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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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1,446 rows where state = "CT" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-releases-2025-end-of-year-report Murphy Releases 2025 End Of Year Report 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 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 Monday released his 2025 End of Year Report. In a year marked by turmoil, Senator Murphy joined with elected leaders, civic organizers, and Connecticut residents to defend Americans’ rights and fight for a better future. This report highlights the measures Sen. Murphy and his office took to stand up to Trump’s corruption and deliver for Connecticut families. As Donald Trump systematically dismantled programs working people rely on, while transforming the government into a tool of personal enrichment, Murphy helped deliver federal dollars to Connecticut while taking action to unrig our economy and democracy from billionaire interests. This year, Murphy and his office: Introduced or co-sponsored 270 pieces of legislation and amendments, including 91 bills, resolutions, or amendments as the lead sponsor; Completed his ninth Walk Across Connecticut: four days, 67 miles, 11 towns, and hundreds of conversations with Connecticut residents along the way; Engaged with over 436,800 calls, emails, and letters; Returned more than $7 million to constituents, including owed Social Security payments, veterans’ benefits, tax refunds, and other savings from federal agencies; Helped over 3,233 constituents work through federal issues and get their owed benefits 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murkowski-and-merkley-lead-call-for-inspector-general-audit-following-dojs-failure-to-release-the-full-epstein-files-as-demanded-by-survivors-required-by-law Blumenthal, Murkowski & Merkley Lead Call for Inspector General Audit Following DOJ’s Failure to Release the Full Epstein Files as Demanded by Survivors, Required by Law 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a bipartisan group of senators in writing Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume requesting the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) perform an audit of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation requiring the release of all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. “Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential,” the senators wrote. “As such, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (“DOJ OIG”) perform an audit of the Department’s compliance with the statute.” In addition to Blumenthal, Murkowski, and Merkley, today’s letter was signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Gary Peters (D-MI). “Full transparency—as called for bravely and repeatedly by survivors—is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes,” the senators concluded. “Survivors deserve full disclosure. They also deserve the peace of mind that would be afforded by an independent audit of the Department’s compliance.” The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Acting Inspector General Berthiaume: We write to you following the December 19 deadline imposed by the Epstein Files Transparency Act for the Department of Justice (“DOJ” or “the Department”) to release all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. By the Department’s own admission, it is in violation of the law—before DOJ had even begun to release the … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-commends-supreme-court-decision-blocking-trump-national-guard Larson Commends Supreme Court Decision Blocking Trump National Guard Deployment to Chicago 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “With less than 48 hours to go before the Christmas holiday, Donald Trump’s wish to make our troops his own personal army just suffered a devastating blow at the Supreme Court,” said Larson. “For months, he has tried to turn the military against the people, telling top leaders that Americans cities should be used as ‘training grounds’ and calling on them to handle the ‘enemy from within.’ Senator Chris Murphy said it best when he said, ‘The authoritarian takeover isn’t coming. It’s here.’ The Supreme Court saw that clearly today. This deployment was an authoritarian abuse of the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief. President Trump continues to view the Constitution as a suggestion, but the Court recognized that the Constitution is the law of the land – not Mr. Trump. People should be encouraged that after a year of this reckless administration’s decisions, public pressure and speaking out still work. We cannot afford to relent.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-condemns-trump-administration-near-total-va-abortion-ban Larson Condemns Trump Administration Near-Total VA Abortion Ban 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “It is an affront to our nation’s veterans – who courageously served our country with honor – for the Trump Administration deny them their bodily autonomy, even in cases of rape or incest,” said Larson. “We have long known about the Republican plan to ban abortion nationwide. For women in the twenty states with abortion bans on the books, VA facilities were often the only place they could seek care. Imposing such a sweeping and extreme ban with the stroke of a pen will endanger the lives of pregnant mothers across the country – mothers who stepped up to uphold the freedoms we hold dear. It is shameful for this to be what their Commander-in-Chief sees as a reward. We cannot let this stand, and I am proud to fight for our veterans. We will continue to fight tooth and nail to restore reproductive rights for all Americans.” In August, Rep. Larson introduced the Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act with Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26) to guarantee the right to abortion care at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act (EACH Act) to require federal healthcare programs, including the VA and TRICARE, to provide coverage for abortion services and requires federal facilities to provide access to those services. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-stb-doj-to-oppose-railway-merger-threatening-jobs-and-driving-up-costs Blumenthal Calls on STB, DOJ to Oppose Railway Merger Threatening Jobs & Driving Up Costs 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 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) wrote Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Patrick Fuchs and Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division Gail Slater urging them to oppose the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway—two of the four largest railroads in the country. In today’s letter, Blumenthal raised concerns that the merger would significantly reduce competition in the rail industry, driving up costs for shippers and threatening railroad workers’ job security. “Railroads are a critical link in the supply chain for everyday consumer goods, including food, fuel, building materials, and household products. When competition in rail transportation is reduced, higher shipping costs are often passed directly on to consumers in the form of higher prices at the checkout counter. With inflation and affordability already top concerns for American families, approving a merger that could further raise the cost of moving goods across the country would worsen financial strain on households nationwide,” wrote Blumenthal. “The proposed merger also threatens job stability for countless employees at Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern,” continued Blumenthal. “Together, the two companies have more than 50,000 employees. While the companies have said they will protect all union jobs during a merger, precedent shows us such promises are little more than hollow words. Instead of trusting these empty promises, you should protect thousands of jobs for hardworking Americans.” The full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Chairman Fuchs and Assistant Attorney General Slater, I write with serious concerns about the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway. A merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern – two of the four largest railroads in the United States – would further consolidate the nation’s rail network, resulting in potential job insecurity for workers, highe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-markey-and-warren-demand-amazon-remove-listings-for-used-cars-with-unrepaired-safety-recalls-clearly-display-vehicles-recall-status Blumenthal, Markey, & Warren Demand Amazon Remove Listings for Used Cars with Unrepaired Safety Recalls, Clearly Display Vehicle's Recall Status 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) called on Amazon to remove listings for pre-owned vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls. In a letter to Andrew R. Jassy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amazon, the Senators raised safety concerns about the company’s new Amazon Autos partnership with Hyundai and Ford dealers, which lists pre-owned vehicles that may have unrepaired safety recalls for sale without adequately warning consumers about a vehicle’s recall status. “We are extremely troubled by the fact that Amazon is listing vehicles for sale with unrepaired safety recalls. Selling cars with unrepaired safety recalls is extremely dangerous and poses a potentially fatal threat to vehicle drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Amazon’s suggestion to consumers to check a vehicle’s recall status themselves on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website is simply insufficient. We call on Amazon to remove all vehicle listings with unrepaired safety recalls and to directly display to prospective vehicle buyers a vehicle’s recall status,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Amazon does not need to wait for the law to change to prioritize vehicle safety. We call on Amazon to immediately stop listing for sale on Amazon Autos any vehicle with an unrepaired safety recall. In addition, Amazon should make it as easy as possible for people to confirm that the vehicle they are looking at does not have unrepaired recalls. Instead of linking to NHTSA’s website and encouraging people to check the recall status themselves, we urge Amazon to prominently display the status of recalls under the key features it lists for vehicles it is selling.” The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and copied below. Dear Mr. Jassy, We are extremely troubled by the fact that Amazon is listing vehicles for sale with unrepaired safety recalls. Selling cars with unrepaired safety recalls is extremely danger… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-seeks-data-on-security-grant-program Blumenthal Seeks Data on Security Grant Program 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem seeking data about previous applications to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to help inform Congress about how the program should be funded for the upcoming fiscal year. “As I travel around Connecticut and hear from community leaders here and around the country, I am struck by the severely heightened anxiety and apprehension about physical threats to places of worship and community centers involving hate-based violence,” Blumenthal wrote. “Recently, I have called for dramatically increasing funding for NSGP to $1 billion and for increasing funding and resources for other programs to keep pace with the violence we are seeing in our communities. I am disappointed that the proposal released Friday night by Senate Republicans for Fiscal Year 2026 includes only $330 million for NSGP, far short of my request and the program’s clear need, with reports indicating recipients requested approximately $1 billion from FEMA in 2024 alone.” Last week, Blumenthal wrote the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Chairs and Ranking Members of its Subcommittees on Homeland Security and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies calling for a dramatic increase in resources for programs that combat hate-based violence through security and prevention, including by appropriating no less than $1 billion to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), making significant investments to the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act (NO HATE Act), and reestablishing and fully funding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Community Relations Service (CRS). On Friday, he joined leaders from the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Anti-Defamation League of Connecticut at an event in West Hartford, Connecticut, calling on Congress to robustly fund NSGP and the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act grant program. The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Secretary Noem, In r… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-secret-trump-administration-memo-ending-life-saving-abortion-care-for-veterans Blumenthal Slams Secret Trump Administration Memo Ending Life-Saving Abortion Care for Veterans 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released a statement slamming the Trump Administration’s Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) secret implementation of a new policy to stop providing abortion care and counseling to veterans who have been raped or whose pregnancy is threatening their health. “Secretively and sickeningly, Trump’s VA is depriving women veterans of essential health care. A policy just issued by Secretary Collins stops this reproductive care even for women who are victims of rape or incest, or whose health is at risk. He’s done it by internal memo, not by open rule making, avoiding public attention and scrutiny. My Republican colleagues should be as outraged as I am. The result will be chaos and confusion among health care providers, and anxiety and pain for women veterans. This cruel, misguided action is reckless and reprehensible.” In September 2022, VA began to offer abortion counseling to all pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries, and abortion in cases of rape, incest, or life or health endangerment of the veteran or CHAMPVA beneficiary. This was in response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which created urgent risks to the lives and health of pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries in states that banned or otherwise severely restricted access to abortion. The Trump Department of Justice issued a memo banning this abortion care and counseling at VA a few days ago, and the Trump VA just issued its own internal memo yesterday implementing this new policy immediately. This follows the Trump VA’s announcement in August of its intent to issue this change in a proposed rule. However, rather than complete the regular rulemaking process, VA Secretary Doug Collins is implementing this policy without issuing a final rule without notifying veterans or the public. More than 462,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care. More than half of these women live in states that hav… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-courtney-statement-after-president-trump-announces-new Ranking Member Courtney Statement After President Trump Announces New “Trump-Class” Battleship 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 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), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement after President Trump announced the new “Trump Class” battleship. “Congress has already invested in strengthening our Navy’s surface fleet by authorizing development of a new generation of large combatant destroyers made of steel – the DDG(X). Its program office opened in 2021,” Courtney said. “Today’s vague proposal to bring back battleships raises many questions for Congress to scrutinize. There is a reason that the Navy stopped building battleships in 1944 and that President Ronald Reagan’s 600 ship fleet, and even President Trump in his first term, did not choose to build large vulnerable battleships whose range is questionable. China’s massive development of 2,000-mile range missiles has increased the vulnerability of all surface ships – which is one of the reasons that the Seapower Subcommittee, over the last 15 years, has boosted submarine production, leading to an undersea fleet which today totals 55 attack subs and 14 additional ballistic subs, not 30, as was incorrectly stated at the President’s press conference.” “Congress just completed, and the President signed into law, the annual defense policy bill, which authorizes a full backlog of surface and undersea shipbuilding. Adding a new class of ships with no details screams out for responsive oversight,” Courtney continued. “Just as it did in the 2026 annual defense policy bill, Congress will carry out its constitutional oversight duty mandated in Article One, Section 8 “to provide and maintain a Navy.’” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-courtney-statement-trump-administrations-new-pause Ranking Member Courtney Statement on the Trump Administration’s New Pause on Offshore Wind Projects 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 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), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Trump Administration claimed it was pausing all offshore wind project construction by pausing leases for the projects, including the 85% complete Revolution Wind project in Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Administration again cites national security concerns, despite clear decisions in all three branches of government that offshore wind does not present a national security threat. “The issue of national security for offshore wind projects was already litigated at the federal district court level in September, when a Reagan appointed judge flatly rejected the vague claims cited in the Trump Administration’s August 22nd halt work order for the Revolution Wind project. In addition, the issue was debated and rejected in the House of Representatives when a broad bipartisan coalition of House Members, by a vote of 209-224, rejected an amendment to the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act that sought to raise national security as a statutory bar to offshore wind projects. The issue could not have been made clearer for the Revolution Wind project than in the Department of Defense’s December 2024 letter which states that the project, ‘would not have adverse impacts to DoD missions in the area,’” Courtney said. “The Trump Administration promised to cut energy prices in half. We know that President Trump has a longstanding personal vendetta against offshore wind. Pausing these projects without any real justification will do nothing but increase costs for rate payers and eliminate good paying jobs for the building trades.” The Revolution Wind project, which is 85% complete, will supply cheaper electricity to 350,000 homes Connecticut and Rhode Island. Over 1,000 union workers have logged over 2 million hours building the project. On August 22nd, the Trump Administration first attempted to halt work on the Revolution Wind offshore wind energy project… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-demands-pro-farmer-guardrails-12-billion-trade-war-driven DeLauro Demands Pro-Farmer Guardrails in $12 Billion Trade War-Driven Agriculture Bailout 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Rosa L. DeLauro D000216 delauro.house.gov delauro https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper NEW HAVEN —Today, US Representative Rosa DeLauro led 14 members of Congress in a letter to the Trump Administration demanding transparency and fairness for small and specialty crop farmers as the Trump Administration implements its recently-announced $12 billion bailout for farmers and agribusinesses harmed by the President’s trade wars: “Let us be extremely clear – your administration is opting to use billions in taxpayer dollars to provide relief to farmers whom your incoherent trade policies have harmed in the first place. Farmers who have seen input costs skyrocket and lost export markets because of trading partners retaliating against your own tariff bullying tactics deserve relief – but that relief must go to farmers in need and not to bail out giant agribusinesses and foreign-owned conglomerates,” the members of Congress wrote. “During much of your first term, the U.S. lost over 140,000 farms, due in large part to increasing consolidation. Therefore we urge you, in the strongest terms possible, to incorporate the recommendations in this letter into your tariff relief package for farmers to address the failures of the 2018-2019 MFP and to ensure relief gets directly to farmers without incentivizing further consolidation in the agricultural sector and rewarding the biggest players to the detriment of small and medium farms, family farms, and specialty crop farms.” The text of the letter is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-blasts-latest-trump-attempt-halt-revolution-wind-project Larson Blasts Latest Trump Attempt to Halt Revolution Wind Project 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “The Trump Administration’s latest ‘pause’ of the Revolution Wind project is just as baseless as their previous attacks on our clean energy economy,” said Larson. “The President has taken an axe to wind energy, solar projects, and our state’s clean hydrogen sector, putting hundreds of people out of work and saddling households across the state with even higher electricity bills. The State of Connecticut, led by Attorney General William Tong, already took him on to halt his illegal stop work order before, and we’re prepared to do it again. I worked with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee over the last few years to improve our power grid by investing in affordable, reliable clean energy sources – like offshore wind. We cannot afford to undo that progress because Donald Trump thinks climate change is a ‘hoax.’ This attack on Revolution Wind and Connecticut ratepayers must not stand.” This is not the Trump Administration’s first attempt to block Revolution Wind from powering households in Connecticut. In August, they issued an illegal stop work order, which was blocked in federal court. In September, the Connecticut and Rhode Island Congressional delegations joined together to defeat an amendment on the House floor that would have delayed the Revolution Wind project. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-delauro-demand-pro-farmer-guardrails-12-billion-trump-trade-war Larson, DeLauro Demand Pro-Farmer Guardrails in $12 Billion Trump Trade War-Driven Agriculture Bailout 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Hartford, CT — Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) joined Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and a coalition of 14 Members of Congress demanding transparency and fairness for small and specialty crop farmers as the Trump Administration implements its recently announced $12 billion bailout for farmers and agribusinesses harmed by the President’s trade wars: “Let us be extremely clear – your administration is opting to use billions in taxpayer dollars to provide relief to farmers whom your incoherent trade policies have harmed in the first place. Farmers who have seen input costs skyrocket and lost export markets because of trading partners retaliating against your own tariff bullying tactics deserve relief – but that relief must go to farmers in need and not to bail out giant agribusinesses and foreign-owned conglomerates,” the Members of Congress wrote. “During much of your first term, the U.S. lost over 140,000 farms, due in large part to increasing consolidation," they continued. "Therefore we urge you, in the strongest terms possible, to incorporate the recommendations in this letter into your tariff relief package for farmers to address the failures of the 2018-2019 MFP and to ensure relief gets directly to farmers without incentivizing further consolidation in the agricultural sector and rewarding the biggest players to the detriment of small and medium farms, family farms, and specialty crop farms.