cNow, the new hyper-partisan Musk-Johnson bill stripped critical bipartisan provisions that Americans desperately need to lower drug costs, help seniors, and support hospitals and community clinics. Musk\u2019s demand to prematurely suspend the debt ceiling is a blatant gambit to slash taxes for the ultra-wealthy and do so at the detriment of working-class Americans and our nation\u2019s debt \u2013 which increased by record amounts during then-President Trump\u2019s first term.\n\n\u201cAs President Trump said in 2019, \u2018I can\u2019t imagine anybody ever even thinking of using the debt ceiling as a negotiating wedge.\u2019 We must return to the bipartisan Continuing Resolution that provides disaster assistance to farmers and Americans rebuilding from extreme weather events and invests in shipbuilding programs without giving the President-elect and Elon Musk unchecked power for the next two years.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-opposes-billionaire-backed-bill-fails-working-families", "Larson Opposes Billionaire-Backed Bill that Fails Working Families", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cI am proud of the bipartisan rejection of Elon Musk\u2019s proposed funding bill,\u201d said Larson. \u201cAfter a billionaire who operates outside of the cabinet and Congress told his associate Mr. Trump what to do, the Republican leadership broke their word and abandoned an agreement that had been negotiated by Democrats and Republicans alike. This is not how legislation is done. I was proud our whole delegation stood together and opposed this new bill that gutted critical programs for working families, including funding for childhood cancer research, early detection for cervical cancer and breast cancer, community health centers, and nutrition assistance programs. This is a glimpse of what the future will be, but I am proud that the House spoke out against Elon Musk and Donald Trump in a bipartisan manner. Now let us hope we can get back to the original deal that was constructed to keep government funded and finally deliver relief to our farmers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-boars-head-response-regarding-deadly-listeria-outbreak", "Blumenthal Statement on Boar's Head Response Regarding Deadly Listeria Outbreak", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[Hartford, CT] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Congressional colleagues received a response to the September 30 letter sent to Boar\u2019s Head Provisions Company, Inc. (Boar\u2019s Head) in which they demanded answers about the conditions at the Jarratt, Virginia plant at the center of a nationwide Listeria outbreak. Boar\u2019s Head\u2019s response failed to substantively answer key questions posed by Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cThis Boar\u2019s Head response is an insulting effort to blow off accountability. The public deserves answers, not these evasive dodges. The deadly Listeria outbreak killed 10 people and injured many more, but Boar\u2019s Head refuses to provide any real response about their unsafe and negligent Virginia plant. Their ham-handed approach to a very serious health issue fails to take accountability for the outbreak, provide any clarity on actual plans to prevent a future outbreak, or ease the minds of consumers. With the time for action long overdue, Boar\u2019s Head must at least own up to their actions and failures and provide a real response. I\u2019ll continue to fight for answers and demand real responsibility from all involved in this deadly disaster,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\nBoar\u2019s Head failed to answer several questions raised in the September 30 letter, including:\n\nNo confirmation if they plan to reopen the Virginia plant at the center of the Listeria outbreak\n\nNo clear commitment to improving plant\u2019s infrastructure or explanation of how Boar\u2019s Head plans to prevent non-compliances in the future\n\nNo response explaining their past food safety policies\n\nNo response on why staff did not act sooner to address food safety concerns or how management will be held accountable\n\nNo response on the frequency Boar\u2019s Head conducted microbial testing\n\nNo response on testing data as requested\n\nNo word if Boar\u2019s Head tested non-contact food surfaces\n\nNo response on whether third party inspections were conducted before the recall\n\nNo response on how HQ handled food safety concerns prior to establishing the new Boar\u2019s Head Food Safety Advisory Council\n\nLimited information on the documented steps of the recall\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) announced key reforms this week that were raised in the September 30 letter to the agency. Notable changes include:\n\nFSIS adding broader Listeria species testing to all samples of ready-to-eat product, environmental and food contact surfaces.\n\nFSIS updating its instructions and training for food safety inspectors to better equip the workforce to recognize and highlight systemic problems in a standardized way.\n\nFSIS field supervisors conducting in-person, follow-up visits when systemic issues are identified during a Food Safety Assessment.\n\nFSIS clarifying state and Federal requirements for consistent oversight of Talmadge-Aiken (TA) programs through updated cooperative agreements and instructions.\n\nThe USDA logged 69 instances of \u2018noncompliance\u2019 with federal rules at the Boar\u2019s Head plant in the past year. U.S. inspectors also warned \u201cthat conditions at [the] Boar\u2019s Head plant posed an \u2018imminent threat\u2019 to public health\u201d two years prior to the outbreak. This Listeria outbreak led to at least 60 hospitalizations and 10 deaths across 19 states.\n\nBoar\u2019s Head\u2019s response is available here. The September 30 letter to Boar\u2019s Head can be found here and the letter to the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) can be found here. FSIS has not yet responded.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-video-senate-passes-blumenthals-legislation-to-advance-management-and-conservation-of-plum-island", "ICYMI Video: Senate Passes Blumenthal's Legislation to Advance Management & Conservation of Plum Island", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 In case you missed it, the Senate unanimously passed legislation authored by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to create a long-term solution for management of Plum Island. The Plum Island Preservation Study Act requires the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to conduct a study to evaluate the national significance of Plum Island and the suitability of designating Plum Island as a unit of DOI. Blumenthal spoke on the Senate floor yesterday in support of the Plum Island Preservation Study Act passing through unanimous consent.\n\n\u201cThank you for giving us this opportunity, and, again, I thank my colleagues for approving all of these unanimous consents on behalf of land and resources that have such great value, like Plum Island, a national treasure,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cThe passage of the Plum Island Preservation Study Act, while not achieving immediate and permanent protection of Plum Island and its nationally significant natural, historic, cultural, and scenic resources, is, nevertheless, a critical step toward achieving this highly worthwhile goal,\u201d said Preserve Plum Island Coalition spokesperson John Turner. \u201cWe applaud all of our Senate and House sponsors for sticking with it and pushing the measure over the finish line. We urge Congress next to expeditiously appropriate funding so the Department of the Interior can undertake the studied assessment which we are confident will find Plum Island worthy of permanent preservation.\u201d\n\n\u201cBravo and thank you Senator Blumenthal! You heard us and have worked tirelessly for many years to promote the preservation of Plum Island,\u201d said Louise Harrison, Save the Sound\u2019s Long Island Project Manager. \u201cThe Plum Island Preservation Study Act sets out a route for the studies and stakeholder collaborations necessary to bring the people\u2019s vision for Plum Island into focus. There is no place like Plum Island; we are thrilled this legislation has passed and look forward to a House bill passing that brings this to full fruition. Moreover, we can\u2019t wait for the day Plum Island is fully preserved.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Nature Conservancy commends Senator Blumenthal, Majority Leader Schumer, and the entire U.S. Senate for approving the Plum Island Preservation Study Act, an important step toward permanently protecting Plum Island,\u201d said Bill Ulfelder, The Nature Conservancy\u2019s New York Executive Director. \u201cJust 100 miles from New York City, Plum Island is a national treasure that provides a myriad of benefits for people and wildlife. We are grateful to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senators Blumenthal, Gillibrand, and Murphy, and Congressmembers LaLota and Courtney for their unwavering dedication and leadership in protecting this extraordinary place.\u201d\n\nSituated in Long Island Sound between Connecticut and New York, Plum Island is a federally-owned 840-acre island home to several endangered and vulnerable species. The island also houses the Fort Terry and Plum Island Lighthouses, two locations on the National Register of Historic Places. The Connecticut and New York delegations have been working extensively with DOI, the General Services Administration, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to solidify the future of Plum Island, and this legislation marks landmark progress in the fight to permanently preserve the island.\n\nVideo of Blumenthal\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. The full text of the Plum Island Preservation Study Act can be found here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-trump-and-his-billionaire-buddies-want-to-be-in-charge-to-make-themselves-richer-at-our-expense", "Murphy: Trump and His Billionaire Buddies Want to be in Charge to Make Themselves Richer at Our Expense", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to call out President-elect Trump\u2019s ongoing plan to crush political dissent and lay the groundwork to transition American democracy into an oligarchy \u2013 all before he is even sworn in. This week alone, House Republicans recommended former Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) be criminally investigated for her work on the Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, Trump sued Iowa pollster Ann Selzer and the Des Moines Register for publishing a poll he didn\u2019t like, and ABC News settled Trump\u2019s bogus defamation lawsuit for $15 million. In his speech, Murphy laid out how these attacks on free speech and the free press, coupled with Trump and his billionaire friends demanding a Christmas government shutdown in exchange for their demands, threaten American democracy as we know it.\n\nMurphy laid out the stakes: \u201cAmerica has been for almost all of our history a functioning, robust democracy where the party or individual in power changes regularly because people hold all the tools necessary to choose their leaders. But that could change in a heartbeat, so quickly, but without any one galvanizing moment that the transition might just be missed by all of us. You could just wake up one day and find out that the rules of democracy have been so rigged that Republicans or the Trump family never, ever lose again, and billionaires get to steal from all of us without any accountability.\u201d\n\n\u201cBut I think it's also equally important to talk about why Donald Trump and Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy and all of his billionaire friends are engaged in this very coordinated early attack, even before he's sworn in, to try to intimidate his political opposition and bully the press. And the reason they are doing this, the reason that they are trying to suppress dissent is because they are preparing to steal from us. Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies want to be in charge of government so that they can make themselves more wealthy at our expense. They want government contracts. They want to privatize government programs. They want to get bigger regulatory breaks. They want lower taxes,\u201d he added. \u201cDonald Trump and his billionaire cronies want government to serve them, but they know the only way they get away with that is if no one holds them accountable. So in order to steal from us, they have to silence political opposition, intimidate activists into submission, and try to get the press to fold. If they do that, then they can get away with using government as a mechanism to enrich themselves.\n\nHe exposed why Trump wants to shut down the government if Congress doesn\u2019t raise the debt ceiling: \u201cWhy do they want to raise the debt ceiling? It's easy. They want to pass a huge tax cut for the billionaires in charge of Donald Trump's government. That's their agenda. Big, big tax cut for billionaires and corporations. But the only way you can do that is if the debt ceiling is raised. The only way you can get away with that is if you can borrow more money on the backs of ordinary, average, everyday people in order to pay for that tax cut. So we're seeing the agenda of the Trump administration before they're even sworn in in front of our eyes. Rig rules in order to make the billionaires richer and telegraph that as your number one priority to Congress.\u201d\n\nMurphy concluded: \u201c\u201cThe survival of our 240-year experiment is facing, right now, one of its most severe tests. I just think it's time that everybody woke up to that and pulled their heads out of the sand.\u201d\n\nA full transcript of Murphy\u2019s remarks can be found below:\n\n\u201cMr. President, I'm on the floor today to talk to my colleagues about something that is happening right in front of our eyes. It's a set of events that aren't random, they\u2019re connected to one another, that threaten to destroy this country that we love. Everybody can see it. But for some reason, maybe the exhaustion of the aftermath of a brutal election, maybe the distraction of the Christmas season, maybe just an instinct to flee instead of fight, there are far too many people that are denying to themselves what they are seeing.\n\n\u201cWhat is happening right now is that Donald Trump and his billionaire advisors are unfolding for the country in real time, a plan to transition this country from a democracy to a restrictive oligarchy where political opposition is silenced, where the media isn't free, and where government just exists to enrich a small cabal of elites that surround the man in charge.\n\n\u201cI know a lot of my colleagues do see how these dots exist and how they connect, and I know in your gut, a lot of you see the specter of the disaster that is coming. But if you don't, I want to spend just a few minutes laying it out. And to make things simple, I'm just going to focus on three events that happened in the last seven days: the recommendation by House Republicans that Trump critic Liz Cheney be subject to criminal prosecution, the lawsuit filed by Trump against an Iowa pollster at an Iowa newspaper, and the decision by ABC to pay Trump $15 million to get rid of a bogus lawsuit.\n\n\u201cFirst, the recommendation from House Republicans that Liz Cheney be prosecuted. Liz Cheney was a member of the January 6 commission that tried to find some accountability for the assault on this Capitol that resulted in people dying, that resulted in an officer with blood running down his face running into this chamber to rescue us before the violent rioters got a hold of us.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump did not like that narrative that he had something to do with, that he inspired the January 6 riot. He doesn't even like the narrative that January 6 was a riot. His events are opened by the January 6 choir in commemoration of the events of that day.\n\n\u201cWhat happened this week is that Donald Trump made good on his promise. He said during the campaign that he was going to use the military, law enforcement, the National Guard to deal with the enemy within. And when asked who the enemy within was, he said Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Democrats. Now people laughed it off during the campaign because that doesn't happen in America. We don't use law enforcement to lock up your political opposition, but that's exactly what's being recommended when it comes to Liz Cheney. Liz Cheney did nothing criminal. There's not even a whiff of a criminal allegation. She was just in charge of a commission that Donald Trump opposed, but House Republicans, taking orders from Donald Trump, just recommended that the next administration, the next Department of Justice criminally prosecute Liz Cheney. And by the way, Liz Cheney won't be the last. There will be other political opponents of Donald Trump who are referred for prosecution.\n\n\u201cNow that would be laughable today, under an FBI and a Department of Justice that doesn't lock up people for political reasons, but Donald Trump is changing the guard at the FBI. He's putting in someone loyal to him as the next Attorney General, the person he's going to put in at the FBI wrote a book about how important it was to eliminate from government anybody that doesn't line up with the political priorities of the president. He has said that the people who ran fair elections in 2020 should go to jail because if you didn't run an election that resulted in Donald Trump being elected, then you did something wrong.\n\n\u201cThis week, the House recommended Liz Cheney for criminal prosecution. Donald Trump cheered that recommendation, and we are getting ready to vote on an Attorney General and a Director of the FBI who have made clear they are ready to eagerly prosecute Trump's political opponents.\n\n\u201cThis is really important to talk about because this is one of the key ways that democracies fall all around the world. It frankly doesn't take hundreds of political prosecutions. It only takes a handful before ordinary, average Americans just decide that they would be better off staying quiet instead of facing potential harassment or intimidation or a jail sentence for speaking out the way that Liz Cheney did.\n\n\u201cThe second thing that happened in this last week was that Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against a pollster in Iowa. The grounds of the lawsuit are simple. He didn't like the results of the poll. The poll said the Iowa race was close. The poll ended up being wrong, but he is suing the pollster and the newspaper because he was upset that that poll helped galvanize opposition to him. That poll, which suggested that race was close, got a lot of people to donate to his political opponent, gave people in Iowa some hope that maybe a Democrat could win. That's not allowed in Donald Trump's world. It's not allowed in Donald Trump's world for anything to be in service of his political opposition. So he's filing a lawsuit that has no chance of succeeding because he wants to try to intimidate journalists and the press into submission.\n\n\u201cWhether we like it or not, it just is true that maybe in the future, a pollster who has a poll in front of them that shows a race closing, shows a race that's favorable to Democrats won't publicize that poll out of fear of a lawsuit.\n\n\u201cAnd connected to that lawsuit is the third thing I want to talk about, the decision by ABC to pay Donald Trump $15 million to settle a bogus lawsuit, a bogus defamation lawsuit that would have never succeeded in court, but ABC, for whatever reason, decided it would be better for them to just pay Donald Trump to make it go away.\n\n\u201cAnd you are seeing repeated decisions by people in the media to just go along with Donald Trump rather than risk his ire, rather than potentially put their profits at risk if Donald Trump and his regulatory agencies turn against them. You saw Jeff Bezos tell his newspapers not to endorse Kamala Harris. You have seen an effort by Comcast to divest itself from MSNBC. You've seen ABC pay off Donald Trump $15 million. Over and over and over again, you see members of the press starting to decide it's just better not to fight him.\n\n\u201cThese three things taken together show you the playbook. Threaten political opposition with jail, throw a few of them into jail to show you're serious, sue and intimidate and harass anybody that does anything that is helpful to your political opposition, and intimidate and harass the media in the hopes that they will just go away and stop criticizing you.\n\n\u201cI don't think it's a coincidence that during this period of media harassment by Donald Trump, when Liz Cheney was referred for criminal prosecution, all of the headlines played it totally straight. None of the headlines suggested that the criminal prosecution was bogus, was built on lies, was built on no understanding of the law. The headlines just said \u2018Liz Cheney referred for criminal prosecution.\u2019\n\n\u201cI think it's really important that we lay out what's happening here because this is how a democracy vanishes. But I think it's also equally important to talk about why Donald Trump and Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy and all of his billionaire friends are engaged in this very coordinated early attack, even before he's sworn in, to try to intimidate his political opposition and bully the press. And the reason they are doing this, the reason that they are trying to suppress dissent is because they are preparing to steal from us. Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies want to be in charge of government so that they can make themselves more wealthy at our expense. They want government contracts. They want to privatize government programs. They want to get bigger regulatory breaks. They want lower taxes.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump and his billionaire cronies want government to serve them, but they know the only way they get away with that is if no one holds them accountable. So in order to steal from us, they have to silence political opposition, intimidate activists into submission, and try to get the press to fold. If they do that, then they can get away with using government as a mechanism to enrich themselves.\n\n\u201cAnd if you want further proof of their agenda, look what's happening right now today, as we speak, Republicans and Democrats had a deal to keep the government open and operating, to fund much needed disaster assistance, and it was killed yesterday by the two billionaires closest to Donald Trump. And when asked as to what their alternative was, they said raise the debt ceiling. Donald Trump said raise the debt ceiling. You'll have my support for a continuing resolution if you raise the debt ceiling.\n\n\u201cWhy do they want to raise the debt ceiling? It's easy. They want to pass a huge tax cut for the billionaires in charge of Donald Trump's government. That's their agenda. Big, big tax cut for billionaires and corporations. But the only way you can do that is if the debt ceiling is raised. The only way you can get away with that is if you can borrow more money on the backs of ordinary, average, everyday people in order to pay for that tax cut. So we're seeing the agenda of the Trump administration before they're even sworn in in front of our eyes. Rig rules in order to make the billionaires richer and telegraph that as your number one priority to Congress.\n\n\u201cListen, there aren't just democracies and dictatorships in the world. There are dozens of countries that occupy a gray zone in between those poles. Countries where there are still elections, but the media and the political opposition are so weak, weak because they've been beaten into submission by the regime, that the people actually have no power. There are elections, but the same group, the same man, the same family, wins every time.\n\n\u201cAmerica has been for almost all of our history a functioning, robust democracy where the party or individual in power changes regularly because people hold all the tools necessary to choose their leaders. But that could change in a heartbeat, so quickly, but without any one galvanizing moment that the transition might just be missed by all of us. You could just wake up one day and find out that the rules of democracy have been so rigged that Republicans or the Trump family never ever lose again, and billionaires get to steal from all of us without any accountability.\n\n\u201cI know that that sounds hard to believe. I admit that I might be wrong about all of this. America's democracy, it is the longest existing democracy in the history of the world. It has proven to be resilient. It's filled with grit. It has survived challenges before. But like every one of us eventually disappears from this planet, so does every democracy. Every democracy has a last day. And if you look around the world, the steps that lead to the termination of a democracy, the end of self-governance, are shockingly similar from country to country.\n\n\u201cThe wealthy people who control the media and the economy fold into the regime. Better to join than to fight. The citizens get scared of joining up with the opposition movement because they're fearful of harassment. Better to stay quiet than fight. If we don't speak out more loudly and more boldly about the events of the last week, and the way that we are seeing a purposeful, detailed road map constructed by Donald Trump and his billionaire friends to transition democracy to an oligarchy. If we don't fight like hell against these nominees, especially those going to the Department of Justice that will execute this assault on democracy, then our nation very soon could easily befall the same as these other destructed democracies.\n\n\u201cThe survival of our 240-year experiment is facing right now one of its most severe tests. I just think it's time that everybody woke up to that and pulled their heads out of the sand. I yield back.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-desaulnier-sarbanes-introduce-legislation-institute-major", "Courtney, DeSaulnier, Sarbanes Introduce Legislation to Institute Major Reforms to Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), a senior member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee, and Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD), introduced new legislation to institute major reforms to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.\n\nIn 2007, Rep. Sarbanes authored, and President George W. Bush enacted, the law creating PSLF to attract more Americans to careers like teaching, public health, and law enforcement by providing those who work in these critical professions with a mechanism to discharge the balance of their student loan following at least ten years of consistent, on-time payments.\n\nUnfortunately, borrowers have faced significant challenges in navigating the program and accessing loan relief. While the Biden Administration has heeded Members\u2019 calls to make several fixes, which Rep. Courtney has worked to make permanent, it is clear significant reforms are required to achieve the program\u2019s intended promise.\n\nThe Strengthening Efforts for Relief and Vital Incentives for Community Service Engagement Act, or the SERVICE Act, achieves that goal by shortening the time to forgiveness from 120 payments (10 years) to 96 payments (eight years); providing borrowers with more flexibility to make qualifying payments; expanding deferment options in lieu of payments to include military service, cancer treatments, and other circumstances to count as qualifying months of payments; and improving borrowers\u2019 rights and transparency.\n\n\u201cPSLF was established to reward Americans who entered careers that our communities depend on, like teachers, nurses, firefighters, and police officers. My office has heard from many people in these professions who worked hard, followed the rules, but were still denied the PSLF relief they were promised, and we've been pressing on their behalf to make the program more transparent and fairer. The SERVICE Act will make it easier for America's public service workers to qualify for, navigate, and benefit from this patriotic program. Today\u2019s action will ensure we can hit the ground running in the next Congress to deliver on this goal,\u201d said Rep. Courtney.\n\n\u201cThe Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) began as a way for the federal government to recruit quality candidates, and for borrowers to access life-changing debt relief while also serving their communities,\u201d said Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03). \u201cThe SERVICE Act builds on the improvements the Biden-Harris Administration made to PSLF by reducing the number of monthly payments and simplifying the process borrowers use to achieve debt relief. It also represents Congressional Democrats\u2019 commitment to improving our nation\u2019s higher education system for students and their families.\"\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s teachers, social workers, public defenders, service members, and community health care workers make tremendous contributions to our communities while being compensated far less than their counterparts in the private sector, and it\u2019s time we do more to honor their sacrifices,\u201d said Congressman DeSaulnier. \u201cThis bill would make long-overdue reforms to the PSLF system to create a clear path to student loan forgiveness for America\u2019s valuable public servants.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen I authored the law creating the PSLF program in 2007, it was designed to make it easier for individuals to pursue public service. Unfortunately, technical challenges, servicer errors and bureaucratic hurdles prevented many eligible public servants from accessing relief,\" said Rep. Sarbanes. \"That is why I have long advocated for improvements to PSLF to ensure that the program fulfills its promise. Now, thanks to the Biden Administration's tireless efforts to fix several implementation challenges, over 1 million public service workers have received relief, and many more have been brought closer to forgiveness. The SERVICE Act builds on this progress by codifying fixes, streamlining the path to forgiveness and easing the debt burden for those who serve our communities.\"\n\nSpecifically, the SERVICE Act:\n\nReduces the number of qualifying payments from 120 payments to 96 payments\n\nProvides borrowers with streamlined pathways to debt relief by:\n\nAllowing up to three months of prepayment to help borrowers prepare for future expenses while still progressing towards 96 qualifying payments; and\n\nCodifying the Department of Education's (Department) buyback regulations which allows qualified borrowers who have completed 96 months of service, but not 96 payments to \"buyback\" the months they need to achieve debt relief.\n\nFixes program eligibility issues by:\n\nAllowing independent contractors working public service jobs in states that cannot fill those roles with direct employees to qualify for PSLF; and\n\nRepealing the prohibition on receiving debt relief for the same service under PSLF and loan forgiveness for teachers.\n\nExpands the qualifying deferments and forbearances allowed to include military service, cancer treatments, economic hardships, unemployment, and more.\n\nImproves borrowers' rights and transparency by:\n\nCreating an online web portal for borrowers to receive information from the Department, review their status in the program, and submit forms to the Department; and\n\nCodifying the consideration process for borrowers to appeal to the Secretary if their loan cancellation is denied.\n\nThe lawmakers\u2019 bill is a part of the Roadmap to College Student Success, House Democrats\u2019 campaign to reform America\u2019s higher education system for students and families. The \u201croadmap\u201d brings together a series of bold proposals focused on bringing down the cost of college, helping students access a quality degree, and\u2014once students are in school\u2014providing them with the support they need to graduate. Learn more about the Roadmap to College Student Success here.\n\nTo read the fact sheet, click here", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-receives-response-boars-head-regarding-listeria-outbreak", "DeLauro Receives \u201cResponse\u201d from Boar\u2019s Head Regarding Listeria Outbreak", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) announced that she has received a response to her September 30 letter to Boar\u2019s Head regarding the Boar\u2019s Head plant at the center of the recent nationwide Listeria outbreak which caused 10 deaths and dozens of hospitalizations \u2013 the largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011. The plant was allowed to keep operating despite over 60 citations for noncompliance and U.S. inspectors warning that the conditions at the plant posed an imminent threat to public health two years prior to the outbreak.\n\n\u201cThis September, I demanded answers from Boar\u2019s Head about their Virginia plant\u2014the one at the center of the recent Listeria outbreak,\u201d said DeLauro. \u201cWhat I received in return was not a credible response; it was a classic corporate dodge. They skirted almost every substantive question, from how they test for contaminants, to their alarmingly vague plans to prevent another deadly outbreak. The American people will not be satisfied with marketing fluff or half-truths\u2014they deserve straight answers. Honesty and accountability are essential to prevent another outbreak. If Boar\u2019s Head thinks it can brush this inquiry off and slip back to business as usual, they are wrong. I will not stop pushing until we know exactly what went wrong, precisely how they are fixing it, and who is finally going to take responsibility. If they thought this flimsy, PR-driven response to a Congressional inquiry would get them off the hook, they were wrong. I expect a real, substantive response, and soon.\u201d\n\nBoar\u2019s Head failed to answer several questions raised by DeLauro in her September 30 letter, including:\n\nNo confirmation if they plan to reopen the Virginia plant at the center of the Listeria outbreak\n\nNo clear commitment to improving plant\u2019s infrastructure or explanation how Boar\u2019s Head plans to prevent noncompliances in the future\n\nNo response on explaining their past food safety policies\n\nNo response on why staff did not act sooner to address food safety concerns or how management will be held accountable\n\nNo response on the frequency Boar\u2019s Head conducted microbial testing\n\nNo response on testing data as requested.\n\nNo word if Boar\u2019s Head tested non-contact food surfaces\n\nNo response on whether third party inspections were conducted before the recall\n\nNo response on how HQ handled food safety concerns and\n\nLimited information on the documented steps of the recall.\n\nYou can read Boar\u2019s Head\u2019s response here. DeLauro\u2019s September 30 letters to Boar\u2019s Head can be found here and her letter to the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) can be found here. DeLauro is still waiting for a response from FSIS.\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) just announced key reformsyesterday that were raised by DeLauro in her September 30 letter to the agency. Notable changes include:\n\nFSIS adding broader Listeria species testing to all samples of ready-to-eat product, environmental and food contact surfaces.\n\nFSIS updating its instructions and training for food safety inspectors to better equip the workforce to recognize and highlight systemic problems in a standardized way.\n\nFSIS field supervisors conducting in-person, follow-up visits when systemic issues are identified during a Food Safety Assessment.\n\nFSIS clarifying state and Federal requirements for consistent oversight of Talmadge-Aiken (TA) programs through updated cooperative agreements and instructions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=26044FCA-C7D0-4504-9C30-CA5A70B466D1", "Himes Announces Grants to Support Local Police Departments in Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Bridgeport, CT \u2013 Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that the cities of Bridgeport, Stamford, and Norwalk would receive a total of $200,000 from the Department of Justice\u2019s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled that Bridgeport, Stamford, and Norwalk will receive funding for their local police departments. From increasing patrols to expanding mental health services, these grants will make our communities safer and ensure our police officers have the proper tools and training necessary to successfully carry out their duties,\u201d said Congressman Himes.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Police Department, I would like to thank Congressman Jim Himes and his staff for helping us to secure this funding through these various JAG Grants. This funding will allow us to enhance and improve our services to the citizens of the City of Bridgeport, CT,\u201d said Bridgeport Chief of Police Roderick Porter\n\n\u201cThe Stamford Police Department will utilize this grant by having our Police Officers attend First Responder Training on how better to deal with Veterans in Crisis. It is estimated that 16.8 Veterans commit suicide daily. Many Veterans are in crisis, silently suffering with post deployment issues. This training will assist our Police Officers in identifying the signs of suicide and strategies for prevention. As Police Officers come into daily contact with Veterans, it is important that we are trained in the best practices to safely and successfully handle the needs of this special population,\u201d said Stamford Chief of Police Timothy Shaw\n\n\u201cThe awarding of JAG and DOJ grants has provided the Norwalk Police Department with increased technology in the area of license plate readers to deter car theft and car burglary in Norwalk regions that have seen an increase in property crimes since COVID. DOJ grants have also allowed the department to multiply our Social Services in our Behavioral health unit by adding a second full-time social worker to our unit to provide a cadre of social services and outreach. Awarding these grants with the assistance of Congressman Himes has bolstered public safety, lowered crime, and allowed us to provide more social work resources to the residents of Norwalk,\u201d said Norwalk Chief of Police James Walsh.\n\nThe award includes:\n\n$132,157 for the City of Bridgeport to purchase equipment to improve the Bridgeport Police Department's ability to de-escalate dangerous situations and better protect residents, visitors, and police officers.\n\n$48,554 for the City of Stamford to cover partial overtime costs associated with frontline police officers attending specialized training conducted by the U.S. Veterans Administration on identifying and working with veterans experiencing mental health issues during service calls.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-house-republicans-are-bowing-down-billionaire-demands-holiday", "Larson: House Republicans are Bowing Down to Billionaire Demands for a Holiday Shutdown", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cIt is unbelievable that an unelected billionaire operating outside of the cabinet and United States Congress is demanding House Republicans to back out of a bipartisan agreement and ordering a holiday shutdown,\u201d said Larson. \u201cI 100% agree with Leader Jeffries. If Republicans back out of a good faith deal, they are leaving families to suffer. By bowing down to a billionaire, they have made the decision to act as mere puppets in the process instead of duly elected representatives. I find this whole ordeal deeply upsetting because at the end of the day, a government shutdown will not impact Elon Musk, Donald Trump, or anyone of their class one iota \u2013 it is everyday American families who will pay the price. Federal workers and our troops will go without pay while billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump get their Christmas wish to grind the government to a halt. Connecticut farmers who have been fighting for the support they need to bounce back after severe flooding and frost will be left with nothing. We must get serious and keep the government open to deliver for the people we are sworn to serve.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-blackburn-joint-statement-on-house-leaderships-refusal-to-allow-a-vote-on-the-kids-online-safety-act", "Blumenthal & Blackburn Joint Statement on House Leadership's Refusal to Allow a Vote on The Kids Online Safety Act", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[HARTFORD, CT] \u2013 U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) released the following statement on the status of passing the Kids Online Safety Act in the 118th Congress:\n\n\u201cWhile the House has refused to take up the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, countless children and teens have died from suicide, mental health disorders, predation, bullying, and drug use fostered and fueled by Big Tech.\n\nOne of these victims, Jesse Harrington, was a 15-year-old boy who wanted to be a firefighter and died by suicide in October after becoming addicted to Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, while the House sat on its hands at the behest of Mark Zuckerberg. The House\u2019s active obstruction of the Kids Online Safety Act will tragically result in the deaths of even more children like Jesse.