Press releases
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793 rows where state = "CT" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-state-of-the-union-political-leaders-need-to-start-talking-about-the-emotional-state-of-america | Murphy on State of the Union: Political Leaders Need to Start Talking About the Emotional State of America | 2023-12-31 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Sunday joined CNN’s State of the Union to discuss how government can help tackle the loneliness epidemic and why it’s important for Americans to have a national conversation about rebuilding community and connection. “Last year, we had more suicides in the United States than in any year in our lifetime. Rising rates of violence. More people taking withdrawal drugs and overdosing. It feels like people are having a harder time finding purpose and meaning than ever before. And part of the reason for that – a lot of people are lonely and feeling alone. 20 years ago, only 3% of Americans reported having no friends. Today, 12% of Americans say they have not a single friend. We report spending half as much time as we used to on a daily basis with family and friends. We’re withdrawing into ourselves, and with that comes a real sickness, emotionally, spiritually, physically. And it's something that I think political leaders need to start talking about because it impacts everybody in this country on the right and the left. And it's actually a wonderful unifying conversation because everyone in this country is feeling alone,” said Murphy. On bipartisan support for regulating social media, Murphy said: “The social media companies absolutely are determined to protect their addictive technology. Their entire business model is centered around trying to get us to look at our phones six to eight hours a day. They make less money if we're talking to each other rather than looking at our phones. But the good news is this conversation about social media regulation is one that actually brings Republicans and Democrats, the right and the left together. You talk to parents out there – it really has nothing to do with their ideology as to whether or not they want more help in trying to keep their kids off of TikTok, off of Instagram, especially when they see those sites really taking their children into a dark rabbit hole.” Murphy discussed how the political discourse is disconnected … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-brauns-bipartisan-slow-down-move-over-resolution-passed-by-the-senate | Blumenthal & Braun's Bipartisan Slow Down, Move Over Resolution Passed by the Senate | 2023-12-29 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – The Senate passed the bipartisan “Slow Down, Move Over” resolution led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Mike Braun (R-IN). The resolution raises awareness of Slow Down, Move Over state laws to reduce struck-by-vehicle injuries and fatalities and to recognize the important role fire and rescue personnel, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, and transportation workers play in road safety. “I’m proud the Senate has unanimously passed our bipartisan Slow Down, Move Over resolution,” said Blumenthal. “Tragic collisions that injure and kill first responders and roadside assistance workers like Corey Iodice continue to happen. This resolution amplifies the simple yet effective way to keep workers safe on the roads: Slow Down and Move Over.” “Too many first responders and roadside assistance workers are killed in accidents on our highways,” said Braun. “This resolution is inspired by Corey Iodice, who was killed in such an accident, and is a reminder to all of us of the simple thing we can do to prevent these accidents: slow down, and move over.” All 50 states have Slow Down, Move Over laws that direct motorists to reduce speed or change lanes for stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles. Despite these laws, many motorists are unaware of them and roadside fatalities and injuries continue. On average, an emergency first responder is struck and killed every 4.65 days working on America's roadways, with 51 deaths occurring in 2022. The Slow Down, Move Over resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mark Warner (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Jon Tester (D-MT). It is inspired by Corey Iodice, a tow truck operator for his family’s business, who was tragically struck and killed on the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut in 2020 while assisting a driver. Following his death, his sister Cindy Iodice launched Flagman, a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2023-end-of-year-report | Murphy Releases 2023 End of Year Report | 2023-12-29 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday released his End of Year Report outlining the work he’s done for the people of Connecticut during 2023. The report details Murphy’s legislative priorities this year, including implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, tackling the fentanyl crisis, rebuilding community and connection, protecting kids and holding social media companies accountable, supporting workers, making housing more affordable, and more. Murphy also helped deliver billions of federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act to create good-paying jobs in Connecticut. This year, Murphy and his office: Introduced or co-sponsored more than 200 pieces of legislation, including 24 bills or resolutions as the lead sponsor. Completed his seventh Walk Across Connecticut: four days, 67 miles, 17 towns, and hundreds of people along the way. Traveled across the state, hosting 139 town halls, roundtables, listening sessions and more with Connecticut residents. Responded and reached out to Connecticut residents through over 529,883 calls, emails, and letters. Returned $3,189,384 to constituents, including owed Social Security payments, veterans’ benefits, tax refunds, and other savings from federal agencies. Helped over 8,100 constituents work through federal issues and get their owed benefits. Click here to download Senator Murphy’s 2023 End of Year Report. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-markey-call-on-tesla-to-recall-all-vehicle-components-that-pose-known-safety-risks | Blumenthal & Markey Call on Tesla to Recall All Vehicle Components that Pose Known Safety Risks | 2023-12-27 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After alarming reporting on Tesla safety flaws, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) called on the company to immediately recall all vehicle components that pose a risk to consumers. A recent Reuters investigation revealed that Tesla knows about existing flaws in its cars, including serious issues with steering control and suspension caused by component failures, but conceals the causes of the flaws from U.S. regulators while blaming its customers for them. “We write with extreme concern following recent reporting about Tesla’s knowledge of safety flaws in its vehicles and concealment of the causes of these flaws from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),” wrote Blumenthal and Markey to Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk. “This reporting puts your statement from January that ‘Teslas are the safest car on the road’ at stark contrast with reality. We call on you to swiftly recall all Tesla components that pose a safety risk and correct the record with NHTSA to ensure it can properly do its job.” NHTSA is currently conducting investigations into one suspension connection point, the fore link, and power steering after failures experienced by Tesla drivers. In 2020, Tesla recalled the front suspension aft link and rear suspension upper link in China, suggesting the company is aware of these flaws in its vehicles, but no recall has yet taken place in the U.S. or other countries. “[W]e are disturbed that you would blame your customers for these failures. Reporting notes that Tesla repeatedly attributed the suspension failures to ‘vehicle misuse’ or ‘driver abuse,’ including when justifying to NHTSA why it was not pursuing the aforementioned suspension recall in the United States,” continued the senators. “It is unacceptable that Tesla would not only attempt to shift the responsibility for the substandard quality of its vehicles to the people purchasing them, but also make that same flawed argument to NHTSA.” The full text of the letter can be … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-statement-president-bidens-signing-fy24-national-defense | Rep. Courtney Statement on President Biden’s Signing of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act | 2023-12-22 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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) issued the following statement after President Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act into law – the 63rd consecutive year in a row the annual defense authorization bill has been signed into law. Last week, Rep. Courtney, the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, joined a bipartisan coalition in the House to pass the FY24 NDAA by a vote of 310-118. “Today’s signing of the bill codifies the tireless efforts of a bipartisan coalition to strengthen our national security and support our servicemembers and their families,” Courtney said. “Of particular note, the bill provides a 5.2% pay increase – the highest increase in decades – for active duty, national guard, reserve, and civilian personnel at the Department of Defense. That increase will go into effect on January 1, 2024, regardless of whether a defense appropriations bill has passed, and benefits the thousands of military personnel across Connecticut. In eastern Connecticut, home of 9,000 military personnel at Groton Sub Base, this is welcome news. I thank President Biden for his support of this year’s bill.” To read more about House passage of the FY24 NDAA, clickhere. To read more about the priorities Rep. Courtney secured to support eastern Connecticut, click here. To read more about the priorities Rep. Courtney secured to support our seapower capabilities, click here. To read more about the priorities Rep. Courtney secured to support the AUKUS mission, click here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/the-voices-behind-the-kids-online-safety-act-lori-schott-from-colorado | The Voices Behind the Kids Online Safety Act: Lori Schott from Colorado | 2023-12-22 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), is strongly supported by a broad coalition of parents who have tragically lost their children or whose kids have been severely harmed by Big Tech, young people who want to regain control over their online lives, and experts and advocates who study and see the negative effects of social media firsthand in their communities. The “Voices Behind the Kids Online Safety Act” series will amplify their stories as they call on Congress to pass the legislation to help protect themselves online and to hold Big Tech accountable. The bill has the support of nearly half of the U.S. Senate. Lori Schott Lori Schott’s interview with Denver7 The full interview & story can be found HERE The Schott Family’s Story: The Schotts lost Annalee on November 15, 2020. She was just 18 years old when she died by suicide. Her mom, dad and brothers were left brokenhearted, and at a complete loss as to what led her to such a dark place.” But as Lori came to learn, Annalee left behind clues. … Scrolling through the videos, Lori said she found video after video of young people sharing — and at times glamorizing — self-harm and self-hate. Many had tens of thousands of likes or more. Lori Schott’s Mission: “At that moment is when I decided that pain has to be purpose, that I don’t want to see what happened to our daughter impact any other children," Lori said. Stories like Annalee Schott’s have inspired a rare bipartisan mission in Washington, D.C. to hold social media companies accountable for the content their algorithms serve to our young people. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is before Congress and has cosponsors from both parties, including Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper. … But in Lori Schott’s eyes, KOSA is a vital first step to making the internet safer for our kids and building her daughter’s legacy. Annalee left her journal entries, Lori said, so we all could “see the impact and to dig d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-tillis-urge-cms-to-clarify-guidance-protect-medicare-advantage-beneficiaries-access-to-long-term-care-facilities | Murphy, Tillis Urge CMS to Clarify Guidance, Protect Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries' Access to Long Term Care Facilities | 2023-12-22 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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, and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure urging public clarification that critically and chronically ill Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries will have the same access to Long-Term Care Hospital services as traditional Medicare beneficiaries, as required by law. Murphy and Tillis detail how MA plans’ prior authorization practices are used to deny coverage of medically necessary care at Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs). “Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) are hospitals that provide specialized care for high-acuity patients who require an extended hospital stay. These facilities are designed to care for severely ill patients who require complex medical treatment, such as mechanical ventilation and wound care. To be recognized as an LTCH, CMS requires hospitals to satisfy the conditions of participation of a short-term acute care hospital (STACH) but have an average Medicare length of stay greater than 25 days. In contrast, the average Medicare length of stay in a STACH is about 5 days,” the senators wrote. “Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are less than half as likely to receive LTCH care compared to traditional Medicare beneficiaries. Recent research suggests that these practices may be worsening the outcomes of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries; a 2021 peer-reviewed study found that delays in the transfer of mechanically ventilated patients to an LTCH decreased a patient’s likelihood of being successfully weaned from the ventilator and breathing on his or her own." “We have heard concerns from LTCHs in our states, as well as patients, that LTCHs regularly receive denial letters from Medicare Advantage plans stating that an LTCH transfer was not required because the patient could receive all necessary services in the short-term acute care hospital, even though the provider referred the pati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congresswoman-delauro-ongoing-israel-hamas-war | Statement of Congresswoman DeLauro on Ongoing Israel-Hamas War | 2023-12-21 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Rosa L. DeLauro | D000216 | delauro.house.gov | delauro | https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | NEW HAVEN, CT – Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro released the following statement: “On October 7, Israel faced the most devastating terrorist attack in its history. I continue to stand with Israel in the wake of this horror and unequivocally support its right to defend itself and defeat Hamas. I have also long said, even before this current conflict, that it is imperative that we create the conditions for peace and a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinian people. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is allowing unacceptable loss of civilian lives and humanitarian and health crises that is producing growing hunger and starvation on his watch. That has to stop. “Netanyahu has also made clear that he wants Palestinians to play no role in Gaza’s governance and has shown no intention of ending settler violence that further oppresses Palestinians. Therefore, I strongly support Secretary Blinken’s urgent efforts to lay the ground work for a two-state solution. “I am calling for a sustained pause in fighting so Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government protect civilians and get a dramatic, immediate increase in delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This pause must include the release of hostages from Hamas. “Everyone will be hurt if Hamas remains in control of Gaza. However, this war is against Hamas – not the Palestinian people – and it cannot end in an indefinite Israeli occupation of Gaza. I will work to make sure the moment the violence ceases, that all our efforts move toward the creation of a Palestinian state. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=408C0CE0-ADED-4E4A-BE7D-37197E237B26 | Himes, Simmons announce $2.73 million to upgrade Stamford hurricane protection barrier and pump stations | 2023-12-20 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | James A. Himes | H001047 | himes.house.gov | himes | https://himes.house.gov/press-releases | page_html | Stamford, CT – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) and Mayor Caroline Simmons announced that Stamford would receive a $2.73 million Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to upgrade the city’s hurricane protection barrier and pump stations. “With climate change driving increasingly frequent and intense storms towards Connecticut, it is more important than ever for our coastal communities to have the proper infrastructure to mitigate damage,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “This $2.73 million in federal funding will go directly to upgrading Stamford’s aging stormwater pump stations and the hurricane protection barrier so that the thousands of people who live along Stamford’s coastline can sleep peacefully knowing that when the next hurricane or tropical storm strikes, their city’s infrastructure is strong enough to protect their homes and businesses.” “The Stamford Hurricane Barrier provides critical protection against hurricanes to 600 acres across the city,” said Mayor Caroline Simmons. “I want to thank Congressman Himes and our federal delegation for their advocacy and support for this critical funding. It will provide emergency power generators for the pump stations and upgrade the aging pumps and electrical equipment to comply with current building codes, enhancing our protection and resiliency against storms.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-for-justice-thomass-recusal-in-trump-january-6th-case | Blumenthal Calls for Justice Thomas's Recusal in Trump January 6th Case | 2023-12-20 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Judiciary Committee, called on Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to ensure Justice Clarence Thomas recuses himself in proceedings in United States v. Trump given his wife Ginni Thomas’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Blumenthal’s letter comes as the Supreme Court considers special counsel’s request to rule on former President Trump’s immunity in the January 6th case and as Trump has been requested to respond to the Court on an expedited basis. “I urge you to ensure that Justice Thomas abides by federal statute and the Court’s own Code of Conduct and recuses himself from participating in United States v. Trump,” wrote Blumenthal, citing Eastman v. Thompson as an example of a previous instance in which Justice Thomas had rightly recused himself and calling on Thomas to provide an explanation if he does not recuse himself in this case. “No proceeding could be graver than the prosecution of an attempt to undermine our sacred electoral process,” Blumenthal stressed. “Justice will be done only if such a case is heard by judges whose impartiality cannot reasonably be questioned.” The full text of the letter can be found here and below. December 20, 2023 The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr. Chief Justice Supreme Court of the United States 1 First Street NE Washington, DC 20543 Dear Chief Justice Roberts: The Supreme Court is currently weighing whether to decide a critical question in United States v. Trump, a criminal case arising from former President Trump’s role in the January 6th insurrection. Last week, the United States urged the Court to fast-track its consideration of “a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy”: whether former President Trump is immune from charges of conspiring to obstruct the certification of the 2020 electoral vote and overturn the results of the election.[1] The Court has asked former President Trump to respond on an expedited basis—by today at 4:00 PM. I write to urge you t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-braun-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-conduct-a-new-review-of-currently-approved-opioids | Murphy, Braun Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Conduct a New Review of Currently Approved Opioids | 2023-12-20 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), both members of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Wednesday introduced bipartisan legislation directing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a plan to review all currently approved opioid medications. The Opioid Review Act would require the FDA to consider information that was not available when the drugs were first approved, such as addiction and overdose rates, and to publish a public report detailing next steps. “The United States is five percent of the world’s population, and yet we account for between 70 and 80 percent of the world’s opioid prescriptions. In the years since these drugs were first approved by the FDA, we’ve learned just how addictive they are and far too many families have paid the price. Taking a hard look at whether the current guidance needs updating is one way we can begin to tackle this crisis. I’m glad our bipartisan bill was included in this year’s SUPPORT Act reauthorization, and I’ll keep pushing to ensure it lands on President Biden’s desk,” said Murphy. “Drug overdose deaths continue to rise in the United States and we urgently need to take action to stop these devastating and preventable deaths. The bipartisan Opioid Review Act would direct the FDA to review approved opioids while considering important public health implications, like addiction and overdose rates,” said Braun. Specifically, FDA’s report must be published online and must include: Public comment on the FDA’s regulation of opioid drugs An explanation of the actions the FDA has already taken to review the effectiveness, safety, benefit-risk profile, and use of approved opioid analgesic drugs A timeline for an assessment of the potential need for changes in an opioid drugs’ labeling, revised or additional post marketing requirements, enforcement actions, or withdrawals from market An overview of the steps that the FDA has taken to support the development and approval of non-addictive medical… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/permanent-subcommittee-on-investigations-demands-swift-response-to-inquiry-into-sexual-assault-and-sexual-harassment-at-the-coast-guard-academy | Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Demands Swift Response to Inquiry Into Sexual Assault & Sexual Harassment at the Coast Guard Academy | 2023-12-19 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chairman Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ranking Member Ron Johnson (R-WI) demanded that the Coast Guard immediately provide all records responsive to PSI’s probe into sexual assault and harassment at the Coast Guard Academy. This letter follows PSI’s hearing last week with current and former Coast Guard Academy cadets, who experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, or retaliation at the Academy and in the Coast Guard. “It is clear from this testimony, and the Subcommittee’s inquiry to date, that the Coast Guard’s culture of cover-up has allowed sexual assault and sexual harassment to persist for decades, both at the Academy and in the Coast Guard,” wrote Blumenthal and Johnson in a letter to Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan. “It is equally apparent that accountability and systematic change at both the Coast Guard and the Academy are necessary to address past failures and to ensure that future cadets are protected. Full compliance with the Subcommittee’s inquiry is a necessary component of these actions.” “You have expressed a commitment to investigate reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment, hold perpetrators accountable, support victims, and be fully transparent with Congress and the American people. It is imperative that you live up to that commitment and ensure that the Coast Guard provides all requested documents and information to the Subcommittee without further delay,” continued the senators. “Should the Coast Guard continue to withhold or redact requested records, PSI will have no choice but to utilize other means to ensure compliance with congressional oversight.” In September 2023, PSI opened a bipartisan inquiry into the Coast Guard