url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://web.archive.org/web/20140104063829/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-files-amicus-brief-supporting-medical-associations-in-lawsuit-against-uhg_-,Blumenthal Files Amicus Brief Supporting Medical Associations In Lawsuit Against UHG,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"In The Brief, Blumenthal Argues That Connecticut Patients Are Facing A “Hobson’s Choice” As A Result Of UHG’s Actions Monday, December 30, 2013 (Hartford, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) filed an amicus brief in support of the Fairfield County Medical Association and Hartford County Medical Association, both of whom filed a lawsuit against UnitedHealthcare Group (UHG) in November alleging the nation’s largest insurer is breaking its contractual obligation with association members by dropping them from its Medicare Advantage network. In the brief, Blumenthal argues that Connecticut patients are facing a “Hobson’s Choice” as a result of UHG’s actions. “In the absence of an injunction, the patients of the over 2,200 terminated physicians will face irreparable harm by being effectively denied access to their long-standing and chosen physicians,” the brief states. “Connecticut patients will immediately face the Hobson’s choice of having to give up their current physicians, thereby risking medical errors arising from lack of continuity of care, or paying much higher rates to retain their current physicians.” In the brief, Blumenthal lists 11 examples of patients and providers who are facing “irreparable harm” as a result of UHG’s actions. In one example, a 75-year-old Branford, CT resident was informed that he would no longer be able to receive his medically necessary cancer treatment as a result of UHG dropping his treatment team from its network. In another example, a provider in Stafford Springs, CT states that his full-time family practice, the only one in Stafford Springs, is at risk of financial devastation, and that many of his patients, 38 percent of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, will be left without a primary care physician close to home as a result of UHG dropping him from its network. In all cases, the patients and providers reached out to Blumenthal’s office for help. “These examples confirm the District Court’s finding of irreparable harm inasmuch as ‘the disruption of the physician-patient relationship can cause irreparable harm that justifies issuing preliminary injunctive relief, particularly when the patient belongs to a vulnerable class or may have a deep trust relationship with the physician because of the serious nature of the patient’s illness or medical needs,” the brief states. “The examples related above are just the tip of the iceberg.  The termination of 2,200 physicians from a health care plan in a state the size of Connecticut creates enormous risks to patient safety on a state-wide basis.”    Full text of the brief can be found here.  Press Contact Kamara Jones - 202-224-0309 Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140104063839/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-ct-veteran-job-training-report,Blumenthal Statement On CT Veteran Job Training Report,2013-12-30,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Monday, December 30, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued a statement following the release of a Connecticut Veterans Legal Center report calling for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to share military job training data with state and local occupational licensing boards in an effort to expedite the credentialing process for recent veterans seeking employment. “This report provides powerful evidence – and a roadmap for reform – for opening more job opportunities to veterans with specific skills gained through military training. This report could make Connecticut a national model in tailoring veteran job programs and targeting occupation and professional licenses that match military skills.  More comprehensive data is needed from the Department of Defense and the VA in order to make veteran training programs more effective and to better assist veterans to find jobs.  As a member of the Senate's Veterans Affairs Committee, I will use this report to help shape new national veterans employment efforts.” Blumenthal has long advocated for improving the credentialing process for recently returned veterans, having led the successful push to pass the Veteran Skills to Jobs Act, which requires acceptance of military training for all federal credentials. A link to the full report can be found here; key recommendations can be found below: 1. The DoD should share its MOS data with DoL, the VA, and the public to permit an analysis to determine which federal, state, or local occupational or professional licensing requirements should be reformed to maximize Gulf War II veteran employment by more fully crediting military training and experience. Stakeholders should also use these data to identify MOSes that are at risk for civilian unemployment. 2. In the absence of DoD cooperation, state departments of veterans’ affairs should survey Gulf War II veterans by MOS and share the results with state policymakers, employers, and the public, so that all can better understand the skills and experience of Gulf War II veterans and how to reform licensing regimes to credit more fully this military training and experience. The Connecticut study suggests that health care and commercial driver’s licenses may be among the most fruitful for reform. 3. The DoD, VA, and DoL should collaborate to identify unemployment rates for Gulf War II veterans by MOS in order to better inform service members about post-service employment prospects when they make decisions regarding which military specialty to pursue. As a result, service members would know whether they are entering an MOS with a high risk for civilian unemployment. 4. The DoD branches with Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL), or COOL equivalent, websites should coordinate with the DoL’s Bureau of Labor Statistics to provide service members access to information in one website regarding civilian licenses and occupational outlooks for states in which they reside, or plan to return to upon completion of their service obligation. As of December 20, 2013, the Marine Corps does not have a COOL website, and the Air Force Credentialing and Education Research Tool (CERT) site is not operational. Both the Air Force CERT and the planned Marine Corps COOL site should emulate the content and functionality of the Army and Navy COOL websites. 5. The Connecticut MOS Task Force, created pursuant to Connecticut Special Act 13-5, should examine whether the licensing requirements related to 29 of the 32 most common MOSes held by Gulf War II veterans can be reformed to more fully credit military training and experience. Additionally, the Task Force should include this analysis in its report to the Connecticut Legislature Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131231153442/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-ups-to-provide-refunds-to-customers-whose-christmas-shipments-did-not-arrive-on-time,Blumenthal Calls On UPS To Provide Refunds To Customers Whose Christmas Shipments Did Not Arrive On Time,2013-12-26,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 26, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today called on United Parcel Service (UPS) to provide refunds to consumers across the country who were quoted arrival dates before Christmas, but whose packages and gifts did not arrive at their destinations on time. “I am disappointed to learn that so many consumers in Connecticut and across the country made purchases this holiday season expecting their gifts to arrive in time for Christmas, but instead were left empty-handed. The men and women of UPS – as well as the United States Postal Service and FedEx – do tremendous work this time of year, putting in grueling, long hours delivering gifts, and we are all grateful for their efforts. It is incumbent upon these companies, however, that when a customer is quoted a delivery date ahead of Christmas, gifts arrive on time. In a very real sense, Christmas is on the line. I call on UPS to do the right thing and provide refunds to people whose Christmases were a little less cheery as a result of their late deliveries.” Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenthal-murphy-larson-announce-230-million-air-force-contract-pratt,"Blumenthal, Murphy, Larson Announce $230 Million Air Force Contract For Pratt & Whitney",2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,John Larson,L000557,larson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hartford, CT Today, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01)along withU.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)andChris Murphy (D-Conn.)announced a $231,465,987 contract from the Air Force to Pratt & Whitney for the maintenance and repair of F119 Engines. The contract, signed Monday, modifies an existing agreement between the Air Force and the East Hartford aerospace manufacturer and will run through 2014. The delegation members said, This contract is tremendous news for Connecticut's aerospace industry, our national defense, and workers up and down the supply chain who build F119 engines. Our state is a leader in producing specialized engine parts critical to the safety and success of our military aircraft and the soldiers who operate them, and today's announcement is a testament to the highly-skilled, hardworking men and women of Pratt & Whitney. We applaud their success and will continue to fight to ensure that military contracts are awarded to the most eligible manufacturers here at home. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140104063835/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murphy-larson-announce-230-million-air-force-contract-for-pratt-and-whitney,"Blumenthal, Murphy, Larson Announce $230 Million Air Force Contract For Pratt & Whitney",2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Monday, December 23, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and U.S. Representative John Larson (D-CT-1) announced a $231,465,987 contract from the Air Force to Pratt & Whitney for the maintenance and repair of F119 Engines. The contract, signed Monday, modifies an existing agreement between the Air Force and the East Hartford aerospace manufacturer and will run through 2014. The delegation members said, “This contract is tremendous news for Connecticut’s aerospace industry, our national defense, and workers up and down the supply chain who build F119 engines. Our state is a leader in producing specialized engine parts critical to the safety and success of our military aircraft and the soldiers who operate them, and today’s announcement is a testament to the highly-skilled, hardworking men and women of Pratt & Whitney. We applaud their success and will continue to fight to ensure that military contracts are awarded to the most eligible manufacturers here at home.” Press Contact Josh Zembik (Blumenthal) - 202-224-6452Kaylie Hanson (Murphy): 202-228-9606Ed Skowronek (Larson): 860-539-4924",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140104025004/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/in-response-to-massive-data-breach-blumenthal-calls-for-ftc-investigation-into-target-security-practices-,"In Response To Massive Data Breach, Blumenthal Calls For FTC Investigation Into Target Security Practices",2013-12-22,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Sunday, December 22, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – In a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today called for an investigation into Target Corporation’s data security policies and practices following news of a massive security breach earlier this week that may have exposed the personal credit and debit card information of up to 40 million Target customers.   Full text of the letter is below:  December 22, 2013 The Honorable Edith Ramirez, Chairwoman Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC  20580 Dear Chairwoman Ramirez: I write to urge you to immediately open an investigation into Target Corporation’s recent reported data security breach, which may have exposed the credit and debit card information of 40 million Target customers this holiday season. If Target failed to adequately and appropriately protect its customers’ data, then the breach we saw this week was not just a breach of security; it was a breach of trust. The Federal Trade Commission (the FTC or the Commission) has the authority and the responsibility to investigate and address this kind of event, and I urge you to look into this case immediately. As you know, section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. § 45) gives the FTC jurisdiction to investigate companies’ privacy and information security policies, procedures, and practices. Given the scope and duration of Target’s recent data breach, it appears that Target may have failed to employ reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect personal information. A breach of this size indicates that somebody gained extensive and unfettered access to customer information held by Target. The fact that the intrusion lasted for more than two weeks indicates that Target’s procedures for detecting and shutting down an effort to steal customer data does not live up to a reasonable standard. If Target failed to adequately protect customer information, it denied customers the protection that they rightly expect when a business collects their personal information. Its conduct would be unfair and deceptive, and it would clearly violate the FTC Act. As the FTC has recognized in the past, data breaches—and particularly breaches of the size and scope of the Target breach—expose consumers to significant and potentially permanent harm. Those Target customers who have their data misused by hackers or thieves could lose their good credit and in turn their ability to purchase the goods and services they need for their wellbeing and the wellbeing of their families. Even customers whose stolen data will never ultimately be misused must live with the fear and uncertainty of knowing that it could be. While it is clear that the FTC has the authority to investigate breaches like the one that occurred at Target stores, it is equally clear that the Commission needs additional authority to impose sanctions sufficient to fully punish and deter the conduct that leads to such breaches. The breach at Target highlights how vast and damaging data breaches can be. The FTC should be able to respond to breaches like this with penalties commensurate to the potential harm. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Congress and with the Commission to ensure that the Commission has all the sanction authority it needs to carry out its mission effectively. The 40 million Americans who today are wondering whether their personal information is in the hands of hackers and thieves deserve to know that the FTC is getting to the bottom of the situation. I know the Commission takes data breaches seriously, and I look forward to working with you to understand what happened at Target and to prevent any such breach from happening in the future. Sincerely, Richard Blumenthal U.S. Senator Press Contact Josh Zembik (DC) - 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221155926/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/blumenthal-delauro-larson-courtney-himes-esty-call-uhg-reinstate-ct-medicare-advantage,"Blumenthal, DeLauro, Larson, Courtney, Himes, Esty Call On UHG To Reinstate CT Medicare Advantage Providers During Appeals Process",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – In a letter to United HealthGroup (UHG), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3), John Larson (D-CT-1), Joe Courtney (D-CT-2), Jim Himes (D-CT-4), and Elizabeth Esty (D-CT-5) called for the nation’s largest insurer to reinstate all Connecticut providers on its Medicare Advantage network while it appeals a U.S. District Court decision to uphold an injunction preventing the removal of these providers. Full text of the letter is below: December 19, 2013 Mr. Jack Larsen Chief Executive Officer UnitedHealth Group 9700 Healthcare Lane Minnetonka, MN 55343 Dear Mr. Larsen, We write to express our dissatisfaction with your refusal to follow the spirit—if not the letter—of the temporary injunction regarding Fairfield County Medical Association et al v. United to prevent the removal of affected physicians from UnitedHealth Group’s (UHG) Medicare Advantage (MA) network. On December 5, 2013, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut ordered UHG to reinstate the physician members of the medical associations in order to avoid irreparable harm from the contract terminations. UHG is apparently in the process of determining which doctors are members of the medical associations that filed the lawsuit in order to determine which doctors will remain in network. Regardless of whether this approach may technically comply with the legal order, we urge UHG to reconsider allowing all providers to remain in the MA network in Connecticut until the end of the current contract year. UHG has repeatedly stated that this action has the goal of allowing UHG to exercise greater influence over their network in response to federal efforts to control spending on health care and improve quality outcomes. We heard from numerous constituents who are confused and concerned about the status of their doctor with UHG MA network. UHG’s limited response to the court’s efforts to prevent irreparable harm has only increased the concerns of patients and providers in Connecticut. Therefore, we again ask you to consider our previous request to retain the providers in network. While UHG has the ability to adjust its network within the guidelines set out by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the contracts between UHG and the providers, the magnitude of these terminations and the process that UHG used lead us to renew our request that UHG reconsider these termination decisions. We look forward to hearing your response to this request and please contact Laurel Sakai (202-224-2823) with any questions. Sincerely,        U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Representatives Rosa L. DeLauro, John B. Larson, Joe Courtney, Jim Himes, Elizabeth H. Esty",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221155958/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-announces-bridgeport-teacher-receive-white-house-recognition,Himes Announces Bridgeport Teacher to Receive White House Recognition,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Himes Announces Bridgeport Teacher to Receive White House Recognition Dec 20, 2013 WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today congratulated Mary Servino, science teacher at Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School in Bridgeport, on being one of two Connecticut teachers to receive the annual Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Servino is invited along with 101 other science and math teachers from across the country to receive her award at a ceremony at the White House early next year. “Congratulations to Mary on receiving this prestigious award,” said Himes. “Our country’s math and science teachers have an important responsibility to prepare the next generation of workers, innovators, and leaders for a 21st century economy, and this recognition is a testament to Mary’s passion for science and dedication to her students.” The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. Bridgeport, CT 211 State Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: (866) 453-0028 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Stamford, CT 888 Washington Boulevard, 10th Floor Stamford, CT 06901 Phone: (203) 353-9400 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Washington, DC 119 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5541 Fax: (202) 225-9629 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 6:00 pm",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221181005/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-delauro-applaud-ndaa-provision-canceling-russian-helicopter-contract,"Blumenthal, DeLauro Applaud NDAA Provision Canceling Russian Helicopter Contract",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Friday, December 20, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3) applauded a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 (NDAA) that will indefinitely cancel a contract for Mi-17 helicopters the U.S. Department of Defense has with Rosoboronexport, a Russian state-owned company that also sells arms to Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian regime. DOD planned to buy 15 additional helicopters in 2014 but the NDAA provision cancels this contract and future contracts with Rosoboronexport.    Blumenthal said, “Even as Bashar al-Assad was slaughtering his own people, United States taxpayers were indirectly funding his civil war via the billion dollars spent through Rosoboronexport to buy Russian Mi-17 helicopters. At long last, the NDAA cancels this wrong and wasteful contract – a contract that I have consistently sought to stop. Now, we've driven a stake through it, convincing a bipartisan coalition that this deal contravenes our military and moral interests as a nation. I am pleased the NDAA saves the taxpayer $345 million that would have been given to Russia and requires DOD to report to Congress on which American helicopters should be used to support the Afghan mission. If helicopters are bought with American taxpayer dollars, they ought to be American made – from Sikorsky, the best in the world. This contract shows again the need for reforming our procurement and contracting process.” “The bill being sent to the President continues the ban on Pentagon helicopter purchases from Russia's arms dealer, Rosoboronexport, which I have long fought for and recently led to the Defense Department's cancellation of a planned contract with the firm,” DeLauro said. “I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure taxpayer dollars do not support Russia's arms dealer and in turn the Assad regime, while pushing for any future helicopter purchases for the Afghans to be competitively bid so US workers and companies can compete.” Press Contact Josh Zembik (Blumenthal) - 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov Sara Lonardo (DeLauro) - 202-225-3661 Sara.Lonardo@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221181018/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-delauro-larson-courtney-himes-esty-call-on-uhg-to-reinstate-ct-medicareadvantage-providers-during-appeals-process,"Blumenthal, Delauro, Larson, Courtney, Himes, Esty Call On UHG To Reinstate Ct MedicareAdvantage Providers During Appeals Process",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Friday, December 20, 2013 (Washington, DC) – In a letter to United HealthGroup (UHG), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3), John Larson (D-CT-1), Joe Courtney (D-CT-2), Jim Himes (D-CT-4), and Elizabeth Esty (D-CT-5) called for the nation’s largest insurer to reinstate all Connecticut providers on its Medicare Advantage network while it appeals a U.S. District Court decision to uphold an injunction preventing the removal of these providers. Full text of the letter is below: December 19, 2013 Mr. Jack Larsen Chief Executive Officer UnitedHealth Group 9700 Healthcare Lane Minnetonka, MN 55343 Dear Mr. Larsen,           We write to express our dissatisfaction with your refusal to follow the spirit—if not the letter—of the temporary injunction regarding Fairfield County Medical Association et al v. United to prevent the removal of affected physicians from UnitedHealth Group’s (UHG) Medicare Advantage (MA) network. On December 5, 2013, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut ordered UHG to reinstate the physician members of the medical associations in order to avoid irreparable harm from the contract terminations. UHG is apparently in the process of determining which doctors are members of the medical associations that filed the lawsuit in order to determine which doctors will remain in network. Regardless of whether this approach may technically comply with the legal order, we urge UHG to reconsider allowing all providers to remain in the MA network in Connecticut until the end of the current contract year. UHG has repeatedly stated that this action has the goal of allowing UHG to exercise greater influence over their network in response to federal efforts to control spending on health care and improve quality outcomes. We heard from numerous constituents who are confused and concerned about the status of their doctor with UHG MA network. UHG’s limited response to the court’s efforts to prevent irreparable harm has only increased the concerns of patients and providers in Connecticut. Therefore, we again ask you to consider our previous request to retain the providers in network. While UHG has the ability to adjust its network within the guidelines set out by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the contracts between UHG and the providers, the magnitude of these terminations and the process that UHG used lead us to renew our request that UHG reconsider these termination decisions. We look forward to hearing your response to this request and please contact Laurel Sakai (202-224-2823) with any questions. Sincerely,    U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Representatives