\n\nTo be clear: the blockade against safeguards and accountability was about padding Big Tech\u2019s financial bottom line, not principle. For nearly four years, we have worked with more than 240 organizations and colleagues across the political spectrum to craft bipartisan legislation to protect children online from Big Tech abuses \u2013 legislation that passed the Senate on a 91-3 vote. Yet falsehoods crafted in Silicon Valley boardrooms and parroted by Washington politicians, along with millions of dollars spent along the way, held up KOSA in the House to advance Meta and Google's goal of profiting off our children.\n\nWe are thankful to Senate leadership, most especially Senators Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, John Thune, Ted Cruz, and Maria Cantwell and the powerful bipartisan coalition that supported KOSA and continues to believe it is necessary. We are grateful for the many free speech advocates who saw through Big Tech's lies and smokescreen, including Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, and Donald Trump, Jr. It was House Republican leadership who chose not to move this bill forward despite overwhelming support.\n\nWe will continue the strongly bipartisan fight on the Kids Online Safety Act for the young people and parents across the country that have spoken up and demanded reforms from Big Tech. The American public deserves to know that their families and kids\u2019 lives are more important than Meta and Google\u2019s profits.\u201d \u2013 said Blumenthal and Blackburn.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-swalwell-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-reduce-student-loan-debt-for-public-servants", "Blumenthal & Swalwell Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Reduce Student Loan Debt for Public Servants", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced the Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act, legislation to expand the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) to provide meaningful student debt relief to teachers, police officers, public health workers, and others who dedicate their careers to public service.\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s dedicated public servants make incredible sacrifices for the betterment of our country, and they deserve relief from the immense weight of student debt,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cThe Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act provides a helping hand to the loyal police officers, teachers, and healthcare workers serving our communities and expands opportunities to ease financial burdens\u2014repaying a debt of gratitude to our public servants.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe should support students seeking a career in public service. That\u2019s why I introduced the Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act,\u201d said Swalwell. \u201cToo often students are prevented from pursuing a career in public service because of crippling college loan debt. This bill seeks to offer student loan forgiveness to teachers, police officers, public health workers and others who dedicate their careers to public service. Incentivizing students to seek public service careers while staying debt free will not only benefit our communities, but also allow students to freely make decisions for their future.\u201d\n\nThe Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act expands PSLF and eliminates uncertainty for borrowers. The legislation allows borrowers to receive forgiveness for their loans in qualifying intervals, further incentivizing individuals to pursue careers in public service.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Tina Smith (D-MN).\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-applauds-final-passage-of-the-national-defense-authorization-bill", "Blumenthal Applauds Final Passage of the National Defense Authorization Bill", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement applauding the Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The NDAA includes a number of provisions championed by Blumenthal that make significant investments in Connecticut\u2019s defense manufacturing workforce, support service members across the Department of Defense, and enhance national security. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 85-14 after passing the House of Representatives last week. The full text of the NDAA is available here. A summary of the NDAA is available here.\n\n\u201cThis landmark bipartisan defense measure bolsters our national security and boosts Connecticut\u2019s economy. We\u2019re redoubling our nation\u2019s commitments to servicemen and women with significant pay raises and programs and keeping faith with our allies and our own defense needs through important investments in subs, ships, artillery, and aircraft to ensure the security of the American people. This bill makes critical investments in advanced technologies and weapon platforms and the talented workforce that build them in Connecticut, showing our state\u2019s central role in our nation\u2019s defense efforts. We also make significant investments in the health and quality of life of servicemembers\u2014resources rightfully earned. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I was proud to fight for these provisions. I look forward to continuing my advocacy,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murphy-delauro-and-elicker-announce-20-million-for-climate-energy_other-environmental-initiatives-in-new-haven", "Blumenthal, Murphy, DeLauro, & Elicker Announce $20 Million for Climate, Energy & Other Environmental Initiatives in New Haven", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[NEW HAVEN, CT] \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Mayor Justin Elicker announced $20 million in federal funding for the City of New Haven and twenty partner organizations to advance a series of environmental initiatives designed to mitigate climate change, build resiliency, and reduce pollution in New Haven. The funds are awarded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Community Change Grants Program established to reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. The Community Change Grants Program is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act.\n\n\u201cThis significant $20 million investment is a testament to New Haven\u2019s consistent commitment to community climate resilience. New greenways, improved sidewalks, energy upgrades, and more will transform neighborhoods and reduce air pollution in the surrounding community. I\u2019m proud that Inflation Reduction Act funding continues to advance environmental justice across Connecticut,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cThis $20 million in federal funding is a huge win for neighborhoods in New Haven. With this money, the city can invest in new greenways and bike share programs that will make our communities safer to enjoy and energy-efficient upgrades that will reduce household costs for families. These investments will not only improve quality of life today but will help us build a stronger and more sustainable future for New Haven,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\"Today, we celebrate the $20 million Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant awarded to the Elm City Climate Collaborative, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act,\" said DeLauro. \"This funding will empower the City of New Haven and the Greater Dwight Development Corporation (GDDC) to tackle pollution, bolster climate resilience, and address environmental justice challenges. I was happy to support this joint request to the federal government having been engaged in the work that the City and GDDC have done over the years and seeing first-hand the success of their efforts. Protecting our communities from the impacts of climate change is crucial to our shared prosperity, and I am proud to see New Haven and the GDDC spearheading this critical effort.\"\n\n\u201cNew Haven is committed to tackling the challenge of climate change head on and building a greener, healthier, and more resilient city. This grant will help strengthen and support an unprecedented collective effort by the City and 20 partner organizations that will impact thousands of New Haven residents through investments in more energy efficient and cost-efficient homes, more accessible and greener transportation, and more resilient and safer neighborhoods. This effort will also help create good-paying green jobs for individuals today while also educating our children to engage in environmentally sustainable practices in the future,\u201d said Elicker. \u201cThis $20 million award is yet another example of how the Inflation Reduction Act \u2013 championed by Biden-Harris Administration, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, and Congresswoman DeLauro \u2013 has been a game changer for communities, cities and states across the nation, including New Haven.\u201d\n\nThe City of New Haven and statutory partner Greater Dwight Development Corporation came together with five other community-based organizations to launch the Elm City Climate Collaborative, a community-driven engagement process to mitigate climate change, build resiliency, and reduce pollution in New Haven. The Collaborative grew to twenty partnering organizations, which developed a multi-pronged plan focused on serving the City\u2019s most vulnerable neighborhoods. The effort is designed to accelerate and expand preexisting programs and focus areas that the City and its partners are undertaking to build a greener, healthier, and more resilient city. Together, they submitted a successful grant application, that over the course of the next three years will advance the following initiatives:\n\nGreen and energy efficient homes: Investing in healthy and energy efficient new construction and home retrofits, including weatherization, insulation, heat pump installations, and housing improvements to enable energy efficiency. This includes an estimated 350 buildings that will receive comprehensive energy assessments through Energize CT for energy-efficient and health-related upgrades. The funding will also support grants of up to $100,000 for energy upgrades at new or substantially rehabilitated affordable housing projects.\n\nClimate resilience corridors: Establishing 5,000 feet of new climate resilience corridors that traverse Fair Haven and other neighborhoods. These corridors will create new greenways, walkways and bikeways, including over 1,500 tree plantings, the removal of concrete and asphalt, the installation of permeable sidewalks, and utilization of stormwater capture and diversion technology including specially engineered tree pits.\n\nFood rescue and community composting: Increasing capacity for rescuing food to an estimated 2 million pounds of rescued food annually to help feed the hungry and low-income residents and also diverting over 800 tons of organic material annually to a new community composting hub.\n\nGreen transportation: Expanding the New Haven bike share system, Ride New Haven, to include an additional 100 e-bikes and 100 pedal bikes across a wider network of 10 additional stations in neighborhoods across the city. Currently, there are 32 stations and 100 e-bikes and 100 pedal bikes in the Ride New Haven system.\n\nClimate education: Increasing bicycle safety, recycling, and composting education within school communities to include an additional twenty New Haven Public Schools.\n\nGreen jobs and workforce development: Expanding employment in climate-related jobs across these initiatives, supporting residents participating in high-quality job training opportunities, and supporting New Haven youth in urban agriculture, tree planting and composting.\n\nIn total, the City of New Haven is partnering with 20 collaborating entities as part of the Elm City Climate Collaborative. Other partnering organizations include, the Greater Dwight Development Corporation (statutory partner) and the Beulah Land Development Corporation, Bradley Street Bike Cooperative, Center for Ecotechnology, CitySeed, Community Action Agency of New Haven, DataHaven, Gather New Haven, Greater Dwight Development Corporation, Haven\u2019s Harvest, Junta for Progressive Action, MakeHaven, Newhallville Community Services Development Corporation, New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation, New Haven Ecology Project, St. Luke\u2019s Development Corporation, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, Park New Haven, Urban Resources Initiative, Workforce Alliance, and Yale Urban Design Workshop.\n\n\u201cWe, at the Greater Dwight Development Corporation, are thrilled that our application has been selected, and we are excited to partner with the City and other local groups on this project. The City has been very cooperative in working with various non-profits for this application, and the entire process has been collaborative from inception, and we look forward to continuing this partnership,\u201d said Executive Director Linda Townsend Maier. \u201cWe hope to support residents and strengthen the community with these initiatives, and to start a transformative process in how non-profits with varying missions across the city can work together to create a more environmentally sound and economically resilient future.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-to-serve-as-ranking-member-of-the-senate-committee-on-veterans-affairs", "Blumenthal to Serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) announced today that he will become the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs during the upcoming Congress:\n\n\u201cAs the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs I\u2019ll have the honor and leadership opportunity to protect and expand the care and benefits that veterans need and deserve. They\u2019ve earned \u2013 and should receive \u2013 better healthcare, expanded access to education, increased job training opportunities, and more. I thank Chairman Tester for his great work, and I will seek to continue it, especially on implementing the PACT Act. I look forward to working closely with Senator Moran, who has been a terrific legislative partner in the past, and who has shown a deep commitment to serving our nation\u2019s veterans.\u201d\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/new-senate-permanent-subcommittee-on-investigations-majority-staff-report-exposes-failure-to-stop-us-technology-from-fueling-russias-war-machine-and-chinas-ai-arms-race", "New Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Majority Staff Report Exposes Failure to Stop U.S. Technology from Fueling Russia's War Machine and China's AI Arms Race", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chair of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), released a Majority staff report revealing how the Department of Commerce\u2019s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has failed to enforce semiconductor export controls, leading to the continued appearance of American-manufactured technology in Russian weapons used in the war in Ukraine and in China\u2019s Artificial Intelligence systems. PSI\u2019s investigation has uncovered how chronic underfunding has undercut the BIS\u2019s ability to fulfill a key national security function\u2014forcing the agency to rely on laughably outdated technology to trace increasingly sophisticated distribution networks. Today\u2019s report stresses the need for additional resources and enforcement action to strengthen our national security and protect against diversion of U.S.-made technology by Russia and China.\n\n\u201cOur present sanction system is a sieve\u2014enabling an illicit flow of technology to Russia that fuels its murderous war on Ukraine,\" said Blumenthal. \"An aggressive crackdown is urgent to make export controls effective against both Russia and China. Lack of resources and effort make current controls a mockery. My PSI investigation calls for an overhaul of sanctions enforcement to protect our national security and technological dominance. I\u2019m calling on the Department of Commerce to take immediate action and crack down on the companies allowing U.S.-made semiconductors to power Russian weapons and Chinese ambition.\u201d\n\nIn September 2023, PSI initiated an inquiry to better understand the prevalence of American-manufactured microchips in Russian weapons systems despite export controls implemented to block Russia from accessing U.S. technology. Earlier this year, PSI Majority staff released a report revealing the U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturers\u2019 laissez-faire attitude toward export control compliance. Today, PSI is releasing its final Majority staff report in the Subcommittee\u2019s inquiry into the U.S. technology fueling Russia\u2019s war machine. A summary of PSI\u2019s key findings is below.\n\nCongress has not provided BIS with adequate funding to fulfill its mission.\n\nBIS\u2019s workload and responsibilities tied to national security have drastically increased since 2010, but its funding has remained mostly stagnant.\n\nBIS lacks funding to conduct enough international end-use checks, a critical tool in enforcing export controls. This has resulted in limited end-use checks in countries that (1) are known to have entities engaged in transshipment of semiconductors to Russia, and (2) were identified in the Subcommittee\u2019s September 10, 2024 report as having substantial increases in imports of U.S.-manufactured semiconductors in 2022 and 2023.\n\nBIS\u2019s core IT systems were created in 2006 and have received only patchwork fixes in the nearly two decades since. BIS cannot afford the modern IT infrastructure needed to analyze the full range of data available to combat efforts at export control diversion.\n\nBIS has failed to fully use its existing authority to enforce export controls.\n\nThe Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA) give BIS robust and unique powers to implement and enforce export controls. Despite its significant authority, BIS does not require that semiconductor companies\u2019 export control programs contain any specific components.\n\nBIS has never brought significant penalties against companies for violating export controls even when companies knew there was a high probability that the transaction breached or could lead to a breach of the law.\n\nIn a letter to Commerce Secretary Raimondo, Blumenthal referred PSI\u2019s findings and recommendations to the agency and urged BIS to take immediate enforcement action. In his letter, Blumenthal also called on the agency to take steps that ensure these efforts continue in the next administration. Today\u2019s report and letter underscoring the consequences of an underfunded and weakened BIS come as the incoming Trump administration eyes across agency budget cuts. Blumenthal\u2019s letter to Secretary Raimondo is available here. The full staff report detailing PSI\u2019s findings is available here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-lawmakers-probe-real-estate-firm-easyknock-after-abrupt-closure-demand-answers-for-customers", "Murphy, Blumenthal, Lawmakers Probe Real Estate Firm EasyKnock After Abrupt Closure, Demand Answers for Customers", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in sending a letter to the Founder and CEO of EasyKnock\u2014a real estate company that bought people\u2019s homes and turned them into renters\u2014probing the company\u2019s allegedly deceptive and predatory business practices and their impacts on customers, after the company abruptly closed its doors on December 5, 2024. The letter was also signed by Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).\n\nBefore its recent closure, EasyKnock purchased homes from financially distressed homeowners through its \u201cSell & Stay\u201d program, promising they would \u201c[r]eceive 100% of [their] home\u2019s value without having to move.\u201d However, consumer lawsuits and multiple state attorneys general have alleged that EasyKnock\u2019s deceptive advertising and business practices often left former homeowners far worse off than they were before the company found them, causing homeowners to lose cherished family homes and much of the equity they originally had in them.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned about EasyKnock\u2019s lasting impact on vulnerable homeowners, including homeowners with pending residential sale-leaseback agreements with your company, and the extent to which the company will be handling these agreements in the wake of its abrupt closure earlier this month,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nAccording to reports, EasyKnock customers rarely received anything close to the full market values of their homes, and the company employed predatory tactics, such as consistent rent increases in spite of a lack of improvements to properties, placing customers in financial positions where they could no longer repurchase their homes.\n\n\u201cAcross America, the allegations against EasyKnock followed a similar pattern: EasyKnock made misleading statements about services to entrap vulnerable homeowners only to break its promises at the expense of working families,\u201d continued the lawmakers.\n\nIn March 2024, the Connecticut Attorney General\u2019s Office launched an investigation into EasyKnock, Inc. over potentially deceptive home sale-leaseback deals.\n\nThis month, EasyKnock abruptly shut down. According to public reports, customers, shocked and confused by the news, were given little explanation of the closure, with one customer reporting that she was notified that a company called NESE Property Management now manages her home.\n\n\u201cEasyKnock\u2019s decision to \u2018shut down\u2019 raises even more questions about how it will handle ongoing agreements and properly compensate homeowners who were negatively affected by the company\u2019s actions,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nThe senators are requesting information about EasyKnock\u2019s past business practices and its abrupt closure by December 30, 2024.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-leads-democratic-colleagues-in-reintroducing-bicameral-legislation-to-expand-support-for-magnet-schools", "Murphy Leads Democratic Colleagues in Reintroducing Bicameral Legislation to Expand Support for Magnet Schools", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, along with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and U.S. Representatives Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-Ga.) on Wednesday reintroduced the Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation (MAGNET) Act, legislation to strengthen support for magnet schools. The bill would require the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant to prioritize applicants that plan to establish whole-school magnet schools, emphasize inter-district diversity, and propose strategies to improve diversity and academic performance across schools and districts. It would also authorize a new grant program housed under MSAP, the Supplemental Diversity Grant (SDG), which aims to continue supporting the work of existing magnet programs aspiring to improve their diversity-related goals.\n\nMagnet schools are public schools designed to cater to different learning styles and attract a wide range of students from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds across zip codes. More than 3.5 million students attend magnet schools nationwide, but as school districts become increasingly segregated by race and income, this legislation updates the MSAP grant to expand access to funding and ensure it supports magnet schools with the greatest impact on improving diversity and academic performance. In Connecticut, 86 magnet schools serve nearly 40,000 students in grades pre-K through 12 across 29 districts.\n\n\"Connecticut's magnet schools are proof that desegregating our classrooms improves academic outcomes for everyone,\" said Murphy. \u201cExpanding access to these schools across the country will ensure every kid \u2013 no matter their zip code \u2013 can get a quality education. I\u2019m glad to reintroduce this legislation to support existing magnet schools and help other districts get new programs off the ground.\u201d\n\n\u201cThousands of kids in Connecticut benefit from the diversity and specialized curriculum at magnet schools, and even more students stand to gain access to these educational opportunities with our bill. Expanding resources for magnet schools will give parents even greater choice within the public school system and set more students up for success,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cMagnet schools foster diversity, promote academic excellence, and help provide access to quality learning opportunities regardless of the student\u2019s zip code,\u201d said Booker. \u201cThe MAGNET Act will expand funding for magnet schools that are working to improve diversity so we can ensure students from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds all have the opportunity to thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a former parent of public school students and a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, ensuring that Virginia\u2019s students have the resources they need to thrive is one of my top priorities,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cI\u2019m proud to be joining with my colleagues in introducing the MAGNET Act, which will help increase racial and socioeconomic diversity in our magnet schools and further strengthen our school districts.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe magnet school model breaks down social barriers to learning in our nation and promotes academic success and healthier communities. Our bill will help establish high-quality successful magnet schools and expand existing programs so all students and families can reap the benefits of a magnet school education,\u201d said Courtney.\n\n\u201cStudents deserve access to high-quality public schools, including magnet programs. Funding constraints and lack of investment often block students from these educational opportunities so we must be creative in our approach to solutions.\u201d said Hayes. \u201cThe MAGNET Act will enable public schools to invest in high-quality programming for more students. This legislation will also create new magnet programs and opportunities for vulnerable and underserved students.\u201d\n\nThe MAGNET Act is endorsed by: American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Capitol Region Education Council; Center for Educational Equity, Teachers College, Columbia University; Civil Rights Project at UCLA; Integrated Schools; Magnet Schools of America; National Coalition on School Diversity; Poverty and Race Research Action Council.\n\nFull text of the bill available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-ricketts-flood-bera-make-bicameral-push-for-gao-study-on-federal-response-to-loneliness-crisis", "Murphy, Ricketts, Flood, Bera Make Bicameral Push For GAO Study On Federal Response To Loneliness Crisis", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (R-Neb.) and Ami Bera (D-Calif.), sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study on federal programs monitoring loneliness and social isolation. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore the alarming increase in loneliness across the United States and call for standardized data collection and a coordinated approach to address the growing health risks associated with social isolation.\n\n\u201cThe United States is experiencing a crisis of social connection, isolation, and loneliness,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cToday, approximately half of US adults report experiencing loneliness. In 1990, 3% of Americans reported having no close friends; by 2021 that figure had climbed to 12%. The average American spent 8% more time alone in 2019 than they did in 2003. These data points, combined with other research and scholarship, led the Surgeon General to issue a public health advisory on the growing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.\u201d\n\n\u201cDespite the growing acknowledgement that loneliness and social isolation are a problem, there are still no standardized metrics that allows us to monitor these trends,\u201d the members added. \u201cThe lack of standardization in data collection is largely due to the diversity of definitions that are found in scientific literature, which leads to inconsistencies in how loneliness and isolation are understood and measured. This variety in data collection methods across studies leads to fragmented data that makes it difficult to draw reliable comparisons. Lacking centralized and uniform definitions and protocols to monitor these metrics limits our ability to effectively address and monitor these important public health issues.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Comptroller General Dodaro:\n\nWe write to request the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study to identify which federal programs monitor loneliness and social isolation and how those programs collect and utilize this information. While growing research shows that loneliness is an increasingly common experience with negative effects for individual and societal health, we have a limited understanding of which federal programs are working to address loneliness, how the federal government defines and monitors the prevalence of loneliness, and what strategies agencies are already employing to combat the harmful effects of loneliness.\n\nThe United States is experiencing a crisis of social connection, isolation, and loneliness. Today, approximately half of US adults report experiencing loneliness. In 1990, 3% of Americans reported having no close friends; by 2021 that figure had climbed to 12%. The average American spent 8% more time alone in 2019 than they did in 2003. These data points, combined with other research and scholarship, led the Surgeon General to issue a public health advisory on the growing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.\n\nHealthy social relationships are the foundation of human happiness, and a lack of social connection can be devastating. The Surgeon General\u2019s advisory outlines the serious health effects associated with disconnection. Studies show that isolation and loneliness increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by 29% and 32% respectively, while also increasing the risk of developing dementia by 50% among older adults.\n\nDespite the growing acknowledgement that loneliness and social isolation are a problem, there are still no standardized metrics that allows us to monitor these trends. The lack of standardization in data collection is largely due to the diversity of definitions that are found in scientific literature, which leads to inconsistencies in how loneliness and isolation are understood and measured. This variety in data collection methods across studies leads to fragmented data that makes it difficult to draw reliable comparisons. Lacking centralized and uniform definitions and protocols to monitor these metrics limits our ability to effectively address and monitor these important public health issues.\n\nTo better understand how the federal government can address the crisis of social isolation, we ask that the GAO to answer the following questions:\n\nWhich federal programs, if any, monitor loneliness and isolation?\n\nHow do these programs define or measure loneliness and isolation, and in what ways do these definitions and measurements vary across programs?\n\nHow do these programs use the information they collect on loneliness and isolation to address these problems or otherwise improve the services they provide?\n\nWhat steps can Congress take to improve the work of agencies in addressing social isolation and loneliness?\n\nWe request answers to these questions by May 1, 2025. Thank you for your attention to this issue.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E2627031-D88F-4C62-A574-EEA99AE5CF67", "Himes Announces Grant to Improve Health Services for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Bridgeport, CT \u2013 Today, Congressman Jim Himes announced Optimus Health Care will receive $1 million from the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 Quality Improvement Fund \u2013 Transitions in Care for Justice-Involved Populations to provide enhanced medical services to individuals as they transition back to their communities.\n\n\u201cGetting your life back on track after serving time is that much harder if poor health prevents you from holding down a job or attending class,\u201d said Congressman Jim Himes. \u201cThis grant will provide Optimus with funding to ease that transition by increasing access to high-quality primary care services in the communities they are rejoining.\u201d\n\n\u201cOptimus Health Care, Inc. is proud to announce its receipt of the FY2025 Quality Improvement Fund \u2013 Transitions in Care for Justice-Involved Populations. This funding, in collaboration with the Department of Corrections, will support efforts to enhance care transitions for individuals within 90 days of release from incarceration by improving access to high-quality, community-based primary care,\u201d said OPTIMUS Health Care Inc. CEO Karen Daley. \u201cWith this one-time investment, Optimus will expand evidence-based practices and pilot innovative approaches to connect justice-involved individuals reentering the community with tailored medical and behavioral health services. In partnership with seven halfway houses in the region, Career Resources Center and the Recovery Network of Programs, Optimus will also provide comprehensive wraparound services, including employment support, housing assistance, and educational opportunities. These resources are vital for fostering successful reentry, better health outcomes, promoting long-term stability, and reducing recidivism.\u201d\n\nThe largest provider of primary care in Southwestern Connecticut, Optimus Health Care is a federally-qualified health center (FQHC) that offers a range of medical services and is committed to treating all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Quality Improvement Fund \u2013 Transitions in Care for Justice-Involved Populations Grants are awarded to community health centers to develop and pilot innovative models of care for individuals newly-released from jail or prison.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-murphy-join-colleagues-in-introducing-ndaa-amendment-to-protect-military-parents-right-to-health-care-for-their-kids", "Blumenthal & Murphy Join Colleagues in Introducing NDAA Amendment to Protect Military Parents' Right to Health Care for their Kids", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[HARTFORD, CT] \u2013 U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Chris Murphy (D-CT) joined 19 of their colleagues in introducing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2025 to remove language that would strip away servicemembers\u2019 parental rights to access medically necessary health care for their transgender children. The U.S. House of Representatives-passed NDAA includes language that bans health care for transgender kids and TRICARE patients under the age of 18.\n\n\u201cI have supported and worked hard on the NDAA and its many provisions to enhance and protect our national security as well as Connecticut\u2019s defense industrial base. I have opposed limits on healthcare for families of military personnel. I support this amendment to protect rights of service members and their families to make their own healthcare decisions,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cParents \u2013 not politicians \u2013 are the only people who should be making health care decisions for their children. This amendment would ensure military families have the same rights as every other family to make sure their kids get the care they need. It is unbelievable that in pushing their hateful, anti-LGBTQ agenda, House Republicans want to punish parents serving our country,\u201d said Murphy.\n\nEvery major medical and mental health association in the U.S., representing more than 1.3 million U.S. doctors, supports access to this medically necessary, evidence-based health care for transgender people.\n\nIf the House-passed NDAA becomes law, it is estimated that 6,000 \u2013 7,000 transgender children of servicemembers would not be able to access the health care that their parents had approved.\n\nThe amendment to the FY2025 NDAA would strike Sec. 708 of the House-passed NDAA, which would ban TRICARE from offering medically sound health care for our youngest transgender servicemembers and to transgender military children under 18.\n\nThe amendment, led by Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), is also co-sponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Fetterman (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).\n\nA full version of the amendment is available here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/concerned-with-public-health-threat-blumenthal-urges-epa-to-issue-final-risk-evaluation-of-formaldehyde", "Concerned with Public Health Threat, Blumenthal Urges EPA to Issue Final Risk Evaluation of Formaldehyde", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan calling on the EPA to issue a strong, science-based final risk evaluation for formaldehyde, a chemical known to pose serious health risks including cancer. This evaluation would serve as a necessary step to begin work to mitigate the harms of formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act.\n\n\u201cFormaldehyde is a chemical found in everything from household products to pesticides to motor vehicle exhaust. It has long been known to cause adverse health impacts, including cancer,\u201d wrote Blumenthal. \u201cThe agency\u2019s own science is clear \u2013 formaldehyde is dangerous to human health. Therefore, the agency has an obligation to protect the public from the chemical by following their own science and precedent and concluding the risk is unreasonable.\u201d\n\nBlumenthal emphasized the importance of a strong risk evaluation to protecting the health of Americans, writing, \u201cThroughout your tenure, EPA has been steadfast in upholding its vital mission of protecting human health and the environment. I urge you to continue this commitment and issue a final risk evaluation for formaldehyde that is rooted in the best available science and is as strong as possible \u2013 a critical step toward future regulatory action to mitigate the known risks of the chemical.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDecember 16, 2024\n\nThe Honorable Michael S. Regan\n\nAdministrator\n\nEnvironmental Protection Agency\n\n1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20460\n\nDear Administrator Regan,\n\nI write with concern over the health risks associated with formaldehyde. As highlighted in a recent ProPublica investigation, this chemical is both damaging to human health and near ubiquitous across the country \u2013 a dangerous combination.[1] I urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a strong, science-based final risk evaluation for formaldehyde as soon as possible, a necessary step for the agency to begin work to mitigate its harms under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).\n\nFormaldehyde is a chemical found in everything from household products to pesticides to motor vehicle exhaust.[2] It has long been known to cause adverse health impacts, including cancer. Earlier this year, the agency released the results of the its 2020 Air Toxics Screening Assessment, which found that formaldehyde poses the greatest risk of cancer among all other air pollutants studied.[3] EPA also released a final Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) review, which was over a decade in the making and peer reviewed by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. Through that rigorous process, the IRIS program established a cancer risk value for formaldehyde \u2013 it is imperative that the agency stand behind this scientifically robust data point in its final risk evaluation.[4]\n\nUnder TSCA, EPA is required to evaluate the risks of chemicals and, if a chemical is found to pose an \u201cunreasonable risk,\u201d the agency must eliminate that risk.[5] While what constitutes an \u201cunreasonable risk\u201d is not defined in statute, the agency has longstanding precedents to help make such a determination. The agency\u2019s benchmark for cancer risk to residents of fenceline communities and others in the general population is 1 in 1 million \u2013 if a chemical is shown to cause cancer in more than one out of every million people, EPA has previously found that to constitute an unreasonable risk. In the case of formaldehyde, EPA\u2019s draft evaluation found cancer risks to the general population from formaldehyde air pollution exceeding this benchmark for most uses of the chemical that are subject to direct regulation under TSCA.[6] Unfortunately, EPA did not take the next logical step and determine that those risks are unreasonable. The agency\u2019s own science is clear \u2013 formaldehyde is dangerous to human health. Therefore, the agency has an obligation to protect the public from the chemical by following their own science and precedent and concluding the risk is unreasonable.\n\nThroughout your tenure, EPA has been steadfast in upholding its vital mission of protecting human health and the environment. I urge you to continue this commitment and issue a final risk evaluation for formaldehyde that is rooted in the best available science and is as strong as possible \u2013 a critical step toward future regulatory action to mitigate the known risks of the chemical.