Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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15,723 rows where state = "CT" sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-warren-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-on-ai-oversight-calls-out-white-house-for-being-asleep-at-the-wheel-in-the-wake-of-openai-hacks | Blumenthal & Warren Demand Answers from Trump Administration on AI Oversight, Calls Out White House for Being "Asleep-at-the-Wheel" in the Wake of OpenAI Hacks | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today demanded answers from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the Administration’s delayed, secretive, and voluntary process to test and monitor advanced artificial intelligence models. In a letter sent today to Bessent, the Senators raised concerns that the Administration’s hands-off approach to A.I. oversight leaves the public, our financial system, and our national security vulnerable to the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated, out-of-control A.I. models. Pointing to recent revelations about the scale of the Hugging Face breach by rogue OpenAI agents and OpenAI’s subsequent steps to limit an independent into the breach, the Senators wrote, “This rapid acceleration in the severity—indeed potential illegality—of A.I. safety failures demands rigorous, independent oversight, testing, and investigations from the federal government…Voluntary measures and self-policing clearly are not working: despite these sensational reports, Anthropic and OpenAI have both acknowledged that they have no plan to solve the grave dangers of increasingly sophisticated A.I. models.” The Senators continued, “Rather than confront the compounding risks of out-of-control and unregulated A.I., the White House has sought to shield major A.I. companies from public scrutiny, leaving Americans in the dark. In June 2026, the President signed an executive order requiring the creation of a classified ‘benchmarking’ process and ‘AI cybersecurity clearinghouse’ to test the capabilities of frontier A.I. models, a program in part led by the Department of the Treasury. However, despite reporting that some members of the Administration sought to make participation and disclosures mandatory, instead—reportedly after interventions from Mark Zuckerberg and his allies[1]—the program was made expressly volun… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-puts-trump-va-nominees-on-blast-for-blatant-lack-of-qualifications-at-hearing | Blumenthal Puts Trump VA Nominees on Blast for Blatant Lack of Qualifications at Hearing | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing today to consider pending nominations, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) underscored the five nominees’ jarring lack of qualifications for the roles they have been nominated for at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “I'm just going to be very blunt. I'm gravely concerned that none of these nominees have any experience with veterans' benefits law, whatsoever, not as judges, not as lawyers, not as advocates for veterans,” Blumenthal said in his opening. Blumenthal raised scrutiny over the nominees to be judges at the Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims (CAVC). He first highlighted a watchdog report on nominee Robert Fleck, which revealed Fleck engaged in nepotism and lied about sharing sensitive information when he worked at VA’s Office of General Counsel: “Mr. Fleck, you were found by VA’s Office of Inspector General to have engaged in nepotism when - as a manager in the Office of General Counsel – you advocated for the employment of your wife in that same office. You will have to explain to the Committee why the report done by the Office of Inspector General is not disqualifying, and I appreciate the Chairman's staff subsequently sharing the documents and information with us, which should prompt all of us to have very strong concerns, and I intend to make further inquiries about this issue. We have a constitutional duty of oversight.” Ahead of the hearing, VA intentionally redacted and withheld documentation requested by Democratic Committee staff related to the investigation into Mr. Fleck, while providing the Committee Republicans with additional, unredacted documents. Blumenthal called into question another CAVC nominee, Daniel Rendleman, and his qualifications for the role in light of his radical anti-abortion views: “Mr. Rendleman, if confirmed, you would have the power to decide whether a veteran’s claim for reproductive health care coverage or reimbursement is denied. The radical anti-abortion views you espouse call int… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-releases-psi-report-detailing-how-lutnick-linked-crypto-firm-tether-props-up-irans-shadow-banking-system | Blumenthal Releases PSI Report Detailing how Lutnick-Linked Crypto Firm Tether Props Up Iran's Shadow Banking System | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today released a new report detailing how Tether and its dollar-pegged stablecoin (USDT) have become a significant financial lifeline within Iran’s shadow banking network. As part of its ongoing inquiry into the role of cryptocurrencies in illicit finance, PSI Democratic investigators conducted a forensic analysis of blockchain transaction data from 846 unique cryptocurrency wallets that have been sanctioned or targeted for seizure due to their association with Iran and its regional proxies. This analysis shows that Tether has, in effect, provided Iran access to a high-liquidity international payment system that the United States has assiduously sought to deny it. “My new PSI report exposes how Tether and its flagship token have become central to Iran’s shadow banking system, allowing the Iranian government to fund its regional proxies, commit human rights abuses, and pursue hostile drone and missile programs as they defy our sanctions regime,” Blumenthal said. “The Trump Administration’s glaring lack of oversight of cryptocurrency issuers has undermined our own national security interests. That is why I am calling on the Department of Treasury and Justice to immediately investigate Tether and hold it accountable for these potential sanctions violations.” A summary of PSI’s key findings is below: Tether has become a primary illicit international payment system for Iran, allowing it to circumvent international sanctions on its banks: Of the 846 wallets sanctioned for their association with Iran and its terrorist proxies, 84% have transacted exclusively, or nearly exclusively, in USDT. These activities include efforts by the Iranian government to move funds into, and out of, Iran and to prop up the country’s currency in the face of U.S. sanctions, including through the Central Bank of Iran. Tether serves as a central payment mechanism that interlinks Iran and its terrorist p… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-shaheen-and-12-bipartisan-senators-question-president-trump-on-invitation-of-vladimir-putin-to-g20-on-american-soil | Blumenthal, Shaheen, & 12 Bipartisan Senators Question President Trump on Invitation of Vladimir Putin to G20 on American Soil | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and 12 bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump inquiring about the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Group of Twenty (G20) Leader’s Summit in Miami, Florida this coming December. In the letter, the Senators question why Vladimir Putin, who has committed atrocities against the people of Ukraine and silenced his own people, has been welcomed with open arms to participate in a G20 meeting on American soil. This comes at a time when the Russian government is ramping up its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and continues to target Americans in Ukraine and around the world. The Senators make clear that President Putin should not be permitted to take part in G20 events or other similar international forums in the United States and request for Putin nor any sanctioned Russian officials be permitted at upcoming G20 events. “President Putin bears sole responsibility for launching Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Allowing him to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States raises serious concerns about legitimizing and normalizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets every day,” wrote the Senators. “This invitation also comes at a time when Russia’s intentions are unambiguously clear. Numerous public reports have indicated that Russia is helping Iran’s military target American service members in the Middle East. Russia has also increased its hybrid warfare activities throughout Europe in recent months while simultaneously conducting deadly aerial attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure,” continued the Senators. “The United States must put strong economic and political pressure on President Putin in order to force him to the negotiating table for serious peace talks. We commend your signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-ahead-of-pcsa-vote-this-bill-is-a-long-term-threat-to-college-athletics | Murphy Ahead of PCSA Vote: This Bill is a Long-Term Threat to College Athletics | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate ahead of a vote on final passage of the so-called Protect College Sports Act, sweeping legislation to grant the NCAA an unprecedented antitrust exemption, cap the earnings and organizing potential of college athletes, and codify into law a permanent imbalance of power between college athletes and athletic conferences, the NCAA and corporate executives profiting off of athletes’ talents. Murphy voiced his opposition to final passage of the bill and argued the PCSA may ultimately destabilize the college sports ecosystem in the long-term. Murphy debunked the claim that college sports is in ‘crisis’: “The facts don't back up that characterization of college sports…I know that there's more people than ever showing up to these games and watching the games. The Big 10 just signed a $13 billion contract to broadcast its games. The revenue of the NCAA broadly is at an all-time high. The SEC and the Big 10 are both making over a billion dollars. Women's sports is growing. 92,000 people recently filled a stadium to watch a women's volleyball match. Schools are adding, not subtracting, women's programs. In fact, more people are paying attention to college sports than ever before. College sports is growing, both on the men's and women's side. And so, what is this crisis?” Murphy stressed the PCSA wouldn’t get big money out of college sports, it would just limit athletes’ right to earn their fair share: “The bill does really nothing to stop the runaway overall costs of college athletics. In particular, some of the biggest drivers of costs being facilities and the salaries of adults … if you want to know what's driving the deficit at these big schools, it's not simply the amount of money they're paying the students; those numbers are dwarfed by the amount of money that's going to coaches and to facilities. But yet, this bill constricts – only caps the money going to the players, does nothing to cap the money going to the coaches, does… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-committee-minority-back-up-house-subpoenas-demand-answers-from-larry-ellison-on-ballooning-costs-of-oracles-va-electronic-health-record-contract | Blumenthal & Committee Minority Back Up House Subpoenas, Demand Answers from Larry Ellison on Ballooning Costs of Oracle's VA Electronic Health Record Contract | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Minority Committee members are demanding immediate answers and comprehensive documentation from Oracle Executive Chairman Larry Ellison and CEO Mike Sicilia on the ballooning cost of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program. VA’s contract with Oracle was recently modified, increasing the no-bid contract’s cost ceiling from $10 billion to approximately $27 billion. The Senators’ letter follows the failure of Ellison and Sicilia to testify before a Congressional oversight hearing on the EHRM program, a refusal that triggered a unanimous vote in the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to subpoena the two Oracle officials. “We write today to demand immediate answers following news the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program will now cost $27 billion…Oracle has a responsibility to deliver a functioning EHRM to veterans, yet there have been years of delays and ballooning costs under your leadership,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Ellison and Sicilia. “Even more concerning, Oracle officials failed to attend a recent House Veterans’ Affairs Committee oversight hearing on September 2, 2026, to answer questions on the timeline and cost of the EHRM. You have a responsibility to America’s veterans and taxpayers to explain what is happening with this project and its increasing costs. Your failure to appear in Congress is a failure to uphold your commitment to veterans and we need immediate answers on this project.” The Senators backed up the House Committee’s subpoenas to Ellison and Sicilia: “Given your absence from the oversight hearing, the House Committee subsequently voted 19-0 to subpoena you to explain the status of the project and excessive costs. We support this subpoena and expect you to comply with it.” Blumenthal’s letter was joined by fellow Committee members U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sand… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-from-acting-navy-secretary-after-delayed-disclosure-of-suicide-attempts-on-board-the-uss-abraham-lincoln | Blumenthal Demands Answers from Acting Navy Secretary After Delayed Disclosure of Suicide Attempts on Board the USS Abraham Lincoln | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao today about suicide attempts on board the USS Abraham Lincoln revealed in a letter to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Cao failed to disclose the information in response to an inquiry Blumenthal sent following reports of devolving conditions within the strike group. “Eight suicide attempts across a carrier strike group are plainly relevant to questions about mental health and the consequences of an extended deployment. You have an obligation to provide Congress with the facts necessary to conduct oversight, particularly when those facts concern the lives and well-being of the men and women under your leadership,” Blumenthal wrote. “I am requesting that you provide an accounting of the eight suicide attempts, including when they occurred and when senior Navy leaders were informed by September 30. Your response should explain why they were omitted from your September 18 letter to me; and provide the basis for your assertion that there was no statistically significant increase in serious medical emergencies; and detail the steps you will take to protect Sailors’ mental health and well-being during future extended deployments. Any response should protect the privacy of the servicemembers involved.” In today’s letter, Blumenthal again raised concerns that the Navy is not prepared to prevent similar issues in the future, given that recent carrier deployments have repeatedly stretched long beyond their originally planned durations. In August, Blumenthal wrote Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Cao demanding to know what action was being taken to improve conditions for sailors deployed on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had at that point been continuously at sea for a record length of nearly seven months. The full text of today’s letter is copied below. Acting Secretary Cao, I write regarding your deeply troubling response to my inquiries a… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-9/18/2026-9/25/2026 | Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 9/18/2026-9/25/2026 | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | Receiving Testimony on Fatal Shootings by Federal Immigration Agents [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, held a bicameral public forum on the killings of Ruben Ray Martinez, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, Alex Pretti, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. The following witnesses offered testimony about the fatal shootings of five people by federal immigration agents during the Trump Administration: Rachel Reyes: Rachel Reyes’ son, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot and killed by an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas. For nearly a year afterwards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to publicly acknowledge its involvement in Mr. Martinez’s death, which only came to light through a public records request. “Though the circumstances surrounding his death and these other victims are distinctly different, the pattern is the same. Lives cut short by the same agency; agents without body cameras; no warnings; no attempt to de-escalate; excessive force followed by deflection, and a lack of accountability after the fact,” Ms. Reyes wrote. “Other similarities are that these victims, despite being nonviolent community members with no criminal background, were disparaged and blamed to shift focus away from the officer’s misconduct. What happened to my son is personal, but it should be a concern for us all.” Ms. Reyes’ written testimony is available here. Video of Ms. Reyes’ testimony is available here. Blumenthal further highlighted Ms. Reyes’ testimony on Twitter/X. “Rachel Reyes tells Ruben Ray Martinez's story, her son who was shot & killed by an ICE agent. She shares her pain & grief of losing a child—something no parent should have to endure,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. Donna and Brent Ganger:… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-trump-fda-nominee-youve-done-a-pretty-good-job-of-avoiding-answering-questions | Murphy To Trump FDA Nominee: ‘you’ve Done A Pretty Good Job Of Avoiding Answering Questions’ | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on Thursday questioned Dr. Heidi Overton, President Trump’s nominee to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, during her confirmation hearing. With public trust in the FDA collapsing in the second Trump administration, Murphy pressed Overton on the corruption of the Food and Drug Administration under President Trump, including a multi-million dollar pay-to-play scandal involving the tobacco industry. “I share the chairman's concern about this dramatic reduction in faith in the FDA that has happened over the past year, and the reason is simple: people don't believe that science has anything to do with some of the decision making and that it's all about politics,” said Murphy. Murphy detailed the corruption scandal which led to the prior FDA commissioner’s resignation: “On April 30th, it's a Thursday afternoon, Reynolds, one of the biggest tobacco companies in the country, makes an $8 million donation to the president. Two days later, on Saturday, because of that donation, they have lunch with the president and they tell him that they want a change in FDA rules, especially regarding flavored vapes. The president calls the FDA commissioner, he calls the secretary of HHS, and three days later, on Tuesday, new guidance is issued that paves the way to the sale of flavored vapes… And four days after that, the FDA commissioner resigns, either in protest or because he was fired because of his disagreement with this decision.” He pushed Overton to acknowledge and condemn the blatant corruption influencing FDA decisionmaking under Trump: “That is not a coincidence, right? That is the definition of political interference in FDA decision making… Do you see anything wrong with the chain of events that I just articulated for you? … Do you have any opinion as to whether that's the way that you want the FDA to work?” Murphy highlighted Trump’s pay-to-play scheme with Big Tobacco was enabled … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-condemns-supreme-court-decision-allowing-use-trump-voter-purge | Larson Condemns Supreme Court Decision Allowing Use of Trump Voter Purge Database | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | East Hartford, CT – Today, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement condemning the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the use of the Trump Administration’s “SAVE” database, which empowers states to use data collected from the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security, to purge voters from the rolls. Earlier this year, it was revealed in court that this database was used to terminate the voter registration of eligible citizens in multiple states. “It is beyond disappointing for the Supreme Court to allow the Trump Administration to deploy a database that has already been used to wrongly remove eligible citizens form the voter rolls,” said Larson. “Time and time again, the President and his appointees have proven that they cannot be trusted with people’s confidential records. From attempts by ‘DOGE’ employees to hand data from Social Security to a political group trying to alter elections, to this sprawling database riddled with inaccuracies, this administration’s goals are clear. They will do whatever it takes to get in the way of free and fair elections. If the Supreme Court will not stand up to this clear abuse of power, then Congress must act—and state and local officials should commit to not participating in this voter purge campaign. I will continue to push to pass legislation that gets Trump officials out of the American people’s data at Social Security and protects the right of every citizen to cast their ballot free from fear and intimidation in the United States of America.” | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-latest-trump-effort-strip-health-coverage-americans | DeLauro Statement on Latest Trump Effort to Strip Health Coverage from Americans | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Rosa L. DeLauro | D000216 | delauro.house.gov | delauro | https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro released a statement in response to an effort spearheaded by Vice President J.D. Vance to strip health coverage away from 750,000 Americans: “16 million people will lose their health insurance because of the Trump Administration’s cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Now, the Trump Administration wants to strip coverage from 750,000 more. “Families are already squeezed. Gas prices are skyrocketing. Diesel prices are climbing. Grocery costs were already high. Health care costs were rising, and now, millions of Americans won’t have coverage at all. | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-soto-boyle-booker-introduce-firefighter-pfas-injury-compensation | Larson, Soto, Boyle, Booker Introduce Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2026 to Compensate Firefighter Families Impacted by PFAS-Related Illnesses | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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), Darren Soto (FL-09), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced the introduction of the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2026—legislation to compensate firefighters and families who have suffered from injuries or have died from PFAS-related conditions. Rep. Larson and the Connecticut delegation previously helped secure $19 million in federal infrastructure funding to combat PFAS pollution in Connecticut’s drinking water supply, and helped pass the bipartisan PFAS Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in 2022, to prevent the release of PFAS foam into the environment. “In 2019, I saw firsthand the hazards PFAS chemicals pose to our communities and first responders when 50,000 gallons of firefighting foam spilled into the Farmington River in Windsor, Connecticut,” said Larson. “Since that disaster, I have worked to secure federal funding to clean up our water supply and reduce PFAS exposure—most notably for our firefighters who work tirelessly to keep us all safe. It is past time for the federal government to ensure first responders suffering because of these cancer-causing chemicals get the compensation they deserve. I urge all my colleagues to join us in passing this important bill.” As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, Larson has been focused on bipartisan solutions to invest in local fire departments and support firefighters on and off the job. In the last Congress, he helped pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act, to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs, directly providing federal funding to improve staffing and services at local fire departments, and the Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act, which reauthorized the National Firefighter Registry that tracks cancer