Rosa L. DeLauro, John B. Larson, Joe Courtney, Jim Himes, Elizabeth H. Esty Press Contact Kamara Jones (Blumenthal): 202-224-0309 Sara Lonardo (DeLauro): 202-225-3661 Ed Skowronek (Larson): 860-539-4924 Liz Donovan (Courtney): 202-225-2076 Elizabeth Kerr (Himes): 202-225-5541 Jeb Fain (Esty): 202-225-4476",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301180818/http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenthal-delauro-larson-courtney-himes-esty-call-on-uhg-to-reinstate,"Blumenthal, DeLauro, Larson, Courtney, Himes, Esty Call on UHG to Reinstate CT Medicare Advantage Providers During Appeals Process",2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) – In a letter to United HealthGroup (UHG), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3), John Larson (D-CT-1), Joe Courtney (D-CT-2), Jim Himes (D-CT-4), and Elizabeth Esty (D-CT-5) called for the nation’s largest insurer to reinstate all Connecticut providers on its Medicare Advantage network while it appeals a U.S. District Court decision to uphold an injunction preventing the removal of these providers. Full text of the letter is below: December 19, 2013 Mr. Jack Larsen Chief Executive Officer UnitedHealth Group 9700 Healthcare Lane Minnetonka, MN 55343   Dear Mr. Larsen,           We write to express our dissatisfaction with your refusal to follow the spirit—if not the letter—of the temporary injunction regarding Fairfield County Medical Association et al v. United to prevent the removal of affected physicians from UnitedHealth Group’s (UHG) Medicare Advantage (MA) network. On December 5, 2013, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut ordered UHG to reinstate the physician members of the medical associations in order to avoid irreparable harm from the contract terminations. UHG is apparently in the process of determining which doctors are members of the medical associations that filed the lawsuit in order to determine which doctors will remain in network. Regardless of whether this approach may technically comply with the legal order, we urge UHG to reconsider allowing all providers to remain in the MA network in Connecticut until the end of the current contract year. UHG has repeatedly stated that this action has the goal of allowing UHG to exercise greater influence over their network in response to federal efforts to control spending on health care and improve quality outcomes. We heard from numerous constituents who are confused and concerned about the status of their doctor with UHG MA network. UHG’s limited response to the court’s efforts to prevent irreparable harm has only increased the concerns of patients and providers in Connecticut. Therefore, we again ask you to consider our previous request to retain the providers in network. While UHG has the ability to adjust its network within the guidelines set out by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the contracts between UHG and the providers, the magnitude of these terminations and the process that UHG used lead us to renew our request that UHG reconsider these termination decisions. We look forward to hearing your response to this request and please contact Laurel Sakai (202-224-2823) with any questions. Sincerely,                   U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Representatives Rosa L. DeLauro, John B. Larson, Joe Courtney, Jim Himes, Elizabeth H. Esty ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-esty-and-miller-urge-hhs-to-help-ensure-smooth-transition-for-new,Reps. Esty and Miller Urge HHS to Help Ensure Smooth Transition for New Health Insurance Policyholders,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131221050257/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murphy-delauro-courtney-himes-announce-75-million-in-usda-funding-for-hurricane-sandy-flood-relief-and-prevention,"Blumenthal, Murphy, Delauro, Courtney, Himes Announce $7.5 Million In USDA Funding For Hurricane Sandy Flood Relief & Prevention",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 19, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3), Joe Courtney (D-CT-2), and Jim Himes (D-CT-4) announced $7,532,001 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service Emergency Watershed Protection Program for the restoration, protection, and maintenance of flood plains in Connecticut affected by Hurricane Sandy, as well as areas at risk for storm flooding in the future. The funds will be used to remove structures such as homes, dikes, and other man-made objects preventing the natural flow of water across flood plains. In addition to preventing future flooding, the project will benefit wild life living on these lands. Blumenthal said, “Undeniable and unforgettable is Sandy's lesson that prevention and preparation for weather catastrophes saves money and lives – a lesson well served by this funding. Projects funded by this well merited federal money will make our shores stronger, homes more durable, and communities self-supporting. Connecticut can use these funds to help lead the nation by its example. I will continue to fight to invest in infrastructure, transmission systems, and flood control projects that will reduce the threat of damage and destruction following future storms.” Murphy said, “Although more than a year has passed since Hurricane Sandy hit Connecticut, communities across our state continue to need help to rebuild and recover from the devastation. The funding announced by Secretary Vilsack today will not only allow communities to reverse the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, but also help them prepare for the next one. I’m particularly pleased that underfunded flood mitigation programs are receiving the support they need to prevent future damage. I applaud the Department of Agriculture for its work on this issue and will continue to advocate for improvements to infrastructure and other preparation projects.” “There is very little we can do to prevent disasters like Sandy from occurring, but we can—and must—be proactive about preparing for them and minimizing the damage,” DeLauro said. “Earlier this year I met with the West Haven Watershed Committee about the city’s flooding problems in the Old Field Creek area and am thrilled they are now able to improve their flood plain to help mitigate future flooding. I look forward to seeing the results of restoration and prevention efforts in both West and East Haven.” “I applaud the continued commitment that USDA has demonstrated in the wake of Sandy,” Courtney said. “Taken together, these funds will help restore and protect 257 acres across Madison and Old Lyme with the added benefit of preventing further development on environmentally important lands.  With the addition of these land easements, these communities will not only be better protected from the next storm, but also reap the benefits of additional open spaces.”      “As we continue to rebuild after the worst storm in Connecticut history, it is essential that the federal government play a role in helping those affected by Sandy not only recover from last year’s storm, but also prepare for the next one,” said  Himes. “I am very pleased that Bridgeport homeowners will soon receive the assistance they need to reclaim land damaged by Sandy and reduce the damage caused by future flooding.” The five Connecticut municipalities that will receive USDA floodplain easement funds are: East Haven ($422,685), Madison ($1,943,508), Old Lyme ($820,700), West Haven ($3,058,369), and Bridgeport ($1,266,739). The USDA will begin accepting applications for an additional round of floodplain easement funding in January 2014. For more information about this funding, click here. Press Contact Kamara Jones (Blumenthal) - 202-224-0309Kaylie Hanson (Murphy) - 202-228-9606Sara Lonardo (DeLauro)- 202-225-3661Liz Donovan (Courtney)- 202-225-2076Elizabeth Kerr (Himes)- 202-225-5541",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160028/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/blumenthal-murphy-delauro-courtney-himes-announce-75-million-usda-funding-hurricane,"Blumenthal, Murphy, Delauro, Courtney, Himes Announce $7.5 Million In USDA Funding For Hurricane Sandy Flood Relief & Prevention",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3), Joe Courtney (D-CT-2), and Jim Himes (D-CT-4) announced $7,532,001 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service Emergency Watershed Protection Program for the restoration, protection, and maintenance of flood plains in Connecticut affected by Hurricane Sandy, as well as areas at risk for storm flooding in the future. The funds will be used to remove structures such as homes, dikes, and other man-made objects preventing the natural flow of water across flood plains. In addition to preventing future flooding, the project will benefit wild life living on these lands. “As we continue to rebuild after the worst storm in Connecticut history, it is essential that the federal government play a role in helping those affected by Sandy not only recover from last year’s storm, but also prepare for the next one,” said  Himes. “I am very pleased that Bridgeport homeowners will soon receive the assistance they need to reclaim land damaged by Sandy and reduce the damage caused by future flooding.” Blumenthal said, “Undeniable and unforgettable is Sandy's lesson that prevention and preparation for weather catastrophes saves money and lives – a lesson well served by this funding. Projects funded by this well merited federal money will make our shores stronger, homes more durable, and communities self-supporting. Connecticut can use these funds to help lead the nation by its example. I will continue to fight to invest in infrastructure, transmission systems, and flood control projects that will reduce the threat of damage and destruction following future storms.” Murphy said, “Although more than a year has passed since Hurricane Sandy hit Connecticut, communities across our state continue to need help to rebuild and recover from the devastation. The funding announced by Secretary Vilsack today will not only allow communities to reverse the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, but also help them prepare for the next one. I’m particularly pleased that underfunded flood mitigation programs are receiving the support they need to prevent future damage. I applaud the Department of Agriculture for its work on this issue and will continue to advocate for improvements to infrastructure and other preparation projects.” “There is very little we can do to prevent disasters like Sandy from occurring, but we can—and must—be proactive about preparing for them and minimizing the damage,” DeLauro said. “Earlier this year I met with the West Haven Watershed Committee about the city’s flooding problems in the Old Field Creek area and am thrilled they are now able to improve their flood plain to help mitigate future flooding. I look forward to seeing the results of restoration and prevention efforts in both West and East Haven.” “I applaud the continued commitment that USDA has demonstrated in the wake of Sandy,” Courtney said. “Taken together, these funds will help restore and protect 257 acres across Madison and Old Lyme with the added benefit of preventing further development on environmentally important lands.  With the addition of these land easements, these communities will not only be better protected from the next storm, but also reap the benefits of additional open spaces.”      The five Connecticut municipalities that will receive USDA floodplain easement funds are: East Haven ($422,685), Madison ($1,943,508), Old Lyme ($820,700), West Haven ($3,058,369), and Bridgeport ($1,266,739). The USDA will begin accepting applications for an additional round of floodplain easement funding in January 2014. For more information about this funding, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delauro.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1484:bipartisan-group-of-reps-agree-do-not-import-unsafe-chinese-chicken&catid=2:2012-press-releases&Itemid=21,Bipartisan Group of Reps. Agree: Do Not Import Unsafe Chinese Chicken,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Trump’s latest disaster relief request does not begin to approach what is needed to make the residents of Puerto Rico, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, and California whole.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131221050040/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-bipartisan-budget-act-of-2013,Blumenthal Statement On Bipartisan Budget Act Of 2013,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 18, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, which the Senate passed by a vote of 64-36. “This bipartisan budget bill, although far from perfect, helps create certainty and stability necessary for job creation and economic growth, and ends unnecessary, self-inflicted crises. I am deeply disappointed that this bill fails to extend unemployment insurance, fairly provide for military retirees, especially the disabled, and invest in our education system, roads, rails, and other critical infrastructure. Reasonable compromise is absolutely essential at a time when petty partisan politics is at an all-time high and economic recovery is at stake.” Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131221050045/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-white-house-review-group-recommendations-on-intelligence-communications-technologies,"Blumenthal Statement On White House Review Group Recommendations On Intelligence, Communications Technologies",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Review Group Adopts Blumenthal Proposals On Special Advocate, Transparency, Method Of Appointing FISA Judges Wednesday, December 18, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement after the White House released recommendations from the Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies to reform the nation’s broad surveillance laws: “This report is a clarion call for intelligence program reform – powerfully boosting the credibility and momentum of sweeping, fundamental change. It specifically endorses my Special Advocate proposal to assure that privacy rights and civil liberties are protected through a genuine adversarial proceeding. Also, it urges significant change in the selection of FISA Court members to assure greater diversity in ideological perspective, background, and geography. Greater transparency, making public more rulings and opinions, is another key, necessary recommendation that I and others have urged. Overall, the report recognizes a fundamental truth: Reform is vital to restore and retain public confidence and trust in our intelligence programs. Doubt, suspicion, and distrust will only deepen, and jeopardize our democracy without reform.” Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131221050308/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/mccain-blumenthal-applaud-fcc-move-by-unanimous-vote-to-consider-proposal-to-eliminate-sports-blackout-rule,"McCain, Blumenthal Applaud FCC Move By Unanimous Vote To Consider Proposal To Eliminate Sports Blackout Rule",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 18, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) applauded the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) move by unanimous vote to consider a proposal to eliminate 40-year-old sports blackout rules that prohibit cable and satellite providers from carrying a game if it is blacked out on television due to insufficient ticket sales. “The FCC’s unanimous vote today is a big victory for sports fans,” said Senator McCain. “This June, Senator Blumenthal and I sent a letter to FCC Acting Chair Clyburn, urging the Commission to move to eliminate the Sports Blackout Rule, which is no longer supported by facts or logic. For years I have worked to reform the regulatory framework that favors the interests of cable and television programming companies and the leagues over those of sports fans and cable consumers. There is much more work to be done, but the FCC’s vote today moves us one step closer to the finish line.” Senator Blumenthal said, “The FCC’s action today is a tremendously positive step forward for consumers and sports fans. Existing blackout policies quite literally leave fans in the dark, and leagues or programmers that enforce them should not be rewarded with special regulatory status, antitrust exemptions, or taxpayer subsidies. To combat this abuse, Senator McCain and I introduced the FANS Act and the Television Consumer Freedom Act. Fans deserve a level playing field that gives them fair access to their favorite teams.”  In November, McCain and Blumenthal introduced the Furthering Access and Networks for Sports (FANS) Act of 2013 – legislation that would decrease the frequency of sports blackouts by requiring leagues to meet basic obligations to fans if they wish to continue receiving substantial benefits from the public.  Press Contact Josh Zembik (Blumenthal) - 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov Brian Rogers (McCain) – 202-224-7130 Brian_Rogers@mccain.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131229171134/http://delauro.house.gov:80/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1485:delauro-meets-with-ct-residents-facing-loss-of-federal-emergency-unemployment-compensation&catid=2:2012-press-releases&Itemid=21,DeLauro Meets With CT Residents Facing Loss of Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa DeLauro,D000216,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"DeLauro Meets With CT Residents Facing Loss of Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today heard from Connecticut residents who are facing the imminent expiration of federal emergency unemployment compensation, or have recently lost benefits. DeLauro had repeatedly called for an extension of those benefits to be included in the budget deal passed by the House of Representatives last week. Unfortunately, Republican leadership decided not to do so, cutting off a vital lifeline for millions of people.   “The fact that the House of Representatives went home for the holidays with such critical work undone is unconscionable,” DeLauro said. “Millions of long-term unemployed are about to see a vital lifeline cut off, right in the middle of the holiday season. Congress’s top priority should be restoring opportunity and the promise of a better future for all Americans.  So why are we forcing people who are already struggling to get by into a more desperate state?”   Federal emergency unemployment compensation benefits are set to expire on December 28. About 26,000 people in Connecticut--and 1.3 million nationally--will lose benefits on that day. Another 1.9 million across the nation will suffer the same fate by June, about 28,700 of them in Connecticut. By the end of 2014, 85,100 people in Connecticut will have lost benefits.   The end of federal emergency unemployment compensation is also bad for the overall economy. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office recently predicted that allowing benefits to expire will be a drag on our economic growth next year.  Despite the economy’s progress since 2008, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs available. Approximately four million Americans have been looking for work for more than six months.   At today’s meeting, DeLauro heard from Bill Villano, Executive Director of the CT Workforce Alliance; Thomas Knowlton; Felix Pagan; Bruce Hirschfield; and Mike Carlo, who are all facing the loss of, or have recently lost, unemployment benefits.   Villano said: “CT continues to struggle in this economic recovery and has regained just 48.6% of the jobs lost in the recession which is well below the national recovery rate of 82.8%.  Projections call for modest growth and little change in the unemployment rate while 25,000 CT workers are facing the loss of their benefits at the end of the month.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131221050302/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-announcement-of-healthcaregov-ceo,Blumenthal Statement On Announcement Of Healthcare.Gov CEO,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 17, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement in response to the Administration’s announcement Tuesday that former Microsoft executive Kurt DelBene will replace current healthcare.gov head Jeff Zients: “I welcome the Administration’s decision to respond to calls, including mine, for a permanent chief executive officer to oversee healthcare.gov. The Administration must continue its aggressive efforts to improve the website. I pledge cooperation with Kurt DelBene as he seeks to work effectively to ensure excellent customer service for millions of Americans seeking health insurance they deserve.” Late last month, Blumenthal – joined by six of his colleagues – sent a letter to President Obama requesting a permanent executive to oversee the healthcare.gov website. The full text of the letter can be found below: November 25, 2013 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: As supporters of the Affordable Care Act, we have been deeply disappointed and frustrated with the many problems surrounding the law’s rollout, including the initial failure of the healthcare.gov website.  These early missteps are all the more unfortunate because of the potential benefits of the Affordable Care Act.  An effective implementation of this law would mean that millions of Americans would no longer be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions, have to worry about caps on lifetime benefits, or pay a co-pay or deductible to receive preventive services.  Women will no longer be charged higher premiums simply because of their gender, young adults can stay on their parents’ plans until they are 26, and those without employer coverage can purchase affordable health insurance on the exchange with subsidies for low and middle-income families. While we cannot go backward and correct mistakes made, we must now work together to fix the law so that it works for all Americans.  To that end, we appreciate that your administration is making a concerted effort to improve the functionality of healthcare.gov, and we commend your decision to appoint Jeffrey Zients to manage this critical project.  He has a record of success and strong leadership in the federal government and the private sector, and we agree that Mr. Zients is the right person to lead these efforts.  But with Mr. Zients departing to become director of the National Economic Council on January 2nd, we urge you to quickly appoint a replacement and extend the duration of the position until after the 2015 open-enrollment period concludes. A project of this size and scope demands the sustained leadership and day-to-day management of a chief executive officer – someone whose sole responsibility would be an unrelenting focus on healthcare.gov and who has experience overseeing large and complex consumer-facing technology projects. The position should report directly to you and should be empowered with the authority to ensure that healthcare.gov is fixed quickly, completely, and permanently. Like you, we want the Affordable Care Act to succeed and for every American to enjoy the health and cost benefits it can provide, but the law’s success is inextricably tied to the confidence of the American people.  Sustaining the steady management focus that this position has already brought to the project would go a long way toward earning back the trust jeopardized by last month’s deeply flawed rollout. Sincerely, Signatories: Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH); Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); Mark Warner (D-VA); Christopher A. Coons (D-DE); Mary Landrieu (D-LA); Mark Udall (D-CO); Tim Kaine (D-VA) Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221181148/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-metro-north-safety-investments-enhancements-report,"Blumenthal Statement On Metro-North Safety Investments, Enhancements Report",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 17, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement on the safety investments and enhancements report Metro-North released this afternoon: “The MTA should provide specifics with deadlines for long overdue safety features that could have prevented serious incidents like the crashes in Bridgeport and the Bronx. These safety features include an alerter system in the back and front of every train, automatic speed control to enforce speed restrictions, and cameras in all operator cabs. I welcome the MTA report as a first step to be followed by more specifics in future regular reports that will overhaul and upgrade clearly lacking safety practices and culture.”  Press Contact Kamara Jones - 202-224-0309 Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221181205/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-frontier-acquisition-of-atandt-assets-in-ct,Blumenthal Statement On Frontier Acquisition Of AT&T Assets In CT,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 17, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued a statement following the news that Frontier Communications will purchase AT&T’s residential and business wireline assets in Connecticut for $2 billion. “While this deal may be good for AT&T and Frontier, I want to make sure it is right for consumers. I look forward to reviewing what it means for the people of Connecticut, and I will fight to make sure their interests are protected as DOJ and the FCC review this transaction."" Frontier will be required to file with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Communications Commission, and Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to ensure the deal doesn’t violate antitrust regulations.    