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/online-sports-betting-boom-blumenthal-demands-federal-standards-to-protect-consumers-against-problem-gambling", "Online Sports Betting Boom: Blumenthal Demands Federal Standards to Protect Consumers Against Problem Gambling", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, underscored the public health impacts of the widespread legalization of sports gambling in a hearing titled, \u201cAmerica\u2019s High-Stakes Bet on Legalized Sports Gambling.\u201d As mobile sports betting surges, Blumenthal called for minimum federal standards like those in his Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act to better protect consumers from addictive practices and features of online sportsbooks and gambling platforms.\n\n\u201cWe are in the midst of a sports betting boom that is one of the most severe public health problems today,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cIt is the cause of addiction for millions of Americans with severe gambling problems. It is tearing apart families\u2014 literally divorces, abandonment. It is a criminal justice problem, when people get into trouble, and they have to pay back the debts that they owe\u2014when I was U.S. Attorney, I prosecuted extortion and enforcement by the gangs. And of course, it is an unemployment problem, a mental health, behavioral health problem.\u201d\n\nEarlier this year, Blumenthal introduced the SAFE Bet Act alongside Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), which would require states offering sports betting to meet minimum federal standards in the categories of advertising, affordability and Artificial Intelligence to create a safer, less addictive product. Blumenthal is also the author of the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act, which sets aside federal funds to help prevent, treat, and study gambling addiction in the United States.\n\nVideo of Blumenthal\u2019s remarks during today\u2019s hearing can be found here. A transcript is available below.\n\nSen. Blumenthal: Thanks, Mr. Chairman. I am very appreciative to you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing and to the witnesses here today\u2014not only for appearing but for your good work and your help to me in drafting the SAFE Bet Act and the GRIT Act. Mr. Whyte, Mr. Levant, Mr. Baker, particularly.\n\nYou know, we are in the midst of a sports betting boom that is one of the most severe public health problems today. It is the cause of addiction for millions of Americans with severe gambling problems. It is tearing apart families\u2014 literally divorces, abandonment. It is a criminal justice problem, when people get into trouble, and they have to pay back the debts that they owe\u2014when I was U.S. Attorney, I prosecuted extortion and enforcement by the gangs. And of course, it is an unemployment problem, a mental health, behavioral health problem.\n\nYou know, the nomenclature and the techniques and the sophistication of the trading practices here make Wall Street look like child's play. The risk-free bet. The throttling. The targeting of losers. Customizing bets to those who are losing and throttling back the winners. I mean, the plethora of techniques is staggering here, all to the benefit of the corporations that are profiting here. And Mr. Baker, as you may know, colleges initially were partners in some of these efforts. I wrote to 66 of them, and they stopped the partnership that promoted gambling on their campuses. And so, there really is a kind of shamelessness here.\n\nI want to ask for your support for the SAFE Bet Act, which would establish minimum national standards. Right now we have a patchwork of halfhearted regulation. The SAFE Bet Act would, in effect, also provide more public health benefits to try to provide some relief to people who are now addicted, and those minimum standards would be set by the Department of Justice. States would still have responsibility, but they would have to meet those minimum standards that would eliminate the kinds of promotions, ads, pitches, and deceptive techniques that right now are so rampant.\n\nSo, let me just ask you in the interest of time, would all of you support the SAFE Bet Act? Let me go down with Mr. Baker first.\n\nGov. Baker: I'm familiar with certain elements of it. I'm not familiar with all of it. I can tell you the elements I am familiar with, we do support. And the one thing I would add to some of the stuff you\u2019ve talked about is when you have 39 states that have legalized sports betting, in every single state the data they collect is different, who they can share it with is different, and how they can\u2014and who they can share it with is different. And so, you have a situation where it is really hard to get kind of a national sense about what\u2019s going on. New Jersey probably has one of the best data collection programs in the country, but I think the data thing in particular should not be underestimated as an opportunity, and I love the fact that your legislation basically prohibits prop bets on college sports. It would save me a lot of running around.\n\nSen. Blumenthal: Mr. Bademosi?\n\nMr. Bademosi: I am not familiar with every detail of the SAFE Bet Act, but in the interest of protecting the health and wellness of the athletes and protecting athletes against universities and these entities that are in partnership with betting companies\u2026 I\u2019ll support it.\n\nSen. Blumenthal: Mr. Whyte?\n\nMr. Whyte: With NCA, there is a lot of details in there that we really like, but because it starts by prohibiting sports betting, at least temporarily, the national council must remain neutral, because we are neutral on legalized gambling.\n\nMr. Rebuck: Senator, I really do not represent here anybody but myself, and my comments and my written testimony and my oral indicate that this is not a good bill to move forward because I believe, after 6.5 years of litigation, to the states to earn rights, constitutional rights to have sports wagering, that we are entitled to do the best we can to regulate and deal with the issues that are highlighted here\u2014which I agree, many of them need to be continued to be dealt with in ways that we can improve upon. That being said, aspects of your bill talk about the need for safeguards, the need for guard rails, the need to work on responsible gaming aspects of reducing the risk of people falling into harm. Those are all shared by every jurisdiction today that engages in gambling. And as you well know, we have 10 right states now, seven of which are represented by members here, that have no sports wagering. No legal sports wagering.\n\nSen. Blumenthal: No legal sports betting. A lot of sports betting illegally. And I appreciate your support. I have run out of time.\n\nMr. Levant: Having helped your office and Congressman Tonko write the bill, my answer is yes, and I'm prepared to answer any questions about why the bill sets appropriate public health standards by the federal government. Thank you.\n\nSen. Blumenthal: Thank you.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-join-colleagues-in-introducing-ndaa-amendment-to-protect-military-parents-right-to-health-care-for-their-kids", "Murphy, Blumenthal Join Colleagues in Introducing NDAA Amendment to Protect Military Parents\u2019 Right to Health Care for Their Kids", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 19 of their colleagues in introducing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2025 to remove language that would strip away servicemembers\u2019 parental rights to access medically necessary health care for their transgender children. The U.S. House of Representatives-passed NDAA includes language that bans health care for transgender kids and TRICARE patients under the age of 18.\n\n\u201cParents \u2013 not politicians \u2013 are the only people who should be making health care decisions for their children. This amendment would ensure military families have the same rights as every other family to make sure their kids get the care they need. It is unbelievable that in pushing their hateful, anti-LGBTQ agenda, House Republicans want to punish parents serving our country,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cI have supported and worked hard on the NDAA and its many provisions to enhance and protect our national security as well as Connecticut\u2019s defense industrial base. I have opposed limits on healthcare for families of military personnel. I support this amendment to protect rights of service members and their families to make their own healthcare decisions,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\nEvery major medical and mental health association in the U.S., representing more than 1.3 million U.S. doctors, supports access to this medically necessary, evidence-based health care for transgender people.\n\nIf the House-passed NDAA becomes law, it is estimated that 6,000 \u2013 7,000 transgender children of servicemembers would not be able to access the health care that their parents had approved.\n\nThe amendment to the FY2025 NDAA would strike Sec. 708 of the House-passed NDAA, which would ban TRICARE from offering medically sound health care for our youngest transgender servicemembers and to transgender military children under 18.\n\nThe amendment, led by Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), is also co-sponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).\n\nA full version of the amendment is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-schatz-colleague-reintroduce-legislation-to-avoid-catastrophic-default", "Murphy, Blumenthal, Schatz, Colleague Reintroduce Legislation to Avoid Catastrophic Default", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i) and 14 of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing the End the Threat of Default Act, legislation that would permanently remove the threat of a default by repealing the national debt ceiling, an arbitrary limit restricting the amount that the United States Treasury can borrow to pay its debts. In June 2023, the president signed legislation that suspended the statutory debt ceiling until January 2, 2025.\n\n\u201cNo one should have to lose sleep wondering if their Social Security check or military pay will arrive on time just because Congress can\u2019t get its act together,\u201d said Murphy. \u201cBut every time we have to debate raising the debt ceiling, we take an unnecessary gamble with those benefits and with people\u2019s lives. It\u2019s time we put a stop to the political games and bring an end to the debt ceiling once and for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cFailure to increase an arbitrary debt ceiling would lead to a disruption of critical Social Security and Medicare payments, soaring unemployment, and overall economic catastrophe largely impacting vulnerable populations. I\u2019m proud to support the End the Threat of Default Act, which would repeal the national debt ceiling and permanently remove this threat,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cDefaulting on our national debt would be an economic catastrophe for everyone, especially families, veterans, and seniors. Congress has the chance to debate federal spending, and it\u2019s well before the bill comes due,\u201d said Schatz. \u201cWe need to stop playing this dangerous game with the nation\u2019s economy and get rid of the debt ceiling for good.\u201d\n\nA default would be catastrophic and would likely trigger a recession. Military pay, Social Security and Medicare payments, and Treasury bond yields would all be disrupted.\n\nIn practice, the debt limit has no impact on government spending, which is authorized and approved through the federal budget and appropriations process. Instead, the ceiling restricts the U.S. Treasury from paying for expenditures already approved by Congress therefore requiring Congress to constantly raise the ceiling before it is reached. In recent years, this has become a politicized procedure that often leads to threats of defaulting on the government\u2019s obligation to pay its bills.\n\nThe United States is one of only two democratic countries with a statutory debt ceiling, and the only one that could single-handedly cause a global recession. Since 1960, Congress has acted more than 75 times to raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit. In 2011, the crisis surrounding raising the debt ceiling led credit rating agency Standard & Poor\u2019s to downgrade the U.S. government\u2019s credit rating for the first time ever. Fitch downgraded the U.S. government\u2019s credit rating following debt limit brinksmanship in 2023.\n\nU.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai\u2018i), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) also cosponsored the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-introduces-legislation-to-prevent-frontover-child-deaths", "Blumenthal Introduces Legislation to Prevent Frontover Child Deaths", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) announced today the introduction of legislation to prevent child deaths due to frontover incidents. The Standards to Prevent (STOP) Frontovers Act would require all new vehicles to come equipped with cameras, sensors, or other technology to improve drivers\u2019 visibility and perception of kids, pets, and other objects that may be in front of and around their vehicle and avert crashes. Demonstrations by investigative reporters have shown blind zones in front of some cars to be as large as 16 feet, obscuring children from view and putting them at risk of being run over, leading to deaths and injuries.\n\n\u201cThis mandate for detection devices like cameras or sensors will save lives,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cLarge blind zones around cars are reportedly resulting in heartbreaking incidents\u2014needlessly killing or severely injuring kids. Safety is not\u2014and should never be\u2014a premium feature only available to those who can afford it; it should be the default. I\u2019m proud to lead the STOP Frontovers Act to require a visibility and perception standard for cars to help prevent tragic, deadly accidents.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs vehicles have become larger, so have front and side blind zones as demonstrated by research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and others,\u201d said Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. \u201cAs a result, vulnerable road users, especially small children, may not be visible to the driver thus endangering them to be hit by the vehicle. We commend Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) for introducing The STOP Frontovers Act which will require technology in new cars to prevent these crashes and heartbreaking tragedies. The STOP Frontovers Act should be given the \u2018green light\u2019 to better protect all road users.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs American automobiles get bigger, their blindzones follow suit, leading to needless tragedies that can be prevented using readily available technology,\u201d said Michael Brooks, Executive Director of Center for Auto Safety. \u201cThat\u2019s why the Center for Auto Safety is pleased to support the STOP Frontovers Act, which mandates a federal standard to upgrade drivers\u2019 visual perception zones, and improves safety data collection with respect to frontover and backover incidents.\u201d\n\n\u201cTechnology already exists that can use alerts and sensors to prevent the unimaginable,\u201d said Gabe Knight, Senior Policy Analyst at Consumer Reports. \u201cIt\u2019s time for all vehicles, and especially larger trucks and SUVs, to stop the preventable injuries and deaths caused by frontovers. Consumer Reports urges every member of Congress to support the STOP Frontovers Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe growing dominance of larger, heavier vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks\u2014now making up 75-80% of U.S. vehicle sales\u2014has created massive blindzones where drivers can\u2019t see pedestrians,\u201d said Janette Fennell, President of Kids and Car Safety. \u201cImproving visibility through better vehicle design and advanced safety technologies is critical to protecting vulnerable road users. We must act now to address this escalating safety crisis and safeguard pedestrians both on and off our roads.\u201d\n\nThe legislation announced by Blumenthal would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) that requires vehicles to be equipped with technology that enables drivers to detect and accordingly respond to objects in front of and around their vehicle to reduce death and injury resulting from frontovers. The measure directs NHTSA to begin the rulemaking process for the standard within one year and issue a final FMVSS one year later. It also requires NHTSA to formally define the term \u201cfrontover\u201d to standardize its definition and allow for more accurate data collection. In addition, the bill directs NHTSA to update its Non-Traffic Surveillance data to more accurately count frontover injuries and deaths to provide critical and more accurate information to the Agency and the public about the prevalence of frontovers.\n\nWhile Congress mandated in 2008 that NHTSA issue a rule to establish rear visibility standards in response to countless backover accidents, no such front or side visibility standards currently exist. Such visibility technology, such as cameras and sensors, is offered by some manufacturers, but usually only on expensive, upgraded models or for an additional fee.\n\nThe STOP Frontovers Act has been endorsed by auto and consumer safety organizations, including Kids and Car Safety, the Center for Auto Safety, Consumer Reports, and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.\n\nThe text of the STOP Frontovers Act is available here.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-plan-to-lift-syria-sanctions", "Murphy Statement on Plan to Lift Syria Sanctions", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, on Monday released the following statement supporting a plan for the U.S. to lift sanctions on Syria:\n\n\u201cSince the collapse of the Assad regime, events are moving quickly to shape the new reality in Syria, and the United States cannot be left on the sideline. Syria's path forward should be determined and led by the Syrian people, but the United States should be actively and directly engaging with the new leadership to help ensure a successful transition and protect key U.S. national security interests.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. troop presence on the ground in Syria and our sanctions are important points of leverage that require us to be at the table. Decisions in Damascus will be made quickly, and too often other powers act as the U.S. wrings it hands over what to do. If it is in our interest to support the goals of the new government, the U.S. should not be stubbornly reluctant to lift decades-old sanctions that were constructed to put pressure on a government that is no longer in power. Most immediately, the U.S. should temporarily suspend sanctions that hamper the much-needed surge in humanitarian assistance and reconstruction that will be necessary to help support the Syrian people in the short term.\n\n\u201cOfficials within HTS have publicly stated their intent to govern inclusively, and Syrians and the world will be watching over the coming months ahead to see whether they intend to follow through on that commitment.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-requests-briefing-on-recent-drone-activity-in-new-england-airspace", "Blumenthal Requests Briefing on Recent Drone Activity in New England Airspace", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) sharing his concerns regarding the recent reporting of drone activity in the New England airspace, including Connecticut, and requesting a briefing on how the agencies plan to address safety and security concerns.\n\n\u201cThe proliferation of reported drone activities in this region raises significant safety and security concerns for both commercial and private aviation as well as national security concerns,\u201d wrote Blumenthal. \u201cIncidents involving drones interfering with aircraft operations have increased, posing a real and substantial risk to passengers, crews, and others in the vicinity. And, I am particularly concerned about the potential for these unmanned aerial vehicles \u2013 many of which are as large as a car\u2014 to disrupt air traffic and, more alarmingly, to be used maliciously to threaten national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is critical that the FAA take immediate and comprehensive action to ensure the safety of the airspace. I therefore request that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide briefing regarding a comprehensive plan, coordinated with interagency partners, on addressing these concerns. This briefing should cover all details available regarding these drones as to ownership, operation, impacts on aviation, national security, and privacy,\u201d continued Blumenthal.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDecember 13, 2024\n\nThe Honorable Michael Whitaker The Honorable Christopher A. Wray\n\nAdministrator Director\n\nFederal Aviation Administration Federal Bureau of Investigations\n\nWashington, D.C. Washington, D.C.\n\nThe Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas The Honorable Lloyd Austin\n\nSecretary Secretary\n\nU.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Department of Defense\n\nWashington, D.C. Washington D.C.\n\nDear Administrator Whitaker, Director Wray, Secretary Mayorkas, and Secretary Austin\n\nI am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the increased reporting of drone activity in the airspace near New England. As you are aware, these states are home to some of the busiest and most complex airspaces in the country, including those serving major airports such as LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty, and others that are vital to the U.S. economy. Some of these drones have been reported over or near Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility.\n\nThe proliferation of reported drone activities in this region raises significant safety and security concerns for both commercial and private aviation as well as national security concerns. As you know, incidents involving drones interfering with aircraft operations have increased, posing a real and substantial risk to passengers, crews, and others in the vicinity. And, I am particularly concerned about the potential for these unmanned aerial vehicles \u2013 many of which are as large as a car-- to disrupt air traffic and, more alarmingly, to be used maliciously to threaten national security. I am also concerned about their potential use for surveillance near military installations or elsewhere, to collect sensitive information\n\nWith the growing number of reported drone activities in this region, it is critical that the FAA take immediate and comprehensive action to ensure the safety of the airspace. I therefore request that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide briefing regarding a comprehensive plan, coordinated with interagency partners, on addressing these concerns. This briefing should cover all details available regarding these drones as to ownership, operation, impacts on aviation, national security, and privacy. I request this briefing no later than December 18, 2024. Thank you for your prompt consideration of this request.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-and-cramer-introduce-legislation-to-improve-vision-care-quality-protect-consumer-choice", "Murphy And Cramer Introduce Legislation To Improve Vision Care Quality, Protect Consumer Choice", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced the Vision Lab Choice Act of 2024, legislation to allow clinicians to use the medical labs of their choosing and lower costs for both patients and doctors. There are currently just two Vision Benefit Managers (VBMs) that dominate the vision insurance market, providing coverage to two-thirds of Americans with vision benefits. These VBMs often own the frame and lens manufacturers and control which labs an optometrist can use \u2013 a dynamic that has resulted in less autonomy for providers and more limited choices for their patients. The Vision Lab Choice Act of 2024 would amend Title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to allow optometrists to choose the best labs and suppliers for their practice, ensuring patients receive high-quality, personalized vision care.\n\n\u201cRight now, VBMs control practically every part of the vision industry \u2013 the insurance plans, the manufacturers for frames and lenses, the vision labs \u2013 and they use that power to eliminate choice and drive up costs for doctors and patients,\u201d said Murphy. \u201cThis bill would solve a small piece of that problem by making sure optometrists aren\u2019t forced to use a VBMs preferred vision lab. Instead, they\u2019ll have the freedom to choose labs that lower costs and cut wait times for patients.\u201d\n\n\u201cVision Benefit Managers are often a hurdle to optometrists and eye care specialists providing the best care to their patients,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cExpanding consumer choice benefits patients when service is improved. I joined Senator Murphy in introducing the bipartisan Vision Lab Choice Act of 2024, so doctors will have more autonomy over which labs they work with and where they source their materials.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Vision Lab Choice Act of 2024 would:\n\nLimit contracts between vision care providers (e.g., optometrists) and insurers for limited-scope vision benefits to two-year terms; and\n\nProhibit health plans from restricting or limiting doctors\u2019 choice of laboratories and sources or suppliers of vision materials provided to patients\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Optometric Association, National Consumers League, Patients Rising, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Global Policy Initiative.\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-colleagues-venezuelas-demand-for-freedom-will-not-be-silenced", "Murphy, Colleagues: Venezuela\u2019s Demand for Freedom Will Not Be Silenced", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), released the following statement condemning the Maduro regime\u2019s ongoing campaign of intimidation against opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, her family, and peaceful protestors across Venezuela:\n\n\u201cOn July 28, despite arbitrary candidate bans, rampant censorship, and organized intimidation, Nicolas Maduro suffered a resounding electoral defeat by the people of Venezuela. Their overwhelming support for Edmundo Gonz\u00e1lez Urrutia sent a clear message to Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, Padrino Lopez, and all his enablers: state-sponsored violence and disinformation will never silence Venezuela\u2019s cry for freedom. The world has heard this cry, and we will not ignore it.\n\n\u201cWe call on the Maduro regime to immediately release the thousands of political prisoners unjustly held in its custody \u2013 peaceful protestors, women, and children included. The relentless harassment and intimidation of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and her family are shameless acts of desperation. Maduro must uphold international law, honor Venezuela\u2019s obligations under the Vienna Convention, and end threats to opposition figures who have sought refuge in the Argentine Embassy in Caracas, under the protection of the Brazilian government.\n\n\u201cThe Maduro regime must respect the results of the July 28 election and conduct a peaceful transfer of power to the democratic opposition. While last week\u2019s announcement of a UN Human Rights Council probe into Maduro\u2019s efforts to subvert Venezuela\u2019s election is a welcome step forward, this alone is not enough. The Biden administration and incoming Trump administration must intensify efforts to address the Maduro regime\u2019s abuses, as true accountability and lasting justice are only possible through sustained action. The U.S. Congress remains firmly dedicated to championing policies to support the Venezuelan people in their enduring pursuit of democracy \u2013 a dedication that will never waver.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-murkowski-lead-senate-colleagues-in-calling-for-action-to-lower-costs-improve-services-for-coast-guard-installations", "Murphy, Murkowski Lead Senate Colleagues In Calling For Action To Lower Costs, Improve Services For Coast Guard Installations", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) led 7 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to finalize intergovernmental support agreement (IGSA) authority for the U.S. Coast Guard. Granting this authority will allow the Coast Guard to pursue more efficient, cost-saving service contracts through partnerships with local government entities \u2013 a practice all other military services have been taking advantage of for over a decade.\n\nSince 2013, all military services except for the Coast Guard have been entering IGSAs and coordinating with local and state governments to secure lower-cost contracts for higher-quality services, like waste removal, childcare, and road maintenance. These agreements have delivered millions of dollars in savings, reduced administrative burdens, and improved community relations at military installations across the country \u2013 including Naval Submarine Base New London. Despite a 2023 determination that the Coast Guard is also eligible to use IGSA authority, DHS has yet to issue the formal guidance necessary for Coast Guard facilities, like the Coast Guard Academy, to take advantage of these local contracting agreements and to unlock their many benefits.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate DHS\u2019s attention to IGSA authority and the benefits it can deliver the Coast Guard and local communities, including expanded educational offerings for local children, increased employment options for military spouses, and greater opportunities for small businesses,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cHowever, we are concerned by the delay in issuing IGSA guidance and procedures for the Coast Guard, and we worry that unless DHS leadership quickly addresses this disparity, our Coast Guard communities could be left waiting to see these agreements\u2019 benefits for years more. While DHS has many competing demands and procedures that differ from the DOD, we feel strongly that the department should prioritize finalizing the IGSA authority that promises to deliver the Coast Guard enhanced mission effectiveness, efficiencies, or economies of scale \u2013 especially at a moment when arbitrary budget constraints and increasing global threats are forcing the service to do more with less.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith this in mind, we urge you and your department to act quickly in the weeks ahead to incorporate best practices from other services using IGSAs, to formalize effective internal approval processes with all necessary safeguards, and to equip the Coast Guard and local governments to take full advantage of these agreements wherever mutually beneficial,\u201d the senators continued.\n\nThe senators concluded: \u201cBased on the successful use of IGSAs by other military services, we believe that the Coast Guard and local communities stand to benefit greatly from the cost savings, administrative efficiency, and improved local relationships that these agreements can deliver. Our constituents, inside and outside the service, look forward to swift action by DHS in issuing IGSA authority and unlocking the improved installation services, cost efficiency, and business opportunities that Coast Guard communities are asking for and deserve.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) also signed the letter.\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Mayorkas,\n\nWe write today to urge your department to move expeditiously to equip the U.S. Coast Guard to enter cost-effective, mutually beneficial intergovernmental support agreements (IGSAs) with state and local governments. We understand the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been assessing Coast Guard IGSA authority for years now, and while we appreciate the need to deliberate and set clear, effective procedures, we encourage DHS to complete this process as soon as possible and unlock the enhanced cost savings, mission effectiveness, and local relations that IGSAs can deliver Coast Guard installations and their neighboring communities.\n\nIn 2013, Congress authorized military services to enter into IGSAs with local and state governments to support installation services, as long as these sole-source agreements provided financial benefits or improved mission effectiveness. This FY 2013 NDAA-passed provision (10 U.S. Code \u00a7 2679) aimed to rein in the military\u2019s installation support costs, and it has delivered clear successes: using thorough vetting processes, services have approved over 170 IGSAs across nearly 100 installations for services ranging from waste removal to public transportation to fire response to animal control.[i] A 2018 GAO report studied eight IGSAs and found just those agreements generating financial benefits of at least $9 million \u2013 not to mention the less tangible benefits of reduced administrative time, increased service efficiency and quality, and improved relationships with surrounding communities.\n\nWhile the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy have benefited from IGSA benefits, the Coast Guard has unfortunately yet to receive the guidance from DHS needed to approve these agreements and unlock key cost savings, improved efficiency, and higher-quality services. We understand that DHS and Coast Guard leadership agree that 10 U.S. Code \u00a7 2679 offered the Coast Guard IGSA authority, as it did the other services in 2013, but DHS has gone slower than DOD in issuing the guidelines and approval processes required to initiate IGSAs.\n\nWe appreciate DHS\u2019s attention to IGSA authority and the benefits it can deliver the Coast Guard and local communities, including expanded educational offerings for local children, increased employment options for military spouses, and greater opportunities for small businesses. However, we are concerned by the delay in issuing IGSA guidance and procedures for the Coast Guard, and we worry that unless DHS leadership decides to act fast, our Coast Guard communities could be left waiting to see these agreements\u2019 benefits for years more. While DHS has many competing demands and procedures that differ from DOD, we feel strongly that the department should prioritize finalizing the IGSA authority that promises to deliver the Coast Guard enhanced mission effectiveness, efficiencies, or economies of scale \u2013 especially at a moment when budget constraints and increasing global threats are forcing the service to do more with less.\n\nAs part of the IGSA implementation effort, we also expect that you will ensure the FY26 budget request reflects an increase to the Coast Guard\u2019s Operations & Support budget. We view this as essential to not create another unfunded task for the Coast Guard which would compound the disparities that exist between the Coast Guard and other branches of the military.\n\nWith this in mind, we urge you and your department to act quickly in the weeks ahead to incorporate best practices from other services using IGSAs, to formalize effective internal approval processes with all necessary safeguards, and to equip the Coast Guard and local governments to take full advantage of these agreements wherever mutually beneficial. We also request answers to the questions below no later than 21 days from the date of this letter:\n\nWhat specific constraints is DHS facing in finalizing and issuing IGSA authority for the Coast Guard, if any?\n\nWhat specific benefits does DHS expect IGSA authority to deliver to the Coast Guard?\n\nWhat concerns, if any, does DHS have about issuing IGSA authority to the Coast Guard?\n\nFor what specific types of services does DHS expect the Coast Guard to use IGSAs?\n\nHow is DHS engaging the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and DHS agencies to learn from their experiences with IGSAs and to develop guidance and approval processes based on their successes and lessons learned?\n\nWhat guardrails is DHS planning to incorporate into its IGSA guidance and internal approval processes to ensure such agreements prioritize Coast Guard installations\u2019 enhanced mission effectiveness, efficiencies, or economies of scale?\n\nHow is DHS and the Coast Guard planning to collect and monitor information on the financial and nonfinancial benefits of implemented IGSAs, in order to ensure accountability and improvement of procedures over time?\n\nBased on the successful use of IGSAs by other military services, we believe that the Coast Guard and local communities stand to benefit greatly from the cost savings, administrative efficiency, and improved local relationships that these agreements can deliver. Our constituents, inside and outside the service, look forward to swift action by DHS in issuing IGSA authority and unlocking the improved installation services, cost efficiency, and business opportunities that Coast Guard communities are asking for and deserve.\n\nWe appreciate your close attention to this matter and look forward to your response.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:32:39Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-house-passage-national-defense-authorization-act-0", "DeLauro Statement on House Passage of National Defense Authorization Act", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that authorizes investments to strengthen our national security and support our servicemembers.\n\n\u201cI voted yes on the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes critical investments in the foundation of our national defense: our servicemembers, civilian workers, and their families,\u201d said DeLauro. \u201cThis legislation reinforces our domestic industrial base, particularly the skilled union workforce here in Connecticut, while improving our military readiness. I will work to ensure these investments are funded in a final bipartisan 2025 defense spending bill.\u201d\n\nThe bill authorizes funding for key projects that grow and sustain thousands of jobs in Connecticut:\n\n$2.07 billion for 20 CH-53Ks, built at Sikorsky;\n\n$709 million for 24 UH-60M Blackhawks, made at Sikorsky;\n\n$25 million for Blackhawk Block II Modernization, which will help sustain the engineering and design workforce at Sikorsky for work on the next fleet of Blackhawk helicopters;\n\n$527 million for F135 Engine Core Upgrade development across Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, a key engineering program for the F-35 engine underway at Pratt & Whitney;\n\n$3.972 billion for one Virginia Class submarine, with incremental funding authority for a second boat and $357 million for additional material and support;\n\nMoreover, the legislation:\n\nAuthorizes a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and 4.5 percent pay raise for all other service members;\n\nEliminates copays for eligible TRICARE beneficiaries for contraceptives acquired through retail pharmacies and the national mail-order pharmacy;\n\nAuthorizes a $177 million investment in military construction design funds to accelerate replacement of poor and failing unaccompanied housing and barracks;\n\nAnd authorizes funding for childcare fee assistance programs to eliminate fee assistance waitlists for eligible families;\n\nA summary of the legislation is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-applauds-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-combat-loneliness-amongst-older-adults", "Murphy Applauds Senate Passage Of Legislation To Combat Loneliness Amongst Older Adults", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP), applauded the passage of the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults Act, legislation Murphy introduced to reduce loneliness and improve quality of life for older adults. The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults is an effort to increase the social engagement of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers by expanding and enhancing services that promote social connection. Murphy\u2019s legislation would support the Center\u2019s work to provide resources and programming to Area Agencies on Aging and community-based organizations like libraries and senior centers. The bill passed the Senate unanimously as part of a reauthorization of the Older Americans Act and passed the HELP Committee by a bipartisan vote earlier this year.\n\n\u201cThe National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults helps places like local libraries and senior centers reach out to two of the most socially isolated groups \u2014 adults with disabilities and seniors. Nothing is more important for finding happiness and fulfillment in life than having quality relationships with other people. I\u2019m proud we got this done, and I\u2019ll continue to look for ways the federal government can support local places that build community,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-baldwin-booker-40-senators-no-new-anti-lgbtq-anti-abortion-provisions-in-must-pass-government-funding-bills", "Murphy, Baldwin, Booker, 40+ Senators: No New Anti-LGBTQ, Anti-Abortion Provisions in Must-Pass Government Funding Bills", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) who led a group of over 40 Senators to urge Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) to keep any new dangerous, hyper-partisan policy provisions that would curtail the freedoms of women and LGBTQ individuals out of must-pass government funding legislation. House Republicans inserted so-called \u2018poison pill\u2019 provisions, which would otherwise fail the scrutiny of congressional debate, into critical government funding bills that require broad, bipartisan consensus to pass.