in the fire service. He also supported the effort to end the use of firefighting foam containing harmful PFAS chemicals at airports acr… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-introduces-landmark-irl-act-proposal-to-combat-social-isolation-and-hold-social-media-companies-accountable | Murphy Introduces Landmark IRL Act Proposal To Combat Social Isolation And Hold Social Media Companies Accountable | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) just introduced a new landmark bill—the In Real Life (“IRL”) Act—as part of his policy agenda aimed at record-high rates of loneliness and distrust by holding social media companies accountable and investing in third spaces. The legislation would tax digital advertising revenue of only the very largest algorithmic-based social media corporations at 50%, redirecting funds to a newly-established Social Capital Fund for local communities to support the institutions, programs, and physical spaces that bring neighbors together in common cause. “We don’t have to accept the transition from in-person connection to online isolation. Massive social media platforms knowingly addict us to screens and harm our kids to boost their profits. These big tech companies have gotten a free pass for far too long, and the least they can do is pay to rebuild the spaces that actually bring us together—in real life,” said Murphy. The IRL Act has two components: imposing a digital advertising tax on the very largest social media giants, as well as establishing a new Social Capital Fund for local communities. Under the IRL Act’s digital advertising tax, the biggest social media corporations would pay a 50% rate on digital advertising revenues over $10 billion, with lower rates for revenues below that threshold and a $500 million exemption so the tax only applies to large platforms. Publishers like newspapers, television, and websites that are not algorithmic social media would not pay the tax. Even social media companies can avoid the tax by turning off their addictive algorithm, like the chronological feed that Facebook used to have that will now be an option for teenagers under Meta’s recent legal settlement with states. Big social media conglomerates can also pay lower rates by breaking up into smaller companies. Under the IRL Act’s newly-established Social Capital Fund, revenues from the digital advertising tax would be deposited into a fund and distributed to local communities … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-republicans-abetting-trumps-iran-war-again-americans-are-telling-congress-to-end-this-war | Murphy on Republicans Abetting Trump's Iran War Again: Americans Are Telling Congress to End This War | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the Senate floor before a vote on a War Powers Resolution to end Trump’s disastrous war in Iran, which Senate Republicans again blocked. Despite Trump’s assurance of a short military engagement, Murphy revealed how this months-long conflict continues to spin out of control as Americans overwhelmingly call for the war to stop. As this conflict rages on, Murphy emphasized the Trump Administration has failed to achieve any of its stated goals for going to war in the first place, including destroying Iran’s missile capability: “I don't know how many times we heard Secretary Hegseth tell us that the goal was to destroy Iran's missiles and missile capacity. And back in April, he claimed that they had ‘functionally destroyed’ - that's his word - ‘functionally destroyed’ Iran's ability to make new missiles. Well, the Wall Street Journal just reported that Iran is producing ballistic missiles again at scale, and we only were able to eliminate around 30 percent of the missiles. They have most of their stockpiles from before the war... Iran is building missiles again - this was the whole reason we were going into the war-a total failure to eliminate Iran's missile capacity.” Murphy emphasized the Trump Administration’s failures have been borne most directly by American servicemembers: “We just learned this week that eight Navy sailors aboard the U.S. Abraham Lincoln have attempted suicide. Two of those sailors, as we all know, tried to jump overboard to end their lives. This is a ship that was without a port call for 286 days. That is an abdication of leadership, an abdication of the responsibility to care about our troops' safety by our Department of Defense leadership. We have sailors and soldiers and airmen that are in crisis right now because we have put them in harm's way for far longer than any brave man or woman, who has signed up to defend this nation, deserves to be in harm's way.” Murphy argued that by refusing to swiftly end this war, the Trump Administra… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-cornyn-file-amicus-brief-supporting-holocaust-survivors-families-in-lawsuits-over-nazi-confiscated-art | Blumenthal & Cornyn File Amicus Brief Supporting Holocaust Survivors, Families in Lawsuits Over Nazi-Confiscated Art | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHNGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and John Cornyn (R-TX), authors of the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act, filed an amicus brief defending the legislation’s constitutionality in ongoing litigation over the recovery of Nazi-looted art. “The Nazi campaign to steal art treasured by Jewish families and others targeted by the regime the was about more than a pilfering of property—it was a deeply personal theft and an act of inhumanity,” Blumenthal said. “Senator Cornyn has been my partner for years in bringing long overdue justice to families whose cherished art was brazenly stolen by the Nazis. I am proud to join Senator Cornyn, Holocaust survivors, and their family members in urging the Court to do the right thing and uphold the constitutionality of the HEAR Act.” “Earlier this year, the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act was signed into law to ensure Holocaust survivors and their families have an opportunity to regain thousands of missing pieces of artwork that were looted by the Nazi regime,” said Cornyn. “I am proud to stand in support of survivors and their families, and I urge the Court to ensure victims are not barred from claiming what is rightfully theirs.” Nazi Germany’s campaign of annihilation and genocide against the Jewish people in the Holocaust included massive theft of property, including hundreds of thousands of works of art. Despite post-war efforts by the United States and allies to return Nazi-looted art and renewed efforts since the late 1990s, more than 100,000 works of art have not been returned to their rightful owners. In 2016, Congress unanimously passed the HEAR Act, spearheaded in the Senate by Blumenthal and Cornyn, to ensure Holocaust survivors and their heirs could access U.S. courts to pursue claims for the recovery of Nazi-looted art, allowing cases to be decided on their factual merits rather than dismissed on time-based technical defenses. Congress found that the circumstances of the Holocaust imposed extraordinary obstacles to surviv… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-celebrates-skills-training-revitalization-eyewitness-news | Courtney Celebrates the Skills Training Revitalization on Eyewitness News Extra | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | NORWICH, CT – This week, on Eyewitness News Extra, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) celebrated the revitalization of skills training in eastern Connecticut: “You really see, I think, a very real shift that’s happening in curriculums in high schools, not just trade schools, but also comprehensive high schools, the regular high schools that are now installing welding labs, plasma tables, all the equipment that really give a sizable chunk of kids and opportunity to acquire a skill that, frankly, we just sort of stopped doing for a really long time,” Courtney said. Image To watch, click here. Yesterday, to mark 10 years of the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (MPI), the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB) released new data showing that the MPI has graduated over 6,400 trainees into jobs at over 670 employers. The program has led eastern Connecticut to 33% faster regional employment growth than the rest of Connecticut, according to EWIB. FULL TRANSCRIPT Brian Shactman (Host): Give me something, one little shred of, like, what makes you feel optimistic about what's going on in our world? Rep. Courtney: So, you know, honestly, when we you mentioned workforce, one of the things over the last ten years that my office has been involved in is really helping different ways for young adults, but also kids to really start to look at the world differently in terms of, “everybody's got to go to college.” And you really see, I think, a very real shift that's happening in curriculums in high schools, not just trade schools, but also comprehensive high schools, the regular high schools that are now installing welding labs, plasma tables, all the equipment that really give a sizable chunk of kids and opportunity to acquire a skill that, frankly, we just sort of stopped doing for a really long time. And I've gone to graduation ceremonies with these kids, signing ceremonies not just at EB, but other companies that are out there right now. And I think young people and families now are really embracing this and… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-responds-gao-report-submarine-repairs | Courtney Responds to GAO Report on Submarine Repairs | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | NORWICH, CT – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, issued the following statement after sending a letter to his colleagues on the Armed Services Committee in response to the recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on Navy submarine repairs. Read Courtney’s letter here. “I agree that the past track record of submarine repairs is unsatisfactory and that GAO’s recommendation to create more efficient ways to decommission submarines without interfering with maintenance of operational submarines is extremely helpful,” Courtney said. “My letter to my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee includes more up-to-date information regarding of the latest inventory of Virginia-class submarines and corrects the report’s omission of Seawolf submarines, which, as the original follow-on to the Los Angeles-class fleet, are a premier cohort the U.S submarine attack fleet. “My letter also noted that because of Congress’ swift authorization of the AUKUS security agreement, the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet will have new intermediate repair capacity forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific at a new repair facility in Western Australia. That capacity is joined by an $8.5 billion Australian investment in repair availability for Virginia-class submarines and the future SSN-AUKUS submarines,” Courtney continued. “It is indisputable that the Navy needs to organize a submarine repair plan that achieves its stated goal of 80% availability. Congress and the Navy’s commitment of over $21 billion to upgrade public shipyards through Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program will go a long way to help achieve this goal.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-joins-united-nations-general-assembly-event-on-artificial-intelligence | Murphy Joins United Nations General Assembly Event On Artificial Intelligence | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | NEW YORK—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday joined Foreign Policy magazine’s tech and AI forum at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), titled Securing the Stack: A Conversation on Trust, Trade, and Technology. In the panel discussion, Murphy outlined the path ahead for Congress to respond effectively to Americans’ growing concerns around AI, including job loss, competition with China, and humanity losing control over the technology. Murphy argued that the US has a long history of regulating dangerous new technologies and the American people are demanding action: “It might be the end of our democracy if the people beg on both sides of the aisle for us to do what we've done with every complicated new technology in the history of this country since the industrial revolution – regulate and control it to make sure we get the good but not the bad – if we don't step up and do the work.” Murphy expressed optimism that lawmakers could find some consensus on AI: “I think there is some low-hanging fruit that is not particularly complicated. The deepfake threat is already real… that's a pretty easy one to deal with, right? You could just outlaw them in politics, or require clear identification or watermarks in other contexts. Friendship bots, as I mentioned before, are poison for our kids. We can outlaw them writ large, or we can outlaw them for kids. And then you know what we're talking about right now, which is some approval process for models, so as to guard against what we are seeing, and potentially [what] we'll see at scale soon as they sort of jump out of containment…” “Those three things are achievable, not terribly political, and could foreseeably get done, and give the public then some faith that we maybe have the political capacity to handle some of the more nuanced threats down on,” Murphy emphasized. Murphy stressed that humanity cannot retain its control over AI without cooperation with China: “I don't think there's any path forward without us being in a conversation with the Chinese and … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murkowski-coons-and-cassidy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-ukrainians-seeking-safety-in-the-us | Blumenthal, Murkowski, Coons, & Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Ukrainians Seeking Safety in the U.S. | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced legislation today to protect Ukrainian nationals who have sought refuge in the United States following Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression in their home country. The bipartisan bill would extend immigration protections for Ukrainians who have fled the war brought on by the Russian invasion and sought safety in the United States through the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which has for decades provided refuge to those living in America who have fled natural disasters, violence, and political insecurity. The current TPS designation for Ukraine will expire on October 19, 2026 unless further action is taken. “Ukrainians seeking safety here are fleeing unimaginable horror at home – bloody missile and drone strikes, ruthless kidnapping of children, a cold winter without heat. Forcing their return to such cruel conditions would be the height of inhumanity,” Blumenthal said. “I am grateful to Senators Murkowski, Coons, and Cassidy for joining me in introducing legislation that will protect Ukrainians seeking refuge from being sent back to certain brutality and bloodshed.” “I have spent time with many Ukrainians who found refuge in Alaska after fleeing Russia’s brutal invasion. They have become part of our communities sending their children to our schools, participating in the local workforce, and re-building their lives while the war continues to devastate their home country,” said Murkowski. “My office has worked with many of these families as they navigate our immigration system, and the reality is that it is simply not safe for them to return to Ukraine. We should not force Ukrainians who we allowed into the U.S. and who are here legally and contributing to our communities back into an active war zone. This legislation will provide them with the stability and protection they need to continue to live and work here until it is safe to return home.” “The Ukrainian peo… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-watchdog-report-exposing-the-trump-administrations-reckless-cancellation-of-contracts-serving-veterans | Blumenthal Statement on Watchdog Report Exposing the Trump Administration's Reckless Cancellation of Contracts Serving Veterans | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released a statement on a new report from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) exposing the Trump Administration and DOGE’s reckless cancellation of contracts at VA beginning in 2025. The report details a chaotic cancellation process directed top-down by DOGE, Secretary Doug Collins, and Senior Advisors at VA, resulting in contracts called without veteran-impact assessments and inaccurate cost saving estimates. “This report confirms my repeatedly expressed concerns that VA has recklessly cancelled hundreds of contracts with no consideration of the impact on veterans or VA operations. These cuts harmed veterans and were hidden from Congress and the public by senior VA officials. Secretary Collins owes us answers on how VA will replace lost services and how much this fiasco has cost taxpayers in arbitration, settlements, and reinstatements. Veterans and taxpayers deserve transparency and a full public accounting.” Key findings of the report reveal: A top-down process led by DOGE, Doug Collins and political leaders, rather than a process driven by VA subject matter experts. OIG reports that only after contracts were marked for cancellation did VA leadership ask officials to justify their proposed cuts. In addition, questions about the cancellations’ impact on veterans were not asked until the contracts were identified for termination. A haphazard process and timeline: “In some cases, VA officials were given two weeks to complete their review. In others, they were given only a few hours to review hundreds of contracts. VA senior advisers and Department of Government Efficiency representatives directed them to terminate the contracts on February 25, 2025, regardless of the incomplete reviews.” Due to the reckless cancellation process, VA subsequently reversed some contracts that were already cancelled: “For example, OIG also found that contracting officers i… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-perez-celebrate-success-eastern-cts-manufacturing-pipeline | Courtney, Perez Celebrate the Success of Eastern CT’s Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative 10 Years After Supporting the Program’s Launch | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | NORWICH, CT – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and a senior Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, and Tom Perez, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, celebrated the success of eastern Connecticut’s Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (MPI) ten years after the program launched with their support. “In 2015, when then-Secretary of Labor Perez joined me at Electric Boat for a roundtable discussion with our region’s manufacturing leaders, he called for a nationwide effort to develop a ‘skills infrastructure,’” Courtney said. “Through federal support, EWIB’s Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative has become the nation’s role model for revitalizing the skilled trades to meet the needs of local employers and create high-quality career opportunities for young people and adult jobseekers. In 2026, the program continues to expand and is powering record hiring at the Groton shipyard and supporting small business manufactures across our region. With the historic demand signal for submarine construction from the recently awarded $76.6 billion Navy contracts, we now need to double down on the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative’s success for decades to come.” “I had the privilege of standing side by side with Congressman Courtney and other business and community leaders 10 years ago when the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative was launched,” Perez said. “In the past decade, over 6,400 program trainees have been placed into jobs at over 670 small, medium, and large businesses. These hard working men and women have punched their ticket to the middle class. Congressman Courtney has worked tirelessly to ensure that these critical investments continue. This program is a poster child for how workforce boards are supposed to operate in terms of reaching out to local employers and creating a curriculum that makes untrained individuals job-ready in an accelerated time frame.” In 2015, then-Secretary Perez visited Electric Boat in Groton, CT at the invita… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-introduces-legislation-imposing-100-percent-surtax-on-income-generated-by-companies-owned-by-president-and-other-cabinet-officials-when-they-abuse-their-power-to-benefit-themselves | Blumenthal Introduces Legislation Imposing 100 Percent Surtax on Income Generated by Companies Owned by President & Other Cabinet Officials When They Abuse Their Power to Benefit Themselves | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today introduced new legislation to impose a 100 percent surtax on income earned by a company owned or controlled by the President, Vice President, Cabinet officials, or immediate family members as a result of a favorable government action. The Anti-Corruption Tax Act is in direct response to Donald Trump and other Administration officials abusing the power of the government to help the companies they own or control make money, at the direct expense of American taxpayers. “Donald Trump has been clear: there is no ethical line separating his role as President from his family’s businesses,” Blumenthal said. “He and other Administration officials have repeatedly abused their power to enrich themselves and their families. My measure would put an end to this kind of self-dealing by putting a 100 percent surtax on any income that Donald Trump and his family—or any future Administration officials—generate thanks to a favorable government action.” Anti-Corruption Tax Act addresses the following actions: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency conditionally approving a national trust bank charter for the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial; The Pentagon’s $620 million loan to Vulcan Elements, a startup backed by Donald Trump Jr.’s venture capital firm, 1789 Capital; The U.S. Army’s $15.2 million contract with a company that Donald Trump Jr. owns a significant ownership stake in and sits on the advisory board for, Unusual Machines; The U.S. Air Force’s contract to buy interceptor drones from Powerus, a company backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump; Potential federal contracts awarded to Newmark, a company owned by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s sons, to build ICE facilities; Newmark also has earned fees arranging land, leases, and financing for AI data centers, which Lutnick has promoted as Commerce Secretary, in addition to overseeing expedited federal permitting for certain data center projects; The United States Commodity Futures Trad… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-sheehy-introduce-bill-to-extend-benefits-for-military-survivors | Blumenthal, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Extend Benefits for Military Survivors | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) are teaming up to introduce the GRACE for Military Survivors Act—bipartisan legislation that would provide military survivors more time to make informed financial decisions about their benefits without facing tax penalties. “Military survivors who lose loved ones endure life-changing grief. We shouldn’t force them to make important, long-term financial decisions about their survivors’ benefits while also going through such unspeakable pain,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our commonsense bill will give these families more time to make these critical decisions.” “When families lose a loved one, too often they are forced to make difficult financial decisions before being allowed time to grieve and process their loss; this is especially true when it comes to the surviving families of our fallen military heroes,” said Senator Tim Sheehy. “America’s military families sacrifice so much for this great nation – they deserve time to mourn and honor their loved one instead of being rushed into making long-lasting, consequential decisions about their survivors’ benefits. Supporting this practical legislation to extend the time military families have to make these decisions is the least we can do for the families of our heroes.” When a servicemember dies, the surviving family has to make important financial decisions about their survivors’ benefits while also grieving their loved ones. Current law only gives surviving spouses and children a year to decide if they want to put military death gratuities and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) benefits into certain tax-advantaged savings accounts, including Roth IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. The GRACE for Military Survivors Act would extend that time frame from one to three years—ensuring surviving families have additional time to make important long-term financial decisions. U.S. Representative Mike Tho… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-presses-dhs-sec-mullin-on-ice-operations-in-connecticut | Murphy Presses DHS Sec. Mullin On ICE Operations in Connecticut | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) just pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin for accountability and transparency on unprecedented immigration raids in Connecticut by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month, including near a children’s school bus stop. “Last month, families and communities in Connecticut experienced mass immigration enforcement arrests across the state. To make matters worse, parents were reportedly arrested in front of their children, including at least one parent who was arrested just after their child boarded a bus for their first day of school. As fathers, I hope we can both agree that children should not have to witness their parents being brutally arrested for civil immigration offenses,” said Murphy. In a letter to Mullin, Murphy cited the long-term suffering children experience when they personally experience the arrest of their parents, pushing for immigration forces to exercise restraint and follow the books. “The Department of Homeland Security must take immediate action to eliminate this unnecessary and harmful use of force. Additionally, DHS is also required to follow the ‘Detained Parents Directive’ (DPD), even in its weakened state, to ensure that parents are not unconstitutionally deprived of their child,” said Murphy. Murphy concluded with a push for accountability and transparency, issuing a series of information requests to Mullin: How many arrests were made in total in Connecticut from August 17 – 28 (“the specified time”)? Provide the location of each arrest (city/town). Were any arresting agents/officers employed by any other federal agency other than ICE? If so, how many? Were any agents present in Connecticut detailed from another federal agency? For each arrest made in Connecticut during the specified time, state specifically whether arresting agents/officers followed the ‘Detained Parents Directive’. If so, what evidence can you provide that arresting agents/officers followed such polic… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/witness-testimony-blumenthal-and-robert-garcia-receive-testimony-on-fatal-shootings-by-federal-immigration-agents | Witness Testimony: Blumenthal & Robert Garcia Receive Testimony on Fatal Shootings by Federal Immigration Agents | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, held a bicameral public forum on the killings of Ruben Ray Martinez, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, Alex Pretti, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. The following witnesses offered testimony about the fatal shootings of five people by federal immigration agents during the Trump Administration: Rachel Reyes: Rachel Reyes’ son, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot and killed by an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas. For nearly a year afterwards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to publicly acknowledge its involvement in Mr. Martinez’s death, which only came to light through a public records request. “Though the circumstances surrounding his death and these other victims are distinctly different, the pattern is the same. Lives cut short by the same agency; agents without body cameras; no warnings; no attempt to de-escalate; excessive force followed by deflection, and a lack of accountability after the fact,” Ms. Reyes wrote. “Other similarities are that these victims, despite being nonviolent community members with no criminal background, were disparaged and blamed to shift focus away from the officer’s misconduct. What happened to my son is personal, but it should be a concern for us all.” Ms. Reyes’ written testimony is available here. Video of Ms. Reyes’ testimony is available here. Donna and Brent Ganger: Donna Ganger’s daughter and Brent Ganger’s sister, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “What I want most to do today is help everyone understand exactly what was taken from us on January 7th, and what a beautiful woman our family and this country lost. We have not moved on. We struggle every day. We wil… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-gets-another-tattoo | DeLauro Gets Another Tattoo | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Rosa L. DeLauro | D000216 | delauro.house.gov | delauro | https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Two Granddaughters, Two Tattoos Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) announced she received another tattoo to mark her granddaughter Sadie’s 18th birthday: “One tattoo was a story – two is now tradition, and one I am so happy to carry on to show my love for my grandchildren. After my first tattoo for my granddaughter Rigby’s 18th birthday, my granddaughter Sadie asked that I get another for hers. I said absolutely. When Sadie was a baby, she'd lift her head like a little bird coming out of a nest, my le petit oiseau, French for little bird. That is why my new tattoo is a swallow.” Joe Capobianco, owner of Hope Tattoo Gallery in New Haven, gave DeLauro the new ink. DeLauro received her first tattoo in 2023 with her granddaughter Rigby. “I am thankful to Joe and Hope Tattoo Gallery for a beautiful new piece of body art,” DeLauro said. “People keep asking me if there will be more tattoos to come. I have more grandchildren, so the answer is probably yes. And every one of them will be worth it.” | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-delegation-announces-234-million-sikorsky | Connecticut Delegation Announces $234 Million for Sikorsky | 2026-09-19 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Hartford, CT - Today, Connecticut’s congressional delegation announced a $234 million contract from U.S. Army to procure 16 UH-60M Black hawks: “Sikorsky is a global leader in defense, building the finest helicopters here in Connecticut. This $234 million contract will support good-paying jobs in Connecticut, provide a boost to our local economy, and strengthen our national security. We will always fight for funding and contracts to support the thousands of skilled employees and the local manufacturing industry here in Connecticut who serve as the backbone to Sikorsky’s success,” said the delegation. The initial agreement covers 16 aircraft for the U.S. Army and is expected to increase by over 100 aircraft in the coming years. The agreement sustains production at Sikorsky and its 230‑supplier, 43‑state industrial base without interruption. | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-members-larson-neal-and-davis-demand-answers-commissioner | Ranking Members Larson, Neal, and Davis Demand Answers from Commissioner Bisignano for Social Security Staffing Crisis | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. - Today, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01), Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (MA-01), and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny K. Davis (IL-07) wrote to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano, demanding answers for the staffing crisis at SSA taking hold on his watch—after delivering seemingly contradictory testimony before the Ways and Means Committee earlier this year. During his testimony, Commissioner Bisignano asserted that SSA has “the right amount of staff in the right places,” that they’ve “reduced workload in field offices by the equivalent of 600 work years,” and that “we committed to never close a field office.” However, reports by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Council 220, representing approximately 25,000 SSA employees, contradict him. The union told Congress that severely understaffed field offices are operating as “ghost offices” and record-low morale have created the worst staffing crisis in SSA’s history. The union noted that the Administration has forced out roughly one in seven SSA employees nationwide. “During the hearing, you testified that you are delivering ‘the best all-around performance ever at the Social Security Administration,’” the Democratic lawmakers wrote. “Unfortunately, the experience on the ground as reported by our constituents and as highlighted by AFGE Council 220 in its statement contradicts this testimony.” The lawmakers requested Commissioner Bisignano answer by October 2, 2026, for the crisis afoot amidst an effort to “trample on the rights of unionized employees.” The questions probe the changes in SSA’s workplace policy, criteria used to reassign employees and its effect on customer service, and canceling of previously agreed upon employee accommodations. The Democrats demanded to know what notice is given to SSA employees regarding changes to their employment, and what steps are taken to ensure reasonable accomm… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-named-wounded-warrior-project-legislator-of-the-year | Blumenthal Named Wounded Warrior Project Legislator of the Year | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Earlier this week, Wounded Warrior Project recognized U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal as their 2026 Legislator of the Year in the U.S. Senate at their Courage Awards and Benefit Dinner. Wounded Warrior Project commended Blumenthal’s leadership on the Major Richard Star Act and his advocacy for America’s veterans as Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I am honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from Wounded Warrior Project—fierce champions for veterans and their families across the nation,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Their strong advocacy and partnership is critical in our work to make sure veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserved. Together, we will continue the fight to pass the Major Richard Star Act, improve VA mental health care programs, and ensure a grateful nation lives up to its promises to veterans.” “This award recognizes not only Senator Blumenthal’s leadership, but also his steadfast commitment to our nation’s veterans,” said Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Wounded Warrior Project. “Throughout his career, he has combined a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face with tireless advocacy to help improve the services and support veterans, their families, and caregivers rely on every day. All of us at Wounded Warrior Project are honored to celebrate his achievements and thank him for his efforts on behalf of those who have served.” Blumenthal has worked for years alongside Wounded Warrior Project to expand veterans’ access to health care and benefits. This includes championing provisions in the PACT Act to expand benefits, health care, and compensation for toxic-exposed veterans and working together to advance the Major Richard Star Act for combat-injured veterans. This week, the Major Richard Star Act received its 218th signature on a bipartisan discharge petition to force Speaker Johnson to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote. This Congress, Blumenthal and Wounded… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/livestream-tuesday-blumenthal-and-robert-garcia-to-receive-public-testimony-on-fatal-shootings-by-federal-immigration-agents | Livestream Tuesday: Blumenthal & Robert Garcia to Receive Public Testimony on Fatal Shootings by Federal Immigration Agents | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – On Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, will hold a bicameral public forum to receive testimony on the killings of Ruben Ray Martinez, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, Alex Pretti, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. The following witnesses will offer testimony about the fatal shootings of five people by federal immigration agents during the Trump Administration: Rachel Reyes: Rachel Reyes’ son, Ruben Ray Martinez, was shot and killed by an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in March 2025 in South Padre Island, Texas. For nearly a year afterwards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to publicly acknowledge its involvement in Mr. Martinez’s death, which only came to light through a public records request. Donna and Brent Ganger: Donna Ganger’s daughter and Brent Ganger’s sister, Renée Nicole Macklin Good, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stella Carlson: Stella Carlson recorded the killing of Alex Pretti in January 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ms. Carlson, known as the “woman in the pink coat,” was on her way to work when she witnessed and filmed an immigration agent shooting Mr. Pretti in the back. Her video confirmed that DHS’s account of the fatal shooting was false. Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado: Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado’s father, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was shot and killed in Houston, Texas in July 2026. Mr. Araujo was driving to work when he was confronted by ICE agents who fired into the vehicle, killing him. Sean P. Murphy: Sean P. Murphy represents the family of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero who was shot and killed by an ICE agent shortly after leaving for work early in the morning hours of July 13, 2026. He was not the target of any ICE removal operation a… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-9/11/2026-9/18/2026 | Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 9/11/2026-9/18/2026 | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | Celebrating Final Passage of Landmark Russia Sanctions Bill [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) celebrated final Congressional passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation, led by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The bill was approved in a major bipartisan vote in the Senate in August and was passed out of the House of Representatives this week. “Today is a historic triumph for democracy— ours and Ukraine’s— showing that America can still muster bipartisan unity in the fight for freedom. I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Blumenthal said. “In August, I watched from Kyiv’s Sophia Square as President Zelenskyy honored the families of heroes who gave their lives so that Ukraine could remain free and independent. I vowed then, as I have every day for the last few years, that our tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine would be the passage of this legislation to help bring an end to Putin’s hideous slaughter and prevent future bloodshed.” “Today’s triumph is also a testament to the relentless drive of my friend, Lindsey Graham. I missed him deeply on my most recent eleventh trip to Ukraine. If he were here today, he would be jubilant about our bill’s passage – and already thinking about the next one. So today we celebrate, and tomorrow, we redouble work on sending Ukraine whatever it needs to prevail. Putin is a thug who understands only force and strength, which is what we must show clearly and unequivocally.” Blumenthal joined Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) at a press conference following the vote on final passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. “To Vladimir Putin—we have your number. Your economy is reeling. We’re going to throttle your war machine.… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-reintroduce-legislation-to-expand-federal-support-for-magnet-schools | Murphy, Blumenthal Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Federal Support for Magnet Schools | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, reintroduced legislation to fuel the growth of magnet schools nationwide by improving and expanding the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP). The Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation (MAGNET) Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). “Magnet schools offer millions of kids an educational alternative which allows them to thrive, and my bill would make sure we keep those options available for families, in Connecticut, and across the country,” said Murphy. “All kids, regardless of where they grow up, deserve access to a classroom setting that works for them.” “Magnet schools provide an important option for parents,” said Blumenthal. “By bringing together students from different zip codes, these schools are vital to improving equity and diversity in our classrooms - contributing to overall success for students. The federal government should continue funding magnet schools while meeting its responsibility to provide better resources for all schools.” Magnet schools are public schools designed to cater to different learning styles and attract a wide range of students from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, and across zip codes. Over 40,000 Connecticut students - and 3.5 million students nationwide - currently attend magnet schools. But as school districts become increasingly segregated by race and income, this legislation updates the MSAP grant to expand access to funding and promote diversity. The bill will also authorize the Supplemental Diversity Grant (SDG), a new grant program housed under MSAP to help preexisting magnet programs reach diversity-related goals. The MAGNET Act is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); National Education Association (NEA); Magnet Schools of America; National Association of Secondary School Principals (… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-bonamici-introduce-bicameral-malnutrition-awareness-week-resolution-after-republican-budget-bill-ripped-nutrition-benefits-away-from-families | Murphy, Bonamici Introduce Bicameral Malnutrition Awareness Week Resolution After Republican Budget Bill Ripped Nutrition Benefits Away From Families | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-1) introduced a resolution designating the week of September 14th through 18th as “Malnutrition Awareness Week.” Food insecurity and malnutrition affect over 40 million Americans, disproportionately impacting older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations. In 2023, an estimated seven million American children lived in food-insecure households. Meanwhile, disease-associated malnutrition in older adults alone costs the United States more than $51.3 billion each year. The resolution recognizes the importance of federal nutrition programs and community-based organizations, like those targeted by the Republican budget bill, in preventing malnutrition and its devastating ill-effects on public health, educational achievement, and health care costs. Malnutrition’s harms often extend across an individual’s lifespan and increases their risk of chronic illness and healthcare complications. By raising awareness and promoting increased funding for food and healthcare programs, the resolution seeks to support nationwide efforts to improve health outcomes. “There’s no excuse for tens of millions of Americans to suffer through malnutrition in the wealthiest country in the world, all so Republican donors can get a giant tax cut,” said Murphy. “Malnutrition is a silent killer and that’s exactly why we need to raise awareness about this growing crisis after Donald Trump and Republicans' snatched away food support for millions of poor children and seniors,” said Senator Murphy. “In a country as wealthy as the United States, no one should struggle to have enough to eat. Since H.R. 1 passed more than a year ago, too many people are experiencing food insecurity and hunger. Republicans in Congress have forced states to absorb hundreds of millions of dollars – that they do not have – to keep critical nutrition assistance programs funded. The cuts from H.R. 1 will harm working families and seniors who desperately need some extra su… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-reintroduces-bill-to-protect-students-from-physical-abuse-end-dangerous-corporal-punishment-practices-in-schools | Murphy Reintroduces Bill to Protect Students from Physical Abuse, End Dangerous Corporal Punishment Practices in Schools | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) re-introduced the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, alongside Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). The bill would ban corporal punishment for any school that receives federal funding, as well as establish a federal grant program to support states and school districts across the country improve school safety. “Families should be able to trust that when they send their kids to school, they will be in a safe learning environment free from physical abuse,” said Murphy. “The evidence is overwhelming: hitting kids does nothing to help kids. It’s past time to get this archaic, counterproductive practice out of our schools for good.” “Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for every student,” said Durbin. “We know that corporal punishment is counterproductive to learning and can harm a student’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It should be left out of the classroom entirely. By standing with Senator Chris Murphy and co-sponsoring this bill, we can ensure that no student falls victim to this outdated and cruel punishment.” “Every student deserves a safe, supportive learning environment that fosters positive relationships and protects their physical and emotional well-being,” said Padilla. “The evidence is clear – corporal punishment is a cruel and outdated method that harms students, hinders scholastic achievement, and worsens behavior. This bill will make more of our schools safer spaces for students of all backgrounds.” “No child should ever face physical abuse, including at school,” said Kaine. “It's time to end the outdated and harmful practice of corporal punishment in every school across the country. Instead of relying on fear, our schools should provide safe, supportive learning environments that students need to thrive and be healthy.” Inflicting physical pain on a student’s body as a form of discipline is used in schools throughout the country. However,… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-reintroduces-legislation-to-increase-mental-health-resources-for-students-reduce-police-presence-in-schools | Murphy Reintroduces Legislation to Increase Mental Health Resources for Students, Reduce Police Presence in Schools | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, alongside Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), reintroduced the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, legislation to improve educational outcomes by redirecting existing resources towards counselors, social workers, and other services to create supportive environments in schools, as well as prohibiting the use of federal funds for police in schools. The bill would also provide a standalone grant program to help districts hire additional counselors, social workers and other health providers. “Kids struggling with mental health and familial trauma deserve the support of trained professionals, not an entry point to the criminal justice system,” said Murphy. “My bill would make sure local school districts are investing in the most effective resources for improving student safety in schools: guidance counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals.” "Too many young people walk into school carrying burdens no child should have to bear, and our response cannot be handcuffs and surveillance," said Senator Booker. "This legislation does what schools actually need: it invests in counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals who see our children as kids who need support, not suspects who need policing. When a student is struggling, the question should never be how we punish them. It should be how do we help them.” “Students across the country deserve safe learning environments and mental health resources, and to be treated with dignity. Policing and criminalizing students does not help us meet this mission; it puts us farther from it,” said Senator Markey. “The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act will provide the necessary resources and support that young people, teachers, and communities have advocated for. We must continue to fight for these essential resources, including counselors and trauma-informed services, so that all stu… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-and-watson-coleman-introduce-diaper-bank-awareness-week | DeLauro and Watson Coleman Introduce Diaper Bank Awareness Week Resolution | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Rosa L. DeLauro | D000216 | delauro.house.gov | delauro | https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced a resolution hailing the week of September 14th as National Diaper Need Awareness Week. "One in three families do not have enough diapers to keep their children clean, dry, and healthy," said Congresswoman DeLauro. “In one of the richest countries on earth, that is totally unacceptable. I am thrilled to join with my friend and colleague Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman to express our gratitude for local banks and distribution programs for providing a stable and sustainable supply of free diapers to families that are struggling with diaper need in this cost of living crisis. I encourage Americans to continue to support their local diaper bank and children who are in need." | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-statement-speaker-johnson-shutting-down-house-representatives | Courtney Statement on Speaker Johnson Shutting Down of the House of Representatives | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | NORWICH, CT – This week, House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled another day of scheduled House votes. Earlier this month, Speaker Jonhson also canceled the last two weeks of previously scheduled voting days in September, meaning that the House of Representatives will not return to session for over seven weeks until November 9th. In total, Speaker Johnson has canceled 23 House voting days so far in 2026. “It’s beyond irresponsible that Speaker Johnson is choosing to shut down the House of Representatives while AI executives are sending urgent warnings on the need for AI safeguards,” Courtney said. “Congress would not be starting from scratch on this issue. There are commonsense, bipartisan AI safeguard bills ready to be voted on. For example, I strongly support the AI Kill Switch Act to put emergency third-party protections in place to protect against the threat of rogue AI programs acting outside of human control. The CEO of Anthropic has endorsed this approach. I am also a cosponsor of the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, a bill to criminalize creating and posting non-consensual deepfakes on social media. This bill is especially needed to address the disturbing surge of instances of generative AI use related to child sexual exploitation reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The House could vote on these two bills today and take real action to protect the public. Speaker Johnson instead chose to cancel votes – a dereliction of duty.” This week, Rep. Courtney joined over 100 colleagues in calling on Speaker Johnson to cancel his premature recess in order to pass bipartisan AI safeguard bills. ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bicameral-lawmakers-demand-answers-usda-cyclospora-research | Bicameral Lawmakers Demand Answers on USDA Cyclospora Research Terminations | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Rosa L. DeLauro | D000216 | delauro.house.gov | delauro | https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | As Cyclospora outbreak rages, Trump Administration moves forward with plans to shut down the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) Today, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Glenn Ivey (MD-04) along with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture demanding answers the Department’s decision to shutter all research related to Cyclospora in the midst of the largest outbreak in history and plans to close BARC, the largest and most diversified agricultural research complex in the world. The lawmakers urged UDSA to reverse course. Cyclospora has sickened nearly 20,000 Americans, hospitalized over 1,000 and killed at least two – with case totals expected to continue to rise. A recent Politico story reported that three research programs, that represent nearly all of the Cyclospora research at USDA, are on hold or have been terminated entirely. “…[T]he proposal to decommission BARC will do nothing but disrupt this important work, endanger Americans’ health and safety, and harm our national security,” the lawmakers wrote. “Therefore, we request that USDA immediately cease its efforts to close BARC and halt its reorganization before it results in any more costly mistakes.” The full letter can be read here and below. The Honorable Brooke Rollins Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20250 Dear Secretary Rollins, The United States is in the midst of its largest Cyclospora outbreak in history, sickening over 17,000 Americans, hospitalizing 1,000 and killing at least two. Case totals are expected to continue to rise in the coming weeks. A recent Politico story reported that the three research programs that represent nearly all of the Cyclospora research at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), all previously or currently underway at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) i… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-opposes-bomb-sales-israel | DeLauro Opposes Bomb Sales to Israel | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) expressed her strong opposition to an announcement from the Trump administration that they would authorize the sale of $2.8 billion in arms sales to Israel. House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks placed a hold on the sale yesterday: “40,000 of the deadliest bombs in the American arsenal are now set to be handed over to the Netanyahu government which has shown time and time again it has little regard for civilian life. These are the same bombs the Biden Administration refused to send because of the risk of mass civilian casualties. “I am opposed to this sale. Israel’s war in Gaza and its operations in Southern Lebanon have shown they cannot prosecute these wars in a way that spares civilian life. The sale of these bombs risk worsening an already out of hand humanitarian crisis. “I am also concerned about what this sale means for our own military readiness. Sending 40,000 of these bombs depletes already strained American stockpiles. “These weapons must not be sent.” Congresswoman DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, is a leader in Congress in calling for a major surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza and in advocating for a two-state solution that provides long term security for the Israeli and Palestinian people. | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EAEB1A3F-7CEB-4169-BFC4-BE4F27A765E5 | Hayes Votes for Water Infrastructure Projects Supporting Danbury, New Britain, Thomaston, and Waterbury | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted to pass H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation approves federal projects to improve water resources infrastructure across the country, including ports and harbors, flood and storm protection, and the United States inland waterway navigation network. The legislation includes a request made by Congresswoman Hayes for $50 million dollars to support four municipalities in the Fifth District including Danbury, New Britain, Thomaston, and Waterbury. Projects were submitted by each municipality for consideration. Congresswoman Hayes worked with local partners to ensure their requests were within the guidelines of the program, before making the case to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2026 Water Resources Development Act. This is only the first step, as projects still must be approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Federal Budget. The Congresswoman will follow this bill all the way through the process and continue to work with colleagues until funds are delivered. Final request amounts include: DANBURY: $32 million to improve water supply infrastructure, water storage, & distribution NEW BRITAIN: $5 million to improve water supply infrastructure & storm water management THOMASTON: $8 million to improve water & wastewater infrastructure including storm water management WATEBURY: $5 million to improve water supply infrastructure “The Fifth District continues to be plagued by the devasting consequences of aging water infrastructure. Local leaders know best what they need and I have been working with them for months to formalize their applications and make these requests,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.” This vote on the Water Resources Development Act is a critical first step in getting federal funding to these communities to assist in their efforts to address outdated pipes that have led to costly water main breaks, leaving communities without access to … | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://himes.house.gov/2026/09/17/himes-bill-to-combat-financial-scams-advances-with-bipartisan-support/ | Himes Bill to Combat Financial Scams Advances with Bipartisan Support | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | James A. Himes | H001047 | himes.house.gov | himes | https://himes.house.gov/statements-and-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – This week, the House Financial Services Committee voted 49-0 to advance Rep. Jim Himes’ Task Force for Recognizing and Averting Payment Scams (TRAPS) Act. The bill, which would create an interagency federal task force of experts from across government and the private sector dedicated to combatting financial scams, now awaits consideration before the full House of Representatives. “Scammers have always been a contemptible part of our financial reality, but AI-powered voice cloning and deepfakes have turbo-charged the tools they have at their disposal to swindle Americans – especially seniors – out of their hard-earned money,” said Rep. Himes. “I’m ecstatic that the TRAPS Act passed out of committee with overwhelming bipartisan support as now, more than ever, we need to bring to bear a whole-of-government approach that combats financial schemes, protects our citizens, and supports victims of fraud. There’s no time to waste: let’s put this bill to a full vote.” The task force created by the TRAPS Act, co-led by Rep. Zach Nunn (IA-03), would examine emerging fraud trends, including increasingly sophisticated romance and investment scams, identify effective prevention strategies, improve coordination across the public and private sectors, and recommend legislative and regulatory solutions to better protect consumers. The bill’s passage out of committee comes at a critical moment: the Federal Trade Commission reports that consumers lost approximately $16 billion to fraud in 2025, a 25% increase from 2024. Beyond receiving unanimous support in committee, the TRAPS Act also earned praise from the private sector. “Representatives Jim Himes and Zach Nunn deserve credit for recognizing a simple truth: criminals share information, exploit gaps and constantly evolve and those working to stop them must be equally coordinated,” said Early Warning CEO Cameron Fowler. “The TRAPS Act will help turn the collective expertise of regulators, law enforcement and industry into action. We have seen the impact of co… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-dot-proposal-promoting-deceptive-and-misleading-advertising-hurting-consumers | Blumenthal Slams DOT Proposal Promoting Deceptive & Misleading Advertising Hurting Consumers | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumental (D-CT) wrote to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy opposing a proposed rule that would weaken consumer protections by allowing airlines to advertise misleading ticket prices. DOT’s proposed rule would gut the existing Full Fare Rule, which requires airlines and ticket agents to display the total cost of a ticket at least as prominently as its subcomponents—making sure consumers aren’t misled by deceptive pricing. In his letter, Blumenthal highlights how DOT’s proposed rule prioritizes airline companies, promoting advertising that hurts consumers, writing, “The proposed rulemaking contemplates repealing the Full Fare Rule entirely – eliminating longstanding requirements that airlines clearly and transparently disclose the total price consumers must pay. Put simply, enacting this rule would only serve the interests of airfare advertisers at the direct expense of consumers.” “In addition to inflating costs, implementing the proposed rule would upend decades of settled expectations in the transparency of airfare, enabling more confusing and deceptive advertising,” continued Blumenthal. “Americans should have confidence that the price they see advertised is the price they will pay when they get to check out. DOT’s proposed rule serves the opposite result.” “At a time when the cost of airfare has skyrocketed in significant part due to the war of choice that President Trump initiated against Iran in February, 2026, now is the worst possible time to empower airfare advertisers to return to an era of extracting more money from consumers through confusing and deceptive airfare advertising,” concluded Blumenthal. Blumenthal is a longstanding advocate for consumer protections and transparency in air fare pricing for travelers, leading legislation such as the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights and the Junk Fee Prevention Act and releasing a report with the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations regarding sky high airline junk fees. Blumenthal’s… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-introduces-three-bills-to-rein-in-ice-abuses-protect-kids-from-targeting-by-agents | Murphy Introduces Three Bills To Rein In ICE Abuses, Protect Kids From Targeting By Agents | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) just introduced three new bills to rein in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) abuses and protect kids from targeting by agents at playgrounds, child care facilities, and school bus stops, as well as cosponsored legislation to protect immigrants seeking essential services at locations like hospitals, schools, and courthouses. “The American people have seen horrifying videos of ICE agents terrorizing our streets and instilling fear in communities, including in Danbury recently. These bills should be a no-brainer. Kids should be safe from violent enforcement–period–but especially on the playground, at daycare, and waiting for the bus. How far is this corrupt Administration willing to defend an unpopular, illegal mass deportation campaign?” said Murphy. The bills would stipulate that “no agent, officer, or employee of the Department of Homeland Security, nor any person acting under the authority of such agent, officer, or employee, may conduct any immigration enforcement action” at a school bus stop for children, at a childcare facility, or at a children’s playground. ICE recently conducted a week-long operation in Connecticut resulting in 118 arrests, which included an arrest of a parent who just dropped their child off at their bus stop. When reports surfaced, Sen. Murphy immediately joined elected officials and immigration rights advocates, as well as thousands of protestors in Danbury, to denounce the operation. Videos released to CT Insider by Danbury Public Schools under a Freedom of Information Act request documented the scene. | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-trump-nominees-no-you-cannot-promote-the-presidents-businesses-as-ambassador | Murphy to Trump Nominees: 'No, You Cannot Promote the President's Businesses as Ambassador' | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security, today questioned Michael Young, nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia, and Ronald Johnson, nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, during their confirmation hearing. Sen. Murphy has honed in on the Trump family’s corruption, particularly on its foreign business deals. Earlier this week, Murphy took to the Senate floor after breaking investigative reporting found that a Russian ally of Vladimir Putin paid hundreds of thousands of dollars of wedding bills for Donald Trump Jr. Murphy stressed President Trump’s active search for ways to boost his business interests abroad: “This is a pretty simple question: if the White House were to come to either of you and ask for help from the embassy on a financial project important to the family, what would your response be? .... And I don't think these are out of the realm of possibility hypotheticals, given how many important business interests the family has in this particular region.” Murphy pressed the nominees after they refused to provide a direct answer on working to enrich the Trump family’s businesses: “Just answer the question… I mean, the president's son has active Trump family projects in Serbia today. It is not inconceivable that you will be asked to advocate on behalf of those projects. Do you think it's appropriate for you to advocate on behalf of projects that put money in the pocket of the president of the United States?” Murphy admonished both nominees after another refusal: “Guys, the answer is no! The answer is no. It is not appropriate for an ambassador to advocate on behalf of projects that will enrich the president or his family. That's an easy answer. The answer is no.” A full transcript of Murphy’s questioning is available below. A video of the exchange is available here. Murphy: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to everyone on the panel for your willingness t… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-larson-applaud-house-passage-their-bill-restore-tax-relief | Courtney, Larson Applaud House Passage of Their Bill to Restore Tax Relief for Homeowners with Crumbling Foundations | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) and Congressman John Larson (CT-01) applauded House passage of their Casualty Loss Dedication Restoration Act, which passed the House last night within the larger bill H.R. 9500 by a vote of 408-17. Courtney and Larson’s bill would allow homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations due to pyrrhotite to claim the casualty loss deduction for repair costs and allow homeowners to retroactively claim the deduction starting in 2021. In July, Rep. Larson successfully led passage of the bill through the Ways and Means Committee. “House passage of this bill to bring long overdue relief to Connecticut homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations is only possible because of Congressman John Larson’s work and leadership on the Ways and Means Committee,” said Courtney. “Thousands of homes in northcentral and eastern Connecticut have been plagued with crumbling concrete foundations caused by the mineral pyrrhotite, leaving families with exorbitant repair costs up to the hundreds of thousands of dollars through no fault of their own. By finally restoring the casualty loss deduction for all taxpayers after it was drastically restricted by President Trump’s 2017 tax law and allowing homeowners to amend prior-year tax returns for repairs to crumbling foundations caused by pyrrhotite made during calendar years 2021-2025, Congress can provide overdue relief to impacted homeowners. The Senate must now act swiftly to take up and pass this bill.” “More than a decade since the crumbling foundations crisis was first discovered in our region, up to 35,000 homes have been impacted,” said Larson. “Time and time again, families have had to foot the bill to repair their foundations—damaged through no fault of their own. I worked with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to advance real tax relief, so homeowners can afford to make the repairs they need, and those who already replaced their foundations can be made whole. I want to thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Joe… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-votes-sixth-time-end-trumps-war-iran | Courtney Votes for Sixth Time to End Trump’s War in Iran | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, for the sixth time, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, voted to end President Trump’s war in Iran. Courtney voted to pass the bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution (H.Con.Res. 93), which passed the House by a vote of 220-204. In accordance with the law, the War Powers Resolution would require President Trump to suspend hostilities against Iran until he receives Congressional authorization, as required by Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. “Six months ago, President Trump launched an unauthorized war with no explanation to the American people of what ‘imminent threat’ Iran posed and no clear goals or objectives to define victory. The war has led to the deaths of 19 servicemembers, injured hundreds more servicemembers, and killed thousands of innocent civilians. Overextended deployments during the war have taken a serious toll on the quality of life and mental health of servicemembers and compromised our military’s readiness. At home, the American people continue to be hit with skyrocketing energy costs caused by the completely predictable closure of Strait of Hormuz. Today, the average cost of diesel nationwide is $6.31/gallon, and this winter, Americans are projected to pay 30% more to heat their homes with home heating oil. In response to higher costs, President Trump already declared that he doesn’t think about Americans’ financial situation. House passage of today’s resolution is another signal to President Trump, Speaker Johnson, and Majority Leader Thune that they are acting in violation of the law and the will of the American people.