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-answers-about-donations-to-trumps-ballroom-presses-new-architect-leading-white-house-project-for-details Blumenthal Demands Answers About Donations to Trump's Ballroom, Presses New Architect Leading White House Project for Details 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 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), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today demanded answers from Roblox CEO David Baszucki about his reported contribution to President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom as well as ten other individuals who attended the October 15, 2025 fundraising dinner for the project. As Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into the use of private donations to fund President Trump’s increasingly expensive ballroom, most recently estimated to cost $400 million, and has repeatedly raised concerns about donors that have deep financial, business, or other personal interests before the Trump Administration. In a letter sent today to Baszucki, Blumenthal requested additional information from the Roblox CEO about his donation, following a recent meeting during which Baszucki confirmed that he had contributed to President Trump’s ballroom, “I appreciated your candor and transparency at our recent meeting, in acknowledging that you were among the guests in attendance at that dinner and that you made a $5 million contribution to the ballroom project in your personal capacity.” Blumenthal continued, “As an attendee at the October 15 dinner and donor to the project, you possess critical information about the Administration’s solicitation of donations, its management of this project, why your donation was not publicly disclosed, and what President Trump or his representatives may have agreed to provide in exchange.” In letters to ten other individuals who attended the October 15 fundraiser, including Frank J. Fertitta II, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Red Rock Resorts, Blumenthal wrote, “A representative of your company was reportedly among the guests in attendance at the October 15 dinner; however, neither you nor your company were on the donor list which the White House released to the public several days later. My office has recently received information that at least one other attendee at the October 1… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-democratic-colleagues-introduce-sweeping-veterans-bill-to-reform-and-improve-va-health-care Blumenthal, Democratic Colleagues Introduce Sweeping Veterans Bill to Reform & Improve VA Health Care 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is leading a group of his Senate colleagues in introducing the Honor Our Promise to Veterans Act (the Honor Act)—sweeping legislation to invest in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) aging infrastructure, improve VA’s ability to recruit high quality health care employees, and improve the standards of care veterans receive. He was joined by fellow Committee members U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). “Democrats are pushing sweeping reforms to fix a VA system stretched to its limits. The VA system is underfunded, understaffed, and overdue for reform. We are demanding major capital investments in VA facilities, more money for the staff who deliver health care, and increased standards for community care,” said Ranking Member Blumenthal. Blumenthal continued, “Built on years of feedback from veterans and recommendations from watchdogs, our legislation enacts sweeping historic reforms to ensure veterans receive high-quality, timely care—both at VA facilities and in the community. The Honor Act mandates broad, landmark investments to replace VA’s aging infrastructure and make VA clinicians’ compensation more competitive. It aims to guarantee veterans’ access to well-trained, veteran-informed care no matter where they live.” “We have an obligation to do more than just thank our veterans for their service. We owe veterans the full, critical benefits they earned through their service,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “The Honor Act is an important step in fulfilling our obligation by ensuring the VA can easily improve its infrastructure, recruit high quality candidates, and always ensure our veterans are receiving the highest quality health care.” “We owe it to veterans in Maine and acro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-trump-administrations-latest-attack-on-revolution-wind Blumenthal Statement on Trump Administration's Latest Attack on Revolution Wind 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 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 released the following statement today on the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to stop work on the nearly complete Revolution Wind offshore wind project. “While the Trump Administration plays political games with Revolution Wind, here’s what’s at stake for Connecticut: the loss of good paying union jobs, billions of public and private dollars wasted, and higher electricity prices. This latest attack on Revolution Wind is even more absurd than the first one. The President cites national security risks, but has not been able to prove or demonstrate that such risks even exist. I am standing with our state’s delegation to keep fighting for this project, the workers who deserve to keep their jobs, and the Connecticut consumers who can’t afford to pay more for electricity,” Blumenthal said. After the Trump Administration’s first attempt to stop work at Revolution Wind in late August, Blumenthal wrote to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers regarding Trump’s interference in the project. A copy of that letter is available here. -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-congress-can-no-longer-turn-deaf-ear-americans-getting-hit Courtney: Congress Can No Longer Turn Deaf Ear to Americans Getting Hit with Skyrocketing Health Care Costs 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 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) released the following statement after the House of Representatives discharge petition on a three-year extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits reached the required 218 signatures to force a vote on the House floor. Courtney signed the discharge petition on November 12th and has fought for months to extend the health care tax credits, which expire on January 1st, 2026. “On November 12th I joined 214 House members to sign a discharge petition that is the last best hope for 22 million Americans who are about to get hit with skyrocketing health insurance premiums,” Courtney said. “The decision by four additional members to sign on, sets up a vote in the House on this measure that Speaker Johnson has willfully obstructed for months. The vote will be a defining moment for a Congress that has turned a deaf ear to pleas of working families, the middle class, and small businesses who will be condemned to losing affordable health insurance.” Access Health CT estimates that 142,000 people in Connecticut will face increasing health care costs due to the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits. As notices of health care premium increases went out to Connecticut residents this fall, Congressman Courtney met and spoke with constituents whose monthly premiums are increasing by thousands of dollars per month because Congress has failed to extend the ACA tax credits. On Tuesday, Congressman Courtney underwent a successful scheduled knee surgery. He is recovering at home in Connecticut this week before resuming his normal schedule in the new year. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-nadler-balint-frost-introduce-antisemitism-response-prevention DeLauro, Nadler, Balint & Frost Introduce Antisemitism Response & Prevention Act 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Rosa L. DeLauro D000216 delauro.house.gov delauro https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — In the wake of the horrific antisemitic attack in Sydney targeting the Jewish community, U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), alongside U.S. Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Becca Balint (VT-AL), and Maxwell Frost (FL-10), introduced the Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act (ARPA). “I am proud to co-lead the Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act of 2025, which lays out a national strategy for combating the rising threat of antisemitism while protecting freedom of speech, and calls out the Trump Administration's co-opting of antisemitism for its own political agenda,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “The horrific attacks in Australia on a Hannukah market demonstrate that unchecked antisemitic hatred has deadly consequences, and we must do everything in our power to prevent attacks like this in the future. That includes reopening the regional Offices of Civil Rights within the Department of Education that President Trump has closed, and funding nonprofit security grants to protect religious buildings and community centers. We must not stand by while hatred and extremism takes root in our communities.” This comprehensive approach to combating antisemitism supports the Biden Administration’s landmark US National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, including its approach to defining antisemitism. ARPA also fully funds the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education, undoes the Trump closure of regional offices, prevents regional offices from being closed in the future, and creates greater Congressional oversight into the work of the Department. Additionally, ARPA mandates the designation of a Title VI coordinator on every college campus in order to provide students with additional resources in hopes of preventing antisemitism and other hate on campus. Doing so also would provide on-campus resources to directly report any such incidents, should they occur. The bill notably creates a Hate Crime Reporting Center and provides additional resources to record, track, index, report, and… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E5E9FE21-85E2-4651-A2A3-A8D980E40B9F Hayes, Omar Introduce Legislation to Remove Barriers to Free School Lunch 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Jahana Hayes H001081 hayes.house.gov hayes https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), introduced the School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students (MEALS) Act. This legislation aims to create greater access to free school meals by reducing administrative hurdles, expanding eligibility, and simplifying the certification process for students in need, while also addressing the issue of unpaid meal debt. “The primary focus of every student in the classroom should be on their education, not hunger,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Too many children from families in need miss out on free meals because of unnecessary paperwork and overly complex procedures. The School MEALS Act is designed to eliminate red tape by improving direct certification and eligibility, ensuring students in high-need districts have full bellies and are ready to learn.” Congresswoman Omar, a cosponsor of the legislation said, “As someone who has worked in nutrition education and experienced hunger firsthand, I know how vital it is for students to have access to healthy meals. With nearly 14 million children facing food insecurity in our country, the School MEALS Act will make it easier for kids to receive the nutrition they need to succeed,". “The School MEALS Act would decrease stigma and increase participation in school meal programs among eligible students- improving outcomes for the 1 in 6 children in Connecticut who are experiencing food insecurity. Connecticut Foodshare is pleased to support Representative Hayes in advocating for this important bill and in her continued advocacy on behalf of those we serve,” said Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO, Connecticut Foodshare. The School MEALS Act focuses on strengthening two key federal tools directed to simplify access to school meals: Direct certification and Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Through direct certification, school districts use data matching procedures to approve eligible students wit… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-blasts-illegal-trump-desecration-john-f-kennedy-center Larson Blasts Illegal Trump Desecration of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “Donald Trump is a ‘narcissistic nihilist’ only consumed with himself and his own vanity – the furthest thing from John F. Kennedy one could imagine,” said Larson. “President Kennedy’s call to put service above self still resonates with people across the country and around the world today. He was a war hero, a president who always put America first, and someone who dignified the Presidency with class, grace, and intellectual wit. He is every bit as relevant today as he was when he served as Commander-in-Chief. Donald Trump’s attempt to affix himself to the living memorial to John F. Kennedy, a president who actually earned the love and respect of his nation, is a clearly narcissistic act of patent envy and jealousy. I join with my House colleagues who sit on the board of the Kennedy Center and were shut out of this sham renaming process – Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Reps. Rick Larsen and Joyce Beatty – as they continue to seek accountability. While President Trump may seek to place his name above our beloved former President, he will never have the impact, grace, or inspiration of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-house-democratic-leaders-introduce-american-affordability-act Larson, House Democratic Leaders Introduce American Affordability Act of 2025 to Take on Cost-of-Living Crisis 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. - Today, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the introduction of the American Affordability Act of 2025 with Tax Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (MA-01). Their plan takes on the cost-of-living crisis squeezing families nationwide, with real solutions to expand affordable housing, lower energy bills, cut taxes for working families, help student loan borrowers, and protect households from skyrocketing healthcare premiums. It includes Rep. Larson’s Neighborhood Homes Investment Actand Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Actto expand affordable housing options, as well as his Hydrogen Production and Investment Tax Credit Actto spur the development of clean energy. “Americans across the country are getting squeezed by high costs everywhere they look, from energy bills to health care premiums, groceries, and rent,” said Larson. “Trump’s cost-raising tariffs, cancellation of clean energy projects, and devastating health care cuts have only made it more difficult for families to make ends meet. While President Trump calls affordability a ‘hoax’ and pushes tax breaks for his billionaire friends, my Democratic colleagues and I are coming together with a real plan that takes on this cost-of-living crisis and cuts taxes for working families, not the wealthy.” “Families are doing everything right and still falling behind as costs keep rising,” said Thompson. “The American Affordability Act is about real relief for families: affordable housing, lower energy bills, more affordable childcare and healthcare, and bigger paychecks. This bill delivers targeted tax relief and smart investments that help families make ends meet and restores the promise that hard work should be enough to get ahead in our country.” “While Donald Trump projects and dismisses affordability fears as a ‘hoax,’ Democrats have been and always will be at the front of the fight to lower costs for everyday workers… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-senators-demand-answers-on-trump-vas-plan-to-eliminate-tens-of-thousands-of-health-care-jobs Blumenthal, Senators Demand Answers on Trump VA's Plan to Eliminate Tens of Thousands of Health Care Jobs 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today led a group of 37 of his colleagues demanding answers about the Trump Administration’s plans to eliminate as many as 35,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This follows recent reporting from The Washington Post detailing the Administration’s plans to eliminate tens of thousands of unfilled mission-critical health care positions at VA, including for doctors, nurses, and support staff. “We write to express our concern following the December 13, 2025, Washington Post article ‘VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs,’ which spotlights the Department’s plan to cut as many as 35,000 vacant positions from its workforce rolls before the end of the calendar year,” the Senators wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “Compounded by the exodus of more than 40,000 Department employees in fiscal year (FY) 2025, any unjustified cuts to existing vacancies would further disrupt a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce that is already stretched dangerously thin and under assault.” The Senators pushed back on Secretary Collins’ claims that cutting these jobs will have “no impact” on VA health care, pointing to data that even if cuts were focused on non-clinical and administrative vacancies, VA would still have to cut 18,000 vacancies from essential, veteran facing positions to meet their 35,000 number. They pressed Collins to provide additional information on VA’s plans to eliminate these positions, including asking for the list of positions removed; the names and titles of staff involved in making this decision; what evidence VA used to support this removal of vacancies; and what data was used to inform individual facility staffing baselines. The Senators concluded, emphasizing the gravity of this plan amid Republicans’ health care-cutting agenda across the government: “Unfilled positions are not reflective of unnecessary positions, and the length of time a position is v… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-senate-confirmation-of-trump-loyalist-john-bartrum-to-lead-vas-health-care-system Blumenthal statement on Senate Confirmation of Trump Loyalist John Bartrum to Lead VA's Health Care System 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released a statement on the Senate’s confirmation of John Bartrum to be the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Under Secretary for Health. Bartrum has served as a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins since January. “Trump political acolyte John Bartrum is the wrong choice to lead VA’s health care system. As a Senior Advisor to VA Secretary Collins, he has played a key role in stonewalling and slow walking Congress and veterans— continuously hiding information about VA’s budget, community care wait times, contract cancellations, and staffing plans. He has also refused to implement laws as Congress intended— playing a central role in withholding critical funding required to be distributed to homeless service providers who support nearly 25,000 of our most vulnerable veterans. His lack of transparency and responsiveness to Congress is wholly unacceptable for someone who will now be tasked with leading the largest health care system in our country at a critical inflection point, and I am disappointed in this body’s decision to confirm him.” As a senior advisor for Collins, Bartrum has played a key role in the firing of thousands of health care staff, the politicization of the VA research publication process, and the cancellation of thousands of VA contracts. He has also refused to implement laws as Congress intended, including the bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare & Benefits Improvement Act. He is continuing to withhold critical funding mandated under this law for organizations housing and providing critical resources for more than 25,000 homeless veterans. The Under Secretary for Health is tasked with overseeing the VA health care system—the largest integrated health care system in the country—which provides care to more than nine million enrolled veterans. -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-the-dojs-failure-to-release-the-full-epstein-files-as-demanded-by-survivors-required-by-law Blumenthal Statement on the DOJ's Failure to Release the Full Epstein Files as Demanded by Survivors, Required by Law 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 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), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement in response to response to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s statement on Fox News that the Department of Justice will not release the full Epstein files today, as required by law: "The reason that we are seeing any of this material is because the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's horrific crimes have been so courageous and steadfast – and that’s also why releasing an incomplete selection of the files is so offensive and utterly unacceptable. Outrageously, the Administration has now clearly indicated that it will withhold large parts of the file today. Yes, it's a violation of the law; yes, it's an affront to Congress and the American public; but most importantly, it's an insult to the brave women who are asking for one, simple thing: justice. I don't think the Trump Administration can be trusted to follow the law, which is why I'll be calling for an audit by the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General to backstop the concealment Deputy Attorney General Blanche has already admitted to doing." -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-12/12/2025-12/19/2025 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 12/12/2025-12/19/2025 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Applauding Final Passage of National Defense Authorization Bill [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) welcomed Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Blumenthal championed a number of provisions in the NDAA that promote U.S. national security objectives and bolster Connecticut’s defense industrial base and its workforce, all while improving support for servicemembers across the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 77-20 and was signed into law on December 18. An executive summary of the bill can be found here. “This defense bill prioritizes our national defense with investments in weapons and pay increases for servicemembers—while recognizing Connecticut’s critical role and workforce. The major, historic investments include producing submarines, joint strike fighters and helicopters, and other high tech platforms. Technological advancements and modernization bolster our state’s world-class manufacturing base. I am proud to advocate for the workers dedicated to defending our nation. With this legislation, we ensure that our military has the resources, technology, and support needed to protect our country,” said Blumenthal. The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026 also includes several provisions Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), championed to support sexual assault survivors within the Coast Guard. “I am proud of the significant reforms in this bill that will help protect current cadets and Coasties from the kind of harassment, abuse, and retaliation uncovered by my investigation,” Blumenthal said. “There is still significantly more work that needs to be done to combat the Coast Guard’s culture of coverup, but these provisions are an important first step.” In September 2023, as then-Chair of PSI, Blumenthal initiated an inquiry into the Coast Guard’s failure to disclose Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal Coast Guard investigati… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-sudden-cancellation-full-service-community-schools DeLauro Statement on Sudden Cancellation of Full-Service Community Schools Program Funding Including in New Haven 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 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 (CT-03) released the following statement following the Trump Administration’s sudden cancellation of active Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) program grants in Connecticut and across the country. “The Trump Administration’s sudden termination of funding for programs that provide children with the resources to succeed is cruel. Full-Service Community Schools grant cancellations will leave children without mental health services, after school programs, and community support programs they depend on. Our most vulnerable children will be lose access to tutoring, athletics, health care, and other essential programs for families in as soon as two weeks. This move is only the latest in Trump’s playbook for dismantling the Department of Education and the resources kids and families rely on. I’ll continue to do everything in my power to fight against these dangerous cuts.” During her tenure as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and the subcommittee that funds the Department of Education, DeLauro