\n\nThe senators wrote, \u201cDangerous poison pill provisions like those included in the FY25 House appropriations bills will severely undermine Congress\u2019 ability to push forward must-pass legislation and keep the government open and working for the American people. As such, we urge you to reject these extremist riders from the final FY25 appropriations bills.\u201d\n\nThe senators\u2019 letter is endorsed by Human Rights Campaign, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, ACLU, Guttmacher Institute, Whitman-Walker Institute, National Council of Jewish Women, National Women\u2019s Law Center, Reproductive Freedom for All, Power to Decide, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Advocates for Trans Equality, and Physicians for Reproductive Health.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found by clicking here and follows below:\n\nDear Chair Murray and Vice Chair Collins:\n\nWe write to urge you to keep the FY25 appropriations bills free of any new poison pill policy riders. Partisan, discriminatory, and harmful policy riders have no place in must-pass legislation such as appropriations bills. In the recent past, the Senate has had success passing bipartisan bills in committee because these bills did not contain new poison pill riders. Unfortunately, in FY25, the House has included more than 55 new anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ riders in its appropriations bills, which we urge you to reject from any final FY25 appropriations bills.\n\nIn the more than two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization, our country has experienced a reproductive health care crisis. As of December 3, 2024, 13 states have banned abortion entirely, and 7 states have banned abortion anywhere from 6 to 18 weeks. Republicans have also attempted to ban medication abortion, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the United States. These bans leave 1 in 3 women, as well as transgender and nonbinary people, without access to abortion and disproportionately impact people of color, people with disabilities, young people, people living in rural areas, and people with low incomes.\n\nDespite the dangerous consequences of the bans and the overwhelming support for access to abortion, House Republicans have continued to propose extremist anti-abortion policy riders in their appropriations bills. These new riders include a measure to stop the implementation of the Biden administration\u2019s executive orders to protect access to abortion care in the wake of Dobbs, a provision that would interfere with essential postgraduate medical training in abortion care, and a provision that would restrict access to abortion and fertility care for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. If adopted, these provisions would dramatically undermine people\u2019s ability to make decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures and providers\u2019 ability to deliver necessary reproductive health care.\n\nHouse Republicans have also used the FY25 appropriations process to push extremist and unpopular anti- LGBTQ+ measures, which threaten the lives and fundamental dignity of LGBTQ+ communities. Anti- LGBTQ+ legislation is being introduced across the country; in 2024 alone, more than 574 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across 42 state legislatures.\n\nAgainst this backdrop, House Republicans have introduced more than 50 anti-LGBTQ+ provisions across all 12 appropriations bills. This includes provisions in every appropriations bill that would allow people and organizations, including those that receive taxpayer funds, to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and several provisions that would prevent the administration from enforcing executive orders and laws to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. Half of the House\u2019s appropriations bills also contain dangerous riders that severely restrict access to gender-affirming care, which would deprive transgender people of critical, medically necessary, evidence-based, and often life-saving healthcare. Among those who would be impacted by these riders are the more than 134,000 transgender veterans who rely on the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Administration for their healthcare.\n\nDangerous poison pill provisions like those included in the FY25 House appropriations bills will severely undermine Congress\u2019 ability to push forward must-pass legislation and keep the government open and working for the American people. As such, we urge you to reject these extremist riders from the final FY25 appropriations bills.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-smith-lujan-reintroduce-legislation-giving-the-us-department-of-labor-more-tools-to-enforce-mental-health-parity-laws", "Murphy, Smith, Luj\u00e1n Reintroduce Legislation Giving The U.S. Department Of Labor More Tools To Enforce Mental Health Parity Laws", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, along with U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.) on Thursday reintroduced the Parity Enforcement Act, legislation to hold insurance companies accountable and give the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) the authority to assess civil monetary penalties for violations of mental health parity requirements. This new authority would incentivize compliance and strengthen the protections of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.\n\n\u201cDespite the fact that insurance companies are required by law to cover mental health the same way they cover physical health, insurers continue to find new ways to dodge compliance and deny coverage of care so they can pad their profits. This is a simple bill to give the Department of Labor the power to enforce mental health parity laws and help ensure patients get the mental health care they need,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cWe need to treat mental health with the same urgency we treat physical health, and that means making sure everyone has access to the care they need,\u201d said Smith. \u201cBy law, insurance companies are required to provide mental health care as they provide physical health care, yet they continue to find ways to dodge compliance and deny coverage. This bill gives the federal government the teeth they need to hold insurance companies accountable when they don\u2019t follow the law and bring us one step closer to ensuring that everyone has access to quality, affordable mental health care.\u201d\n\n\"Mental health treatment deserves the same seriousness that physical injury demands. The law demands it and yet far too many Americans go without mental health and behavioral health care because there is not parity for these essential services,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cEnforcing mental health parity laws is crucial to holding insurance providers accountable and ensuring compliance. I\u2019m proud to join Senators Murphy and Smith in reintroducing this legislation to strengthen mental health parity enforcement, empower the Department of Labor to address violations, and expand access to life-saving treatments.\"\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Psychiatric Association, Inseparable, and the Kennedy Forum.\n\n\u201cEnding discriminatory insurer practices is critical to increasing access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. The American Society of Addiction Medicine fully supports the Parity Enforcement Act of 2024, which would provide much-needed enforcement of existing federal parity law and help more Americans access the comprehensive addiction care they need,\u201d said Dr. Brian Hurley, president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).\n\n\"Every American should have the ability to access high-quality and effective mental health and substance use disorder care,\" said Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A., CEO and Medical Director of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). \"APA applauds Senator Murphy\u2019s work to ensure access to care by empowering the Department of Labor to enforce mental health parity law and impose civil monetary penalties on health plans and insurers in violation.\"\n\n\"We commend Senator Chris Murphy for introducing the Parity Enforcement Act,\" said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. \"This much-needed bill will help prevent suicide by supporting enforcement of existing mental health parity laws, making mental health care and substance use treatment more affordable and accessible for all.\"\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-who-would-the-sandy-hook-kids-be-today", "Murphy: Who Would The Sandy Hook Kids Be Today?", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Ahead of the twelfth anniversary of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to honor the twenty children and six educators who were senselessly killed that day and the impact of America\u2019s gun violence epidemic.\n\n\"I never really know what to say every year when I come down here to give this speech, but because this is the year that those kids would have been going to college and voting for the first time, this year of transition into adulthood, it's worth thinking about who they would be today and what amazing things they might be getting ready to do in their adulthood,\u201d Murphy said.\n\nMurphy reflected on a few of the young lives lost that day: \u201cCatherine Hubbard, as early as preschool, just adored animals. And she knew, even when she was six years old, that her purpose in life was to protect animals. She would catch butterflies and put them in her hand, and whisper to them, \u2018tell your friends that I am kind.\u2019 Then she'd let them go. She made business cards \u2013 she's six! She made business cards for Catherine's Animal Shelter, because she knew that was what she was going to do. She was going to save animals as an adult. Chase Kowalski was a jock. He loved to run, swim, bike. So much so that that year that he died, when he was six years old, he asked his parents to find him a triathlon to compete in. He's six! You wonder what triathlon, training for a triathlon\u2014he ran in that triathlon, he swam in that triathlon, he biked in that triathlon, and he won his age group. That kind of indomitable spirit, the willingness to tackle challenges so big, that's a recipe for success in life. What would Chase Kowalski be getting ready to do right now? What big challenges in the world would he see as an opportunity to confront? What a difference might he be making in the world, having displayed those really rare characteristics as a six-year-old? Emilie Parker was a super talented artist who didn't travel anywhere without her colored pencils and her markers. She just wanted to do art wherever she was. She was very attuned to kids around her who weren't feeling well, who were feeling sad, and her immediate instinct when she would run into a friend who wasn't feeling good that day was to paint them a picture or draw them a picture to make them feel better.\n\nHe continued: \u201c[W]hat would Catherine, and what would Chase, and what would Emilie have done with their lives had they lived? What would all of these other beautiful girls and boys, their teachers, have done with their lives, had they been here today? It's just unthinkable how many lives are cut off, how much genius is extinguished, how much change could have benefited all of us because we live in a world in which 100 mainly young men and women in their teens and twenties lose their lives every day? But I'm here to tell you that that's not the extent of the story. Because it's not just those who die who have their potential extinguished.\u201d\n\nOn how living in violent neighborhoods impacts children, Murphy said: \u201cI have a group of middle schoolers that I sort of call my \u2018neighborhood kitchen cabinet,\u2019 and I go and meet with them every month or so to get their feedback on what needs to be better about our neighborhood that we live in. And they regularly tell me that for them school is the safe place. It's their walk to and from school, it's the weekends, where they don't feel safe. And when you have millions of children in this country who experience that exposure to violence on a daily basis\u2014in Birmingham, Alabama, 58% of people live within a quarter mile of a recent fatal shooting; in New Haven, same number, 58% of people live within a quarter mile of a fatal shooting\u2014when that's your daily reality, whether you survive the year or not, your brain is impacted, as a child, in a way that robs you of the basic skills for life's success: resiliency, grit.\u201d\n\nMurphy continued: \u201cI wish I knew what all these kids ended up being, where they were going to college, what their dreams were becoming. But make no mistake, the potential that we are losing in this country because of the choice we make here not to make combating gun violence a priority, it is extinguishing the potential, not of a hundred people a day\u2014those that lose their lives\u2014but literally of tens of thousands, and it's just a choice we make.\u201d\n\nA full transcript of his remarks can be found below:\n\n\u201cMr. President, earlier today I got to spend a little time with a close friend of mine, Sam Saylor. And as I was talking to Sam\u2014a resident of Hartford, Connecticut, the city in which I live\u2014 I was thinking about who his son, Shane, might be today.\n\n\u201cShane had a tough life. Shane was born with a birth defect in which one of his arms was essentially inoperable. He grew up in really poor circumstances. He was often bullied. But Shane had a spirit about him\u2014a fighting spirit, sometimes, that the got him in trouble\u2014but a spirit to rise above his circumstances, to do something with his life. His mom\u2014a strong mom\u2014and Sam, his dad, clearly gave him a vision of what his life could be, such that when he was 20 years old, he had started a small business.\n\n\u201cHe was buying cars that needed to be rehabbed and fixed up. He would do that. And he would sell them to make a little bit of a profit\u2014 an extraordinarily endeavor for a kid who had lived that kind of life, who had had those kinds of obstacles. Twelve years later, Shane would have been in his early 30's today. What would Shane have been doing? Would he be running an auto body shop, would he be an active member of his community, would he be making a difference in the way his father and mother have?\n\n\u201cShane could have been a life changer. But he's not, because on October 20th, twelve years ago, Shane died. Shane died when he was selling one of these cars. He was meeting a prospective buyer. He brought his girlfriend along and one of the group of kids who was with the buyer said something mean or coarse about Shane's girlfriend. Some words were exchanged. Shane, as he sometimes did, threw a punch. In the other group's car, there happened to be an illegal gun. They were furious that Shane had thrown that punch. They went and got that gun. They shot Shane dead in cold blood. Shane's mom got there before he died at the scene. He died at the hospital. I just think about who Shane would be today, what great things he would be doing.\n\n\u201cTwo months later the entire world woke up to the epidemic of gun violence in this country. Shane's murder happened on October 20th, 2012, and then, on December 14th, 2012, the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School happened. Twenty first graders and six educators lost their lives. I never really know what to say every year when I come down here to give this speech, but because this is the year that those kids would have been going to college and voting for the first time, this year of transition into adulthood, it's worth thinking about who they would be today and what amazing things they might be getting ready to do in their adulthood.\n\n\u201cCatherine Hubbard, as early as preschool, just adored animals. And she knew, even when she was six years old, that her purpose in life was to protect animals. She would catch butterflies and put them in her hand, and whisper to them, \u2018tell your friends that I am kind.\u2019 Then she'd let them go. She made business cards \u2013 she's six! She made business cards for Catherine's Animal Shelter, because she knew that was what she was going to do. She was going to save animals as an adult.\n\n\u201cChase Kowalski was a jock. He loved to run, swim, bike. So much so that that year that he died, when he was six years old, he asked his parents to find him a triathlon to compete in. He's six! You wonder what triathlon, training for a triathlon\u2014he ran in that triathlon, he swam in that triathlon, he biked in that triathlon, and he won his age group. That kind of indomitable spirit, the willingness to tackle challenges so big, that's a recipe for success in life. What would Chase Kowalski be getting ready to do right now? What big challenges in the world would he see as an opportunity to confront? What a difference might he be making in the world, having displayed those really rare characteristics as a six-year-old?\n\n\u201cEmilie Parker was a super talented artist who didn't travel anywhere without her colored pencils and her markers. She just wanted to do art wherever she was. She was very attuned to kids around her who weren't feeling well, who were feeling sad, and her immediate instinct when she would run into a friend who wasn't feeling good that day was to paint them a picture or draw them a picture to make them feel better.\n\n\u201cThis month, the Catherine Hubbard Animal Sanctuary broke ground on what will become Catherine's Learning Barn. And over the last ten years, the not-for-profit her parents set up in her name has conducted thousands of opportunities and workshops for kids to commune with animals. There is a Race for Chase kids triathlon today, and so there are children all over Connecticut who are learning how to overcome obstacles by racing in their first triathlon, named after Chase. And the Emilie Parker Art Connection has helped support arts programs that are under siege with local budget cuts. Not just in Connecticut, but all over the country, kids are getting to experience art because of the Emilie Parker Art Connection.\n\n\u201cThat's a lovely story. The triathlon, the animal sanctuary, the arts programming. But what would Catherine, and what would Chase, and what would Emilie have done with their lives had they lived? What would all of these other beautiful girls and boys, their teachers, have done with their lives, had they been here today?\n\n\u201cIt's just unthinkable how many lives are cut off, how much genius is extinguished, how much change could have benefited all of us because we live in a world in which 100 mainly young men and women in their teens and twenties lose their lives every day? But I'm here to tell you that that's not the extent of the story. Because it's not just those who die who have their potential extinguished.\n\n\u201cI live in the south end of Hartford. The presiding officer lives in a neighborhood with high rates of violence. And he knows as well as I do the biology that impacts kids who wake up every single day fearing for their lives. I have a group of middle schoolers that I sort of call my \u2018neighborhood kitchen cabinet,\u2019 and I go and meet with them every month or so to get their feedback on what needs to be better about our neighborhood that we live in. And they regularly tell me that for them school is the safe place. It's their walk to and from school, it's the weekends, where they don't feel safe. And when you have millions of children in this country who experience that exposure to violence on a daily basis\u2014in Birmingham, Alabama, 58% of people live within a quarter mile of a recent fatal shooting; in New Haven, same number, 58% of people live within a quarter mile of a fatal shooting\u2014when that's your daily reality, whether you survive the year or not, your brain is impacted, as a child, in a way that robs you of the basic skills for life's success: resiliency, grit.\n\n\u201cIt's not a coincidence that all the low-performing schools in this country are in the violent neighborhoods. It's hard to learn, impossible, for those kids who see gun violence on a daily basis. And so I wish I knew what Shane would be as an adult. I wish I knew what all these kids ended up being, where they were going to college, what their dreams were becoming. But make no mistake, the potential that we are losing in this country because of the choice we make here not to make combating gun violence a priority, it is extinguishing the potential, not of a hundred people a day\u2014those that lose their lives\u2014but literally of tens of thousands, and it's just a choice we make.\n\n\u201cShane's first small business was a water selling business. He asked his dad one summer if he could just set up a little stand and sell bottled water to people in the neighborhood. And so his dad fronted him the money, bought him one of those big Costco packs of bottled water, and Shane set out his little stand to sell the water in a neighborhood where whether he knew it or not he was already exposed to levels of trauma due to the loss of life that was happening almost every weekend that summer in Hartford, Connecticut. And he put a sign in front of his table. He named his business \u2018Shane Oliver Sells.\u2019 And he wrote the acronym, S.O.S. When you send out an S.O.S. call, right, it's your last chance, right? You're on that boat, you've tried everything\u2014you\u2019ve tried bailing it out, you\u2019ve tried restarting the engine, you\u2019ve tried plugging the hole. You're done. The only thing left is to signal that S.O.S. call so that somebody in charge will come and rescue you.\n\n\u201cI don't know if Shane knew or didn't know what his acronym meant, but Shane Oliver sat out there every day in a neighborhood plagued by gun violence with a sign that said S.O.S. And it is representative of the millions of kids all across this country who every single day are sending out an S.O.S. signal to the adults that are supposed to protect them, that are supposed to show up here every day and make it a priority that something like this never, ever happens again. Where the kids that live in my neighborhood never ever fear for their lives walking from their home to school. That S.O.S. call is being sent out from thousands of neighborhoods all across this country, here. That call is being delivered to us. It's been twelve years since we lost these beautiful children and the adults that protected them, and it's about time that we respond to that plea for help. I yield the floor.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-murphy-applaud-unanimous-house-passage-scotland-zip-code", "Courtney, Murphy Applaud Unanimous House Passage of Scotland Zip Code Solution", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the bipartisan H.R. 8753 which included Rep. Joe Courtney\u2019s provision to mandate the U.S. Postal Service assign Scotland, Connecticut a single zip code. The vote comes after Courtney urged his colleagues earlier this week to support the measure.\n\nScotland has 600-plus residencies, but six zip-codes, leading to misplaced packages, difficulty requesting mail-in ballots, and uncertainty about where to send students to school. In March, Rep. Courtney and Sen. Murphy joined forces to introduce bicameral legislation (H.R. 7800 and S. 4052) to direct the USPS to assign Scotland a single zip code. On November 21st, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform approved the House bill, 40-0, as part of a larger package (H.R. 8753), sponsored by Rep. Boebert (R-CO), to address zip-code issues for Americans in 45 towns nationwide.\n\n\u201cWith passage of this bill, the voices of Scotland residents have been heard loud and clear in Washington and we are one step closer to once and for all solving this Monty Python-esque absurdity. Senator Murphy and I will continue working together to get this bill through the Senate and to the President\u2019s desk for signature. The hardworking, taxpaying citizens of Scotland deserve to get the same level of postal service as every other community,\u201d Courtney said.\n\n\u201cThe people of Scotland have suffered long enough from the logistical nightmare of having six zip codes for one town. It\u2019s great news the House passed this bill, and I\u2019m doing everything I can to make sure the Senate does the same,\u201d said Murphy.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-courtney-speaks-house-floor-support-seapower-provisions", "Ranking Member Courtney Speaks on House Floor in Support of Seapower Provisions in Annual Defense Bill", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This afternoon during debate on the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA), Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, spoke on the House floor in support of the seapower provisions in the final annual defense bill. The House is scheduled to vote on the NDAA later this afternoon.\n\nThe bill (H.R. 5009) being considered today reflects the final, negotiated text between the House and the Senate following months of negotiations to reconcile the differences between the versions that each chamber passed last summer. The Senate is expected to follow the House\u2019s lead and pass the bill in the next week and send it to President Biden\u2019s desk for signature.\n\nFor a fact sheet on Courtney-led priorities, click here.\n\nTo view and download Ranking Member Courtney\u2019s remarks, click here.\n\nRemarks as Delivered\n\nMr. Speaker, as Ranking Member of Seapower, I want to thank its members, all of its members, for their input crafting this year's National Defense Authorization Act. I also want to salute my friend and outstanding chairman of the subcommittee, Trent Kelly, for his work crafting our bipartisan mark. I have a larger written statement which details our work, which I will submit for the record and use my time today on the issue which consumed the bulk of our time, namely the Virginia class attack submarine program.\n\nMr. Speaker, the U.S. attack submarine fleet stands as our unmatched strategic advantage against any adversary across the globe. There is overwhelming consensus in Congress, Navy, and industry that we need to expand output for our own fleet and to satisfy our nation's commitments to the AUKUS security agreement. Despite the slowdown caused by COVID, there are promising signs of industry's recovery. In 2024, the Navy commissioned USS New Jersey, the 23rd Virginia sub, and will receive delivery of USS Iowa next week. Next year, the Navy will take delivery of USS Massachusetts and Idaho, the 25th and 26th boats in the class.\n\nThis bill recognizes this progress and rejects the Navy's woefully inadequate budget requests, which would undermine procurement stability that is essential to growing the program's supply chain. Simply put, to meet our strategic goals, we have no other choice than to move forward with a strong demand signal.\n\nFinal language in this bill uses incremental authority to fund a second Virginia submarine and provides additional authorities that will allow shipyards to boost wages, a critical step to increase recruitment and retention among the metal trades workforce.\n\nThis is not pie in the sky. Indeed, just last month, OMB and the Navy belatedly acknowledged our committee's stance and sent over a supplemental request to Congress of nearly $6 billion for the Virginia class submarine program. It is our hope that with this bill, and the supplemental request, Navy and industry can achieve even higher production cadence and execute the long overdue next block contract for the program.\n\nThis bill truly carries out our constitutional duty in Article 1, Section 8 to \u201cprovide and maintain the Navy.\u201d I want to thank our subcommittee staff, Phil MacNaughton, Ian Bennitt, Kelly Goggin, Kyle Noyes, and Ethan Pelissier for their work in crafting this product and with that, I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-votes-support-national-defense-bill", "Rep. Courtney Votes in Support of National Defense Bill", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Joe Courtney voted to pass the final FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This marks the 64th consecutive year the House has passed the annual defense bill.\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Rep. Courtney secured generational improvements for servicemembers and their families, successfully reversed the Navy\u2019s request to cut procurement of a Virginia class submarine, and authorized wage increases for shipbuilders at Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding.\n\nThe bill (H.R. 5009) passed today (281-140) reflects the final, negotiated text between the House and the Senate following months of negotiations to reconcile the differences between the versions that each chamber passed last summer. The Senate is expected to follow the House\u2019s lead and pass the bill in the next week and send it to President Biden\u2019s desk for signature.\n\n\u201cLast June, I sat down with servicemembers and their spouses at SUBASE NEW LONDON to brief them on the transformational \u2018quality of life improvements\u2019 that are included in this year\u2019s defense bill which significantly boosts pay for entry-level enlisted sailors and soldiers, and provides greater housing assistance and day care support for all servicemembers. There\u2019s no question that these provisions are sorely needed and welcomed among the thousands of submariners and their families in eastern Connecticut as well as residents who serve in other branches of the military. The bill also authorizes funding for two Virginia class submarines, rejecting the Navy\u2019s completely inadequate budget request submitted last February. The bill boosts the Virginia account and extends new latitude to submarine shipbuilders to increase wages for frontline shipyard workers.\n\n\u201cThis final negotiated bill eliminated most of the partisan \u2018poison pills\u2019 included in the legislation that narrowly passed out of the House in June. It is unfortunate that one item that came out of the Senate that limits some TRICARE health care coverage for specific procedures for some minor dependents of servicemembers stayed in the bill at the insistence of Speaker Johnson.\n\n\u201cThat said, Speaker Johnson\u2019s intrusion cannot jeopardize delivering major quality life improvements to the sailors in eastern Connecticut and the investments needed to grow our submarine fleet, which the FY25 NDAA achieves,\u201d Courtney concluded.\n\nFor a fact sheet on Courtney-led priorities, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-democrats-elect-delauro-lead-appropriations-committee-119th", "House Democrats Elect DeLauro to Lead the Appropriations Committee for 119th Congress", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), was selected by her Democratic colleagues to continue serving as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee for the 119th Congress.\n\n\u201cI am honored that my colleagues selected me to continue serving as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee in the 119th Congress,\u201d said Congresswoman DeLauro. \u201cLeading Democrats on the committee is a profound responsibility. I remain committed to passing funding bills that reflect our shared values as Americans. I will fight for bipartisan funding that helps Americans deal with the high cost of living, secures our border, keeps families safe, and protects Americans against extreme weather events and natural disasters while reinforcing United States leadership on the global stage. I will also safeguard Congress\u2019s constitutional power of the purse and oppose any extreme proposals that harm the American people.\u201d\n\nAs the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, DeLauro restored Congress\u2019s power to deliver directly to communities across the country after more than a decade-long hiatus. She has secured more than $57 million for Connecticut\u2019s Third Congressional District since 2021 to support local projects, including $3 million for the renovation of the Fair Haven Health Clinic and resources for local police, Boys and Girls Clubs, and infrastructure projects. She has passed dozens of bipartisan funding bills, including major increases in funding for child care, Head Start, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the National Institutes of Health, and national defense.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3B77DB60-AF07-481E-A45D-70F63087F6F0", "Hayes Introduces the Helping America's Farmers Act to Assist Farmers Impacted by Disasters", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", "hayes", "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Helping America\u2019s Famers Act, legislation which would authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide up to $10 billion in zero-interest loans to assist farms impacted by disasters.\n\nWith this funding, USDA would be able to more quickly provide financial support to farmers in need in states where Federal Crop Insurance is unavailable or out of reach. Recipient farmers could use funds to account for crop or livestock losses, maintain employees, and make rent or mortgage payments.\n\n\u201cOver the last several years, farmers in my district and across the country have more frequently experienced extreme weather events from unseasonable cold snaps to record flooding. Despite the growing need for federal disaster assistance for small farmers, USDA often lacks the funding necessary for recovery,\u201d said Congresswoman Hayes. \u201cThe Helping America\u2019s Farmers Act would provide USDA with the resources needed to quickly assist farmers in the aftermath of a disaster. This common sense approach allows farmers to focus on rebuilding without the fear of falling further into debt.\u201d\n\nIn addition to providing $10 billion to USDA to assist farmers directly, the Helping America\u2019s Farmers Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize states participating in USDA Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA), which helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing, or natural resource conservation practices.\n\nAgricultural Management Assistance is available in 16 states where participation in the Federal Crop Insurance Program is historically low: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.\n\nSince 2023, farmers in Connecticut have experienced crop losses in excess of $10.5 million due to extreme weather events. As a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Congresswoman Hayes has worked extensively to increase the federal safety net for farmers and producers.\n\nIn June 2024, Congresswoman Hayes introduced the Save Our Small Farms Act to expand federal crop insurance by allowing small farms to better access crop insurance policies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A3C4C3E4-01F5-4800-880B-33D910149FA1", "Himes Votes to Pass Funding For Servicemembers, Connecticut\u2019s Defense Industry", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "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 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025. The NDAA funds the United States\u2019 defense programs and includes significant investments in defense industrial base suppliers and technology companies in Connecticut. This year, it also includes the Intelligence Authorization Act which advances funding and other priorities for the Intelligence Community.\n\n\u201cThe 2025 National Defense Authorization Act strengthens existing defense programs, improves pay and benefits for servicemembers\u2014 including a 14.5% increase for junior enlisted servicemembers\u2014 and ensures that the United States keeps pace with our adversaries in technology and innovation,\u201d said Congressman Himes. \u201cI am proud that Connecticut\u2019s robust defense manufacturing presence remains at the heart of these missions, and that this legislation invests further in our businesses and workforce.\u201d\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act of 2025 invests billions of dollars in funding for Connecticut companies. This includes:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-courtney-applaud-unanimous-house-passage-of-scotland-zip-code-solution", "Murphy, Courtney Applaud Unanimous House Passage of Scotland Zip Code Solution", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02) on Wednesday celebrated the unanimous passage of H.R. 8753 by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation includes a provision requiring the U.S. Postal Service to assign a single ZIP code to the town of Scotland, Connecticut.\n\nScotland, a town of just 600 residences, has six zip-codes, often leading to misplaced packages, difficulty requesting mail-in ballots, and uncertainty about where to send students to school. In March, Murphy and Courtney joined forces to introduce bicameral legislation (H.R. 7800 and S. 4052) to direct the USPS to assign Scotland a single zip code. On November 21st, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform approved the House bill, 40-0, as part of a larger package (H.R. 8753), sponsored by Rep. Boebert (R-CO), to address zip-code issues for Americans in 45 towns nationwide.\n\n\u201cThe people of Scotland have suffered long enough from the logistical nightmare of having six zip codes for one town. It\u2019s great news the House passed this bill, and I\u2019m doing everything I can to make sure the Senate does the same,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cWith passage of this bill, the voices of Scotland residents have been heard loud and clear in Washington and we are one step closer to once and for all solving this Monty Python-esque absurdity. Senator Murphy and I will continue working together to get this bill through the Senate and to the President\u2019s desk for signature. The hardworking, taxpaying citizens of Scotland deserve to get the same level of postal service as every other community,\u201d said Courtney.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtneys-bipartisan-legislation-support-subase-new-london-protect", "Rep. Courtney\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation to Support SUBASE New London, Protect CT Waterways Passes U.S. House", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Joe Courtney voted to pass the final Water Resources Development Act of 2024. The bill includes several priorities Rep. Courtney fought for, including a bipartisan proposal to support Naval Submarine Base New London and enable future Virginia Class submarine missions.\n\nAs the Submarine Base continues its modernization and waterfront recapitalization plan to homeport the next generation of Virginia Class submarines, known as Block V and Block VI, which will be 84-fleet longer than the current Virginia Class submarines, existing piers must be extended to homeport these larger vessels. Rep. Courtney\u2019s provision enables construction to extend Pier 8 by transferring a certain portion of the Thames River Channel from the Army Corps of Engineers to the U.S. Navy, as the scope of the project would extend beyond Submarine Base-managed property.\n\n\u201cGood news for SUBASE New London and the Virginia Class submarine program. Expanding the Navy\u2019s control of the Thames River for the Virginia Class submarines enabled with Virginia Payload Modules is a strong commitment by Congress to the \u2018enduring\u2019 mission of SUBASE NEW LONDON. Block V and Block VI submarines are the future of the fleet, and this bill, which will soon be enacted by President Biden, aligns the base\u2019s perimeter to be able to home port them while they are on patrol well into the 2060s,\u201d said Rep. Joe Courtney, Ranking Member of the House Seapower Subcommittee. \u201cFrom reducing invasive species in the CT River to protecting our watersheds and shorelines, the bill will also make significant progress to protect and strengthen eastern Connecticut\u2019s waterways and ecosystems.\u201d\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act passed today reflects the final, negotiated text between the House and the Senate following months of negotiations to reconcile the differences between the versions that each chamber passed last summer. The Senate is expected to follow the House\u2019s lead and pass the bill in the next week and send it to President Biden\u2019s desk for signature.\n\nThe bill also includes critical provisions to protect Connecticut\u2019s waterways, ports, and ecosystems:\n\nWastewater and Drinking Water: Rep. Courtney secured an authorization of $25M for Environmental Infrastructure for water and wastewater infrastructure in East Lyme and $25M for Environmental Infrastructure frow water and wastewater infrastructure in East Hampton.\n\nReducing Invasive Species: Rep. Courtney secured a provision to ensure the hydrilla plaguing the CT River is addressed by the US Army Corp of Engineers.