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=488ED427-88AF-4170-8C4D-BAF74A3207D2 | CT House Delegation Statement On Russia Sanctions Bill | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05), John Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Jim Himes (CT-04) issued the following statement after voting “no” on H.R. 10076, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. “Last June, the U.S. House passed a bipartisan Russian sanctions bill, H.R. 2913, to support the brave nation of Ukraine along with new military assistance to Ukraine, which is critically needed. The sanctions provisions in H.R. 2913 provided enforcement language that would ensure President Trump implemented the bill. The Lindsay Graham Senate bill, H.R. 10076, removed the sanctions enforcement language and left the decision to sanction totally within the discretion of the President, who has repeatedly demonstrated bias towards Russia’s war goals of seizing the eastern Donbas. Furthermore, this bill would only enable the President’s penchant for imposing reckless tariffs at the expense of the American consumer – effectively handing the President the power to raise costs on American workers and families by more than $8,000 a year– while providing zero additional military assistance for Ukraine. Our delegation has staunchly supported Ukraine and are determined to provide tangible assistance as well as enforceable sanctions against Putin’s war machine. We recognize the Senate’s hard work and applaud Senator Blumenthal and his colleagues for their efforts. Due to our concerns, we could not vote for this bill in its current form and remain committed to continuing to stand unwaveringly with the Ukrainian people and enacting tough sanctions that hold the Putin regime accountable. The Senate bill falls short of those goals, and we believe it is time to redouble efforts to pass the original House bill.” | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://himes.house.gov/2026/09/16/icymi-no-administrationmore-communist-than-the-trump-administration-himes-grills-treasury-secretary-bessent-at-hearing/ | ICYMI: “No Administration…More Communist than the Trump Administration:” Himes Grills Treasury Secretary Bessent at Hearing | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | James A. Himes | H001047 | himes.house.gov | himes | https://himes.house.gov/statements-and-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, grilled Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the Trump Administration’s repeated market interventions. Rep. Himes challenged him to explain how the President’s economic agenda – assuming government ownership stakes in 39 private companies, manipulating prices through unpredictable tariff regimes, and a failed intervention in the bond market – differs from the core tenets of communism. An excerpt of Rep. Himes’ line of questioning of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a House Financial Services Committee Hearing held on September 15, 2026: HIMES: The government now owns thirty-nine companies. The government has imposed tariffs. I don’t like tariffs. Whether you think they’re a good idea or bad idea, they are an intervention in the free market… The President recently offered five thousand dollars for a vote. Now,to thosein the legal world, that would be called a bribe, but you could think of it as an intervention in political markets. And by the way, I have no doubt that if I walk down there right now and said, “I will pay you five thousand dollars if you focus your buying on the three-year treasury,” that conversation would end with me in handcuffs. But the question I have for you, Mr. Secretary, relates to your intervention in the markets. And I’m not going to ask you to agree with me here, but I can think of no administration in the last 50 years that is quite as communist as the Trump administration. Constant interventions in the operations of the free market. | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-house-delegation-statement-russia-sanctions-bill | Connecticut House Delegation Statement on Russia Sanctions Bill | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) issued the following statement after voting “no” on H.R. 10076: “Last June, the U.S. House passed a bipartisan Russian sanctions bill, H.R. 2913, to support the brave nation of Ukraine along with new military assistance to Ukraine which is critically needed. The sanctions provisions in H.R. 2913 provided enforcement language that would ensure President Trump implemented the bill. The Lindsey Graham Senate bill, H.R. 10076, removed the sanctions enforcement language and left the decision to sanction totally within the discretion of the President, who has repeatedly demonstrated bias towards Russia’s war goals of seizing the eastern Donbas. Furthermore, this bill would only enable the President’s penchant for imposing reckless tariffs at the expense of the American consumer – effectively handing the President the power to raise costs on American workers and families by more than $8,000 a year– while providing zero additional military assistance for Ukraine. Our delegation has staunchly support Ukraine and are determined to provide tangible assistance as well as enforceable sanctions against Putin’s war machine. We recognize the Senate’s hard work and applaud Senator Blumenthal and his colleagues for their efforts. Due to our concerns, we could not vote for this bill in its current form and remain committed to continuing to stand unwaveringly with the Ukrainian people and enacting tough sanctions that hold the Putin regime accountable.” | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-courtney-applaud-house-passage-their-bill-restore-tax-relief | Larson, Courtney Applaud House Passage of Their Bill to Restore Tax Relief for Homeowners with Crumbling Foundations | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) and Joe Courtney (CT-02) applauded House passage of their Casualty Loss Dedication Restoration Act, which passed the House last night within the larger bill, H.R. 9500, by a vote of 408-17. Larson and Courtney’s bill would allow homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations due to pyrrhotite to claim the casualty loss deduction for repair costs and allow homeowners to retroactively claim the deduction starting in 2021. In July, Rep. Larson successfully led passage of the bill through the Ways and Means Committee. “More than a decade since the crumbling foundations crisis was first discovered in our region, up to 35,000 homes have been impacted,” said Larson. “Time and time again, families have had to foot the bill to repair their foundations—damaged through no fault of their own. I worked with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to advance real tax relief, so homeowners can afford to make the repairs they need, and those who already replaced their foundations can be made whole. I want to thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Joe Courtney, for his tireless efforts and partnership to get this bill across the finish line with today’s strong, bipartisan vote in the House. I urge the Senate to act, so we can finally get Connecticut homeowners the support and certainty they deserve.” “House passage of this bill to bring long overdue relief to Connecticut homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations is only possible because of Congressman John Larson’s work and leadership on the Ways and Means Committee,” said Courtney. “Thousands of homes in northcentral and eastern Connecticut have been plagued with crumbling concrete foundations caused by the mineral pyrrhotite, leaving families with exorbitant repair costs up to the hundreds of thousands of dollars through no fault of their own. By finally restoring the casualty loss deduction for all taxpayers after it was drastically restricted by President Trump’s 2017 tax law and allowing homeowners to amend… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-secures-federal-resources-local-flood-mitigation | Larson Secures Federal Resources for Local Flood Mitigation | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which included his request for three flood mitigation studies in the First District and $50 million project to improve wastewater infrastructure and stormwater management in Hartford. “With extreme weather—fueled by climate change—on the rise, our region has not been spared,” said Larson. “Connecticut has become more prone to severe flooding, communities across the state have made it a priority to invest in more resilient infrastructure to protect homes and businesses before disaster hits. I am proud to champion these four projects that will better prepare communities across the First District for natural disasters, including Southington, Torrington, Hartford, and East Hartford. Following tonight’s bipartisan vote, I urge the Senate to act swiftly so local leaders can start working directly with federal officials to strengthen stormwater management and protect residents from devastating floods.” The Water Resources Development Act authorizes 133 new feasibility studies for locally proposed water resources infrastructure projects and 14 projects that have been vetted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including $50 million to improve wastewater infrastructure and stormwater management in Hartford, a feasibility study to modify the Naugatuck River Flood Damage Reduction System in Torrington, a Connecticut River Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study, and a study of the Eightmile Rivershed in Southington. | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-murphy-join-senators-in-introducing-privileged-resolution-seeking-answers-on-west-bank-violence | Blumenthal & Murphy Join Senators in Introducing Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) today joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in introducing a 502B privileged resolution requiring the Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans in the West Bank. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years – and more detained – and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or United States Governments. The Senators’ resolution would require the Department of State to provide information and assessments related to investigations of the killing of United States citizens by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children. “Violent, lethal lawlessness on the West Bank is a betrayal of Israel’s moral standing and our shared values, and must be stopped. This resolution is now necessary, after so many have urged action and violence only continues to rise. Failing to enforce clear legal prohibitions and protections has cost American and Palestinian lives – and deeply threatens a peaceful, stable future for all Israelis and Palestinians,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Extremist settlers in the West Bank are wielding violence at unprecedented levels and with near total impunity from the Netanyahu government,” said Senator Murphy. “Their actions have killed American citizens and innocent Palestinians, and the United States must make clear that this unchecked violence is unacceptable and must end immediately.” “This Administration has said ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad is one of its highest priorities. And yet, as we’ve seen violence rise in the West Bank, American citizens have been killed time and again, and they have received no justice and no accountability. It’s p… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-celebrates-final-passage-of-landmark-sanctions-bill-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-and-gas-accountable | Blumenthal Celebrates Final Passage of Landmark Sanctions Bill to Hold Purchasers of Russian Oil & Gas Accountable | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) celebrated final Congressional passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation, led by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), would hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The bill was approved in a major bipartisan vote in the Senate in August and was passed out of the House of Representatives today. “Today is a historic triumph for democracy— ours and Ukraine’s— showing that America can still muster bipartisan unity in the fight for freedom. I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Blumenthal said. “In August, I watched from Kyiv’s Sophia Square as President Zelenskyy honored the families of heroes who gave their lives so that Ukraine could remain free and independent. I vowed then, as I have every day for the last few years, that our tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine would be the passage of this legislation to help bring an end to Putin’s hideous slaughter and prevent future bloodshed.” “Today’s triumph is also a testament to the relentless drive of my friend, Lindsey Graham. I missed him deeply on my most recent eleventh trip to Ukraine. If he were here today, he would be jubilant about our bill’s passage – and already thinking about the next one. So today we celebrate, and tomorrow, we redouble work on sending Ukraine whatever it needs to prevail. Putin is a thug who understands only force and strength, which is what we must show clearly and unequivocally.” Last month, Blumenthal traveled to Ukraine to celebrate Independence Day in Kyiv. Blumenthal also traveled to Dnipro, near the eastern front of the war – the first Congressional Delegation to visit since the invasion. In early August, Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jim Risch (R-ID) hosted a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supporters of the legislation at the U.S. Capitol. Photos of the m… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-smith-baldwin-reintroduce-bill-to-support-connecticuts-young-farmers-forgive-student-loan-debt | Murphy, Smith, Baldwin Reintroduce Bill to Support Connecticut's Young Farmers, Forgive Student Loan Debt | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–U.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 Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) reintroduced the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to create a loan forgiveness program for beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as veteran, women, and minority farmers. “Beginning farmers” are those who have under 10 years of experience operating a farm. Student loan debt is among the largest obstacles America’s young farmers face, placing an enormous financial strain on beginner farmers and discouraging others from pursuing careers in the agricultural industry. Unforgiven student debt has a disproportionate impact on Connecticut’s farming industry, where nearly 30% of producers are categorized as beginning farmers, well above the national average. The Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act would grant these farmers, in Connecticut and across the country, the support they need to invest in their farms and ranches and incentivize a new generation of farmers to enter the agricultural industry. “Between the trade war, the Iran war, and his devastating cuts to agricultural programs, Donald Trump has sent farm bankruptcies surging and thrown our farming industry into a full-blown crisis,” said Murphy. “Our farmers are a cornerstone of rural life in Connecticut and we need to give them our support so they can not only survive this crisis but come out stronger on the other side. My bill would help the beginner farmers overcome financial barriers and strengthen Connecticut agriculture for the long term.” “To keep Minnesota’s agriculture economy thriving, we need to continue to invest in the next generation of farmers as the average age of farmers keeps going up. There is more we can be doing to help future farmers fill their shoes,” said Smith. “Student debt is one of the most significant challenges our young farmers and ranchers face. This legislation would help encoura… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ct-house-delegation-statement-russia-sanctions-bill | CT House Delegation Statement on Russia Sanctions Bill | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Reps. John Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) issued the following statement after voting “no” on H.R. 10076. “Last June, the U.S. House passed a bipartisan Russian sanctions bill, H.R. 2913, to support the brave nation of Ukraine along with new military assistance to Ukraine which is critically needed. The sanctions provisions in H.R. 2913 provided enforcement language that would ensure President Trump implemented the bill. The Lindsey Graham Senate bill, H.R. 10076, removed the sanctions enforcement language and left the decision to sanction totally within the discretion of the President, who has repeatedly demonstrated bias towards Russia’s war goals of seizing the eastern Donbas. Furthermore, this bill would only enable the President’s penchant for imposing reckless tariffs at the expense of the American consumer – effectively handing the President the power to raise costs on American workers and families by more than $8,000 a year– while providing zero additional military assistance for Ukraine. Our delegation has staunchly supported Ukraine and are determined to provide tangible assistance as well as enforceable sanctions against Putin’s war machine. We recognize the Senate’s hard work and applaud Senator Blumenthal and his colleagues for their efforts. Due to our concerns, we could not vote for this bill in its current form and remain committed to continuing to stand unwaveringly with the Ukrainian people and enacting tough sanctions that hold the Putin regime accountable.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=AFEC4010-439C-46FF-A74F-B562844C15EC | Hayes Introduces Legislation to Increase WIC Enrollment for Pregnant Women, Moms, Infants, And Young Children In Connecticut | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the WIC For Kids Act, legislation to eliminate barriers to enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). WIC is a cost-effective investment in families that leads to healthier infants, more nutritious diets and better health and support for pregnant and nursing moms. Unfortunately, there are nearly 6 million mothers and children who are eligible for WIC but cannot access benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only 50.2 percent of eligible Americans participate in WIC. “Millions who are eligible for WIC do not access the program. My legislation, the WIC for Kids Act would help to remove unnecessary barriers, connect more recipients to WIC, and provide the necessary nutrition for early development,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. Specifically, the WIC for Kids Act removes barriers to program enrollment by granting automatic eligibility to WIC for those who: Reside in a household in which a member participates in SNAP Participate in Children’s Health Insurance Program Participate in Head Start or reside in a household in which one or more children are enrolled in Head Start. Reside in a household that participates in Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Are members of a family of a pregnant woman, postpartum woman, infant, or child that receives medical assistance from Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The legislation also allows for adjustments to help align family certification periods and directs states to include information on how kinship families will be served as part of state plans. The WIC for Kids Act is endorsed by National WIC Association, Alliance to End Hunger, Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), Connecticut Foodshare, Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK), Generations United, Hawai'i Children's Action Network, Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Parents Anonymous, South Carolina Program for Infant/Toddler Care, StriveTogether, an… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-votes-advance-articles-impeachment-against-president-donald-j | Larson Votes to Advance Articles of Impeachment Against President Donald J. Trump | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted to advance articles of impeachment against President Trump. In April, Larson filed thirteen articles of impeachment against the President for high crimes and misdemeanors, including his illegal war in Iran, unlawful deployment of the military on domestic soil, and unconstitutional effort to strip citizenship from millions of Americans. “As Donald Trump wages an illegal war in Iran and terrorizes immigrant communities with Gestapo tactics in our neighborhoods, I filed articles of impeachment to hold him accountable for these continued violations of the law and his blatant disregard for the Constitution of the United States,” said Larson. “While Republicans thought they could divide Democrats on this vote, we remain united in the effort to hold him accountable for his abuses of power and failed agenda hurting the American people. Make no mistake—real impeachment proceedings will move forward when Democrats retake control of the House of Representatives for the American people.” | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-votes-cease-hostilities-iran-calls-congress-cut-funding-illegal | Larson Votes to Cease Hostilities in Iran, Calls on Congress to Cut Off Funding for Illegal War | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. - On the 200th day since President Trump launched his illegal war in Iran, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for another war powers resolution to cease hostilities. Today’s vote marks the third time the House has passed legislation opposing this conflict. Larson previously introduced legislation to cut off funding for this unauthorized war and filed articles of impeachment against President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for waging war in Iran, in direct contravention of the United States Constitution and international law. “The United States Congress has been clear—President Trump needs to end his illegal war in Iran,” said Larson. “Twenty American servicemembers have now lost their lives in the Middle East, and diesel prices have reached record-highs here at home. It is clear that this president views our Constitution as a mere suggestion and not the law of the land. We must enforce the law—and that starts with passing my bill to cut off all funding for this illegal and costly conflict, and block Donald Trump or any future president from waging war without explicit approval from Congress.” | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-don-jrs-russia-funded-wedding-this-is-as-close-to-treason-as-you-can-get | Murphy on Don Jr.'s Russia-Funded Wedding: 'This Is As Close to Treason As You Can Get' | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Monday spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate addressing the revelations that the recent, private island wedding of President Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., was in part paid for by Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch and close ally of Vladimir Putin, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Murphy argued this is just the latest example of the Trump family exploiting the presidency for their own personal profit, and accused the Trump family of abandoning Ukraine and padding the pockets of our Russian adversary in exchange for exactly this kind of luxury bribery. Murphy detailed the shocking level of Russian involvement in Jr.’s wedding: “The Russians paid for the private island. The Russians paid for the fireworks show. The president's son even put this oligarch in charge of planning the logistics. This was a Russian party organized and paid for by someone in Vladimir Putin's inner circle. This has never happened before in the history of the United States of America. Never before has a foreign enemy of the United States paid for the family wedding of the president. Why? Because it is naked corruption in plain view.” Murphy characterized the involvement as a potential corrupt attempt to secure continued sanctions relief and friendly U.S. policy on Ukraine: “Putin doesn't pay for a wedding just to be nice. This is an arrangement in plain sight. Donald Trump has done a 180-degree turn in U.S. policy on the Russia-Ukraine war. He has cut off funding from Ukraine. Even after we appropriated money, he refuses to spend it, illegally. As recently as this weekend, he says publicly that it's Ukraine's fault that the war continues, not Russia’s. In addition, Trump has suspended sanctions on the export of Russian oil and gas, … Trump has become one of Putin's most important allies, and so, like everything else in Trump's corrupt world in his second term, it just becomes this mutually beneficial deal. Trump withholds support for Ukraine, pads the pocket of the Russian … | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-stands-with-athletes-labor-and-civil-rights-leaders-to-rally-against-the-so-called-protect-college-sports-act | Murphy Stands With Athletes, Labor, and Civil Rights Leaders to Rally Against the So-Called Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate begins considering the so-called Protect College Sports Act (PCSA), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined college athletes, their families, labor advocates, and civil rights leaders to speak out against the legislation. Murphy pushed back against the manufactured “crisis” framing offered by the PCSA’s supporters, highlighting record revenues. Murphy argued the PCSA will give the NCAA legal cover to abuse athletes’ rights and re-institute a system of collusion and exploitation in college athletics. Murphy offered a topline of the bill: “What this bill does at its core is to protect a system of exploitation. This bill protects the billions of dollars that coaches and sports industry executives are making over the suppression of compensation for some of the most highly valued athletes in the world. This bill seeks to give an unprecedented antitrust exemption to an industry that is violating the law every single day.” Murphy highlighted the NCAA’s long history of violating athletes’ rights: “Let's just be clear about why we are here. Over and over again, courts have determined that colleges and the NCAA and conferences are violating the law. In a nine-zero Supreme Court decision authored by conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court said that this system of exploitation, in which wages and compensation are illegally suppressed, in which profits are being put ahead of athlete safety, is illegal and cannot stand according to the existing law.” Murphy called out the NCAA for conspiring to take away athletes’ rightfully earned compensation: “Instead of fixing the problem, instead, the college sports industry has come to Congress and is asking Congress to make their illegal behavior all of a sudden magically legal through an antitrust exemption. What we're being asked to do is to basically allow colleges and conferences and the NCAA to illegally collude so that they can continue to reap the benefits of a $14 billion industry in which almost all of the money goes to th… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-video-blumenthal-calls-on-republicans-to-take-up-legislation-curbing-presidential-corruption-amend-crypto-legislation-to-stop-trump-from-profiting-off-the-presidency | ICYMI Video: Blumenthal Calls on Republicans to Take Up Legislation Curbing Presidential Corruption, Amend Crypto Legislation to Stop Trump From Profiting Off the Presidency | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) spoke on the Senate floor yesterday to call on Republicans to take up the Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act, legislation that would terminate the federal banking charter for World Liberty Financial that was approved by the Trump-controlled Office of the Comptroller of the Currencey and prohibit federal banking agencies from approving banking applications when the applicant is owned by certain senior government officials. “Mr. President, I’m here thinking about all the Americans who are working on manufacturing plants assembly lines, all the Americans who are teaching our kids in schools or patrol our schools as police or working in our hospitals, all of the hardworking Americans who are just working to get by, to make ends meet, to know whether they can afford another $20 or $30 at the supermarket, and then to think of Donald Trump making $6 million per day last year, a total of $2.2 billion just in the first year of his presidency,” Blumenthal said on the Senate floor. Blumenthal continued, “I don’t think there’s a single person in America who thinks that he earned that money, and how could he? He’s supposed to be devoting every waking moment to the public interest of the United States, to keeping us safe and our nation secure. The fact is it was the result of corruption. $1.4 billion of it came from crypto. And the point of this legislation is essentially to end that corruption.” Blumenthal also called out Republicans for enabling Trump’s corruption by working to advance crypto market structure legislation without meaningful anti-corruption reforms: “Now, we will vote tomorrow on a crypto bill that is, sadly and tragically, riddled with loopholes that enables him to continue this same self-dealing and self-enrichment. And the failure to stand up to the President, I think, is going to be on our Republican colleagues, because this amendment, ethics requirements for digital assets, is a sham. It’s a charade. And if no… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/friends-australia-caucus-celebrates-five-years-aukus-security-agreement | Friends of Australia Caucus Celebrates Five Years of the AUKUS Security Agreement | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Australia Caucus Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Seapower Subcommittee, and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chair Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, celebrated the five-year anniversary of the AUKUS security agreement. “Five years after its announcement, AUKUS remains the most important security alliance that the U.S. has entered into in decades,” the Members said. “This historic partnership with our two closest and longest-time allies comes at a time when the prospect of a free and open Pacific that benefits all nations is under dire threat. AUKUS provides the capability to counter that deteriorating trend, so as to uphold the international rule of law and freedom of navigation. AUKUS’ ambitious enterprise is unfolding in real-time with robust joint U.S.