increased funding for the FSCS program tenfold to $150 million annually. The FSCS program supports full-service community schools that improve the coordination and accessibility of services for children and families, especially for children attending high-poverty schools. Clifford Beers was recently informed that federal funding for their Building Healthy Communities New Haven Public Schools & Clifford Beers Community Care Center would be terminated effective December 31, 2025. The program was supposed to be funded through December 2028 with $1,750,000 in grant funding remaining and offers comprehensive wraparound services to address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. The services included after-school programming, in-school clinical mental health counseling, family stipends for food and groceries, housing, clothing and uniforms, and more. In their first year, 310 students were served at Fair Haven School and Family Academy of Multilingual Exploration … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2096AA8E-EA31-4FBA-82AC-C7D44CA567E5 Himes, Garbarino Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Veteran Suicide 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT James A. Himes H001047 himes.house.gov himes https://himes.house.gov/press-releases page_html Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT-04) and Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) reintroduced the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, legislation that directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a comprehensive review of veteran suicides and identify gaps in care, prescribing practices, and data reporting. The bill aims to improve transparency, strengthen oversight, and ensure the VA can better support veterans in crisis. Recent independent reviews have raised concerns that veteran suicide deaths may be significantly undercounted due to misclassified self-injury and overdose deaths. These discrepancies underscore the urgent need for accurate data to fully understand the scope of the crisis and take meaningful action to save lives. Under this bill, the VA would be required to complete a detailed, publicly available review of suicide deaths among veterans who received VA care within the five years preceding their death. The review would assess medical histories, prescribed medications, facility-level prescribing patterns, diagnoses, and demographic information. “Our men and women in uniform deserve the very best when they return home, but the tragically high rate of suicide is a clear sign that we are failing to live up to that standard. This important piece of bipartisan legislation will ensure that we better understand how best to support our veterans as they readjust to life after service,”said Congressman Himes. “Too many of our nation’s heroes have been lost to suicide, and every one of those lives is a call to action,” said Congressman Garbarino. “This crucial legislation gives us the transparency and information needed to strengthen oversight and ensure veterans receive the support they deserve.” “Accurate data saves lives. America’s Warrior Partnership strongly supports this bipartisan effort to bring greater transparency to veteran suicide and ensure every community has the information needed to prevent these tragic losses.” - Jim Lorraine, President & CEO of America'… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-condemns-bomb-threats-targeting-congregation-beth-israel-and Larson Condemns Bomb Threats Targeting Congregation Beth Israel and Synagogues Across New England 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper East Hartford, CT – Today, on the fifth night of Hanukkah, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after bomb threats were sent to Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, as well as other synagogues across New England. “This despicable bomb threat, and the rise in antisemitic intimidation targeting Jewish communities, is abhorrent,” said Larson. “Threats against synagogues are not only attacks on Jewish families – they are attacks on our shared values. I stand with Congregation Beth Israel and synagogues across our region, and I am grateful to the West Hartford Police for their swift response to keep the community safe. Antisemitism has no place in Connecticut, the United States of America, or anywhere across the globe. We must continue to confront and root out hate in all its forms.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-condemns-trump-cancellation-12-million-funding-hartford-public Larson Condemns Trump Cancellation of $1.2 Million in Funding for Hartford Public Schools 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “Hundreds of thousands of kids across Connecticut rely on Department of Education programs to succeed in school, but that has not stopped Donald Trump and Linda McMahon from dismantling the agency brick by brick,” said Larson. “Democrats and Republicans have continuously come together to increase funding for the Full-Service Community Schools program because it works. These grants have had a proven track record – reducing truancy and dropout rates, improving academic achievement, and increasing student engagement inside and outside of the classroom. Canceling this program in the middle of the school year with no announcement, explanation, or approval from Congress, is beyond a disservice to Hartford students. They deserve better from their government. I will do everything I can to protect these essential programs from this president’s cruel cuts.” After receiving a $2.1 million federal grant in 2023 through the Full-Service Community Schools Program, Hartford School District received notice that the $1,262,656.80 in funding remaining was canceled. These funds are currently supporting programs at M.D. Fox Elementary School, Burr Middle School, and Bulkeley High School, to expand in- and out-of-school student support, career readiness programs, and crime and violence prevention and intervention. Rep. Larson is a cosponsor of Rep. Jahana Hayes’ Department of Education Protection Act to ensure federal funding is not used to downsize or restructure the Department. He was one of 192 House Democrats who filed an amicus brief in court in support of the multi-state lawsuit opposing President Trump’s order to dismantle these programs. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-rebukes-trump-backed-trans-health-care-ban-vows-continue-fight Larson Rebukes Trump-Backed Trans Health Care Ban, Vows to Continue Fight to Protect LGBTQ+ Youth 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and my Republican colleagues think they know better than parents and doctors when it comes to the health of our children,” said Larson. “Last night, they pushed through one of the most extreme bills we have ever voted on – a bill to jail doctors, parents, and nurses simply for ensuring their kids can get the care they need. Not even 24 hours after that shameful vote, they want to ban Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care and shut down hospitals that serve trans youth. I trust families to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their doctors and providers. Politicians have no business getting in the way of essential medical care. I stand with our Attorney General, William Tong, who has already been in court to block these discriminatory threats from ever becoming law. Whether it is access to abortion, contraception, or care for LGBTQ+ youth, I will never back down from the fight for health care freedom.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-for-dramatic-increase-in-funding-for-comprehensive-hate-crime-prevention Blumenthal Calls for Dramatic Increase in Funding for Comprehensive Hate Crime Prevention 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Chairs and Ranking Members of its Subcommittees on Homeland Security and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies calling for a dramatic increase in resources for programs that combat hate-based violence through security and prevention. “Over the weekend, the global Jewish community was devastated by the horrifying terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia. This terrible tragedy is sadly not an anomaly and reflects a worldwide rise in antisemitism, extremist ideology, and hate-based violence,” Blumenthal wrote. “That is why I urge you to show the Senate’s commitment to protecting our religious institutions and minority communities by dramatically increasing resources for programs that combat hate-based violence through security and prevention, including by appropriating no less than $1 billion to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), making significant investments to the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act (NO HATE Act), and reestablishing and fully funding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Community Relations Service (CRS).” The full text of today’s letter is copied below. Dear Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray, Chair Britt, Ranking Member Murphy, Chair Moran, and Ranking Member Van Hollen, Over the weekend, the global Jewish community was devastated by the horrifying terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia. This terrible tragedy is sadly not an anomaly and reflects a worldwide rise in antisemitism, extremist ideology, and hate-based violence. As you are all aware, hate crimes remain at unconscionable levels here in the United States as well. In August, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released data for 2024 showing that nearly 14,000 people were victims of a hate crime. That is why I urge you to show the Senate’s commitment to protecting our religious institutions and minority communities by dramatic… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-schumer-and-colleagues-call-on-independent-watchdog-to-investigate-impact-of-republicans-health-care-cutting-agenda-on-veterans_their-families Blumenthal, Schumer & Colleagues Call on Independent Watchdog to Investigate Impact of Republicans' Health Care-Cutting Agenda on Veterans & their Families 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) today led a group of 26 of their colleagues in a letter calling on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the impact Republicans’ health care-cutting agenda will have on veterans and their families. This follows Senate Republicans’ failure last week to join Democrats in extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which 267,000 veterans rely on to afford health care. Coupled with Medicare and Medicaid cuts – which go into effect next year – Americans, including millions of veterans and veteran family members, are bracing for higher costs and a looming health care crisis. “The 2025 budget reconciliation bill, Public Law 119-21, or the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ (BBB), will reduce access to essential health care and supportive services for millions of Americans, including veterans and their families. Compounded with expiring enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, veterans are facing a life-threatening reduction in access to health care and other essential benefits. These reductions in access to private health insurance, Medicaid, and funding for community health services will result in more veterans relying more heavily on their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits,” the Senators wrote. 1.6 million veterans and four million family members of veterans utilize Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and are at risk of losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage because of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” One in ten veterans under the age of 65 relies on Medicaid, and forty percent of these veterans rely on Medicaid as their sole coverage. In addition, recent analysis found 267,000 veterans who rely on ACA enhanced premium tax credits will no longer be able to aff… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-schiff-introduce-bill-to-keep-border-patrol-agents-at-our-borders-and-out-of-our-cities Murphy, Schiff Introduce Bill To Keep Border Patrol Agents At Our Borders And Out Of Our Cities 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 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 Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) today introduced the Keeping Our Agents On The Line Act, a bill to improve border security by ensuring that Border Patrol Agents are not diverted from their work at U.S. borders and reassigned to operations deep in the American interior. Over the last year, Border Patrol Agents have repeatedly been deployed for complex immigration enforcement operations in American cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Minneapolis and Charlotte. Several of these missions were hundreds of miles away from any land border, and far outside the “reasonable distance” border patrol enforcement zone enshrined in law. However, Border Patrol Agents do not have the training to conduct complex civil immigration investigations in the U.S. interior, which ordinarily are handled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Predictably, untrained border patrol agents have been severely disruptive in the communities they’ve been deployed to, harassing US citizens in their homes and workplaces, violently arresting local activists, and refusing to communicate with local law enforcement. Despite pleas from state governors, mayors, and business leaders to take Border Patrol Agents out of their cities, the Trump Administration has vowed to continue these missions and offered little clarity about their scope or duration. “Border Patrol has no business conducting regular operations hundreds of miles away from the border,” said Murphy. “Trump’s obsession with ripping families apart and militarizing our cities has resulted in untrained agents wreaking havoc in American communities and a border that’s less secure. Our bill frees border patrol agents to do the important jobs they were actually trained to do: working at or near the border line to keep our country safe.” “The administration has continued to engage in indiscriminate and large-scale immigration raids — fomenting fear in our communities. In California, the administration has targeted citizens, noncitizen… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://himes.house.gov/2025/12/18/2025-12-himes-garbarino-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-veteran-suicide/ Himes, Garbarino Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Veteran Suicide 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT James A. Himes H001047 himes.house.gov himes https://himes.house.gov/statements-and-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT-04) and Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) reintroduced the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, legislation that directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a comprehensive review of veteran suicides and identify gaps in care, prescribing practices, and data reporting. The bill aims to improve transparency, strengthen oversight, and ensure the VA can better support veterans in crisis. Recent independent reviews have raised concerns that veteran suicide deaths may be significantly undercounted due to misclassified self-injury and overdose deaths. These discrepancies underscore the urgent need for accurate data to fully understand the scope of the crisis and take meaningful action to save lives. Under this bill, the VA would be required to complete a detailed, publicly available review of suicide deaths among veterans who received VA care within the five years preceding their death. The review would assess medical histories, prescribed medications, facility-level prescribing patterns, diagnoses, and demographic information. “Our men and women in uniform deserve the very best when they return home, but the tragically high rate of suicide is a clear sign that we are failing to live up to that standard. This important piece of bipartisan legislation will ensure that we better understand how best to support our veterans as they readjust to life after service,”said Congressman Himes. “Too many of our nation’s heroes have been lost to suicide, and every one of those lives is a call to action,” said Congressman Garbarino. “This crucial legislation gives us the transparency and information needed to strengthen oversight and ensure veterans receive the support they deserve.” “Accurate data saves lives. America’s Warrior Partnership strongly supports this bipartisan effort to bring greater transparency to veteran suicide and ensure every community has the information needed to prevent these tragic losses.” – Jim Lorraine, President & CEO of America’… 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-trump-administration-attacks-nursing-education DeLauro Statement on Trump Administration Attacks on Nursing Education 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Rosa L. DeLauro D000216 delauro.house.gov delauro https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement regarding the Department of Education’s new efforts to exclude nursing from its definition of professional occupations, limiting the amount of federal student loans available to nursing students: “America is facing a nursing shortage of over 195,000 unfilled positions, projected to grow to 400,000 by the end of this decade. Nurses do the vital and difficult day to day work of caring for patients while making sure exam rooms, operating rooms, and ER’s are functioning for when we need them most. We should be investing in every stage of our nursing development pipeline, from high school to college to post-graduate degrees and certifications, to address this shortfall, not making it more difficult to train and retain nurses in our hospitals. We also must address the skyrocketing cost of education in this country. “Instead, President Trump has been focused on making education less affordable and less available to American students. His Education Department—what is left of it—has proposed classifying nursing degrees as non-professional graduate degrees, limiting the federal financial aid they are eligible for and limiting opportunities for nurses to pursue advanced degrees and education that could help them better care for their patients, or become practitioners in the future. “This is an insult to the dedicated people who study for years to become nurses, and forcing advanced nursing students to turn to private loans could be a significant roadblock for those who want to continue their educational and professional journeys to better care for their patients. Our overburdened nursing workforce will shrink even further if these rules go into effect, and American patients will ultimately pay the price. The Trump Administration must immediately reverse this short-sighted policy, and give our nurses the respect and opportunities they deserve.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8F17E865-6DB6-4877-BA49-ABE757D67D4C Hayes Spoke on the House Floor About Extending the Affordable Care Act Tax Credits 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Jahana Hayes H001081 hayes.house.gov hayes https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) spoke on the House floor, urging Congress to defeat a misguided Republican bill and to consider a clean, three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits before they expire at the end of the year. These efforts failed in a House vote of 204 to 203. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes released the following statement following the failed vote: “With only three legislative days remaining, not extending the ACA enhanced premium tax credits will have devastating consequences for millions of Americans who rely on the marketplace for affordable health coverage. If the enhanced tax credits are allowed to expire, health insurance premiums would increase by an average of 114%, forcing an estimated 4.2 million people to lose their health insurance. Small business owners, independent contractors, farmers, and families throughout the Fifth Congressional District of Connecticut are already struggling with rising costs for everyday necessities, including groceries, utilities, housing, and insurance. Many have contacted my office directly or stopped me in the community to share that without the ACA tax credits, healthcare would simply be unaffordable. On November 12, 2025, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries introduced a discharge petition to bring legislation before the House that would extend the Affordable Care Act by three years, ensuring healthcare coverage for 22 million Americans. All Democrats signed this discharge petition, along with four Republicans. This means the legislation can be brought to the House floor for a vote, but the process will take time - time that we do not have. I am disappointed that the vote to bring a clean, three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits failed today on the floor. Speaker Johnson must act swiftly to protect access to affordable healthcare and prevent unnecessary coverage losses.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-calls-johnson-keep-congress-washington-and-pass-aca-tax-credits Larson Calls on Johnson to Keep Congress in Washington and Pass ACA Tax Credits to Lower Health Care Costs 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) called on Speaker Johnson to keep the House in session until action is taken to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits 20 million Americans rely on to afford health care coverage. Earlier today, four Republicans signed on to Leader Jeffries’ discharge petition to force a House vote on a three-year extension of the credits, meeting the required threshold of 218 signatures. “Families across the country are depending on Congress to take action to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits before they see their costs double,” said Larson. “Democrats put forward a plan months ago to take action and lower health care costs but have been blocked at every step of the way. With a bipartisan majority of Members calling for action, Speaker Johnson must keep the House in session over the holidays until we extend the tax credits. Johnson and Trump cannot leave the American people in the lurch while they sit up at night wondering how they will pay their bills. If Republicans and Trump fail to act, they deserve nothing more than coal in their stockings this year.” During the government shutdown, Larson introduced the Opening the People’s House Resolution to allow a majority of Members of Congress to reconvene Congress. Currently, the Speaker of the House has unilateral authority to keep the House in recess. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-opposes-extreme-anti-trans-health-care-bill Larson Opposes Extreme Anti-Trans Health Care Bill 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “Whether it’s accessing an abortion or deciding what’s best for your children, Republicans think they should decide your health care needs,” said Larson. “They aren’t satisfied with kicking 15 million people off their health insurance. Republicans are now attacking the transgender community, criminalizing care and ending Medicaid coverage. There isn’t room for politicians in the doctor's office. Medical decisions should be between a patient, their family, and their health care professionals. Throwing doctors, nurses, and parents in jail over providing medical care is extreme and frankly un-American. I will always stand up for the LGBTQ+ community in Connecticut and across the country. If Republicans want to address health care, they should join Democrats to protect access to care and lower costs. Stop these culture war stunts.