\n\nReducing Hazards to Shorelines: The bill adds Connecticut\u2019s shoreline to a list of regions that receive more federal resources from the US Army Corps of Engineers to carry out projects and studies to reduce damages from floods, hurricanes, and storms.\n\nPrioritizing Watersheds: The bill adds Connecticut River Watershed to a list of regions prioritized to receive federal support from US Army Corps of Engineers to address needs related to flood damage, sea level rise, and more.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-amo-introduce-southern-new-england-regional-commission-act", "DeLauro, Amo Introduce Southern New England Regional Commission Act", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Gabe Amo (RI-01) introduced the Southern New England Regional Commission Act. The Southern New England Regional Commission Act would establish a commission that would encourage jurisdictions at different levels to work together to leverage federal support to strengthen the area\u2019s economy.\n\n\"The Southern New England Regional Commission is a game-changer for Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, driving investments in defense, maritime manufacturing, and infrastructure to create good-paying jobs and strengthen our economy,\u201d said Congresswoman DeLauro. \u201cTogether, we\u2019ll harness federal resources to tackle shared challenges, because our economic future requires regional collaboration.\"\n\n\u201cIt is great to join with our regional leaders in introducing this important piece of legislation to tackle problems that do not stop at the border of one state,\u201d said Congressman Gabe Amo. \u201cThrough the Southern New England Regional Commission, we will better coordinate efforts to fight climate change and grow our blue economy as we leverage the unique strengths of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts to unlock widespread prosperity for our communities.\u201d\n\nThis legislation would establish a regional commission covering Rhode Island and surrounding counties in Massachusetts and Connecticut for purposes of promoting economic development in renewable energy, defense manufacturing, the maritime economy, infrastructure, and job training, among others. By facilitating collaboration across various levels of government with federal support, this initiative seeks to bolster the region\u2019s economic resilience and growth.\n\nA fact sheet on the legislation is available here.\n\nDeLauro and Amo introduced the legislation with original cosponsors U.S. Representatives Stephen Lynch, Richie Neal, Seth Moulton, Joe Courtney, Seth Magaziner, Jake Auchincloss, and Lori Trahan.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-selected-co-chair-italian-american-congressional-delegation", "DeLauro Selected as Co-Chair of Italian American Congressional Delegation", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) announced that she had been selected as the new Democratic Co-Chair of the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD):\n\n\u201cItalian Americans are an integral part of our nation\u2019s diverse cultural makeup. Growing up in Wooster Square\u2014the heart of New Haven\u2019s Italian American community\u2014I learned the value of hard work, faith, family, responsibility, and community. These values were present everywhere in our neighborhood, from the religious societies to our own kitchen table.\n\n\u201cI am grateful for my colleagues in the Italian American Congressional Delegation for putting their trust in me to lead our community in Congress.\n\n\u201cI must also the recognize the leadership of my dear friend Bill Pascrell, our former Democratic Co-Chair, who was such a champion for our community in Congress. I hope to honor his legacy by continuing to work on issues that affect our community while promoting and celebrating our proud history as Italian Americans.\u201d\n\nThe IACD is a bicameral, bipartisan caucus committed to upholding and supporting the relationship between the United States and Italy. The IACD is composed of nearly 200 Members of Congress, many of which can trace their ancestry to Italy.\n\nU.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) and Michael Rulli (R-OH-06) will serve as bipartisan Co-Chairs of the delegation, with U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02) serving as Co-Vice Chairs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C6A69840-0FB4-4E63-80F2-471477C7444F", "Himes Votes to Pass Bridgeport Ferry Terminal Proposal", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) voted to pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. The bill included his request to deauthorize part of the federal navigation channel in Bridgeport Harbor, clearing the way for construction of a new ferry terminal that will facilitate increased marine activity and improve maritime passenger and vessel safety.\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank the Connecticut Port Authority, Bridgeport Port Authority, U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for their collaboration in securing this project for Bridgeport. This proposal makes it possible to build a new ferry terminal at Barnum Landing which will allow for safer, expanded service between Bridgeport and Port Jefferson, New York. Expanding transportation options for people is always a win and I\u2019m glad to have been a part of it,\u201d said Congressman Himes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-hawley-demand-answers-regarding-anthems-draconian-policy-capping-anesthesia-coverage-for-patients", "Blumenthal & Hawley Demand Answers Regarding Anthem's \"Draconian\" Policy Capping Anesthesia Coverage for Patients", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) wrote Elevance CEO Gail Koziara Boudreaux demanding answers from the company regarding a recent policy change in states including Connecticut and Missouri denying coverage for anesthesia care if a surgery or procedure goes beyond specific time limits pre-determined by the health insurance provider. Anthem announced the new policy earlier this year, and then rescinded it after facing public outcry. Anthem is a subsidiary of Elevance.\n\n\u201cAs you are well aware, health care providers are sworn to act in the best interest of their patient and are the only individuals in an operating room singularly focused on providing quality, sometimes life-saving medical care. Therefore, without strong documentation to the contrary, it was absurd for Anthem to presume that the anesthesia care being provided to patients needed to be restricted through Anthem-imposed time caps,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nBlumenthal and Hawley are seeking a commitment from Anthem that the company will not enact a similar anesthesia policy going forward, writing, \u201cIn the interest of patients\u2019 health and safety nationwide, we demand answers regarding this ill-conceived policy and clear, direct assurances that a policy cutting off full anesthesia coverage mid-procedure will not be re-considered or re-imposed.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDecember 10, 2024\n\nGail Koziara Boudreaux\n\nChief Executive Officer\n\nElevance\n\n220 Virginia Ave\n\nIndianapolis, Indiana 46203\n\nDear Ms. Boudreaux,\n\nWe write with deep concern over recently published reports of a new draconian policy adopted by Anthem in several states, including Connecticut and Missouri, which would limit beneficiary coverage for anesthesiology services during surgical procedures if such surgery goes beyond time limits that are unilaterally set by Anthem. Since this policy was announced \u2013 and only because of public outrage \u2013 Anthem claims it will not move forward with the policy. In the interest of patients\u2019 health and safety nationwide, we demand answers regarding this ill-conceived policy and clear, direct assurances that a policy cutting off full anesthesia coverage mid-procedure will not be re-considered or re-imposed.\n\nLast week, it was reported that Anthem planned to enact a one-size-fits-all approach to anesthesia care in states like Connecticut and Missouri that would cut off coverage if anesthesia was needed for longer than Anthem deemed necessary. This policy led to outrage from patients and their providers, who could now be on the hook for increased medical costs simply because medical professionals provided appropriate care. As you are well aware, health care providers are sworn to act in the best interest of their patient and are the only individuals in an operating room singularly focused on providing quality, sometimes life-saving medical care. Therefore, without strong documentation to the contrary, it was absurd for Anthem to presume that the anesthesia care being provided to patients needed to be restricted through Anthem-imposed time caps.\n\nAfter significant public outrage, Anthem said it would not move forward with the new policy, claiming there was \u201csignificant widespread misinformation.\u201d[1] Still, patients and providers have pressing questions about the policy and its potential impact. In an effort to correct the alleged \u201csignificant widespread misinformation,\u201d and to put patients and providers at ease, we are demanding that Anthem immediately commit, in writing, to covering any medically necessary anesthesia services and provide an immediate response to the direct questions below:\n\nCan you confirm that all Anthem policies proposing to cap anesthesia coverage times have been rescinded?\n\nCan you confirm that no Anthem policies are currently in effect that cap anesthesia coverage times?\n\nCan you confirm that Anthem will not again consider imposing a policy that limits anesthesia coverage times?\n\nFurther, please answer the more detailed questions below to provide transparency to the public, your beneficiaries, and providers by December 20, 2024:\n\nWhy did Anthem propose a policy capping anesthesia coverage times? Please provide any documentation finding such a policy was necessary to protect patient care.\n\nAnthem stated that \u201cit never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services.\u201d[2]\n\nUnder the proposed (and now rescinded) policy, what would happen if a procedure using anesthesia went over Anthem\u2019s approved time limit?\n\nHow does Anthem define \u201cmedically necessary anesthesia services\u201d?\n\nWould it be possible under Anthem\u2019s policy for \u201cmedically necessary anesthesia services\u201d to only be deemed \u201cmedically necessary\u201d for a set amount of time?\n\nAnthem stated that the \u201cproposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.\u201d[3]\n\nPlease explain why clarification was necessary.\n\nIf it was never Anthem\u2019s policy to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services, what was the goal \u2013 and intended outcome \u2013 of the clarification?\n\nWhat well-established clinical guidelines Anthem was seeking to follow?\n\nDid these clinical guidelines recommend cutting off beneficiary coverage after a certain time limit was reached?\n\nDid Anthem consider how this policy could adversely impact beneficiaries, either medically or financially? If so, please provide detailed information as to how you considered the medical and financial impacts and what you found. If not, please explain why not.\n\nHow did Anthem decide which states to impose this policy in, and why were Connecticut and Missouri included?\n\nWe look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ahead-house-vote-rep-courtney-urges-support-scotland-zip-code-solution", "Ahead of House Vote, Rep. Courtney Urges Support for Scotland Zip Code Solution", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", "courtney", "https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Ahead of a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02) urged his colleagues to support H.R. 8753, which includes Rep. Courtney\u2019s provision to assign just one zip-code to the town of Scotland, Connecticut. The House is scheduled to consider the bill early this week. Click here to view and download Rep. Courtney\u2019s remarks.\n\nScotland has 600-plus residencies, but six zip-codes, leading to misplaced packages, difficulty requesting mail-in ballots, and uncertainty about where to send students to school. In March, Rep. Courtney and Sen. Murphy joined forces to introduce bicameral legislation (H.R. 7800 and S. 4052) to direct the USPS to assign Scotland a single zip code. On November 21st, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform approved the House bill, 40-0, as part of a larger package (H.R. 8753), sponsored by Rep. Boebert (R-CO), to address zip-code issues for Americans in 45 towns nationwide.\n\n\u201cDelivery of social security notices, checks, Medicare information, prescription medication, notices from banks, employers, and absentee ballots and absentee ballot applications are all disrupted day in and day out. Town leaders and my office have tried, along with Senator Chris Murphy, to get this ridiculous, almost Monty Python-esque absurdity resolved for many years with the Postal Service to no avail. This week's action by the House will mandate that USPS address this problem once and for all by designating a single unique zip code for these 45 small towns,\u201d said Courtney on the House Floor today.\n\n\u201cI urge my colleagues to support this measure, send it to the Senate for swift passage, and to the President's desk. The hardworking, taxpaying citizens of these towns deserve to get the same level of postal service as every other community,\u201d Courtney concluded.\n\nFull Transcript\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of a bill that the House will be voting on this week, H.R. 8753, which directs the U.S. Postal Service to designate a single unique zip code for certain communities. H.R. 8753 will provide long overdue relief to 45 mostly small towns in 13 states from Connecticut to California by fixing a chaotic situation where the resident zip codes are hopelessly carved up in a hodgepodge that results in lost mail, delayed mail, and wrong deliveries. One of the towns included in HR 8753's list is the small town of Scotland, Connecticut, located in the heart of Eastern Connecticut, which I have the great privilege to represent. Scotland is the quintessential historic New England small town with a population of 1,576 people.\n\nIt may be small, but its history is rich. One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Samuel Huntington, was born in his family's home located in Scotland, and today it is a significant part of the Rochambeau National History Trail, which was the route that the American Continental Army, under the leadership of George Washington and John Baptiste Rochambeau, marched in 1781 from Newport, Rhode Island to Yorktown, Virginia, where the Battle of Yorktown took place and the small army of colonists defeated the greatest military power of the British Empire.\n\nToday in 2024, it is a town that the U.S. Postal Service has assigned five, that's right, five zip codes that cause endless aggravation and harm to the town's residents. Delivery of social security notices, checks, Medicare information, prescription medication, notices from banks, employers, and absentee ballots and absentee ballot applications are all disrupted day in and day out. Town leaders in my office have tried, along with Senator Chris Murphy, to get this ridiculous, almost Monty Python-esque absurdity resolved for many years with the Postal Service to no avail. This week's action by the House will mandate that USPS address this problem once and for all by designating a single unique zip code for these 45 small towns. Mr. Speaker, this vote has been a long time in coming. I want to recognize the town's first selectman, Mr. Dana Barrows and his predecessor, Mr. Gary Greenberg, who have diligently raised this issue along with the town postmasters with the postal service for many years, laying out the real life consequences of fragmenting this small community and essentially disconnecting it to the vital service that the residents require. This week, the House can help Scotland as well as 44 other similarly situated towns by passing 8753.\n\nThe bill was reported out of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee unanimously and has strong bipartisan support. I urge my colleagues to support this measure, send it to the Senate for swift passage and to the President's desk. The hardworking, taxpaying citizens of these towns deserve to get the same level of postal service as every other community. I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-representative-delauro-us-senator-blumenthal-and-us-senator-murphy", "U.S. Representative DeLauro, U.S. Senator Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Murphy Announce $1 Million EPIC Prize to ClimateHaven to Boost Clean Energy Innovation", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal today announced a $1 million cooperative agreement awarded to ClimateHaven, a cutting-edge climate technology incubator based in New Haven, CT. The award comes from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Prize and marks a significant investment in Connecticut\u2019s clean energy future.\n\nClimateHaven has been at the forefront of fostering climate technology startups that aim to drive economic growth, create new jobs, and position Connecticut as a national leader in clean energy innovation. Over the next three years, this funding will empower the organization to provide specialized support for green chemistry companies, to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies, and strengthen partnerships with industry leaders.\n\n\u201cClimateHaven\u2019s mission is to drive transformative solutions for clean air, clean water and energy resilience by accelerating the journey of early stage climate tech companies from lab to market. This funding, secured with the invaluable support of Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, and Congresswoman DeLauro, underscores the importance of federal partnerships in scaling transformative climate technologies. It is a testament of their commitment to fostering innovation in Connecticut, and to accelerating the transition to a resilient, low-carbon future,\u201d said Justine Lee ClimateHaven CEO.\n\n\u201cThis $1 million Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Prize isn\u2019t just a win for ClimateHaven, it is a win for entrepreneurs in New Haven, who are at the forefront of mitigating the impacts of climate change and creating good paying jobs,\u201d said U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro. \u201cThis award from the U.S. Department of Energy will support ClimateHaven\u2019s work to keep Connecticut a leader in energy innovation, strengthening our resilience and improving energy efficiency.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis $1 million in federal funding will support ClimateHaven\u2019s innovative, cutting-edge work \u2013 significant to Connecticut\u2019s clean energy efforts. This investment will boost our state\u2019s economic growth, create new jobs, and support the next generation of clean energy leaders and entrepreneurs. I will continue to fight for federal investments that advance Connecticut\u2019s clean energy goals and tackle climate change,\u201d said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.\n\n\"This $1 million award to ClimateHaven is a big step forward for Connecticut's clean energy future. By supporting startups that are tackling climate change and creating good-paying jobs, this investment strengthens New Haven's role as a hub for innovation and sustainability,\" said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. \"I\u2019m proud to see federal funding helping Connecticut entrepreneurs lead the way in clean energy.\"\n\nThe EPIC Prize is a competitive program that identifies and supports organizations fostering innovation clusters, a key driver of economic growth and sustainable energy solutions. ClimateHaven has demonstrated remarkable success in helping startups secure funding, expand partnerships, and advance clean energy technologies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-davis-wyden-ask-gao-review-social-security-administrations", "Larson, Davis, Wyden Ask GAO to Review Social Security Administration\u2019s Efforts to Improve Customer Service for Overpaid Beneficiaries", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Ranking MemberJohn B. Larson (CT-01), Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking MemberDanny K. Davis (IL-07), and Senate Committee on Finance Chair Ron Wyden (OR) sent a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a review of ongoing efforts by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to improve customer service for beneficiaries who are seeking to resolve overpayments of their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits.\n\n\u201cIt is impossible to overstate the importance of SSA benefits to the American people \u2013 or the potentially dire consequences if a beneficiary\u2019s monthly payments are put at risk due to the need to recoup an overpayment. While in the vast majority of cases SSA pays the correct amount, recent media reports have highlighted the plight of beneficiaries who unknowingly received overpayments for months or even years, in some cases adding up to tens of thousands of dollars or more,\u201d the Members wrote.\n\n\u201cUnder past policies, SSA often withheld much or all of a person\u2019s Social Security benefits to recoup an overpayment, causing severe hardship,\u201d the Members continued. \u201cIn addition, beneficiaries often found it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to navigate the process to appeal an overpayment or to request relief in the form of a waiver. SSA\u2019s longstanding rules and procedures were extremely complex and put the burden on customers to prove that the agency had erred and that it would cause hardship for them to repay the extra benefits\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are pleased that under the Biden Administration, including through initiatives led by former Commissioner Martin O\u2019Malley, SSA has prioritized taking proactive steps to address often harsh recoupment policies,\u201d the Members concluded.\n\nTo gain a better understanding of the status of SSA\u2019s efforts to improve customer service for beneficiaries who face overpayments, the Members asked the GAO to review:\n\nThe ways in which SSA overpayments can create hardships for beneficiaries.\n\nThe customer service challenges and barriers that beneficiaries have faced in recent years to resolving SSA overpayments.\n\nThe recent changes made by SSA to improve its customer service for beneficiaries who are seeking to understand an overpayment and access relief.\n\nThe steps SSA is taking to evaluate whether the recent changes to its overpayment notices have reduced hardship among overpaid beneficiaries.\n\nSSA\u2019s plan for identifying additional customer service improvements for beneficiaries to resolve their overpayment issues.\n\nRead the full letter here and below.\n\nDear Comptroller Dodaro:\n\nThe Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to more than 70 million people including seniors, survivors, and people with disabilities. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments help beneficiaries to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, pay medical bills, and secure other basics. SSA benefits are particularly important for people of color and women, who on average have fewer resources to fall back on in retirement or in the event of a severe disability, and for children.\n\nIt is impossible to overstate the importance of SSA benefits to the American people \u2013 or the potentially dire consequences if a beneficiary\u2019s monthly payments are put at risk due to the need to recoup an overpayment. While in the vast majority of cases, SSA pays the correct amount, recent media reports have highlighted the plight of beneficiaries who unknowingly received overpayments for months or even years, in some cases adding up to tens of thousands of dollars or more.\n\nUnder past policies, SSA often withheld much or all of a person\u2019s Social Security benefits to recoup an overpayment, causing severe hardship. In addition, beneficiaries often found it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to navigate the process to appeal an overpayment or to request relief in the form of a waiver. SSA\u2019s longstanding rules and procedures were extremely complex and put the burden on customers to prove that the agency had erred and that it would cause hardship for them to repay the extra benefits. Furthermore, years of underfunding have severely eroded SSA\u2019s customer service, making it hard for beneficiaries to get help from SSA\u2019s national 1-800 number or field offices to understand and resolve overpayments.\n\nWe are pleased that under the Biden Administration, including through initiatives led by former Commissioner Martin O\u2019Malley, SSA has prioritized taking proactive steps to address often harsh recoupment policies. To gain a better understanding of the status of SSA\u2019s efforts to improve customer service for beneficiaries who face overpayments, we request that GAO examine the following questions:\n\nWhat are the ways in which SSA overpayments can create hardships for beneficiaries, including worsening beneficiaries\u2019 financial security and health? How did SSA\u2019s past policies and practices, prior to recent changes, contribute to these hardships?\n\nWhat customer service challenges and barriers have beneficiaries faced in recent years to resolve SSA overpayments, including with regard to:\n\nunderstanding the overpayment, including why it occurred and options for relief;\n\nappealing the overpayment;\n\naccessing a monthly repayment plan that they can afford; and\n\napplying for and obtaining a waiver of part or all of the overpaid benefits?\n\nWhat recent changes has SSA made to improve its customer service for beneficiaries who are seeking to understand an overpayment and access relief through an appeal, affordable repayment plan, or waiver? How have these changes altered the experience of beneficiaries who receive overpayment notices, including those who call the agency\u2019s national 1-800 number or visit a field office for assistance?\n\nWhat steps is SSA taking to evaluate whether the changes to its overpayment notices and to its policies and processes for appeals, repayment plans, and waivers have reduced anxiety and hardship among beneficiaries who receive overpayment notices, and what has been found?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-larson-himes-governor-lamont-announce-98-million-in-federal-grants-to-benefit-municipal-parks-in-bridgeport-bristol-and-stamford", "Murphy, Larson, Himes, Governor Lamont Announce $9.8 Million In Federal Grants To Benefit Municipal Parks In Bridgeport, Bristol, And Stamford", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HARTFORD\u2014U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives John Larson (D-Conn.-01) and Jim Himes (D-Conn-04) joined Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to announce that the cities of Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford will receive more than $9.8 million in competitive federal funding to benefit four municipal park development projects in each city. The funds are provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund \u2013 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grants program (LWCF-ORLP), a nationally competitive program that provides matching grants to cities for park projects in underserved communities.\n\n\u201cPublic parks are one of the few places where people in the community can come together, spend time outdoors, and connect with friends and neighbors,\u201d said Murphy. \u201cThis $9 million in federal funding will help create a new park in Bridgeport and support upgrades to Rockwell, Boccuzzi, and Cummings Parks in Bristol and Stamford, giving Connecticut families more opportunities to enjoy fun outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and kayaking for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cConnecticut families should have access to high-quality parks where they can come together, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors, regardless of where they live,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cThis $9.8 million in federal funding expands access to parks in Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford, and I will continue fighting for federal investments to reinvigorate and develop Connecticut\u2019s outdoor spaces.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am glad to see nearly $2 million coming to Bristol through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund to make long overdue repairs and improvements to Rockwell Park,\u201d said Larson. \u201cThis funding will modernize amenities, upgrade facilities, expand park hours, and improve access. I will continue to work with the entire Connecticut delegation and our partners at the state and local levels to secure investments like these that preserve access to outdoor spaces and offer new recreational opportunities for residents.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvesting in urban parks is a no brainer,\u201d said Himes. \u201cThey provide places for families to gather and children to play, as well as help improve air quality and lower temperatures in our cities. This nearly $8 million investment will tangibly impact people\u2019s lives in Stamford and Bridgeport by transforming these public lands into beautiful, accessible areas of recreation where communities can come together and rejoice in all the outdoors has to offer.\u201d\n\n\u201cGreat parks and safe outdoor places for our communities enhances the great quality of life we have here in Connecticut,\u201d said Lamont. \u201cI thank our Congressional delegation and federal agency partners for their efforts to secure this important funding for our state. This is a great example of federal, state, and local governments working together to accomplish big things for the residents of our state.\u201d\n\nBridgeport receives $1 million for Sliver by the River\n\nBridgeport is receiving $1,062,454 for its project called Sliver by the River that will transform a vacant lot into a three-acre riverside park. The park will feature a kayak launch, fishing pier, playscape, shade pavilion, terraced lawn with seating, lighting, and native plantings. This is the pilot project for Bridgeport\u2019s initiative to create an interconnected series of waterfront parks and amenities along the 22 miles of riverfront area within the city. The city\u2019s application was developed through a partnership with the City of Bridgeport and the Trust for Public Land, with initial input and technical support from the National Park Service\u2019s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance group (RTCA).\n\nBristol receives $1.9 million for Rockwell Park\n\nBristol is receiving $1,930,000 for long-overdue improvements to modernize Rockwell Park, often considered the crown jewel of the City of Bristol system of parks. Significant renovations have not been made to the park in almost 20 years, and currently many of the facilities incur massive maintenance costs to keep safe for the public. Some facilities are even on the verge of being unusable. With this award, the city will renovate popular and heavily utilized amenities within the 105-acre park, including the splash park, playgrounds, outdoor pool, and bathhouse. The award will also allow for ADA improvements on existing trails and Fraser Field, new basketball court lighting, installation of a new fitness track, and improvements to the existing 18-hole disc golf course. These improvements will modernize existing park amenities, improve visitor experiences and expand park hours and accessibility in Bristol\u2019s most heavily visited park.\n\nStamford receives $6.8 million for Boccuzzi Park, Cummings Park, West Beach\n\nStamford will receive funding for two separate projects. For improvements to Boccuzzi Park, it will receive $1,811,075. Improvements will include the addition of a splash pad, the creation of a new multi-use field and event space, as well as a new dog park and basketball court. The city will also upgrade its existing children\u2019s playground, create additional parking and install new landscaping throughout the park. For improvements at Cummings Park and West Beach, Stamford will receive $5,000,000. The city will resurface and expand parking lots, renovate restrooms and park maintenance facilities, install tennis/pickleball courts, a softball field and convert an unused parking lot into a playscape area. Many of these repairs are needed from damage created by Superstorm Sandy. The city will also add a scour wall to protect facilities from future storms, replace the eroded beach promenade, and renovate outdoor showers as well as a lifeguard storage area. The improvements will also include landscaping with native plants throughout both facilities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-the-fall-of-bashar-al-assads-regime-in-syria", "Murphy Statement On The Fall Of Bashar Al-Assad's Regime In Syria", "2024-12-08", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, on Sunday released a statement following reports that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad resigned and fled the country after armed rebels took control of the capital city of Damascus:\n\n\u201cFor more than two decades, the regime of Bashar al-Assad, and of his father who ruled before him, has relied on brutality and oppression to cling to power, torturing and jailing activists and political dissidents, mercilessly killing hundreds of thousands of Syrians, and forcing millions more to flee their homes and country. The toppling of his regime represents a watershed moment for the Syrian people, who now have an opportunity to shape a better future. We know that too often, hopeful revolutions have given way to new power struggles, and there are serious concerns about the nature of some of the groups who have swept into power. Decisions by the new de facto authorities and the willingness of the international community to play a constructive role in Syria will be critical going forward. I urge all parties to support an inclusive political process that protects the rights of all Syrian communities and works towards a free, secure democratic future.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=73A3FE17-597C-4D97-820A-3C232418BB89", "Governor Lamont Announces $9.8 Million in Federal Grants to Benefit Municipal Parks in Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Hartford, CT \u2013 Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that the cities of Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford are being awarded more than $9.8 million in competitive federal funding that will benefit four municipal park development projects in each city.\n\nThe funds are provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund \u2013 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grants program (LWCF-ORLP), a nationally competitive program that provides matching grants to cities for park projects in underserved communities.\n\nDEEP partnered with each of the municipalities to secure the awards. Partnerships between DEEP and municipalities to secure these awards have had a 100% success rate in 2023 and 2024, with two large-scale development projects being awarded funding in Bridgeport and Stamford in 2023 and two more approved in Bristol and Stamford in 2024.\n\n\u201cGreat parks and safe outdoor places for our communities enhances the great quality of life we have here in Connecticut,\u201d Governor Lamont said. \u201cI thank our Congressional delegation and federal agency partners for their efforts to secure this important funding for our state. This is a great example of federal, state, and local governments working together to accomplish big things for the residents of our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cPublic parks are one of the few places where people in the community can come together, spend time outdoors, and connect with friends and neighbors,\u201d U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said. \u201cThis $9 million in federal funding will help create a new park in Bridgeport and support upgrades to Rockwell, Boccuzzi, and Cummings Parks in Bristol and Stamford, giving Connecticut families more opportunities to enjoy fun outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and kayaking for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cConnecticut families should have access to high-quality parks where they can come together, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors, regardless of where they live,\u201d U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said. \u201cThis $9.8 million in federal funding expands access to parks in Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford, and I will continue fighting for federal investments to reinvigorate and develop Connecticut\u2019s outdoor spaces.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am glad to see nearly $2 million coming to Bristol through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund to make long overdue repairs and improvements to Rockwell Park,\u201d U.S. Representative John Larson (CT-01) said. \u201cThis funding will modernize amenities, upgrade facilities, expand park hours, and improve access. I will continue to work with the entire Connecticut delegation and our partners at the state and local levels to secure investments like these that preserve access to outdoor spaces and offer new recreational opportunities for residents.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvesting in urban parks is a no brainer,\u201d U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-04) said. \u201cThey provide places for families to gather and children to play, as well as help improve air quality and lower temperatures in our cities. This nearly $8 million investment will tangibly impact people\u2019s lives in Stamford and Bridgeport by transforming these public lands into beautiful, accessible areas of recreation where communities can come together and rejoice in all the outdoors has to offer.\u201d\n\n\u201cDEEP is excited to partner with Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford on these transformative parks projects,\u201d DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. \u201cThis program is particularly important to ensure our communities impacted by both historical underinvestment and disproportional environmental pollution receive funding to improve the quality of life for their residents. These parks will provide safe playgrounds, splash pads, recreational fields, and access to nature for thousands of youths living in these neighborhoods. We are excited to celebrate these park openings and re-openings in the years to come.\u201d\n\nBridgeport receives $1 million for Sliver by the River\n\nBridgeport is receiving $1,062,454 for its project called Sliver by the River that will transform a vacant lot into a three-acre riverside park. The park will feature a kayak launch, fishing pier, playscape, shade pavilion, terraced lawn with seating, lighting, and native plantings. This is the pilot project for Bridgeport\u2019s initiative to create an interconnected series of waterfront parks and amenities along the 22 miles of riverfront area within the city. The city\u2019s application was developed through a partnership with the City of Bridgeport and the Trust for Public Land, with initial input and technical support from the National Park Service\u2019s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance group (RTCA).\n\n\u201cI would like to thank The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program for choosing Bridgeport as a beneficiary to a grant that will help us maximize our efforts to utilize our waterfront,\u201d Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim said. \u201cThe Sliver by the River is symbolic of what it means to have true collaborative efforts come together to create spaces in our city that our residents can benefit from. As we work closely with local grassroots organizations such as the Trust for Public Land, our hope is that our state and federal partners will continue to maintain connections with other grassroots organizations while we all work side-by-side to provide Bridgeport residents with the amenities they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is just what Bridgeport needs,\u201d State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) said. \u201cWhat a wonderful opportunity for our community. Not only will this park provide a space for future events that will bring people together, but it will create an environment to support a healthy ecosystem by improving the quality for local wildlife. I am beyond grateful for this funding that will help create a beautiful park for residents to enjoy for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrust for Public Land is proud to support the Bridgeport Waterfront Pathway project, a vital link connecting the community to the outdoors and expanding equitable access to green spaces,\u201d Walker Holmes, vice president for the Mid-Atlantic Region and Connecticut state director for Trust for Public Land, said. \u201cWith the support of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, we\u2019re able to invest in projects that strengthen neighborhoods and transform spaces into a destination for recreation, relaxation, and outdoor learning \u2013 making cities like Bridgeport healthier, greener, and more connected.