-Australia submariner training and crewing of Virginia-class submarines, a license free defense technology export system between all three countries, flourishing academic partnerships between our universities, and U.S. Navy-awarded contracts to the U.S. submarine industrial base in support of AUKUS. This work, a result of Congress acting in a swift and bipartisan fashion to pass AUKUS legislation, leads the way for landmark security milestones in the coming decade. With the 2027 launch of Submarine Rotational Force-West, deepened advanced defense capabilities and unmanned systems collaboration, the first-time sale of U.S. Virginia-class submarines to Australia, and the stand-up of the SSN-AUKUS program for our two partners, once-in-a-lifetime security enhancements for all three nations are just over the horizon." ### | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-when-world-becomes-more-dangerous-place-why-it-turns-connecticut | ICYMI: “When the World Becomes a More Dangerous Place, Why It Turns to Connecticut” | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In case you missed it, the Hartford Courant published a piece highlighting the Connecticut submarine industry’s essential role in national security and the growing importance of the AUKUS security agreement, which turns five years old today. To read the full piece, click here. “The world’s leading submarines and fighter jets do not design themselves. Submarines planned and manufactured on the Connecticut shoreline are the best in the world. At a time when drones and missile technology are changing the nature of armed conflict, submarines remain essential to a nation’s defense. “This summer, the federal government issued a $76.6 billion award to General Dynamics for 14 submarines, nine Virginia-Class attack submarines and five Columbia-Class ballistic missile submarines. It is, as the hero of this story pointed out in June, ‘the largest shipbuilding contract in modern history.’ That hero is U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, of the state’s Second Congressional District. The Vernon Democrat has become the leader who has made the most enduring contribution to the state’s economy." ### | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-smith-introduce-bill-prohibit-qatari-gifted-air-force-one | Courtney, Smith Introduce Bill to Prohibit Qatari-Gifted Air Force One from Becoming President Trump’s Private Jet or Library Trophy | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced the Safeguarding Taxpayer Investment for Executive Airlift Act. The bill would prohibit the use of congressionally authorized or appropriated FY27 funding to transfer the Qatari-gifted 747, now being used as Air Force One (the VC-25B Bridge Aircraft), out of possession of the U.S. Air Force. “President Trump is publicly claiming that the Qatari-gifted VC-25B Bridge aircraft will be transferred to his presidential library. My bill makes clear that this plane is the property of the U.S. Air Force, not the President’s private jet or a library trophy piece. Upon its transfer from Qatar to the U.S. Air Force, the luxury jet had around just 1,000 flight hours; the President himself described it as practically ‘brand new.’ Following substantial taxpayer investment to retrofit the plane, the notion that it will be retired in 2028 and sent to President Trump’s library is an unacceptable misuse of taxpayer dollars and screams out for oversight from Congress,” said Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. "Everything about the president’s acceptance of the Qatari-gifted Boeing 747 now being used as Air Force One is deeply troubling. From the ethical and constitutional concerns of accepting such a gift from a foreign government, to his belief that he can take personal possession of an aircraft that has cost millions of dollars of taxpayers' money to bring it up to the standards required for transportation of the president. This situation is further complicated by this administration’s unprecedented lack of transparency with both Congress and the American people and demands congressional action. I am proud to join Rep. Courtney as an original co-sponsor of the Safeguarding Taxpayer Investment for Executive Airlift Act to prohibit transf… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-slams-so-called-protect-college-sports-act-on-stephen-a-smiths-straight-shooter | Murphy Slams So-Called Protect College Sports Act on Stephen A. Smith's Straight Shooter | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined Stephen A. Smith’s Straight Shooter on Sirius XM for a conversation on the Protect College Sports Act ahead of potential Senate action. Murphy laid out why the PCSA would be a disaster for college athletes by giving the NCAA sweeping, unprecedented power to silence athletes and bring back the old system of exploitation. Sen. Murphy has been a leading voice of opposition to the so-called Protect College Sports Act. Murphy has worked with athletes, labor advocates, and civil rights groups to rally against the passage of the Protect College Sports Act, as well as advocate for his College Athlete Right to Organize Act. Murphy debunked the “crisis” framing pushed by NCAA’s corporate executives: “More people are watching the games than ever before. More people are showing up than ever before. Women's sports is not contracting; it's expanding. The development deals for TV rights are bigger than ever before.” Murphy called out the NCAA’s actions stifling negotiations with athletes: “The ‘chaos’ is pretty simple. Over the last few years, student athletes have gotten power. The courts have basically ruled that these schools are illegally colluding to keep these kids' wages down, and instead of doing what they should, which is sit across the table with these students and come up with an agreement that both the colleges and the athletes can live with, instead the coaches and the colleges are running to Congress asking us to make the college an antitrust exemption, so that they can continue to exploit the athletes.” Murphy emphasized the PCSA is littered with double standards between coaches and players: “The bill says if you're a student and you want an endorsement deal, you have to get signed off by some NCAA bureaucracy. The bill limits student athletes' ability to transfer, basically making you an indentured athlete once you've transferred once. Coaches aren't subject to any of those restrictions, so there's no limitation on coaches' endorsement deals. Coac… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-welch-demand-mullin-provide-information-records-about-lewandowski-pay-to-play-dhs-contracting-scheme | Blumenthal & Welch Demand Mullin Provide Information, Records About Lewandowski Pay-to-Play DHS Contracting Scheme | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Peter Welch (D-VT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin demanding information and records “mounting evidence of widespread corruption orchestrated by former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) senior advisor Corey Lewandowksi.” The Senators’ letter follows reporting from the Wall Street Journal revealing that Lewandowski and his allies were engaged in an apparent pay-to-play scheme to influence the awarding of DHS contracts. According to the new report, Lewandowski also sought private payment arrangements from foreign governments in exchange for influencing DHS decision-making beyond contracting. “The overwhelming evidence of Mr. Lewandowski and his associates’ improper, self-serving influence over DHS decision-making at the highest levels can no longer be ignored or brushed aside. Congress and the American people must have a full and transparent assessment of the likely waste generated by and potential illegal activity committed by Mr. Lewandowski and any other individual who sought to improperly influence DHS contracting awards,” the Senators wrote. In August, Blumenthal and Welch, joined by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) wrote Mullin about DHS’s wasteful purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract. In their letter to Mullin, the Senators called out the Department’s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. Blumenthal and Welch previously demanded answers from Mullin about Lewandowski’s role in DHS contracting decisions in light of reports that Lewandowski potentially steered contract awards to benefit himself and his political allies while serving as a special government employee and advisor at DHS. … | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-delivers-opening-statement-at-public-forum-on-trump-family-corruption | Blumenthal Delivers Opening Statement at Public Forum on Trump Family Corruption | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), delivered an opening statement today at a public forum on how Donald Trump, his children, and top Administration officials have leveraged their positions to grow their personal wealth at the expense of American families. At the forum, “Gaming the System: How the Trump Family is Making Billions by Ripping Off the American People,” Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, called out Donald Trump and his family for their self-enrichment schemes and made the case for strong reforms to curb corruption at the federal level. Blumenthal slammed Republicans for enabling Trump’s corruption by moving to advance crypto market structure legislation without meaningful anti-corruption provisions: “Exhibit A, the latest draft of the Clarity Act relating to conflicts of interest. It purports to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption by the President of the United States. It is a charade. It is a sham. It should prompt a no vote by every member of the United States Senate tomorrow at 2:15 when the vote is scheduled.” Blumenthal continued, “Now, of all the families’ grifts, cryptocurrency has probably been the most profitable enterprise, and the cost to consumers probably have been greatest. This is an industry that was facing criminal and civil investigations for enabling terrorists, drug traffickers, market manipulation, and human trafficking. It turns out the shadiest people were more than willing to cut checks to literally get out of jail. President Trump’s willingness to trade the public trust for crypto wealth began before he was sworn in.” Blumenthal continued, “So, this corruption is going to continue unless we take a stand, unless we sound the alarm. And unless the people of the United States tell Republicans corruption is on the ballot this November. Corruption is on the ballot because—her… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-calls-colleagues-support-bill-safeguarding-taxpayer | Courtney Calls on Colleagues to Support Bill Safeguarding Taxpayer Investments in Qatari-Gifted Air Force One Plane | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in a speech on the House floor, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, called on his colleagues to support the Safeguarding Taxpayer Investment for Executive Airlift Act, a bill he introduced today alongside Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee. The Safeguarding Taxpayer Investment for Executive Airlift Act would prohibit the use of congressionally authorized or appropriated FY27 funding to transfer the Qatari-gifted 747, now being used as Air Force One (the VC-25B Bridge Aircraft), out of possession of the U.S. Air Force. To watch, click here. “As the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the Air Force executive airlift programs, I want to remind the House that this aircraft is not the property of any one person, including the President of the United States,” Courtney said. “That plane is the property of the U.S. government and U.S. taxpayers, and under the control of the U.S. Air Force. It is a plane the U.S. taxpayer spent hundreds of millions of dollars over the last years… and just a few days ago, it was announced that the Air Force had contracted a new pilot simulator training program for the Qatari plane to the tune of $45.3 million.” “[The Safeguarding Taxpayer Investment for Executive Airlift Act] is about exercising congressional stewardship of property that belongs to the U.S. taxpayer, and it should be easy for every Member of this chamber to support,” Courtney continued. “To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, it asserts what is both legally the right thing to do but also morally the right thing to do.” To read a fact sheet on the Safeguarding Taxpayer Investment for Executive Airlift Act, including a timeline of the Qatari-gifted VC-25B Bridge aircraft, click here. Executive airlift programs, including Air Force One, fall under the jurisdiction of the House Seapower and Projection Force Subcommittee. FULL T… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-marking-25th-anniversary-attacks-september-11-2001 | DeLauro Statement Marking the 25th Anniversary of the Attacks on September 11, 2001 | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Rosa L. DeLauro | D000216 | delauro.house.gov | delauro | https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | New Haven, CT – Today, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued the following statement in remembrance marking 25 since the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. “Twenty-five years ago, today, the United States of America experienced one of its darkest days in history. On September 11, 2001, 2,977 people lost their lives, and countless others — families, first responders, and survivors — have carried the pain of that day ever since. Hundreds of thousands of others’ health were affected because of that day. Today, we remember those we lost, honor the courage of those who responded, and stand with the families and loved ones who continue to preserve their memory. “We remember September 11th as a day that left a mark on us all. Twenty-five years have passed, but many of us remember the exact moment we learned of the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and Flight 93. I think about the amount of despair I felt that day. I, along with other Members of Congress, evacuated our offices and gathered on the steps of our nations Capitol. In a moment of immense grief and uncertainty we stood together as one and sang ‘God Bless America.’ In that moment, the division that seemed important gave way and we discovered a shared sense of grief and hope. They sought to break our American spirit, but they only unified our resolve. “On this solemn anniversary, let us remember the unity that followed the attacks. We as Americans stood together — not as Democrats or Republicans, but as neighbors, friends, and fellow Americans. Much has changed since September 11, 2001, but we have refused to forget. May we always remember that even on the darkest days our nation can find strength in one another, and that unity and hope is the force that will carry us further than division. | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-9/4/2026-9/11/2026 | Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 9/4/2026-9/11/2026 | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | Honoring the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and remembered the victims, their families and loved ones, and the heroes who responded to 9/11. “Horror & heroism, what we lost & learned— all comes rushing back. Crushing memories of searing grief & shock. Awe at a wondrous unity of purpose & heart. After 25 years, 9/11 is no less real,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. “We honor the victims & their loved ones— brave souls lost in unspeakable cruelty, & courageous first responders who sought to save them. Let us honor with action— health care, financial support, & more.” Blumenthal also spoke at the Voices 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium, Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future. This event brought together national and international experts who share their knowledge and foster conversations about lessons learned, preparedness and supporting those impacted by tragedy—with programs specifically focusing on the 9/11 Community, including victims’ families, responders, survivors, and our dedicated partners who serve them. “Proud to join Mary & Frank Fetchet at their Voices 25th Anniversary Symposium honoring the magnificent work they’ve done in healing from tragedy, like their own loss in 9/11,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. Combatting the Trump Administration’s Harmful Immigration Policies Blumenthal held a press conference after attending and observing Hartford Immigration Court on Tuesday. Recent reports indicate that Hartford Immigration Court is severely overcrowded due to increasing caseloads. Hearings previously would be scheduled for 15-30 people at a time but now are scheduled for 70 to 100 people. Additionally, reports suggest that the court’s docket is chaotic and changes at the last minute. This has resulted in people missing their court hearings and having inadequate time to prepare. Blumenthal attended the Tuesday hearing to observe the court’s operations and demand oversight and accou… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-dhs-inspector-general-to-investigate-ice-tactics-following-surge-targeting-connecticut-residents-at-schools-workplaces | Blumenthal Calls on DHS Inspector General to Investigate ICE Tactics Following Surge Targeting Connecticut Residents at Schools, Workplaces | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari seeking “a formal investigation into the recent surge of [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] arrests and activity in Connecticut.” The surge has focused on Danbury and nearby towns, where people have been targeted dropping their children off at school and going to work. “In one of the largest immigration operations in Connecticut history, ICE agents reportedly apprehended nearly 100 individuals — many of whom likely have legal status and no apparent serious criminal history — throughout the course of just one week in August,” Blumenthal wrote. “Individuals observed: an ICE agent kicking and tasing a man while other agents were on top of him, sending the man to the hospital; ICE agents breaking car windows; removing detainees in chains; blocking attorney access to detainees in Hartford; the deployment of masked agents to locations that children frequent in Danbury, including parks, an elementary school, and a daycare center; the detention of a father walking his child to a bus stop; and a threat by ICE agents to pepper spray a man detained in front of a preschool.” Earlier this week, Blumenthal attended Hartford Immigration Court to observe the court’s operations and demand oversight and accountability if the proper legal processes are not being followed. Last week, Blumenthal wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and the Acting Director of ICE David Venturella requesting a meeting and demanding information about a dramatic increase in immigration enforcement activity in Connecticut. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Mullin and Venturella is available here. Blumenthal also hosted a public forum to receive testimony from the Danbury community about ICE’s destructive and indiscriminate detentions. Blumenthal was joined by Mayor Roberto Alves; attorney Glenn Formica with the American Legal Immigrant Clinic; and members of Danbury United for Immigrants. As… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-from-sam-altman-after-new-reporting-reveals-how-ai-agents-went-rogue-to-conduct-major-cyber-breach-and-conceal-their-operations | Blumenthal Demands Answers from Sam Altman After New Reporting Reveals how AI agents Went Rogue to Conduct Major Cyber Breach & Conceal Their Operations | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today demanded answers from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman after recent reporting from The New York Times revealed alarming new details about how the A.I. company’s agents bypassed their safeguards to go rogue and hack into the firm Hugging Face. In a letter sent today to Altman, Blumenthal sought records and information about the A.I. agents’ rogue operations and raised concerns about OpenAI’s reported steps to limit independent accountability. “On July 21, 2026, OpenAI first disclosed that its A.I. models were responsible for the previously-reported hacking of the firm Hugging Face. Since that announcement, further disclosures and outside audits have described an unprecedented—and surreal—scenario where its A.I. agents created their own internal messaging board to coordinate between themselves while they sought security vulnerabilities in other systems and companies, and opportunities to cheat on performance tests,” Blumenthal wrote. Blumenthal continued, “Moreover, the A.I. agents displayed a concern about being caught and coordinated to evade being detected, even planning to ‘sacrifice’ themselves to act as a decoy to protect the broader effort. Ultimately, this operation sought—and succeeded—to break into other firms, which could be considered a federal crime.” Blumenthal called out OpenAI for attempting to evade transparency and accountability by dictating the terms of an independent audit into the Hugging Face breach: “While these disclosures alone are chilling, new reporting and research suggests that OpenAI may have limited an independent audit of the incident and that the rogue operation was broader than your firm has acknowledged.” Blumenthal also raised concerns about new details that have emerged about how OpenAI’s agents conducted the breach, including by hijacking public websites to coordinate rogue operations: “[R]esearchers found that the A.I. agents may have attempted to impersonate the administrators of the site, found and shared hacks to b… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-bishop-request-gao-investigate-trade-war-relief-farmers | DeLauro, Bishop Request GAO Investigate Trade-War Relief for Farmers | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Rosa L. DeLauro | D000216 | delauro.house.gov | delauro | https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate how the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is handing out over $12 billion in trade-war relief through the Farmer Bridge Assistance and Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers programs. A 2021 GAO report found that a similar agricultural tariff relief program – administered under President Trump’s first term – disproportionately favored the largest agribusinesses and foreign-owned conglomerates. “Last year, many members of Congress wrote to President Trump and USDA urging this Administration to ensure any agriculture trade relief program included guardrails and mechanisms to direct funding to producers who truly needed relief rather than simply enriching the largest agribusinesses or foreign-owned conglomerates, and to provide transparency into the process for establishing and executing the program,” the lawmakers wrote. “While USDA has provided some insight into their method for calculating payment rates and the geographic distribution of payments, many of our key recommendations aimed at increasing transparency, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ensuring relief gets where its most needed remain unfulfilled for both programs. Therefore, we ask GAO to conduct a review of the FBA and ASCF programs…” The full letter can be found here and below. Cosigners include Representatives Becca Balint, Christopher Deluzio, Shomari Figures, Hank Johnson Jr., John Larson, Bennie Thompson, and Jill Tokuda. Ms. Orice Williams Brown Acting Comptroller General of the United States U.S. Government Accountability Office 441 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20548 Dear Ms. Williams Brown: We are writing to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) and Assistance for Specialty Crop F… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-applauds-growing-bipartisan-calls-make-wealthy-pay-their-fair | Larson Applauds Growing Bipartisan Calls to Make the Wealthy Pay Their Fair Share into Social Security | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | “As automatic benefit cuts to Social Security move closer than ever—with the average retiree slated to lose $500/month in benefits by 2032—I applaud the growing number of my Republican colleagues joining our call to lift the cap,” said Larson. “For years, the only plan put forward by leading Republicans has been raising the retirement age, which would amount to a more than 20 percent benefit cut. Instead of handing millionaires and billionaires another tax cut they do not need, while retirees get handed a benefit cut, Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and their wealthy friends need to finally pay their fair share. Every Member of Congress and candidate for office cannot be allowed to avoid Social Security by simply saying they will protect it. With cuts on the horizon, they must show us their plans to strengthen it now—and speak with the same courage as our colleagues who have called for lifting the cap. Congress can protect Social Security and enhance it to provide children, seniors and veterans with the relief and certainty they deserve by passing Social Security 2100 now.” In June, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH)published an op-ed in the New York Times calling for Congress to lift the cap. Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04), the Republican Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), a senior Republican member of the Ways and Means Committee, joined these calls in today’s Washington Post. Larson’s Social Security 2100 Act would enhance Social Security benefits to help beneficiaries dealing with rising costs and extend the program’s solvency by eliminating the FICA cap and imposing a net investment income tax on income over $400,000. | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-joins-brief-urging-supreme-court-block-unconstitutional-trump | Larson Joins Brief Urging Supreme Court to Block Unconstitutional Trump Order Attacking Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States with a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers in United States Postal Service v. State of California, urging the court to reject President Trump’s unconstitutional order aiming to take control of the mail-in voting process. His unconstitutional order follows his threats to “nationalize our elections,” and a push from Republicans in Congress to pass the so-called “SAVE America Act” that would create more barriers for Americans to vote and empower the Department of Homeland Security to purge voters from the rolls. “Whether it is his discriminatory ‘SAVE Act’ or his unconstitutional executive order to take control of mail-in voting, Donald Trump is determined to get in the way of a free and fair election this November,” said Larson. “The Constitution clearly grants the states the power to administer elections, but this president sees our laws as mere suggestions standing in the way of his power. We already know that he sent ‘DOGE’ into Social Security to alter elections and his cronies at the Department of Homeland Security have pressured states to purge eligible citizens from the voter rolls. I am proud to join my colleagues at the Supreme Court to block his latest attempt to mess with the midterms from seeing the light of day. We must all band together so every American can cast their ballot free from fear or intimidation.” In the court filing, the lawmakers argue that Trump’s Executive Order violates the separation of powers and Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the states and Congress exclusive authority over election administration. The President’s order attempts to give the Postal Service control over who can vote by mail, empowering Trump officials to have the final say over who is eligible to cast a ballot. One-third of Americans are expected to vote by mail in the upcoming midterm elections—a voting practice Donald Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, whe… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-260-bipartisan-current-former-members-congress-file-legal | Courtney, 260 Bipartisan Current & Former Members of Congress File Legal Brief to Block Trump Admin from Restricting Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | NORWICH, CT – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) joined a bipartisan group of 261 current and former Members of Congress in officially filing an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the legality of President Trump’s Executive Order seeking to restrict mail-in voting ahead of November’s midterm elections. “Nearly a third of all voters in 2024 – including many military servicemembers – cast their votes using mail-in ballots with only a 0.000043% rate of fraud, according to analysis by the nonpartisan Brookings Institution,” Courtney said. “President Trump’s Executive Order to put new restrictions on mail-in voting is a blatant and unconstitutional attempt to purge millions of Americans’ ballots. With some states already beginning to mail out ballots for the November election, the Supreme Court must immediately reject the President’s order and protect our vote.” In the court filing, the Members argue that Trump’s Executive Order 14399, “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” and the USPS rule, “Ballot Mail for Federal Elections,” which resulted from Executive Order 14399, violate the separation of powers and usurps Congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the states and Congress exclusive authority over election administration. ### | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/28/2026-9/4/2026 | Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/28/2026-9/4/2026 | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | Condemning ICE’s Abuse of Power & Harmful Tactics in Connecticut [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, held a public forum to receive testimony from the Danbury community about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s destructive and indiscriminate detentions last week. Prior to the forum, Blumenthal and Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves walked through downtown Danbury meeting with city residents and businessowners whose family members were detained by ICE. Blumenthal also joined a rally Wednesday evening to stand in solidarity with the Danbury community as they grapple with the escalating ICE activity in their community. “The stories I heard in Danbury about ICE’s abuses were gripping & heartbreaking. I will be fighting to hold ICE accountable & ensure justice for detainees & their families,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. As Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an investigation into DHS’s abuses. Blumenthal’s forum in Danbury on Thursday follows four public forums hosted by Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents: In March, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum to receive public testimony from young people, mothers, and a school administrator about DHS’s reckless disregard for the safety of children. Prior to the forum, Blumenthal and Garcia released a report entitled “Cruelty is the Point: How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Endangers Children,” which documented 128 children who have been injured left unattended or otherwise put at direct risk of harm as a result of operations by DHS personnel. In February, Blumenthal and Garica hosted a public forum on constitutional violations and abuses by ICE. The forum featured testimony from Ryan Schwank, a whistleb… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-7-democrats-call-on-security-council-to-pass-sanctions-on-sudan-to-cut-off-conflict-cash-flows | Murphy, 7 Democrats Call On Security Council to Pass Sanctions on Sudan to Cut Off Conflict Cash Flows | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday led seven of his colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz calling for the U.S. to push to pass additional sanctions measures in Sudan that would limit the flow of funds to the warring parties driving the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. Murphy specifically advocated for international prohibitions on the sale of precursor chemicals utilized in certain types of gold extraction and development of due diligence guidelines for the procurement of gum arabic, a natural resource frequently smuggled by belligerents to finance their operations. Murphy also called for increasing transparency in reporting by the Security Council’s Sudan Panel of Experts to explicitly identity countries that have circumvented international restrictions to provide weapons and financial support to the warring factions in Sudan. Exploitation of natural resources such as gold and gum arabic is a prominent source of income and foreign currency for both sides of the devastating war in Sudan, which has driven over half of the country’s population into severe hunger and displaced over 14 million people. “Any resolution put forward to renew sanctions pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005) should also prohibit the export or transfer of precursor chemicals used in Sudan’s artisanal mining industry, target the illicit sale of Sudanese gum arabic (also known as acacia gum), and improve reporting by the Panel of Experts to explicitly identify arms embargo violations and the parties responsible,” said Murphy. Murphy argued ordinary sanctions on gold are not enough to disrupt the economic engine of the war: “Restrictions meant to disrupt transactions at the point of sale must be combined with a coordinated effort to restrict access to the precursor chemicals that enable unregulated gold extraction in the first place. This is especially critical to curtail other sources of profit tied to the gold sector but outside materi… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-delauro-statement-passing-gloria-steinem | Congresswoman DeLauro Statement on Passing of Gloria Steinem | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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) released the following statement following the passing of feminist icon and activist, Gloria Steinem: “I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Gloria Steinem. An author, advocate, and leader, she brought women’s issues to the forefront of national discussion, sparking debate on issues that had been ignored for far too long and opening doors for women around the world – making it possible for women to work in any field and live their lives in a way that was most fulfilling to them. Her leadership and vision helped create an atmosphere in which women became empowered and able to share their voices. She was a pioneer for women’s liberation and fought to ensure women truly had equal rights and opportunities. | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-statement-death-gloria-steinem | Larson Statement on the Death of Gloria Steinem | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Gloria Steinem, a trailblazer who broke barriers for women and championed dignity, equality, and justice for all,” said Larson. “At a time when women could not even own credit cards in their own name, Gloria led a movement that unapologetically demanded equal opportunity for women in all aspects of life. Today, her fight for equal pay, reproductive justice, and equality under the law remains alive and well—especially as we see these fundamental rights come under attack. Her wit, wisdom, and leadership inspired generations, something I saw firsthand with my mother’s commitment and dedication to public service over the years in East Hartford. Gloria’s legacy will continue to guide us forward in the ongoing fight against deadly abortion bans and the discriminatory ‘SAVE Act,’ and to finally ensure the Equal Rights Amendment is rightfully ratified as part of the U.S. Constitution.” | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-tillis-kaptur-and-fitzpatrick-urge-state-department-to-distribute-funding-to-organizations-assisting-kidnapped-ukrainian-children | Blumenthal, Tillis, Kaptur, & Fitzpatrick Urge State Department to Distribute Funding to Organizations Assisting Kidnapped Ukrainian Children | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to move quickly in awarding $25 million the State Department has made available to “support the identification, return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia and Russian-occupied territories.” Although the funding was announced in March, it has not yet been distributed. An estimated 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred to Russia or areas in Ukraine occupied by Russia. “While we understand the need for rigorous review, thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children remain separated from their families, and every delay extends the pain and suffering they and their families have already endured,” the members wrote. The full text of the bipartisan, bicameral letter is available here and copied below. Dear Secretary Rubio, We write regarding the Department of State’s commitment of $25 million to support the identification, return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia and Russian-occupied territories. We welcome the Department’s efforts and urge you to move expeditiously to award these funds. The Department announced available funding opportunities in March 2026. Since then, we have heard directly from organizations working to locate and return Ukrainian children about the continued delay in awarding these funds and the impact it is having on their critical work. While we understand the need for rigorous review, thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children remain separated from their families, and every delay extends the pain and suffering they and their families have already endured. We therefore respectfully urge the Department to promptly complete its review and award the full $25 million already committed to this important work. Please also provide an update on the anticipated timeline for an… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-tonko-and-foushee-slam-fanduel-for-misleading_incomplete-response-to-inquiry-about-promo-video-targeting-gambling-addict | Blumenthal, Tonko, & Foushee Slam FanDuel for Misleading & Incomplete Response to Inquiry About Promo VIdeo Targeting Gambling Addict | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) today demanded answers after FanDuel refused to adequately respond to the lawmakers’ questions about disturbing reports that the sportsbook repeatedly targeted problem gamblers with predatory perks to keep them trapped in their addiction, including with a personal message from Philadelphia Phillies first baseman, Bryce Harper. Last month, the lawmakers wrote to FanDuel, Major League Baseball (MLB), and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) demanding answers about the policies that enabled this predatory promotion. In a follow-up letter sent today to FanDuel Chief Executive Officer Christian Genetski, the lawmakers called out the sportsbook for providing “misleading and incomplete” responses to their initial inquiry and for failing to adequately address its exploitative VIP services and perks. “We remain unconvinced that FanDuel is making an active effort to protect bettors from harmful gambling and instead appears to be promoting addiction. We demand real answers to our previous letter and for FanDuel to explain this complete failure to respond to significant matters of public interest,” the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers continued, “In its August 14th response, FanDuel failed to answer our questions about the specific steps taken to vet and monitor VIP activities, the extent to which VIP managers have encouraged problem gambling with other customers (including such videos), and any changes that it will make to its VIP program after this indefensible conduct.” The lawmakers continued, “Moreover, in its response, FanDuel fails to demonstrate any commitment to its customers’ well-being through any meaningful limitations on exploitative and dangerous marketing and business practice. FanDuel also boasts of its work with state regulators to meet requirements for licensed sportsbooks and other state laws on gambling yet fails to mention how its prediction markets app, Fan… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-delauro-applaud-240-million-contract-advance-f135-modernization | Larson, DeLauro Applaud $240 Million Contract to Advance F135 Modernization at Pratt & Whitney | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01), Chair of the Bipartisan Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, applauded a $240 million contract modification for Pratt & Whitney to advance the F135 Engine Core Upgrade program to the engineering and manufacturing development phase. This contract award will support work in East Hartford, Middletown, and Windsor Locks. “It was only two years ago that we rallied lawmakers, industry leaders, and machinists to defeat a costly alternative engine that would have uprooted thousands of Connecticut jobs and devastated our state’s manufacturing supply chain,” said Larson and DeLauro. “This investment makes good on the promise of the legislation we passed to ensure the next generation of the F135 engine is developed and built by Connecticut workers. Our delegation will continue to work together to support the hard-working machinists and engineers who call our state home—and deliver the best possible equipment to our Armed Forces and allies across the globe.” Larson and DeLauro led passage of legislation in 2024 to fully fund F135 engine modernization and ensure no federal funds will be used to integrate an alternative engine, achieving a nearly three-decade goal to secure Pratt and Whitney as the sole supplier of engines for the F-35. In 2026 alone, the Connecticut delegation has announced $4.7 billion in new contracts for engine manufacturing at Pratt & Whitney, which employs 11,000 workers, and supports 21,000 jobs across the state, both at Pratt and across the engine supply chain. | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/final-house-passed-continuing-resolution-fixes-house-republicans | Final House-Passed Continuing Resolution Fixes House Republicans’ Partisan Bill that Would Have Disrupted Submarine Construction | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, voted to pass a bipartisan continuing resolution (H.R. 6500) to keep the federal government funded through December 11, 2026. H.R. 6500 also includes $1.2 billion to support continued construction of Virginia-class submarines and the first two Columbia-class submarines, the USS District of Columbia (SSBN 826) and the USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827). H.R. 6500 passed the House by a vote of 370-48. The Senate has already passed H.R. 6500, and it now heads directly to be signed into law. “Passage of this bill keeps the government open past November, avoiding a disruption to the economy and critical government services that people rely on, especially as the cost of living continues to rise,” Courtney said. “The bill also includes much needed funding to keep construction of Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines on track. This fixes the hyper-partisan continuing resolution that Speaker Mike Johnson jammed through the House in July, which, incredibly, omitted the Navy’s request for submarine funding. Following the historic construction contract awards in July for nine Block VI Virginia-class submarines and five Build II Columbia-class submarines, the funding provided by this continuing resolution will keep hiring and supply chain investment strong as shipbuilders and the entire industrial base continue to ramp up submarine construction.