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-opposes-republicans-failed-health-care-plan-calls-real-action Larson Opposes Republicans’ Failed Health Care Plan, Calls for Real Action to Lower Costs 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “Republicans’ health care plan is simply insulting for families across the country who are already having to decide between enrolling in health insurance and paying the rent,” said Larson. “While Democrats have been fighting to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, Republicans have somehow cooked up a plan that raises costs AND leaves more Americans uninsured. Kicking 15 million Americans off their health insurance isn’t enough for them. In the wealthiest nation in the world, health care should be a right, not a privilege for the wealthy few. A bipartisan majority of Members have spoken and are demanding action to protect access to care and lower costs. Will Speaker Johnson and Republicans have the courage to stand up for their constituents and vote, or will they continue to run and hide? The American people can’t wait.” Larson has called for renewed negotiations to solve the Republicans’ health care crisis and signed on to a discharge petition with House Democrats to force a vote on their plan to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Today, the petition reached the 218-signature threshold required to force a House vote after four Republicans signed on. Last week, Senate Republicans blocked Democrats’ plan to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-votes-end-illegal-strikes-caribbean-reassert-congressional-war Larson Votes to End Illegal Strikes in Caribbean, Reassert Congressional War Powers 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “Our Founders entrusted Congress with the authority to declare war under Article I of the Constitution,” said Larson. “These unauthorized strikes in the Caribbean Sea have proven that it’s time for the legislative branch to reassert our authority. I am proud to support Representatives Greg Meeks and Jim McGovern’s efforts to end these strikes and stop us from becoming entangled in another forever war. Members of Congress must remember that we swear an oath to the Constitution, not Secretary Hegseth or President Trump.” Larson called for Defense Secretary Hegseth to resign following reports that he gave an illegal order resulting in a second strike to kill survivors of an initial attack on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea. Larson voted against the Iraq War and has long advocated for the repeal of the overly broad 1991 Gulf War and 2002 Iraq War authorizations, and voted to repeal them as part of the National Defense Authorization Act last week. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-applauds-final-passage-of-national-defense-authorization-bill-with-wins-for-connecticut Blumenthal Applauds Final Passage of National Defense Authorization Bill with Wins for Connecticut 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 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) welcomed Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Blumenthal championed a number of provisions in the NDAA that promote U.S. national security objectives and bolster Connecticut’s defense industrial base and its workforce, all while improving support for servicemembers across the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 77-20. An executive summary of the bill can be found here. “This defense bill prioritizes our national defense with investments in weapons and pay increases for servicemembers—while recognizing Connecticut’s critical role and workforce. The major, historic investments include producing submarines, joint strike fighters and helicopters, and other high tech platforms. Technological advancements and modernization bolster our state’s world-class manufacturing base. I am proud to advocate for the workers dedicated to defending our nation. With this legislation, we ensure that our military has the resources, technology, and support needed to protect our country,” said Blumenthal. As a member of the Committee tasked with crafting the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026, Blumenthal successfully advocated for the inclusion of several provisions that promote our national security interests and defense goals while also investing in Connecticut-based manufacturers and suppliers of vital national security assets, including: Supporting the Connecticut Defense Industrial Base: Blumenthal championed provisions that bolster Connecticut’s submarine and aircraft industries, sustaining these key businesses whose products uphold a vital segment of Connecticut’s economy and provide the nation with an asymmetric advantage. Blumenthal delivered provisions that: Provide $2.016 billion to fund one Virginia Class submarine; Provide $3.9 billion to support construction of a Columbia Class ballistic missile submarine; Provide $5 billion to support advance… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-applauds-reforms-included-in-ndaa-to-support-sexual-assault-survivors-in-the-coast-guard Blumenthal Applauds Reforms Included in NDAA to Support Sexual Assault Survivors in the Coast Guard 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 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), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, applauded Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes several provisions Blumenthal championed to support sexual assault survivors within the Coast Guard. “I am proud of the significant reforms in this bill that will help protect current cadets and Coasties from the kind of harrassment, abuse, and retaliation uncovered by my investigation,” Blumenthal said. “There is still significantly more work that needs to be done to combat the Coast Guard’s culture of coverup, but these provisions are an important first step.” In September 2023, as then-Chair of PSI, Blumenthal initiated an inquiry into the Coast Guard’s failure to disclose Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal Coast Guard investigation into the decades-long systemic mishandling of sexual misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy. The NDAA includes numerous provisions requested by Blumenthal to protect survivors of misconduct and hold accountable perpetrators of sexual misconduct and those who enabled them, including: Requiring the Coast Guard to maintain, for at least 50 years, evidence of sexual misconduct and sexual assault reporting forms, as well as affirming survivors’ rights to access records related to their investigations; Requiring a record of a complaint of misconduct to be placed in the non-restricted record of any service member who was convicted by courts martial, punished administratively, or a recipient of non-judicial punishment for the misconduct, regardless of grade; Permits a Board of Review to review and downgrade the discharge status of anyone who was found by clear and convincing evidence to have committed sexual assault or harassment while on active duty; Permits reopening of retired grade determinations for members who knew of and failed to report misconduct in their command or who failed to carry out app… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-ross-lead-bicameral-legislation-to-shine-light-on-supreme-court-shadow-docket-decisions Blumenthal, Ross Lead Bicameral Legislation to Shine Light on Supreme Court Shadow Docket Decisions 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 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) and U.S. Representative Deborah Ross (D-NC) introduced bicameral legislation establishing transparency in decisions on the Supreme Court’s emergency docket, also known as the “shadow docket.” The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act requires the Supreme Court to provide a written explanation for shadow docket decisions and a vote count detailing how each Justice voted on the decision, promoting public understanding and consistency in judicial decision making. The Supreme Court has increasingly relied on the shadow docket—making decisions on short notice without oral argument or any legal explanation of the Court’s reasoning. The Court has utilized the shadow docket to make decisions on a number of wide-ranging, highly consequential cases, including the September 8, 2025 decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo. The decision allows ICE agents to stop and arrest individuals based on their appearance, the language they speak, where they live, and what they do for work. “The shadow docket decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, a highly chilling legal landmark, condones racial profiling in Trump’s immigration enforcement. Shockingly, this very significant ruling was issued without any public argument or majority opinion. The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act shines light on the Supreme Court’s emergency docket rulings, like Vazquez Perdomo, and requires the Supreme Court to be accountable and explain its rulings. Americans deserve clarity from the nation’s highest Court—especially as the Court increasingly uses the shadow docket to issue far-reaching consequential decisions. Recent shadow docket decisions demonstrate the dire need for our legislation’s enforceable guidelines that hold the Court accountable,” said Blumenthal. “The conservative majority on the Supreme Court continues to issue harmful, backwards decisions through the shadow docket, often offering no explanation of their reasoning or how the justices voted,” said Ross. “From allowing DOGE to access sensitive data to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-video-blumenthal-and-education-leaders-discuss-how-veterans-are-harmed-by-the-trump-administrations-dismantling-of-department-of-education ICYMI Video: Blumenthal & Education Leaders Discuss How Veterans are Harmed by the Trump Administration's Dismantling of Department of Education 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) spoke at a spotlight forum on the Trump Administration’s dangerous effort to dismantle the Department of Education, highlighting how efforts negatively impact our nation’s veterans. At the forum, Blumenthal spoke with Rachel Gittleman, President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, and Amy Loyd, CEO of All4Ed, about how veterans are struggling to access critical resources to help them assimilate to civilian life through education and skills training. “I want to talk about an area of interest to me as the Ranking Member on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and I'd like you to tell me how the dismantling of the Department of Education has affected veterans,” asked Blumenthal. “Two of the many programs that I helped administer were the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the Total and Permanent Disability Discharge Program. Both of those programs disproportionately benefit and help veterans, many of whom are saddled with student debt,” said Gittleman. “And my office, like so many other offices in federal student aid, was completely gutted, leaving no one to help answer the phones, no one to help access the incredibly complicated and convoluted system that is these discharge programs.” “In our nation, we're moving towards a skills-based economy. This is so important for veterans transitioning into the world of being a civilian. How do they translate their incredible skills that they have earned through their hard work and dedication to our nation into ways that they can prove their skills and practice through economic opportunities so that they can raise their families, have lives of choice,” said Loyd. “But in this moment of fiscal uncertainty and the bait-and-switch and the instability and chaos that this Administration is engendering in the education world, states are now walking back and being very cautious and investing in innovation. I worry about the implications of how our veterans may not be … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-statement-after-coast-guard-allows-its-official-policy-manual Courtney Statement After Coast Guard Allows Its Official Policy Manual to No longer Classify Nooses and Swastikas as Hate Symbols 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 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) released the following statement after the U.S. Coast Guard allowed its official policy manual to characterize nooses and swastikas as "potential divisive" rather than the pre-existing declaration that they were hate symbols. “Despite the explicit message from Coast Guard leadership on November 20th that the offensive policy that described nazi symbols and nooses as ‘potentially decisive’ would not take effect, the official policy manual of the Coast Guard still retains this outrageous position,” Courtney said. “The confusion and contradiction that surrounds this debacle needs to be fixed completely and comprehensively, without any legalese. The sacred reputation of the Coast Guard is at stake with this fiasco, and for the sake of its reputation and future standing, I join my other House colleagues in imploring Coast Guard leadership to act swiftly.” Connecticut’s Second District is home to U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London. Earlier this year, Congressman Courtney was reappointed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-and-krishnamoorthi-lead-letter-homeland-security-cbp-urging DeLauro and Krishnamoorthi Lead Letter to Homeland Security & CBP Urging Stronger Enforcement of Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Rosa L. DeLauro D000216 delauro.house.gov delauro https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8), Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party, released a letter to the Department of Homeland Security regarding reports that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has deprioritized enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in favor of collecting President Trump’s disastrous tariffs: “UFLPA enforcement is about more than the moral imperative to fight forced labor,” the members of Congress wrote. “The PRC government has a documented history of using lax environmental laws and forced labor as effective subsidies for their manufacturers. This creates an uneven playing field upon which companies that adhere to the international rules-based order are at a disadvantage. The UFLPA is also about leveling the playing field for U.S. manufacturers. Relaxing enforcement of the law poses a direct risk to U.S. industry and workers competing in the global economy.” The text of the letter is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-blumenthal-tenney-and-cornyn-introduce-bipartisan-legislation Larson, Blumenthal, Tenney, and Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Rights of Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), joined by Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Essential Caregivers Act to reaffirm and enforce the right of all residents in long-term care facilities to have in-person access to a loved one, including when visitations are restricted due to a declared emergency. The bipartisan bill seeks to prevent a repeat of the prolonged isolation and lack of care that long-term care residents suffered from during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Essential Caregivers Act ensures that in any future emergency, at least one designated essential caregiver is able to access their loved ones in a manner consistent with all applicable health and safety protocols. The bill also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to set clear and fair guidelines for essential caregivers to enter facilities during an emergency that protect the safety of facility staff and residents. “It is still heartbreaking to hear the stories of long-term care residents separated from their support systems during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Larson. “Family members are essential caregivers, providing support to their loved ones in ways that professionals cannot offer. Our bipartisan bill will guarantee responsible visiting access for those loved ones in any future public health emergency. We must never again allow the isolation that took place, harming patients and families. I am glad to join Senators Blumenthal and Cornyn, and Congresswoman Tenney to address this important issue. I urge all my colleagues to join us and pass the Essential Caregivers Act now.” “The Essential Caregivers Act ensures that the rights of residents in long-term care facilities are protected when a future public health crisis strikes,” said Blumenthal. “By allowing at least one designated essential caregiver to have safe, in-person access to their loved ones during an emergency, our bipartisan legislation… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-demands-noem-rescind-heinous-policy-on-hate-symbols Blumenthal Demands Noem Rescind "Heinous Policy" on Hate Symbols 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, following reporting that the U.S. Coast Guard has allowed a new policy to take effect that no longer prohibits nor classifies swastikas and nooses as hate symbols, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem demanding that she “revoke this policy and make it clear to the brave men and women serving in the Coast Guard that hate has no place in the service.” In a letter sent this evening following the Washington Post’s reporting that the Coast Guard has newly defined swastikas and nooses as just “potentially divisive,” Blumenthal wrote to Noem: “Granting hate symbols like swastikas and nooses even an ounce of respectability is absolutely an anathema. This edict besmirches the Coast Guard’s honor, and DHS should be ashamed. At a time when antisemitic and racist violence are at unconscionable levels, it is absolutely appalling that DHS is doubling down on such a hateful, destructive policy.” The text of today’s letter to Noem is available here and copied below. Dear Secretary Noem, I am outraged by the Coast Guard’s new policy tolerating hate symbols and demand that you rescind it immediately. On November 20, 2025, reporting revealed that the Coast Guard would no longer classify swastikas and nooses as hate symbols.[1] Instead, those symbols would be treated as “potentially divisive” under the new policy, potentially allowing for their display. After widespread outrage and condemnation – and only after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dismissed the reporting as “fake crap”– the Coast Guard claimed to rescind this heinous policy the next day.[2] It is now clear that the Coast Guard had no intention of backing down, and today they quietly allowed this abhorrent policy to go into effect.[3] Granting hate symbols like swastikas and nooses even an ounce of respectability is absolutely an anathema. This edict besmirches the Coast Guard’s honor, and DHS should be ashamed. At a time when antisemitic and racist violence are at unconscionabl… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-tenney-cornyn-and-larson-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-rights-of-residents-in-long-term-care-facilities Blumenthal, Tenney, Cornyn, & Larson Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Rights of Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 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 Claudia Tenney (R-NY) today introduced the Essential Caregivers Act, bipartisan legislation that reaffirms and enforces the right of all residents in long-term care facilities to have in-person access to a loved one, including when visitations are restricted due to a declared emergency. U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and U.S. Representative John B. Larson (D-CT) joined Blumenthal and Tenney in introducing the Essential Caregivers Act. The bipartisan bill seeks to prevent a repeat of the prolonged isolation and lack of care that long-term care residents suffered from during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Essential Caregivers Act ensures that in any future emergency, at least one designated essential caregiver is able to access their loved ones in a manner consistent with all applicable health and safety protocols. The bill also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to set clear and fair guidelines for essential caregivers to enter facilities during an emergency that protect the safety of facility staff and residents. “The Essential Caregivers Act ensures that the rights of residents in long-term care facilities are protected when a future public health crisis strikes,” said Blumenthal. “By allowing at least one designated essential caregiver to have safe, in-person access to their loved ones during an emergency, our bipartisan legislation guarantees that residents in these facilities will never again have to face the isolation that far too many patients experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.” “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced how dangerous and inhumane it is to isolate seniors and vulnerable patients from the people who care for them the most,” said Tenney. “Families were locked out, residents declined rapidly, and far too many suffered alone. The Essential Caregivers Act ensures that never happens again. Loved ones are not visitors. They are caregivers, advocates, and lifelines. Thi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-castro-bicameral-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-fight-illegal-weapons-trafficking-into-latin-america-and-the-caribbean Murphy, Kaine, Markey, Warren, And Durbin Introduce Bicameral Bill To Fight Illegal Weapons Trafficking Into Latin America And The Caribbean 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 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 led U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in reintroducing the Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act to more effectively monitor and disrupt the trafficking of U.S. manufactured firearms throughout the Americas, which threatens domestic security and regional stability, puts American lives at risk, and hinders U.S. foreign policy goals in the Hemisphere. Companion legislation is being introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Texas-20). Presently, the U.S. Department of Commerce is responsible for licensing and oversight of the sale of certain types of firearms and ammunition but does not have sufficient monitoring capability to make informed licensing decisions to keep American-made guns away from foreign bad actors. By transferring licensing and oversight power back to the U.S. Department of State, mandating an interagency strategy to track and verify the use of exported firearms, and giving Congress more oversight of export licensing, the ARMAS Act would significantly reduce the flow of U.S. firearms into Latin America and the Caribbean that drives violence and political instability throughout the region. “Every year, hundreds of thousands of American-made guns are illegally trafficked into Latin American countries. These guns are then used by cartels and gangs to commit violence and sow instability that has real consequences for us here at home. Our bill would overhaul the current system for approving firearms exports, increasing transparency and making it harder for dangerous people to get their hands on illegally trafficked guns,” said Murphy. “To ensure the safety of Americans and the security and prosperity of our hemisphere, we must ramp up our ability to stop the illegal trafficking of firearms throughout the region. This legislation can help us do that, by taking steps to make it harder for U.S. small arms exports to fall into the wrong … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-statement-bondi-beach-terror-attack Courtney Statement on Bondi Beach Terror Attack 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 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, Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Australia Caucus, released the following statement on the December 14thmass shooting in Sydney, Australia targeting a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach. “The Bondi Beach shooting at a Hanukkah celebration is an appalling vicious hate crime. Australian Prime Minister Albanese’s words, ‘an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians’, hold true for all friends of Australia — and the civilized world. America mourns with the victims and denounces antisemitism in all its forms,” Courtney said. “The swift action by Prime Minister Albanese to push for tighter gun club firearm laws in Australia is a decisive example of how to reduce the risk of gun violence and prevent future tragedies.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-courtney-statement-delivery-uss-idaho-ssn-799-us-navy Ranking Member Courtney Statement on Delivery of the USS IDAHO (SSN 799) to the U.S. Navy 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 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), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement after General Dynamic Electric Boat delivered the future USS IDAHO (SSN 799), the 26th Virginia-class submarine, to the U.S. Navy on December 15th, 2025. “Congratulations to the talented shipbuilders of Electric Boat in Groton and Huntington Ingalls in Virginia for their successful delivery today of the USS IDAHO (SSN 799) to the U.S. Navy. This achievement is proof of the growing momentum in the Virginia program, following delivery of the USS MASSACHUSETTS (SSN 798) in November,” Courtney said. “Similarly, last year, two Virginia submarines were delivered – the USS NEW JERSEY (796) and the USS IOWA (797). Looking ahead to 2026, the USS ARKANSAS (800) and the USS UTAH (801), the 27th and 28th Virginia-class submarines will be performing final sea trials prior to joining the fleet. This two-per-year cadence, at the same time that the Columbia-class program is in full production, demonstrates that the $10 billion investment by Congress into the submarine industrial base starting in 2018, to grow the workforce, boost wages, supply chain, and facilities, is paying dividends. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-12-billion-farm-bailout-trump-policies-made-necessary DeLauro Statement on $12 Billion Farm Bailout Trump Policies Made Necessary 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Rosa L. DeLauro D000216 delauro.house.gov delauro https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement regarding the $12 billion in relief for American famers that was made necessary by President Trump’s trade policies: “I have always stood with American farmers, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that small, family, and specialty crop farmers are not left behind. In his first term, President Trump bailed out Big Agribusiness; this time, the Administration needs to ensure relief dollars get to family farmers – not big corporations. . The men and women who provide food for our communities should be made whole, but this should never have been necessary to begin with. President Trump’s own policies created the problem he is now trying to claim credit for addressing. “His pointless trade war is not only hurting farmers, but consumers across the country. Prices are up for food, rent, health care, and electricity with no end in sight. President Trump’s only suggestion for families feeling the squeeze this holiday season is to “give up” certain products. Meanwhile, he and his billionaire donors continue to get richer. “Some American farmers will soon have a little bit of relief, but this is a crisis entirely of the President’s own making.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-announces-comprehensive-bill-prepare-americas-workforce-ai Larson Announces Comprehensive Bill to Prepare America’s Workforce for AI Future 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the introduction of the Workforce of the Future Act with Reps. Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05) and LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), to better prepare workers, teachers, and students for a changing workforce and identify how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies will change the future of the American economy. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). Last week, Time Magazine named the “Architects of AI” the person of the year for 2025. “While the rise of artificial intelligence offers the promise of innovation and advancement, we can’t sit idly by and allow workers to be left behind,” said Larson. “We must make sure workers across a broad array of industries, and students, present and future, have the access to the programs and education they need to compete in this rapidly changing economy. I’m proud to join Rep. Emanuel Cleaver to put forward a plan to better integrate emerging technologies into school curricula and support workers as AI enters their industry. We can’t let big tech moguls make billions on this disruptive technology without investing our workforce. The Congress urgently needs to act to pass nationwide AI regulations and standards that preserve jobs, protect children, and advance global technological competitiveness. AI technology should work for us, not the other way around and this bill takes an important step in that direction.” “While there is much excitement about the potential of AI and the benefits it can bring to our communities, there is also much concern about the impacts it will have on American workers, their jobs, and their wages. It is critically important that we take steps today to prepare our nation and our workforce for the economic consequences that are rapidly approaching with the growing adoption of AI,” said Cleaver. “The Workforce of the Future Act will provide the investments necessary to ensure American workers ar… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/jewish-senate-democrats-statement-on-deadly-attack-on-sydneys-jewish-community-on-first-night-of-hanukkah Jewish Senate Democrats Statement on Deadly Attack on Sydney's Jewish Community on First Night of Hanukkah 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 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 today joined Jewish members of the Senate Democratic Caucus in issuing a statement in reaction to the murder of 15 people in Sydney, Australia at a menorah lighting on the first night of Hanukkah. The statement is signed by Blumenthal, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “The Festival of Lights commemorates and celebrates the resilience of the Jewish people, our identity and heritage. As we moved into the first night of Hanukkah, that tenacity was tested once again as we mourn those murdered in Sydney during a menorah lighting. Our prayers go out to the Jewish community in Australia, whom we embrace in their terrible hour of suffering. “We are horrified by the brutality of this attack, which comes at a time when Australia has seen a terrible rise in antisemitism. The disturbing wave of antisemitism around the globe has struck anxiety and fear into the hearts of every Jewish community. Some have faced harassment, vandalism, and discrimination. Others, violence as brutal as what we saw yesterday in Sydney. “This attack is the latest reminder of the work that remains to end the scourge of hatred towards Jews. To combat this disease of antisemitism, we must summon the strength to take action against this ancient hatred, and the courage to press on in the face of such violence against Jewish people at home and abroad. “We must speak out against all discrimination, from heinous acts like today to the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric, and the attempts to blur the line between political disagreement and antisemitic hate. And we give thanks to the bravery of people like Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit shop owner, who risked his own life on Bondi Beach to stop others from losing theirs. “May the memory of those we lost be a blessing, and may courage flow through the hearts of every Jewish family t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-the-13th-anniversary-of-the-shooting-at-sandy-hook Murphy Statement On The 13th Anniversary Of The Shooting At Sandy Hook 2025-12-14 2025 2025-12 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 released a statement commemorating the 13th anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. “On the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting, I’m thinking of the families and loved ones who experienced an incomprehensible loss that day. Twenty children and six educators were senselessly murdered in a brutal act of gun violence and the community of Newtown was forever changed. Our hearts are heavy today as we remember the lives cut short and think about the young adults those kids never got to grow into. But this anniversary is also a reminder of how far our movement has come and the triumphs we’ve achieved because so many of these families took their unimaginable grief and turned it into action. Their strength helped build today’s anti-gun violence movement and after a decade of struggle, we finally had the power to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first federal gun safety legislation in thirty years. Since we passed that bill, gun violence rates across the country have plummeted and lives have been saved. “This is a dark moment for our country and the progress we’ve made is being threatened, but our movement gets stronger every day and we will keep fighting. We will keep fighting because we owe it to the twenty-six kids and educators we lost at Sandy Hook thirteen years ago, and to all those who have needlessly lost their lives to gun violence in this country.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-13th-anniversary-of-sandy-hook-shooting-murphy-responds-to-yet-another-mass-shooting-on-cnns-state-of-the-union On 13th Anniversary Of Sandy Hook Shooting, Murphy Responds To Yet Another Mass Shooting On CNN's State of the Union 2025-12-14 2025 2025-12 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 Dana Bash on CNN’s State of the Union to discuss the horrifying shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine wounded. On the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting, Murphy spoke about how a mass shooting affects a community, the kinds of policies that can prevent tragedies like these from happening, and Donald Trump’s efforts to undo the progress that has been made in reducing gun violence. Murphy argued we should not accept a new normal where kids are gunned down in their classrooms, communities are left with irreparable trauma, and survivors live in constant fear of the next shooting: “What I know is that a community never, ever recovers from a shooting like this, and the trauma and the cost is not just in the lives lost. Obviously we are mourning most deeply for those that were killed and those that were wounded, hoping that there are no more fatalities. But that community in Providence won't recover. Those kids who are returning to campus, are going to be looking over their shoulder, wondering whether they are going to survive their next day in class - as kids all across America do, every single day that they show up in their classroom wondering whether they someday are going to have to flee for their lives. “We think maybe at least two of the kids at this shooting had already survived a previous shooting when they were in elementary and secondary school. That is just just not a reality that we should accept in this nation for our kids.” Murphy refuted the tired notion that stronger gun laws have a minimal effect on preventing mass shootings: “The laws do make a difference. I mean, if you look at states like Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, California that have stronger laws, we have gun violence rates, murder rates, mass shooting rates that are two to 3 to 4 times lower than states that have loose gun laws. And many of the weapons that are used in our states for gun crimes come to our sta… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-trumps-va-plan-to-eliminate-more-than-35000-health-care-jobs Blumenthal Statement on Trump's VA Plan to Eliminate More Than 35,000 Health Care Jobs 2025-12-13 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released a statement following reporting from The Washington Post detailing the Trump Administration’s plan to eliminate as many as 35,000 health care jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) this month, including unfilled positions for doctors, nurses, and support staff. “VA Secretary Collins’ continued cuts to VA’s workforce are incomprehensible and inexcusable. At a time where VA has already lost more than 30,000 employees, his plan to eliminate tens of thousands of unfilled positions, including doctors and nurses, is totally unacceptable. Unfilled does not mean unnecessary— and there are no excuses for failing to fill these mission critical jobs in the first place. Removing these jobs will stretch thin a staff already struggling to meet rising workloads— leading to longer wait times and reduced access to care for veterans. Secretary Collins must be held accountable and immediately provide Congress and veterans more information around these secret plans to shrink VA’s essential workforce amid the Republican’s ongoing efforts to slash Americans’ access to health care.” VA already lost more than 30,000 employees between January and September of this year as a result of President Trump and VA Secretary Collin’s hiring freeze, deferred resignations, early retirements, and the significant number of VA staff who have quit since the Trump Administration took office in January 2025 due to draconian workforce policies. The removal of these positions would put VA at pre-PACT Act staffing levels. More than one million veterans newly enrolled in VA health care as a result of expanded eligibility under the PACT Act, and millions more have increased reliance on VA because of toxic exposed illnesses and injuries. -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-moves-force-house-vote-congressional-stock-trading-ban Larson Moves to Force House Vote on Congressional Stock Trading Ban 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “Americans should be able to trust that their elected officials are in Washington working on their behalf, not padding stock portfolios and drumming up crypto schemes,” said Larson. “No public servant should be able to use the information they learn on the job to enrich themselves or their loved ones. That’s why I worked with President Obama to ban insider trading by Members of Congress – and why we need to strengthen that law. Speaker Johnson is the only person standing in the way of a vote on our stock trading ban, so we’re going to force his hand. With Congress’ approval rating at an all-time low, it is time for us to step up and restore trust with the public. Let’s end Congressional stock trading once and for all.” Larson has long been an advocate for regulating Congressional stock trading. In 2012, he helped lead efforts to pass the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, to ensure Members of Congress cannot profit from information they learn in the course of their work and joined President Obama when he signed it into law. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/12/12/2025/blumenthal-leads-senate-introduction-of-no-check-no-sale-bill-to-close-the-charleston-loophole Blumenthal Leads Senate Introduction of "No Check, No Sale" Bill to Close the Charleston Loophole 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – This week, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led twenty-five Senators in introducing legislation to close a current loophole that allows gun sales to proceed if a background check is not completed within a certain time period, even if the gun buyer is not legally allowed to purchase a gun. The gap in existing law has allowed thousands of gun sales to prohibited buyers, including the sale of the firearm used by the shooter in the deadly attack at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church. U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “This loophole is a massive gateway to dangerous evasion of the background check rules,” Blumenthal said. “If you haven’t passed a background check, you shouldn’t be able to purchase a weapon. No check, no gun. It’s really that simple.” When a criminal background check indicates that a firearm purchaser may have a criminal record, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tries to determine whether the purchaser can legally buy a gun. If this process takes longer than 72 hours for those 21 years of age or older, or 10 days for those under 21, gun dealers can complete the sale even though there is a heightened risk that the purchaser is legally disqualified from purchasing a gun. The Background Check Completion Act would require a completed background check for every gun buyer who purchases a gun from a federally-licensed gun dealer. The Background Check Completion Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-12/5/2025-12/12/2025 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 12/5/2025-12/12/2025 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Fighting Skyrocketing Healthcare Costs [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the statement below after Senate Republicans blocked an effort to extend tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which will force Americans across the country to pay significantly more in health insurance premiums: “Today’s failed vote to extend healthcare subsidies for millions of American families is devastating. People die when they can’t afford health insurance. It is just wrong to force Americans already struggling with rising costs to bear the financial burden of skyrocketing premiums because Republicans won’t work with us on broader health care reforms. Today Republicans refused to stand with Americans and their families, and they’ll be held accountable.” At a hearing convened by Senate Republicans seeking to undermine the ACA, Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, slammed Republicans for refusing to extend enhanced premium tax credits and working to dismantle key protections for Americans in the ACA. At the hearing, Blumenthal invited testimony from Dan Jacobs, a chef and restaurant owner from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Aaron Lehman, a fifth-generation family farmer from Polk County, Iowa, who both discussed how Republicans’ failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits will impact their families, businesses, and communities. “Anybody consuming health care knows how expensive it is. But more important than what I say here is what the reality is for American families right now—in their small businesses, like Dan Jacobs; at their farms, like Aaron Lehman; at their kitchen table, in their living rooms. Where they are going to buy health care right now, health care coverage, and they are confronting double and triple rates, and they are climbing,” Blumenthal said at the hearing. Lehman, the president of the Iowa Farmers Union, testified about the importance of the ACA for rural communities, “Our farmers have been telling us that the Afforda… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-sanders-bicameral-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-kids-from-seclusion-and-forcible-restraint-in-schools Murphy, Sanders, Bicameral Colleagues Introduce Bill To Protect Kids From Seclusion And Forcible Restraint in Schools 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 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.) joined U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and Patti Murray (D-Wash.). in reintroducing the bipartisan Keeping All Students Safe Act to protect students from dangerous seclusion and restraint practices in school. In the House, the bill is sponsored by U.S. Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.-03), Don Beyer (D-Va.-08), and Abraham Hamadeh (R-Ariz.-08). The Keeping All Students Safe Act would make it illegal for any school receiving federal taxpayer money to seclude children and ban dangerous restraint practices that restrict children’s breathing, such as prone or supine restraint. The bill would also prohibit schools from physically restraining children, except when necessary to protect the safety of students and staff. The bill would provide grants to train school personnel to address school-expected behavior with evidence-based, proactive strategies, require states to monitor the law’s implementation, and increase transparency and oversight to prevent future abuse of students. According to a yearlong investigation by Hearst Media, federal data show that incidents of restraint and seclusion occur on average at least 2,300 times per school day and impact upwards of 102,000 students each academic year. The most recent data shows that more than 50,000 public school students were restrained or secluded during the 2020-2021 school year. However, schools underreport incidents of restraint and seclusion, and there are likely many more incidents than are reflected in the data. “No kid should be locked alone in a room or forcibly restrained while at school. Yet a shocking amount of schools continue to use unnecessary force to discipline kids, particularly those with disabilities. These methods are not only ineffective, they risk traumatizing and physically harming students in need of care. Our bill will protect kids from abuse while giving teachers and staff the tools they need to address disruptive behavior to keep all students safe,” said Murphy. “It is abso… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/major-courtney-priorities-coast-guard-included-final-fy2026-ndaa Major Courtney Priorities for the Coast Guard Included in Final FY2026 NDAA 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Joe Courtney C001069 courtney.house.gov courtney https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Joe Courtney, Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, voted to pass the final FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act. Along with shipbuilding, national security priorities, and oversight priorities, the FY26 NDAA, which passed the House by a vote of 312-112, includes the Courtney-led Safe-to-Report policy to protect Coast Guard servicemembers from sexual assault. The bill also authorizes the Coast Guard to use existing funds for final completion of the National Coast Guard Museum. On Safe-to-Report: “The serious issue of sexual assault in the Coast Guard was brought to light because of the brave servicemembers and cadets who came forward to describe their degrading experiences. As they recounted, the threat of possible disciplinary reprisals against victims, inhibited prosecution of real perpetrators,” said Courtney. “Codifying Safe-to-Report protections into law will be a game changer to ensure that talented Guard members will be able to contribute to the Coast Guard mission in a safe workplace. All Americans will truly benefit from its enactment.” On the National Coast Guard Museum: "The authority provided in the FY2026 NDAA for the Coast Guard to use existing funds to support final construction of the National Coast Guard Museum is another major step toward completion of this project,” Courtney said. “Thanks to the hard work of the A/Z Corporation, Berlin Steel, and the Connecticut Building Trades, the museum’s construction is making rapid, tangible progress – marked by last month’s ‘topping off’ ceremony. The New London community eagerly awaits the museum’s completion and looks forward to welcoming travelers looking for another great reason to visit eastern Connecticut.” More Background on Courtney’s Multi-Year Effort to Make the Safe-to-Report Policy Law at the Coast Guard In 2018, Rep. Courtney and his office began official casework with the cadets and faculty who experienced sexual assault and harassment at the U.S. Coast … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-senate-action-republican-health-care-crisis DeLauro Statement on Senate Action on Republican Health Care Crisis 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 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) released a statement after Senate Republicans blocked a proposal that would provide a three year extension of expiring enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that help millions of Americans keep their health care costs down: “I am angered that only four Senate Republicans had the basic decency to join all Senate Democrats in advancing a three year-extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidies. Republicans manufactured this crisis from the start and now, they have made clear they have no intention of ending it or preventing premium costs from skyrocketing for 26 million Americans next year. Millions more will lose their coverage entirely. “President Trump promised he would bring down costs on Day One. Americans are still living through an affordability crisis which he dismisses as a hoax. This crisis has only been made worse by President Trump and Congressional Republicans failure to do anything to bring down the high cost of living. All the while, he and his billionaire friends use the government like their own personal ATM. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-vote-pass-2026-national-defense-authorization-act DeLauro Statement on Vote to Pass 2026 National Defense Authorization Act including Outbound Investment Review 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Rosa L. DeLauro D000216 delauro.house.gov delauro https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued the following statement regarding her vote to pass the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, including an outbound investment review requirement: “I supported the National Defense Authorization Act which makes major investments in Connecticut’s economy, creates jobs in our communities, and strengthens our defense industrial base. I also celebrate the inclusion of outbound investment screening requirements, a major priority of mine for years. We cannot allow U.S. capital and capabilities to fuel the Chinese Communist Party’s agenda. We have already seen the impact of offshoring crucial manufacturing and innovation on our economy, national security, and industrial base in the form of job losses and shortages of critical materials. “I fought hard for years to make this happen – from passing my legislation, the National Critical Capabilities Defense Act, in the America COMPETES Act to securing funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations law to support executive action on outbound investment, to negotiating and fighting for the inclusion of outbound investment language in last year’s continuing resolution before it was derailed by Elon Musk. “This bill is better than prior years, but I am frustrated that Speaker Johnson has continued his practice of making 11th hour unilateral decisions that undermine bipartisan progress on other areas, including the inclusion of riders that seek to discriminate against LGBTQI+ servicemembers, and restricting families’ access to IVF. We must work together on a bipartisan basis to support our troops and protect our national security. Partisan provisions jeopardize that work.” BACKGROUND: The NDAA authorizes funding for key projects that grow and sustain thousands of jobs in Connecticut, including: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1F3DC61E-383E-4910-AD8B-4492A02BB36B Himes Votes to Pass Intelligence and Defense Priorities 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT James A. Himes H001047 himes.house.gov himes https://himes.house.gov/press-releases page_html Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which advances funding and other priorities for the intelligence community, and which Congressman Jim Himes helped to negotiate in his role as Ranking Member on the House Intelligence Committee. The IAA was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. “This year’s Intelligence Authorization Act is the product of months of bipartisan negotiation,” said Congressman Himes. “The resulting bill will help the US intelligence community remain competitive with our adversaries by encouraging the development and implementation of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies. It also includes a much-needed provision for the CIA to protect its domestic facilities from unmanned drones and enhances congressional oversight of the intelligence community to ensure they conduct their work effectively, efficiently, and within the bounds of law. “The broader National Defense Authorization Act strengthens our military and our security, but also serves to restore some of the damage done by this Administration to our international partnerships, as it authorizes security funding to Ukraine, commits to ongoing US military presence in Europe, and limits the Secretary of Defense’s authority to remove senior military leadership without notification and justification to Congress. “Critically, the NDAA also partially withholds travel funding for the Secretary of Defense until the Pentagon provides Congress with the full videos of every boat strike they have taken in Latin America, as well as additional justification for these decisions. This provision is an important step towards transparency and bipartisan oversight around this illegal military action, but does not negate the need for the videos to released publicly, including the video of the strike that killed two unarmed, shipwrecked survivors.” The National Defense Authorization Act of 2026 also invest… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-urges-fair-contract-starbucks-baristas-stands-workers-during Larson Urges Fair Contract for Starbucks Baristas, Stands with Workers During Strike 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement in support of the Connecticut Starbucks Workers Union strike. As part of an ongoing nationwide strike, workers at the Corbin’s Corner Starbucks in West Hartford and Berkshire Center Starbucks in Danbury officially began their strike this morning. “Starbucks workers across the country continue to fight playbook union-busting tactics from management,” said Larson. “While there had been some progress over the last year toward a fair contract, Starbucks management has moved in a different direction – closing stores and conducting mass layoffs, even as they bring in billions in profits. It should not be this hard for anyone to have their voice heard by their employer. I stand with striking Connecticut Starbucks Workers Union members in West Hartford and baristas nationwide fighting for the pay and benefits they deserve.” Ahead of the Starbucks Workers Union strike, Larson and a group of his colleagues wrote Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol last month, urging him to respect his workers’ constitutional right to organize and bargain in good faith for a fair contract. “We are writing to express concern regarding Starbucks’ failure to reach a fair first contract with its baristas. Disturbingly, we have heard that the company has returned to union busting, which has impeded the ability of Starbucks workers—many of whom are our constituents—to exercise their statutory and constitutional right to organize,” the lawmakers wrote. “Accordingly, we want to know how Starbucks, in accordance with the law, will reverse course from its current posture, resolve its existing labor disputes, and bargain a fair contract in good faith with these employees.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-votes-consider-articles-impeachment-against-president-donald Larson Votes to Consider Articles of Impeachment Against President Donald John Trump 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “Today, I voted to consider articles of impeachment against the President of the United States after conferring with my colleague, Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, the most knowledgeable person on the subject matter. A lot has transpired since the last time this issue came up in June, but we still have a process to seek accountability, and it must move forward,” said Larson. “President Trump has torn immigrant families apart, including in Newington, Southington, and Hamden, tried to deploy the military against Americans, illegally ripped up union contracts, and allowed ‘DOGE’ into millions of Americans’ private information with no oversight. He even had his Department of Homeland Security put out a ‘watch list’ targeting lawmakers and advocates, including myself, who have spoken up forcefully against these abuses of power. He is actively treating the Constitution like a suggestion, not the law of the land, because he believes he is above the law. Republicans in Congress have failed their duty to exercise any oversight or constraint. That is why I agree with my colleague, Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, that thorough investigations and public hearings need to take place, and the impeachment process should go forward and will be best effective when supported by investigations and examinations of evidence.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-votes-end-trump-union-busting-spree-restore-collective Larson Votes to End Trump Union-Busting Spree, Restore Collective Bargaining Rights for Federal Workers 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for the Protect America’s Workforce Act, legislation he cosponsored and moved to force a vote on in the House, to reverse President Trump’s illegal executive order ending collective bargaining rights for federal workers. The President’s executive order was the most significant union-busting action in American history. “Every worker should have the right to organize and collectively bargain for better pay and benefits,” said Larson. “The Union-Buster-in-Chief, Donald Trump, committed the single largest anti-labor action in our nation’s history when he illegally ordered an end to collective bargaining agreements across the federal government. He even moved to cancel approved maternity leave for new and expecting parents at the VA. I was proud to stand with our civil servants at home and my colleagues in Congress to fight back, forging a bipartisan coalition and forcing Republican leaders’ hands to end his union-busting spree. The Senate must act swiftly to protect our workers and pass this bill. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to end Donald Trump’s attacks on our workforce. Labor has stood up to billionaire bosses like him for more than a century. We aren’t stopping now.” In August, Rep. Larson stood with workers at the Newington VA to call out the Trump Administration’s illegal termination of collective bargaining agreements, the cancellation of approved maternity leave for expecting parents, and ‘DOGE’ mass firings. Rep. Larson sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins condemning his union-busting and calling for a report on the impact these cuts are having on care at the Newington VA. The independent Inspector General then came out with a report detailing severe staff shortages at every VA facility nationwide. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-republican-refusal-to-address-skyrocketing-healthcare-costs Blumenthal Statement on Republican Refusal to Address Skyrocketing Healthcare Costs 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 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 statement below after Senate Republicans blocked an effort to extend tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which will force Americans across the country to pay significantly more in health insurance premiums: “Today’s failed vote to extend healthcare subsidies for millions of American families is devastating. People die when they can’t afford health insurance. It is just wrong to force Americans already struggling with rising costs to bear the financial burden of skyrocketing premiums because Republicans won’t work with us on broader health care reforms. Today Republicans refused to stand with Americans and their families, and they’ll be held accountable.” Connecticut residents are facing extreme and unaffordable health insurance premium increases without the extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits. One Old Lyme resident shared that her premiums were set to go up $400 a month without the Affordable Act tax credits. Another couple in Glastonbury was quoted over $40,000 for a year of health insurance without the tax credits. -30- 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/video-icymi-iowa-farmers-union-president-wisconsin-chef-and-small-business-owner-call-for-extension-of-aca-premium-tax-credits Video: ICYMI: Iowa Farmers Union President, Wisconsin Chef & Small Business Owner Call for Extension of ACA Premium Tax Credits 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – In case you missed it, Aaron Lehman, a fifth-generation farmer from Polk County, Iowa, and Dan Jacobs, a chef and restaurant owner from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, testified yesterday about the importance of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and called for the extension of enhanced premium tax credits for marketplace plans at a hearing in the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI). The hearing, convened by Senate Republicans before they voted to allow health care premiums to skyrocket for millions of Americans, was aimed at undermining the ACA and weakening protections for patients with marketplace plans. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of PSI, invited Lehman and Jacobs to serve as the Minority’s witnesses for the hearing and share their stories. Lehman, the president of the Iowa Farmers Union, testified about the importance of the ACA for rural communities, “Our farmers have been telling us that the Affordable Care Act has been one of the best investments in rural health care in decades. For farming families, entrepreneurs, and employees of small businesses who don’t offer health insurance as a benefit, the ACA has expanded coverage, lowered cost, and encouraged farmers and rural residents to take more risks and make more investments on their farms and in their communities. I know this well because my family has benefited from having access to the ACA marketplace and insurance policies, and the affordability provided by the enhanced premium tax credits.” Lehman also shared his concerns about how expiring enhanced premium tax credits will make health insurance unaffordable for him and his family, “Affordable health care coverage has been a game changer. But unfortunately, my wife and I have learned that in order to keep a similar policy in 2026, our health insurance costs will more than double. This affordability issue comes at a time when farmers like me are facing enormous challenges. Trade tensions have led to lower prices for what we grow and sell, at a t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-demands-doj-restore-funding-for-community-based-gun-violence-organizations Murphy Demands DOJ Restore Funding For Community-based Gun Violence Organizations 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 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, December 11th sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi objecting to the Department of Justice’s changes to grant conditions for Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI) program funding, which will exclude some community-based organizations from receiving federal funding. In 2022, Senator Murphy led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) – historic gun violence prevention legislation that provided funds specifically for these life-saving organizations. In the letter, Murphy made clear that Congress intentionally appropriated funding for CVI groups: “Congress stated that CVIPI was intended to ‘[support] communities in developing comprehensive, evidence-based violence intervention and prevention programs, including efforts to address gang and gun violence, based on partnerships between community residents, law enforcement, local government agencies, and other community stakeholders.’ Since the inception of CVIPI, hundreds of millions of dollars have been allocated to community-based organizations (‘CBOs’) leading community violence intervention and prevention work, as well as state, county, and city governments.” He detailed how DOJ’s new grant conditions fail to address the reality on the ground: “Rather than center community-led efforts to utilize evidence-based approaches to prevent violence and interrupt cycles of violence in the communities that experience the highest rates of gun violence, the FY25 NOFO instead centers law enforcement priorities. While law enforcement is an important part of the public safety ecosystem, so too are community-based organizations who are able to work directly with individuals at highest risk of participating in or being victimized by gun violence and engage them in non-punitive ways; the work of these community-based organizations complements and enhances law enforcement’s efforts to reduce crime.” The Senator warned AG Bondi that cha… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-murkowski-reintroduce-bill-to-give-metastatic-breast-cancer-patients-a-fighting-chance Murphy, Murkowski Reintroduce Bill To Give Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients A Fighting Chance 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 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.) and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Ala.) on Thursday reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would give metastatic breast cancer patients access to support and medical care well before the current law allows.The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act would waive the five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the 24-month waiting period for Medicare benefits for eligible individuals with metastatic breast cancer. U.S. Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.-02) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.-14) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer shouldn’t have to wait months or even years to get the support they need to fight this horrible disease. Many die waiting for benefits. Our bill would get rid of these unnecessary waiting periods so patients can focus on getting the care they need as soon as they need it, without having to worry about red tape,” said Murphy. “For many women living with metastatic breast cancer, waiting five months for disability insurance or two years for Medicare coverage simply isn’t an option, they need support now,” said Murkowski. “Cancer takes an enormous toll on patients and their families, and it’s just common sense to expedite these benefits so women can access help when it’s most urgently needed. Women’s health and the fight against cancer have long been top priorities of mine, and I’m proud to partner with Senator Murphy on legislation that offers real relief to those battling this devastating disease. And to all women 40 and older, please remember to get your annual mammogram — early detection saves lives.” “Women and men with metastatic breast cancer live an average of three years after their diagnosis. These individuals—already facing enormous physical, emotional, and financial burdens— are dying while waiting for earned benefits they are entitled to under the law," said Fran Visco, president of the National Breast Cancer … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://himes.house.gov/2025/12/11/2025-12-himes-votes-to-pass-intelligence-and-defense-priorities/ Himes Votes to Pass Intelligence and Defense Priorities 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT James A. Himes H001047 himes.house.gov himes https://himes.house.gov/statements-and-releases/ scraper Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which advances funding and other priorities for the intelligence community, and which Congressman Jim Himes helped to negotiate in his role as Ranking Member on the House Intelligence Committee. The IAA was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. “This year’s Intelligence Authorization Act is the product of months of bipartisan negotiation,” said Congressman Himes. “The resulting bill will help the US intelligence community remain competitive with our adversaries by encouraging the development and implementation of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies. It also includes a much-needed provision for the CIA to protect its domestic facilities from unmanned drones and enhances congressional oversight of the intelligence community to ensure they conduct their work effectively, efficiently, and within the bounds of law. “The broader National Defense Authorization Act strengthens our military and our security, but also serves to restore some of the damage done by this Administration to our international partnerships, as it authorizes security funding to Ukraine, commits to ongoing US military presence in Europe, and limits the Secretary of Defense’s authority to remove senior military leadership without notification and justification to Congress. “Critically, the NDAA also partially withholds travel funding for the Secretary of Defense until the Pentagon provides Congress with the full videos of every boat strike they have taken in Latin America, as well as additional justification for these decisions. This provision is an important step towards transparency and bipartisan oversight around this illegal military action, but does not negate the need for the videos to released publicly, including the video of the strike that killed two unarmed, shipwrecked survivors.” The National Defense Authorization Act of 2026 also invest… 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/final-national-defense-bill-provides-long-overdue-check-trump-budget Final National Defense Bill Provides Long-Overdue Check to Trump Budget and Policies 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 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, Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, voted to pass the final FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This marks the 65th consecutive year the House has passed the annual defense bill. To watch Courtney’s floor speech in support of the bill, click here. “The final FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act finally provides a healthy counterbalance to the Trump Administration’s defense budget and policies in Europe and the Caribbean. Congress has exercised our constitutional oversight role by restricting Secretary Hegseth’s ability to draw down troops in Europe, repealing the 1991 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force, and fencing off funding until the Secretary Hegseth releases all footage of extremely concerning strikes in the Caribbean on September 2nd, and requiring notification and rationale for dismissal of generals and flag officers, which includes Navy servicemembers,” Courtney said. “Nearly one year into the Trump Administration, the House and Senate majorities have rarely acted as a check and balance on the President’s agenda. Passage of these bipartisan oversight measures and modifications of the Trump budget is a refreshingly healthy moment in the 119th Congress.” “The FY26 NDAA also fixes glaring shortfalls for our submarine programs that were left by President Trump’s proposed Navy budget, H.R. 1, and last month’s continuing resolution. The bill includes a bipartisan plus-up of $1.9 billion for the Virginia-class submarine program to ensure a 2-per-year build rate, incremental funding for the Columbia-class submarine program to keep construction on track, and new contracting authority for five new Columbia-class boats,” Courtney continued. “Critically, the final NDAA includes $615 million to fund improved wages for submarine shipyard workers and boosts investment from Congress across the submarine industrial base, which again was missing from the White House budget. With a continued two-per-year… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-durbin-reintroduce-federal-food-administration-act DeLauro, Durbin Reintroduce the Federal Food Administration Act 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 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 Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) reintroduced the Federal Food Administration Act, legislation that would streamline our food safety system by consolidating food oversight into a single agency dedicated to keeping the foods Americans eat safe. “We need a single food safety agency to ensure the food Americans eat is safe,” said DeLauro. “Currently, food safety oversight is scattered across multiple agencies with the bulk of the responsibility falling to the Food and Drug Administration – where food safety has often been treated like a second-class citizen. This legislation would put one agency clearly in charge with the singular mission of protecting our food supply with the resources, staff, and focus to achieve that goal. I am proud to partner with Senator Durbin in this effort, because Americans deserve peace of mind that the government is keeping companies accountable with clear, consistent safety standards.” “The sad reality is that FDA has failed to protect Americans from preventable foodborne illnesses and death. In recent years, the FDA has failed to protect babies from bacterial infections in their infant formula and lead-tainted applesauce pouches,” said Durbin. “This is why Congresswoman DeLauro and I are introducing legislation to create a Federal Food Administration. With the Federal Food Administration Act, we hope our nation will have greater success in protecting the foods in our kids’ lunch boxes and on our dining room tables.” FDA regulates approximately 80 percent of our food supply. Consumers and companies depend on FDA to perform its regulatory role effectively. Yet, despite increased authorities included in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the creation of the Human Foods Program at FDA, the agency has failed to make significant inroads in reducing rates of foodborne illness and death in the U.S. About one in six Americans—or 48 million people—get sick from a foodborne illness each year. According to the Centers for Disease… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=70AAE323-9DC8-4EEC-A070-8770C6BBA971 Congresswoman Hayes Votes NO on FY26 National Defense Authorization Act 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Jahana Hayes H001081 hayes.house.gov hayes https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after voting NO on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes $900 billion for the Department of Defense, National Nuclear Security Agency and other related national security agencies-this is $8 billion more than was even requested. “At a time when President Trump is scrutinizing every federal dollar for critical domestic programs, we continue to increase the defense budget without proper oversight or reform. There is no check on the ballooning military budget. The Department of Defense has failed seven consecutive annual audits. No other agencies would be able to fail audits and simultaneously receive more funding year after year. This, in addition to President Donald Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth continuing to use our military without regard for the rule of law. Congress must take back our Article I powers and end these unlawful actions. I acknowledge the wins that were achieved in this legislation, but there comes a point where we have to demand reform of our defense appropriations. I have and will always continue to support our military, their families and our country but accepting the terms of this legislation is not how that is achieved.