\u201d\n\nBristol receives $1.9 million for Rockwell Park\n\nBristol is receiving $1,930,000 for long-overdue improvements to modernize Rockwell Park, often considered the crown jewel of the City of Bristol system of parks. Significant renovations have not been made to the park in almost 20 years, and currently many of the facilities incur massive maintenance costs to keep safe for the public. Some facilities are even on the verge of being unusable.\n\nWith this award, the city will renovate popular and heavily utilized amenities within the 105-acre park, including the splash park, playgrounds, outdoor pool, and bathhouse. The award will also allow for ADA improvements on existing trails and Fraser Field, new basketball court lighting, installation of a new fitness track, and improvements to the existing 18-hole disc golf course. These improvements will modernize existing park amenities, improve visitor experiences and expand park hours and accessibility in Bristol\u2019s most heavily visited park.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners and City of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Department, we are incredibly pleased to have been selected for this grant,\u201d Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano said. \u201cThese funds will be used to renovate the splash park, playground, pool bathhouse, disc golf course, basketball courts and accessible upgrades to the trail system and at Fraser Little League Field. Rockwell Park is a gem, and these funds will allow us to revitalize the park to provide for our residents and future generations of park users.\u201d\n\nStamford receives $6.8 million for Boccuzzi Park, Cummings Park, West Beach\n\nStamford will receive funding for two separate projects. For improvements to Boccuzzi Park, it will receive $1,811,075. Improvements will include the addition of a splash pad, the creation of a new multi-use field and event space, as well as a new dog park and basketball court. The city will also upgrade its existing children\u2019s playground, create additional parking and install new landscaping throughout the park.\n\nFor improvements at Cummings Park and West Beach, Stamford will receive $5,000,000. The city will resurface and expand parking lots, renovate restrooms and park maintenance facilities, install tennis/pickleball courts, a softball field and convert an unused parking lot into a playscape area. Many of these repairs are needed from damage created by Superstorm Sandy. The city will also add a scour wall to protect facilities from future storms, replace the eroded beach promenade, and renovate outdoor showers as well as a lifeguard storage area. The improvements will also include landscaping with native plants throughout both facilities.\n\n\u201cInvesting in our parks is investing in the health, well-being, and future of our communities,\u201d State Representative Corey Paris (D-Stamford) said. \u201cThe funding for Boccuzzi Park and Cummings Park in Stamford will transform these spaces into vibrant hubs for recreation and connection, while addressing the lingering effects of Superstorm Sandy. I\u2019m proud to support this critical investment in our city\u2019s infrastructure and quality of life. I want to thank the Land and Water Conservation Fund and DEEP for their commitment to ensuring all families have access to safe, modern outdoor spaces.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/members-connecticut-congressional-delegation-governor-lamont-announce", "Members of the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, Governor Lamont Announce $9.8 Million in Federal Grants to Benefit Municipal Parks in Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "East Hartford, CT - Members of the Connecticut Congressional delegation, Governor Ned Lamont, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that the cities of Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford are being awarded more than $9.8 million in competitive federal funding that will benefit four municipal park development projects in each city.\n\nThe funds are provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund \u2013 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grants program (LWCF-ORLP), a nationally competitive program that provides matching grants to cities for park projects in underserved communities.\n\nDEEP partnered with each of the municipalities to secure the awards. Partnerships between DEEP and municipalities to secure these awards have had a 100% success rate in 2023 and 2024, with two large-scale development projects being awarded funding in Bridgeport and Stamford in 2023 and two more approved in Bristol and Stamford in 2024.\n\n\u201cI am glad to see nearly $2 million coming to Bristol through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund to make long overdue repairs and improvements to Rockwell Park,\u201d said Larson. \u201cThis funding will modernize amenities, upgrade facilities, expand park hours, and improve access. I will continue to work with the entire Connecticut delegation and our partners at the state and local levels to secure investments like these that preserve access to outdoor spaces and offer new recreational opportunities for residents.\u201d\n\n\u201cGreat parks and safe outdoor places for our communities enhances the great quality of life we have here in Connecticut,\u201d saidGovernor Lamont. \u201cI thank our Congressional delegation and federal agency partners for their efforts to secure this important funding for our state. This is a great example of federal, state, and local governments working together to accomplish big things for the residents of our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cPublic parks are one of the few places where people in the community can come together, spend time outdoors, and connect with friends and neighbors,\u201d said Murphy. \u201cThis $9 million in federal funding will help create a new park in Bridgeport and support upgrades to Rockwell, Boccuzzi, and Cummings Parks in Bristol and Stamford, giving Connecticut families more opportunities to enjoy fun outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and kayaking for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cConnecticut families should have access to high-quality parks where they can come together, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors, regardless of where they live,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cThis $9.8 million in federal funding expands access to parks in Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford, and I will continue fighting for federal investments to reinvigorate and develop Connecticut\u2019s outdoor spaces.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvesting in urban parks is a no brainer,\u201d saidHimes. \u201cThey provide places for families to gather and children to play, as well as help improve air quality and lower temperatures in our cities. This nearly $8 million investment will tangibly impact people\u2019s lives in Stamford and Bridgeport by transforming these public lands into beautiful, accessible areas of recreation where communities can come together and rejoice in all the outdoors has to offer.\u201d\n\n\u201cDEEP is excited to partner with Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford on these transformative parks projects,\u201d saidDEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. \u201cThis program is particularly important to ensure our communities impacted by both historical underinvestment and disproportional environmental pollution receive funding to improve the quality of life for their residents. These parks will provide safe playgrounds, splash pads, recreational fields, and access to nature for thousands of youths living in these neighborhoods. We are excited to celebrate these park openings and re-openings in the years to come.\u201d\n\nBridgeport receives $1 million for Sliver by the River\n\nBridgeport is receiving $1,062,454 for its project called Sliver by the River that will transform a vacant lot into a three-acre riverside park. The park will feature a kayak launch, fishing pier, playscape, shade pavilion, terraced lawn with seating, lighting, and native plantings. This is the pilot project for Bridgeport\u2019s initiative to create an interconnected series of waterfront parks and amenities along the 22 miles of riverfront area within the city. The city\u2019s application was developed through a partnership with the City of Bridgeport and the Trust for Public Land, with initial input and technical support from the National Park Service\u2019s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance group (RTCA).\n\n\u201cI would like to thank The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program for choosing Bridgeport as a beneficiary to a grant that will help us maximize our efforts to utilize our waterfront,\u201d saidBridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim. \u201cThe Sliver by the River is symbolic of what it means to have true collaborative efforts come together to create spaces in our city that our residents can benefit from. As we work closely with local grassroots organizations such as the Trust for Public Land, our hope is that our state and federal partners will continue to maintain connections with other grassroots organizations while we all work side-by-side to provide Bridgeport residents with the amenities they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is just what Bridgeport needs,\u201d saidState Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport). \u201cWhat a wonderful opportunity for our community. Not only will this park provide a space for future events that will bring people together, but it will create an environment to support a healthy ecosystem by improving the quality for local wildlife. I am beyond grateful for this funding that will help create a beautiful park for residents to enjoy for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrust for Public Land is proud to support the Bridgeport Waterfront Pathway project, a vital link connecting the community to the outdoors and expanding equitable access to green spaces,\u201d saidWalker Holmes, vice president for the Mid-Atlantic Region and Connecticut state director for Trust for Public Land. \u201cWith the support of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, we\u2019re able to invest in projects that strengthen neighborhoods and transform spaces into a destination for recreation, relaxation, and outdoor learning \u2013 making cities like Bridgeport healthier, greener, and more connected.\u201d\n\nBristol receives $1.9 million for Rockwell Park\n\nBristol is receiving $1,930,000 for long-overdue improvements to modernize Rockwell Park, often considered the crown jewel of the City of Bristol system of parks. Significant renovations have not been made to the park in almost 20 years, and currently many of the facilities incur massive maintenance costs to keep safe for the public. Some facilities are even on the verge of being unusable.\n\nWith this award, the city will renovate popular and heavily utilized amenities within the 105-acre park, including the splash park, playgrounds, outdoor pool, and bathhouse. The award will also allow for ADA improvements on existing trails and Fraser Field, new basketball court lighting, installation of a new fitness track, and improvements to the existing 18-hole disc golf course. These improvements will modernize existing park amenities, improve visitor experiences and expand park hours and accessibility in Bristol\u2019s most heavily visited park.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners and City of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Department, we are incredibly pleased to have been selected for this grant,\u201d saidBristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano. \u201cThese funds will be used to renovate the splash park, playground, pool bathhouse, disc golf course, basketball courts and accessible upgrades to the trail system and at Fraser Little League Field. Rockwell Park is a gem, and these funds will allow us to revitalize the park to provide for our residents and future generations of park users.\u201d\n\nStamford receives $6.8 million for Boccuzzi Park, Cummings Park, West Beach\n\nStamford will receive funding for two separate projects. For improvements to Boccuzzi Park, it will receive $1,811,075. Improvements will include the addition of a splash pad, the creation of a new multi-use field and event space, as well as a new dog park and basketball court. The city will also upgrade its existing children\u2019s playground, create additional parking and install new landscaping throughout the park.\n\nFor improvements at Cummings Park and West Beach, Stamford will receive $5,000,000. The city will resurface and expand parking lots, renovate restrooms and park maintenance facilities, install tennis/pickleball courts, a softball field and convert an unused parking lot into a playscape area. Many of these repairs are needed from damage created by Superstorm Sandy. The city will also add a scour wall to protect facilities from future storms, replace the eroded beach promenade, and renovate outdoor showers as well as a lifeguard storage area. The improvements will also include landscaping with native plants throughout both facilities.\n\n\u201cInvesting in our parks is investing in the health, well-being, and future of our communities,\u201d State Representative Corey Paris (D-Stamford) said. \u201cThe funding for Boccuzzi Park and Cummings Park in Stamford will transform these spaces into vibrant hubs for recreation and connection, while addressing the lingering effects of Superstorm Sandy. I\u2019m proud to support this critical investment in our city\u2019s infrastructure and quality of life. I want to thank the Land and Water Conservation Fund and DEEP for their commitment to ensuring all families have access to safe, modern outdoor spaces.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-ftc-to-protect-concertgoers-and-venues-from-holiday-ticket-scalpers-urges-strong-enforcement-action", "Blumenthal Calls on FTC to Protect Concertgoers & Venues From Holiday Ticket Scalpers, Urges Strong Enforcement Action", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate and take strong enforcement action against deceptive and unlawful practices in the live event ticketing market, including through vigorous enforcement of the Better Online Tickets Sales Act (BOTS Act). The BOTS Act, enacted in December 2016, bans \u201cticket bots\u201d that bypass security measures on online ticketing websites to outprice individual fans. Since then, the FTC has only enforced the BOTS Act once. In a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan, Blumenthal urged the agency to enforce existing consumer protection laws and protect concertgoers and small venues from predatory ticketing schemes amid holiday ticket sales.\n\n\u201cHigh-profile ticketing failures, such as Ticketmaster\u2019s mishandling of Taylor Swift\u2019s Eras Tour, have brought renewed attention to the persistent and pervasive issue of scalpers and misleading marketplaces. Concertgoers are increasingly competing with well-resourced scalpers, who crowd out real fans with automated bots to buy out seats for even small, local shows,\u201d wrote Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cAnd, while many venues do all they can to stop bots from buying up their inventory, small and independent venues are outmatched in the arms race against scalper\u2019s sophisticated circumvention and impersonation schemes,\u201d Blumenthal continued. \u201cThis struggle to fend off bots and other anti-consumer practices by scalpers also reinforces the market power of large venues and dominant ticket sales platforms, such as Live Nation/Ticketmaster, when independent venues find themselves unable to protect real consumers\u2019 access themselves.\u201d\n\n\u201cI urge the Federal Trade Commission to vigorously enforce our consumer protection laws in the live event market, including the BOTS Act, to protect concertgoers and venues from predatory ticketing schemes,\u201d Blumenthal concluded.\n\nThe full text of Blumenthal\u2019s letter to the FTC is available here and below:\n\nDecember 6, 2024\n\nThe Honorable Lina M. Khan\n\nChair\n\nFederal Trade Commission\n\n600 Pennsylvania Ave NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20580\n\nDear Chair Khan,\n\nI write to urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate and bring enforcement actions against deceptive and unlawful practices in the live event ticketing market, including through vigorously enforcing the Better Online Tickets Sales Act (BOTS Act).\n\nHigh-profile ticketing failures, such as Ticketmaster\u2019s mishandling of Taylor Swift\u2019s Eras Tour, have brought renewed attention to the persistent and pervasive issue of scalpers and misleading marketplaces. Concertgoers are increasingly competing with well-resourced scalpers, who crowd out real fans with automated bots to buy out seats for even small, local shows. Those scalpers often then resell tickets at starkly inflated prices, sometimes multiple times their price, on shady marketplaces that look like the original venue\u2019s site in their branding and search results, often using sponsored ads to appear ahead of the actual venue\u2019s website. As a result, consumers might not be aware they are buying from a scalper or that tickets are still available at face value \u2014 or even that a seller does not possess the ticket the buyer is trying to purchase (\u201cspeculative ticketing\u201d).\n\nDeceptive and unlawful ticket scalping harms consumers, concert venues, and artists. Concert venues suffer when abusive scalping leads to empty seats and undersold shows, and when fans are irate because a scalper leads the consumer to think they are buying directly from the venue and overcharges or fails to deliver on promised tickets.\n\nAnd, while many venues do all they can to stop bots from buying up their inventory, small and independent venues are outmatched in the arms race against scalper\u2019s sophisticated circumvention and impersonation schemes.[1] This struggle to fend off bots and other anti-consumer practices by scalpers also reinforces the market power of large venues and dominant ticket sales platforms, such as Live Nation/Ticketmaster, when independent venues find themselves unable to protect real consumers\u2019 access themselves.\n\nThe BOTS Act made it illegal for scalpers to use bots to bypass the security measures and other limitations that ticket sales platforms put in place to ensure that real fans can get access to tickets. The Federal Trade Commission Act\u2019s prohibition on \u2018unfair or deceptive acts or practices\u2019 in commerce also makes it unlawful for marketplaces and sellers to deceptively impersonate concert venues and falsely claim to possess tickets in their speculative sales. Regrettably, however, despite the BOTS Act\u2019s enactment in December 2016, the FTC has only taken action once, against three ticket brokers in January 2021. This lack of deterrence from the underenforcement of the BOTS Act has fostered a sense of impunity, inviting more scalpers with more sophisticated schemes, driving up prices for consumers, and creating a minefield of scams.\n\nI urge the Federal Trade Commission to vigorously enforce our consumer protection laws in the live event market, including the BOTS Act, to protect concertgoers and venues from predatory ticketing schemes. I additionally request that the FTC provide a briefing about its consumer protection efforts in ticketing market, including work to warn consumers, enforcement actions, and recommendations for strengthening our laws on ticketing, no later than December 20, 2024.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-video-blumenthal-questions-us-postmaster-general-dejoy-on-the-future", "ICYMI Video: Blumenthal Questions U.S. Postmaster General DeJoy on the Future of Unused or Underutilized Postal Service Sites in Connecticut", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[HARTFORD, CT] \u2013 In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, questioned U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy yesterday on unused or underutilized United States Postal Service (USPS) sites in Connecticut that are negatively affecting small businesses, economic development, and local residents.\n\nIn Ridgefield, Connecticut, an often vacant USPS parking lot remains a problem for the town, surrounding businesses, and Ridgefield residents, who cannot use the parking lot to visit other businesses. The lot is underutilized or not used at all for USPS business despite claims from USPS that the parking lot is necessary \u201cduring our peak holiday season when mail and package volumes dramatically increase.\u201d During today\u2019s hearing, Blumenthal presented DeJoy with a photograph of the clearly empty lot from December of last year. In 2021, Ridgefield\u2019s mail-handling operations moved to the USPS annex in Danbury, dramatically reducing operations.\n\nBlumenthal pressed DeJoy to commit to looking into the issue and consider selling unused or underutilized Connecticut sites which would result in more revenue for the USPS.\n\n\u201cIn Norwalk, they are in the process of redeveloping their downtown now in real time. In Milford, they are redeveloping a downtown. They want to provide you with reasonable alternatives for the postal property, if it ever is going to be used. I could go through a number of towns where in real time, right now there are businesses, taxpayer interests, and your customers at stake. Why can't we move on some of these properties rather than the Post Office in effect stonewalling the people of Connecticut?\u201d asked Blumenthal.\n\nPostmaster General DeJoy committed to joining Blumenthal in Connecticut to visit the Ridgefield Postal Service site, among other unused or underutilized sites. Blumenthal followed up on DeJoy\u2019s commitment sending him a formal invitation letter to join him in a visit to Ridgefield during the winter holiday season.\n\nVideo of Blumenthal and Post Master General DeJoy\u2019s exchange can be found here. A transcript is available below.\n\nBlumenthal: Thanks for having this hearing, thank you, Mr. Dejoy, for being here today.\n\nWhen you were last here in April, you and I talked a little bit about Ridgefield, Connecticut\u2014a small town, but important to me and the people of Connecticut, along with other towns where the United States Postal Service has property that is essentially unused and where in fact the Postal Service could save some money\u2014maybe not billions of dollars but every penny saved, as you know from your business experience, is important to corporation. When we spoke in April, you promised to look into the Ridgefield property personally, but all you did afterward was cite a September 2023 letter from one of your government relations people, Scott Slusher. Is he still with you?\n\nDeJoy: Yes.\n\nBlumenthal: Is he here today?\n\nDeJoy: Yes.\n\nBlumenthal: Good morning, Mr. Slusher. Mr. Slusher told me in that letter, \u201cDuring our peak holiday season when mail and package volumes dramatically increase, the lot will be needed to accommodate the foreseeable needs of our customers and the additional seasonal employees we employ to meet those needs.\u201d When was the last time, Mr. Dejoy, you visited Ridgefield, Connecticut?\n\nDeJoy: I don\u2019t know that I\u2019ve ever been to Ridgefield, Connecticut.\n\nBlumenthal: Has Mr. Slusher ever visited? I take it from your non-answer that he hasn\u2019t.\n\nDeJoy: If you\u2019re asking me if Mr. Slusher\u2014I don\u2019t keep up with the travel.\n\nBlumenthal: You don\u2019t know? No.\n\nLet me show you a photo of that lot. Last December, December 27, during the peak holiday season. It\u2019s empty. It\u2019s empty every day in December. It\u2019s empty every day\u2014every day\u2014 during the year. That lot is unused. The small businesses on Main Street want to make that lot available for parking\u2014they don\u2019t want to take anything away from the United States Postal Service\u2014and the non-responsiveness\u2014I\u2019m tempted to say stonewalling\u2014of the Postal Service in response to their and my request, the town of Ridgefield, so that that property can be used for parking, enabling more customers for those small businesses on Main Street, I think is really unacceptable. Will you come to Ridgefield?\n\nDeJoy: Sure.\n\nBlumenthal: We\u2019ll set it up with your office during the peak holiday season.\n\nDeJoy: I make trips, people invite me. I\u2019ll come to Ridgefield.\n\nBlumenthal: You\u2019ll love Ridgefield. It\u2019s especially beautiful in the peak holiday season. And while you\u2019re in Ridgefield, maybe we could also visit Milford, Norwalk, East Hartford, where there are properties that could be sold by the Postal Service that are essentially unused\u2014the Postal Service could make some money\u2014and right now, it is essentially refusing even to respond as you have done essentially on Ridgefield.\n\nDeJoy: First of all, I will take the whole tour. I\u2019ll come up. But, we are in a process\u2014we have these requests throughout the whole nation, and we are in a process of looking at 31,000 facilities across the nation trying to determine what we are going to stay in and not stay in, where we are going to park electric vehicles, and so forth. So we are in a status of evaluation. Okay? We will get through this as we work through our whole network where our sorting and delivery centers are going to be, what are retail configurations are going to look like, and so forth. And then that will be the time for us to move out in terms of looking at the monetization.\n\nBlumenthal: But the problem is, Mr. Dejoy\u2014and I apologize for interrupting, but my time is limited as you all know\u2014that in Norwalk, they are in the process of redeveloping their downtown. Now. In real time.\n\nDeJoy: Senator, that is everywhere\u2014\n\nBlumenthal: In Milford, they are redeveloping a downtown. They want to provide you with reasonable alternatives for the Postal property, if it ever is going to be used. In Litchfield\u2014I mean, I could go through a number of towns where in real time, right now, there are businesses and taxpayer interests, and your customers are at stake. Why can't we move on some of these properties right away, rather than the Post Office, in effect, with all due respect, stonewalling the people of Connecticut?\n\nDeJoy: I don\u2019t know that we are\u2014 I do believe that we need to, and have started a process to, engage. I just was with a couple Congressmen in their towns looking at some of these projects. I do think we need to get into a better dialogue, more meaningful dialogue, with local constituents, quicker in terms of the decisions that we need to make and the reasons why we can\u2019t relinquish or can relinquish the property. I think we need to get better at that. It does not change the answer, in many, many cases, because we do need many of these properties. So, I don\u2019t know, I mean, do you want me to look into this further?\n\nBlumenthal: Well, you promised to look into it in April.\n\nDeJoy: And we gave you an answer.\n\nBlumenthal: And you gave me an answer to refer to a September 2023 letter, which frankly, I find insulting.\n\nDeJoy: Well why do you find it insulting? If we feel we need the property? We need the property, we need the property.\n\nBlumenthal: Because what you say is absolutely untrue, that it is used in the peak holiday season. And if anybody paid attention, gave it the slightest care \u2013\n\nDeJoy: That is not true. Because, Senator, when I got here, we added a thousand locations during peak to do deliveries. Because of some of the changes that we have made in our operational processes, that is coming down. That might have been, we ran a lot of additional operations during the peak season that were crazy and costly and deteriorated service. So in our process\u2014I am now emptying buildings all over the country, but this is a process, I can\u2019t just\u2026\n\nBlumenthal: Well, the process seems to be never ending.\n\nDeJoy: Exactly.\n\nBlumenthal: And the lack of an end means the Post Office, the United States Postal Service, is deprived of revenue that it needs, and it means insulting the people of the United States, who have an interest\u2014your customers, not only in that revenue but also in the most effective use of property that belongs to the United States Postal Service. So I welcome your willingness to come visit.\n\nDeJoy: Senator, if I give up a bill, I get booted out of a retail center where I am paying, let\u2019s say, $300,000 a year. You know what the price of that is for me to go some place else today? Like $3 million a year. So I have to be careful with what we do with this real estate. There\u2019s significant increases in value and also a whole cartel of opportunists that we have dealt with over the years at the Postal Service with regard to the centers, so that property in a downtown, if you want a Post Office or Postal Service, we are going through making\u2013\n\nBlumenthal: Are you aware that the Post Office moved out of Ridgefield? The office is no longer there. I would suggest that you really look into, as you promised you would do, the situation there personally, maybe ask\u2014\n\nDeJoy: Get rid of him.\n\nBlumenthal: \u2014Mr. Slusher to do an advanced visit so that you can be prepared when you come with me, and I appreciate your willingness to do so, but time is not on our side when it comes to those small businesses, whether it\u2019s in Ridgefield or the interests of towns, Milford, Norwalk, Litchfield, East Hartford, where the property interests are not used properly. I apologize for going over my time, Mr. Chairman.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-calls-for-expansion-of-darfur-arms-embargo", "Murphy Calls For Expansion Of Darfur Arms Embargo", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Friday released the following statement on the need to expand the Darfur arms embargo during the United States\u2019 presidency of the UN Security Council:\n\n\u201cAs the United States assumes the Presidency of the UN Security Council this month, I strongly support Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield\u2019s commitment to using our role to shine a spotlight on the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan. While our Mission works with partners to set the Council\u2019s agenda for December, we must make it a priority to enforce the Darfur arms embargo and further expand it to cover the entirety of Sudan.\n\nWhile I am grateful the Security Council recently unanimously decided to extend the embargo until September 2025, combatants on both sides of the conflict continue to receive a steady flow of weapons and ammunition from all corners of the country. In turn, both the RSF and SAF use these weapons to continue their brutal campaigns and terrorize innocent civilians. The foreign governments and businesses responsible for violating the embargo, including the United Arab Emirates and Russia, are directly responsible for perpetuating the horrific conflict, which has killed tens of thousands of civilians and become the most severe displacement crisis in the world. The Security Council must step up to expand the embargo and take the necessary steps to hold those responsible for violating it accountable. With December\u2019s presidency, I hope the United States will use all leverage at our disposal to end the bloodshed and bring this devastating conflict to a close.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-fda-deputy-commissioner-human-foods-confirms-fda-intends-finalize", "ICYMI: FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Confirms FDA Intends to Finalize Decision on Red 3", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones confirmed in a Senate hearing that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to finalize their decision on the carcinogenic food dye FD&C Red No. 3, known as Red 3, in the use of foods in the coming weeks. You can view the interaction here.\n\n\u201cSenator Tuberville: Let me say this, Red 3 has been known to cause cancer in cosmetic s but we still allow it to be put in our food\u2026 I don\u2019t understand that.\n\n\u201cCommissioner Jones: So, Red 3, we have a petition in front of us to revoke the authorization for it and we are hopeful that within the next few weeks we will be acting on that petition and a decision should be forthcoming.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-courtney-delauro-applaud-13-billion-contract-strengthen-engine", "Larson, Courtney, DeLauro Applaud $1.3 Billion Contract to Strengthen Engine Manufacturing Supply Chain", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) applauded the Department of Defense\u2019s announcement of a $1.3 billion modification to a Pratt & Whitney contract for F135 maintenance and sustainment. 46% of all the work completed under this contract will be performed in East Hartford and Windsor Locks, Connecticut.\n\n\u201cThe F135 is the most capable production fighter engine the world has ever known, and it is built right here in Connecticut by the best machinists and engineers in the world,\u201d said Larson. \u201cThis contract supports nearly 20,000 jobs in our state and the security needs of our Military Services and our allies across the globe. It is a true testament to the hard work of Connecticut\u2019s skilled machinists and engineers, who have driven down production costs of this engine by 50%. The entire Connecticut delegation led a broad coalition of machinists and Members of Congress in both parties to ensure Pratt & Whitney remains the sole source provider of the F135 engine, a decision that will secure critical investments in our region\u2019s workforce for years to come and save taxpayers billions of dollars. Together, we will keep the eagle flying!\u201d\n\n\"This award by the Department of Defense once again validates the critical importance that the employees of Pratt & Whitney deliver to the F-35 enterprise, particularly on maintenance and life cycle sustainment,\" said Courtney, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. \"The contract enables Pratt & Whitney to continue their impressive work to reduce life cycle and maintenance costs while increasing overall readiness of the F-35 fleet to deliver for our warfighters and international program partners. Kudos to my colleague and friend Congressman John B. Larson for championing the F-35 enterprise, which has created thousands of good-paying jobs for Connecticut workers.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis $1.3 billion contract modification builds on the progress I made negotiating this year\u2019s bipartisan funding bill, which firmly established Pratt & Whitney as the sole engine supplier for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the world\u2019s most advanced and capable fifth-generation fighter aircraft,\u201d said DeLauro. \u201cNot only will this contract support high-skilled, well-paying jobs in Connecticut, it will continue to reduce the costs of the F135 engine program for taxpayers, which have already been cut in half thanks to years of cumulative improvements in production and design. I was proud to work with such a broad group of lawmakers led by Congressman Larson, including our whole Connecticut delegation, to finalize this contract. Today, we are ensuring that high-skilled well-paying jobs will be protected and created right here in Connecticut American taxpayers continue to get the best value for their money out of the F-35 platform, and that our servicemembers and allied militaries can rely on the Connecticut-made, world-beating F135 engine for years to come.\u201d\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, Rep. Larson led a coalition of machinists and bipartisan Members of Congress in support of engine modernization and against a costly alternative engine to the Connecticut-built F135.\n\nEarlier this year, President Biden signed a bipartisan funding bill into law, negotiated by Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro and supported by the entire Connecticut delegation, that achieved a nearly three-decade goal to secure Pratt & Whitney as the sole supplier of engines for the F-35.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-murphy-blumenthal-courtney-delauro-call-department-education", "Larson, Murphy, Blumenthal, Courtney, DeLauro Call on Department of Education to Discharge Loans for Defrauded Borrowers", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy called on the U.S. Department of Education to discharge student loan debt for hundreds of thousands of students who were defrauded by predatory schools.\n\nDuring the first Trump administration, defrauded borrowers\u2019 applications for debt relief were left to languish for years, and if reviewed, were often denied. In their letter, the lawmakers called for the Department to use its authority to immediately discharge debt.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration has demonstrated a commitment to supporting student borrowers and mitigating the devastating impact of student loan debt, including issuing targeted debt relief to hundreds of thousands of borrowers defrauded by predatory higher education institutions,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers continued: \u201cWe urge the Department of Education to follow through on its commitment by immediately processing debt discharges for borrowers already approved for relief; issuing additional discharges for students who attended institutions with documented histories of predatory practices; and processing any outstanding borrower defense applications.\u201d\n\nSince 2022, the Department has announced group discharges for more than 1.2 million individuals who attended schools that engaged in documented fraud and misconduct, including ITT Technical Institute and Corinthian Colleges. Yet, hundreds of thousands of borrowers are still awaiting their discharges. Many additional borrowers are eligible for borrower defense group discharge because they attended schools for which the Department possesses evidence of fraud and misconduct; 400,000 borrowers have submitted individual applications for borrower defense discharges that the Department has yet to process.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Cardona,\n\nThe Biden administration has demonstrated a commitment to supporting student borrowers and mitigating the devastating impact of student loan debt, including issuing targeted debt relief to hundreds of thousands of borrowers defrauded by predatory higher education institutions. We urge the Department of Education (Department) to follow through on its commitment by immediately processing debt discharges for borrowers already approved for relief; issuing additional discharges for students who attended institutions with documented histories of predatory practices; and processing any outstanding borrower defense applications.\n\nToo many student borrowers have been preyed on by predatory schools, most of which are for-profit colleges. These for-profit colleges have a long history of disproportionately enrolling veterans, low-income students, students of color, homeless students, and first-generation college students and falsely promising high-quality jobs after graduation. Unfortunately, too many of these borrowers were saddled with debilitating debt, often without a degree to show for it. Debt has forced many of these borrowers to put their economic lives on hold, forgoing buying homes and starting families.\n\nThe Department must take three concrete steps to help these student borrowers.\n\nFirst, the Department must immediately discharge the student loans for the hundreds of thousands of students who the Department has already committed to providing borrower defense debt relief. Since 2022, the Department has announced group discharges for more than 1.2 million individuals who attended schools that engaged in documented fraud and misconduct, including:\n\nArt Institutes \u2013 317,000 students (May 2024)\n\nPhoenix University \u2013 1,200 students (September 2023)\n\nAshford University \u2013 2,300 students (August 2023)\n\nCollegeAmerica \u2013 7,400 students (July 2023)\n\nWestwood College \u2013 79,000 students (August 2022)\n\nITT Technical Institute \u2013 208,000 students (August 2022)\n\nKaplan Career Institute \u2013 100 students (August 2022)\n\nCorinthian Colleges \u2013 560,000 students (June 2022)\n\nMarinello Schools of Beauty \u2013 28,200 students (April 2022)\n\nDeVry University \u2013 1,800 students (February 2022)\n\nMinnesota School of Business/Globe University \u2013 270 students (July 2021)\n\nHowever, according to recent court filings, hundreds of thousands of these borrowers still await relief. For example, as of October 31, 2024, more than 25 percent of Corinthian Colleges\u2019 borrowers await their discharges, and many others await promised refunds of amounts previously paid. The Department must immediately process debt relief for these borrowers.\n\nSecond, the Department must use its authority under the Higher Education Act to issue group discharges for the millions of borrowers who attended other institutions with documented histories of predatory practices. These institutions are included in the appendix. The Department should promptly issue findings and utilize its authority to fully discharge the student loan balances of borrowers who attended the schools listed. Substantial evidence of misconduct already exists for each of these schools. Defrauded students should not be left holding the bag for institutions that no longer exist.