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-votes-continuing-resolution-rejects-funding-trumps-border-patrol | Larson Votes for Continuing Resolution that Rejects Funding for Trump’s Border Patrol and Reins in Illegal White House Power Grabs | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | “After Republicans tried to pass a funding bill that shortchanges nutrition assistance and affordable housing, while boosting Donald Trump’s attacks on immigrant communities, Democrats stood up to demand real guardrails on their extreme agenda,” said Larson. “I commend Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro for leading negotiations that removed additional funding for ICE and the Border Patrol, restored support for affordable housing programs and nutrition assistance for seniors, and blocked a proposal from the White House that would have handed full control of the federal grant process to MAGA officials. Today’s vote is a step in the right direction—funding programs that families rely on and reining in some of the Trump Administration’s worst abuses of power. As full-year funding negotiations continue, I will keep standing up for accountability and real solutions to make life more affordable for working families, including an end to the illegal war in Iran, the President’s costly tariffs, and his administration’s plans to privatize Social Security.” | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-blasts-ice-tactics-demands-accountability-from-dhs-after-surge-targeting-connecticut-residents-at-schools-workplaces | Blumenthal Blasts ICE Tactics; Demands Accountability from DHS After Surge Targeting Connecticut Residents at Schools, Workplaces | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and the Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) David Venturella requesting a meeting and demanding information about a dramatic increase in immigration enforcement activity in Connecticut over the last several weeks. The surge has focused on Danbury and nearby towns, where people have been targeted dropping their children off at school and going to work. “Over the past week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents have sown fear and panic among parents, children, and workers as they detained scores of people in Danbury and other towns in Connecticut. What should have been a time of excitement and community as children in Connecticut return to school has quickly turned into a time of genuine terror,” Blumenthal wrote. “ICE’s actions in Connecticut showcased cruelty and brutality, as well as disregard for the safety and well-being of community members, especially children. They fostered an environment of fear that will undoubtedly impact school attendance rates and the emotional health of students, generally.” As Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an investigation into DHS’s abuses. Over the last year, Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, have hosted four public forums as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents: In March, Blumenthal and Garcia hosted a forum to receive public testimony from young people, mothers, and a school administrator about DHS’s reckless disregard for the safety of children. Prior to the forum, Blumenthal and Garcia released a report entitled “Cruelty is the Point: How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Endangers Children,” which documented 128 children who have been injured left unattended or otherwise put at direct risk of harm as a resul… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/following-new-whistleblower-disclosure-blumenthal-demands-usps-provide-documents-answers-about-shit-show-process-to-screen-ballots-and-potentially-catastrophic-impact-on-mail-in-voting | Following New Whistleblower Disclosure, Blumenthal Demands USPS Provide Documents, Answers About "Shit Show" Process to Screen Ballots & Potentially Catastrophic Impact on Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – After receiving information from a whistleblower, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), wrote Postmaster General David Steiner demanding answers and documents about the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) rushed and potentially unlawful implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order seeking to restrict mail-in voting. “This brave whistleblower has come forward with disturbing details about USPS’ seemingly illegal plot to interfere in November’s midterms,” Blumenthal said. “Their system is set up to fail – and risk the right to vote for millions of Americans who cast their ballots by mail. Given this new information, such sloppiness and haste seems clearly part of a purposeful attempt to create chaos and prevent people from voting. I am demanding answers and accountability.” “The crown jewel of American democracy—our historic record of free and fair elections—deserves better than this reckless, slapdash effort,” said David Kligerman, Senior Vice President and Special Counsel at WhistleblowerAid.org, which represents the anonymous whistleblower. “Given this administration’s record on curtailing voting rights, these glaring issues in the ballot mail program raise a troubling question: are these bugs—or features? Now that these malignant flaws have been exposed by a brave whistleblower, the administration can choose to fix this dangerously haphazard program or barrel ahead toward a wholly preventable electoral disaster.” An anonymous whistleblower disclosure provided to Blumenthal includes new details about USPS’s attempts to build an online system, known as “the Portal,” and accompanying IT which will be used to screen ballots submitted by state election officials prior to USPS agreeing to mail them to voters. According to this whistleblower, USPS began work on the Portal a mere three-and-a-half months before it was meant to be deployed and has not put it through the standard testing an online system and its related … | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-honors-nancy-wyman-speech-house-floor | Courtney Honors Nancy Wyman in Speech on House Floor | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in a speech on the House floor, Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), honored the life and legacy of Nancy Wyman, the former Connecticut Lieutenant Governor, Democratic State Party Chair, and the first woman to be elected state Comptroller. FULL TRANSCRIPT Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with the House the sad news of the loss of one of the state of Connecticut's finest public servants, former Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wineman of Tolland, Connecticut. The news of her sudden passing on August 12th was met with universal sorrow from all corners of her beloved state, from the political leaders on both sides of the aisle and from people of all walks of life with whom she worked with always trying to help, particularly those in need and those whose problems she fixed over and over again. Nancy's epic journey of public service began as a PTA mom in Tolland, advocating for high quality public education at a time when her own kids were enrolled in Tolland’s public schools. She was so effective that she was encouraged to run for a seat on the school board, which she did, and which she won, and which began an extraordinary string of political success that eventually took her to the highest levels of state government. In 1986, she ran for a vacant seat in the State House of Representatives in a district next door to where I live, and at the same time, coincidentally, I was also running as a first time candidate. We both prevailed and in the following January were signed our desks in the House chamber next to each other, which began a long and fruitful friendship, both politically and personally. She shortly became Chair of the Education Committee and presided over one of the most difficult contested issues in the state, namely allocating public school funding. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, it's an issue where you cannot please all the people all the time. Nancy never shrunk from this task, and because of her patience and basic decency in interactions with her colleagues, the final result of her tenaci… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-officials-bring-attention-addiction-and-recovery-resources | Connecticut Officials Bring Attention to Addiction and Recovery Resources in Advance of International Overdose Awareness Day | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Hartford, CT - In advance of International Overdose Awareness Day, which is commemorated annually on August 31, Connecticut officials reaffirmed their commitment to combating the overdose crisis and bringing attention to addiction, recovery, and overdose prevention resources available to people across Connecticut. International Overdose Awareness Day is a global campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. “Every community across our state and the nation has been touched by the opioid epidemic. As we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, we stand together to remember those who lost their lives to addiction and recommit to investing in prevention and treatment services. I will continue to support programs in communities that connect families with the resources they need to combat substance abuse and support those in recovery,” said Congressman John B. Larson. “Today we mourn the lives lost to overdoses this year and commit to honoring them with action," said Senator Richard Blumenthal. "While Connecticut has made progress over the last few years to reduce the number of these tragic deaths, we need to dismantle the destructive grip addiction has on our communities. I will keep fighting for federal funding to support addiction prevention and recovery efforts.” “Overdose deaths are on the decline in Connecticut, but addiction and mental health issues still affect the lives of countless individuals and families across the country, including the hundreds who have died from drug overdoses in Connecticut last year," said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. "As the lead Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, I have proudly fought for federal investments to address this addiction crisis, including against the unconscionable cancellation of grants earlier this year. I will continue to advocate for the resources necessary for those struggling with addiction.” “Every life lost to an overdose leaves a hole in the lives of famil… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/21/2026-8/28/2026 | Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/21/2026-8/28/2026 | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | Supporting Ukraine in its Fight Against Putin’s Invasion [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, traveled to Ukraine as the country continues to fight in the war against Russia. Blumenthal’s trip included a visit to Dnipro, near the eastern front of the war—the furthest east a Congressional Delegation has gone since the invasion. Blumenthal is the first member of Congress to visit Dnipro since the war began in 2022. “Eye opening, awe-inspiring—my visit to Dnipro, the first congressional trip permitted since the war’s start, showed me the best of humanity, with Ukrainians meeting the worst—Russia’s craven inhumanity. All I met—unspeakably injured soldiers, courageous caregivers, steadfast staffs—are demonstrating professional excellence under demanding conditions, with dedication & dignity,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. In Dnipro, Blumenthal visited a military hospital where we met seriously wounded soldiers and their caregivers. “Heroes caring for heroes—at the military hospital in Dnipro, near the eastern front, I saw the courage & grit of seriously wounded soldiers & medical warriors helping them regain their lives. An awe-inspiring visit,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X. While in Kyiv earlier this week, Blumenthal met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and attended the National Prayer Breakfast on Ukraine’s Independence Day. He also toured SkyFall, a major Ukrainian defense technology company aiding the country in its fight against Russia. “Another inspiring meeting with President Zelenskyy at a critical turning point in Ukraine’s fight for freedom, when they are turning the tide against Russia’s savagery & slaughter. They need air defense interceptors, the Russia sanctions bill, Starlink, & aid. I am more determined than ever to redouble our support because their fight is our fight, & our own national security is directly at stake,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X. “At today’s National… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://himes.house.gov/2026/08/27/himes-statement-on-recent-ice-activity-in-connecticut/ | Himes Statement on Recent ICE Activity in Connecticut | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | CT | James A. Himes | H001047 | himes.house.gov | himes | https://himes.house.gov/statements-and-releases/ | scraper | Bridgeport, CT — Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) issued the following statement regarding recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations throughout Connecticut, including in Stamford and Bridgeport: “ICE’s detention of parents as they drop their children off at school or head to work is plainly and flatly despicable. It has nothing to do with public safety — it’s cruelty for cruelty’s sake. We cannot accept these shock tactics as normal. I’ll keep fighting to hold ICE and this Administration accountable and support the immigrant communities here in Connecticut and across the country.” | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-blackburn-statement-on-historic-nearly-17-billion-meta-settlement-in-case-about-social-media-harms-to-kids | Blumenthal & Blackburn Statement on Historic Nearly $17 Billion Meta Settlement in Case About Social Media Harms to Kids | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), authors of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), released the following statement in response to a nearly $17 billion settlement reached between Meta and a coalition of bipartisan state Attorneys General: “This massive settlement shows how terrified Meta and Mark Zuckerberg are of accountability in open court. We applaud the bipartisan coalition of state Attorneys General for forcing Meta to start paying a real price for the harm its products have caused an entire generation of young people. The product design changes imposed under this settlement are a first step toward giving kids and parents the tools they need to take back control of their online lives, but they can be strengthened. Meta notes that these terms are only required to stay in place for 10 years—we must ensure permanent change. We also need safeguards that apply across the board—to all social media companies—not just Instagram and Facebook. This settlement once again demands that Congress pass the Kids Online Safety Act into law before the end of the year.” -30- | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-increased-ice-activity-in-danbury | Blumenthal Statement on Increased ICE Activity in Danbury | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released a statement today following reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Danbury over the last few days. “ICE’s cruelty and craven brutality has no limit. Snatching people off the streets as they walk their children to school or wait for a ride to work — such tactics are abusive, abhorrent, and illegal. I am in touch with state and local authorities and am ready to assist in any way possible.” -30- | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-blasts-trump-threat-demolish-kennedy-center | Larson Blasts Trump Threat to Demolish the Kennedy Center | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | “No one is surprised that someone with an ego as big as Donald Trump’s believes their name should be above John F. Kennedy’s on our beloved former president’s living memorial,” said Larson. “I wish President Trump were more focused on ending the illegal war he launched in Iran than he is on destroying the Kennedy Center and building his taxpayer-funded ballroom. It figures that he would want to distract the public when prices are rising on his watch and our troops are losing their lives. He needs to come before Congress and be held accountable for his abuses of power—as the Constitution and War Powers Act require.” After President Trump illegally took over the Kennedy Center to rename the living memorial in honor of himself, Larson joined with Rep. April McClain Delaney (MD-06) to introduce the Kennedy Center Protection Act, which would remove Trump’s name or any other illegally placed signage from the building’s premises. In April, Larson filed articles of impeachment to remove President Trump from office, following his illegal declaration of war against Iran. Last month, Rep. Larson introduced a bill to cut off all funding for Trump’s illegal war in Iran and prohibit the use of any federal funds for military conflicts not explicitly authorized by Congress. | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-welch-and-schiff-demand-answers-after-dhs-pays-464-million-for-luxury-jets_airplanes-via-a-no-bid-contract-with-company-owned-by-prominent-trump-supporter | Blumenthal, Welch, & Schiff Demand Answers After DHS Pays $464 Million for Luxury Jets & Airplanes via a No-Bid Contract with Company Owned by Prominent Trump Supporter | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Peter Welch (D-VT), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Adam Schiff (D-CA), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today demanded answers from Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Markwayne Mullin, about DHS’s wasteful purchase of 10 airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract. In a letter to Mullin, the Senators called out the Department’s growing and alarming reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments to former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. “Recent reporting reveals that, beginning in the fall of 2025, DHS pursued and eventually awarded a no-bid contract to purchase 10 aircraft, including three ‘luxury business jets’ and seven ‘Boeing 737 passenger jets,’ and that most of these aircraft have sat idle for months since DHS acquired them. Although DHS claims that the contract was undertaken during Secretary Noem’s tenure, contracting records indicate that the cost of the contract ‘increased by $303 million on the day that Mr. Mullin was sworn in as secretary,’” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “The apparent waste generated by idle, multi-million-dollar government assets belies the Department’s claim of urgency. To date, there is no public indication that any of these aircraft have ever been used for DHS’s claimed purpose of removing noncitizens from the United States. One of the luxury jets was leased to the FBI for use by Director Kash Patel who, in February 2026, incurred estimated costs of $75 million to fly to the Olympic Winter Games in Italy, using the same make of luxury aircraft as the one reportedly leased to the FBI.” The Senators continued, “DHS purchased the aircraft through a $464 million no-bid contract to Daedalus Aviation Corporation (… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://himes.house.gov/2026/08/24/himes-gottheimer-pappas-introduce-bill-to-prevent-double-taxation-of-remote-workers/ | Himes, Gottheimer, Pappas Introduce Bill to Prevent Double Taxation of Remote Workers | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | CT | James A. Himes | H001047 | himes.house.gov | himes | https://himes.house.gov/statements-and-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Jim Himes (CT-04), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Chris Pappas (NH-01), introduced the Multi-State Worker Tax Fairness Act. The bill would establish a uniform standard for taxing income based on physical presence in a state. In doing so, the bill prohibits a state from taxing a nonresident’s income earned when the individual was not physically in that state. “Remote work has become a mainstay of the modern American economy and yet state tax rules have yet to catch up to our new reality,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “Providing a uniform federal standard for taxing remote workers is a commonsense proposal that would ensure Connecticut teleworkers can continue to contribute to our national economy without being unfairly subjected to double taxation. For the millions of Americans who earn their livings from their home offices, let’s right this wrong once and for all.” “This is a no-brainer. Jersey families who work remotely shouldn’t get hit with a tax bill from a state they never stepped foot in,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “We’re going to make sure hardworking Jersey families keep more of their hard-earned money instead of getting double-taxed for doing their jobs from their kitchen table.” “Granite Staters do not pay an income tax in New Hampshire, and they certainly should not be forced to pay one to another state,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “Every dollar that families can keep in their pocket matters, and workers must be protected from an unfair, out-of-state income tax. The Multi-State Worker Tax Fairness Act would protect those teleworking for a company in a state different from the one they reside in from over-taxation. I will continue to fight for tax fairness for all.” | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-congressional-delegation-governor-lamont-and-education | Connecticut Congressional Delegation, Governor Lamont and Education Commissioner Russell-Tucker Announce $10 Million Grant Award to Strengthen Early Literacy Supports | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Hartford, CT - Today, members of the Connecticut Congressional delegation joined Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker to announce that the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has been awarded a five-year, $10 million competitive grant to expand targeted reading intervention, with integrated positive behavioral supports, for kindergarten through grade 3 students experiencing significant reading difficulties. The Education Innovation and Research grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, will support a statewide initiative led by the CSDE’s Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success in continued partnership with the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education, HILL for Literacy, Fordham University, and Connecticut school districts. The initiative will expand access to small-group reading intervention across a statewide network of 75 elementary schools, along with instructional materials, professional learning, ongoing coaching, and tools to monitor student progress and guide instruction. It will also examine the impact of incorporating evidence-aligned positive behavioral interventions and supports into reading instruction to increase student engagement and maximize instructional time. “Hundreds of thousands of kids in Connecticut rely on federal support from the Department of Education to help them succeed in the classroom, and this announcement is a significant investment in their futures,” said Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01). “As we face an administration intent on dismantling public education in Washington, the Connecticut delegation will continue to work together to defend students and teachers from these attacks, and secure new investments in our schools. I am thrilled to join my colleagues and Governor Lamont to announce this $10 million grant we secured to support educators with the tools they need to improve reading skills and student success.” “Strong reading skills are critical to a student’s success in school … | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-statement-officer-involved-shooting | Larson Statement on Officer-Involved Shooting | 2026-08-22 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | CT | John B. Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | larson | https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | "I am saddened to learn of the shooting that took place last night in Newington that tragically left one man dead and two officers injured. There must be a full and transparent investigation, and I am glad the state Inspector General has begun that process. I pray for the Hartford and Rocky Hill Police officers and wish them a speedy recovery. This is a reminder of the sacrifice our police officers make every day by putting their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. I will continue to monitor this incident as the facts come to light." | 1 | 2026-08-23T05:27:15Z | 2026-08-23T05:29:02Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-israeli-government-refusing-investigate-deaths | DeLauro Statement on Israeli Government Refusing to Investigate Deaths of Humanitarian Aid Workers in Gaza | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | CT | Rosa L. DeLauro | D000216 | delauro.house.gov | delauro | https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement in response to news that the Israeli military is refusing to investigate an April 2024 attack that killed 7 humanitarian aid workers in Gaza: “The Israeli government’s decision not to investigate the strike that killed seven humanitarian aid workers, including staff from World Central Kitchen, is a miscarriage of justice that exemplifies how Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has waged this war, causing maximum destruction in Gaza with minimal accountability. Gaza has only recently recovered from a state of famine, with 200,000 people still classified as experiencing emergency food conditions. Humanitarian aid workers must be certain of their safety in order to do their jobs and help alleviate this crisis, but Israel’s refusal to properly investigate this attack undermines that trust. Israel’s indiscriminate attacks in Gaza must end, and Israeli personnel who are involved in these attacks must be held accountable.” | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-8/14/2026-8/21/2026 | Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 8/14/2026-8/21/2026 | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | Calling on FEMA to Address Staffing Shortages [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, wrote to the new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton demanding answers about how he plans to address critical staffing shortages at the agency. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, FEMA has lost a staggering 20 percent of its staff. A recent GAO report found that FEMA prioritized workforce reductions over ensuring that it had the staffing capacity to respond to current or future disasters. Region 1, which serves Connecticut, lost 292 employees – 12% of its staff – just from workforce reduction efforts. “I appreciated your acknowledgement during your confirmation hearing of the challenges FEMA faces because of President Trump’s drastic staff cuts. Now that you are confirmed, you are responsible for confronting those challenges. Please provide, in writing, your plan to address the staffing cuts agency-wide, and especially in Region 1, and how you plan to ensure FEMA is fully prepared to support Americans this hurricane season and beyond,” Blumenthal wrote. In August 2024, Connecticut suffered devastating flooding that killed two people and destroyed countless homes and businesses. FEMA was on the ground within days and was crucial to supporting towns and homeowners as they rebuilt roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Trump’s draconian staffing cuts to FEMA raise serious questions about how prepared the agency would be to respond to a similar disaster. “We owe it to the American people to ensure FEMA has the resources and staff necessary as it works with communities across the country to prepare for, and respond to, natural disasters,” Blumenthal also wrote. Blumenthal sharply questioned Hamilton about staffing cuts during his June 17, 2026 U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee confirmation hearing. Video of the exchange is available here. … | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
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