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-blasts-ways-and-means-committee-republicans-continued-refusal Larson Blasts Ways and Means Committee Republicans for Continued Refusal to Act on ‘DOGE’ Data Meddling at Social Security 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper In March, Ranking Member Larson introduced the Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act to block political appointees and special government employees like ‘DOGE’ from accessing information at Social Security. In June, the Supreme Court allowed ‘DOGE’ access to SSA’s records, including names, addresses, medical information, and financial records, while an ongoing case makes its way through the courts. In August, a whistleblower stepped forward and reported that the sensitive information of 300 million Americans had been copied to an unsecure cloud. “Apparently, Elon Musk and ‘DOGE’ are above the law. They don't have to answer to Congress. They don't have to answer to this Committee. That's not how the American public feels, and that's not how the New York Times or the Washington post or CNN feels. And that's why they all have written in, editorialized about it, and yet still no action,” said Larson. “Mr. Chairman, we need to have ‘DOGE’ in front of us. We need to have Elon Musk come before this committee and answer why it is. And if this Committee won't do it, maybe we need the press and the media and the general public to demand of Congress what this Committee and the United States Congress has not done. It is a dereliction of our duty and our responsibility to the citizens we're sworn to serve.” “We all know what's missing here. We all know what's going on. In February of this year, the Administration forced out the Acting Commissioner of Social Security because Michelle King wouldn't grant ‘DOGE’ access to SSA’s database, which contained the personal information of every American. “We then asked that Mr. Musk and ‘DOGE’ come before this Committee. It wasn't granted. So, we followed rule 13, clause seven, and asked for a Resolution of Inquiry. It was granted, but Mr. Musk never showed up, and the resolution was defeated. And then, in fact, you guys did away with that resolution — what the minority has in the ability to call people before this Committee to get essential answers about what they're doing … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-votes-give-troops-pay-raise-support-ukraine-and-nato-allies-and Larson Votes to Give Troops a Pay Raise, Support Ukraine and NATO Allies, and Rein in Trump-Hegseth Pentagon Power Grab 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, authorizing a pay raise for troops, supporting Ukraine and NATO allies to counter Russian aggression, and repealing the outdated 1991 Gulf War and 2002 Iraq War authorizations. “Today’s vote was a win for our troops, allies, and Connecticut workers,” said Larson. “While Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth tried to engulf the Pentagon in their MAGA culture wars, Democrats worked diligently to deliver for our service members and do right by Connecticut’s hard-working machinists and shipbuilders. Together, our delegation, led by our champion on the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Joe Courtney, worked to ensure Connecticut workers continue to build the F135 engine, Blackhawk helicopter, and Columbia and Virginia-class submarines. Whether it is Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, Electric Boat, or the more than one hundred suppliers scattered across our state, our state’s highly skilled workforce will keep powering our armed forces and allies with state-of-the-art equipment for decades to come. “I am also proud to see the United States Congress take real action to protect our military from this President’s authoritarian abuses of power,” Larson continued. “Even though President Trump continues his threats to turn our backs on our NATO allies and friends in Ukraine, the bill we passed tonight authorizes new security assistance for Ukraine and puts real protections in place to prevent him from reneging on commitments to our allies in Eastern Europe. And after the recent revelations of illegal military strikes in the Caribbean, we are withholding funding from Secretary Hegseth until he turns over the records Congress is demanding about these strikes. “More than 20 years since the wrongheaded war in Iraq, we are also taking action to end the outdated resolutions that presidents of both parties have long used to justify unauthorized military campaigns in the Middle East. I voted against the original 2002 Iraq War Res… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-moran-hirono-and-boozman-lead-effort-to-expand-veterans-access-to-lifesaving-breast-cancer-screenings Blumenthal, Moran, Hirono & Boozman Lead Effort to Expand Veterans' Access to Lifesaving Breast Cancer Screenings 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) and U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the Mammography Access for Veterans Act—bipartisan legislation to expand veterans’ access to lifesaving breast cancer screenings through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “Fighting breast cancer requires early detection. It is imperative we expand VA’s capacity to conduct mammograms and ensure veterans have access to these critical screenings no matter where they live,” said Senator Blumenthal. “These screenings save lives, and are particularly important given veterans’ increased rates of cancers due to factors like toxic exposure.” “With women being the fastest-growing demographic within VA, it is essential that we prioritize services that promote their health and well-being,” said Senator Moran. “This bill makes certain that women’s health and safety remain at the forefront of VA health care and that breast cancer screenings are easily accessible for our nation’s veterans.” “Breast cancer screenings are a critical component of women’s health, yet there are many states where women veterans do not have access to this life-saving prevention tool,” said Senator Hirono. “Every veteran deserves access to the medical care and services they need, regardless of where they live, to ensure they can stay safe and healthy. This legislation is an important step in expanding VA’s ability to provide women veterans with mammography services in remote and rural areas to better promote the health and well-being of our veterans.” “We know early detection and treatment are critical to fighting breast cancer, which is growing more prevalent among younger servicemembers and veterans,” said Senator Boozman. “Permanently authorizing funding I helped champion to ensure they always have access to modern breast imaging capabilities will save and enhance lives. I am proud to help lead the bipartisan, commonsense push to ensure the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/video-at-senate-hearing-seeking-to-undermine-aca-blumenthal-calls-out-republicans-for-refusing-to-address-higher-health-care-costs Video: At Senate Hearing Seeking to Undermine ACA, Blumenthal Calls out Republicans for Refusing to Address Higher Health Care Costs 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today at a hearing convened by Senate Republicans seeking to undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, slammed Republicans for refusing to extend enhanced premium tax credits and working to dismantle key protections for Americans in the ACA. At today’s hearing, Blumenthal invited testimony from Dan Jacobs, a chef and restaurant owner from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Aaron Lehman, a fifth-generation family farmer from Polk County, Iowa, who both discussed how Republicans’ failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits will impact their families, businesses, and communities. “Anybody consuming health care knows how expensive it is. But more important than what I say here is what the reality is for American families right now—in their small businesses, like Dan Jacobs; at their farms, like Aaron Lehman; at their kitchen table, in their living rooms. Where they are going to buy health care right now, health care coverage, and they are confronting double and triple rates, and they are climbing,” Blumenthal said at the hearing. Blumenthal continued, “It is sticker shock that is deadly. People will die. People will die if they can’t afford health insurance. So, far more important than what I say here is what the United States Senate does tomorrow. The question is whether it will extend the health care tax credits that have made insurance affordable for millions and millions of Americans—including small businesses, farmers, and others. Across the country more than 20 million Americans are facing an average premium increase of 114%—that’s doubling—as a result of the loss of these subsidies.” Blumenthal underscored the urgency for the Senate to act now and extend premium tax credits before individuals across the country are hit with higher costs, “We don’t have the luxury of time. We don’t have the leisure to delay. And I believe that we should recognize how the Affordable Care Act serves … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/video-blumenthal-speaks-on-urgent-need-for-senate-republicans-to-extend-aca-premium-tax-credits-warns-of-harm-to-veterans Video: Blumenthal Speaks on Urgent Need for Senate Republicans to Extend ACA Premium Tax Credits, Warns of Harm to Veterans 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing today, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal emphasized the harmful impact failing to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits will have on veterans and their families. Recent analysis found 267,000 veterans who rely on the ACA enhanced premium tax credits will no longer be able to afford ACA marketplace coverage if these credits are not extended. Blumenthal pressed the urgency of addressing this issue ahead of a vote tomorrow on a Democratic proposal to extend ACA enhanced premium tax credits for three years before they expire at the end of the year: “…[W]e have to recognize the importance of votes that we will take tomorrow, one of them to extend the health care tax credits under the Affordable Care Act that will affect literally 267,000 veterans who rely on the ACA enhanced premium tax credits to afford health insurance. And whether you support the ACA, whether you have other views on what might be a perfect system in the long run if we had tons of time, the simple fact is we face a deadline at the end of the year when these tax credits will expire and 267,000 veterans will no longer be able to afford ACA coverage if these credits are not extended.” The Senator continued, “These are primarily veterans not eligible for Medicaid, TRICARE, or Medicare, and often not eligible to get care through VA – leaving them with ACA marketplace plans as their only option for health care coverage. The ACA isn’t perfect… but the fact of the matter is the consequences of failing to extend these tax credits will be devastating for veterans and their families. Veterans will be forced to navigate a perfect storm – an understaffed VA health care system, increased wait times for VA health care, Medicaid cuts, and the loss of affordable health insurance. They deserve better. So do millions of Americans who will be impacted by the potential failure to extend these tax credits. I hope that we approve them to the benefit of those veterans and countle… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-announces-landmark-plan-reinvest-trump-ice-slush-fund-affordable Larson Announces Landmark Plan to Reinvest Trump ICE Slush Fund in Affordable Housing Solutions 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the Make Housing Affordable and Defend Democracy Act with Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and 60 of their Democratic colleagues. Their plan would reinvest the $175 billion in federal funding Congressional Republicans approved in their budget for Donald Trump and Kristi Noem to target immigrant communities and instead use that funding to kickstart a 21st century housing boom across the country. It also includes Larson’s bipartisan Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act, a bill to incentivize the conversion of existing vacant and underutilized commercial properties into new housing. “With construction costs on the rise, sky-high mortgage rates, and costly utility bills, it is becoming exceedingly difficult to build, own, or even save up to one day own a home,” said Larson. “President Trump ran on bringing costs down for working families, yet his administration has been focused on dismantling social safety nets and terrorizing immigrant communities. Our plan will rein in their abusive anti-immigrant agenda and finally invest in solving the housing crisis that is blocking families from owning a home or finding affordable rental options. Together, we can kickstart a nationwide housing boom and make homeownership a reality for more hard-working Americans and their families.” “I’m introducing this bill because families across the country are being crushed by housing costs while Trump uses $175 billion to terrorize families with his own national police force,” said Gomez. “This bill flips the script. We’re taking back Trump’s anti-immigrant slush fund and investing it in real housing solutions that actually help people while putting a check on the unaccountable police force he built to go after our communities.” The bill would make one of the largest housing investments proposed this Congress, lowering costs for renters, providing substantial support for first-time homebuyers, and incentivizing the conversion of vacant office buildings into affordable units… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-robert-garcia-receive_firsthand-accounts-of-us-citizens-assaulted-illegally-detained-by-dhs-blumenthal--robert-garcia-receive-firsthand-accounts-of-us-citizens-assaulted-illegally-detained-by-dhsblumenthal--robert-garcia-receive-firsthand-accounts-of-us-citizens-assaulted-illegally-detained-by-dhs Blumenthal & Robert Garcia Receive Firsthand Accounts of U.S. Citizens Assaulted, Illegally Detained by DHS 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, held a bicameral public forum to receive testimony from five U.S. citizens who have experienced unconstitutional detentions by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The forum will also feature a video compilation of footage showing several of today’s witnesses during their encounters with immigration agents. The following Americans shared their personal experiences being assaulted, detained, and denied their constitutional rights by DHS agents: Wilmer Chavarria (Vermont): Mr. Chavarria, a school superintendent, was detained after returning to the U.S. from visiting family overseas, interrogated for hours, and had his personal and professional devices searched without his consent. “When I held my US passport for the first time, I felt an enormous sense of pride and I was deeply inspired to give my new country the best of me, my talent, my work, and my dreams. I felt loved by my community and I believed with all my that the American Dream was me,” said Mr. Chavarria. “If the goal is to make some citizens feel like they are of a second class, with only some of the rights but not others, then they have succeeded. But I choose to believe that the pendulum will swing the other way, and that our collective disgust for these abuses will catalyze into a powerful backlash against overreach. Mr. Chavarria’s written testimony is available here. Dayanne Figueroa (Illinois): Ms. Figueroa was sideswiped while driving to work and then violently pulled from her car by DHS agents; while detained for hours, she suffered internal trauma, having recently undergone two kidney surgeries weeks before the incident, as well as injuries to her wrists from being handcuffed. “What happened to me that day was not an arrest. It was an assault and the kidnapping of a U.S.… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-releases-new-report-featuring-firsthand-accounts-of-us-citizens-assaulted-illegally-detained-by-dhs Blumenthal Releases New Report Featuring Firsthand Accounts of U.S. Citizens Assaulted, Illegally Detained by DHS 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), released a report highlighting firsthand accounts of twenty-two Americans who were physically assaulted, pepper sprayed, denied medical treatment, and detained – sometimes for days – by federal immigration agents. The report contains new details of accounts that have already been made public as well as several encounters that have not been shared previously. The report, Unchecked Authority: Examining the Trump Administration’s Extrajudicial Immigration Detentions Of U.S. Citizens, was released ahead of a bicameral public forum hosted by Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to receive testimony from five Americans who were unconstitutionally detained by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Americans should have a hard time recognizing our great nation in these stomach turning, heartbreaking stories of brutal assaults on our fellow citizens. Masked ICE and CBP agents chillingly seizing Americans isn’t the nation we know and cherish. Totalitarian tactics have no place in our democracy. I hope that elevating stories of abhorrent abuse will reinforce our resolve to preserve democratic rights,” said Blumenthal. DHS continues to lie about its treatment of American citizens. In October, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem falsely claimed, “[t]here’s no American citizens that have been arrested or detained” and the account @DHSgov posted just last week, “ICE does NOT arrest or deport U.S. citizens.” The report released today presents accounts from nearly two dozen Americans who spoke with PSI staff about their personal experiences with immigration agents, which frequently took place while citizens were going about their daily lives. These stories, which took place during the summer and fall of 2025 and span the United States, reveal widespread abuses and clear violations of … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/video-blumenthal-watch-these-videos-of-dhs-agents-and-ask-whether-thats-the-america-that-you-know Video: Blumenthal: Watch These Videos of DHS Agents and "Ask Whether that's the America that You Know" 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), delivered an opening statement at a bicameral public forum to receive testimony (available here) from five Americans who were unconstitutionally detained by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “I call on every American to ask yourselves what it means to be an American to you and to uphold basic American values. And watch these videos, each of your arrests and many others, and ask whether that's the America that you know, the America that reflects your values and American rights,” said Blumenthal. “We're here seeking accountability. We probably need to change laws to really make the federal government accountable to people like yourselves whose rights have been violated. I know that we're going to be working on it here in the United States Senate, and you will be providing a powerful impetus to us in that work.” Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, are hosting today’s forum as part of their ongoing inquiry into the increasing detention of U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents. Earlier today, Blumenthal released a report highlighting firsthand accounts of twenty-two Americans who were physically assaulted, pepper sprayed, denied medical treatment, and detained – sometimes for days – by federal immigration agents. The report, Unchecked Authority: Examining the Trump Administration’s Extrajudicial Immigration Detentions of U.S. Citizens, contains new details of accounts that have already been made public as well as several encounters that have not been shared previously. Video of Blumenthal’s opening statement is available here and the full text is copied below. My name is Richard Blumenthal. I'm a United States Senator from Connecticut and the Ranking Member on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. And I am honored to welcome all of you here. Thank you f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-fischers-bipartisan-resolution-to-promote-road-safety_reduce-roadside-deaths-passes-senate Blumenthal & Fischer's Bipartisan Resolution to Promote Road Safety & Reduce Roadside Deaths Passes Senate 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – The bipartisan National Move Over Law Day Resolution led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) passed the U.S. Senate. The resolution highlights Slow Down, Move Over laws across the country in an effort to reduce struck-by-vehicle injuries and fatalities. The resolution also recognizes and honors the important role fire and rescue personnel, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, and transportation workers play in road safety. “Slow Down, Move Over saves lives. It’s the law in every state, but it needs to be amplified and elevated. Every year, failures to Slow Down and Move Over cause needless, senseless injuries and deaths to roadside workers like police, firefighters, emergency responders, tow truck operators, construction workers, and more. This resolution aims to make them safer by reminding drivers to slow down and move over,” said Blumenthal. “Our first responders and roadway emergency personnel work tirelessly to keep us safe. During a roadway emergency, the least we can do is help keep them safe by following the move over law. Slowing down and moving over a lane is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect our emergency professionals and the people they’re working to help. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support of our commonsense resolution, which will help make America’s roads safer for everyone,” said Fischer. Today, all 50 states have Slow Down, Move Over laws that direct motorists to reduce speed or change lanes for stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles. Still, many drivers are unaware of these laws, and they vary state-by-state, leading to continued roadside fatalities and injuries across the country. The resolution is endorsed by a number of organizations including the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of State Troopers, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Commercial Vehicle… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-presses-ftc-to-curb-concentration-in-dialysis-market-release-findings-of-investigation Blumenthal Presses FTC to Curb Concentration in Dialysis Market, Release Findings of Investigation 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 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) is calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today to ramp up its efforts to crack down on concentration in the dialysis market. Currently, just two companies, DaVita and Fresenius, control more than three-fourths of the dialysis market, which more than a half a million Americans rely on to access lifesaving kidney dialysis. In a letter, Blumenthal raised alarm over Americans’ complaints with DaVita and Fresenius: “Vulnerable Americans receiving care from DaVita and Fresenius report gravely worrisome problems: understaffed clinics, safety shortcuts, rushed treatment, and high rates of potentially life-threatening mistakes. When staff try to address their concerns through unionization, they are reportedly blocked by aggressive anti-union tactics. When physicians who serve as the medical director for a dialysis clinic try to move to a competitor or open their own clinic, they are reportedly blocked by onerous non-compete clauses. When nascent competitors develop new technology that promises to improve the care available to patients, they are bought up. And most disturbing, when patients have tried to raise awareness and advocate for themselves, they have reportedly been blackballed – denied medically necessary, life-sustaining treatment.” The Senator called on the FTC to take additional steps to respond to the market concentration in the dialysis industry: “…[G]iven the ongoing harm to dialysis patients, doctors, and other employees at these companies, more must be done.” Blumenthal concluded by requesting a briefing on the status of the Commission’s investigation of DaVita and Fresnius’ violations of antitrust laws reported in 2024, DaVita’s compliance with its final order restricting future acquisitions of dialysis clinics by the company in 2022, and any other antitrust issues the FTC may be investigating in the dialysis industry. He concluded by urging the FTC to take “…robust enforcement action to remediate issues it has identified and protect p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-urges-usps-action-to-ensure-servicemembers-overseas-can-receive-holiday-packages Blumenthal Urges USPS Action to Ensure Servicemembers Overseas Can Receive Holiday Packages 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 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 today wrote to the U.S. Postal Service urging swift action to establish and publicly share clear guidance about how holiday packages should be labeled and shipped to servicemembers overseas this holiday season. In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, Blumenthal raises the case of Boxes to Boots Connecticut which had 844 of their 1139 holiday care packages for troops overseas inexplicably returned. Additionally, more than 100 packages are simply missing. USPS has yet to locate the missing packages or provide an explanation to the organization for why the packages were returned. “It has been a time-honored tradition for families and advocates to send holiday packages to our nation’s military personnel deployed overseas. The men and women who serve our country in uniform are often away from family and friends during the holidays, and these packages have meaning and impact far beyond their contents. USPS must do right by our servicemembers by providing their families and advocates with a seamless, clear process for sending holiday packages—all of which are sent to an APO address,” Blumenthal wrote. In addition to calling on USPS to publicly disseminate clear guidance and contact information for military families and organizations who are encountering similar obstacles, Blumenthal has asked for a USPS representative to directly contact Kristen Gauvin at Boxes to Boots Connecticut to resolve their issues and ensure the organization can deliver their care packages before the holidays. A full copy of Blumenthal’s letter is available below and here: December 7, 2025 David Steiner Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer USPS 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20260-2200 Dear Mr. Steiner: I strongly urge you and the United States Postal Service (USPS) to take immediate action to ensure that our servicemembers deployed overseas are able to receive and enjoy their holiday packages. Specifically, I request that USPS establish and disseminate clear g… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-courtney-armed-services-committee-colleagues-demand Ranking Member Courtney & Armed Services Committee Colleagues Demand Release of All Footage of Caribbean Strikes 2025-12-06 2025 2025-12 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), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement after he and his colleagues on the Armed Services Committee sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding the release of all footage of the follow-on strikes in the Caribbean on September 2nd, 2025. Read the full letter here. “My colleagues and I on the House Armed Services Committee yesterday demanded that the Department of Defense release all footage of the follow-on strikes in the Caribbean on Sep 2nd. Only eight Representatives have seen the footage, and it is clear from their accounts that grave issues of violation of U.S. military rules of engagement and the Geneva Convention must be flushed out. President Trump himself promised to release the footage, so this should be an easy decision. The American people and their elected Representatives deserve transparency.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-robert-garcia-to-hold-forum-to-receive-testimony-from-five-us-citizens-assaulted-illegally-detained-by-dhs Blumenthal & Robert Garcia to Hold Forum to Receive Testimony from Five U.S. Citizens Assaulted, Illegally Detained by DHS 2025-12-06 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – On Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 3 PM ET in 216 Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, will hold a bicameral public forum to receive testimony from five U.S. citizens who have experienced unconstitutional detentions by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS continues to lie about its treatment of American citizens. In October, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem falsely claimed, “[t]here’s no American citizens that have been arrested or detained” and the account @DHSgov posted just last week, “ICE does NOT arrest or deport U.S. citizens.” On Tuesday, the following Americans will share their personal experiences being assaulted, detained, and denied their constitutional rights by DHS agents: Wilmer Chavarria (Vermont): Mr. Chavarria, a school superintendent, was detained after returning to the U.S. from visiting family overseas, interrogated for hours, and had his personal and professional devices searched without his consent. Dayanne Figueroa (Illinois): Ms. Figueroa was sideswiped while driving to work and then violently pulled from her car by DHS agents; while detained for hours, she suffered internal trauma, having recently undergone two kidney surgeries weeks before the incident, as well as injuries to her wrists from being handcuffed. Javier Ramirez (California): Mr. Ramirez was violently assaulted by DHS agents and held for four days, where he was denied adequate treatment for diabetes, leading to severe complications. George Retes (California): Mr. Retes is a U.S. Army veteran who was violently arrested and detained during a raid at his job site in Southern California and detained for three days, during which he was refused the ability to contact his family during this time, and missed his daughter’s birthday. Andrea Velez… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-leads-bicameral-bipartisan-letter-urging-fda-action-preterm DeLauro Leads Bicameral, Bipartisan Letter Urging FDA Action On Preterm Infant Formula Fortifiers 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT Rosa L. DeLauro D000216 delauro.house.gov delauro https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON —Today, US Representative Rosa DeLauro released a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, along with Senator Martin Heinrich, Senator Roger Marshall, Senator Jeff Merkley, Representative Madeleine Dean, Representative Riley Moore, and Representative Jeff Van Drew, urging action in the wake of over 1,000 lawsuits against preterm infant formula manufacturers in the United States, stemming from failures to warn parents of the increased risk of a serious gastrointestinal illness, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), associated with the use of non-human milk-derived fortifiers: “These lawsuits raise serious questions about the use of non-human milk preterm infant formulas for very low birthweight infants said Congresswoman DeLauro. “NEC is a deadly disease for our infants, with one baby dying each day in NICUs. I will never support blanket liability protections for major companies because protecting our youngest and most vulnerable infants should be our highest priority. We must take action to stabilize the preterm infant formula market based on the overwhelming scientific consensus that human milk is the best source of infant nutrition. That is why the FDA should quickly implement the actions outlined in this bipartisan, bicameral letter to increase the availability of human milk-based fortifiers and provide better information and potentially better options to parents, who should not be forced to guess what product is best for their child.” “New and expecting moms deserve access to the best possible resources and information to care for their newborns,” said Senator Merkley. “As necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) continues to harm infants, with one baby per day dying of this disease, the FDA must take action to ensure parents aren’t left wondering about the formula they choose. Reforms are necessary to ensure peace of mind for the millions of parents in Oregon and across the nation.” “It is the duty of Congress to protect our most vulnerable — including our precious newborns. And as a mother and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-condemns-latest-rfk-jr-push-roll-back-childhood-vaccine Larson Condemns Latest RFK Jr. Push to Roll Back Childhood Vaccine Recommendations 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “Once again, Secretary Kennedy is putting his anti-vaccine conspiracies above the health of our nation’s children,” said Larson. “This latest move by his panel of conspiracy theorists, yet again has no basis in facts or evidence, and will only further imperil the progress we’ve made against preventable diseases — in this case, Hepatitis B. Vaccinations are backed by decades of extensive scientific research. If the CDC moves forward with this baseless recommendation, children will die. The longer RFK Jr. stays in his role as our nation’s top health official, the more harm he and his pseudoscientific conspiracies will cause.” Larson called for Kennedy to resign in September after he doubled down on his anti-vaccine purge during a Senate hearing. Since he was sworn in, Kennedy has dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that recommends vaccines, canceled $500 million in funding for vaccine research, and announced new restrictions on the COVID-19 vaccine. Bolstered by the Secretary’s anti-vaccine rhetoric, Florida has put forward a plan to end all childhood vaccine requirements. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-merkley-raise-concerns-about-fda-pilot-program-that-would-expedite-review-of-nicotine-pouches-undercut-scientific-standards Blumenthal & Merkley Raise Concerns About FDA Pilot Program that would Expedite Review of Nicotine Pouches, Undercut Scientific Standards 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Martin Makary, raising concerns about a recently announced pilot program at FDA that would accelerate the review of nicotine pouches like Zyn. In their letter, Blumenthal and Merkley underscored the need for thorough oversight of nicotine products, pointing to how an expedited review process could undercut scientific review standards and allow for an uptick in the use of flavored nicotine pouches among youth. U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Jack Reed (D-RI) joined Blumenthal and Merkley in seeking answers from FDA about the pilot program. “While youth use of nicotine pouches is still fairly low, it has steadily increased. Nicotine use among youth remains a serious public health concern, and appropriate oversight of nicotine pouches is needed. It is critical for FDA to avoid shortcuts that could undermine the scientific integrity of its review of these products,” the Senators wrote. The Senators highlighted public health concerns related to youth nicotine addiction, “Nicotine pouches are highly addictive and can deliver nicotine at levels similar to cigarettes. Health experts warn that nicotine is especially dangerous for youth because nicotine exposure can harm the developing brain. Adolescents’ brains are still maturing, making them more vulnerable to nicotine’s addictive properties and potentially leading to lasting physical and cognitive changes. According to the Surgeon General, nicotine exposure during this critical period can impair attention, learning, and memory, while increasing the likelihood of addiction to nicotine and other substances later in life.” “Despite these concerns, FDA has launched a pilot program to streamline the premarket review of nicotine pouch products. The accelerated timeline and possible reduced documentation requirements raise seriou… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-11/28/2025-12/5/2025 Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 11/28/2025-12/5/2025 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper Slamming Pete Hegseth for Putting American Servicemembers at Risk [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) ), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to a report issued by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General which found that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s use of a commercial messaging application to share classified information put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk. “This Pentagon watchdog report is shocking and repugnant, and yet another reason for Secretary Hegseth to resign or be fired. His deliberate noncooperation with the investigation— refusing to provide his cell phone or be interviewed— call for additional investigation and action. Any other Department of Defense employee would be fired, lose their security clearance, and would likely face prosecution for doing what Secretary Hegseth did.” “Hegseth clearly and severely endangered American pilots by disclosing highly sensitive classified details about a bombing mission they were about to conduct just hours later against well-armed Houthi terrorists. He revealed specifics like location of targets, time over targets and more on an unsecure, unapproved device with a commercial app— his personal cell phone on Signal. His disclosures were plainly vulnerable to hacking and other surveillance by hostile adversaries, as shown by subsequent reporting in the Atlantic.” “Hegseth’s contention that he unilaterally declassified this information fails to address the immediate serious risk he created for American military operations. This information would be immensely valuable to well-armed terrorist adversaries under imminent attack. It potentially deprived pilots of a preeminent advantage— the element of surprise.” The investigation was launched following reports that numerous members of President Trump’s cabinet and national security team – including Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Marco Rubio, then-National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, D… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-courtney-pentagons-review-fully-endorses-aukus Ranking Member Courtney: Pentagon’s Review Fully Endorses AUKUS 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 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), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Australia Caucus, released the following statement on the Pentagon’s now completed AUKUS review after Members of the House Armed Services Committee had the opportunity to read the review. “The Pentagon’s five-month review endorsed the AUKUS agreement and correctly determined that its framework is aligned with our country’s national security interest. With its completion, it is important to note that the 2021 AUKUS agreement has now survived three changes of government in all three nations and still stands strong. The statutory authority enacted by Congress in 2023 will remain intact, including the sale of three Virginia-class submarines starting in 2032. The report correctly determined that there are critical deadlines that all three countries have to meet. Therefore, maintaining disciplined adherence to schedule is paramount,” Courtney said. “To that point, Congress is poised in the next two weeks to deliver another major boost to the U.S. submarine industrial base, which is in included in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which will build on the over $10 billion investment from Congress since 2018 and Australia’s $3 billion committed investment under AUKUS. With that investment, U.S. submarine shipyards are now delivering tonnage output near all-time highs. The AUKUS report reaffirms that Congress and our Australian allies must continue that effort to achieve the goals of AUKUS. Expanding the submarine workforce, supply chain, and facilities to even greater capacity is the clear pathway to meet the demands of U.S. submarine fleet requirements and those of our ally Australia.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-condemns-discriminatory-trump-immigration-application-ban Larson Condemns Discriminatory Trump Immigration Application Ban 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House CT John B. Larson L000557 larson.house.gov larson https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper “It is contrary to the values we hold dear when mothers are torn from their children by masked ICE agents, law-abiding visa holders are detained in unmarked vans, and now, aspiring citizens are being turned away because of who they are or where they came from,” said Larson. “That is not the nation we all know and love. We are a nation of immigrants. This ban has nothing to do with national security. It is discrimination — plain and simple. It has been heartbreaking to already hear from residents whose loved ones are having their citizenship appointments canceled because of Donald Trump and Kristi Noem’s extreme ban. That goes against everything we stand for as Americans. It is why we must stand up and hold the President accountable.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-bynum-introduce-bicameral-junk-fee-prevention-act-to-end-unfair-surprise-costs-for-consumers Blumenthal & Bynum Introduce Bicameral Junk Fee Prevention Act to End Unfair Surprise Costs for Consumers 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CT Richard Blumenthal B001277 www.blumenthal.senate.gov blumenthal https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press scraper [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – With the holiday travel season in full swing, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum (D-OR) announced legislation to eliminate excessive fees in the ticketing, hotel, and entertainment industries and bring transparency to the marketplace. The Junk Fee Prevention Act would eliminate hidden and unnecessary fees imposed on consumers and require full prices of services to be provided upfront. The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (D-OH). “Concealed surprise fees are nickel and diming Americans to distraction and must be stopped. Families booking flights for the holidays are experiencing surprise sticker shock firsthand when they click to confirm their tickets and are hit with hidden excessive charges,” said Blumenthal. “Our bill will help end this price gouging and protect consumers from abusive fees. It will mandate basic common-sense fairness and transparency, which consumers rightly demand and deserve.” “Too many companies have built businesses around misleading fees that confuse consumers and drive up costs,” said Bynum. “This bill brings real accountability by requiring upfront pricing, stronger refund protections, and clear rules that put people first. I’ll always work in Congress to lower costs for Oregonians and make our economy more fair.” “Arizonans are tired of being hit with junk fees every time they book a flight, buy a concert ticket, or check into a hotel. They deserve to know the real price of services upfront,” said Gallego. “This bill puts an end to that nonsense by requiring companies to disclose pricing upfront and holding them accountable when they try to deceive consumers. I was proud to lead this bill in the House, and I’m going to keep fighting to put an end to hidden junk fees on all services.” “Hardworking people across Ohio’s 13th District should not have to shoulder deceptive fees that strain already tight budgets,” said Sykes. “This bill protects our communit… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-introduces-no-palaces-act-to-put-guardrails-on-future-white-house-construction-and-demolition Blumenthal Introduces No Palaces Act to Put Guardrails on Future White House Construction & Demolition 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 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) today introduced new legislation that would put additional guardrails on the White House’s construction and demolition process. The No Palaces Act requires the Executive Office of the President to obtain National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) approval for demolition activities and gives Congress a chance to disapprove of any modifications to the White House. Blumenthal is introducing the No Palaces Act ahead of today’s scheduled NCPC meeting, where President Trump’s White House ballroom project may be discussed. “President Trump took a wrecking ball to the White House—demolishing the iconic East Wing to make way for his monstrous, multi-million-dollar ballroom,” said Blumenthal. “My No Palaces Act prevents future presidents from recklessly destroying historic sites like the East Wing without approval from the independent National Capital Planning Commission or consideration from Congress. The guardrails in this measure will ensure future presidents cannot remake the People’s House into their personal palace.” Specifically, the No Palaces Act: Explicitly includes “demolition activities” in the list of actions that would trigger National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) review; Requires the Executive Office of the President, and any agency acting on its behalf, to complete NCPC review and obtain NCPC approval before beginning any demolition/improvements; Creates a new regime through which Congress could pass a joint resolution of disapproval on NCPC-approved improvement to the White House, modeled on the Congressional Review Act; Requires congressional authorization for the use of private funds for improvements to the White House; Requires that the executive branch comply with general appropriations requirements in financing improvements to the White House; and Establishes a right of action for several well-positioned individuals and institutions, including any Member of Congress, to bring a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Di… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-dod-ig-report-finding-hegseth-put-american-servicemembers-at-risk Blumenthal Statement on DOD IG Report Finding Hegseth Put American Servicemembers At Risk 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 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 Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to a report issued by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General which found that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s use of a commercial messaging application to share classified information put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk. The investigation was launched following reports that numerous members of President Trump’s cabinet and national security team – including Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Marco Rubio, then-National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe – discussed classified military operations over Signal in a group chat that included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. “This Pentagon watchdog report is shocking and repugnant, and yet another reason for Secretary Hegseth to resign or be fired. His deliberate noncooperation with the investigation— refusing to provide his cell phone or be interviewed— call for additional investigation and action. Any other Department of Defense employee would be fired, lose their security clearance, and would likely face prosecution for doing what Secretary Hegseth did.” “Hegseth clearly and severely endangered American pilots by disclosing highly sensitive classified details about a bombing mission they were about to conduct just hours later against well-armed Houthi terrorists. He revealed specifics like location of targets, time over targets and more on an unsecure, unapproved device with a commercial app— his personal cell phone on Signal. His disclosures were plainly vulnerable to hacking and other surveillance by hostile adversaries, as shown by subsequent reporting in the Atlantic.” “Hegseth’s contention that he unilaterally declassified this information fails to address the immediate serious risk he created for American military operations. This information would be immensely valuable to well-arm… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z

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