\n\nThird, the Department must process any remaining applications for borrower defense discharge. These borrowers completed an onerous application to demonstrate that they were victims of fraud, but the Department has yet to act. Though the Department has not shared its number with Congress or the public, an estimated 400,000 borrowers have pending applications for borrower defense discharge. By processing existing group discharges and issuing findings for additional group discharges, the Department will eliminate much of the backlog in remaining borrower defense applications, efficiently delivering relief. Additionally, the Department must process any remaining borrower defense applications as soon as possible.\n\nUnder the previous Trump Administration, borrowers\u2019 applications were allowed to languish for years. If their application was reviewed, borrowers often were denied and granted no relief. Then-Education Secretary DeVos denied nearly 130,000 borrower defense applications. It is imperative that the Department provide immediate relief to borrowers. Borrowers who attended fraudulent schools and have struggled with debt for years, or even decades, cannot afford to wait any longer. We thank you for your attention to this urgent issue and look forward to working together to ensure that all students who were victims of predatory practices receive relief.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-senate-armed-services-committee-leadership-to-request-hegseth-records-from-veterans-groups", "Blumenthal Calls on Senate Armed Services Committee Leadership to Request Hegseth Records from Veterans Groups", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote Chairman Jack Reed (D-RI) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MI) requesting that the Committee \u201censure that Concerned Veterans of America (CVA) and the Veterans for Freedom (V.F.F.) preserve and produce all financial records and correspondence, particularly concerning credit card transactions, relating to Peter Hegseth\u2019s tenure at these organizations to the Committee for review.\u201d\n\nEarlier this week, public reporting revealed that the nominee to lead the Department of Defense was removed from leadership positions at both Concerned Veterans of America and the Veterans for Freedom following significant misconduct and financial mismanagement.\n\nThe full text of Blumenthal\u2019s letter is available here and copied below.\n\nDear Chairman Reed and Ranking Member Wicker,\n\nIn light of recent reporting alleging gross misconduct and financial mismanagement on the part of President-elect Trump\u2019s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Peter Hegseth, I request that prior to scheduling any confirmation hearing, the Committee ensure that Concerned Veterans of America (CVA) and the Veterans for Freedom (V.F.F.) preserve and produce all financial records and correspondence, particularly concerning credit card transactions, relating to Peter Hegseth\u2019s tenure at these organizations to the Committee for review.\n\nAccusations of Mr. Hegseth\u2019s serious financial abuse and gross misconduct as the Executive Director of V.F.F. from 2007 to 2011 and again as the Executive Director of CVA from 2013 to 2016 make it imperative that the Committee have access to all relevant documentation to assess these claims prior to the Committee considering his nomination. This request includes but is not limited to credit card records, tax filings, receipts, performance reviews, and revenue reports.\n\nThank you for your consideration of my request.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-larson-courtney-delauro-colleagues-call-on-department-of-education-to-discharge-loans-for-defrauded-borrowers", "Murphy, Blumenthal, Larson, Courtney, DeLauro, Colleagues Call On Department Of Education To Discharge Loans For Defrauded Borrowers", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, on Wednesday joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives John Larson (D-Conn.-01), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02), and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-03) in calling on the U.S. Department of Education to discharge student loan debt for hundreds of thousands of students who were defrauded by predatory schools. During the first Trump administration, defrauded borrowers\u2019 applications for debt relief were left to languish for years, and if reviewed, were often denied. In their letter today, the lawmakers called for the Department to use its authority to immediately discharge debt.\n\nSince 2022, the Department has announced group discharges for more than 1.2 million individuals who attended schools that engaged in documented fraud and misconduct, including ITT Technical Institute and Corinthian Colleges. Yet, hundreds of thousands of borrowers are still awaiting their discharges. Many additional borrowers are eligible for borrower defense group discharge because they attended schools for which the Department possesses evidence of fraud and misconduct; 400,000 borrowers have submitted individual applications for borrower defense discharges that the Department has yet to process.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration has demonstrated a commitment to supporting student borrowers and mitigating the devastating impact of student loan debt, including issuing targeted debt relief to hundreds of thousands of borrowers defrauded by predatory higher education institutions,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers continued: \u201cWe urge the Department of Education to follow through on its commitment by immediately processing debt discharges for borrowers already approved for relief; issuing additional discharges for students who attended institutions with documented histories of predatory practices; and processing any outstanding borrower defense applications.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) also signed the letter.\n\nIn the House of Representatives, U.S. Representatives Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-Ind.-07), Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.-07), Robin L. Kelly (D-Ill.-02), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-15), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.-13), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Erica Lee Carter (D-Texas-18), Gwen S. Moore (D-Wis.-04), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.-12), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas-20), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.-05), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.-02), Alma S. Adams Ph.D. (D-N.C.-12), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.-20), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.-15), Cori Bush (D-Mo.-01), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.-06), Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.-10), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-07), Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.-03), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.-14), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.-12), Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-N.Y.-07), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Lucy McBath (D-Ga.-07), Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (D-Ill.-04), Summer L. Lee (D-Pa.-12), Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.-09), Al Green (D-Texas-09), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.-14), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.-03), Frederica S. Wilson (D-Fla.-17), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.-04), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.-14), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.-10), Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), Adam Smith (D-Wash.-09), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-Texas-29), Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.-44), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio-03), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.-13), Jennifer L. McClellan (D-Va.-04), Sean Casten (D-Ill.-06), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.-06), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.-05), and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42) also signed the letter.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Cardona,\n\nThe Biden administration has demonstrated a commitment to supporting student borrowers and mitigating the devastating impact of student loan debt, including issuing targeted debt relief to hundreds of thousands of borrowers defrauded by predatory higher education institutions. We urge the Department of Education (Department) to follow through on its commitment by immediately processing debt discharges for borrowers already approved for relief; issuing additional discharges for students who attended institutions with documented histories of predatory practices; and processing any outstanding borrower defense applications.\n\nToo many student borrowers have been preyed on by predatory schools, most of which are for-profit colleges. These for-profit colleges have a long history of disproportionately enrolling veterans, low-income students, students of color, homeless students, and first-generation college students and falsely promising high-quality jobs after graduation. Unfortunately, too many of these borrowers were saddled with debilitating debt, often without a degree to show for it. Debt has forced many of these borrowers to put their economic lives on hold, forgoing buying homes and starting families.\n\nThe Department must take three concrete steps to help these student borrowers.\n\nFirst, the Department must immediately discharge the student loans for the hundreds of thousands of students who the Department has already committed to providing borrower defense debt relief. Since 2022, the Department has announced group discharges for more than 1.2 million individuals who attended schools that engaged in documented fraud and misconduct, including:\n\nArt Institutes \u2013 317,000 students (May 2024)\n\nPhoenix University \u2013 1,200 students (September 2023)\n\nAshford University \u2013 2,300 students (August 2023)\n\nCollegeAmerica \u2013 7,400 students (July 2023)\n\nWestwood College \u2013 79,000 students (August 2022)\n\nITT Technical Institute \u2013 208,000 students (August 2022)\n\nKaplan Career Institute \u2013 100 students (August 2022)\n\nCorinthian Colleges \u2013 560,000 students (June 2022)\n\nMarinello Schools of Beauty \u2013 28,200 students (April 2022)\n\nDeVry University \u2013 1,800 students (February 2022)\n\nMinnesota School of Business/Globe University \u2013 270 students (July 2021)\n\nHowever, according to recent court filings, hundreds of thousands of these borrowers still await relief. For example, as of October 31, 2024, more than 25 percent of Corinthian Colleges\u2019 borrowers await their discharges, and many others await promised refunds of amounts previously paid. The Department must immediately process debt relief for these borrowers.\n\nSecond, the Department must use its authority under the Higher Education Act to issue group discharges for the millions of borrowers who attended other institutions with documented histories of predatory practices. These institutions are included in the appendix. The Department should promptly issue findings and utilize its authority to fully discharge the student loan balances of borrowers who attended the schools listed. Substantial evidence of misconduct already exists for each of these schools. Defrauded students should not be left holding the bag for institutions that no longer exist.\n\nThird, the Department must process any remaining applications for borrower defense discharge. These borrowers completed an onerous application to demonstrate that they were victims of fraud, but the Department has yet to act. Though the Department has not shared its number with Congress or the public, an estimated 400,000 borrowers have pending applications for borrower defense discharge. By processing existing group discharges and issuing findings for additional group discharges, the Department will eliminate much of the backlog in remaining borrower defense applications, efficiently delivering relief. Additionally, the Department must process any remaining borrower defense applications as soon as possible.\n\nUnder the previous Trump Administration, borrowers\u2019 applications were allowed to languish for years. If their application was reviewed, borrowers often were denied and granted no relief. Then-Education Secretary DeVos denied nearly 130,000 borrower defense applications. It is imperative that the Department provide immediate relief to borrowers. Borrowers who attended fraudulent schools and have struggled with debt for years, or even decades, cannot afford to wait any longer. We thank you for your attention to this urgent issue and look forward to working together to ensure that all students who were victims of predatory practices receive relief.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B91BDAD9-DB44-43C2-A286-D6B4010AD394", "Hayes Introduces Legislation to Lower Costs for Telehealth Care", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", "hayes", "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Fair Telehealth Billing Act of 2024 to prohibit healthcare providers from imposing certain facility fees for telehealth services, lowering the cost to the patient.\n\nFacility fees are often used by hospitals and providers to maximize revenue and are added on top of professional service fees. There is often little transparency on when, how, or why hospitals charge patients these supplemental fees for telehealth services. According to the National Academy for State Health Policy, facility fees can increase out-of-pocket costs for patients by as much as $1,000.\n\n\u201cThe Fair Telehealth Billing Act is a commonsense approach to lower the overall cost of telehealth care by eliminating unnecessary fees,\u201d said Congresswoman Hayes. \u201cPatients should not pay for facility fees if they are receiving telehealth services and never step into a physical medical office. This legislation prevents healthcare providers from charging arbitrary fees while protecting protects patients from runaway costs of care.\u201d\n\nFurther, patients are often charged separately for professional service and facility fees, resulting in double billing.The Fair Telehealth Billing Act of 2024prevents health care facilities from charging consumers a separate facility fee. This legislation ensures facility fees for telehealth would only be permitted when there is no professional fee available to the billing provider. This approach is fair to health care providers, who will get paid for their services, and to patients, who will only receive one bill for the care they receive through telehealth.\n\nThe Fair Telehealth Billing Act of 2024 builds off anamendment Congresswoman Hayes offered before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in September, which was unanimously adopted into H.R. 9457.\n\nDuring her time in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Hayes has continued to advocate for policies and investments to lower the cost of healthcare. The Fair Telehealth Billing Act of 2024 is the latest proposal by Congresswoman Hayes to protect patients and make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-dot-and-treasury-to-investigate-airlines-junk-fee-tactics", "Blumenthal Calls on DOT and Treasury to Investigate Airlines' Junk Fee Tactics", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today urged the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Department of Treasury to review major airlines\u2019 tactics to boost revenue from excessive ancillary or \u201cjunk\u201d fees, which have resulted in higher costs and negative experiences for consumers. Last week, Blumenthal released a Majority staff report today\u2019s PSI hearing\n\nPointing to the Subcommittee\u2019s finding that Frontier and Spirit airlines paid $26 million in combined incentive payments to gate agents and other personnel between 2022 and 2023 to enforce airline bag policies that boost airline revenue, Blumenthal wrote to Secretary Buttigieg, \u201cI write to request that the DOT review the Subcommittee\u2019s report, which is enclosed with this letter, and conduct a thorough investigation into Frontier and Spirit\u2019s policies, practices, and training surrounding the payment of incentives to gate agents and others charged with applying discretion in the application of bag policies. I further urge that, if the DOT determines that either Frontier or Spirit have engaged in unfair or deceptive practices in their implementation of ancillary incentive payments, it should prohibit the practices in question and access civil penalties if appropriate.\u201d\n\nBlumenthal also urged DOT to consider PSI\u2019s findings as it pursues its inquiry into the state of competition in air travel with the Department of Justice, \u201cThe Subcommittee\u2019s investigation of American Airlines, Delta, United, Frontier, and Spirit, which together control 60% of the domestic air travel market, also revealed how the decline in airline competition has harmed American consumers. Airline industry consolidation over the past 20 years has left a handful of major airlines that implement ancillary fee increases in lock step, often leaving customers no way to avoid certain fees.\u201d\n\nIn his letter to Secretary Yellen, Blumenthal called on the department to ensure uniform application of the transportation excise tax, writing, \u201cThe Subcommittee found that the five airlines collected $12.4 billion in combined revenue from seat fees between 2018 and 2023, that Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines paid $26 million in combined incentive payments to gate agents and other personnel between 2022 and 2023 to enforce airline bag policies, and that some airlines appear to avoid the 7.5% transportation excise tax by deeming some ticket costs to be ancillary fees.\u201d\n\nThe full text of Blumenthal\u2019s letter to Treasury is available here. The full text of Blumenthal\u2019s letter to DOT is available here and below:\n\nDecember 4, 2024\n\nVIA E-MAIL\n\nThe Honorable Pete Buttigieg\n\nU.S. Secretary of Transportation\n\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\n\nWashington, DC 20590\n\nDear Secretary Buttigieg:\n\nOn November 26, 2024, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (\u201cPSI\u201d or \u201cthe Subcommittee\u201d) released a report titled \u201cThe Sky\u2019s the Limit \u2013 The Rise of Junk Fees in American Travel.\u201d The report details the findings of the Subcommittee\u2019s year-long investigation into fees airlines charge for products and services that were once included in the price of a ticket (\u201cancillary fees\u201d) at five major U.S. airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The Subcommittee found that the five airlines collected $12.4 billion in combined revenue from seat fees between 2018 and 2023, that some airlines appear to avoid the 7.5% transportation excise tax by deeming some ticket costs to be ancillary fees, and that Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines paid $26 million in combined incentive payments to gate agents and other personnel between 2022 and 2023 to enforce airline bag policies. The Subcommittee\u2019s findings suggest that Frontier and Spirit\u2019s incentive payments to gate agents may inappropriately encourage abuse of discretion when it comes to deciding whether a passenger has complied with airline bag policies, potentially forcing customers to choose between paying an unjust bag fee or missing their flight.\n\nI write to request that the Department of Transportation (\u201cDOT\u201d) review the Subcommittee\u2019s report, which is enclosed with this letter, and conduct a thorough investigation into Frontier and Spirit\u2019s policies, practices, and training surrounding the payment of incentives to gate agents and others charged with applying discretion in the application of bag policies. I further urge that, if the DOT determines that either Frontier or Spirit have engaged in unfair or deceptive practices in their implementation of ancillary incentive payments, it should prohibit the practices in question and access civil penalties if appropriate.\n\nThe Subcommittee\u2019s investigation of American Airlines, Delta, United, Frontier, and Spirit, which together control 60% of the domestic air travel market, also revealed how the decline in airline competition has harmed American consumers. Airline industry consolidation over the past 20 years has left a handful of major airlines that implement ancillary fee increases in lock step, often leaving customers no way to avoid certain fees. Pursuant to the DOT\u2019s October 24, 2024, Request for Information on Competition in Air Transportation, I request that the DOT consider the Subcommittee\u2019s findings and recommendations as it pursues its public inquiry into the state of competition in air travel together with the Department of Justice. To this end, please include the Subcommittee\u2019s report in the inquiry\u2019s public docket. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-delivers-opening-statement-at-hearing-with-airline-executives-on-junk-fees", "Blumenthal Delivers Opening Statement at Hearing with Airline Executives on Junk Fees", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), delivered opening remarks at today\u2019s hearing on \u201cThe Sky\u2019s the Limit \u2013 New Revelations About Airline Fees.\u201d Prior to the hearing, Blumenthal wrote to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Treasury referring PSI\u2019s findings from its investigation into airline junk fees and urging the agencies to take action to protect consumers.\n\n\u201cLast week was the busiest, or certainly one of the busiest, of our travel weekends,\u201d Blumenthal said. \u201c18 million people in the air, and many of them frustrated and infuriated, not just by delays and cancellations\u2014some of them inevitable\u2014but by fees that seemed to be sky high with no prospect of landing. In fact, they feel with more than understandable justification that they are piggy banks to be shaken down by these skyrocketing fees that seem to have no connection to any costs that the airlines incur. In fact, our investigation shows they have no connection to actual costs that the airlines are bearing.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe five airlines here today generated $25.3 billion in checked bag fees over the past six years. In fact, airlines have forced parents to choose between sitting apart from their minor children and paying an extra fee,\u201d Blumenthal continued.\n\nBlumenthal underscored the findings of PSI\u2019s investigation into airline junk fees as published in last week\u2019s Majority staff report, \u201cOur investigation found that in 2023 alone, American, Delta, United, Frontier, and Spirit collected more than $3 billion in seat fees. Only seat fees. That is not airfare. That is just fees for booking a specific seat in advance or selecting a slightly better seat. And that\u2019s an increase of 50% from 2018, just six years ago.\u201d\n\nBlumenthal concluded by calling for action to lower costs for consumers, increase price transparency, and review the state of competition within the airline industry, \u201cFirst of all, more must be done to address the rising cost of air travel and to empower passengers, beginning with greater transparency. The billions of dollars that airlines make in seat fees and other unreported fees must be disclosed to the public.\u201d\n\nVideo of Blumenthal\u2019s opening remarks can be found here. The full transcript of Blumenthal\u2019s statement is available below.\n\nChair Blumenthal: This Hearing of the Subcommittee on Investigations will come to order. I want to welcome our witnesses, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Senator Johnson had a conflict this morning, so we welcome Senator Marshall as the Ranking Member, and thank you, Senator Hassan, for being here as well. I want to put into the record right away, two letters that I have written to Secretary of Treasury Yellen and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg asking for investigation of potential violations of law that have been uncovered in the course of our investigation. They relate to possible avoidance of excise taxes on airline fares and potential violations of the consumer protection laws insofar as deceptive and misleading practices may have occurred. Those investigations will be\u2014those letters will be part of our record without objection.\n\nLast week was the busiest, or certainly one of the busiest, of our travel weekends. 18 million people in the air, and many of them frustrated and infuriated, not just by delays and cancellations\u2014some of them inevitable\u2014 but by fees that seemed to be sky high with no prospect of landing. In fact, they feel with more than understandable justification that they are piggy banks to be shaken down by these skyrocketing fees that seem to have no connection to any costs that the airlines incur. In fact, our investigation shows they have no connection to actual costs that the airlines are bearing.\n\nFee revenue, in fact, is skyrocketing, and these consumers feel it. Passengers now are forced to pay extra for almost everything. If you want to reserve a seat, there is a fee for that. If you want to change or cancel your reservation, there is a fee for that. If you want to travel with a bag, there is a fee for that, too.\n\nThe five airlines here today generated $25.3 billion in checked bag fees over the past six years. In fact, airlines have forced parents to choose between sitting apart from their minor children and paying an extra fee. We passed a law last May prohibiting those kinds of fees. The comment period closed in May, and the DOT has yet to issue a final rule that implements that new law. But in the meantime, the airlines should have respected the intent of Congress eliminating it, and frankly, the Department of Transportation ought to issue that final rule right now. Get it done. No more delay.\n\nNow I know the airlines say that they offer lower fares and more choices. But the fact of the matter is that those lower fares, the so-called economy class, are basically for people to travel with no more than the shirt on their back and the underwear and socks they have on. The fees that they inevitably incur when they have to carry a bag on are often confused, complicated, and inconsistent. And they are concealed in a way that defeat efforts to do comparison shopping, which is the essence of competition.\n\nAirlines often conceal these fees, making that kind of comparison shopping difficult if not impossible, and more travelers are searching for tickets without knowing what the final price will be until they pay it, and some are surprised by concealed charges at the moment they are about to board at the gate.\n\nAirlines call the practice of separately charging for every little thing, \u201cunbundling.\u201d Frustrated passengers have a different word for it\u2014they call it junk. Sometimes they use another four-letter word, and understandably they feel that sense of frustration and anger.\n\nFor the past year, our Subcommittee, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has been investigating how five of the most prominent airlines have used these fees to change the way Americans travel. American, Delta, and United are together responsible for a majority of all domestic air travel. I think it is about 60%. With Southwest, that figure is close to 70%. And Frontier and Spirit, while smaller, have pioneered new methods of charging their customers. Some of their latest practices, like targeting individual passengers with pricing algorithms, are likely spreading to other airlines, which is the pattern in the industry. The smaller airlines experiment with a new tactic, and it is then mimicked or adopted by the larger ones.\n\nOur investigation found that in 2023 alone, American, Delta, United, Frontier, and Spirit collected more than $3 billion in seat fees. Only seat fees. That is not airfare. That is just fees for booking a specific seat in advance or selecting a slightly better seat. And that\u2019s an increase of 50% from 2018, just six years ago. In fact, we found that over the past six years, the five airlines we investigated made more than $12.4 billion from the many seat fees that they charge.\n\nNow I know there are going to be claims in your testimony of rising costs. But, we found that for checked bags, the fees are unconnected to any costs in transporting them, and it is obvious that assigning paid seats is pure profit. You do not have to create new seats on a specific flight when you charge more.\n\nWe obtained internal documents showing that Frontier paid $10 to its gate agents every time you identify, or they identified, a passenger whose free personal item is large enough to qualify as a carry-on bag, requiring a fee up to $99. In other words, a bounty bag program. $10, an incentive payment, so that the consumer would pay up to $99 to carry on a bag. I call it a bounty bag program, and Spirit has one too. When we asked Frontier about this program, they accused customers who don\u2019t pay for carry-on bags of \"Stealing from the airline.\" It is not surprising given that Frontier has estimated this program would generate $40 million in extra revenue in just its first year.\n\nThis hostile view of their customers certainly leaves no doubt why complaints are surging. Our investigation also found that airlines benefit by making information about the fees they charge obscure and confusing. One airline even admitted in our investigation that they hide seat fees from customers until late in the booking process because doing so leads to more customers completing their purchase. Keeping this information hidden from customers is working out very well for the airlines, not so much the customers. Last year, seat fees accounted for $1.3 billion in revenue for United\u2014even more than the $1.2 billion they earned from charging for bags.\n\nTravelers are quite simply fed up with hidden sky-high fees, and they are right to worry about the future. Our investigation found airlines are exploring new ways to charge customized fees to each passenger using algorithms and maybe even AI. This type of consumer-specific pricing will make it much easier for airlines to discriminate against particular passengers and to raise fares and fees for those airlines that the consumers are suspected to be able to pay more. Once again, the airlines are racing to put profits above all else.\n\nLet me conclude by talking a little bit about what has to be done. First of all, more must be done to address the rising cost of air travel and to empower passengers, beginning with greater transparency. The billions of dollars that airlines make in seat fees and other unreported fees must be disclosed to the public. The Department of Transportation must swiftly implement Congress\u2019s mandate that parents be allowed to sit next to their children without extra fees attached. There is no excuse for additional delay. It ought to be done by the end of this year.\n\nWe have to pass legislation, including the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights and the Fair Fees Act, which the airline industry has spent millions to lobby against. And, on the issue of transparency, I want to know from these witnesses why they are in court blocking a bill that was passed by Congress, a law that we approved that requires greater transparency. The Fifth Circuit United States Court has blocked implementation because of that lawsuit brought by your airline companies. If you are in favor of transparency, why go to court blocking a transparency law? It makes no sense. And I hope that our witnesses will address those efforts, and in fact commit, to lift the lawsuit\u2019s injunction.\n\nWe also have to continue to investigate the deceptive and potentially illegal conduct that our investigation has revealed, and I hope that we\u2019ll have a prompt response from the Secretaries of Treasury and Transportation to my requests for investigation.\n\nFinally, at the root of the problem is a lack of competition. I have opposed some of these consolidations, the acquisitions, and mergers that have occurred. Airlines charge these fees because they can. Consolidation has enabled four airlines to control nearly 70% of the market. Major carriers march in lockstep on these fees, and we need a review of whether something has to be done to provide for more competition among airlines in this industry.\n\nSo, thank you to the witnesses for being here today. Frankly, I hope that your responses to our questions will be comprehensive and forthright because each of your airlines, unfortunately, engaged in some measure of stonewalling our investigation, and I hope you understand the public deserves answers, and I hope you will provide them. Thank you, and I will turn it to Senator Marshall.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-applaud-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-slow-down-move-over-resolution", "Murphy, Blumenthal Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Slow Down, Move Over Resolution", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HARTFORD\u2014U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) applauded Senate passage of the bipartisan Slow Down, Move Over resolution, which raises awareness of Slow Down, Move Over state laws to reduce struck-by-vehicle injuries and fatalities and to recognize the important role fire and rescue personnel, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, and transportation workers play in road safety. The resolution is inspired by Corey Iodice, a tow truck operator, who was tragically struck and killed on the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut in 2020 while assisting a driver.\n\n\u201cWhen I walk across the state every year, I see firsthand how reckless driving endangers everyone on the road, especially our law enforcement, emergency personnel, and transportation workers,\u201d said Murphy. \u201cWith roadway deaths on the rise in Connecticut, this bipartisan resolution is a reminder of why Slow Down, Move Over laws are so important to helping prevent the tragedies that have already taken far too many lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis year, State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, Andrew DiDomenico, Jose Diaz Nieves, and Corey Iodice will be absent from family holiday dinner tables. They tragically lost their lives on Connecticut roads, and so many other preventable deaths and injuries occur on our roadways every year,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cToday, I\u2019m proud that the Senate has passed this bipartisan resolution to promote greater adherence and stronger enforcement of Slow Down, Move Over laws to prevent these tragic deaths.\u201d\n\nAll 50 states have Slow Down, Move Over laws that direct motorists to reduce speed or change lanes for stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles. Still, many motorists are unaware of them and roadside fatalities and injuries continue. In 2023, 45 traffic incident management responders were killed in the United States due to roadside collisions.\n\nU.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) also cosponsored the resolution. The resolution is also supported by a number of organizations, including Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of State Troopers, American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Eastern Transportation Coalition, Governors Highway Safety Association, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), National Association of Police Organizations, National Association of State EMS Officials, National Safety Council, and Flagman.\n\nThe text of the resolution is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-labor-protections-for-minor-league-baseball-players", "Murphy, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation To Strengthen Labor Protections For Minor League Baseball Players", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Fair Ball Act, legislation that would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to ensure minor league baseball players receive minimum wage and overtime protections, unless they are already protected under a collective bargaining agreement. The bill seeks to repeal provisions of the 2018 Save America\u2019s Pastime Act, which exempted teams from adhering to federal minimum wage and overtime requirements, while encouraging MLB to uphold collective bargaining agreements and ensuring those exemptions cannot be used as leverage in future negotiations.\n\n\u201cConnecticut fans know how much minor league teams like the Hartford Yard Goats mean to our communities,\u201d said Murphy. \u201cBut for years, the athletes who work hard to make it all possible have been left behind by outdated and unfair labor laws. The Fair Ball Act is about righting a wrong and making sure minor league players get the fair pay and protections they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cMinor League Baseball players deserve to be fairly compensated when their determination, diligence, and discipline drive millions in revenue for MLB owners,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cUnfortunately, MLB has worked vigorously to lobby for loopholes to avoid paying a minimum wage. I\u2019m proud to support the Fair Ball Act which will shore up protections for Minor League Baseball players ensuring they receive fair compensation and that they\u2019re able to continue fighting for increased wages and benefits.\u201d\n\nIn 2018, Major League Baseball successfully lobbied for legislation to shield itself from a class-action lawsuit alleging the league and its teams violated federal and state wage and hour laws. The league argued that 2018 legislation would protect Minor League teams from being contracted only to contract dozens of Minor League Baseball teams just two years later.\n\nThe new Fair Ball Act would help protect Minor League players and the gains they have made to earn a living wage as a result of their historic unionization under the Major League Baseball Players Association in 2022 and subsequent collective bargaining agreement with Major League Baseball.\n\nU.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Peter Welch (D-Vt), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) also cosponsored the legislation.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the Major League Baseball Players Association, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, and the National Employment Law Project.\n\nThe text of the legislation is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-highlights-watertowns-koster-keunen-as-innovator-of-the-month", "Murphy Highlights Watertown's Koster Keunen As \"Innovator Of The Month\"", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HARTFORD\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced on Wednesday that Koster Keunen, based in Watertown, was named \u201cInnovator of the Month\u201d for its leadership in natural wax production and technology. Founded in 1852, Koster Keunen specializes in the ethical development, processing, and manufacturing of wax ingredients and derivatives. The company pioneered the world\u2019s first certified, 100% sustainably sourced beeswax and operates its Watertown facility with a 660kW solar array, offsetting nearly 900 tons of carbon emissions each year.\n\n\u201cKoster Keunen\u2019s innovation and commitment to sustainability highlights the power of Connecticut businesses to lead on a global scale. I\u2019m proud to recognize this family-owned business for its pioneering efforts to create ethical, environmentally friendly solutions and pave the way for better working conditions around the world,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cThis award is a testament to the values that have guided my family and our company for five generations. It's a recognition of our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and ethical business practices. To be acknowledged on a global stage for these efforts is truly humbling,\u201d said John Koster, President of Koster Keunen. \u201cAt Koster Keunen, we believe innovation is the driving force behind sustainability and creating positive global impact. We are proud to be a Connecticut-based company, contributing to the state's rich legacy of ingenuity and environmental stewardship.\u201d\n\nKoster Keunen was awarded the 2024 U.S. Secretary of State Award for Corporate Excellence in Innovation to Strengthen Communities, which recognizes U.S. companies that uphold high standards of ethical conduct, promote human rights and community development, and demonstrate environmental and social responsibility in their overseas operations. The recognition shines a spotlight on the positive impact Koster Keunen has made all over the world, where the company has partnered with local communities to empower local entrepreneurs and promote sustainable beekeeping practices.