Academy’s mishandling of sexual assault investigations and its failure to reveal Operation Fouled Anchor, and its associated report, to Congress or the public. The full text of the senators’ initial letter to the Coast Guard is available here. The full text of today’s lette… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-colleagues-push-to-keep-anti-lgbtq-and-anti-abortion-provisions-out-of-critical-government-funding-bills | Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Push to Keep Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Abortion Provisions Out of Critical Government Funding Bills | 2023-12-19 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 48 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) urging them to reject any new poison pill policy riders in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills, including the anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion policy provisions that House Republicans inserted into their appropriations bills. “The Senate has had tremendous success both passing bipartisan bills in committee and on the Senate floor because these bills are free of new poison pill riders. Unfortunately, the House appropriations bills are filled with new highly partisan provisions, including anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ riders, that should be removed from any final appropriations bills,” write the Senators. These poison pill policy riders aim to make changes to laws that would fail to withstand scrutiny of congressional debate by attaching them to “must-pass” measures like appropriation bills. “Our country is facing a reproductive health care crisis, one that has been accelerated by the Supreme Court’s extremist decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization,” the Senators write. “House Republicans have proposed several new anti-abortion policy riders. These riders include a provision to force back in place medically unnecessary restrictions on medication abortion, a measure to stop the implementation of the Biden administration’s executive orders to protect access to abortion care, and a measure that would jeopardize access to essential postgraduate medical training in abortion care,” their letter continues. “House Republicans have used the appropriations process to push extremist anti-LGBTQ+ measures, which threaten to disrupt the lives and fundamental dignity of the LGBTQ+ community,” the letter states. “Against this backdrop, House Republicans have introduced more than 50 anti-LGBTQ+ provisions across all 12 appropriations bills. These provisions include those al… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senators-blumenthal-and-markey-applaud-dot-settlement-with-southwest-airlines | Senators Blumenthal & Markey Applaud DOT Settlement with Southwest Airlines | 2023-12-18 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a $140 million settlement with Southwest Airlines over its mass flight cancellations during the 2022 holiday season. As part of the settlement, Southwest will provide $90 million in vouchers to future passengers whose flights are delayed at least three hours due to a problem within Southwest’s control. “Southwest made critical mistakes in its response to last year’s holiday meltdown, and this settlement is a clear reminder that passengers must come first when airlines cancel or delay a flight. Although Southwest’s new program to compensate passengers for airline-caused delays is an important step forward, Southwest should provide cash, instead of vouchers, to passengers, and we urge the Transportation Department to require all airlines to adopt similar programs. Consumers should not be forced to cover the costs of airlines’ mistakes.” In December 2022, as Southwest canceled thousands of flights, Senators Blumenthal and Markey called on the airline to provide monetary compensation to passengers for the cancellations, in addition to the ticket refunds and reimbursement for hotels, meals, and alternative transportation that Southwest already agreed to provide to impacted customers. In January 2023, they led 13 of their colleagues in a letter to Southwest Airlines CEO Robert E. Jordan seeking answers for its mass flight cancellations. Also in January 2023, Senators Blumenthal and Markey led the introduction of the Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights and the Forbidding Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous (FAIR) Fees Act, bills to expand protections for air travelers. In March 2023, Senator Markey, along with Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), introduced the Airline Operational Resiliency Act, which would require the U… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-38-democratic-senators-introduce-resolution-affirming-support-for-fdas-scientific-judgment-that-medication-abortion-is-safe-and-effective | Murphy, Blumenthal, 38 Democratic Senators Introduce Resolution Affirming Support for FDA's Scientific Judgment that Medication Abortion is Safe and Effective | 2023-12-18 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 38 of their Democratic Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights have been increasingly under attack, with more than a dozen states banning or restricting access to abortion care, and anti-abortion extremists attempting to ban medication abortion nationwide. Medication abortion is currently used for over half of all abortions. This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the scientific judgment of the FDA that mifepristone is safe and effective should be respected, and that law and policy governing access to life-saving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable and based on science. The resolution affirms that mifepristone is safe and effective, while acknowledging the significant harm that would be posed to both health care providers and patients across the nation if mifepristone were sharply curtailed. This action comes as Americans continue to grapple with the reversal of Roe v. Wade, and follows this week’s announcement that the Supreme Court will hear a challenge to medication abortion access. “Mifepristone is a safe, effective drug approved by the FDA more than 20 years ago that millions of women rely on, so it should come as no surprise it’s been chosen as the right wing’s next target. Cutting off access to medication abortion would bring us one step closer to a national abortion ban. I will keep fighting to keep government out of women’s health care,” said Murphy. “Our resolution resoundingly reaffirms the need for abortion medication to remain accessible. This medication has been used safely and effectively for twenty years, and is the most common form of abortion care. With Republicans imposing draconian restrictions on reproductive care across the country, we must ensure abortion medication remains availab… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-schumer-lujan-and-tonko-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-stop-cyber-grinches-from-ruining-kids-holidays | Blumenthal, Schumer, Luján & Tonko Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Stop Cyber Grinches from Ruining Kids' Holidays | 2023-12-15 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – With holiday shopping underway, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced the Stopping Grinch Bots Act. The bicameral bill would prevent use of “bot” technology to quickly buy up entire inventories of popular toys and re-sell them at marked up prices. Third-party sellers use bots to manipulate online sales to buy toys, making inventory shortages worse and price gouging families shopping for the holidays. “Our measure aims to stop cyber Grinches from stealing the holidays,” said Blumenthal. “New tools are necessary to block these online grifters from buying up popular toys to resell them to parents at exorbitant prices. We must have zero tolerance for Grinch bots price gouging hot holiday toys.” “We cannot allow grinch bots to steal Christmas joy or money from hardworking Americans,” said Schumer. “These cyber scrooges systematically snatch up popular toys and gifts and then gouge parents who are desperate to get their loved ones the gifts they most want. No American should have to fork over hundreds – or even thousands – of excess charges to buy holiday gifts for loved ones, and this critical legislation makes sure that regulators have the tools to go after these bad actors.” “As the holiday season hits full swing, too many Americans are left vulnerable to the malicious practices of Grinch bots that manipulate the market and inflate prices,” said Luján. “The holidays are a time meant to be spent with family and loved ones. Americans should not be stressed financially by online algorithms that hoard high-demand toys and goods and resell them at huge margins. This critical legislation will protect New Mexico families during the holidays and year-round.” “Too many Americans have felt the disappointment and frustration of losing a popular toy to Grinch Bots — of spending hours scouring online stores in the hopes of finding an affordable gift or paying ex… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-votes-send-annual-defense-bill-president-bidens-desk | Rep. Courtney Votes to Send Annual Defense Bill to President Biden’s Desk | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Joe Courtney voted to pass the final FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and send the bill to the President’s desk for the 63rd consecutive year. The bill passed 310 to 118. As Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and a member of the Conference Committee that negotiated the final bill, Rep. Courtney secured new forms of support for American servicemembers and their families, authorized a record level of funding for shipbuilding and submarine procurement, and cleared the pathway to execute the AUKUS mission. “The passage of the negotiated FY24 NDAA is the result of a careful, months-long assessment of our national security needs and the increasingly challenging global security environment. Democrats and Republicans worked together to build on the President’s budget request and advance a bill which delivers results for America’s servicemembers,” Courtney said. “As Ranking Member on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I helped secure historic investments in shipbuilding and the submarine industrial base. This funding is critical to meeting Navy fleet requirements and clearing the pathway to fulfilling the trilateral AUKUS agreement. At a time when division and partisanship continue to be the prevailing narratives around Congress, the NDAA is proof that bipartisan compromise is the only viable path forward. “For eastern Connecticut, the FY24 NDAA bill will help maintain our region’s role as the submarine capitol of the world and strengthen the nationwide submarine industrial base. It authorizes full funding for both the Virginia-class and Columbia-class programs – and provides the Navy with the authority to exceed the two-per-year build rate for Virginia-class submarines. That’s coupled with continued, steady investments in submarine suppliers, shipyard infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives,” Courtney continued. “The inclusion of the historic AUKUS provisions in the NDAA will rebalance deterrence in the Indo-Pacifi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-house-passage-national-defense-authorization-act | DeLauro Statement on House Passage of National Defense Authorization Act | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Rosa L. DeLauro | D000216 | delauro.house.gov | delauro | https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that authorizes investments to strengthen our national security and support our troops. The legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “I am proud to support this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes investments in the core strength of our national defense: service members, civilian workers, and their families,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “It also supports our domestic industrial base, particularly the union workforce right here in Connecticut, while strengthening our military readiness through support to our allies and partners and paving the way for investments in innovation and technology. I am also pleased that 147 House Republicans just voted to authorize the funding levels determined under the bipartisan budget agreement, and I look forward to Speaker Johnson taking that bills passage as a sign that it is time to move forward with appropriations bills under those levels. We must immediately get to work negotiating a final 2024 defense funding bill.” This bill authorizes funding for key projects that grow and sustain thousands of jobs in Connecticut: CH-53K Helicopters – funding to build 15 Sikorsky helicopters. Blackhawk Helicopters – funding to build 50 Sikorsky Blackhawk. F135 Engine Modernization –$431 million for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade. Virginia-class Submarine – $10.3 billion to support the two-per-year build rate of Virginia-class submarines along with $7.1 billion in 2024 for two submarines and $3.2 billion in support of future submarine construction in 2025 and 2026. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=57A75646-119D-4E84-A9B3-4CC51CFF9FAD | Hayes Applauds USDA Announcement of Final Rule to Increase Access to Baby Formula During a Shortage | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculturepublished a final rule codifying provisions of the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022, legislation led byCongresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) during the height of the 2022 baby formula shortage in the United States. “When the baby formula shortage began last year, many parents were left wondering how they would feed their children. For parents enrolled in WIC, there was an added pressure of having to purchase specific formula based on program requirements. I know first-hand how critical WIC is to families, but the shortage revealed how dangerous those limitations can be,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture. “My Access to Baby Formula Act and the new USDA rule, will help families in the face of crisis. This rule helps strengthen a program that has historically been associated with improved infant health outcomes and reduced infant mortality.” “All families in America should be able to keep their children fed and healthy. Regrettably, the devastating shortage of infant formula last year disproportionately hurt families that rely on WIC benefits to secure infant formula, leaving them with few options to purchase safe formula for their infants,” said Congressman Bobby Scott, Ranking Member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. “That is why Congresswoman Hayes and I led House passage of the bipartisan Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 to ensure that—during public health emergencies, supply chain disruptions, product recalls, and other emergencies—families relying on WIC can use their benefits to purchase any safe infant formula products available on the shelves. “With today’s final rule, our nation’s families can rest assured that, in times of crisis, they will be able to continue providing their infants with the nutrition they need. I applaud the Biden administration for faithfully implementing this law and ensuring that—no matter the circumstances—we support our … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7C50BF26-3C03-4FB9-9A6E-6275ECB5F672 | Himes Votes to Pass National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | James A. Himes | H001047 | himes.house.gov | himes | https://himes.house.gov/press-releases | page_html | Washington, DC – Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2024. The NDAA funds the United States’ defense related programs and is one of the major pieces of legislation that Congress passes annually. This year, the bill includes $886 billion in discretionary spending for national security related programs, including significant investments in defense industrial base suppliers and technology from Connecticut based companies. “This year, with our allies in Ukraine and Israel still reeling from violent attacks, a robust defense program is more critical than ever,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act bolsters our traditional military presence while also investing in modern technology to combat the ever-evolving threats to our nation. I am particularly glad that this legislation contains significant funds for Connecticut-based companies, expanding our state’s role as a leader in defense technology development and bringing jobs to our district.” The National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 invests billions of dollars in funding for Connecticut companies. This includes: A significant investment in the U.S. submarine industrial base as part of the AUKUS pact between the U.S., U.K., and Australia; The first increment of funding for the second boat in the Columbia-class program; The purchase of: 83 F-35 aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps 15 CH-53K heavy lift helicopters for the Marine Corps 24 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for the Army 26 UH-60 L and V Black Hawk helicopters for the Army 2 Combat Rescue Helicopters for the Air Force 2 Virginia- Class Submarines. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-schakowsky-introduce-new-bicameral-front-of-package-food-labeling-legislation-to-bolster-americans-health | Blumenthal & Schakowsky Introduce New Bicameral Front-of-Package Food Labeling Legislation to Bolster Americans' Health | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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) and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) introduced new bicameral legislation to provide American consumers with clear information about the nutritional content of foods and beverages. The Transparency, Readability, Understandability, Truth, and Helpfulness (TRUTH) in Labeling Act would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop new front-of-package labels for foods and beverages sold in the United States. “This measure ensures foods have clear front-of-package labels that highlight high levels of concerning nutrients,” said Blumenthal. “Standard in many other countries, front-of-package labels help consumers have accurate, interpretive information about the food they buy. With prominently displayed salt, sugar, and saturated fat content, consumers will be able to make healthy choices for themselves and their families.” “Food companies have led the American people astray for too long. If consumers could see how much sodium, sugar, and saturated fat is in their food, they might think twice about what they are purchasing,” said Schakowsky. “I am proud to introduce the TRUTH in Labeling Act with Senator Blumenthal. Our bill will create a consumer-friendly nutrition labeling system on the front of food packages. A poor diet is one of the leading causes of preventable disease in the U.S. We must do all we can to create transparency in food labeling and empower consumers to make informed dietary decisions.” A recent survey shows front-of-package nutrition labeling has broad support from U.S. consumers, with 75 percent of respondents in favor of a mandatory front-of-package nutrition labeling policy. The TRUTH in Labeling Act amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a standardized front-of-package nutrition label that helps consumers differentiate between foods of greater or lesser nutritional value. The labels must also show the amount of calories a food contains. With Americans’ consumption of salt, sugar, and satur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/connecticut-congressional-delegation-announces-66-million-for-traffic-and-road-safety-improvements_studies | Connecticut Congressional Delegation Announces $6.6 Million for Traffic & Road Safety Improvements & Studies | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [HARTFORD, CT] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives John B. Larson (D-CT), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Jim Himes (D-CT), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) announced $6.6 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support eight traffic safety projects across Connecticut. The funds are awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program established to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. “This unprecedented investment will make Connecticut’s roadways safer for all, particularly walkers, cyclists as well as motorists. More people are dying on Connecticut’s roadways than ever before, and this $6.6 million in federal funding will help towns plan and make serious safety improvements to prevent these senseless tragedies,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “I every year spend a week walking across the state from one end to the other, and so I get to see firsthand how many roads in our state are unsafe for pedestrians. This $6.6 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help towns across the state implement evidence-based solutions to save lives and make their streets safer for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers,” said Sen. Murphy. "This federal funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is allowing us to support the City of Middletown’s efforts to assure safer, more accessible and inclusive transportation for pedestrians and cyclists across the city”, said Rep. DeLauro. “This is an investment that will work to eliminate serious and fatal accidents along Middletown’s four main corridors which comprise over 12 miles of roadway and provide primary access to and through Middletown from all four directions. These federal dollars will accommodate and encourage safe multi-modal methods of transportation, and better serve residents - such as children, the elderly, persons with mobility issues, and people living below the poverty line - that rely on methods of transport… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-colleagues-urge-department-of-education-omb-to-prioritize-funding-for-open-textbook-pilot-in-fiscal-year-2025 | Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Urge Department of Education, OMB to Prioritize Funding for Open Textbook Pilot in Fiscal Year 2025 | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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, and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Thursday joined 13 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Shalanda Young, urging the agency leaders to include strong funding for the Open Textbooks Pilot (Pilot) in the Biden Administration’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget request. The Pilot is a competitive grant program to support the creation and expansion of open college textbooks – textbooks that are freely available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers, and others to freely access the materials. The grant program aims to significantly reduce the cost of higher education for students. The Senators began their letter by emphasizing the importance of open textbooks and how they lower financial barriers to accessing higher education. According to the College Board, the average student at a four-year public college spends roughly $1,240 on books and class supplies. Additionally, U.S. PIRG found in a 2020 survey that 65 percent of students skipped buying a textbook because of the cost, and 90 percent of those students were worried it would affect their grade negatively. “As the cost of college continues to rise, it is crucial to ensure college is affordable for all students. With a single textbook potentially costing hundreds of dollars, textbook costs, unlike tuition and other college costs, are often overlooked. However, they can create an unnecessary barrier to attaining a college education,” the Senators wrote. “The high cost of textbooks disproportionately impacts low-income students and students of color who are unable to purchase required course materials, placing them at an academic disadvantage.” The Senators reminded Secretary Cardona and Director Young that open textbooks offer benefits to students and faculty while promoting competition in the text… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-kaine-smith-introduce-bill-to-modernize-public-health-data-infrastructure | Murphy, Kaine, Smith Introduce Bill to Modernize Public Health Data Infrastructure | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) reintroduced the Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements (DATA) in Public Health Act, legislation to modernize our nation’s public health data infrastructure. This bill would increase timely and accurate information sharing between local, state, and federal public health departments to improve our preparedness and response to emerging public health threats. “Accurate, real-time data is key to an effective public health strategy – a major lesson learned from the