Press Contact Josh Zembik - 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221181216/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-delivers-floor-speech-on-victim-of-new-haven-mass-shooting,Blumenthal Delivers Floor Speech On Victim Of New Haven Mass Shooting,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 17, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) delivered a floor speech on the life and death of Erika Robinson, the 26-year-old victim of a mass shooting that occurred in October at a New Haven nightclub. In the speech, Blumenthal discussed how gun violence, a little more than a year after the Sandy Hook tragedy, continues to affect all communities – urban, suburban, and rural – and called again for Congress to pass laws to prevent such violence. “We owe it to [Erika] and to her family that her legacy will be one of protecting others like her, protecting others across America, regardless of the neighborhood or the place in that neighborhood, whether it is downtown New Haven, an urban area, or Newtown, a suburban neighborhood. It should not matter where gun violence is a threat. We should eradicate it everywhere. And it should not matter who may be the victim of gun violence, what her background may be, her race, religion, anything about her. Every human being, every person in the United States of America, is deserving of protection that our society failed to give to this young woman,” Blumenthal said during the speech. Video of Blumenthal’s remarks is here; full text of his speech is below. “Over the weekend, the state of Connecticut and the country and the world commemorated with grief and continued pain the first-year anniversary of the tragic massacre in Newtown, and on the morning of Saturday, one year after the Newtown tragedy, I attended a church service, a beautiful, moving, powerful celebration of faith at the Saint Rose of Lima Church whose pastor, Monsignor Robert Weiss, has been a great friend to many in the community and such a source of strength and comfort. “Later in the weekend, I visited with the family of Erika Robinson of West Haven, Connecticut, who was shot and killed at a nightclub in New Haven on October 26. This seemingly random act of violence left Erika dead and five other individuals injured by gunfire. I have spent months and have been grateful for the experience with the families of those victims in Newtown, and I was equally grateful to spend this time with Erika's family, Celeste and Greg Fulcher, at their home and I want to thank them for welcoming me to their home on that day. “Erika Robinson was only 26 years old when she became a victim of gun violence, and she clearly was a person full of joy and life and goodness for all of her 26 years and including the day that she perished. She was building a business, a clothing line, and as her business grew, a local store started selling that line of [clothes], and those who knew her described her as hard working and driven, and she was compassionate. Most recently, she released a special collection in honor of the breast cancer awareness month. She had enormous potential, she did everything right, she played by the rules, she stayed out of trouble, and she had the support of her two loving parents, and she was on track to fulfill the American Dream. And now her life tragically has been reduced to a statistic unless we make sure that it is more than a statistic and that we work and fight to make her legacy one of helping to protect others, helping to prevent gun violence and take victims like her who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, as she was that night in New Haven, when a shooter who was illegally in possession of a firearm, in fact, apparently on bail, turning to take as a victim someone else in the crowd that evening in the nightclub, and she became a victim that night, inadvertently, unintentionally, and five others were wounded. “I have her picture here. Erika was more than a statistic. She was a person. And part of her clothing line was this small card that she fashioned herself: ‘It's so regular for us to say you only live once, but do you deeply understand that it's real? What I am trying to say is be fearless. Do things you always wanted to do. Never let anyone hold you back. Enjoy this thing we call life while we can. People going to talk regardless, so be you. Forever, Erika Robinson.’ And may that legacy be forever. May that legacy be with us forever and inspire us to work as we have done on behalf of the families of Newtown and as we should be doing on behalf of the 10,000 other victims of gun violence since Newtown. And the victims are not only the victims who have perished among those 10,000. There are others who have been injured like the five who were injured that night when the shooter at that nightclub in New Haven was aiming for someone else and sprayed gunfire that killed Erika, took her as a casualty but also injured others severely and traumatized countless others who saw or watched or heard what went on in that nightclub that night, an establishment that was legally licensed by the state of Connecticut, legally licensed to entertain people and charge for their being there, an establishment that was the last place Erika Robinson knew. “Such a promising young woman at the wrong place at the wrong time, a woman who could have contributed so much to New Haven, to Connecticut, to our country. A tragic loss for her family that continues to honor her courage, and strength, and a tragic loss for all of us, and for the thousands of people who came to her funeral because she had already in those young 26 years, already touched so many lives. We owe it to her and to her family that her legacy will be one of protecting others like her, protecting others across America, regardless of the neighborhood or the place in that neighborhood, whether it is downtown New Haven, an urban area, or Newtown, a suburban neighborhood. It should not matter where gun violence is a threat. We should eradicate it everywhere. And it should not matter who may be the victim of gun violence, what her background may be, her race, religion, anything about her. Every human being, every person in the United States of America, is deserving of protection that our society failed to give to this young woman. “We do a great disservice to our nation when we fail to honor those individuals who may not be in the headlines, who may not be from neighborhoods that we know but others that are unfamiliar to us. And we owe it to ourselves, not just to Erika and her family, but to ourselves as a nation to do better and to make America safer. She deserved better from the greatest country in the history of the world, and we, as citizens of that country, deserve better and have an obligation to do better. And so we will, I hope, leave a legacy for her in her name that speaks to a safer, better America. “Thank you, Madam President. I yield the floor.” Press Contact Josh Zembik - 202-224-6452Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301183241/http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/esty-blumenthal-murphy-applaud-doj-funding-for-newtown-community,"Esty, Blumenthal, Murphy Applaud DOJ Funding for Newtown Community",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.) applauded a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime to support victims, first responders and members of the Newtown community in the wake of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. This funding, which will be distributed by the Connecticut Judicial Branch, will reimburse costs incurred by those organizations that provided crisis intervention services, trauma-informed care, select victim-related law enforcement support and costs incurred in moving students from Sandy Hook to a new school location. “The Newtown community has been tested to the very limits of human grief over the past year, and we have an obligation to ensure that all those who sacrificed so much on December 14th have the support they need to heal from this unspeakable tragedy,” the members said. “We are grateful for the Department of Justice's action today in response to the horror of the Sandy Hook School shooting. While this grant provides some relief to the people of Newtown, they will continue to need our support in the coming months and years, and we will be advocating for them every step of the way.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221181239/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-dc-circuit-court-ruling-on-nsa-bulk-data-collection,Blumenthal Statement On D.C. Circuit Court Ruling On NSA Bulk Data Collection,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Monday, December 16, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement after Judge Richard J. Leon – a George W. Bush appointee and former federal prosecutor – issued an injunction against the NSA’s bulk surveillance program, which the Agency claims is authorized by Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act. Judge Leon determined that a conservative activist who petitioned the court to hold the program unconstitutional was likely to succeed in getting the court to invalidate the program and would face irreparable harm if the program were allowed to continue. Judge Leon stayed his ruling to give the U.S. Department of Justice time to respond. “When exposed to the sunlight of Constitutional scrutiny, this massive secret surveillance program could not stand. An independent court, hearing both sides of the argument, has protected precious liberties and rights. Congress must act to create a Special Advocate, which I’ve urged, so unconstitutional surveillance is stopped before privacy is invaded illegally – as it was here for a decade. “The court has said what I and others have argued for so long: the NSA’s bulk data program, which  went unscrutinized because it was shrouded in secrecy, poses a clear danger to legally protected liberty and privacy rights. Now, Congress should act as well by creating greater transparency and a special advocate whose client is the Constitution to advocate on behalf of Americans’ liberty and privacy.” Senator Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, earlier this year introduced the FISA Court Reform Act of 2013, which would create a special advocate to the FISA courts to argue on behalf of the right to privacy and other individual rights of the American people. Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221181252/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-to-red-bull-and-rockstar-stop-marketing-to-children,Blumenthal To Red Bull And Rockstar: Stop Marketing To Children,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Monday, December 16, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) – joined by Jennifer Harris, the Director of Marketing Initiatives at Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity – called on Red Bull and Rockstar Energy to remove toys bearing their logo from retail stores in Connecticut and across the country. Despite statements by both Red Bull and Rockstar claiming the companies do not market to children, a toy car bearing Red Bull’s logo and a toy boat bearing Rockstar’s logo were found on store shelves in Connecticut. Blumenthal said, “Energy drink companies have repeatedly promised – including before the Senate Commerce Committee – to stop marketing their products to children and adolescents. Yet the examples I highlighted today prove that Red Bull and Rockstar have not made good on these promises to the public. I will continue to hold these companies accountable for their actions, and I will not yield in this fight until all toys bearing the logos of energy drink companies are removed from store shelves. In the meantime, I urge parents to beware this holiday shopping season of toys that glorify energy drink products and other highly-caffeinated beverages that can harm their child’s health.”    Last month, Blumenthal and three of his colleagues sent letters to Red Bull and Rockstar expressing concern that the toy car and toy boat targeted children and contradicted both companies’ claims that they don’t market to this demographic. “In light of public health concerns regarding the consumption of high levels of caffeine by children and adolescents, we are deeply concerned by the marketing of [this] toy,” the senators wrote in both letters.  As the popularity of energy drinks has increased, so too has concern about the potential health risks these highly caffeinated products pose. In addition to asking Red Bull, Rockstar, and Monster Energy to end their advertising practices to children and adolescents, Blumenthal has also requested that the companies place a precautionary statement on their energy drink cans that makes clear the beverages are not intended for individuals under 18, pregnant or nursing women and those sensitive to caffeine. Press Contact Kamara Jones – 202-224-0309Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/esty-reflections-on-the-one-year-anniversary-of-the-tragedy-at-sandy-hook,Esty Reflections on the One Year Anniversary of the Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary,2013-12-14,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delauro.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1481:bipartisan-group-of-representatives-urge-the-va-to-support-for-veteran-military-sexual-trauma-survivors&catid=2:2012-press-releases&Itemid=21,Bipartisan Group of Representatives Urge the VA to Support for Veteran Military Sexual Trauma Survivors,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Trump’s latest disaster relief request does not begin to approach what is needed to make the residents of Puerto Rico, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, and California whole.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-calls-congressional-recognition-election-and-efforts-pope-francis,Larson Calls for Congressional Recognition of the Election and Efforts of Pope Francis,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,John Larson,L000557,larson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) introduced a resolution this week along with Congressman Peter King (R-NY) calling for the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the election, inspirational statements and actions of Pope Francis. Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, and is the first Pope of the Americas. Over 120 Members of Congress have currently joined in the resolution, H. Res. 440. Congratulating Pope Francis on his election and recognizing his inspirational statements and actions. Whereas on March 13, 2013, Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina was elected Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church; Whereas his election marked the first time a Pope from the Americas has been selected; Whereas he is the first Jesuit to become Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church; Whereas he took the papal name of Francis, becoming the first pope to take the name of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his devotion to humility and the poor; Whereas he has demonstrated his humility by choosing not to live in the lavish Apostolic Palace, living instead with the clergy and lay people in the Vatican guesthouse; Whereas on March 28, 2013, he broke from tradition during the washing of feet, when he washed the feet of 12 criminals, including two women, becoming the first pope to include women in the rite; Whereas on November 6, he displayed his charity by caressing a man with severe disfigurement, drawing comparisons to the actions of his namesake, St. Francis, whose kiss of a leper forever changed his life by solidifying his commitment to the poorest among us; Whereas when asked to describe himself during an interview with a Jesuit magazine, he replied I am a sinner''; Whereas his emphasis on humanitarian efforts to alleviate suffering serves as an inspiration to Congress and all Americans; Whereas his humility, his commitment to economic justice and improving the lives of the poor, and his outreach to individuals from all walks of life have been universally praised and are living examples of Jesus Christ's message; and Whereas his call to end inequality has echoed across the globe and brought millions together in solidarity: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates Pope Francis on his election and recognizes his inspirational statements and actions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160103/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-statement-anniversary-newtown-tragedy,Himes Statement on Anniversary of Newtown Tragedy,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Himes Statement on Anniversary of Newtown Tragedy Dec 13, 2013 WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement regarding the one-year anniversary of the Newtown tragedy on December 14, 2012: “My heart remains broken for the 20 children and six adults whose lives were tragically cut short one year ago. In the year since Newtown, an additional 30,000 Americans have lost their lives to guns. Though there is no peace for the families of those we have lost, I remain committed to improving our gun laws and our mental health system to reduce the violence and mayhem. We must do everything in our power to prevent the next Newtown, Aurora, or Columbine from happening and to stop the epidemic of violence in some of our cities. While I am frustrated and disappointed by Congress’ failure to lead on this issue, I am no less resolved. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the Newtown victims and wish them comfort and peace on this most somber of anniversaries.” Bridgeport, CT 211 State Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: (866) 453-0028 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Stamford, CT 888 Washington Boulevard, 10th Floor Stamford, CT 06901 Phone: (203) 353-9400 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Washington, DC 119 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5541 Fax: (202) 225-9629 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 6:00 pm",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160138/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-visits-protestors-fasting-national-mall-calling-immigration-reform,Himes Visits Protestors Fasting on National Mall Calling for Immigration Reform,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today joined dozens of his colleagues and immigration activists fasting for immigration reform in calling on House Leadership to bring immigration reform up for a vote. Himes is a cosponsor of H.R. 15, which mirrors the Senate comprehensive immigration reform bill that passed with broad, bipartisan support this spring. Click here for photos of Himes at the press conference and meeting with the fasters. “I am deeply inspired by the passionate men and women who are making a profound self-sacrifice for the sake of calling national attention to the millions of undocumented workers waiting for Congress to reform our seriously broken immigration system,” said Himes after the press conference. “Visiting with the fasters gave me a renewed sense of urgency on this issue, and I will continue doing everything I can to get a comprehensive immigration reform package brought to the floor.” Immigration activists are participating in a 22-day, water-only fast called the “Fast for Families” to highlight the need for immigration reform. The bill Himes cosponsors will create a more human immigration system by allowing families of undocumented immigrants to stay together. Immigration reform will also be a boon for the economy: the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports that passage of immigration reform will add $1.4 trillion to U.S. GDP in the next 10 years. Additionally, the Senate bill would create 121,000 new jobs every year for 10 years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160227/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-supports-bipartisan-budget,Himes Supports Bipartisan Budget,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Himes Supports Bipartisan Budget Dec 12, 2013 Issues: Budget WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today helped pass a bipartisan budget that will partially roll back the sequester scheduled for FY 2014 and FY 2015 and increase spending caps for those two years. The agreement restores $63 billion in federal spending authority, offset by $85 billion in cuts to mandatory programs and increases in non-tax revenues. The compromise bill provides $23 billion in deficit reduction. The measure also blocks a scheduled 23.7% cut to Medicare reimbursements for physicians set to occur Jan. 1. Congress is expected to consider a permanent “doc fix” next year. “This budget is not perfect, but it is a step in the right direction. We are finally moving forward, before the eleventh hour, with a bipartisan plan,” said Himes. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on more comprehensive deficit reduction that includes reforming the tax code, fairly reforming our entitlement programs, and retooling our priorities to ensure we are spending on things that matter for the future –like education and transportation—rather than the past.” Bridgeport, CT 211 State Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: (866) 453-0028 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Stamford, CT 888 Washington Boulevard, 10th Floor Stamford, CT 06901 Phone: (203) 353-9400 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Washington, DC 119 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5541 Fax: (202) 225-9629 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 6:00 pm",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140913045106/http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-delegation-applauds-announcement-of-federal-railroad,Connecticut Delegation Applauds Announcement of Federal Railroad Administration’s Operation Deep Dive on Metro-North,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation released the following statement today applauding the Federal Railroad Administration’s announcement they are conducting a thorough analysis of every aspect of the Metro-North Commuter Railroad. The analysis, Operation Deep Dive, will take 60 days and is a response to a series of accidents dating back to March.   “This is a badly needed and overdue first step to address the specifics of recent Metro-North accidents and how to reduce their likelihood in the future,” the delegation said. “We expect changes to be made based on the results of this analysis and will hold people’s feet to the fire to ensure that they are. The safety of travelers remains our number one priority.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/esty-statement-on-budget-deal,Esty Statement on Budget Deal,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-delegation-applauds-announcement-federal-railroad,Connecticut Delegation Applauds Announcement of Federal Railroad Administrations Operation Deep Dive on Metro-North,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,John Larson,L000557,larson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01)andConnecticut's Congressional Delegation released the following statement today applauding the Federal Railroad Administration's announcement they are conducting a thorough analysis of every aspect of the Metro-North Commuter Railroad. The analysis, Operation Deep Dive, will take 60 days and is a response to a series of accidents dating back to March. This is a badly needed and overdue first step to address the specifics of recent Metro-North accidents and how to reduce their likelihood in the future, the delegation said. We expect changes to be made based on the results of this analysis and will hold people's feet to the fire to ensure that they are. The safety of travelers remains our number one priority. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-budget-deal,Larson on Budget Deal,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,John Larson,L000557,larson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of a bipartisan budget deal, H.J. Resolution 59: The budget passed in the House tonight is a small step forward for our economy. I am pleased to see some of the harm of the sequester addressed, helping to protect jobs by relieving pressure on Connecticut's defense industry. The lessened impact on certain domestic programs is also encouraging, along with a temporary patch to the broken SGR formula that will help us avoid large reductions for our physicians at the end of the year. These important measures for defense and domestic programs will help thousands in Connecticut and the First District avoid the consequences of another protracted budget debate. It is astounding, however, that during this holiday season, the House will adjourn without at least considering an extension of unemployment insurance. I am extremely disappointed and frustrated that Republican Leadership has refused to help these Americans who, in our recovering economy are now facing cuts in these vital benefits. As Members return home this holiday season, they will hear from people who through no fault of their own have found themselves without a job and have now lost their only source of income. I will press that unemployment be taken up in a retroactive manner by both sides of the aisle on our return. While it is clear that too much has been left on the table, I hope the overall bipartisan nature of this budget agreement can continue into next year. The major issues we face as Americans are just that: not Republican, not Democratic but American. I look forward to continuing my efforts with Members regardless of party on the issues that impact Connecticut's First and our nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-major-step-towards-permanent-fix-medicare-physician-payment,Larson on Major Step Towards Permanent Fix to Medicare Physician Payment System,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,John Larson,L000557,larson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after the House Committee on Ways & Means voted in favor of a permanent solution to fix the broken Medicare physician payment system. Larson, along with the full committee, voted in favor of the Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2013, H.R. 2810: Today, the Ways and Means Committee took a positive step towards replacing the flawed SGR formula. By working together to pass this in committee, we are moving towards a sustainable payment structure that will benefit both our healthcare community and most importantly, patients. Not only does this bill provide a fix to the flawed payment system, it also builds on existing efforts to improve the quality and coordination of care for patients.Shortly, the House will vote on a three month patch to ensure physicians do not see large reductions at the end of this year. It is my hope that during this time, the bipartisan and bicameral spirit can continue as we seek to once and for all address this longstanding problem. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090220/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-issues-statement-volcker-rule,Himes Issues Statement on Volcker Rule,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement regarding final approval of the Volcker Rule, a provision of the Wall Street Reform & Consumer Protection Act that restricts banks’ use of proprietary trading. Tuesday, the five regulatory agencies charged with implementing the legislation approved the final rule. “I'm heartened by the regulators’ completion of the Volcker Rule, which is an important step in our efforts to ensure that we eliminate irresponsible behavior in the financial industry that could leave taxpayers holding the bag. Bankers should not be gambling for their own account, period. They should be providing capital to American families and businesses. I'm pleased that the Rule allows for the preservation of liquid markets while eliminating the overly loose exemption for ‘portfolio hedging.’ I am, however, concerned by exemptions for proprietary trading in certain kinds of bonds. The regulators would be well advised to carefully monitor those exceptions.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221181332/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-fcc-agreement-with-cell-phone-providers-to-allow-consumers-to-unlock-mobile-devices-,Blumenthal Statement On FCC Agreement With Cell Phone Providers To Allow Consumers To Unlock Mobile Devices,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 12, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released a statement following the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement of an agreement with cell phone providers that will allow consumers to unlock their mobile devices. The FCC’s announcement comes on the heels of  the Wireless Consumer Choice Act of 2013 – legislation introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Blumenthal in March – which directs the FCC to take action to ensure consumers have the right to unlock their cell phones.  “This decision by the FCC allows consumers to vote with their feet without being forced to buy a new phone. As consumers shop around for the latest smartphones this holiday season, they deserve to know they can take their investments with them – just like laptops or television sets – if they choose to switch providers. This move by the FCC will provide consumers with that certainty. I commend the Commission, the NTIA, and my Senate colleagues for working hard to give wireless consumers the protections they deserve. I will work to ensure providers uphold the letter and spirit of this agreement.”  In February, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and the White House voiced their support for efforts to allow consumers to unlock their cell phones – giving them more control over their phones and increasing competition in the wireless market. These announcements came after a decision was made by the Library of Congress to not extend the exemption to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act permitting consumers to unlock their mobile devices. Press Contact Josh Zembik - 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182138/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-senate-confirmation-of-nina-pillard-to-dc-circuit-court,Blumenthal Statement On Senate Confirmation Of Nina Pillard To D.C. Circuit Court,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 12, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement after the Senate voted 51-44 to confirm Nina Pillard to the D.C. Circuit Court. Pillard is the second federal appellate court nominee to be confirmed by the Senate since it voted in November to lower the threshold to move to a vote on such nominees from 60 to 51. “This vote, which I was proud to passionately advocate, marks a great day for justice in America. Nina Pillard exemplifies the intellect and integrity the courts need, and the talent and temperament characteristic of our best judges. Most important, she is committed unshakably to the rule of law. She has been a superlative legal advocate and scholar, who will now assure that law is applied fairly and impartially.” Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140502015010/http://delauro.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1477:delauro-gillibrand-introduce-family-and-medical-insurance-leave-act&catid=2:2012-press-releases&Itemid=21,"DeLauro, Gillibrand Introduce Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa DeLauro,D000216,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"DeLauro, Gillibrand Introduce Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act FAMILY Act Would Establish National Paid Family and Medical Leave   Washington, DC – U.S. Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced new legislation today that would create paid family and medical leave. The Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Actwould establish a national paid family and medical leave insurance program, ensuring that American workers would no longer have to choose between a paycheck and caring for themselves or a family member. They were joined at the announcement by business leaders and advocates, who talked about why the bill makes sense for businesses, as well as employees.   “In 1986, when I was Chief of Staff to Senator Chris Dodd, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “My doctors caught it early, but I still needed time for radiation treatment, recuperation and recovery. Senator Dodd told me to focus on getting well, and to take the time I needed. I could get better without worrying if I was out of a job or paycheck. All workers should have this opportunity when they need it. No one should have to choose between their job and taking care of themself and their family. With the FAMILY Act, they would not have to.”   “When a young parent needs time to care for a newborn child – it should never come down to an outdated policy that lets her boss decide how long it will take – and decide the fate of her career and her future along with it. When any one of us – man or woman – needs time to care for a dying parent – we should not have to sacrifice our job and risk our future to do the right thing for our family. Choosing between your loved ones and your career and your future is a choice no one should have to make,” said Senator Gillibrand.     Current Family and Medical Leave law provides unpaid, job-protected leave for serious health related events, but only about half of the workforce qualifies for this unpaid leave, and many more simply cannot afford to take it because it is unpaid.    The FAMILY Act would create an independent trust fund within the Social Security Administration to collect fees and provide benefits. This trust would be funded by employee and employer contributions of 0.2 percent of wages each, creating a self-sufficient program that would not add to the federal budget. The expected cost to the average worker would be similar to the expense of one tall latte a week. Benefit levels, based on existing successful state programs in New Jersey and California, would equal 66 percent of an individual’s typical monthly wages up to a capped monthly amount that would be indexed for inflation.  The proposal makes leave available to every individual regardless of the size of their current employer and regardless of whether such individual is currently employed by an employer, self-employed or currently unemployed, as long as the person has sufficient earnings and work history.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delauro.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1476:fda-s-plan-to-address-antimicrobial-resistance-falls-short-of-the-mark&catid=2:2012-press-releases&Itemid=21,FDA’s Plan to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Falls Short of the Mark,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Trump’s latest disaster relief request does not begin to approach what is needed to make the residents of Puerto Rico, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, and California whole.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenthal-murphy-esty-statement-on-new-federal-investment-in-mental,"Blumenthal, Murphy, Esty Statement on New Federal Investment in Mental Health Services",2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182148/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-airbus-co-host-conference-for-potential-new-suppliers-to-grow-connecticuts-aerospace-industry,"Blumenthal, Airbus Co-Host Conference For Potential New Suppliers To Grow Connecticut’s Aerospace Industry",2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Monday, December 9, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Airbus Americas, and the Connecticut District Export Council (CDEC) hosted a procurement conference for over 100 Connecticut business owners and state officials to promote and facilitate increased business between Connecticut’s aerospace manufacturers and Airbus. The day-long conference provided participants with the opportunity to hear from Airbus procurement officials about potential contracts and interview for the chance to become suppliers to the company. Connecticut is currently home to over 200 businesses in the aerospace industry, employing approximately 40,000 people. Blumenthal said, “Today’s conference is an excellent example of what can be achieved when government and the private sector work together to create new and exciting opportunities for Connecticut’s top-of-the-line aerospace manufacturers. I thank Airbus and the Connecticut District Export Council for helping to organize this event – and hopefully events similar to today’s in the future – that will surely bring about well-paying, high-tech jobs for the state’s already thriving aerospace industry.” Williams said, “Connecticut has a rich heritage of aerospace talent and a long history within Airbus’ supply chain. Airbus spent nearly $5 billion in 2012 alone and over $20 billion over the last five years in Connecticut, but we continue to look for opportunities to grow business with suppliers here.” In February of 2013, Blumenthal joined the U.S. Department of Commerce and CDED in leading an aerospace business development trade mission to Toulouse, France, considered the aerospace hub of Europe. The three-day mission connected nine Connecticut precision manufacturers to senior procurement officials in France, including officials at Airbus. Press Contact Kamara Jones – 202-224-0309 Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/esty-renews-call-for-house-rail-safety-hearing,Esty Renews Call for House Rail Safety Hearing,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182222/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murphy-statement-on-fra-emergency-order-issued-to-metro-north-,"Blumenthal, Murphy Statement On FRA Emergency Order Issued To Metro-North",2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Friday, December 6, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement after the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued an Emergency Order (EO 29) to Metro-North urging the commuter railroad to take specific, immediate steps to ensure its train crews do not exceed speed limitations at certain complicated operating locations and, until remedial actions are taken, require two qualified railroad employees to operate trains: Blumenthal and Murphy said, “This emergency order is unfortunately vitally necessary to protect passenger safety, but it is only one step in a larger urgent strategy that must be imposed. Intervention by the FRA is welcome, but no substitute for immediate action by Metro-North to revamp safety systems. We look forward to continuing conversations with Secretary Foxx and Administrator Szabo next week to discuss additional legislative and regulatory actions that may be necessary to improve safety at MTA, and we will work with federal agencies in holding Metro-North accountable for improving safety and reliability immediately.” Press Contact Josh Zembik (Blumenthal) - 202-224-6452Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.govBen Marter (Murphy) - 202-228-9606Ben_Marter@murphy.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182229/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-november-jobs-report,Blumenthal Statement On November Jobs Report,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Friday, December 6, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ November jobs report, which stated employers added 203,000 jobs last month, and the unemployment rate was down to 7 percent from 7.3 percent: “Today’s jobs numbers and the lower unemployment rate are important signs that our recovery continues to move forward. But we know that many families are continuing to struggle as our economy recovers all too slowly, and job growth is insufficient to put many Americans back to work. The long-term unemployed, numbering in the millions, have struggled to find their footing in the post-recession economy. Many workers are also finding that their wages are simply not enough to meet basic needs and care for their families. That is why I will continue to fight for policies that strengthen our economic recovery and create good-paying jobs. Congress can take an important step forward by heeding President Obama’s call to raise the minimum wage, and I will urge my colleagues to do so swiftly.” Press Contact Kamara Jones – 202-224-0309Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182234/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-federal-court-decision-to-issue-preliminary-injunction-against-unitedhealth-group,Blumenthal Statement On Federal Court Decision To Issue Preliminary Injunction Against UnitedHealth Group,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The Preliminary Injunction Will Temporarily Halt UnitedHealth Group’s Plans To Cut Thousands Of Doctors From Its Medicare Advantage Network Friday, December 6, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement after a federal court judge in Connecticut issued a preliminary injunction against UnitedHealth Group (UHG) – halting plans by the nation’s largest insurer to cut thousands of providers from its Medicare Advantage (MA)network. Seniors have until tomorrow,December 7, to switch their Medicare Advantage plans, and until February 14 to decide to change back to traditional Medicare. “Yesterday's court decision is a victory, giving patients some assurance, if only temporary, that they will continue to receive vital care from the doctors they know and trust. UnitedHealth Group is threatening to deprive vulnerable elderly patients of health care from their doctors of choice who have served them over the years. The insurer should take the court's signal and end its shortsighted and improper efforts, which have caused unnecessary distress to seniors in Connecticut.”                                                                                                                      In a letter to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) last month, the Connecticut Congressional Delegation urged the agency to review UHG’s plans to cut providers from its MA network. CMS hasn’t responded to the delegation’s letter.  Press Contact Kamara Jones – 202-224-0309Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140913045154/http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ct-representatives-respond-to-decision-stopping-unitedhealthcare-from,CT Representatives Respond To Decision Stopping UnitedHealthcare from Dropping Medicare Advantage Doctors,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"NEW HAVEN, CT—Four members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation—Rosa DeLauro, Joe Courtney, Jim Himes and Elizabeth Esty—released the following statement today on Judge Stefan Underhill’s decision to temporarily stop UnitedHealthcare from dropping 2,200 doctors from its Medicare Advantage network. “Judge Underhill’s decision is good news for the approximately 32,000 Connecticut Medicare participants who may have been impacted by UnitedHealthcare’s misguided decision. With the deadline for seniors to enroll in Medicare Advantage just about 24 hours away it was not a minute too soon. They have repeatedly claimed that they were forced to cut doctors because of the Affordable Care Act. Given UnitedHealthcare is the only insurer engaged in a full-blown dismantling of their Medicare Advantage provider network, we find that hard to believe. They need to put the needs of their patients first.” On October 24 Connecticut’s congressional delegation sent a letter to United Healthcare Group CEO of Medicare and Retirement Jack Larsen on his company’s decision to drop thousands of providers from its Medicare Advantage Plan. On November 14 members of the delegation held a call with Larsen to further express their concern about the decision. Last week the Connecticut delegation asked the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to be more flexible with enrollment periods for UnitedHealthcare enrollees. The Medicare Advantage enrollment period ends December 7.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delauro.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1470:delauro-statement-on-the-passing-of-nelson-mandela&catid=2:2012-press-releases&Itemid=21,DeLauro Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Trump’s latest disaster relief request does not begin to approach what is needed to make the residents of Puerto Rico, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, and California whole.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160324/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-statement-passing-nelson-mandela,Himes Statement on Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Himes Statement on Passing of Nelson Mandela Dec 5, 2013 WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement regarding the passing of Nelson Mandela: “Nelson Mandela rose above the crushing constraints of apartheid to become a beacon of hope for a world bitterly divided by race. His passion for justice and social change combined with his commitment to the principles of nonviolence and perseverance made him a powerful messenger of freedom, peace, and equality where these ideals had been spurned for too long. The world has lost today one of the most influential and compelling figures in modern history. I join the nation of South Africa – and all those who were inspired by Mandela and the ideals he embodied – in mourning this great loss.” Bridgeport, CT 211 State Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: (866) 453-0028 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Stamford, CT 888 Washington Boulevard, 10th Floor Stamford, CT 06901 Phone: (203) 353-9400 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Washington, DC 119 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5541 Fax: (202) 225-9629 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 6:00 pm",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182245/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-nsa-collection-of-cellphone-location-data,Blumenthal Statement On NSA Collection Of Cellphone Location Data,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 5, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement in response to recent reports that the National Security Agency (NSA) is collecting cellphone location data: “Secretly tracking millions of Americans raises urgent, serious legal questions – never apparently presented to any court. The threat to privacy rights from these reported ongoing NSA practices must be resolved immediately by Congress and the courts. These reports are additional powerful evidence that the system needs to be reformed, which must include more transparency and accountability enforced by a constitutional advocate.” Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/esty-announces-military-academy-nominations,Esty Announces Military Academy Nominations,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) announced nominees to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. A diverse panel of leaders active in the veterans’ community assisted in the review and selection of high school students from across Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District. “I am incredibly impressed by the caliber of the students who applied for military academy nominations this year,” Esty said. “It’s inspiring to see so many of our young women and men eager to serve our country and defend our nation’s freedom. I am also grateful to the panelists who helped me select the finalists. Best of luck to all the nominees as they move forward in the application process.” The full list of the students nominated by Esty is below: U.S. Military Academy at West Point Nominees Ms. Mackenzie Henke (Avon) Mr. Hevin Na (Cheshire) Mr. Spencer Persechino (Litchfield) Mr. Timothy Gephart (New Fairfield) Mr. Maximillian Holguin (Southbury) Mr. Grant Ward (Southbury) Mr. Nejad Abo-Hamzy (Thomaston) Mr. Darren Cook (Waterbury) U.S. Naval Academy Nominees Mr. Wyatt Toczko (Burlington) Mr. Derek Molkenbuhr (Cheshire) Mr. Justin Hoyt (Danbury) Ms. Jill Friedman (Farmington) Mr. Zachary Anderson (New Fairfield) Mr. Patrick Carello (Newtown) Ms. Julia Davis (Newtown) Mr. Gregory Meyer (Southbury) Mr. Gregory Bombara (Weatogue) Mr. Nicholas Santos (Wolcott ) U.S. Air Force Academy Nominees Mr. Evan Lyons (Danbury) Mr. Seth Paige  (New Fairfield) Mr. Theodore Roehl (New Fairfield) Mr. Connor Sedore (Woodbury) U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Nominees Mr. Paul Kang (Farmington) Mr. Peter Hill-Ricciuti (Litchfield)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085048/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-praises-extension-better-buildings-challenge,Himes Praises Extension of Better Buildings Challenge,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today praised the Obama Administration for extending the Better Buildings Challenge for an additional five years. Last month, Himes and over 100 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives sent a bipartisan letter to President Obama requesting an extension of the program, which has realized $2 billion in energy savings for the federal government since it began in 2011. “I am extremely pleased that President Obama has decided to extend this successful program to allow the federal government – as well as commercial buildings, state and local governments and, now, multifamily housing units – to continue working with the private sector to find additional energy savings,” said Himes. “The cheapest energy is the energy we don’t use at all, and I am encouraged by the Administration’s commitment to ensure the federal government – America’s largest consumer of energy – is reducing its footprint. This is a very good start, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and with the Administration to continue the success this program has already had over the next five years.” Since the initiative began in 2011, the Better Buildings Challenge has led agencies to identify an estimated $2.3 billion in savings through the implementation of energy-efficiency measures in federal buildings. The program, which was set to expire at the end of this year, will now continue through 2016. Himes’ letter called for a new goal of $5 billion in additional savings over the next five years. The White House did not set a specific monetary goal for 2016.