\n\nMurphy believes entrepreneurship and innovation are the building blocks for a strong economy. In the U.S. Senate, he has introduced legislation to incentivize angel investors to put more money into startup companies\u2014the Angel Tax Credit Act and the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act. Startup companies create an average of 2 million jobs each year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-developments-in-south-korea", "Murphy Statement On Developments In South Korea", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday released the following statement on the developments in South Korea:\n\n\u201cPresident Yoon\u2019s decision to declare martial law and deploy troops to the parliament was extraordinarily misguided and the National Assembly was right to quickly vote to reverse it. In declaring martial law, President Yoon aimed to bypass democratic processes and crush political dissent. South Korea has long been one of our most important allies, but this was a deeply troubling move by President Yoon, and I am glad the country\u2019s institutions moved quickly to condemn it.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-new-democratic-leadership-position", "Murphy Statement On New Democratic Leadership Position", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday released the following statement after the Senate Democratic caucus voted to appoint him to the position of Deputy Conference Secretary within the Senate Democratic leadership team.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful to have a seat at the table as we chart the path forward for our party. In no uncertain terms, the American people sent us a message in November. If we want to win back working-class voters, we need to change how we fight and how we communicate. I look forward to working with Leader Schumer and the rest of the leadership team as we work to build a coalition to fight back against Trump's billionaire agenda in the upcoming Congress.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-meet-the-press-this-cabinet-is-donald-trump-and-the-billionaire-class-using-government-to-enrich-themselves-at-the-cost-of-the-american-people", "Murphy On Meet The Press: This Cabinet Is Donald Trump And The Billionaire Class Using Government To Enrich Themselves At The Cost Of The American People", "2024-12-01", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined NBC News\u2019s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to discuss President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s cabinet nominations. Murphy also discussed the path forward for the Democratic Party and the importance of shifting power away from billionaires and corporations and back to the American people.\n\nOn President-elect Trump\u2019s nomination of Kash Patel to serve as Director of the FBI, Murphy said: \u201cI will vote no, and I will organize not just my colleagues, but the American public to understand what's happening here. Donald Trump told the American public during the campaign that he was going to turn the Department of Justice into a political operation, an arm of the White House, to destroy his political opponents, right. He said that the greatest threat to America is the enemy within. And who he said was the enemy within was us \u2013 was journalists, were his political opponents. Kash Patel\u2019s only qualification is [that] he agrees with Donald Trump that the Department of Justice should serve to punish, lock up, and intimidate Donald Trump's political opponents.\n\nMurphy continued: \u201cThe cost to the American public is pretty simple. The Department of Justice and the FBI [are] supposed to be there to go after drug traffickers, gun smugglers, to go after corrupt Wall Street financiers. Instead, the Department of Justice is going to serve Donald Trump's political interests. That's what Kash Patel has said he thinks the Department of Justice and the FBI should do, and that's why Republicans and Democrats should be examining how damaging this nomination could be to American democracy.\u201d\n\nMurphy highlighted the fact that Trump is using his cabinet nominations to help enrich his billionaire friends: \u201cWhat worries me about this cabinet is that it is essentially putting the billionaire class in charge of American government. The net worth of Donald Trump's nominees is greater than 169 countries. The folks that are being nominated to run the Department of Commerce, Treasury, Education, they don't understand what regular people are going through. All they see government as good for is enriching themselves and their billionaire friends, and so that is what the story of this cabinet is. It\u2019s Donald Trump and the billionaire class taking over government to enrich themselves and screw everybody else in this country.\u201d\n\nOn Donald Trump\u2019s threats to levy tariffs against China and Canada: \u201cWhat we know is that Donald Trump has no idea how to use tariffs in order to create American jobs. He did impose tariffs during his four years in office, and we lost manufacturing jobs. Joe Biden knew how to use tariffs in coordination with subsidies and incentives for domestic manufacturing, such that while he was president, we grew manufacturing jobs. The headline here is that Donald Trump's entire economic policy is going to be about a massive tax break for those billionaires that are in charge of his cabinet. The tariffs are a distraction from what the real agenda is going to be - to be able to use government in order to dramatically increase the wealth of his Cabinet and the friends of that cabinet. Those tariffs, if they're not used properly, are just going to raise costs on ordinary Americans, while the billionaires get off scot-free.\u201d\n\nOn a memo Murphy recently published calling on Democrats to embrace a more populist agenda, he said: \u201cI think we have to talk about power \u2013 who has it and who doesn't have it. I think some of the most important things that Joe Biden did were taking on the big corporations, going after their monopoly power, helping consumers with some of the really egregious fees and gimmicks that those companies used to hurt us\u2026 I think Democrats need to be much more aggressive in making this case that that power has been concentrated, and it needs to be returned to regular Americans. And that we need to be able to invite a lot of different Americans into that conversation, regardless of whether they line up with Democrats on every single social and cultural issue. Let's build a bigger tent.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-condemns-racist-threats-targeting-middle-school-students", "Larson Condemns Racist Threats Targeting Middle School Students in Bloomfield", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cTo see middle school students in Bloomfield targeted by racist and threatening anonymous messages is nothing short of reprehensible,\u201d said Larson. \u201cAll students must be able to feel safe at home, in the classroom, and on the internet, and no one should ever be targeted because of who they are. It is especially disturbing to see this was not a remote or isolated incident, with Black students across the country reporting that they received similar text messages. I completely stand behind law enforcement\u2019s efforts to investigate these hateful threats and hope to see the perpetrators brought to justice. I join with our Attorney General, William Tong, who has made it clear there will be no tolerance for this type of hate in the State of Connecticut. While extremists may aim to divide us with their hate, diversity will always remain our strength as Americans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-following-blumenthal-tester-takano-push-va-moves-to-cover-k-2-veterans-sicked-by-uranium-radiation", "ICYMI: Following Blumenthal, Tester, Takano Push, VA Moves to Cover K-2 Veterans Sicked by Uranium Radiation", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "blumenthal", "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "scraper", "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 In case you missed it, following sustained oversight efforts from U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jon Tester (D-MT) and U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-CA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it has begun an expedited process to expand the presumptive conditions associated with service at the Karshi Khanabad (K-2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. VA intends to establish service-connected presumptive benefits for veterans who served at K-2 in order to make it easier for K-2 veterans suffering from a litany of cancers, immunological disorders, and other health conditions to receive earned benefits.\n\nVA\u2019s move to expand toxic-exposed benefits for K-2 veterans follows Blumenthal, Tester, and Takano\u2019s push on VA Secretary McDonough last month, where they called on the Secretary directly to use authorities granted to the Department by the PACT Act to ensure K-2 veterans exposed to radiation receive the benefits they have earned.\n\n\u201cK-2 veterans deserve comprehensive care and benefits \u2013 without exception,\u201d Blumenthal said. \u201cThis action from the Department of Veterans Affairs marks important and commendable progress in doing right by them and ensuring they receive proper health care. I look forward to the continued action of the VA in honoring the service and sacrifice of all veterans, and especially those who served at Karshi Khanabad who suffer from exposure to toxins and poisons, by providing access to the treatment and care they have rightfully earned.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery veteran exposed to toxins during their military service deserves access to the benefits and health care they earned and were promised,\u201d Tester said. \u201cWe fought alongside veterans to pass the PACT Act and ensure that was the case for generations of toxic-exposed veterans. I\u2019m encouraged VA is now using this law to add new presumptive benefits for K-2 veterans exposed to toxic substances. And I\u2019ll keep holding VA accountable to continue taking the necessary and immediate steps to do right by K-2 veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cVeterans who served at Karshi Khanabad (K-2) Air Base in Uzbekistan are still not receiving the benefits they are entitled to,\u201d Takano said. \u201cThat is why we called on VA for a revaluation of the contaminants veterans were exposed to during their time at K-2. These veterans have waited decades for benefits that should have been granted a long time ago. I applaud VA's announcement today and hope it means that we will see an expedited presumptive for contaminants exposure at K-2 very soon.\u201d\n\nFollowing the lawmakers\u2019 call, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough directed VA to use an accelerated PACT Act presumptive process to recognize additional presumptions related to service at K-2. The Secretary indicated it is his expectation that VA will complete it as quickly as possible. He also announced VA will begin the rulemaking process to make bladder, urethra, and other genitourinary tract cancers presumptive conditions for veterans who served at K-2, and all veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.\n\nK-2 was a military base in Uzbekistan where some of the first servicemembers were deployed in the Global War on Terror, and was a former chemical weapons site contaminated with uranium. After hearing from K-2 veterans suffering from radiation-exposure illnesses and reporting confirming uranium was found at K-2, Blumenthal, Tester, and Takano pushed VA leadership in October to use authorities from the PACT Act to expand coverage for veterans exposed to radiation at K-2. The PACT Act provided VA resources and authorities it is now using to further expand the list of presumptive toxic exposure-related service-connected disabilities.\n\nBlumenthal, Tester, and Takano\u2019s efforts to ensure K-2 veterans suffering from radiation exposure-related conditions have received support from K-2 veterans and stakeholders.\n\n\u201cThe Stronghold Freedom Foundation is grateful that the VA has acknowledged that more needs to be done when it comes to care for veterans who deployed and transited Camp Stronghold Freedom, Karshi-Khanabad (K2), Uzbekistan, and we look forward to continue working with the VA to ensure all gaps are closed so all veterans and their families are ensured the care and recognition they deserve,\u201d said Matt Erpelding, Executive Director, Stronghold Freedom Foundation. \u201cIn October 2001, 23 years ago, the first boots were on the ground in response to the events of 9/11, the time for continued discussion is over and the time for impactful action is now.\u201d\n\n\u201cThough much work remains, the VFW applauds the significant progress described by Secretary McDonough regarding K2 veterans,\u201d said Nancy Springer, VFW Associate Director, National Legislative Service. \u201cAs some of our first deployers after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, these service members arrived overseas ready to do battle with a deadly enemy. Undeterred by the toxic conditions in which they found themselves, they accomplished their mission but returned home to fight another battle against illness and disability caused by that service. We commend the Secretary\u2019s actions to expand access to health care for K2 veterans to ease their burdens in obtaining just compensation, and to accelerate the process to determine additional presumption of service connections including any attributable to ionizing radiation.\u201d\n\n\u201cSecretary McDonough\u2019s announcement today that VA will be establishing presumptives for K2 veterans is a clear win for veterans who endured toxic exposures at the former Soviet base in Uzbekistan more than two decades ago,\u201d said Randy Reese, DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director. \u201cWe were very encouraged that he said VA is not only working on establishing presumptives for K2 veterans who develop bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, leukemia, and Gulf War Illness, but also laid out his intention to establish a presumption of service connection for every condition associated with deployment to K2. This development confirms and expands on what the Secretary committed to Senator Jon Tester, Congressman Mark Takano and others in a letter last week and is another important step toward keeping our promise to K2 veterans exposed to toxic and radioactive substances. While today\u2019s announcement by the Secretary is a major milestone towards providing justice to K2 veterans, DAV will continue to engage VA, leaders in Congress, and other veteran stakeholders to ensure that every veteran injured or made ill by exposure to deadly toxins and environmental hazards receives the health care and benefits they have already earned through their service.\u201d\n\nIn addition to creating a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure, the PACT Act provides health care for Post-9/11 combat veterans; expanded VA\u2019s list of health conditions presumed to be caused by toxic exposures which opens the door to additional benefits for veterans; and improved resources to support claims processing.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-us-presidential-election", "DeLauro Statement on U.S. Presidential Election", "2024-11-07", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released a statement in response to the results of the U.S. presidential election:\n\n\u201cI thank Vice President Harris and Governor Tim Walz for the extraordinary campaign they ran. The American people have spoken, and I respect their decision. President-elect Trump won the trust of many of my constituents and I will help him succeed where possible. We worked together on trade issues. With the incoming administration, I am committed to finding common ground, including enacting an expanded, monthly Child Tax Credit and bipartisan government funding bills. On issues we disagree, like Project 2025, plans on federal health programs, education, and women\u2019s health, I will oppose him. I will continue to advocate for the middle-class, working people, and the vulnerable.\n\n\u201cMany votes are still being counted and there remains a chance Democrats will reclaim the House. Every vote must be counted.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-statement-incident-us-capitol", "Larson Statement on Incident at the U.S. Capitol", "2024-11-05", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cThank God no one was harmed during today\u2019s incident at the Capitol,\" said Larson. \"I am grateful for the swift action of the U. S. Capitol Police as they work to keep staff and visitors safe today and every day. We must ensure USCP and our first responders have the resources they need to investigate this incident and continue to keep the Capitol safe and secure. Threats to our democracy will not stand, especially on Election Day. The American people should rest assured their voices will be heard at the ballot box, and those results will be respected.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=978E8597-E29D-4038-BE36-86BFAFB37575", "Hayes, Connecticut Delegation Announce $77.8 Million in Low-Income Heating Assistance for Connecticut", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", "hayes", "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WATERBURY \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and the Connecticut Congressional delegation announced Connecticut will receive $77,834,656 from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ahead of the winter season. This is the first allocation of LIHEAP dollars this season.\n\n\u201cLIHEAP is a lifeline for many families faced with rising heating costs. I am delighted $77.8 million is coming back to Connecticut to help families stay warm this winter,\u201d said Congresswoman Hayes. \u201cThis assistance will help to ease the burden of high heating costs. In Congress, I will continue to advocate for additional funding for this vital resource, which lowers utility costs and prevents shut-offs across Connecticut.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis home heating aid is desperately needed by families who face a frigid winter without fuel for basic warmth,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal. \u201cWith $77.8 million, many families will be assured this basic necessity. Every day, I see and speak to people struggling to make ends meet and worrying about financial hardships and challenges. I\u2019ll fight for more federal support for LIHEAP and other programs that help them with essential needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too many families in Connecticut, falling temperatures mean having to choose between heating your home or putting food on the table. This $77.8 million in LIHEAP funding will help ease that burden for households feeling the strain of rising energy costs this winter, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I\u2019ll keep working with our delegation to ensure Connecticut families continue to have the support they need so they don\u2019t have to make those difficult choices,\u201d said Senator Murphy.\n\n\u201cHigh costs are spreading families thin,\u201d said Congresswoman DeLauro (CT-03). \u201cNo family should have to choose between keeping their home warm during the colder months, keeping their lights on, or putting food on the table. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I secured $77.8 million for the program to help Connecticut\u2019s families keep warm this season. Every family deserves warmth. I am committed to ensuring no household goes cold this winter.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we approach the winter months, we must ensure all families are able to heat their homes without breaking the bank,\u201d said Congressman Larson (CT-01). \u201cThanks to the steadfast leadership of Rep. Rosa DeLauro on the Appropriations Committee, I am thrilled to join the entire Connecticut delegation to announce $77.8 million in new funding to help families afford their energy bills. We will continue to work together to ensure Connecticut residents can get the assistance they need this season.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s no question high energy costs are pinching homeowners\u2019 wallets. As we head into the colder months, this $77 million federal investment in heating and energy assistance will bring welcomed relief to Connecticut residents,\" Congressman Courtney (CT-02) said.\n\n\u201cToo many families have to worry about rising energy costs that make it increasingly difficult to pay their heating bills and keep their children warm in the coming months,\u201d said Congressman Himes (CT-04). \u201cLIHEAP offers a lifeline to struggling Americans to ensure every home offers a reprieve from our cold New England winter. I am proud to help deliver nearly $78 million to Connecticut in federal funding, including over $4 million from President Biden\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\u201d\n\nThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of Community Services (OCS) at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced the release of $3.6 billion in LIHEAP funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three territories, and more than 125 tribes. This amount includes the regular block grant appropriation and an additional $100.1 million appropriated from President Biden\u2019s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-blumenthal-murphy-lamont-announce-6-million-federal-funds", "Larson, Blumenthal, Murphy, Lamont Announce $6 Million in Federal Funds for Bradley International Airport Improvement Project", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John B. Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", "larson", "https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Windsor Locks, CT - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01), Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and Governor Ned Lamont joined the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) to announce $6 million in federal funding for a major improvement project at Bradley International Airport (BDL).\n\n\u201cThis $6 million in funding for Bradley International Airport builds on the progress that\u2019s been made to improve passenger experience, modernize baggage screening, expand flight options, and create good-paying jobs,\u201d saidRepresentative John B. Larson. \u201cI am proud to have worked with the delegation to deliver millions of dollars in funding for Bradley through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We will continue to work with our partners at the state, including the CAA, to advance our airport\u2019s infrastructure and ensure a positive experience for travelers.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a frequent flyer \u2013 from Bradley back and forth weekly to DC \u2013 I know very personally what a great airport it is, and how much greater it could be. In fact, with this $6 million federal funding boost, it will be on a flight path to become one of the nation\u2019s premier air travel hubs. Streamlined, upgraded, and expanded, its services will be speedier and safer than ever. I\u2019ll continue fighting for even more federal support,\u201d saidSenator Richard Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cInvesting in Connecticut\u2019s airports isn\u2019t just good for travelers\u2014it also creates lots of good-paying jobs and draws new businesses to our state,\u201d saidSenator Chris Murphy. \u201cThis $6 million for a new baggage handling system will help open up space for more flight options and keep flyers safe, making the travel experience even more convenient and ensuring Bradley continues to be recognized as one of the top airports in the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver the last several years, Bradley has implemented many major improvements that have resulted in this airport being ranked among the best in the nation,\u201d saidGovernor Ned Lamont. \u201cThis funding will enable Bradley to continue making upgrades that will strengthen its reputation as one of the best and most convenient airports available.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe CAA is grateful for this new infusion of federal funding as we continue construction on major projects to enhance the passenger experience at Bradley International Airport. We also want to particularly thank Governor Lamont, Connecticut\u2019s federal delegation, and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association for working hard to secure this funding,\u201d saidCAA Executive Director Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E.\n\n\u201cThe CAA wants to thank our elected officials, particularly Governor Lamont, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, and Congressman Larson, for their unwavering support of Bradley International Airport in our pursuit of federal funding for these critical projects. Due to their hard work, Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funds continue to be put to work in our state to modernize the airport,\u201d saidCAA Board Chair Tony Sheridan.\n\n\u201cBradley Airport is a critical piece of Connecticut\u2019s economy,\u201d saidCBIA President and CEO Chris DiPentima. \u201cBusinesses and their workforces need to be able to move around the state and the rest of the country to attract businesses and individuals to the state. These improvements will help make Bradley, and Connecticut, an even more desirable destination.\u201d\n\nThe funding will be used for the ongoing construction of an 80,000 square foot inline baggage screening facility behind the Sheraton Hotel, which is one of two construction projects currently underway at BDL. Once complete, baggage will be sent from the airline ticket counters along a mile-long conveyor belt to the new facility for screening. Current explosive-detection machines located in the terminal lobby will be relocated once the new screening facility is operational, which will open additional space for current and future airline growth. The facility will also entail the construction of three new gates.\n\nThe total cost of the inline baggage screening facility project is estimated at $188 million. In addition to the federal funding, the construction of the facility will be funded through a combination of passenger facility charges and airport revenue.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-highlights-sheltons-aspira-womens-health-as-innovator-of-the-month", "Murphy Highlights Shelton's Aspira Women's Health As \"Innovator Of The Month\"", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HARTFORD\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced on Monday that Aspira Women\u2019s Health, a bio-analytical company based in Shelton, was named \u201cInnovator of the Month\u201d for its leadership in the development of blood tests that aid in the detection of ovarian cancer. The company\u2019s flagship products, OvaWatch and Ova1Plus, employ AI technology towards effective ovarian cancer risk assessment and drive higher standard of care for women with ovarian masses. Last month, Aspira was awarded $10 million in federal funding to develop a non-invasive blood test to detect endometriosis, which is currently diagnosed through invasive surgery.\n\n\u201cFor decades, underinvestment in women\u2019s health has meant that women and girls simply aren\u2019t getting access to the treatments and care they deserve. I\u2019m proud to see Aspira\u2019s cutting-edge biomedical research positioning Connecticut as a leader in women\u2019s healthcare and improving lives through earlier risk assessment, more accurate diagnoses, and innovative, personalized care,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cWe are honored to be Innovator of the Month and proud to represent Connecticut on the national women\u2019s healthcare stage. For far too long, women have been forced to resort to surgical interventions for diagnosis of gynecologic diseases. Aspira aims to change that. We believe all women deserve the opportunity to make healthcare decisions based on facts instead of fear,\u201d said Nicole Sandford, CEO of Aspira Women\u2019s Health. \u201cEndometriosis is a chronic condition that impacts as many as six million women in the United States alone. It alters nearly every facet of a patient\u2019s life, many of whom must wait years for a diagnosis. We believe Aspira is uniquely qualified to solve this problem. Our diagnostic solutions focus on a data-driven approach and powerful AI-enabled algorithms that offer noninvasive alternatives to aid in the detection of gynecologic disease. Our suite of blood tests to assess ovarian cancer risk in women with masses which have been ordered by healthcare providers more than 200,000 times. We believe this experience and experience is critical for the development of a noninvasive endometriosis test.\u201d\n\nAspira Women\u2019s Health Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of noninvasive, AI-powered tests to aid in the diagnosis of gynecologic diseases. OvaWatch\u00ae and Ova1Plus\u00ae are offered to clinicians as OvaSuiteSM. Together, they provide the only comprehensive portfolio of blood tests to aid in the detection of ovarian cancer risk for the 1.2+ million American women diagnosed with an adnexal mass each year. OvaWatch provides a negative predictive value of 99% and is used to assess ovarian cancer risk for women where initial clinical assessment indicates the mass is indeterminate or benign, and thus surgery may be premature or unnecessary. Ova1Plus is a reflex process of two FDA-cleared tests, Ova1\u00ae and Overa\u00ae, to assess the risk of ovarian malignancy in women with an adnexal mass planned for surgery.\n\nMurphy believes entrepreneurship and innovation are the building blocks for a strong economy. In the U.S. Senate, he has introduced legislation to incentivize angel investors to put more money into startup companies\u2014the Angel Tax Credit Act and the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act. Startup companies create an average of 2 million jobs each year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-delegation-announces-778-million-home-energy-assistance", "Connecticut Delegation Announces $77.8 Million in Home Energy Assistance Funding for State", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Members of Connecticut\u2019s Congressional delegation announced that Connecticut will receive $77,834,656 from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ahead of the winter season. This is the first allocation of LIHEAP dollars this season.\n\n\u201cHigh costs are spreading families thin,\u201d said Congresswoman DeLauro. \u201cNo family should have to choose between keeping their home warm during the colder months, keeping their lights on, or putting food on the table. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I secured $77.8 million for the program to help Connecticut\u2019s families keep warm this season. Every family deserves warmth. I am committed to ensuring no household goes cold this winter.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis home heating aid is desperately needed by families who face a frigid winter without fuel for basic warmth,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal. \u201cWith $77.8 million, many families will be assured this basic necessity. Every day, I see and speak to people struggling to make ends meet and worrying about financial hardships and challenges. I\u2019ll fight for more federal support for LIHEAP and other programs that help them with essential needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too many families in Connecticut, falling temperatures mean having to choose between heating your home or putting food on the table. This $77.8 million in LIHEAP funding will help ease that burden for households feeling the strain of rising energy costs this winter, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I\u2019ll keep working with our delegation to ensure Connecticut families continue to have the support they need so they don\u2019t have to make those difficult choices,\u201d said Senator Murphy.\n\n\u201cAs we approach the winter months, we must ensure all families are able to heat their homes without breaking the bank,\u201d said Congressman Larson. \u201cThanks to the steadfast leadership of Rep. Rosa DeLauro on the Appropriations Committee, I am thrilled to join the entire Connecticut delegation to announce $77.8 million in new funding to help families afford their energy bills. We will continue to work together to ensure Connecticut residents can get the assistance they need this season.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s no question high energy costs are pinching homeowners\u2019 wallets. As we head into the colder months, this $77 million federal investment in heating and energy assistance will bring welcomed relief to Connecticut residents,\" Congressman Courtney said.\n\n\u201cToo many families have to worry about rising energy costs that make it increasingly difficultto pay their heating bills and keep their children warm in the coming months,\u201d said Congressman Himes. \u201cLIHEAP offers a lifeline to struggling Americans to ensure every home offers a reprieve from our cold New England winter. I am proud to help deliver nearly $78 million to Connecticut in federal funding, including over $4 million from President Biden\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cLIHEAP is a lifeline for many families faced with rising heating costs. I am delighted $77.8 million is coming back to Connecticut to help families stay warm this winter,\u201d said Congresswoman Hayes. \u201cThis assistance will help to ease the burden of high heating costs. In Congress, I will continue to advocate for additional funding for this vital resource, which lowers utility costs and prevents shut offs across Connecticut.\u201d\n\nThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of Community Services (OCS) at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced the release of $3.6 billion in LIHEAP funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three territories, and more than 125 tribes. This amount includes the regular block grant appropriation and an additional $100.1 million appropriated from President Biden\u2019s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\nConnecticut was awarded a total of $77,834,656 to assist low-income families ahead of the winter season. This includes:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-rosa-delauro-appropriations-committee-members-take", "Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Appropriations Committee Members Take Bipartisan National Security Trip to Middle East", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Amid rising threats, instability, and changes in Israel, House Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) joined a bipartisan Congressional delegation to the Middle East. It will help strengthen America\u2019s defense, reinforce partnerships with allies, and make critical changes possible.\n\nThe Members met with heads of state and other leaders from Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia to work effectively against Iran, address the humanitarian crisis, and to achieve peace and security in the region. It was critical to see our Armed Forces deployed in the region who play such a critical role.\n\n\u201cI was grateful for this opportunity to join a bipartisan delegation of United States lawmakers to gather firsthand information and perspectives from some of our closest allies and security partners in the Middle East,\u201d said Ranking Member DeLauro. \u201cThe Middle East is at a crisis point after years of destabilizing influence from Iran and its proxy groups, and it is vital that the United States work with our allies to bring critical changes. The delegation affirmed our strong bipartisan support for Israel\u2019s security, and I emphasized that it is time to transform Israel\u2019s military victories into strategic success. We need an immediate ceasefire, release of the hostages, and massive help for Gaza. It is tied to a political path that includes a viable Palestinian state, which is key to regional peace.\u201d\n\nDeLauro was joined by House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL), Ed Case (D-HI), and Mark Alford (R-MO).\n\nDuring visits with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, and Saudi officials, the U.S. lawmakers held productive, high-level meetings on reinforcing strategic alliances, the importance of increased regional cooperation, and our shared commitments to supporting global security and the safety of our citizens. The group agreed to unite to bolster peace and security during this difficult time.\n\nIn Israel, the delegation reiterated the unbreakable bond the United States shares with our friend and ally. While meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Members received briefings on military and humanitarian operations, continued efforts to rescue hostages, including American citizens, and the malign activities of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iranian-regime proxies.\n\nJust over a year after the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, the Members concluded their time in Israel with a visit to Mount Herzl to honor the tremendous stories of heroism and tragedy. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, they laid a wreath at the cemetery in solemn remembrance of those lost.\n\nTheir final stop of the trip was to visit with officers and crew of a U.S. warship on duty in the eastern Mediterranean.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F9C9CB29-E06B-4175-B38F-ADF7115B9B42", "Connecticut Delegation Announces $77.8 Million in Home Energy Assistance Funding for State", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Members of Connecticut\u2019s Congressional delegation announced that Connecticut will receive $77,834,656 from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ahead of the winter season. This is the first allocation of LIHEAP dollars this season.\n\n\u201cHigh costs are spreading families thin,\u201d said Congresswoman DeLauro. \u201cNo family should have to choose between keeping their home warm during the colder months, keeping their lights on, or putting food on the table. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I secured $77.8 million for the program to help Connecticut\u2019s families keep warm this season. Every family deserves warmth. I am committed to ensuring no household goes cold this winter.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis home heating aid is desperately needed by families who face a frigid winter without fuel for basic warmth,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal. \u201cWith $77.8 million, many families will be assured this basic necessity. Every day, I see and speak to people struggling to make ends meet and worrying about financial hardships and challenges. I\u2019ll fight for more federal support for LIHEAP and other programs that help them with essential needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too many families in Connecticut, falling temperatures mean having to choose between heating your home or putting food on the table. This $77.8 million in LIHEAP funding will help ease that burden for households feeling the strain of rising energy costs this winter, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I\u2019ll keep working with our delegation to ensure Connecticut families continue to have the support they need so they don\u2019t have to make those difficult choices,\u201d said Senator Murphy.\n\n\u201cAs we approach the winter months, we must ensure all families are able to heat their homes without breaking the bank,\u201d said Congressman Larson. \u201cThanks to the steadfast leadership of Rep. Rosa DeLauro on the Appropriations Committee, I am thrilled to join the entire Connecticut delegation to announce $77.8 million in new funding to help families afford their energy bills. We will continue to work together to ensure Connecticut residents can get the assistance they need this season.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s no question high energy costs are pinching homeowners\u2019 wallets. As we head into the colder months, this $77 million federal investment in heating and energy assistance will bring welcomed relief to Connecticut residents,\" Congressman Courtney said.\n\n\u201cToo many families have to worry about rising energy costs that make it increasingly difficult to pay their heating bills and keep their children warm in the coming months,\u201d said Congressman Himes. \u201cLIHEAP offers a lifeline to struggling Americans to ensure every home offers a reprieve from our cold New England winter. I am proud to help deliver nearly $78 million to Connecticut in federal funding, including over $4 million from President Biden\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cLIHEAP is a lifeline for many families faced with rising heating costs. I am delighted $77.8 million is coming back to Connecticut to help families stay warm this winter,\u201d said Congresswoman Hayes. \u201cThis assistance will help to ease the burden of high heating costs. In Congress, I will continue to advocate for additional funding for this vital resource, which lowers utility costs and prevents shut offs across Connecticut.\u201d\n\nThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of Community Services (OCS) at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced the release of $3.6 billion in LIHEAP funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three territories, and more than 125 tribes. This amount includes the regular block grant appropriation and an additional $100.1 million appropriated from President Biden\u2019s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\nConnecticut was awarded a total of $77,834,656 to assist low-income families ahead of the winter season. 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