pandemic. This legislation would bring our public health data infrastructure into the 21st century and make sure local, state, and federal public health departments have the information they need to monitor and quickly respond to future emergencies,” said Murphy. “The pandemic underscored the importance of having an effective public health data sharing system for tracking cases, responding to public health emergencies, and providing live-saving care for those in need,” said Kaine. “While we’ve made some progress to strengthen public health data sharing since COVID, we still have much more to do to better connect local, state, and federal public health systems. The Improving DATA in Public Health Act would help us do that.” “We need collaboration across all levels of government to ensure that our public health experts have the information they need to make the best decisions,” said Smith. “Addressing the information gaps in public health data is crucial, and this bill provides a much-needed update to the way local, federal, and tribal authorities communicate, ensuring that we are ready to respond to the next public health crisis and keep our communities safe.” The United States’ early response to the COVID-19 pandemic was hindered by gaps in public health data, varying definitions of data across government agencies, and difficulties accessing data. These barriers made it more diff… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-the-eleventh-anniversary-of-the-sandy-hook-shooting-the-senate-must-do-more | Murphy: On the Eleventh Anniversary of the Sandy Hook Shooting, the Senate Must Do More | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Thursday spoke on the U.S. Senate floor on the eleventh anniversary of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School to honor the twenty children and six educators who were senselessly killed that day. “Today is a day when we are thinking about all of those parents, about all of those brothers and sisters who this morning had to relive the morning that they went through 11 years ago, December 14, 2012, when 20 sets of parents kissed their first graders goodbye. They dropped them off for school. And never ever saw them again,” Murphy said. “It's a fate that none of us would ever wish on another human being. For those of us who have never experienced the death of a child, there's no way for us to understand what those parents and what those families are going through.” He continued: “And in Connecticut, we wear our hearts really heavy, but we also get to celebrate all of the things that have happened because so many of these families took their grief and they turned it into action, and they turned it into change. So many of these families have started not-for-profit organizations, have started charities to try to change other people's lives. Many of these families have been deeply engaged in the work of trying to make sure that mass shootings never happen again. There has been a lot of joy and many miracles that have resulted from this awful tragedy. It does not square the moral order of the universe, but it is important to pay tribute to the way in which so many members of the Sandy Hook and Newtown community as well as so many families who are directly affected by this shooting have been able to manage through the grief and perform miracles at the same time.” On the work ahead and reasons for hope, Murphy said: “This is also a day in which I recommit myself to the notion that I, as a member of the United States Senate, have something to contribute to the work necessary to make sure that kids never, ever, ever face this fate again. And today on the 11th ann… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-votes-advance-bipartisan-bills-expand-americans-access | Rep. Courtney Votes to Advance Bipartisan Bills to Expand Americans’ Access to Workforce Training | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Rep. Joe Courtney, a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, voted to advance two bills out of the Committee that will help workers access affordable, high-quality training and ensure employers have access to a strong talent-pipeline. As the manufacturing supply chain rapidly expands across eastern Connecticut, these bills are critical for workers and employers in the region. The bipartisan A Stronger Workforce for America Act makes critical improvements to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) that will expand the skills development provided under the law, strengthen the relationship between employers and the workforce system, and put more Americans on the pathway to successful careers. The Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act provides opportunities for students and workers looking to gain skills in high-demand fields by allowing Pell Grants to support students enrolled in high-quality, short-term workforce programs that will lead to career advancement. “Workforce training is the backbone of eastern Connecticut’s economy. Since 2016, more than 4,000 workers in eastern CT have graduated from the WIOA-funded Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative, leading them to high-quality careers at Electric Boat and suppliers across the region. Unfortunately, while the U.S. labor force has grown by roughly half over the past four decades, federal spending on workforce development has fallen by two-thirds,” said Rep. Joe Courtney. “The bills I enthusiastically voted for today will deliver overdue investments in WIOA-funded programs, make training opportunities more affordable for learners, and ensure employers can access high-quality candidates for years to come. As our local economy, particularly the submarine industrial base, rapidly expands, these bills will help ensure we have a workforce that can meet the moment.” “The passage of this bill by the House Education and Workforce Committee is an important first step toward updating our nation’s primary federal w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E104D7F7-E0B7-4AD6-82E9-0027199B3792 | Hayes Introduces Original Legislation to Launch and Expand Violence Intervention Programs in Schools | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), introduced the School Violence Prevention Act, which provides organizations grants to create or expand school-based programs to support children at the highest risk for involvement in gun violence. In Connecticut, juveniles make up 16.7% of Weapons Violation arrests. An estimated three million children witness a shooting each year. These traumatic incidents have been linked to poor academic performance including lower grades and increased absences from school in comparison to their peers. Those who have been exposed to violence are more likely to engage in crime as adolescents as well. “Under my legislation, kids who are at risk for involvement in gun violence would receive education-based programs that address gun violence,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Instances of gun violence committed by children often stem from a deep cycle of violence. Without intervention, these tragedies will persist. By connecting youth to mental health professionals, counselors, and mentors, and increasing healthy community engagement we can better address the root causes of violence and stop the escalation to devastating tragedies. The School Violence Prevention Act builds on years of community violence intervention efforts, expanding those same strategies into schools will keep students safe.” “It is unconscionable that guns are the number one cause of death for children and teens 19 and younger. Keeping children safe in all the places they may be harmed—and especially in school—is critical. We thank Representative Hayes for introducing the School Violence Prevention Act to invest in programs that will help protect the children who are most at risk of gun violence,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, GIFFORDS Federal Affairs Director. “It’s abhorrent that guns are now the number one killer of American children and teens. Congress must pass a set of comprehensive policies including the School Violence Prevention Act to reduce gun deaths and injuries among children. Children from all corners of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-markey-joint-statement-on-teslas-recall-of-2-million-vehicles-with-autopilot-system | Blumenthal & Markey Joint Statement on Tesla's Recall of 2 Million Vehicles with Autopilot System | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Edward J. Markey (D-MA) issued the following joint statement after Tesla recalled more than 2 million of its vehicles equipped with Autosteer, an Autopilot feature, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigates nearly 1,000 crashes in which Autopilot was reported to be engaged: “This recall is critically needed to make Tesla’s cars safer, but it is egregiously overdue. We have long sounded alarms about Tesla exaggerating the true capabilities of Autopilot and other flawed features. We urge NHTSA to continue its investigations to spur necessary recalls, and Tesla to stop misleading drivers and putting the public in great danger.” Blumenthal and Markey have long pushed for autonomous vehicle (AV) technology safety. In August 2021, Blumenthal and Markey sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), calling for the agency to launch an investigation into Tesla’s advertising of driving automation systems. The full text of the letter can be found here. In February 2022, Blumenthal and Markey sent a letter to Tesla Co-founder and CEO Elon Musk following numerous reports of dangerous braking flaws in Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems and amid several federal safety investigations, voicing serious concerns with the implementation of the company’s technology. The full text of the letter to Musk can be found here. In June 2022, Blumenthal and Markey issued a joint statement applauding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for upgrading its investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system from a preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis after identifying additional crashes at first responder sites. In October 2022, Blumenthal and Markey issued a joint statement on a reported DOJ investigation into Tesla’s misleading advertising of driving automation systems. In February 2023, Blumenthal and Markey issued a joint statement on Tesla’s recall of its vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-applauds-wins-for-connecticut-in-senate-passed-national-defense-authorization-bill-bringing-bill-one-step-closer-to-being-signed-into-law | Blumenthal Applauds Wins for Connecticut in Senate-Passed National Defense Authorization Bill– Bringing Bill One Step Closer to Being Signed into Law | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the Senate’s approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 conference report, which includes a number of significant provisions he championed to invest in Connecticut’s defense manufacturing workforce and enhance national security. The bill passed by a vote of 87-13 and will now be considered by the House of Representatives. “Historic investments in defense platforms made in Connecticut show continued unshakable confidence in our state’s spectacular workforce. This strong bipartisan national security package protects against threats to America now, and in coming years. It underscores a strong commitment to bolstering advanced technologies—submarines, helicopters, and fighter jets—investing in workforce development, and taking care of our military families. I fought for the authorization of the trilateral AUKUS agreement –proving the world-class talent of our workforce in Groton constructing Virginia-class submarines,” said Blumenthal. “I am especially proud to have included provisions named in honor of Connecticut servicemembers – Sergeant First Class Michael Clark and Seaman Xavier Sandor – that will make critical improvements to the lives of military families and service men and women.” As a member of the Committee tasked with crafting the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, Blumenthal championed the following provisions to increase jobs and support critical industries in Connecticut: Delivering Impactful Investments to Connecticut’s Submarine Industrial Base: Blumenthal fiercely advocated for broad funding for Connecticut’s submarine industry that guarantees our nation’s strategic advantages in undersea warfare while growing Connecticut’s jobs and economy. Blumenthal secured: 1. $5.8 billion to fund ongoing design and construction of the Columbia Class ballistic missile submarine, including $400 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-statewide-housing-listening-tour-murphy-announces-support-for-five-bills-to-address-housing-crisis | After Statewide Housing Listening Tour, Murphy Announces Support for Five Bills to Address Housing Crisis | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–Following the completion of his statewide housing listening tour, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday announced his support for a slate of five pieces of legislation aimed at expanding access to affordable housing. The tour included town halls in Windham, Waterbury, Wethersfield, and Fairfield where Murphy gathered feedback from constituents on the unique housing challenges they are facing, including the rising cost of rent, shortage of housing stock and lack of affordable housing, gentrification, blighted homes and poor housing conditions, and barriers to home ownership. “The number one issue I hear about all over Connecticut is the cost of housing. That’s why I launched a statewide listening tour to learn more about the challenges facing people in cities, suburbs, and the more rural parts of our state. I talked to renters, homeowners, landlords, and people experiencing homelessness, and while there’s no quick fix, I heard loud and clear that the federal government must do more to find solutions to this nationwide problem. These five bills won’t alone solve the housing crisis, but would help address our country’s massive shortage of affordable housing and provide resources so more families can afford a safe place to live. I’m committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate, the administration, and the state legislature to make sure we are pulling all levers of government to solve this problem,” said Murphy. Murphy co-sponsored the following bills: Fair Housing Improvement Act: Would expand housing protections for low-income individuals and veterans by designating source of income and veteran status as protected classes Choice in Affordable Housing Act: Would incentivize landlord participation in the Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 program through one-time incentive payments to landlords, security deposit payments, bonuses to public housing agencies employing landlord liaisons, and other amounts for recruitment Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act: Would create a new t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-reps-courtney-houchins-bipartisan-bill-lower-prescription | House Passes Reps. Courtney, Houchin’s Bipartisan Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs | 2023-12-12 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House passed the bipartisan Lower Costs, More Transparency Act which included legislation led by Reps. Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Erin Houchin (R-IN) that shines a light on the fees Americans pay at the pharmacy counter. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are the middlemen between pharmacies, drugmakers, and health insurers who negotiate the price Americans pay for prescription drugs. Currently, PBMs are not complying with the rules that require they disclose the profits they make from deals with drug companies, often leading to bonuses for PBMs and higher costs for patients. The lawmakers’ legislation strengthens requirements to ensure PBMs disclose their compensation and business practices to health care plan fiduciaries (those responsible for administering employee-sponsored health care). Employers and their employees deserve to know that the insurance products they are buying were negotiated in their best interests. “As Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said, ‘sunlight is the best disinfectant’ to fight corruption. This bipartisan legislation takes an important step to achieving that goal by improving the transparency of the middlemen, or PBMs, who set prescription drug costs,” said Congressman Courtney. “I am pleased the House took decisive action to pass Rep. Houchin’s and my bill, and ensure employer sponsored insurance gives patients access to care and treatment that is valuable to them, not to commercial entities.” “I was proud to introduce the Hidden Fees Disclosure Act with Representative Courtney and am glad to see its inclusion in the Lower Cost, More Transparency Act. This bipartisan legislation is the first step toward affordability in healthcare. Prescription drug pricing is among the issues I hear about most from constituents. We can’t drive down cost without the benefit of full transparency. I look forward to continuing our work together on healthcare affordability. Until that is achieved, I’ll keep contending on behalf of patients in the ninth district,” said Con… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B4869EAB-4D77-4C88-B6F4-96FEC40BEAA9 | Hayes Joins 115 House Members in Requesting Increased Home Heating Assistance Funding for Connecticut Families | 2023-12-12 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) joined 115 House members in a letter to House and Senate Leadership requesting increased funding totaling $1.6 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In Connecticut, eligible households typically receive benefits ranging from $180 to $530 paid directly to the utility or fuel provider. The request comes as the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill presented by House Republicans proposes a roughly a 65% percent cut to the program. “According to recent reports, approximately 424,000 Connecticut households face unaffordable home energy costs. For these families, LIHEAP is a critical lifeline that prevents them from making the impossible choice between buying groceries, keeping the lights on, or heating their home,” said Congresswoman Hayes (CT-05). “I joined my colleagues in requesting additional LIHEAP funding in any government funding bill to ensure all Connecticut families can have a warm home every winter.” In Fiscal Year 2023, the LIHEAP program distributed a total of more than $4.5 billion in home heating assistance to families across the United States, including $100 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding and an additional $1 billion from the government funding package passed in September 2022. Despite significant federal investment, LIHEAP continues to be underfunded, with just 20 percent of eligible households currently receiving assistance through the program. Connecticut was recently awarded a total of $7,081,189.00 in LIHEAP funding for this winter, including $70,040,439 in formula funding and an additional $2,040,750 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To assist households seeking to determine their eligibility for LIHEAP funding, HHS recently released a tool in English, Spanish, traditional Chinese, and simplified Chinese for households to quickly determine their eligibility. A copy of the request sent can be accessed HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-op-ed-in-the-new-republic-the-spiritual-unspooling-of-america-a-case-for-political-realignment | Murphy Op-Ed in the New Republic: The Spiritual Unspooling of America: A Case for Political Realignment | 2023-12-12 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Tuesday authored an op-ed for the New Republic to make the case for a political realignment oriented around a set of solutions that would address America’s spiritual unspooling and enable Americans to have more economic control over their lives, more social connection, and more moral markets. First, Murphy lays out the four sources of our collective unease: a loss of control over economic and family life; an acute loneliness and disconnection from community; a frustration with the pace and nature of technological change; and an exhaustion with suffocating consumerism. Murphy argues Democrats should seize the growing opportunity for left-right convergence to build new coalitions that will advance policies to raise wages, support families, rein in Big Tech, and promote connection. “I think that rather than continuing this alternating obsession with intractable partisan battles and issues that feel distant from their quality of life, Americans want their political leaders to take a step back and ask two simple questions: What makes a good life, filled with purpose, meaning, and happiness? And what does government need to do—and not do—so that more people have access to this life? If more of us asked these questions, we might find that America is not actually as divided as the outrage industry would have us believe. Indeed, there exists a set of shared feelings and fears, on both the right and the left, that could provide a road map for anyone committed to developing policies that address the spiritual unspooling that is happening in many Americans’ lives,” Murphy wrote. On the opportunity to find left-right consensus on a different set of issues than those that have traditionally divided the two parties, Murphy wrote: “To resolve this growing crisis of spiritual health, I believe Americans badly want our politics to be organized around a shared national project. Instead, our politics today are ordered to serve a set of issues where the two sides—right and left—are … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-casey-introduce-eviction-prevention-act | DeLauro, Casey Introduce Eviction Prevention Act | 2023-12-11 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Rosa L. DeLauro | D000216 | delauro.house.gov | delauro | https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Eviction Prevention Act, legislation that would help low-income individuals get access to legal counsel if they are being evicted. “It cannot be understated how devastating an eviction can be for individuals or families.” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “I understand it very well, as my family and I were evicted when I was growing up. Eviction turned our world upside down, and I know all too well how it can completely upend someone’s life. That is why I am so proud to introduce the Eviction Prevention Act with Senator Casey, legislation that will help individuals facing eviction get connected with legal counsel that can help them and their families stay housed. My home state of Connecticut has already enacted a Right to Counsel and in just a short amount of time, we have kept people in their home. The Eviction Prevention Act would build on this success and expand this critically needed program nationwide.” “Far too many Americans are at an increased risk of eviction and homelessness because they don’t have access to legal representation to help them and advocate for them,” said Senator Casey. “This bill will help families stay housed and level the playing field between tenants and landlords. It’s past time we devoted more federal resources to helping families in Pennsylvania and across the Nation keep a roof over their heads.” “The National Housing Law Project is pleased to endorse Representative DeLauro and Senator Casey’s Eviction Prevention Act. The US affordable housing crisis is reaching a fever pitch, and evictions have risen above pre-pandemic levels. As renters navigate this dangerous market, they increasingly face rent gauging, significant rent burden, and frequent and unjust evictions. And they are taking on these challenges without adequate representation in housing court. The Eviction Prevention Act would authorize new grants to provide representation to tenants, create the nation’s first federal evictions database, a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-urges-ftc-investigation-of-vanilla-gift-card-maker-following-reports-of-scams | Blumenthal Urges FTC Investigation of Vanilla Gift Card Maker Following Reports of Scams | 2023-12-11 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 (D-CT) today sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging an investigation into the practices of Incomm Financial Services, a payment technology company whose failure to properly secure its Vanilla gift cards have left consumers susceptible to monetary theft. “Incomm has been aware of this problem for a decade but took no action to improve the packaging design of their cards or to swiftly reimburse victims of card draining,” wrote Blumenthal in a letter to the FTC Chair Lina Khan. A recent lawsuit filed by the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office (SFCAO), with the help of the San Francisco Affirmative Litigation Project (SFALP) at Yale Law School, reveals that the insecure cardboard packaging makes Vanilla gift cards susceptible to “card draining,” a criminal practice in which an individual obtains card information without leaving signs of tampering. Once consumers purchase and activate these gift cards at a retail store, fraudsters then empty the card of all funds. In the letter, Blumenthal urges the FTC to work with the SFCAO to investigate the business practices of Incomm Financial Services that have led to widespread fraud, including cases in Connecticut. “These instances of card draining will likely continue unless Incomm enhances the security features of their prepaid gift cards. As the SFCAO complaint demonstrates, this fraud has impacted Americans across the country, calling for complementary action from the Commission to ensure vigorous enforcement of our consumer protection laws,” Blumenthal wrote. During a press conference in Hartford today, Blumenthal joined Connecticut resident, Lesley Gustafson, a victim of the Vanilla gift card scams, to warn consumers of these common card draining practices. A copy of the letter can be found here and below and video from today’s press conference can be found here. December 11, 2023 The Honorable Lina M. Khan Chair Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20580 Dea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/witness-announced-permanent-subcommittee-on-investigations-to-hold-hearing-on-sexual-assault-and-harassment-at-the-coast-guard-academy | Witness Announced: Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to Hold Hearing on Sexual Assault and Harassment at the Coast Guard Academy | 2023-12-11 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chairman Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ranking Member Ron Johnson (R-WI) will convene a hearing next Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM in 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building titled “Coast Guard Academy Whistleblowers: Stories of Sexual Assault and Harassment.” The hearing will include testimony from: · Commander Jennifer Yount, United States Coast Guard (Ret.) United States Coast Guard Academy, Class of 1981 · Caitlin E. Maro Former Member of United States Coast Guard Academy, Class of 2008 · Lieutenant Melissa McCafferty, United States Coast Guard (Ret.) United States Coast Guard Academy, Class of 2011 · First Class Cadet Kyra Grace Holmstrup, United States Coast Guard United States Coast Guard Academy, Class of 2024 · Colonel Lorry Fenner, United States Air Force (Ret.) Director of Government Affairs, Service Women’s Action Network In September 2023, PSI opened a bipartisan inquiry into the Coast Guard Academy’s mishandling of sexual assault investigations and its failure to disclose the results of its sexual assault investigation to Congress or the public. The full text of the senators’ initial letter to the Coast Guard is available here. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-op-ed-with-tim-ryan-people-are-sick-of-feeling-like-their-own-time-no-longer-belongs-to-them | Murphy Op-Ed with Tim Ryan: People Are Sick of Feeling Like Their Own Time No Longer Belongs to Them | 2023-12-11 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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.) this weekend authored an op-ed with former U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-Ohio-13) for MSNBC making the case for a new economic vision that recognizes the importance of leisure and free time. Thanks in part to longer work hours and wages that haven’t kept up with living standards, Americans have fewer hours to spend with friends and family, engage in hobbies, and build community which comes at a cost to our mental, physical, and spiritual health. “People today feel like they’re stuck on a hamster wheel. As corporate profits soar, wages have failed to keep pace. Millions of Americans juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. Today, the average worker has to clock 70 hours a week to sustain the same quality of life that 40 hours of work afforded 50 years ago. And for many, cellphones and laptops have made it impossible to ever escape the grip of work, even at home. With one income no longer enough to sustain an average family budget, parents’ days are lengthened by the extra time necessary to shuttle children to and from child care,” Murphy and Ryan wrote. “Less and less free time leaves Americans feeling more on edge, more anxious, and more alone than ever before. We are disconnected from each other mentally, physically and emotionally, and we witness the ripple effects in the erosion of civility, the growth of fringe politics, and the increase in violence, suicide and overdose rates. The nation’s emotional health is spiraling in part because there is less and less time for leisure and connection,” they continued. Murphy and Ryan laid out a series of policies to build community and give people back their free time: “To return to a time when work matters less and leisure matters more, we need to build a new economy where a full-time job provides a living wage. One 40-hour-a-week income should be able to support a family of four. This would assure the worker has adequate free time, and allow one parent in two-parent households, should he or she choose, to be out of th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-meet-the-press-putin-is-delighting-in-republicans-insistence-we-tie-immigration-reform-to-ukraine-aid | Murphy on Meet the Press: Putin is Delighting in Republicans' Insistence We Tie Immigration Reform to Ukraine Aid | 2023-12-10 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Sunday joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to discuss talks with Republicans on immigration reform, the dire situation in Ukraine, and the stakes of the 2024 election. “First, I think it's absolutely tragic that Republicans are tying the resolution of maybe the most difficult issue in American politics, immigration, to support for Ukraine and Israel. Vladimir Putin is delighting right now in Republicans’ insistence that we get a deal on immigration reform. And if we don't, then they are going to allow Vladimir Putin to march into Ukraine and perhaps into Europe. I think this is one of the most dangerous moments that I've ever faced in American politics, and I wish Republicans weren't holding Israel aid and aid to Ukraine hostage to the resolution of immigration reform,” said Murphy. Murphy continued: “That being said, we are still in the room trying to deal with Republican demands. We are not going to put Donald Trump's immigration policies into statute. We're not going to do that. That would be bad for the country. But we do need to do something to try to resolve this crisis at the border. We have too many people crossing, too many people that don't have valid asylum claims. And if Republicans are serious about trying to control that crisis, while also still allowing into the country people who are legitimately fleeing terror and torture and violence, then we can come to a resolution.” On the state of negotiations, Murphy said: “Right now, Republican demands are unreasonable. They don't actually get Democratic votes. If I were a cynic, I would say that Republicans have decided to tie support for Ukraine to immigration reform because they want Ukraine aid to fail. But, I'm not a cynic. And so we are still trying to resolve some pretty big differences that remain.” “I think the bottom line for Democrats and the bottom line for my constituents is pretty simple. We don't want to shut off the United States of America to people who are coming here to be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-annual-defense-bill-advances-aukus-trilateral-security | Rep. Courtney: Annual Defense Bill Advances AUKUS Trilateral Security Agreement | 2023-12-07 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement upon the completion and release of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by the House and Senate Conference Committee. The bill includes authorization for the transfer of Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, the training of Australian private sector defense personnel, the integration of Australian financial contributions to the U.S. defense industrial base, and the sharing of technology and information between the three nations to safely streamline security cooperation. The bill also includes a provision for the Navy to enter into a contract for up to 13 Virginia-class submarines in the next contract. “After weeks of negotiations within the NDAA Conference Committee and over a year of advocacy from Canberra to Washington, the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act reported out today advances the AUKUS trilateral security agreement. For the first time since the launch of the USS Nautilus in 1958, this NDAA authorizes the US Navy to sell three conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines to another nation—our steadfast ally Australia. In addition, it streamlines technology sharing among the three AUKUS allies under the umbrella of the Defense Production Act to strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. Lastly, it includes authority for the Navy to purchase up to 13 Virginia-class submarines in the next block contract which will guarantee a steady demand to boost production capacity and thus meet our fleet requirements. “I thank leaders of the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees, as well as Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd and UK Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, for their advocacy and unwavering support of my efforts to see these provisions included in the final FY24 NDAA. “I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill on the House floor and sending it to the President’s desk for the 63rd consecutive year. At a time when division and partisanship continue to be the prevai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3B58B068-32B0-4648-8A18-CFA0EBE2C87C | Hayes Statement on Vote to Censure Representative Bowman | 2023-12-07 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, following the vote to Censure Representative Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement: “Today, I voted YEA on a resolution to censure Representative Jamaal Bowman for pulling a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building on September 30th, 2023. While I disagree with the decision of the Republican majority to put the resolution on the House Floor, and the watering down of the censure process, I believe what Representative Bowman did was wrong and as Members of Congress we should be held to a higher standard. Representative Bowman has been a champion on educational issues, and we have worked side by side to advance childcare, healthcare and access for students and I look forward to continuing our work on the Committee of Education and the Workforce to address the historic underfunding in our K-12 schools, the teacher shortage, and many of the other issues plaguing our nation's education system. In my hometown of Waterbury, Connecticut, we continue to mourn the lives of two firefighters who died, and another who was seriously injured, when their fire truck slammed into a tree while racing to respond to a false alarm. I have spent the better part of the last decade, working with the families of those firefighters and the Waterbury community, to honor their memory and educate our children on the work of first responders. After the vote, I met with Representative Bowman and had the opportunity to share with him the work of the Rivera-Hughes Memorial Foundation, which was created to memorialize Waterbury Firefighters Heriberto "Eddie" Rivera & Howard Hughes and empower youth toward positive academic, social, and healthy outcomes by offering afterschool programs, summer camps, job hunting seminars, and high school internships. While there may be some who do not understand this vote, I cannot set an example for these children by saying one thing to them and doing another – and party affiliation should not matter. Representative Bowman has expre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-advancement-of-national-defense-authorization-bill | Blumenthal Statement on Advancement of National Defense Authorization Bill | 2023-12-07 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the completion and release of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 conference report, which includes a number of significant provisions he championed to invest in Connecticut’s defense manufacturing workforce and enhance national security. The bill will now head to the Senate floor. “Historic investments in defense platforms made in Connecticut show continued unshakable confidence in our state’s spectacular workforce,” said Blumenthal. “This strong bipartisan national security package recognizes threats to America now, and in coming years. It underscores a strong commitment to bolstering advanced technologies—submarines, helicopters, and fighter jets—investing in workforce development, and taking care of our military families. I proudly fought for the authorization of the trilateral AUKUS agreement –proving the world-class talent of our workforce in Groton constructing Virginia-class submarines. I look forward to voting on this bipartisan measure in the coming days, and sending it to President Biden’s desk.” The text of the conference report can be found here. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/permanent-subcommittee-on-investigations-to-hold-hearing-on-sexual-assault-and-harassment-at-the-coast-guard-academy | Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to Hold Hearing on Sexual Assault and Harassment at the Coast Guard Academy | 2023-12-07 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chairman Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ranking Member Ron Johnson (R-WI) will convene a hearing next Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM in 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building on “Coast Guard Academy Whistleblowers: Stories of Sexual Assault and Harassment.” In September 2023, PSI opened a bipartisan inquiry into the Coast Guard Academy’s mishandling of sexual assault investigations and its failure to disclose the results of its sexual assault investigation to Congress or the public. The full text of the senators’ initial letter to the Coast Guard is available here. The witnesses for next week’s hearing will be announced at a later date. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-casey-introduce-bill-to-fight-social-isolation-and-loneliness-among-older-americans | Murphy, Casey Introduce Bill to Fight Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Americans | 2023-12-07 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) on Thursday introduced the Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults (SILO) Act, legislation to establish a grant and training program for community-based organizations working to address social isolation among older adults and adults with disabilities – two populations at greater risk for loneliness. "There are tons of local organizations already doing the important work of helping older Americans and adults with disabilities - two gorups most at-risk for social isolation - combat loneliness, and we should be in the business of making sure these programs reach as many people as possible. This legislation would create a new grant program dedicated to supporting community-based organizations focused on helping their neightbors feel a little less alone. It's a simple way the federal government can be a part of the solution," said Murphy. “The COVID-19 pandemic showed us all just how devastating social isolation can be for our mental and physical health,” said Casey. “However, for older Americans and people with disabilities, isolation and loneliness have long been serious issues. The Addressing SILO Act will fund new programs to improve social connection and reduce loneliness among older Americans and help ensure that Americans do not have to spend their golden years isolated and alone.” More than 1 in 3 adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and forty percent of adults with a disability reporting feeling lonely or socially isolated. This comes with serious health impacts, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, by 29% and 32% respectively, and an increased risk of developing dementia by approximately 50% in older adults. Social isolation among older adults accounts for an estimated $6.7 billion in annual excess Medicare spending. Specifically, the Addressing SILO Act provides $62.5 million in annual funding to support community-based organizations’ work to: Train their staff to better address and prevent soc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-submits-public-comment-in-support-of-doj-rule-to-expand-background-checks | Murphy Submits Public Comment in Support of DOJ Rule to Expand Background Checks | 2023-12-07 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Thursday submitted a public comment in support of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposed new rule to specify the definition of “engaged in the business” as a dealer in firearms. Murphy’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act clarified the definition of who is “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms as a person doing so with the intent to “predominately earn a profit.” The proposed rule amends the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) regulations to conform with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, clarifying who must register as a federally licensed firearms dealer and conduct background checks on gun sales. The public comment period ends today, and the rule is expected to be finalized sometime in the new year. “I co-led a bipartisan group of members of Congress who negotiated the eventual legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden in June 2022, which included changes to the statute that are the subject of the EITB NPRM. I write in strong support of the proposed rule, which will increase the efficacy of BSCA, strengthen our background check system, and keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who should not have them, exactly as Congress intended when it enacted BSCA,” he wrote. Murphy highlighted the deadly toll of current loopholes in our background checks system, writing: “Ultimately, this resulted in countless firearms sales to persons who should not have had access to a gun, which sadly became a common and deadly occurrence. For example, one study in 2017 found that one in five gun sales occurred outside the background check system, predominantly carried out by individuals who did not believe they were engaged in the business of dealing firearms.” Murphy, in his role as the lead Democratic negotiator, also made clear Congress’ intent in passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, noting: “Clearly, Congress meant something when it changed the definition of who was engaged in the business,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-we-know-background-checks-work-and-90-percent-of-americans-support-them | Murphy: We Know Background Checks Work and 90 Percent of Americans Support Them | 2023-12-07 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Wednesday spoke on the U.S. Senate floor to seek unanimous consent to pass the Background Check Expansion Act, legislation to expand federal background checks to nearly all gun sales. Senate Republicans blocked his request. “I have lost count of the number of times I've come down to the floor of the Senate to talk about this immoral anomaly in which you are subject to the risk of death by gunshot wound in the United States at a rate ten times higher than any other high-income nation,” Murphy said. Murphy highlighted the popularity of background checks among Americans: “90 percent of Americans supporting universal background checks, checks on every gun sale. 89 percent of Republicans, 89 percent of gun owners, 70 percent of the NRA members. Because even the gun owners, even the people who feel so fired up about this issue that they want to come talk to me in the middle of a county fair, we're not disagreeing about that simple policy: just make sure that people who shouldn't have guns don't get their hands on them.” Murphy detailed how criminals use loopholes in the background checks system to illegally buy guns online or at gun shows: “One study showed that there were 1.2 million online ads offering firearms for sale that would not require a background check to be done. That same study showed that one in nine prospective buyers of guns online would not pass a background check. That is a rate seven times higher than the denial rate of gun stores. And the reason is that criminals are going online and going to the gun shows because they know they will fail the background check if they go to a brick-and-mortar store. Murphy continued: “That's what Seth Ator did. He failed a background check when he tried to purchase a gun in 2014. But he went to a private seller online. He bought a gun, and then he used it to kill seven people and wound 25 others in a mass shooting in Odessa. This is not theoretical. This happens. How do you think all these guns get into our cities?… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-co-sponsors-bipartisan-legislation-address-immigration | Rep. Courtney Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Address Immigration Crisis | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after co-sponsoring the bipartisan Dignity Act to fix our nation’s broken immigration system. This historic bill is the first serious bipartisan immigration solution proposed by Congress in over a decade. “On both sides of the political aisle, there is widespread agreement that the present immigration system is broken—morally and economically. “People seeking a new life in the United States have been met with unnavigable processes and, at times, cruel treatment. As a nation founded by refugees with a legal system centered on due process, we must ensure immigrants have a humane and achievable path to legal permanent residency and citizenship. “In eastern Connecticut, farmers, restaurants, and hotels struggle to hire legal immigrant workers, families and spouses of U.S. citizens are needlessly separated, and foreign students educated at universities in Connecticut and across the nation are caught in the maze of contradictory rules that have not been updated to respond to the current immigration crisis since the 1980s. “Since then, both parties have offered their own reform policies to no avail, reaffirming that a bipartisan pathway is the only way forward in a divided government to responsibly address our overburdened immigration system and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. “Congress must find commonsense agreement, which is why I have joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to co-sponsor the Dignity Act—the only bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform bill introduced in the House this Congress—led by Congresswomen Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL). “While this bill reflects bipartisan compromises, it takes meaningful steps to improve the currently dismantled asylum system which has overwhelmed border communities; offer a reliable path to legal permanent residency and eventually U.S. citizenship; provide resources for effective and focused enforcement of our immigration laws; and target investmen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-responds-new-actions-address-sexual-misconduct-coast-guard | Rep. Courtney Responds to New Actions to Address Sexual Misconduct at Coast Guard Academy | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after the Coast Guard released a new report, requested by top Coast Guard chief Admiral Fagan, providing recommendations for internal actions to address and prevent sexual misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy and ensure cases are properly investigated. “Admiral Fagan’s release of the Accountability and Transparency Review represents a healthy course correction for the Coast Guard in dealing with this persistent problem affecting the service. This clearly demonstrates a fundamental change in leadership, and I strongly support the Commandant’s vision for how the service prevents and responds to incidents of sexual assault and harassment. Notably, the report recommends implementing the “Safe-to-Report” framework which prevents cadets from punishment for minor offenses, like violating curfew, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice when reporting an incident of sexual assault. This policy is perfectly aligned with legislation I introduced earlier this year, and which was codified for other military academies two years ago. I will continue to work with the Coast Guard to ensure that codification will be enacted in the upcoming Coast Guard Authorization Act in the 118th Congress.