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/esty-statement-on-house-passage-of-extension-of-the-undetectable,Esty Statement on House Passage of Extension of the Undetectable Firearms Act,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160357/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-applauds-reopening-norwalk-head-start,Himes Applauds Reopening of Norwalk Head Start,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Himes Applauds Reopening of Norwalk Head Start Dec 3, 2013 WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement regarding news that all 13 Head Start classrooms in Norwalk will reopen tomorrow. Himes organized a call with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officials to provide state and local leaders with an opportunity to voice their concerns after discovering that, in the wake of NEON’s closing, HHS was planning to wait until 2014 to reopen the Norwalk Head Start. “I am extremely pleased that Head Start services in Norwalk will resume tomorrow, providing much needed relief to the hundreds of Norwalk families that rely on its services to educate young children and ensure parents have the reliable childcare necessary to hold a steady job.  Having joined local leaders in urging the federal government to do everything possible to end the weeks-long delay in services that withheld vital early education to at-risk children and disrupted the lives of working families, I commend the actions taken since to restore crucial Head Start programs in Norwalk.” Bridgeport, CT 211 State Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: (866) 453-0028 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Stamford, CT 888 Washington Boulevard, 10th Floor Stamford, CT 06901 Phone: (203) 353-9400 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Washington, DC 119 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5541 Fax: (202) 225-9629 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 6:00 pm",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160430/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-praises-extension-undetectable-firearms-act,Himes Praises Extension of Undetectable Firearms Act,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Himes Praises Extension of Undetectable Firearms Act Dec 3, 2013 WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement after supporting passage of a bill to extend the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988, which bans firearms that are undetectable by metal detectors at security checkpoints. “I am pleased that Congress came together to pass this commonsense bill in a broad, bipartisan vote. No one needs to own a gun that could secretly pass through a metal detector, and I am encouraged by the fact that my colleagues were able to put politics aside and address the severe risk of gun violence posed by these undetectable firearms. “This is a good first step, but our work is far from over. We must expand this bill to ensure removable parts – which can be detected by a metal detector but go unidentified as part of a gun – are also banned. And we still need to institute universal background checks for anyone who wishes to purchase a gun, restore funding for programs that improve safety in our schools and communities, and address the serious problems with our nation’s mental health system. The Manchin-Toomey bill, which would have closed gaping loopholes in our background check system, was a good start, and I remain disappointed that the Senate was unable to pass this bipartisan legislation earlier this year. However, I am fully committed to improving our gun laws and stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this done.” Bridgeport, CT 211 State Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: (866) 453-0028 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Stamford, CT 888 Washington Boulevard, 10th Floor Stamford, CT 06901 Phone: (203) 353-9400 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Washington, DC 119 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5541 Fax: (202) 225-9629 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 6:00 pm",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182254/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-applauds-fra-directive-urging-mta-to-implement-immediate-safety-stand-down-employee-reporting-program,"Blumenthal Applauds FRA Directive Urging MTA To Implement Immediate Safety Stand Down, Employee Reporting Program",2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 3, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement after the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a directive to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) that urged the public transportation operator to implement an immediate safety stand down and the C3RS employee reporting program in the aftermath of Sunday’s Metro-North derailment in New York City’s Bronx borough: “The FRA measures constitute a necessary and welcome first step toward restoring confidence and credibility and protecting the public. A safety overhaul – beginning with a stand down and an employee reporting program – is long overdue, and the railroad should immediately heed and implement these directives. ""Safety stand downs performed routinely decrease the likelihood of human error causing accidents. A C3RS program is a common sense tool to ensure employees can report close calls without disciplinary action. Both directives are critical steps that should have been taken a long time ago by the nation's largest public transportation operator. ""MTA's five recent incidents are completely unacceptable. While these directives are a good first step, I look forward to FRA's additional recommendations.” Press Contact Kamara Jones- 202-224-0309Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182304/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-malloy-letter-to-mta-on-sunday-metro-north-train-derailment-in-bronx-ny,"Blumenthal Statement On Malloy Letter To MTA On Sunday Metro-North Train Derailment In Bronx, NY",2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 3, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement in response to Governor Dannel Malloy’s letter to Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) about Sunday’s Metro-North train derailment in New York City’s Bronx borough:   “The governor’s letter to Metro-North reflects rising concerns among riders that this railroad has lost its way on safety and reliability and must act immediately to restore trust and confidence. The most recent tragedy is the fifth serious incident in a little more than six months raising serious questions about commitment to safety practices and culture, as well as equipment and maintenance. “Unspeakably dangerous speed and reckless operation, resulting from human or equipment failure or both, are ultimately Metro-North’s responsibility. Metro-North must prove by action not merely words its commitment to safety and reliability, adopting every and any measure, such as positive train control, that invests in these priorities. “The governor is absolutely right that Connecticut has demonstrated its commitment to providing resources and support. My hope is that federal government will do the same through steps like a rail trust fund and infrastructure bank that I have proposed. An action plan is clearly urgent and necessary; it should address not only investment in equipment and track and inspection and maintenance, but also safety, training, and values essential to protecting the public.” Press Contact Kamara Jones – 202-224-0309Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131206061704/http://himes.house.gov:80/press-release/himes-statement-metro-north-derailment,Himes Statement on Metro-North Derailment,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement regarding yesterday’s derailment of a Metro-North train in the Bronx: “While we still do not have all the facts regarding this accident, it is the latest an worst in a string of problems that has curtailed rail service, frustrated commuters, and, tragically, resulted in loss of life. Between a derailment in my district earlier this year caused by unstable rails and loose embankments, a wide-scale power outage that resulted in severe delays and cuts to service, and now a second derailment that killed four and injured many more, it is clear that we are suffering the effects of relying on 19th century infrastructure. “The rail lines connecting Boston, New York City, and Washington, DC, are an asset to our regional and national economy. It is unacceptable that this many accidents of this nature would occur in the span of one year. As investigators continue their research into what caused this derailment, I will continue advocating for robust infrastructure funding that will improve commutes, make commuters safer, and put Americans back to work. And in the meantime, I will keep the victims of this fatal crash and their families in my thoughts and prayers.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221035133/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-lee-introduce-cure-aids-act-0,"Himes, Lee Introduce Cure for AIDS Act",2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – On the observance of World AIDS Day, Representatives Jim Himes (CT-4) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) announced they have re-introduced the Cure for AIDS Act, a bill they first introduced last Congress that would fund research and development of a cure for HIV/AIDS. Currently, the majority of federally funded AIDS research is directed toward vaccines and treatment. “Over the past five years, we have made dramatic and encouraging progress towards finding a cure for this deadly and terrible disease,” said Himes. “With a cure at last within reach, this bill provides the medical research community with the resources it needs to find that cure so that we can finally put an end to this worldwide epidemic.” The bill establishes a $100 million research program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program managed by the Department of Defense that will fund research targeted directly toward discovering a cure for HIV/AIDS. The Department would work closely with academic researchers and nonprofit organizations to create a consortium of scientists and advocates to review cure proposals. “The investments that the United States government has made into treatment and prevention are helping millions of people around the world. Not long ago, an AIDS diagnosis was considered a death sentence, and today, that is no longer true,” said Lee. “But as we work towards an AIDS-free generation, we must invest in research towards a cure. The end of AIDS is within our grasp, and we must ensure that our hard-fought gains lead towards a vaccine and a cure. These efforts are bolstered by President Obama’s announcement of $100 million in funding to launch a new HIV Cure Initiative at the National Institutes of Health, which he announced at today’s White House World AIDS Day Commemoration.” In addition to the human benefit, the economic case for investing in research to find a cure for AIDS is clear. In Fiscal Year 2012, the federal government spent $27.7 billion on HIV/AIDS, mostly on prevention and treatment. The average lifetime cost of HIV treatment is estimated to exceed $360,000 per person. Yet, many experts believe that a $100 million investment into cure research will make significant progress toward ending this epidemic entirely. The Cure for AIDS Act provides $20 million per year for the next five years – a total of $100 million—to fund research targeted directly toward finding a cure. Roughly 35 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide in 2013, including 1.1 million Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182331/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-issues-statement-after-touring-site-of-sunday-metro-north-derailment,Blumenthal Issues Statement After Touring Site Of Sunday Metro-North Derailment,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Monday, December 2, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today issued the following statement after touring the site of Sunday's Metro-North derailment with representatives of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):  “The fact that this train left the tracks at 82 miles per hour is absolutely harrowing and appalling. Our visit to the site was bone chilling. Whatever the cause – operator error or equipment malfunction – this train was going far too fast. This serious incident is the fifth for Metro-North in just more than six months, raising urgent questions about safety and reliability that the railroad must confront. I renewed my call to NTSB officials today for an expedited investigation and report. The faith of Metro-North's riders is on the line.” Press Contact Kamara Jones ¬– 202-224-0309Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/esty-statement-on-metro-north-derailment-in-ny,Esty Statement on Metro-North Derailment in NY,2013-12-01,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182336/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-metro-north-train-derailment-in-bronx-ny,"Blumenthal Statement On Metro-North Train Derailment In Bronx, NY",2013-12-01,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Sunday, December 1, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement after a Metro-North train derailed in the Riverdale section of New York City’s Bronx borough early this morning:  “This desperately tragic derailment dramatizes again the need for focus on railroad safety and reliability – adding powerful evidence to recent Connecticut incidents. Although causes must be determined, Metro-North must confront questions about adequacy of equipment, tracks, and maintenance and repair practices. “Riders are losing patience with this railroad and so am I. These severe accidents and service disruptions are unacceptable. I have contacted NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman and urged an expedited investigation. In addition to reaching out to NTSB, my office and I are in contact with New York and Connecticut officials as they work to reduce disruption to travel on Connecticut lines. “In the meantime, our hearts and prayers go out to the injured and loved ones of fatalities.” Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182406/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/a-black-friday-special-blumenthal-highlights-laughable-ludicrous-and-sometimes-dangerous-deceptive-advertisements_,"A Black Friday Special: Blumenthal Highlights Laughable, Ludicrous, And Sometimes Dangerous, Deceptive Advertisements",2013-11-29,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Friday, November 29, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) highlighted examples of laughable, ludicrous and sometimes downright dangerous and deceptive advertisements in Connecticut that consumers should be aware of this shopping season. He urged consumers to read the fine print on flyers, circulators, and online advertisements as they prepare to shop for holiday gifts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. “Retailers this holiday are taking hype to new heights with pitches and promotions fraught with tricks and traps. The ads promise blockbuster discounts and deals, but contain detailed, difficult to decipher fine print and footnotes – turning Black Friday excitement into buyer’s remorse and Cyber Monday into internet regret,” Blumenthal said. “Consumers need to be aware and wary – and peruse the fine print before shopping. They  can protect themselves by out smarting the ads and knowing the real deal.” Some of the tricks and traps that advertisers use to get consumers into their stores or onto their websites include: deceptive and overly broad advertisements, hidden fees at checkout, and emailed coupons that hide the fine print in links to other websites. For example, a JCPenney circulator advertises, “No interest if paid in full within 12 months.”  However, the extremely hard to read, white-lettered fine print says:  “Must request at time of purchase.  Offer applies to window treatment purchases of $500 or more made between 11/24/13-11/27/13.”  In addition, the consumer must have a JCP credit card or a JCP Mastercard.  And, if a consumer fails to pay off the amount within 12 months or fails to meet minimum monthly payments, the interest rate – charged back to the purchase date – jumps to 26.99 percent. So any small mistake by the consumer, like not asking for a no interest promotion or accidentally missing a payment, would result in potentially huge interest payments. “Consumer protection agencies ought to be on the job, not on holiday,” Blumenthal said. “The tricks and traps include hidden fees discovered at the checkout counter and emailed coupons that conceal the fine print in links to other websites. Numerous conditions, exceptions, product and store exclusions, charges and fees, make the ads ludicrous, laughable, and sometimes downright deceptive and dangerous.” The same tricks and traps are used online, especially when it comes to hidden fees. And cell phone companies are some of the worst offenders. For example, Verizon charges current customers $30 and new customers $35 to upgrade their phones – labeling it a one-time “activation fee.” Similarly, both AT&T and Sprint charge customers a cell phone activation fee and phone upgrade fee of $36. Unfortunately, these fees don’t come to light  until consumers are ready to click the “Complete Purchase” button online and their hearts are set on a particular phone. Apple also charges similar hidden activations and upgrade fees, but doesn’t warn customers about them on its website.   Press Contact Kamara Jones – 202-734-9344Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ct-congressional-delegation-urges-cms-to-be-more-flexible-with,"CT Congressional Delegation Urges CMS to be More Flexible with Enrollment Periods, Strengthen Standards for Medicare Advantage Plans for UHG Enrollees",2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-ct-congressional-delegation-urges-cms-be-more-flexible-enrollment,"Larson, CT Congressional Delegation Urges CMS to be More Flexible with Enrollment Periods, Strengthen Standards for Medicare Advantage Plans for UHG Enrollees",2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,John Larson,L000557,larson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hartford, CT In a letter to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01)andthe Connecticut Congressional Delegation today urged the agency to be more flexible with enrollment periods and strengthen standards for Medicare Advantage plans for UnitedHealth Group enrollees. The ability of people to make decisions is further hampered by the providers' ongoing appeal of their termination by UHG. We ask that you consider the uncertainties that these unresolved appeals can cause in determining how best to serve MA enrollees regarding enrollments for 2014. As we see the effects of network adjustments unfolding in Connecticut, we urge you to review and strengthen the process for determining network adequacy. Additionally, because of the novelty of UHG's approach and the significant confusion that currently exists for MA enrollees, we ask that you consider allowing additional time to make enrollment decisions for next year by opening an additional enrollment period or extending the current one. November 27, 2013 Dear Commissioner Tavenner; We are writing to urge the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expeditiously address the concerns of Connecticut patients who have UnitedHealth Group (UHG) Medicare Advantage (MA) policies. As you know, members of the Connecticut congressional delegation and Connecticut Attorney General Jepsen have previously contacted your department regarding the disruption to UHG's provider networks. Since our initial contact, we now know that UHG has dropped over 2,000 providers from their Connecticut network, notifying Connecticut enrollees only days before they need to decide on Medicare plan for 2014. UHG's provider terminations have, for example, resulted in the Yale Medical Group being cut from the network, leaving thousands of patients without their regular physician, and in the city of Norwich, a community of over 40,000, there will not be a single cardiologist available to UHG MA enrollees. Adding to further confusion, the health care providers may appeal their termination and some have filed lawsuits alleging contract and federal law violations. Rather than assuaging the Medicare population in Connecticut, UHG's handling of these terminations is intensifying patient and provider confusion. While we understand that insurance companies need the ability to adjust their network of providers in response to market realities, the significant disruptions that we are experiencing in Connecticut show an urgent need for CMS to immediately review how the network adjustment was made and address the needs of the consumers in Connecticut moving forward. Network adequacy determinations are typically made when a plan is entering a new market and MA plans are contractually required to maintain the adequacy of their networks. Because provider choice is important for consumers deciding which plan will best meet their needs, we ask that CMS take into account UHG's dominance in the Connecticut market as a part of determining whether UHG's approach is appropriate in this case. While CMS has not affirmatively determined that UHG has violated CMS regulations for MA plans, nor has a court determined that UHG's termination of its CT providers breached their contracts, we believe that CMS should use the full extent of its authority over MA plans to ensure that beneficiaries do not have to make a final decision regarding their Medicare coverage for next year without the benefit of fully understanding what the network of their current UHG MA plans will look like as of February of next year. MA enrollees only have 10 days left of open enrollment, at which point they may still decide to switch back to traditional Medicare until February 14, but the ongoing uncertainty regarding these plans in Connecticut warrants further action from CMS prior to the day on which Connecticut enrollees must decide on a Medicare Advantage policy. The ability of people to make decisions is further hampered by the providers' ongoing appeal of their termination by UHG. We ask that you consider the uncertainties that these unresolved appeals can cause in determining how best to serve MA enrollees regarding enrollments for 2014. As we see the effects of network adjustments unfolding in Connecticut, we urge you to review and strengthen the process for determining network adequacy. Additionally, because of the novelty of UHG's approach and the significant confusion that currently exists for MA enrollees, we ask that you consider allowing additional time to make enrollment decisions for next year by opening an additional enrollment period or extending the current one. We look forward to receiving your response. While we are not necessarily opposed to these adjustments, we hope to work with you in the future to ensure that MA enrollees have the necessary information that they need to make decisions about their health coverage. Please contact Laurel Sakai (202-224-2823) on Senator Blumenthal's staff with any additional questions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131130042106/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/-ct-congressional-delegation-urges-cms-to-be-more-flexible-with-enrollment-periods-strengthen-standards-for-medicare-advantage-plans-for-uhg-enrollees,"CT Congressional Delegation Urges CMS To Be More Flexible With Enrollment Periods, Strengthen Standards For Medicare Advantage Plans For UHG Enrollees",2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Wednesday, November 27, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – In a letter to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Connecticut Congressional Delegation today urged the agency to be more flexible with enrollment periods and strengthen standards for Medicare Advantage plans for UnitedHealth Group enrollees. “The ability of people to make decisions is further hampered by the providers’ ongoing appeal of their termination by UHG. We ask that you consider the uncertainties that these unresolved appeals can cause in determining how best to serve MA enrollees regarding enrollments for 2014. As we see the effects of network adjustments unfolding in Connecticut, we urge you to review and strengthen the process for determining network adequacy. Additionally, because of the novelty of UHG’s approach and the significant confusion that currently exists for MA enrollees, we ask that you consider allowing additional time to make enrollment decisions for next year by opening an additional enrollment period or extending the current one.” November 27, 2013 Dear Commissioner Tavenner; We are writing to urge the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expeditiously address the concerns of Connecticut patients who have UnitedHealth Group (UHG) Medicare Advantage (MA) policies.  As you know, members of the Connecticut congressional delegation and Connecticut Attorney General Jepsen have previously contacted your department regarding the disruption to UHG’s provider networks.  Since our initial contact, we now know that UHG has dropped over 2,000 providers from their Connecticut network, notifying Connecticut enrollees only days before they need to decide on Medicare plan for 2014.  UHG’s provider terminations have, for example, resulted in the Yale Medical Group being cut from the network, leaving thousands of patients without their regular physician, and in the city of Norwich, a community of over 40,000, there will not be a single cardiologist available to UHG MA enrollees.  Adding to further confusion, the health care providers may appeal their termination and some have filed lawsuits alleging contract and federal law violations. Rather than assuaging the Medicare population in Connecticut, UHG’s handling of these terminations is intensifying patient and provider confusion.  