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F8A6C843-020B-4C3E-A92E-D61EE88CF606 | Hayes, Markey Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Reauthorize Vital Educational and Workforce Development Program for Vulnerable Youth | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the YouthBuild for the Future Act to reauthorize the YouthBuild program, a national program that equips opportunity youth – people ages 16 to 24 who are disconnected from school and work opportunities – to education, employment, and leadership skills. YouthBuild services more than 5,000 opportunity youth in more than 40 states, including Connecticut. Participants often left school without a diploma and are homeless, foster care youth, migrants, disabled, or an offender. “Each year, YouthBuild helps thousands of youth earn their high school diploma while learning skills in trades like construction, healthcare, information technology, and logistics,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05). “The YouthBuild for the Future Act improves and invests in the job training program to allow more disadvantaged, rural, and low-income youth in the Fifth to confidently join the workforce and have successful futures.” “Young people are left to carry the weight of generational and systemic failures,” said Senator Markey (D-MA). “YouthBuild helps lift those burdens by investing in young people’s potential and offering them the resources, opportunities, and support to succeed. The investment works: YouthBuild has allowed thousands of young people in Massachusetts and around the country to access life-changing education and workforce development training while serving their communities. Just as YouthBuild champions young people’s potential, Congress must champion YouthBuild.” Specifically, the YouthBuild for the Future Act will: Reserve grants for programs serving rural and Tribal communities; Extend the allowed period of follow-up services to 24 months; Expedite the provision of services to out-of-school youth by reducing the waiting period to the minimum amount possible; Allow funding for participant meals; Allow grantees to count YouthBuild funds towards the matching requirement under the National Community Service Act; and Re… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-raises-serious-concerns-over-weighted-sleep-sacks-and-swaddles-for-infants | Blumenthal Raises Serious Concerns over Weighted Sleep Sacks & Swaddles for Infants | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In letters to two weighted sleep sack and swaddle manufacturers, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) raised serious concerns about the products’ safety in light of numerous unverified claims made by the companies, strong opposition from child safety experts, and lack of current government oversight. “I write today regarding the weighted sleep sacks and swaddles developed and sold by your company, Dreamland Baby,” wrote Blumenthal in a letter to Dreamland Baby founder and CEO Tara Williams. A similar letter was sent to Nested Bean founder and president Manasi Gangan. “The Dreamland Baby website claims that these products were developed in partnership with pediatricians. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently shared their opposition to weighted sleep products for infants explicitly saying that ‘weighted swaddle clothing or weighted objects within swaddles are not safe and therefore not recommended.’ That is why I am deeply concerned by your company’s decision to continue selling these products to vulnerable and unsuspecting parents who are ‘sleep-deprived, stressed and desperate for help,’ all while lacking reputable research to back the safety of these items.” Blumenthal pointed out several dubious safety claims made by the companies, including the claim by Dreamland Baby that their products “exceed all CPSC standards” and a similar claim by Nested Bean that “all Zen Sleep products have undergone extensive tests to meet both mandatory and voluntary safety standards.” Blumenthal emphasized that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) does not have an existing standard for the use of weighted sleep products for infants and stressed that “the lack of comprehensive research and testing into the safety of weighted sleep products for infants is troubling.” Blumenthal further highlighted the alarming lack of thorough research into these products, including comments by Nested Bean founder and president who stated they were hopeful that the AAP would change its oppo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-senate-republicans-blocking-national-security-funding-package | Blumenthal Statement on Senate Republicans Blocking National Security Funding Package | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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) released the following statement after the Senate failed to move ahead with a supplemental funding package for national security priorities, including the war in Ukraine: “Champagne corks are popping in the Kremlin’s halls – celebrating this setback for Ukraine’s democracy and ours. I am still hopeful that my colleagues will come together to provide Ukraine with the tools it needs to turn back Russia’s savage assault. If this vote stands and our support falters, Ukraine may well fall and our own national security could be severely endangered. Let’s show Putin that our democracy still works. Not just Russia, but all of our adversaries and allies, indeed the whole world, is watching.” -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-the-coast-guards-accountability-and-transparency-review | Blumenthal Statement on the Coast Guard's Accountability & Transparency Review | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Accountability and Transparency Review (ATR) report: “I support any and all efforts to change the longstanding culture that tolerates and allows sexual harassment, assault, and abuse to persist with impunity at the Coast Guard Academy – including the recommendations in this report. But the Coast Guard’s “Accountability” task force did not, in fact, recommend any steps to hold accountable past perpetrators or generations of Coast Guard leaders who oversaw and enabled a culture of misconduct and cover-up. This is unacceptable. Perpetrators must know that their actions will be punished, and survivors must know that their accounts will be taken seriously, their safety protected, and that justice will be pursued on their behalf.” In September, the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) opened a bipartisan inquiry into the Coast Guard Academy’s mishandling of sexual assault investigations and its failure to disclose the results of its sexual assault investigation to Congress or the public. The full text of the PSI’s initial letter to the Coast Guard is available here. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/videoblumenthal-seeks-passage-of-ethans-law | ***Video***Blumenthal Seeks Passage of Ethan's Law | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sought to pass Ethan’s Law, legislation requiring gun owners to safely and securely store their firearms. U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) objected to the unanimous consent request. Loaded and unlocked guns kill or injure eight children or teens every day. Ethan’s Law would create federal requirements for safe gun storage and establish strong penalties for any violations. The legislation is named in honor of Ethan Song, a teenager from Guilford, Connecticut who was tragically killed in 2018 by an unsecured gun in a neighbor’s home. “Ninety percent of the guns used in unintentional shooting deaths by children were left unlocked and loaded. The numbers are outrageous and depressing. But we can do something and we should do something, and that is why I am here today to urge that we pass a bill that ought to be common ground, bipartisan common ground and show that, in fact, democracy can work, we can pass measures that save lives, that should be bipartisan. There ought to be no Republican v. Democratic debate on this floor or anywhere else,” Blumenthal said on the Senate Floor. “It ought to be a matter of common sense and common agreement across the aisle.” Video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here. The full transcript is copied below: You know, as I listened to the objection of my colleague from Utah, I am really struck by the absurdity and exaggeration involved in opposition to these commonsense measures that would simply save lives. The idea that we haven't debated background checks? What could be more untethered to reality? We have debated background checks for as long as I have been in the United States Senate and before then when I was Attorney General seeking to champion universal background checks. We have debated them in the Judiciary Committee ad nauseam. And we have shown through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that we can break the hold of the gun lobby that is the source of those absurd and ridiculous argu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-failed-vote-to-pass-national-security-supplemental | Murphy Statement on Failed Vote to Pass National Security Supplemental | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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 Wednesday released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked passage of the national security supplemental, which included aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, funding for border security, and support for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program: “Republicans are playing a dangerous game with the fate of the free world. It's so reckless that they have decided to tie the future of Ukraine and U.S. support for Israel to their hardline demands to shut down the border. The stakes could not be higher, and so I am willing to continue working to find an actual compromise. But it’s time for Republicans to stop playing politics, ditch their unserious proposals, and come to the table with reasonable expectations.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-new-coast-guard-accountability-and-transparency-review-report | Murphy Statement on New Coast Guard Accountability and Transparency Review Report | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | 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.), Chairman of the U.S. Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Wednesday released the following statement on release of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Accountability and Transparency Review (ATR) report: “Released one week after we learned the Coast Guard spent eight years covering up additional evidence of harassment, discrimination, and assault within the organization, this new report still does not hold anyone accountable for past failures—particularly those at the Coast Guard Academy. It does lay out a modest plan to improve oversight, training, and support for survivors, but a report is nothing more than paper until concrete steps are taken. I look forward to receiving detailed updates from leadership on implementation of these recommendations and their continued commitment to reforming the organization’s culture of cover-up.” Murphy has a long pushed the U.S. Coast Guard to deal with harassment and bullying at the Coast Guard Academy. Last week, Murphy released a statement on statement on reporting about the Coast Guard’s 2015 “Culture of Respect” study, which details a culture of racism, hazing, discrimination, and sexual assault across the agency and was kept from the public. Earlier this year, Murphy released a statement on the report detailing decades of sexual misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy. In 2019, he criticized the Coast Guard for covering up allegations of harassment and for failing to appear before the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security and Oversight Committees investigating the allegations. That same year, following an OIG Whistleblower Retaliation Investigation and other reports of bullying, harassment and retaliation at the United States Coast Guard Academy, Murphy wrote a letter to the Coast Guard Commandant demanding reforms to the Academy’s climate of bullying, harassment and retaliation. In 2018, Murphy along with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02) wrote to Admiral Schultz seeking i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-support-from-major-labor-unions-and-players-associations-murphy-sanders-warren-reintroduce-legislation-to-strengthen-college-athletes-collective-bargaining-rights | With Support From Major Labor Unions And Players Associations, Murphy, Sanders, Warren Reintroduce Legislation To Strengthen College Athletes' Collective Bargaining Rights | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on Wednesday reintroduced the College Athlete Right to Organize Act (CARO), legislation that affirms college athletes are employees under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) who are entitled to the right to organize and collectively bargain for fair compensation and better working conditions. CARO would ensure athletes have full freedom to organize at their individual colleges, either by sport or across sports, or organize across colleges to negotiate collective bargaining agreements within their athletic conferences. U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.-16) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “All the breathless attention on this weekend’s College Football Playoff selection is a reminder that college sports are anything but amateur. There is no college sports industry and its $16 billion in annual revenues without the athletes' labor. It’s past time they get a seat at the negotiating table. Instead of fighting athletes' rights in courts and spending millions on lobbying Congress, the NCAA and its members should start negotiating directly with players on revenue-sharing, health and safety protections, and more. This legislation would make it easier for the athletes to realize their power, form unions, and start to collectively bargain,” said Murphy. “We cannot wait for the NCAA to share its billions with the workers who create it,” said Sanders. “And those workers are college athletes. The College Athlete Right to Organize Act is a step in the right direction to giving these workers the rights and protections that they deserve.” “College athletes put their lives and well-being on the line to make their schools and the NCAA billions of dollars each year – of course they should be able to unionize and make sure th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-highlights-east-hartfords-skyre-as-innovator-of-the-month | Murphy Highlights East Hartford's SKYRE as "Innovator of the Month" | 2023-12-04 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that SKYRE, based in East Hartford, was named “Innovator of the Month.” SKYRE uses patented electrochemical technology to build innovative, efficient clean energy products, working to decarbonize the energy system through hydrogen recycling, green hydrogen production, and carbon utilization. “We need big, bold ideas to tackle the climate crisis, and the team at SKYRE is doing just that. It’s incredible to see how Connecticut’s talented workforce and experience at the forefront of innovation in this industry have helped SKYRE grow and thrive. I’m proud to recognize their work and look forward to seeing all that they accomplish,” said Murphy. “Decarbonization initiatives are central to the majority of corporate and economic growth strategies. SKYRE's sole mission is to advance decarbonization through electrolysis to reliably produce ultra low-cost green hydrogen and fuels and chemicals. SKYRE's products function at the intersection of clean hydrogen and carbon reduction, helping customers address vital industrial productivity and energy challenges. The foundational technology for hydrogen and fuel cells, originated and refined in Connecticut, was initially developed for manned space flight and nuclear submarines. This rich history has allowed SKYRE to tap into a highly skilled workforce. We're grateful to have access to Connecticut's flagship university, UConn. Its second to none in experiential learning approach, enables us to hire graduates who can seamlessly integrate into our business. And we partner with the outstanding UCONN faculty members whose ideas have advanced our products – thus introducing new capabilities and improving overall performance. Connecticut's ready access to capital markets – including various investor networks, institutional funds, and Connecticut Innovations – has provided us with visibility that wouldn't be possible in other states. This remarkable ecosystem has played a crucial role in our successful growth and innovation journey… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-statement-aukus-ministerial-announcement | Rep. Courtney Statement on AUKUS Ministerial Announcement | 2023-12-01 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement following a joint statement from Lloyd J. Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense, the Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, Australia, and the Right Honourable Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom, on action steps on the trilateral AUKUS security mission. “Today’s meeting between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps, demonstrates the clear progress our three nations have made in executing the AUKUS “Optimal Pathway” announced in March of this year and reaffirms the leaders’ ironclad commitment to ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. “The announcement is tangible evidence that the trilateral mission is moving forward to recapitalize Australia’s submarine fleet with conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines at the earliest date possible while upholding the highest standards of stewardship and transparency through continued and constant communication with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The announcement also provides a clear framework for future Australian submariners to continue their important education at Nuclear Power School as well as U.S. Submarine School at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT, deepening the relationship between Connecticut and Australia. “The leaders were also right to acknowledge the importance of the AUKUS enabling legislation that is before the U.S. Congress ‘to ensure the success’ of the mission. I will continue to press my colleagues to pass enabling legislation as part of the FY24 annual defense bill. “The leaders’ commitment to safely leveraging the expertise and resources of each ally in the AUKUS security agreement will also ensure we have the advanced technologies to strengthen our military capabilities and streamline our ability to secure stability and prosperity in the region without prohibitive… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-murphy-applaud-senate-judiciary-committee-approval-of-district-court-nominee-sarah-russell | Blumenthal & Murphy Applaud Senate Judiciary Committee Approval of District Court Nominee Sarah Russell | 2023-12-01 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee’s approval of Sarah Russell to fill a vacancy on the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. The Judiciary Committee approved Russell’s nomination yesterday by a vote of 11-10. Russell’s nomination will now advance to the full Senate. “I’m delighted that the Judiciary Committee has moved Sarah Russell’s nomination to the Senate floor, where she should be confirmed promptly,” said Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Sarah Russell has been a relentless champion of justice—making legal rights real for countless people needing an advocate, and giving voice to the voiceless and most vulnerable. In both the courtroom and classroom, she has led by example. Throughout her stellar career—as a teacher, public defender, and clinic head—upholding the rule of law has been her life’s work. She has earned esteem from opposing litigants as well as allies, including prosecutors, judges and defense attorneys.” “I’m glad to see Sarah Russell’s nomination to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut approved by the committee. Her legal expertise, commitment to justice, and experience as a litigator make her extremely qualified for this role, and I look forward to voting for her confirmation,” said Murphy. Blumenthal introduced Russell before her hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee in November. Video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here. Sarah Russell has served as a Professor at the Quinnipiac University School of Law since 2011 and as Director of the school’s Legal Clinic since 2019. Prior to her time at Quinnipiac, Russell was a Lecturer at Yale Law School and the Director of the Arthur Liman Public Interest Program. Russell also served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender from 2005 to 2007 and as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Chester J. Straub of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Honorable Michael B. Mu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-op-ed-the-voices-behind-the-kids-online-safety-act-deb-schmill-from-massachusetts | ICYMI OP-ED: The Voices Behind the Kids Online Safety Act: Deb Schmill from Massachusetts | 2023-12-01 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), is strongly supported by a broad coalition of parents who have tragically lost their children or whose kids have been severely harmed by Big Tech, young people who want to regain control over their online lives, and experts and advocates who study and see the negative effects of social media firsthand in their communities. The “Voices Behind the Kids Online Safety Act” series will amplify their stories as they call on Congress to pass the legislation to help protect themselves online and to hold Big Tech accountable. The bill has the support of nearly half of the U.S. Senate. Deb Schmill Read Deb Schmill’s full op-ed for the CommonWealth Beacon HERE and below “My daughter Becca’s official cause of death is listed as an accidental drug overdose due to fentanyl poisoning. But what led her down this path, and ultimately helped end her life, was social media,” wrote Schmill. “Sadly, my family is not alone. Far too many other families have suffered similar losses because of the harms of Big Tech, which has been running a national experiment on our kids for far too long.” “For years, these tech companies, including Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Google (YouTube), TikTok, and others have refused to answer to the government or parents like me who must bury their children because of the dangerous and toxic effects of social media. We are finally at a point in which Big Tech may have to answer for its greedy and misguided actions,” Schmill continued. “Each day this legislation is not passed is another opportunity for a cyberbully to push a vulnerable child to suicide, for a child’s attempt at an online prank to turn fatal, and for a teen who is feeling stressed to go online and purchase a counterfeit pill containing fentanyl.” “Big Tech has hardly ever given us reason to believe it will hold itself accountable. For years they’ve been making business and design decisions that put profit o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-statement-heartbreaking-infuriating-death-aviv-atzili | Rep. Courtney Statement on the ‘Heartbreaking, Infuriating’ Death of Aviv Atzili | 2023-11-30 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | November 30, 2023 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after Kibbutz Nir Oz announced that Aviv Atzili, husband of Liat Beinin, was killed in the October 7 attack on Israel. “Today’s news that Liat Beinin’s husband, Aviv Atzili, was killed by Hamas attackers at the Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 is heartbreaking and infuriating. The willful inability of Hamas to account for its despicable assault left Aviv’s family totally in the dark about his whereabouts over the last seven weeks. The relief Liat and her family in Israel and Connecticut experienced upon her release is now buried in grief. As Liat’s father powerfully stated, ‘Revenge, anger – certainly not religious fanaticism—are not parts of a viable agenda to end this nonsense in the Middle East. This can’t go on like this.’.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-how-can-the-richest-country-in-the-world-justify-leaving-working-families-unable-to-afford-child-care | Murphy: How Can the Richest Country in the World Justify Leaving Working Families Unable to Afford Child Care | 2023-11-30 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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, on Wednesday spoke on the U.S. Senate floor about the urgent need for Congress to take action to address the worsening child care crisis. “When you are living on a more modest salary, not a poverty wage, but just a modest, lower- to middle-income salary, your entire world could fall apart if you lose access to a quality child care environment. People have to quit their jobs. They have to move back in with their parents. They have to move their entire family to a different city or a different state. Your entire life gets upended when you can't find care for your child. Because you will upend your entire life for your child. Nothing matters more than making sure that your child is safe,” said Murphy. “And so, what we are forcing our families to do, simply because we don't choose to do the right thing and provide funding to make sure that there are affordable, quality child care centers available, is sending our families into unnecessary crisis all over this country.” Murphy laid out just how dire affording child care can be for a family in Connecticut making $42,000: “Let's say a family makes $42,000, doesn't qualify for our subsidy, is spending $22,000 a year on rent, is spending $15,000 a year on childcare, that's $37,000 a year. They make $42,000. $5,000 left. [$100] a week for everything else. For food, for your cell phone, for your clothes for your kid. If you're making above the rate of subsidy in Connecticut, just the cost of child care and rent, will leave you with just [$100] a week to survive. In the richest, most affluent country in the world, how can we justify leaving families who are doing the right thing, who are working in that position?” Murphy concluded: “That's why I'm so glad to be here on the floor with my colleagues pleading with our Republican friends to do the right thing and support the President's proposed plan to support child care, affordable, quality child care … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-latest-damning-coast-guard-report | Murphy Statement on Latest Damning Coast Guard Report | 2023-11-30 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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.), Chairman of the U.S. Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Thursday released the following statement on reporting about the Coast Guard’s 2015 “Culture of Respect” study, which details a culture of racism, hazing, discrimination, and sexual assault across the agency and was kept from the public. “I am in disbelief that we are once again having a conversation about Coast Guard leadership covering up evidence of pervasive harassment, discrimination, racism, sexism, and assault within its organization. How many more of these damning reports have been kept from Congress? This culture to avoidance and cover-up needs to end.” Murphy has a long pushed the U.S. Coast Guard to deal with harassment and bullying at the Coast Guard Academy. Earlier this year, Murphy released a statement on the report detailing decades of sexual misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy. In 2019, he criticized the Coast Guard for covering up allegations of harassment and for failing to appear before the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security and Oversight Committees investigating the allegations. That same year, following an OIG Whistleblower Retaliation Investigation and other reports of bullying, harassment and retaliation at the United States Coast Guard Academy, Murphy wrote a letter to the Coast Guard Commandant demanding reforms to the Academy’s climate of bullying, harassment and retaliation. In 2018, Murphy along with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-02) wrote to Admiral Schultz seeking information on racial disparities at the Coast Guard Academy. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/release-american-eastern-connecticut-ties-held-hostage-hamas-brings | Release of American with Eastern Connecticut Ties Held Hostage by Hamas Brings Relief | 2023-11-29 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | November 29, 2023 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the second American citizen, Liat Beinin, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, has been released after being kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the attack on October 7. Liat’s family lives in Waterford and are active members of eastern Connecticut’s Jewish community. “My Beinin family from Israel spent five days in eastern Connecticut with us this August. We grew very close to them as they walked with us in Harkness Park, dined with us, and shared birthdays with us over lobster in Noank. As soon as we heard of their capture we reached out to our Congressman, Joe Courtney and he did everything possible to keep Liat and Aviv’s capture high on the agenda of the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. We cannot thank him and his staff enough for their dedication and diligence in the efforts to free the hostages,” said Jerry Fischer of Waterford and the former executive director of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut. “After several weeks in captivity, it is a relief to see Liat Beinin back in safe hands. I applaud President Biden and his Administration for their steadfast commitment to brokering the deal that made Liat’s release possible. While this is surely joyous news to her loved ones in eastern Connecticut, who my office connected with the US State Department, we will continue assisting the family with locating and returning her husband Aviv Atzili who was also kidnapped,” said Rep. Joe Courtney. “I am wishing Liat and her family comfort as they reunite and join them in praying for Aviv’s safety.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-op-ed-the-voices-behind-the-kids-online-safety-act-zamaan-qureshi | ICYMI OP-ED: The Voices Behind the Kids Online Safety Act: Zamaan Qureshi | 2023-11-29 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), is strongly supported by a broad coalition of parents who have tragically lost their children or whose kids have been severely harmed by Big Tech, young people who want to regain control over their online lives, and experts and advocates who study and see the negative effects of social media firsthand in their communities. The “Voices Behind the Kids Online Safety Act” series will amplify their stories as they call on Congress to pass the legislation to help protect themselves online and to hold Big Tech accountable. The bill has the support of nearly half of the U.S. Senate. Zamaan Qureshi Read Zamaan’s full op-ed for The Messenger HERE and below “As a young person who’s used Instagram and Facebook for over 10 years, I can say that unwanted sexual advances on these platforms are far from anomalies,” wrote Zamaan in his op-ed. “When I was around 14 years old, I got a follow request and then a DM from someone who I thought was a real person. It was from an Instagram account that appeared to be legitimate — we had mutual followers, and they claimed to attend a school near me. Yet, it eventually became clear they didn’t talk the way my friends and I did,” Zamaan continued. “I collected screenshots, reported the account (and several duplicates that I had discovered), asked my friends to do the same, and waited. Days later, I got an update: My request to suspend the accounts was denied. According to Instagram, the multiple fake accounts and their suspicious behavior had ‘not violated Instagram's terms of service.’ In my case, Meta looked the other way, and this person — whoever it was — was given free rein to keep contacting and preying on kids like me.” “The bottom line is that I and many other younger users have lost faith that Meta will make necessary changes to protect us — unless lawmakers hold them accountable. Thankfully, despite historic levels of political polarization a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-video-at-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-on-the-gun-violence-epidemic-blumenthal-and-yale-school-of-public-health-dean-discuss-safe-storage-laws | ICYMI Video: At Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on the Gun Violence Epidemic, Blumenthal & Yale School of Public Health Dean Discuss Safe Storage Laws | 2023-11-29 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee titled, “The Gun Violence Epidemic: A Public Health Crisis,” U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) spoke with Dr. Megan Ranney, Dean of the Yale School of Public Health in New Haven, Connecticut, about the impact of safe storage laws on reducing gun deaths. “I was very moved by your description and your testimony of the suicide victim that you tried to save – one of your first cases involving suicide by the use of firearms. There are loaded and unlocked guns in the homes of 4.6 million American children, like the son of that law enforcement officer you described,” Blumenthal said. “Could you speak to how secured storage helps reduce suicides or other supposedly accidental shootings?” “Obviously, youth can’t legally purchase firearms, so they find a parent's firearm, which many of us think is stored safely, but when you actually ask kids, they all know where their parent has stored their firearm, the same way that our kids all know where all of their birthday presents are stored,” responded Dr. Ranney. “And, studies have shown they actually can access it quite quickly. States that have put safe storage laws in place see a 20 to 25 percent decrease in child firearm fatalities.” In January 2023, Blumenthal, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced Ethan’s Law, legislation requiring gun owners to safely and securely store their firearms. The bill is named in honor of Ethan Song, a teenager from Guilford, Connecticut who was tragically killed in 2018 by an unsecured gun in a neighbor’s home. Ethan’s Law would create federal requirements for safe gun storage and establish strong penalties for any violations. Blumenthal and Dr. Ranney also discussed the benefits of violence intervention programs, like the Yale New Haven Hospital's Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program. Speaking about a similar program based in Chicago, Dr. Ranney observed, “rigorous research has shown that the program correlates… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-himes-announce-47m-grant-from-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-for-new-battery-manufacturing-facility-in-bridgeport | Murphy, Blumenthal, Himes Announce $47m Grant from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for New Battery Manufacturing Facility in Bridgeport | 2023-11-28 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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.), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04) announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected a project in Bridgeport to receive $47,528,246 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate clean energy manufacturing in Connecticut. The grant will help fund the construction of Nanoramic Laboratories’ new facility in Bridgeport, Connecticut to manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery electrodes for grid storage. This project is one of the seven selected by DOE for this award. “This award is yet another example of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law making transformational investments in Connecticut. A new battery manufacturing facility in Bridgeport is going to create hundreds of good-paying jobs, bring a major economic boost to the community, and help us reach our climate goals. I’ll continue pushing for federal funding that will help ensure our state stays at the forefront of the clean energy economy,” said Murphy. “The magnitude of this $47.5 million federal investment is truly breathtaking in importance and impact. It means significant progress in clean energy, manufacturing growth, good jobs, national security and much more. Nanoramic Labs will become a national center for lithium-ion battery development and production— immensely important to our nation’s future. I’m thrilled by President Biden’s continued commitment to Connecticut innovation and American clean energy,” said Blumenthal. “I’m extremely pleased to help deliver $47 million in federal funding to an innovative and future-oriented company in Bridgeport. Connecticut has long been a leader in clean energy technology, and this manufacturing facility will further that mission while bringing jobs and opportunity to a formerly industrial community in Southwest Connecticut,” said Himes. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-on-state-of-the-union-this-is-a-president-showing-the-american-people-what-real-leadership-looks-like | Murphy on State of the Union: This is a President Showing the American People What Real Leadership Looks Like | 2023-11-27 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, on Sunday joined CNN’s State of the Union to discuss the Israel-Hamas hostage agreement and the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. Murphy highlighted President Biden’s role in securing the release of at least 50 Israeli hostages: “Let's give credit where credit is due. President Biden and his team worked 24/7 with partners in the region to make sure that this release was possible and to set a framework through which we can see more hostages released. This is a president who is right now showing the American people what real leadership looks like. Hopefully, Hamas will accept the conditions that have been laid down that will allow for more hostages to be released. But if they don't, ultimately Hamas is going to be defeated. That's in Israel's interest. But it's also in the interest of the United States. We do not want terrorist organizations believing they can get away with the kind of murder that Hamas did on October 7.” On his call for Israel to do more to minimize civilian harm, Murphy said: “I do believe that the level of civilian harm inside Gaza has been unacceptable and is unsustainable. I think there's both a moral cost to this many civilians, innocent civilians, children often losing their lives, but I think there's a strategic cost. Ultimately, Hamas will get stronger, not weaker in the long run, if all of this civilian death allows them to recruit more effectively and ably inside Gaza.” On a two-state future, Murphy said: “My hope is that when [Israelis] do go to the polls that they choose leadership that is going to make good on the only future that guarantees the survival of a Jewish state in the Middle East, and that is a Palestinian state. Benjamin Netanyahu believed that you could ignore the Palestinians, that you could try to squash their desires for a state, and ultimately that would bring peace to the region of Israel. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-hostage-release-and-humanitarian-pause-gaza | DeLauro Statement on Hostage Release and Humanitarian Pause in Gaza | 2023-11-22 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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 a statement: “I am relieved that dozens of hostages will be released and returning to their homes. I also welcome a humanitarian pause in Gaza to allow humanitarian partners to distribute urgently needed supplies – like water, food, medicine, and shelter – into the region so innocent civilians caught in the middle of the conflict get the aid they need to weather this crisis. In the coming weeks, I will continue to push for the safe release of all hostages held by Hamas and will work to get vital humanitarian assistance into Gaza as soon as possible. “I believe that we must create the conditions for lasting peace and a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinian people. That means we must end Hamas’s ongoing terror in the region. Everyone will be hurt if Hamas remains in control of Gaza. However, this war is against Hamas. The Palestinian people are not Hamas, and they have lost communities, neighborhoods, and loved ones because of this conflict and Hamas’s atrocities. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1ABA56CD-155D-40A9-860D-CF649963DD26 | Hayes Statement on Deal to Pause Fighting and Release Hostages in Gaza | 2023-11-22 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WATERBURY – Today, following the news of a four-day temporary cease-fire in Gaza and the release of 50 hostages, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) issued the following statement: "The humanitarian pause in Gaza announced yesterday is an important step in the right direction. This four-day pause will allow for the safe return of 50 civilian women and children and for a large number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid, including fuel designated for Gaza, to pass into the region. I thank the Biden Administration for their work in helping to facilitate this agreement and urge continued vigorous efforts to find a peaceful solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people, the release of the remaining hostages, and the defeat of Hamas.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B6901E86-7408-4DC0-8CA3-77C038C2795A | Himes Statement on Release of Hostages and Humanitarian Pause | 2023-11-22 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | House | CT | James A. Himes | H001047 | himes.house.gov | himes | https://himes.house.gov/press-releases | page_html | Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) issued the following statement regarding the release of 50 hostages being held by Hamas and the humanitarian pause in Gaza: “I am deeply relieved by the news of a deal to free these hostages, and the accompanying pause of violence in the region. The civilian loss since the horrific attack on October 7th has been devastating. I am hopeful that this agreement represents a meaningful first step towards an improved humanitarian situation in Gaza even as Israel defends itself from a continued threat of Hamas terrorism.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-israel-hamas-hostage-agreement | Murphy Statement on Israel-Hamas Hostage Agreement | 2023-11-22 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, released the following statement: “This agreement represents a huge diplomatic breakthrough and is a testament to President Biden’s leadership and strong relationships in the region. Since Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on October 7, hundreds of families have lived through the unimaginable nightmare of not knowing where their loved ones are or whether they will ever be returned. This deal will reunite dozens of families and lay the groundwork to bring more hostages home. We must urgently work to ensure everyone single one is released. Meanwhile, innocent Palestinians are struggling to survive the growing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. A four-day pause in the fighting will enable significantly increased amounts of desperately needed humanitarian aid to reach people in need. I am hopeful this agreement will serve as a foundation for a path forward to end this conflict and ensures the long term safety and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/fight-against-junk-fees-the-senate-permanent-subcommittee-on-investigations-probes-airlines-on-sky-high-ticket-and-fee-costs | Fight Against Junk Fees: The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Probes Airlines on Sky-High Ticket and Fee Costs | 2023-11-20 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, DC] – Ahead of the holiday travel season, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chair of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), announced a new inquiry into five major U.S. airlines, demanding justification for hidden, costly, and confusing junk fees, which cost Americans billions of dollars every year. “U.S. airlines increasingly charge ancillary fees that obscure the actual cost of air travel… These itemized fees are often not disclosed to customers until well into the ticket purchasing process or after a ticket has been purchased, making it difficult for customers to know the true, total cost of a ticket and comparison shop prior to purchase,” wrote Blumenthal in his letters to American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. “[A]irlines charge many of these fees for unavoidable aspects of flying, often for services that were once included in the price of a ticket, such as carrying-on a small bag or sitting next to a minor child. Further, it is not always clear how airlines justify certain fees—such as fees imposed on a reservation change made well in advance of the flight,” Blumenthal continued, stressing that airlines report that these ancillary fees represent a growing and significant portion of their revenue. Blumenthal requested the companies provide documents and information related to how their fees are affecting consumers, including the reason for the fees, how they are determined, and when they are disclosed to a consumer. Blumenthal has long been fighting to protect consumers from junk fees. In March, Blumenthal introduced the Junk Fee Prevention Act — new legislation to eliminate excessive fees and bring transparency to the marketplace as hidden fees cost Americans billions of dollars annually. This PSI action is part of the Subcommittee’s inquiries examining excessive fees imposed on consumers across industries, including airlines. The letter to American Airlines is available here and below. Similar letters were… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-applauds-congressional-action-ensuring-continued-funding | Rep. Courtney Applauds Congressional Action Ensuring Continued Funding for Submarine Industrial Base, Columbia-class Submarine Program | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after the House and Senate passed a Continuing Resolution which ensures continued production of the Columbia-class submarine program and submarine industrial base. “Last night, with the Senate’s 87-11 vote, Congress sent a Continuing Resolution to the President’s desk to avert a government shutdown and ensure critical programs and services remain online, including submarine construction and the submarine industrial base. “The measure includes continuous support for the Columbia-class submarine program by extending funds for construction of the USS Wisconsin, while also providing an additional $3.3 billion for the Navy to procure materials with extended delivery times—or long-lead materials—to prepare for construction of future Columbia-class boats. Importantly, the measure also sustains critical investments in the submarine industrial base to ensure shipyards can continue recruiting and training workers, modernizing their facilities, and sizing up production across the supply chain. “In eastern Connecticut, this means that Electric Boat’s talented workforce and aggressive hiring goals will not skip a beat in carrying out their crucial mission to deliver for the Navy’s future fleet of submarines.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/incymi-new-polling-shows-overwhelming-public-support-for-the-kids-online-safety-act | ICYMI: New Polling Shows Overwhelming Public Support for the Kids Online Safety Act | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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, a new poll shows that the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act has overwhelming support from the American public. The poll, released today by Issue One’s Council for Responsible Social Media and Fairplay, found that 86 percent of U.S. voters support the legislation. Support for the bill crosses partisan lines, with 84 percent of Republicans, 92 percent of Democrats, and 81 percent of independents in favor of it. Only 8 percent of poll respondents expressed opposition to KOSA. The poll found the public has serious concerns about Big Tech’s harms to kids. Eighty-seven percent of respondents said they believe it is important for the president and Congress to take action to combat social media platforms’ harms. Nearly all voters (94 percent) agreed that mental health challenges facing young people today are a serious problem, and 73 percent blame social media, saying the platforms have had a negative impact on youth mental health over the past two decades. More information about the newly released poll can be found here. U.S. Senators Blumenthal (D-CT) and Blackburn (R-TN) are the lead sponsors of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, which would provide kids and parents with better tools to protect themselves online, hold Big Tech accountable for harms to kids, and provide transparency into black box algorithms. The bill has the support of nearly half of the U.S. Senate. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-marks-two-year-anniversary-federal-infrastructure-law | Rep. Courtney Marks Two Year Anniversary of Federal Infrastructure Law | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Joe Courtney marked the second anniversary since President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law and highlighted projects across the region made possible by the new law. “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is allowing towns in every corner of eastern Connecticut to make critical projects a reality that have been on the “to-do” list for years. From fixing roads and bridges, to upgrading airports, expanding broadband, creating new housing, and much more, the Infrastructure Law is making eastern Connecticut safer and more resilient for decades to come – all while creating thousands of good paying jobs. As our region attracts more businesses and a record number of new employees, the infrastructure law is also pivotal in ensuring we can expand infrastructure to meet growing demand,” said Rep. Joe Courtney. Since enactment, the federal government has announced $4 billion in funding from the federal infrastructure law for 114 specific projects across the state of Connecticut. Thanks to Rep. Courtney’s ongoing advocacy and urging, $3.7 billion of federal funding will support projects across the Second Congressional District. For example: Transforming transit infrastructure in downtown New London Expanding access to broadband Preserving the Long Island Sound Improving regional airports Repairing the Gold Star Bridge Replacing the CT River Bridge Removing lead pipes from water infrastructure Repairing Forge Hill Road Bridge Transforming abandoned land into residential and commercial space Expanding EV charging networks ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/01/29/2024/blumenthal-statement-on-passage-of-a-continuing-resolution-to-keep-the-government-open | Blumenthal Statement on Passage of a Continuing Resolution to Keep the Government Open | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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) released the following statement today after the Senate voted to approve a Continuing Resolution to fund the government through early next year: “This continuing resolution accomplishes the bare minimum – it keeps the government open and funded – but it was passed with clear bipartisan majorities and without egregious partisan brinksmanship. I am hopeful that we can move ahead with a full spending bill – including robust funding for both Israel and Ukraine – in the same spirit of cooperation.” -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/bipartisan-senators-demand-documents-from-mark-zuckerberg-after-newly-unsealed-court-filing-alleges-meta-hid-evidence-of-harms-to-kids-from-congress-and-public-supporting-whistleblower-testimony | Bipartisan Senators Demand Documents from Mark Zuckerberg After Newly Unsealed Court Filing Alleges Meta Hid Evidence of Harms to Kids from Congress & Public, Supporting Whistleblower Testimony | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – A bipartisan group of Senators demanded Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg provide documents related to senior executives’ knowledge of the mental and physical health harms associated with its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. The Senators’ letter follows last week’s hearing with a new Facebook whistleblower and after a newly unsealed complaint filed by the Massachusetts Attorney General against Meta alleged Zuckerberg and other Meta executives knew firsthand the serious harms its products were causing to kids, but failed to act to remedy them and deliberately misled the public and Congress. “Meta’s representations to the public and in response to Congressional inquiries concealed and misrepresented its extensive knowledge about the threats to young people on its platforms,” wrote U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law. Last Tuesday, former Facebook executive Arturo Béjar testified before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law about his efforts to inform Zuckerberg and other Meta executives about alarming internal research data on harmful experiences young people have on Instagram. “Rather than act on the stunning findings, Meta hid this information from the public and Congressional oversight while providing misleading statistics, ignoring recommendations to protect teens, and even rolling back safety tools,” continued the Senators. Newly unredacted allegations in the lawsuit filed by the Massachusetts Attorney General corroborate Béjar’s testimony, suggesting the mental health risks of Facebook and Instagram were known widely within the company. “[E]xecutives are alleged to have repeate… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-bipartisan-group-of-senators-introduce-resolution-supporting-us-efforts-to-deter-iran | Blumenthal & Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Resolution Supporting U.S. Efforts to Deter Iran | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) introduced a resolution recognizing deterrence is most credible when the President keeps all options on the table, including the use of military force in accordance with constitutional processes, to deter attacks from Iran and its proxies. “Iran is a toxic, malign influence. The purpose of this resolution is very simply to deter Iran by showing we’re behind the president as he seeks to stop the war in Israel from escalating. Iran is responsible for the actions of its surrogates and must pull them back. There is strong bipartisan common ground here at home and consensus in the region: deterrence it is critical to prevent a widening war,” said Blumenthal. “Our resolution urges the Biden Administration to keep all options on the table, including the military option against Iran, if there is continued escalation against our forces in Syria and Iraq by Iranian proxies or an effort by Hezbollah to expand in the north of Israel, which would also be supported by Iran,” said Graham.“The bipartisan resolution urges peace, but is prepared to hold Iran accountable for terrorist activities and any escalation. If Iran escalates, the set of targets should be in Iran – not Syria or Iraq. In addition, our resolution encourages Saudi Arabia and Israel to continue their effort to normalize relations between their two nations. I, along with most in the region, believe the barbaric attack by Hamas was designed to stop this effort, because it would be a nightmare for Iran.” “There’s no disputing the malign influence of Iran in the Middle East, nor the role the regime has played in recent attacks on Israel,” said Sullivan. “There is no Hamas without Iran. There is no Hezbollah without Iran. There are no Houthis without Iran. All of these terrorist organizati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-americas-greatness-is-connected-to-our-willingness-to-lead-in-moments-of-crisis | Murphy: America's Greatness is Connected to Our Willingness to Lead in Moments of Crisis | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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 Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday spoke on the U.S. Senate floor in opposition to a Senate Republican effort that would abandon Ukraine, eliminate all humanitarian aid to Gaza, and protect billionaire tax cheats by cutting funding for the IRS. On Republicans’ plan to tie aid to Israel to a giveaway for ultra-rich tax cheats: “I don't think you can ignore the fact that a large swath of the Republican Party is using this crisis in Israel in order to deliver yet another gift to the very small slice of Americans who don't need any more gifts. There are 700 billionaires in this country who have more net worth than 50% of all Americans. The rules are already rigged in favor of the super wealthy. And so the idea that we would facilitate a plan in the House of Representatives to use Israel aid as a means to continue to rig the rules in favor of those ultra-rich Americans is just incredibly distasteful. And it's a signal about where the Republican Party priorities are today.” Murphy pushed back on Republicans’ fatalistic view of the war in Ukraine and the United States’ ability to help: “America's greatness is connected to our willingness to stand up and lead in moments of crisis. And this is a unique moment of crisis without precedent, which is why it requires the United States to stand against Russia's aggression. Listen, for thousands of years, we know this because you read about it in your history books growing up, for thousands of years prior to the establishment of the post-World-War II order, this world was defined by state-on-state, civilization-on-civilization violence and conflict. People labored under the constant threat that their entire world would be ended by another one of these civilization-on-civilization conflicts.” “We live in a very different era today, where we frankly have to be more, not less worried, not permissive and fatalistic about the consequences of re-entering a world and a paradigm in which states enter into… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/extreme-gop-spending-cuts-would-kick-1900-connecticut-teachers-out | Extreme GOP Spending Cuts Would Kick 1,900 Connecticut Teachers Out of Classroom | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Republicans brought an extreme partisan funding bill to the House floor that decimates K-12 education and does not meaningfully prevent a government shutdown before the November 17 deadline. The 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill (H.R. 5894), cuts funding by 80 percent for Title I education funding—which will butcher the public-school budgets of 95 percent of K-12 schools in eastern Connecticut. Congressman Courtney released a new report that demonstrates the devastating consequences of the cuts for almost all 69 school districts in Connecticut’s Second Congressional District. “House Republicans’ education funding bill is exactly the opposite of what our region needs to give students a chance to succeed in life. An 80 percent cut to funding means slashing staff, increasing class sizes, and decreasing resources to almost every K-12 student in eastern Connecticut. In fact, this measure would lead to 1,900 Connecticut teachers losing their job,” said Rep. Joe Courtney, a senior member of the House Education and Workforce Committee. “This bill sends a clear message that Speaker Johnson is unwilling to prevent a government shutdown and put forth a serious budget that can actually pass. Bipartisanship is the only proven method to govern in a closely divided Congress—not partisan spending bills like the one before us today.” Read how the proposed cuts will hurt school districts across the region here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-votes-avert-government-shutdown | Rep. Courtney Votes to Avert Government Shutdown | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | House | CT | Joe Courtney | C001069 | courtney.house.gov | courtney | https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after voting for a short-term spending package that allows the federal government to remain open. “Today, I joined a collation of Democrats and Republicans to avert a government shutdown and ensure the services eastern Connecticut residents rely on remain uninterrupted. In eastern Connecticut, the short-term spending bill will also ensure that federal employees, including roughly 9,000 sailors and officers at the Groton submarine base, will not have their pay disrupted, as well the Coast Guard Academy staff in New London. Their important work will continue uninterrupted. “Importantly, this package continues support for the Columbia-class submarine program by extending funds for construction of the USS Wisconsin and providing an additional $3.3 billion for the Navy to procure long-lead materials, while sustaining critical investments in the submarine industrial base. This is a critical exception for the Navy’s number one acquisition priority that will ensure construction remains on schedule as our shipyards and suppliers dramatically ramp up capacity. “To pass a full fiscal year budget and ensure we meet the needs of Americans and our allies, the House leadership must return to the established center-left, center-right coalition that prevented a default on the full faith and credit of the US Treasury notes in May and prevented a shutdown on September 30. As I have said before, this bipartisan path is the only proven way to govern in a closely divided Congress.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C219B333-444A-4DA6-97F6-239A3D02C135 | Hayes Statement Following Vote on Continuing Resolution to Fund the Government Through Early 2024 | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON– Today, following the House vote to pass the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) issued the following statement: “Today, I voted to pass the Continuing Resolution to avert a government shutdown. The laddered continuing resolution will fund Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Energy and Water Development, Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration until January 19th, 2024. The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, Defense, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Legislative Branch, State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs will be funded until February 2nd, 2024. Additionally, this proposal will extend the Farm Bill through September 30th, 2024, at current spending levels. 209 Democrats and 127 Republicans voted in support of this funding bill. Once again House Democrats came together to ensure our government does not shut down. However, despite pushing the deadlines into early next year, the threat of a shutdown continues to loom and the confidence and stability of our nation remains at stake. The Republican majority cannot continue to legislate in this way with the threat of a shutdown or funding cliff every few months. I remain committed to working to pass appropriations bills focused on fully funding the government, investing in working families, and keeping our nation safe.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-tillis-sinema-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-startups-small-businesses | Murphy, Tillis, Sinema Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Startups, Small Businesses | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) on Tuesday reintroduced the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act, legislation that would ensure that individuals who want to invest in startups do not face burdensome regulations, and allow those startups to get the investments they need to grow their business and create jobs. In order for startups to secure capital and grow their businesses, entrepreneurs commonly attend “demo days”, or conferences that allow startups to showcase their business model in front of valuable startup investors, such as “angel investors.” The HALOS Act would codify provisions finalized in SEC rules to ensure that startups can continue to present at demo days without facing onerous regulations, and instead preserve the same investor vetting process that angel investors have been using at demo days for years. This bipartisan legislation will enable startups to continue to get the investments they need to grow and create new jobs. “Startups play an important role in Connecticut’s economy, creating hundreds of new jobs each year and securing our state’s future as a national center for innovation. Getting a new business off the ground is tough work and requires capital – that’s where angel investors come in. This bipartisan legislation will make it easier for local entrepreneurs to get the support they need to grow and thrive,” said Murphy. “Arizona is home to the best growing and innovative startups. Our bill makes it easier for entrepreneurs and small business owners to access investments so they can open their doors, grow our economy, and create strong careers for Arizonans,” said Sinema. “Small business investors play a crucial role in allowing start-ups to grow and create more jobs, but too often face unnecessary regulatory requirements that deter investment,” said Tillis. “This bipartisan legislation will remove burdensome regulations so we can invest in our small business and continue to grow our economy.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-celebrates-womens-health-research-initiative | DeLauro Celebrates Women’s Health Research Initiative | 2023-11-13 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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 a statement praising the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. Announced by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, the initiative seeks to fundamentally change how the United States approaches research on women’s health with the goal of improving health outcomes and the lives of women across the country. Dr. Carolyn Mazure, a constituent of Congresswoman DeLauro and a doctor at Yale-New Haven, will chair the initiative. In 1998, Dr. Mazure created Women’s Health Research at Yale, an interdisciplinary research center that has been a national leader for research, sharing health information, and more on women’s health and the interplay of gender, health, and sex. “When I first came to Congress, we had to fight to get women included in the health research trials at the National Institutes of Health,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “A novel concept at the time, the inclusion of women in these health trials led to breakthroughs in disease research and improved health outcomes for millions of American women. Dr. Carolyn Mazure has been a trusted ally and friend in this fight. She came to me when I took the pen of the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations subcommittee, and said the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) needed a line item to significantly increase resources for this Office. So that is what I did, and we have grown the Office’s funding to more than $64 million and empowered ORWH with grant-making authority in my time as Chair of the subcommittee. That is why I am so proud that the Biden administration is leading the charge to improve health outcomes for a new generation of American women. I applaud them for taking this step forward and will work closely with the administration to support this new initiative.” The Initiative charges federal agencies with a number of directives, including: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-congressman-brian-higgins-decision-not-seek-re | DeLauro Statement on Congressman Brian Higgins Decision to Not Seek Re-Election | 2023-11-13 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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 a statement following news that Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) will leave Congress in February 2024. “Since being elected to Congress 19 years ago, Congressman Higgins has been a close ally and good friend in the work of serving the hardworking people of the United States. He has accomplished so much on behalf of our nation’s veterans, transportation safety, and strengthening America’s crumbling infrastructure by moving needed, bipartisan investments into law. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-supreme-courts-adoption-of-a-code-of-ethics | Murphy Statement on Supreme Court's Adoption of a Code of Ethics | 2023-11-13 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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 released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s adoption of a binding code of conduct: “Trust in the Supreme Court is at an all-time low because justices on this increasingly radical Court have seized every opportunity to roll back racial equality, reproductive rights, LGTBQ rights, and more while hiding their conflicts of interest and accepting luxury vacations and trips on private jets. This new code shows the Chief Justice is beginning to understand the seriousness of having a Supreme Court so lacking in credibility and is a good first step toward restoring public confidence. I have introduced legislation every Congress since 2011 to increase transparency and enforce accountability for the Court, and now is the time to pass the Supreme Court Ethics Act to create an enforcement mechanism for this new code of ethics.” Murphy has introduced legislation to apply a code of conduct to the Supreme Court every Congress since 2011. Most recently, he introduced the Supreme Court Ethics Act, requiring the Judicial Conference of the United States to create a code of ethical conduct for the Supreme Court of the United States. It would also require the appointment of an Ethics Investigations Counsel and require justices to publicly disclose recusal decisions. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-murphy-joins-colleagues-in-urging-inclusion-of-full-humanitarian-assistance-in-supplemental-funding-package | Murphy Joins Colleagues in Urging Inclusion of Full Humanitarian Assistance in Supplemental Funding Package | 2023-11-11 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, joined 25 colleagues in sending a letter to Democratic and Republican Senate and Appropriations leadership urging the inclusion of the full $10 billion in humanitarian assistance requested by President Biden in the national security supplemental. “Beyond the moral significance of continuing our country’s tradition as the world’s leader in delivering life-saving humanitarian aid, this assistance promotes global stability and security by helping manage and provide for displaced populations, preventing recruitment to extremism, and mitigating economic pressure on partner governments,” wrote the Senators. The letter highlights the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and the devastating impacts these global crises have on millions of innocent civilians caught in the middle. The Senators urge U.S. leadership in ensuring aid reaches sick, wounded, and displaced civilians. “Without these funds, global efforts led by the United States to address ongoing and expanded crises in Sudan, Nagorno-Karabakh, Burma, Syria, and other humanitarian responses will suffer reductions in support. This would directly threaten U.S. national security and the security of our partners,” the letter continues. The letter was signed by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii),Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Full text of the le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-and-colleagues-urge-usda-and-usaid-to-provide-food-aid-to-palestinians-in-gaza | Murphy And Colleagues Urge USDA And USAID To Provide Food Aid To Palestinians In Gaza | 2023-11-11 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, Peter Welch (D-Vt.) Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack and U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator (USAID) Samantha Power to request the immediate release of crucial food aid administered by the agencies, including from the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust, for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Programs such as the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust were created to respond to food relief needs internationally in times of crisis. Over half of Gaza’s population was food-insecure before October 7. The conflict following Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel has displaced one and a half million Gazans and Israel’s limitation of aid trucks has put civilian Palestinians at risk of starvation. “Gaza is home to approximately two million Palestinian civilians, including more than one million children. Since Hamas’s brutal October 7th attacks on Israel, and the ensuing war in Gaza, more than one and a half million Gazans have been displaced. In addition, Israel’s near-total siege of Gaza and the ongoing bombing campaign has turned a humanitarian crisis into a full-blown catastrophe with acute shortages of water, food, medicine, and fuel,” wrote the Senators. “We need to facilitate and provide additional emergency assistance to Gaza to prevent a deepening of the humanitarian disaster and help save countless lives. “Though the United States has provided financial assistance for humanitarian relief in Gaza and the West Bank, additional aid is necessary to address the intensifying food emergency faced by Palestinians in Gaza. We should do all we can to alleviate that burden,” the Senators wrote. “We strongly urge you to utilize the [Bill Emerson Humanitarian]… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=20E2588D-368A-4E8F-AB6C-DD85E0003174 | FACT SHEET: Fighting For Our Veterans, Hayes Prioritizes Veterans and Military Families | 2023-11-10 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | House | CT | Jahana Hayes | H001081 | hayes.house.gov | hayes | https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Since taking office, Congresswoman Hayes (CT-05) has secured the inclusion of essential resources for veterans and military families in broader legislation signed into law by both Democratic and Republican administrations. VA Mental Health Staffing Act – requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit a plan to address the staffing of mental health providers at its facilities. Among other elements, the plan must address the filling of any open positions. H.R. 8145 – requires the VA and the Office of Personnel Management to develop an occupational series for licensed professional mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Surviving Families Benefit Expansion Act - authorizes monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses who remarry after the age of 55. Palomares Veterans Act - removes barriers to compensation for the veterans who responded to the 1966 nuclear accident in Palomares, Spain. In the 118th Congress, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced key legislation to address an issue voiced by veterans and military families in the Fifth District. The bipartisan, bicameral Caring for Survivors Act of 2023, would adjust monthly benefits for family members and survivors of veterans who lost their lives in service to the United States by increasing Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). The Waterbury District Office of Congresswoman Hayes is also the only Purple Heart Congressional Office in all of New England – recognizing the dedication of Congresswoman Hayes and her office to veterans and their families. This year, the office has opened 85 military and veteran-related cases and closed 82. Since taking office in 2019, 469 military and veteran-related cases have been successfully resolved, spanning nearly all 41 towns in the Fifth District. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-colleagues-blast-student-loan-servicer-mohela-following-repeated-billing-mistakes_failure-to-inform-25-million-borrowers-of-payment-deadline | Blumenthal & Colleagues Blast Student Loan Servicer MOHELA Following Repeated Billing Mistakes & Failure to Inform 2.5 Million Borrowers of Payment Deadline | 2023-11-09 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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 colleagues U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in sending a letter to Scott Giles, chief executive officer of the Higher Education Loan Authority of Missouri (MOHELA), demanding that the loan servicer immediately update borrowers on its most recent error that resulted in 2.5 million borrowers placed into administrative forbearance. The senators also expressed concern that MOHELA has caused confusion and financial distress by failing to inform borrowers on actions taken by the Department of Education to provide additional consumer protections during the administrative forbearance period, and in some cases, peddling contradictory information. MOHELA services 8 million of the more than 40 million borrowers who have recently returned to repayment after nearly three years of paused payments and interest accrual. MOHELA has made repeated mistakes since the pause was lifted, including using outdated poverty guidelines and billing low-income borrowers’ higher payments than necessary. Recently, MOHELA failed to meet requirements to send billing statements to 2.5 million borrowers on time, leaving 830,000 borrowers delinquent on their loans in the first month of repayment. As a result, the U.S. Department of Education directed MOHELA to place all affected borrowers on administrative forbearance, adjust to zero any interest that accrues during the forbearance, and count time spent in forbearance towards public service loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment plan subsidies. “This is not the first time MOHELA has failed to provide clear, timely, and accurate loan-status information to borrowers. We demand that MOHELA immediately update borrowers of its most recent error and the impact on their loans, and take concrete steps to improve overall customer service and communication,” the lawmakers wrote. “Borrowers rightly rely on MOHELA for timely and accurate loan information to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-durbin-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-designate-palestinian-territories-for-temporary-protected-status-or-authorize-deferred-enforcement-departure-for-palestinians-in-us | Murphy, Durbin, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration To Designate Palestinian Territories For Temporary Protected Status Or Authorize Deferred Enforcement Departure For Palestinians In U.S. | 2023-11-09 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, joined U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chair of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and 105 of their colleagues in a bicameral letter to President Joe Biden calling on his Administration to designate the Palestinian territories for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and/or authorize Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Palestinians present in the United States. TPS and DED offer temporary relief from removal and work authorization for eligible foreign nationals already in the United States who are unable to return safely to their home country. “In light of ongoing armed conflict, Palestinians already in the United States should not be forced to return to the Palestinian territories, consistent with President Biden’s stated commitment to protecting Palestinian civilians,” the lawmakers wrote. Following the horrific October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas and Israel’s ensuing military response, conditions in the Palestinian territories have greatly deteriorated. According to reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of November 6, at least 10,000 Palestinians have been killed. This includes more than 4,100 children, which, according to Save the Children, is more than the number of children killed in all of the world’s armed conflicts on an annual basis since 2019. The United Nations reports that almost 1.5 million of Gaza’s population of 2.2 million have been displaced. Thousands are unable to access clean water and nutrition; access to medical care has become increasingly difficult, with some health facilities in Gaza hit by bombardment and many others crippled by a lack of fuel for electricity. And in the West Bank, unrest and settler violence have resulted in the deaths of 149 Palestinians and the forcible displacement of hundreds more. “Given these conditions, it is no surprise t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-blackburn-statement-on-unsealed-massachusetts-complaint-against-meta | Blumenthal & Blackburn Statement on Unsealed Massachusetts Complaint Against Meta | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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), lead sponsors of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, issued the following joint statement on the newly unredacted complaint filed by the Massachusetts Attorney General against Meta. The Massachusetts complaint is complementary to the lawsuits filed by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general against Meta for unfair and deceptive practices that harm young people. “This damning, newly unsealed complaint alleges that Mark Zuckerberg was directly in charge of Meta’s decisions to put profits over young people’s lives. Zuckerberg reportedly ignored or personally overruled numerous safety concerns and recommendations from other Meta executives and advisors. Among the many disturbing internal communications cited in the complaint, Zuckerberg denied requests to fix problems that were ‘actively encouraging young girls into body dysmorphia’ and Instagram executives themselves acknowledged their product was unsafe for teens. Instead, Meta staff was fixated on creating a ‘pipeline’ of teens, remarking internally, ‘The young ones are the best ones. You want to bring people to your service young and early.’ Meta must immediately make these and other related documents available to the public.” “Make no mistake: this is Big Tech’s Big Tobacco moment. We now have mounting proof that Zuckerberg and Meta executives know very well how their platforms hurt and endanger kids. Instead of working to fix it, they fail to act, cover it up, and inexcusably mislead the public and Congress—all in the name of profit.” “The Kids Online Safety Act will finally hold Big Tech accountable and make clear that young people are not a product to enrich executives like Zuckerberg. The time to pass it is now and we will continue pushing for a swift vote on this measure.” -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-200-advocacy-groups-call-for-senate-floor-vote-on-the-kids-online-safety-act | ICYMI: 200+ Advocacy Groups Call for Senate Floor Vote on the Kids Online Safety Act | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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, a broad group of 217 advocacy organizations conducted a day of action today to urge Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. The groups represent a coalition of mental health, privacy, suicide prevention, eating disorder, and child sexual abuse prevention experts and advocates. The coalition sent a letter to Senate leadership, calling for bringing the Kids Online Safety Act to the Senate floor for a vote by the end of the year. “With this bipartisan legislation, Congress has the potential to significantly improve young people’s wellbeing by transforming the digital environment for children and teens,” the groups, including the American Psychological Association, the Eating Disorders Coalition, Fairplay, Common Sense, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, wrote in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). “After numerous hearings and abundant research findings, the evidence is clear of the potential harms social media platforms can have on the brain development and mental health of our nation’s youth, including hazardous substance use, eating disorders, and self-harm.” The full text of the letter is available here and below. U.S. Senators Blumenthal (D-CT) and Blackburn (R-TN) are the lead sponsors of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, which would provide kids and parents with better tools to protect themselves online, hold Big Tech accountable for harms to kids, and provide transparency into black box algorithms. The bill has the support of nearly half of the U.S. Senate. November 8, 2023 The Honorable Charles Schumer, Majority Leader 322 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell, On behalf of the over 215 undersigned national, state, and local organizations signed below, we are writing to urge you in your leader… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/videoblumenthal-and-murphy-join-senate-colleagues-to-introduce-the-puerto-rico-status-act | ***Video***Blumenthal & Murphy Join Senate Colleagues to Introduce the Puerto Rico Status Act | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Richard Blumenthal | B001277 | www.blumenthal.senate.gov | blumenthal | https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press | scraper | A video link to today’s press conference announcing the legislation is available here [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a press conference today in Washington, DC, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi and several colleagues to introduce the Puerto Rico Status Act, legislation that lays out a process for the people of Puerto Rico to determine the future of the island’s political status. “This important legislation empowers the people of Puerto Rico to decide what future they want for themselves – bringing together a wide variety of stakeholders on one path forward,” Blumenthal said. “Whether the people of Puerto Rico choose statehood, independence, or sovereignty, they deserve the full benefits of citizenship.” “Puerto Rico’s political status is a decision for the people of Puerto Rico. Too often, the Puerto Rican community in Connecticut has watched the federal government fall short of supporting their friends and family on the Island when faced with devastating natural disasters and economic crises. This bill is a commonsense compromise that would ensure Puerto Ricans are no longer relegated to second-class citizenship and are granted the long overdue right to self-determination,” said Murphy. The legislation is co-led by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). U.S. Representatives Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Darren Soto (D-FL), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón (R-PR) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The Puerto Rico Status Act authorizes a federally sponsored plebiscite to resolve Puerto Rico’s political status. The legislation details the transition to and implementation of a non-territory status for Puerto Rico – Statehood, Independence, or Sovereignty in Free Association with the United States – that is chosen by a majority of voters in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Status Act was drafted w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-colleagues-introduce-the-puerto-rico-status-act | Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Introduce the Puerto Rico Status Act | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | CT | Christopher Murphy | M001169 | www.murphy.senate.gov | chrismurphy | https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON–At a press conference today in Washington, DC, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi and several colleagues to introduce the Puerto Rico Status Act, legislation that lays out a process for the people of Puerto Rico to determine the future of the island’s political status. “Puerto Rico’s political status is a decision for the people of Puerto Rico. Too often, the Puerto Rican community in Connecticut has watched the federal government fall short of supporting their friends and family on the Island when faced with devastating natural disasters and economic crises. This bill is a commonsense compromise that would ensure Puerto Ricans are no longer relegated to second-class citizenship and are granted the long overdue right to self-determination,” said Murphy. “This important legislation empowers the people of Puerto Rico to decide what future they want for themselves – bringing together a wide variety of stakeholders on one path forward,” Blumenthal said. “Whether the people of Puerto Rico choose statehood, independence, or sovereignty, they deserve the full benefits of citizenship.” The legislation is co-led by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). U.S. Representatives Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), and Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón (R-P.R.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The Puerto Rico Status Act authorizes a federally sponsored plebiscite to resolve Puerto Rico’s political status. The legislation details the transition to and implementation of a non-territory status for Puerto Rico – Statehood, Independence, or Sovereignty in Free Association with the United States – that is chosen by a majority of voters in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Status Act was drafted with extensive input from members of Congress; local elected government of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-discusses-urgent-need-to-fund-nonprofit-security-grant-program-with-dhs-secretary-mayorkas | Murphy Discusses Urgent Need to Fund Nonprofit Security Grant Program with DHS Secretary Mayorkas | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Wednesday spoke at a U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the Biden administration’s supplemental request for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Murphy discussed the role of FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in keeping communities safe as well as the Department’s request for increased USCIS funding to improve efficiency in the asylum system. Amid the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, Murphy raised the importance of increased funding for NSGP: “I know how much you believe in this. I know that you have been very vocal about the incredible increase in antisemitic rhetoric and violence as well as threats of violence against our Muslim communities. This program is badly underfunded compared to the amount of need. Talk to us about the gap that exists right now between the amount of money that's in that account and the amount of demand in particular from synagogues, Jewish community centers, and mosques to upgrade their security.” Mayorkas emphasized the demand for the program: “The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is tremendously oversubscribed. The demand for these funds from large and small institutions of all faiths far exceeds the amount of funding that we have. And it is critical funding that enables faith based institutions and other nonprofit organizations to secure their facilities – it’s places of worship, it’s religious schools, and the like – whether it's personnel, cameras, gating, whatever the needs are in a particular jurisdiction, the demand is extraordinary in all sized institutions.” On Congress’s failure to pass any meaningful legislation on immigration in 40 years, Murphy said: “We have tried many times to engage in that process, most recently in 2013 when we came to a conclusion in the Senate, but Republicans in the House of Representatives refused to take up our measure. This could all be a lot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-joins-van-hollen-schatz-and-reed-in-leading-majority-of-democratic-caucus-in-push-for-more-information-around-strategy-to-defeat-hamas-protection-for-civilians-in-gaza | Murphy Joins Van Hollen, Schatz, And Reed In Leading Majority Of Democratic Caucus In Push For More Information Around Strategy To Defeat Hamas, Protection For Civilians In Gaza | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, on Thursday joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) in leading the majority of the Senate Democratic Caucus in a letter to President Biden condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel’s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. In addition to Murphy, Van Hollen, Schatz, and Reed, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). “We have joined you in condemning the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel and agree with you that Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. We applaud your actions to secure the release of two American citizens held hostage and support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages. In the days and weeks since these attacks, you have rightly demonstrated America’s commitment to support Israel in this dark hour,” the Senators begin. They continue, “The attacks of October 7th brought back chilling memories of the United States’ own confrontation with terror twenty-two years ago. In light of our own experience, we want to underscore how critical it is that Israel: … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-this-is-an-existential-moment-for-ukraine | Murphy: This Is an Existential Moment for Ukraine | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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 Wednesday spoke at a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on U.S. national security interests in Ukraine. In his question to Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien and Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt, Murphy asked how the United States can support Ukraine by making it more difficult for Russia to be able to sustain the current level of their military operation. Murphy highlighted the urgent need to support Ukraine: “Listen, I don't understand the games our Republican friends are playing with Ukraine aid. I think this is an existential moment. We're at the zero hour with respect to Ukraine's needs.” On Russia’s reliance on oil and gas revenue to finance its war effort, Murphy said: “Russia started out spending about 4% of GDP on military endeavors. This budget for the upcoming year will have them spending 6% of GDP on their military. That puts them in the top five in the entire world in terms of the percentage of their economy dedicated to military spending. Note that number one on that list is Ukraine, that is spending 33% of its GDP. Thirty-three percent of its GDP on the military. But the IEA projects Russia’s share of globally traded oil is going to fall 50% by 2030, and their net income from gas sales is going to fall from $75 billion to $30 billion. You're spending already 6% of your GDP, and you have a potentially catastrophic fall coming in oil and gas revenue. That is one of the things, maybe the primary factor that may push Russia to the table to try to drive a conclusion to this conflict. A full transcript of Murphy’s exchange with O’Brien and Pyatt: MURPHY: “Thank you very much, Senator Shaheen. Thanks to all three of you for being here today and for your great work on behalf of the United States in our interest in supporting an independent and sovereign Ukraine. “Listen, I don't understand the games our Republican friends are playing with Ukraine aid. I think this is an existential mo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-delivers-opening-statement-at-hearing-with-meta-whistleblower | Blumenthal Delivers Opening Statement at Hearing with Meta Whistleblower | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, delivered opening remarks at a hearing with whistleblower Arturo Bejar, former Director of Engineering for Protect and Care at Facebook: “We are gathered today to hear testimony from a whistleblower, an engineer widely respected and admired in the industry, and not just any expert but an engineer hired specifically by Facebook to help protect against harms to children and make recommendations for making Facebook safer,” said Blumenthal in his introduction of Bejar. “We have known for more than a decade that rates of teens suffering from suicides, hospitalization for self-harm, and depression have skyrocketed. As he knows, these numbers are more than statistics, they are real people, and his daughter is one of them.” “He resoundingly raised an alarm about statistics showing Facebook’s prevalent and pernicious harms to teens. Telling Mark Zuckerberg, for example in a memo, that more than half of Facebook users had bad or harmful experience just within the last week,” Blumenthal continued. “Instead of real reform, he will testify that Facebook engaged in a purposeful public strategy of distraction, denial, and deception. They hid from this Committee and all of Congress, evidence of the harms that they knew was credible. And, they ignored and disregarded recommendations for making the site safer, and they even rolled back some of the existing protections.” Emphasizing the urgent need for Congressional action, Blumenthal said: “We can no longer rely on social media's mantra, ‘Trust us.’ We can no longer depend on its’ putting the blame or responsibility on parents. What is needed now is legislative reform. The Kids Online Safety Act. Senator Blackburn and I have enlisted more than 45 of our colleagues, almost half of the United States Senate, in favor of the Kids Online Safety Act.” Video of Blumenthal’s opening remarks can be found here. The full transcript of Blumenthal’s o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-joins-members-of-congress-in-introducing-legislation-to-prevent-bulk-sales-of-ammunition | Blumenthal Joins Members of Congress in Introducing Legislation to Prevent Bulk Sales of Ammunition | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | 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 (D-CT) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) and U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) to introduce the Ammunition Modernization and Monitoring Oversight (AMMO) Act, legislation that would restrict bulk sales of ammunition, require businesses who sell ammunition to obtain the same federal license as gun dealers, and require businesses to conduct a background check on buyers. Additionally, the legislation would apply the same prohibition on straw purchases for ammunition that currently exists for firearms, restricting individuals from purchasing ammunition to then sell illegally to others and requiring data sharing on ammunition sales. Currently, there is essentially no regulation governing the sales of ammunition. Businesses are not required to possess licenses in order to sell ammo and can sell to any buyer, in any quantity, without a background check, and with no recordkeeping or data sharing. “Regulating ammunition sales is critical to ending the gun violence epidemic. Ammunition sales should be subject to the same legal requirements as firearm sales, including rigorous background checks. This commonsense measure will save lives by cracking down on illegal trafficking of ammunition and making sure it stays out of the hands of dangerous people,” said Senator Blumenthal. “The bottom line is no individual should be buying bulk amounts of ammunition without a federal background check from places like gas stations, pharmacies, and convenience stores – especially without any sort of regulation and no record of the sale,” said Congressman Garcia. “If we’re ever going to really take on the gun violence epidemic in this country, we need to regulate ammo accessibility. This bill aims to protect the American public from the devastating violence that occurs when individuals have access to unlimited amounts of weaponry.” “We have a moral responsibility to treat gun violence in this country like the crisis it is… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
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