While we understand that insurance companies need the ability to adjust their network of providers in response to market realities, the significant disruptions that we are experiencing in Connecticut show an urgent need for CMS to immediately review how the network adjustment was made and address the needs of the consumers in Connecticut moving forward. Network adequacy determinations are typically made when a plan is entering a new market and MA plans are contractually required to maintain the adequacy of their networks. Because provider choice is important for consumers deciding which plan will best meet their needs, we ask that CMS take into account UHG’s dominance in the Connecticut market as a part of determining whether UHG’s approach is appropriate in this case. While CMS has not affirmatively determined that UHG has violated CMS regulations for MA plans, nor has a court determined that UHG’s termination of its CT providers breached their contracts, we believe that CMS should use the full extent of its authority over MA plans to ensure that beneficiaries do not have to make a final decision regarding their Medicare coverage for next year without the benefit of fully understanding what the network of their current UHG MA plans will look like as of February of next year. MA enrollees only have 10 days left of open enrollment, at which point they may still decide to switch back to traditional Medicare until February 14, but the ongoing uncertainty regarding these plans in Connecticut warrants further action from CMS prior to the day on which Connecticut enrollees must decide on a Medicare Advantage policy. The ability of people to make decisions is further hampered by the providers’ ongoing appeal of their termination by UHG. We ask that you consider the uncertainties that these unresolved appeals can cause in determining how best to serve MA enrollees regarding enrollments for 2014. As we see the effects of network adjustments unfolding in Connecticut, we urge you to review and strengthen the process for determining network adequacy. Additionally, because of the novelty of UHG’s approach and the significant confusion that currently exists for MA enrollees, we ask that you consider allowing additional time to make enrollment decisions for next year by opening an additional enrollment period or extending the current one. We look forward to receiving your response. While we are not necessarily opposed to these adjustments, we hope to work with you in the future to ensure that MA enrollees have the necessary information that they need to make decisions about their health coverage. Please contact Laurel Sakai (202-224-2823­) on Senator Blumenthal’s staff with any additional questions.  Press Contact Kamara Jones (Blumenthal): 202-224-0309 Kaylie Hanson (Murphy): 202-228-9606 Sara Lonardo (DeLauro): 202-225-3661 Ed Skowronek (Larson): 860-539-4924 Liz Donovan (Courtney): 202-225-2076 Elizabeth Kerr (Himes): 202-225-5541 Jeb Fain (Esty): 202-225-4476",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delauro.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1466:delauro-statement-on-bread-for-the-world-s-2014-hunger-report&catid=2:2012-press-releases&Itemid=21,DeLauro Statement on Bread for The World’s 2014 Hunger Report,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Trump’s latest disaster relief request does not begin to approach what is needed to make the residents of Puerto Rico, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, and California whole.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131129092802/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-newtown-tragedy-report,Blumenthal Statement On Newtown Tragedy Report,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Monday, November 25, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement on the investigative report about the Newtown tragedy, which was released this afternoon: “The report is a gripping, graphic reminder of the cruelty and brutality that caused this unspeakable tragedy, and a testament to the bravery and courage of scores of first responders. The lessons of this report are simple: We must improve school security, increase mental health services, and require background checks for all gun purchases so we can keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous people. We should not wait for another gun violence tragedy to institute these reforms and other common sense measures. The cost of inaction is too great.   “My thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the 26 victims and the entire Newtown community; all have remained resilient and resolute in the face of unspeakable tragedy. My hope is that this report adds momentum to the push to prevent gun violence, and that it provides the families with some closure in the wake of their tremendous loss.”   Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131129092636/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-iran-nuclear-accord,Blumenthal Statement On Iran Nuclear Accord,2013-11-24,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Sunday, November 24, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today released the following statement on the agreement to freeze key parts of Iran's nuclear program.  ""Although I commend and appreciate the administration's hard work and perseverance to achieve this interim temporary agreement, the real test is whether a final permanent agreement rolling back Iran's nuclear capability can be achieved during this brief, six-month negotiated pause. Past Iranian conduct gives little cause for hope. Without strong sanctions, tough enforcement and vigilant monitoring and inspection, my fear is that even this interim agreement may encourage or embolden countries or companies that seek to exploit loopholes or weaknesses in the existing sanctions, and that is why renewed resolve is critically important to enhance enforcement.  ""Sanctions brought the Iranians to the table. Strengthening sanctions and enforcement of them is vital to create incentives and increase pressure if this interim step is unsuccessful. I believe there is a continued need for the Senate to pass even tougher sanctions. I will work with colleagues on a bipartisan bill that tightens trade and currency restrictions along with other sanctions if this interim agreement produces no progress."" Press Contact Josh Zembik - 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/elizabeth-esty-1548197-grant-awarded-to-western-connecticut-health,"Esty Announces $1,548,197 Grant Awarded to Western Connecticut Health Network’s Preventive Medicine Residency Training Program",2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larson.house.gov/media-center/op-eds-and-letters/john-fitzgerald-kennedy-he-speaks-us-still,John Fitzgerald Kennedy: He Speaks to Us Still,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,John Larson,L000557,larson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Originially published in theEast Hartford GazetteonNovember 21, 2013 In November 1983, I submitted an op-ed to the East Hartford Gazette on President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Thirty years have passed and I asked Bill Doak if the Gazette would be receptive to a revision. Most, myself included, would rather dwell on the President's birth and celebrate his heroic service. Indeed May 29th should be a national day of remembrance. President Kennedy would be 96 years old if he were alive today. But it is that youthful, vigorous man that remains, seared in our memory, whose life was taken from us in the summer of his years. For my parents' generation it was December 7, 1941, a day that would live in infamy. For my children and the current generation, it is September 11, 2001. For my generation it remains November 22, 1963, the day the nation stood stillin shock and disbelief. The shot heard round the world was not the one fired at Lexington and Concord, but in Dallas. The shot that cut down the 35th President of the United States ended dreams of Camelot and cut short the life of an American hero. Everyone can recall where he was and what he was doing when he first heard the news of the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Fifty years after his death, the country still gropes for answers and searches to fill the void created by his departure. It was sixth period in Mr. Desmond's French class when Mrs. Bray's voice, noticeably shaken, announced over the loudspeaker that the President had been shot. An unsettling silence that was laden with anxiety fell over a perplexed and unbelieving class. Attempts to calm the class were fumbled by a visibly stunned teacher as he sought answers to a host of questions. Such an irrational act it just couldn't be. What seemed to be within minutes, Mrs. Bray's tearful voice announced that the President had died. Hollow disillusionment and deep sadness engulfed not only the classroom but the entire nation. Despair was replaced by speculation concerning the perpetrator of such an act. Walking home from school, conjecture of this heinous crime centered on the KGB and Castro as likely culprits, but even conjuring up these villains brought no resolve. When I reached home, my mother, with Kleenex in hand, sat motionless next to the TV. She was glassy-eyed and unable to comprehend the events of the day that saw the first president born in this century struck down. The family gathered around the TV and waited for Dad to come home; surely he could explain. When my father arrived, everything from the Russians to the Texans was mulled over as my father revealed various theories discussed at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, but all with the same anguish and perplexity. Thus began a family vigil with Walter Cronkite, but even he couldn't explain to the viewing publicthat's the way it was on Nov. 22, 1963. It was a numbing experience for our family and the rest of the country as we sat in shock, traumatized as the first real-time media account of the 60s unfolded in our living room. In a weekend that never seemed to end, we witnessed a nation in mourning, the apprehension, then murder of Lee Harvey Oswald and subsequent arrest of crime figure Jack Ruby; the plot only seemed to become more complicated. The complexities of American society and the very fabric of our way of life in this nation hit home like never before. What I most recall from that weekend are the vivid scenes and images of that ordeal. The distressed widow in a blood-stained pink suit, with all the dignity and strength she could muster, being met at the airport by Robert Kennedy, the long lines of people passing through the Rotunda to pay their last respects, the veiled face of Jacqueline Kennedy as she kneeled over the coffin, clutching the hand of her daughter, Caroline, the Kennedy brothers, the Kennedy family, the boots placed backwards in the stirrups of Black Jack, the horse following the caisson, the procession of world leaders enroute to Arlington, a weekend of images culminating in John-John's final salute to his Dad. I will never forget that weekend of tragedy, wrought with emotion and dream-crushing reality. Its impact and the impact of other events in that decade perhaps won't be fully understood until the next century. As William Manchester noted and puts in perspective, In November of 1963, among the living were Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr. and 58,209 young men who would die in Vietnam over the next nine years. Questions went unanswered. The Warren Report was unconvincing. Camelot lay in ruin and the American Dream was severely shaken. David Brinkley was to conclude that the assassination was beyond understanding, The events of those days don't fit, you can't place them anywhere, they don't go in the intellectual luggage of the time. It was too big, too sudden, too overwhelming, and it meant too much. It has to be separate and apart. Jacqueline Kennedy, writes Ralph G. Martin, in her memorial to her husband, someone who had loved President Kennedy, but never had known him, wrote to me this winter: The hero comes when he is needed. When our belief gets pale and weak there comes a man out of that need who is shining and everyone living reflects a little of that light and stores up some against the time when he is gone So now he is a legend, Mrs. Kennedy said, When he would have preferred to be a man. And so it has been Steinbeck said of Kennedy, This man who was the best of his people and who by his life and death, gave back the best of them for their own. Arthur O'Shaughnessey stated, For each age there is a dream that is dying and one that is coming to birth. John Fitzgerald Kennedy embodied dreams that were coming to birth and through his Presidency ushered in the future dreams for this century and the next. Heroes are those people who we admire for their achievements, their character, and their ability to inspire. They are often an extension of what we would like to be. If John Kennedy had never been president of the United States, he would still have been a bona fide hero. His war record alone was heroic, his Pulitzer Prize admirable- combined with his personality, wit, and intelligence and you have a man to emulate and respect. It is as President, that we remember John Kennedy and in that capacity, his greatness came from being the cog, the catalyst, the spark that ignited the tremendous latent strength of his nation. Summoning the nation like no other president, Kennedy established goals for excellence, raised the consciousness of the American people to a level of dignity befitting a nation embarking on building a positive future for mankind. Some would say John Kennedy was a tragic hero, much like the tragic heroes of Greek literature and Shakespearean plays. Kennedy was neither Achilles nor Hamlet. He was a man who through sheer force of personality and conviction motivated and excited people. He moved a nation. What he shares with ancient heroes was the great promise of youth, cut short by death before that promise could be fulfilled. James Reston wrote, The tragedy of John Fitzgerald Kennedy was greater than the accomplishment, but in the end the tragedy enhances the accomplishment and revives hope. What died in Dallas was promise, the hallmark of both the Kennedy Administration and the man. It's sad to see what happened in this country, Ted Sorenson has commented. It's as if people don't want to believe in anything today. Sometimes they even turn against John Kennedy because he was the last man they believed in. Sorenson's remarks are well taken. I share his sadness and tire of cynics who seek only to tear down, discredit, destroy and in general, believe in nothing. I do not share an untainted or distorted view of John Kennedy, for whatever his human foibles and shortcomings may have been, his rhetoric of purpose, his goals for the nation are still worth believing in and aspiring towards. Others will say that Kennedy had a superficial charisma, hyped by his ability to manipulate the media. Ralph G. Martin, a biographer of Kennedy's notes, John Kennedy had more than charisma, sports figures have charisma. He had more than the magnetic attraction of a movie star. What Kennedy had was realMagic John Kennedy's appeal was not limited to this country, it was worldwide. Throngs gathered throughout the world, not to chant anti-American slogans, or to protest, they came to touch, to hear, to see the man who represented the hope of the free world. One has only to recall the vivid scenes in Berlin to realize there was a special magic about John Kennedy; the excitement was real. John Kennedy struck a chord in all of us. Why are you crying? Senator Hugh Scott's wife asked, You didn't have that much admiration for him. He was to have said, I'm not crying for him, I'm crying for the American people. What John Fitzgerald Kennedy meant to America was lodged in their hearts and minds. He opened the door through his challenge and beckoned the people to a greater future, a New Frontier.' He was our voice. History will probably bear out that a thousand days was too short a time to judge the greatness of Kennedy as president, but it will also bear out what Robert Kennedy said of his brother's legacy, The essence of the Kennedy legacy, is a willingness to try and to dare and to change, to hope for the uncertain and risk the unknown. It is in that context that the Civil rights movement, the Bay of Pigs, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Space Race and other actions of his administration will be judged, with the constant footnote to that ancient thieftime. It was all too brief, Ted Kennedy said of his brother's era. Those thousand days are like an evening gone. But they are not forgotten. You can recall those years of grace, that time of hope. The spark still glows. The journey never ends. This dream shall never die. It is the end of the story of Camelot that takes on significance, for it is that point in the tale when King Arthur tells of his legends to the young boy, so they would still remember even if he were killed in battle. Fifty years have passed and the life and death of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, it is the topic of every magazine, newspaper and TV series across the nation seeking separate the myth from the man. Who was John Kennedy? Certainly not a myth, he was a real man with hopes, fears, doubts and the same human frailties and desires we all possess. Was he a great President? His time in office was too short to objectively evaluate his long-term objectives and goals. But we can never forget him or let him go Chris Matthews recalls Daniel Patrick Moynihan once saying to him, 'We've never gotten over it.' Then, looking at me with generous appreciation, he added, You've never gotten over it.' I saw it as a kind of benediction, an acceptance into something warm and Irish and splendid, a knighthood of the soulful. John Kennedy is a hero because of the message he brought, the hope and dreams he inspired. He set a standard by which all successive presidents are measured. He united the country on the great issues of the day, guided the nation through crisis by calling on the American people to uplift their expectations, their goals, and their fellow man. It wasn't hollow rhetoric or dazzling showmanship; it was sincere and compelling belief in the purpose of this country and its people. John Fitzgerald Kennedy is a hero for all time and for those who believe in the promise of America because he elevated what it means to serve in government on behalf of the people. He made elective office, the Peace Corps and public service noble and honorable pursuits. He made poetry, literature, and the arts in general, a part of the fabric of everyday life and did it all with the ease, grace, wit, humor, and understated elegance that exuded the confidence of his nation and his countrymen. For those who listen, he speaks to us still.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131130042151/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-connecticut-decision-on-affordable-care-act-option,Blumenthal Statement On Connecticut Decision On Affordable Care Act Option,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Friday, November 22, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today released the following statement regarding the state’s decision to forgo the President’s recent proposal for the Affordable Care Act. “I support Governor Malloy’s decision to do what is best for Connecticut patients and consumers, by moving forward with important insurance reforms. Like many significant pieces of legislation, the Affordable Care Act will require tweaks and changes as it is implemented. I am pleased the President is exploring such changes to improve the law, even as they all do not necessarily fit every state.” Press Contact Josh Zembik (DC) - 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131130043609/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-gop-obstruction-of-commonsense-gun-safety-legislation-,Blumenthal Statement On GOP Obstruction Of Commonsense Gun Safety Legislation,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Friday, November 22, 2013 (Hartford, CT) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal today released the following statement after Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) prevented passage of legislation reauthorizing the Undetectable Firearms Act, which bans guns designed to escape detection by metal detectors.  The original Undetectable Firearms Act passed in 1988. It has been reauthorized twice, most recently in 2003. The latest reauthorization passed both the House and the Senate unanimously. Unless Congress acts, the legislation will expire on December 9.   “Nothing about this simple and commonsense legislation requires even a moment’s delay or debate. Hidden, undetectable firearms serve no purpose other than to make it easier for criminals to take lives. That is why both houses of Congress unanimously approved reauthorization of the law in 2003. Delaying these protections simply puts innocent American lives at risk. We need to stop playing politics with public safety and extend these protections immediately.” Press Contact Josh Zembik (DC) - 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-new-england-delegation-call-for-national-day-of-remembrance,"Connecticut, New England Delegation Call for National Day of Remembrance in Honor of President John F. Kennedy",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/connecticut-new-england-delegation-call-national-day-remembrance-honor,"Connecticut, New England Delegation Call for National Day of Remembrance in Honor of President John F. Kennedy",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,John Larson,L000557,larson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) introduced a resolution calling for a National Day of Remembrance in Honor of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Congressman Joe Courtney, Congressman Jim Himes and Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty along with the entire New England Delegation also joined in the resolution designating May 29th, President Kennedy's birthday, as a National Day of Remembrance. Expressing support for designation of May 29, 2014, as a national day of remembrance honoring the late President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. Whereas President Kennedy was born on May 29th, 1917 in Brookline, Massachusetts; Whereas he served his country honorably in World War II, in the Navy; narrowly escaping death in 1943 when his PT boat was sunk by a destroyer; Whereas he bravely led survivors to safety, despite his own grave injuries and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, as well as a Purple Heart, for his leadership and courage; Whereas he heeded the call to public service and was elected to serve Massachusetts' 11th Congressional District in 1946, and served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives; Whereas then-Congressman Kennedy would promote the interests of his working class district by serving on the distinguished Committees on Education, the District of Columbia, and the Joint Committee on Labor-Management Relations. As a House Member, introducing legislation to support primary and secondary education, strengthening employment protections, and protecting housing rights for returning veterans; Whereas he was then elected to serve in the U.S. Senate in 1952 and served two terms, representing the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Whereas then-Senator Kennedy served on the Committees for Labor and Public Welfare, Government Operations, Foreign Relations, and the Joint Economic Committee; Whereas he authored Profiles in Courage to tell the stories of political leaders who defied public opinion in order to vote their conscience and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1957; Whereas he was then elected President of the United States in 1960, being the youngest person elected to our nation's highest office; Whereas he led the way for Catholic-Americans to achieve the highest office in the land as the first Catholic President of the United States; Whereas in his inaugural address, he challenged the nation and its citizens to, Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country,'' and asked the nations of the world to come together to fight the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself''; Whereas the President understood the importance of service to others, and that the strength of the United States rests not in its military prowess, but in its generosity to our neighbors across the globe, he sent young Americans out to serve the world in the first generation of Peace Corps volunteers; Whereas the President sought to make good on the 100 year old promise of the Civil War by finally bringing true equality to all Americans' through a Civil Rights Act; Whereas the President strove to make the United States of America the most technologically advanced country on Earth, and in doing so inspired an entire generation of young people to reach for the stars, by putting us on the path to sending a man to the moon; Whereas we also honor the Kennedy family for their commitment to the nation and the generations they inspired to also enter into public service; and Whereas May 29, 2014, would be an appropriate date for a national day of remembrance in honor of John Fitzgerald Kennedy: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the designation of a national day of remembrance in honor of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131213061515/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-senate-use-of-constitutional-option-to-confirm-federal-judicial-nominees,Blumenthal Statement On Senate Use Of Constitutional Option To Confirm Federal Judicial Nominees,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The Senate Rule Change, Or So-Called “Constitutional Option,” Will End Longest Period Of High-Rate Vacancy At Federal District, Appellate Court Level In 35 Years Thursday, November 21, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued a statement after the Senate voted 52-48 to change its rules with regard to confirming federal judicial nominees. The rule change, or so called “constitutional option,” lowers the vote threshold to confirm judicial nominees from 60 to 51. Blumenthal voted for the rule change, which will end the longest period of high-rate vacancy at the federal district and appellate court level in 35 years.    “The historic, profoundly significant step taken today will help make government work better – and avert a constitutional crisis resulting from some senators’ refusal to consider nominees on their merits. Unprecedented, unacceptable abuse of the filibuster rule has blocked supremely qualified public servants from filling necessary judgeships and positions on the president’s executive team. Many key executive positions and more than 90 judgeships are vacant, including one-quarter of the entire D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, because of obstructionist opposition exploiting the 60-vote threshold required simply to have an up-or-down vote on a nominee. Americans want action and this very positive rule change will enable it. With this commonsense change, the Senate will work more like other legislative bodies and as Americans do commonly – by approving nominees with simple majority, up-or-down votes.” Eleven percent of the country’s federal district and appellate court benches have remained vacant for four years, the longest period of vacancy in the past 35 years. Throughout the history of the U.S. Congress, there have been 168 filibusters of executive and judicial nominations, and half of them have occurred during the last four and a half years of the Obama Administration. Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160539/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-statement-pitney-bowes-expansion,Himes Statement on Pitney Bowes Expansion,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Himes Statement on Pitney Bowes Expansion Nov 21, 2013 WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement regarding the Pitney Bowes announcement that the company will expand in Stamford and invest in their Danbury and Shelton operations. “I’m thrilled Pitney Bowes will continue its long-standing commitment to our community and take advantage of our excellent workforce and everything else Connecticut has to offer to expand in Fairfield County. Thanks to Governor Malloy and Pitney Bowes for their work to bring 200 new, good-paying jobs to our area and for this important investment to our local economy.” Bridgeport, CT 211 State Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: (866) 453-0028 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Stamford, CT 888 Washington Boulevard, 10th Floor Stamford, CT 06901 Phone: (203) 353-9400 Fax: (203) 333-6655 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Washington, DC 119 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5541 Fax: (202) 225-9629 Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 6:00 pm",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182515/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murphy-delauro-fight-budget-cuts-to-air-force-combat-rescue-helicopter-program,"Blumenthal, Murphy, DeLauro Fight Budget Cuts To Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter Program",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Because of Sequestration, Aging Fleet Of Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopters Would Not Be Replaced By 112 Newer Helicopters If Program Is Cut Thursday, November 21, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) vowed to fight budget cuts to the U.S. Air Force’s combat rescue helicopter program in response to reports that the program was on the chopping block as a result of sequester. Cutting the program would mean that the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters would not be replaced by 112 newer helicopters. Blumenthal said, “Cutting the Connecticut-made combat rescue helicopters should be a non-starter, and I am fighting this shortsighted, misguided decision. Rescuing downed warfighters is a core mission – a non-debatable mission – that is now dependent on 30-year-old helicopters that should be replaced as soon as possible. I have written to General Welsh urging the Air Force to commit to this mission, and I am working with my colleagues in Congress to find a viable path for its continued funding. These Sikorsky-made choppers – the best in the world – are vital to our national defense, and should not be on the chopping block. I will vehemently and vocally continue to advocate ending harmful budget cuts caused by sequester that hurt our national security.”   Murphy said, “These automatic spending cuts are another sad example of governing at its worst. Countless people across Connecticut are feeling the pain of these reckless cuts, and Congress needs to replace sequester with a common-sense budget immediately. Now we’re hearing that the sequester will slash critical funding for the Air Force – funding that would be used to update decades old equipment that needs to be replaced not only to allow members of the Air Force to maintain the ability to perform their duties, but to keep them safe as well. I encourage members of the Budget Conference Committee to  work together to replace the sequester a budget that supports our nation’s families, economy, and our national security.” DeLauro said, “The Defense funding bill passed by the House of Representatives contains money I fought for to provide desperately needed lifesaving search and rescue helicopters for the men and women serving America. I have urged my colleagues to keep this critical funding in any final bill and will continue to push the Air Force to move forward with this program. Ultimately, we must end the indiscriminate, deeply harmful sequestration cuts that are having a terrible impact on programs critical not only to enhancing national defense, but supporting jobs and economic growth. I will continue to fight for a fair budget that ends sequestration while protecting working and middle class families, seniors, and the most vulnerable Americans.” Recently, Blumenthal, Murphy, and DeLauro sent letters to the Senate Appropriations Committee and the House Appropriations Committee respectively requesting that the program not be cut. Blumenthal and Murphy’s letter is here, and DeLauro’s letter is here. Press Contact Kamara Jones (Blumenthal) – 202-224-0309Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.govKaylie Hanson (Murphy) – 202-228-9606Kaylie_Hanson@murphy.senate.govSara Lonardo (DeLauro) – 202-225-3661Sara.DeLauro@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/esty-condemns-highly-offensive-video-game-exploiting-sandy-hook-tragedy,Esty Condemns Highly Offensive Video Game Exploiting Sandy Hook Tragedy,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) released the following statement condemning a highly offensive online video game which reenacts the December 14, 2012 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School and exploits the suffering of the victims’ families and the community. “This is beyond disgusting. The families, who lost their loved ones in the December 14 tragedy, and the Newtown community, have had to live with unimaginable loss. They have had to live with pain that is very real and very deep, and they have had to experience this in an unusually public setting. Making a ‘game’ out of the murder of their loved ones – exploiting their suffering as a form of entertainment is wrong, disturbing, and cruel. The person behind this should stop immediately, and every website still hosting this ‘game’ should do the right thing and take it down now.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131210234421/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-on-all-online-vendors-to-take-down-video-game-based-on-newtown-tragedy,Blumenthal Calls On All Online Vendors To Take Down Video Game Based On Newtown Tragedy,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Wednesday, November 20, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called on all online vendors to take down a recently released video game based on the Newtown tragedy. While the game has been taken down by some online vendors, a number of websites are still hosting it. “This abhorrent video game should be taken down from all websites immediately. This vile video game shocks our conscience and mocks common decency. Shamefully, as we approach the one-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting, some still exploit this horrific tragedy. It’s appalling and salacious, and it must stop.”   Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131217120555/https://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-donates-shutdown-pay-local-community-development-organizations,Himes Donates Shutdown Pay to Local Community Development Organizations,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) announced today that he will donate the pay he earned during the government shutdown in October to local community and youth development organizations in Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Stamford. He will give the $5,287 he earned during the government shutdown caused by the House Majority to Action for Bridgeport Community Development (ABCD), the Carver Foundation in Norwalk, and the Stamford Boys & Girls Club. Each organization will receive $1,762. “Congress isn’t working because the House Majority continues to hold even the most basic functions of civilized government hostage to their partisan demands. I felt it was important to give my pay earned during the unnecessary government shutdown the Majority caused to organizations that support the folks who were most vulnerable to the lost services and support during this time,” said Himes. “While we cannot undo the damage done by the shutdown, I hope this money will help these organizations continue the vital services they provide.” “We really appreciate Congressman Himes’ donation to the Stamford Boys & Girls Club,” said Michael Cotela, executive director of the Stamford Boys & Girls Club. “The donation will help us provide youth programs for the children of Stamford.” ABCD in Bridgeport provides various services to the Bridgeport community, including after-school and summer programs for youths and energy assistance and other financial services for families in need. The Carver Foundation in Norwalk provides educational, social, and recreational programs to children in a safe environment. The Stamford Boys & Girls Club provides children with after-school activities and youth development services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160607/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-urges-speaker-boehner-bring-immigration-reform-vote,Himes Urges Speaker Boehner to Bring Immigration Reform Up for Vote,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives urging Speaker Boehner to allow an up or down vote by the full House on comprehensive immigration reform. The Senate passed immigration reform in a broad, bipartisan vote in April, and Himes is cosponsor of similar legislation in the House. Click here to view the floor statement. A transcript follows this release. “What if I told you that there was a jobs bill just sitting there ready to be passed, that would add almost $1 trillion to our economy in a 10-year period? What if I told you that this jobs bill would create 121,000 new jobs every single year for 10 years?” said Himes in his speech. “Of course I’m describing the comprehensive immigration bill which the Speaker of this House refuses to bring up. There is no principled, no logical objection to this thing— there’s just scare tactics.” Earlier today, a Washington Post editorial also made the case for Speaker Boehner to bring immigration reform up for a vote: “But there are 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. The country needs to deal with them in some way. When it does so, it needs to set up a sensible system for future immigration so we don’t wind up in the same fix 10 or 20 years from now. That requires legislation of some complexity, it’s true, but members of Congress are elected to solve complex problems. “President Obama said Tuesday that he is open to dealing with immigration in a piecemeal fashion. But the House can’t dictate that only border security and deportation are on the table. Mr. Boehner should let House Republicans vote on the parts of immigration reform they consider priorities and take that “sensible step-by-step” approach into negotiations with the Senate. It is unserious, and unconstructive, to tell the Senate what it can and cannot bring to the table in negotiations with the House.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182538/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-baldwin-statement-on-supreme-court-tx-abortion-law-decision,"Blumenthal, Baldwin Statement On Supreme Court TX Abortion Law Decision",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Wednesday, November 20, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision on Tuesday refusing to reinstate an injunction regarding a restrictive Texas state law that requires abortion providers to have admitting privileges at surrounding area hospitals. Since the intentionally burdensome law went into effect last month, it has forced more than one-third of the state’s abortion clinics to close their doors to women. Blumenthal said, “Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision is further proof that we cannot rely on the courts alone to protect a woman’s right to access reproductive care. The Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill that I and my colleague Senator Baldwin introduced in the Senate last week, would protect a woman’s right to safe and legal abortion by stopping restrictive regulations and laws – such as the Texas state law upheld this week – intended to curtail reproductive health services for women. I will continue to fight for the passage of this legislation, and will keep in mind the women and families who are suffering today because of the clinic closures across the state of Texas.” Baldwin said, “From Texas to Wisconsin, politicians have been standing between women and their doctors by restricting access to reproductive health services and imposing unreasonable requirements on health care providers. They are doing this because they think they know better than women and their doctors but they don’t. Similar to the law in Texas, in my home state of Wisconsin our Republican governor recently authorized a measure that requires abortion providers to have admitting privileges at local hospitals. This extreme law has been temporarily blocked by a court order, but if enacted this measure would force several Wisconsin health clinics to shut their doors and others to reduce services, leaving many women out in the cold. Americans should not have to rely on last minute court decisions to make the best health decisions for their families. I am proud to stand up to these attacks on women’s freedoms with the Women’s Health Protection Act.  Every American deserves access to quality, safe health care and the ability to exercise her individual and constitutional rights to make her own, private health decisions.” Blumenthal and Baldwin are cosponsors of the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would protect a woman’s right to safe and legal abortion by stopping restrictive regulations and laws – such as those in place in states including Texas and Wisconsin – intended to curtail reproductive health services for women. Press Contact Josh Zembik (Blumenthal) – 202-224-6452Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.govJohn Kraus (Baldwin) – 202-224-5653John_Kraus@baldwin.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delauro.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1463:delauro-applauds-news-new-haven-is-a-race-to-the-top-district-finalist&catid=2:2012-press-releases&Itemid=21,DeLauro Applauds News New Haven Is a Race to the Top-District Finalist,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Trump’s latest disaster relief request does not begin to approach what is needed to make the residents of Puerto Rico, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, and California whole.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221092528/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-joins-call-increased-transparency-insurers,Himes Joins Call for Increased Transparency from Insurers,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) joined 19 Members of Congress today in requesting that the Department of Health and Human Services use the full extent of its authority to require additional disclosure from insurers who are sending health plan cancellation letters to customers. A copy of the request, sent to Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, is available here. The full text of the letter is included below this release. The letter requests that insurers notify customers of why their plan is being cancelled, provide full information on what other options are available, and give customers additional time to select a new plan. Many consumers have received notices that their health plan is being cancelled and told if they don’t take immediate action, they will automatically be enrolled in a more expensive plan.   These letters fail to notify customers that more affordable options, including subsidies, may be available through the health care exchanges. “Many of our constituents who purchase individual insurance plans received cancellation letters from their insurance companies without any detail explaining why their current plans were changing or what the full extent of their options were,” the letter reads in part. “We are very concerned about this lack of explanation, and therefore ask that you require that insurers promptly provide an additional letter to each of our constituents who received a cancellation letter.” The letter was signed by Representatives Brady (PA), Connolly (VA), Cartwright (PA), Delaney (MD), Enyart (IL), Esty (CT), Foster (IL), Himes (CT), Horsford (NV), Jackson Lee (TX), McCarthy (NY), Moran (VA), Murphy (FL), Peters (CA), Peters (MI), Ruiz (CA), Ryan (OH), Schwartz (PA), Shea-Porter (NH), Titus (NV). November 19, 2013 The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington D.C. 20201 Dear Secretary Sebelius, In light of the President’s announcement that insurance companies will be allowed to retain consumers on their 2013 health plans through 2014, we write to request that you use the full extent of your authority to require additional disclosure by the insurers to our constituents who received cancellation letters regarding their plans.  Many of our constituents who purchase individual insurance plans received cancellation letters from their insurance companies without any detail explaining why their current plans were changing or what the full extent of their options were. We are very concerned about this lack of explanation, and therefore ask that you require that insurers promptly provide an additional letter to each of our constituents who received a cancellation letter. Specifically, this letter should include: a clear explanation that as a result of President Obama’s announcement, insurance companies will be allowed to offer these plans to consumers in 2014; an indication of whether the insurer will reoffer the consumer their same 2013 plan in 2014 at the same price, and if not, a clear explanation that any price increase or cancellation is the result of a business decision by the insurance carrier rather than a requirement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA); an explanation of why the current plan was not initially renewed, including any terms of coverage that did not meet ACA requirements; any uncovered medical conditions that did not meet ACA requirements; in the case that the existing coverage met ACA requirements, a reiteration that the non-renewal was purely a business decision by the insurance carrier; and information outlining what insurance options  are available, including phone number and Web addresses for obtaining assistance in the insurance marketplaces. Additionally, many of the cancellation letters inform policyholders that they will automatically be enrolled in a different policy if no action is taken by December 1, 2013. Given the President’s proposal, we believe this timeline should be extended until March 31, 2014, as the current deadline does not provide adequate time for policyholders to survey the options available to them. This extended timeframe will allow consumers to access the insurance marketplaces and review all options available to them before they are required to make any decisions regarding their insurance coverage for 2014, as well as allowing insurance carriers adequate time to restart discontinued coverage options. Thank you for your dedication to providing consumers with accurate information about their insurance options. We look forward to continuing to work with you on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Sincerely, Congressman Bill Foster Congressman Robert A. Brady Congressman Jim Himes Congresswoman Dina Titus Congressman Gerald Connolly Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz Congressman Raul Ruiz Congressman Steven Horsford Congressman Matt Cartwright Congressman Tim Ryan Congressman Patrick E. Murphy Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter Congressman Gary Peters Congressman John Delaney Congressman William Enyart Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Congressman James Moran Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy Congressman Scott Peters",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160704/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-statement-norwalk-school-district-named-finalist-race-top-funds,Himes Statement on Norwalk School District Named as Finalist for Race to the Top Funds,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Education announced that the Norwalk school district is among 31 finalists for the Race to the Top-District competition.  The U.S. Department of Education will award winners selected from among these finalists between $4 million and $30 million to implement their plans to improve student learning. Winners will be announced by Dec. 31, 2013. “Congratulations to Norwalk on being recognized for its commitment to providing a quality education for all of its students. This funding would help Norwalk continue its work to ensure that every child gets a chance to succeed. A good education system is the foundation of our economy, and this funding will help Norwalk Schools continue their work to help every single child success in school and beyond.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160731/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-announces-deadline-military-academy-nominations,Himes Announces Deadline for Military Academy Nominations,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) reminded constituents today that the deadline to apply for a nomination from his office to a military service academy for the 2014-15 school year is December 2, 2013. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must receive a nomination from an authorized person, such as a Member of Congress. “One of my favorite duties as a Member of Congress is nominating the best and brightest young men and women of Connecticut’s Fourth District to our nation’s service academies,” said Himes. “Our nation’s service academies develop students physically, ethically, and intellectually as they build the foundation for a challenging and rewarding career as a military officer. I invite any highly motivated, well-rounded, successful student to consider applying to these prestigious schools.” The deadline to apply for a nomination to the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy in Annapolis, the Merchant Marine Academy in New York, or the Air Force Academy in Colorado for the 2014-15 school year is December 2, 2013. The Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut does not require a nomination, but if a student would like to be considered for a nomination to the Coast Guard Academy, materials should be by the December 2 deadline. Himes may nominate applicants who legally reside within the boundaries of Connecticut's 4th Congressional District. Applicants must also be between 17 and 23 years old, a United States citizen, unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. Interested applicants should download this application packet to start the process. More information on the five service academies and the nomination process is available here. Please call (866) 453-0028 with any questions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182655/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-applauds-confirmation-of-ct-veterans-affairs-commissioner-linda-spoonster-schwartz-by-veterans-affairs-committee,Blumenthal Applauds Confirmation Of CT Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda Spoonster Schwartz By Veterans Affairs Committee,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Schwartz Has Been Nominated To Serve As Assistant Secretary for Policy And Planning At U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Tuesday, November 19, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) applauded the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs’ confirmation of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner  Linda Spoonster Schwartz to be the Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Now her nomination must be considered by the full Senate.  “I am excited about continuing my partnership with Linda Schwartz in fighting for better veterans' services and programs. The overwhelming bipartisan approval by the Veterans Affairs Committee today should lead to prompt approval by the full Senate, because we need her leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Advocacy is especially important in areas we have highlighted in Connecticut, including invisible wounds like post-traumatic stress, veterans' homelessness, women veterans issues, and veterans with disabilities. Her new national position provides a solid platform for expanding and enhancing some of the Connecticut initiatives that have proved promising.” Press Contact Kamara Jones – 202-224-0309Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182700/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-republican-obstruction-of-dc-circuit-court-nominees,Blumenthal Statement On Republican Obstruction Of D.C. Circuit Court Nominees,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Republicans Have Blocked Consideration Of Four Nominees To Serve On What Some Consider Nation’s Second Highest Bench Monday, November 18, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked the nomination of Robert L. Wilkins to the D.C. Circuit Court, preventing a yes-or-no vote on his nomination. Wilkins is the fourth nominee Senate Republicans have prevented from receiving an up-or-down vote by using procedural hurdles. Republicans previously blocked the nominations of Caitlin Halligan, Patricia Millett, and Nina Pillard. “A major Senate rule change is apparently the only recourse left to stop extreme filibuster abuse, which today blocked yet another indisputably qualified nominee from service on the D.C. Circuit Court. This vote marks a tragic turning point. Misuse of rules – involving petty, partisan politics beneath the Senate – is a disgraceful disservice to our nation’s justice system. Rejecting nominees of extraordinary intellect and integrity to fill much needed judgeships does damage to our country, the courts, and the Congress.   Press Contact Josh Zembik – 202-224-6452 Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206152309/http://delauro.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1462:delauro-kind-blumenauer-request-gao-report-on-crop-insurance&catid=2:2012-press-releases&Itemid=21,"DeLauro, Kind, Blumenauer Request GAO Report on Crop Insurance",2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa DeLauro,D000216,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Currently No Transparency on Where Taxpayer Dollars Are Going   WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Ron Kind (D-WI) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) today continued their effort for more transparency in the crop insurance program. They are asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review of crop insurance payments and shed some light on how much of the payments go to wealthy individuals and families.   “The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 2642) passed in July by the House expanded crop insurance subsidies,” the representatives wrote. “According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, these crop insurance subsidies will cost taxpayers $90 billion over the next decade. USDA reports it spent $14 billion on crop insurance last year alone.   “These subsidies overwhelmingly flow to the largest and most successful farm businesses. Unlike other farm subsidies, crop insurance subsidies are not subject to means testing or payment limits and farmers are not required to adopt basic environmental protections in exchange for premium support from the taxpayer.”   Members of Congress are currently negotiating a new five-year farm bill that could cut billions from nutrition and anti-hunger programs, while continuing—or even increasing—these crop insurance subsidies that have little to no oversight. Crop insurance payments are also not subject to means testing, payment limits or conservation requirements. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office recently issued a report with common-sense recommendations for saving taxpayer dollars by reducing crop insurance subsidies.   The full letter follows:   November 18, 2013   The Honorable Gene Dodaro Comptroller General of the United States U.S. Government Accountability Office 441 G Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20548   Dear Mr. Dodaro:   We write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review of farm subsidy payments, in particular crop insurance payments, under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.   The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a report on November 7, 2012 showing that at least 50 billionaires, or farm businesses in which they had a financial interest, benefited from $11.3 million in traditional farm subsidies between 1995 and 2012.  It is of great concern to us that farm subsidies have been paid to such wealthy individuals. Many of the same billionaires may have also received premium subsidies through the federal crop insurance program. However, taxpayers have no way of knowing who has received this support because current federal law prohibits the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from disclosing the identities of crop insurance recipients.   Congress is currently negotiating a new Farm Bill that would reauthorize and possibly reform a wide range of agriculture and nutrition programs, including the crop insurance program. At the same time, Congress is also determining funding and policy for the food stamp program, which provides support to millions of low-income households, including over 21 million children.   The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 2642) passed in July by the House expanded crop insurance subsidies. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, these crop insurance subsidies will cost taxpayers $90 billion over the next decade. USDA reports it spent $14 billion on crop insurance last year alone.   These subsidies overwhelmingly flow to the largest and most successful farm businesses. Unlike other farm subsidies, crop insurance subsidies are not subject to means testing or payment limits and farmers are not required to adopt basic environmental protections in exchange for premium support from the taxpayer. While some farms annually collect more than $1 million in crop insurance premium support, the bottom 80% of policyholders annually collect about $5,000. This may very likely be lawful, but it underscores the need for agricultural policy reform. Reform begins with accurate information. Accordingly, we would like a report answering the following key questions:   ·         How many individuals or families with a net worth over $1,000,000 have or will receive farm subsidies under the current farm bill, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008? ·         Of these individuals, how many meet the active farming requirements as defined in Title I of the current Farm Bill? ·         Of these individuals, how many are members of Congress? ·         How much money are each of these individuals receiving from farm subsidies? Over what time period? ·         What programs within the Farm Bill result in the most payments to those with an adjusted gross income greater than $1,000,000? ·         How many individuals or families with a net worth over $1,000,000 are benefiting from crop insurance premium subsidies? ·         Of these individuals, how many are members of Congress? ·         How large are the premium subsidies these individuals are benefiting from and how much are these individuals receiving in crop insurance indemnities? Over what time period?   Thank you in advance for your immediate attention to this request. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact a member our staff. We look forward to hearing from you on this important issue.   Sincerely,   Rosa L. DeLauro                                  Ron Kind                                 Earl Blumenauer",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-esty-denounce-unitedhealth-group-s-decision-to-drop-medicare,"DeLauro, Esty Denounce UnitedHealth Group’s Decision to Drop Medicare Advantage Providers",2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/esty-statement-on-yes-vote-on-hr-3350,Esty Statement on Yes Vote on the Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT-05) bipartisan Women in Aerospace Education Act (H.R. 4254) passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by voice vote this morning. The bill would encourage universities applying for Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants, which are designed to cover the cost of STEM-degree seeking students who intend to teach in rural and lower income school districts, to incorporate aerospace programs at the National Laboratories and NASA Centers into their teacher training experience. Esty, along with Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), introduced the legislation to encourage more women to participate in the STEM fields.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-attempt-scrap-affordable-care-act,Larson on Attempt to Scrap Affordable Care Act,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,John Larson,L000557,larson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement today on the most recent attempt by House Republicans to eliminate or hinder the Affordable Care Act. In a conference meeting this week, Speaker John Boehner reiterated his strategy for stopping Obamacare, stating, That plan is being executed as we speak. ""The goal of Republicans hasn't changed: they shut down the government over the Affordable Care Act; they threatened to take the nation to the brink of default over the Affordable Care Act, and once again they have offered a Trojan Horse amendment to raise insurance premiums on the masses and block the president's and Democrats' efforts to implement the Affordable Care Act. Their goal, as outlined by Speaker Boehner again this week, is to scrap the Affordable Care Act. ""Building on the president's announcement, Democrats have put forward a plan designed to help consumers during this transition. I will continue to work on behalf of these impacted consumers during this rollout and am encouraged by Governor Malloy, Lt. Governor Wyman and Kevin Counihan, as well as local insurance companies addressing this issue constructively, for their efforts. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160758/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-rejects-republican-plan-eliminate-lifetime-caps-health-insurance-coverage-pre,Himes Rejects Republican Plan to Eliminate Lifetime Caps on Health Insurance & Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) voted today against House Republicans’ 46th attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Under the veil of “fixing” the problem of cancelled plans in the individual insurance market, House Republicans offered legislation today that, according to Speaker John Boehner, is part of their “strategy for stopping Obamacare.” Himes voted for an alternative measure that allows current individual market policy holders to keep their plans without fatally damaging the new health exchanges, which have provided affordable coverage to more than 13 thousand Connecticut individuals and families.   “I share the frustration of my constituents whose health insurance plans have been cancelled by their insurance companies. I support the plan put forward by the President yesterday as a good first step, and I demand the Administration execute this plan effectively. I am committed to finding a solution that ensures all Americans have access to quality, affordable health coverage, and I appreciate the President working to keep his promise that if you like your health insurance, you can keep it,” Himes said.   The plan put forward by President Obama to fix this problem allows state insurance commissioners to approve policies that do not meet ACA requirements, while preserving the viability of the affordable plans offered through health care exchanges.   The plan Himes supported allows insurance companies to continue offering their current plans to existing policyholders while requiring them to take steps to ensure that extending these policies does not increase premiums for others who purchase health insurance in the individual marketplace, a key provision not included in the House-passed bill. Importantly, the plan Himes voted for also requires insurance companies to notify consumers of the differences between these extended plans and the options, credits, and subsidies available through the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges, as well as instructions on how to receive them.   The Republican Upton bill allows people who currently have no health insurance to purchase plans that do not meet ACA requirements. Those purchasing such plans would not receive many of the critical protects required by the ACA. Such plans also allow insurance companies to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, which will result in unaffordable premiums in the health care exchanges.   “Unfortunately, the bill put forward by the House GOP today was just one more attempt to repeal health care reform and would likely raise insurance premiums,” Himes said.  “I supported a plan that will allow current policy holders to keep their insurance coverage but that does not undermine the protections created by the ACA, such as ending gender discrimination in the price of insurance, eliminating lifetime caps on health coverage, and making affordable health coverage available to people with pre-existing conditions.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160837/http://himes.house.gov/press-release/himes-blumenthal-murphy-announce-137000-grants-help-homeless-veterans,"Himes, Blumenthal, Murphy Announce $137,000 in Grants to Help Homeless Veterans",2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jim Himes,H001047,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT-4) announced that Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute (ABRI) in Bridgeport secured a total of $137,410 in Special Needs Grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to renovate their transitional housing facility and purchase a new van. ABRI will receive $114,660 to improve the safety, security, and privacy of their 42-bedroom 665 Park Ave. home as well as $22,750 to purchase a van that will help in the outreach effort as well as transportation of homeless veterans. While the VA has, through federal programs and community partnerships, reduced the number of homeless veterans by 17 percent since 2009, recent statistics show that approximately 60,000 veterans are living on the street or without stable housing – including as many as 640 in Connecticut. VA Secretary Shinseki has stated that the agency is working toward eliminating veteran homelessness by 2015. “Our men and women in uniform sacrifice so much in defense of our nation and ask for so little in return. It is unacceptable that when these brave patriots return from service, some have no job or no home waiting for them,” said Himes. “I am pleased that Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute has received funding for a new outreach van and for renovations to their facilities, and I look forward to working with them to ensure Bridgeport’s homeless veterans get the help they need and have earned.” Blumenthal said, “These funds are a small down payment on our debt to hundreds of homeless veterans in Connecticut. None of our nation's heroes should be homeless. This grant is a small start toward meeting a larger need – a national priority of ending veteran homelessness. One out of every three homeless is a veteran – more than 640 in CT alone – a national disgrace.” ""ABRI has done incredible work to help homeless veterans in the Bridgeport area, and I’m thrilled that today’s funding will further ABRI’s work to eliminate the epidemic of veteran homelessness in Southwest Connecticut,” said Murphy. “One homeless vet is too many, and given the incredible sacrifices our veterans have made for this country, it’s our obligation to provide them with the best housing support possible. This grant will not only expand outreach to homeless veterans in Bridgeport, but will also significantly improve existing housing to make veterans safer. I’ve made ending veterans’ homelessness a priority during my time in Congress, and I’ll continue to fight to ensure that the men and women who have served us get the housing support they deserve.” Founded in 1998, ABRI received funding from the VA, Connecticut Department of Social Services, corporations, and foundations to purchase and renovate 665 Park Avenue in 2001. The organization has served hundreds of veterans and non-veterans since it has been in service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182720/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-durbin-rockefeller-markey-question-energy-drink-manufacturer-over-toys-featuring-rockstar-energy-logo,"Blumenthal, Durbin, Rockefeller, Markey Question Energy Drink Manufacturer Over Toys Featuring Rockstar Energy Logo",2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"In Senate Hearing This Summer, COO & CFO Of Rockstar Energy Repeatedly Denied Marketing To Children Friday, November 15, 2013 (Washington, DC) – After evidence of several toys featuring the Rockstar Energy drink logo was brought to their attention by a concerned consumer, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John D. Rockefeller (D-W.V.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) again questioned the energy drink manufacturer about their marketing efforts directed toward children – a practice Rockstar Energy has repeatedly denied.  “Despite statements from your company that Rockstar, Inc. does not market to children, examples of what appear to be targeted marketing of your products to children have come to our attention.  Most recently, we found that Ronin Syndicate, a toy manufacturer, is selling a Rockstar Energy Drink RC Wakeboard Boat toy on store shelves and online,” the senators wrote.  “Please provide a written response explaining why Ronin Syndicate is selling toys that prominently display the Rockstar Energy Drink name and logo, whether and to what extent similar other toys feature Rockstar Energy Drink’s logo, and what steps your company is taking to prevent this type of marketing in the future.” The senators recently found that toy manufacturer Ronin Syndicate advertises a product line featuring the logo of Rockstar Energy and according to its packaging is intended for children ages 8 and up.  In addition, the product is sold by Target, and in one instance the toys were found to be positioned with other toys on store shelves. These findings call into question statements made by a representative of Rockstar, Inc. in a July 2013 hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee chaired by Rockefeller.  In the hearing, convened to examine the potential health risks of energy drinks and the marketing of these products to youth, the company’s COO and CFO, Janet Weiner, said in her statement that Rockstar’s target demographic is persons 18 to 35 years of age and their company does not market products to children under 12 years of age.    Earlier this year, Blumenthal, Durbin, and Markey released a report that shows inconsistencies in the labeling and classification of energy drinks, extensive marketing to adolescents and young adults through social media and events, and high caffeine levels that exceed the level considered safe in soda by the Food and Drug Administration. The report was compiled using responses from fourteen energy drink companies. Text of the letter is below: November 14, 2013 Russell Goldencloud Weiner Founder and Chief Executive Officer Rockstar, Inc. 101 Convention Center Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109-2001 Dear Mr. Weiner: We write to express our concerns about the marketing of Rockstar, Inc. energy drink products to children.  Despite statements from your company that Rockstar, Inc. does not market to children, examples of what appear to be targeted marketing of your products to children have come to our attention.  Most recently, we found that Ronin Syndicate, a toy manufacturer, is selling a Rockstar Energy Drink RC Wakeboard Boat toy on store shelves and online.  On the Target website this product is featured in the “toy” section with a manufacturer’s suggested age of “8 years and up.”  Additionally, the website for Ronin Syndicate features several other toys with the Rockstar Energy Drink name and logo. Over the past few years, there has been growing concern about the potential health risks posed by energy drinks.  The Food and Drug Administration, with support from the Institute of Medicine, is conducting an investigation to strengthen its understanding of energy drinks and the health risks posed by these products, particularly for vulnerable groups, including children and adolescents.  Further, a hearing on July 31, 2013, before the United States Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee explored concerns raised by medical professionals and public health experts about the potential risks associated with the consumption of energy drink products by children and teenagers.   In light of public health concerns regarding the consumption of high levels of caffeine by children and adolescents, we are deeply concerned by the marketing of a Rockstar toy.  Please provide a written response explaining why Ronin Syndicate is selling toys that prominently display the Rockstar Energy Drink name and logo, whether and to what extent similar other toys feature Rockstar Energy Drink’s logo, and what steps your company is taking to prevent this type of marketing in the future. Sincerely, Press Contact Kamara Jones – 202-224-0309Kamara_Jones@blumenthal.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://esty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-democrat-coalition-unveils-competes-act-reauthorization-agenda,New Democrat Coalition Unveils COMPETES Act Reauthorization Agenda,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Elizabeth Esty,E000293,esty.house.gov,,,legacy,"In New Principles, Calls on Congress to Put Investment behind Commitment to R&D Washington, D.C. – As hearings on the first reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act since 2010 commenced this week, the New Democrat Coalition unveiled its comprehensive agenda for COMPETES. The Coalition’s leaders on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee – the committee of jurisdiction for COMPETES – spearheaded the effort, convening for several months in informal talks and briefings to build support for the tech-friendly agenda. First passed in 2007, the America COMPETES Act provides support to cutting-edge technology research and development throughout the country by bolstering public-private partnerships with leading research universities and providing assistance to innovators throughout the country. The New Democrats were instrumental in the passage of the 2007 bill, which was inspired by a report of the Alliance for Science & Technology Research in America, “Riding the Rising Tide: A 21st Century Strategy for U.S. Competitiveness and Prosperity.” In the report, public and private sector leaders called for federal funding to strengthen the United States’ R&D enterprise and develop a world-class workforce for the innovation economy. The New Democrat Coalition challenged its colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put real investment behind their commitments to research and development. According to an analysis of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, not only does research itself create jobs – 70% of spending that companies use to claim the research and development tax credit goes directly to salaries – but new technologies drive economic growth and help to spread job creation throughout the economy. The New Democrats cited the direct benefits to economic development in their push for a strong COMPETES reauthorization. “Federal support for innovation propelled America’s economic expansion over the past half century, but that progress is now in serious jeopardy because of the harmful cuts of sequestration. The federal government must continue to invest in education, research, and innovation, which create jobs and spur the economy, so that businesses of today and entrepreneurs of tomorrow can compete and succeed in the global marketplace,” said New Democrat Coalition Vice-Chair and COMPETES Act leader Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11th). “If America doesn’t raise its game through investments in education and innovation, we are going to get our backsides handed to us These principles for growth through innovation, research, and economic development offer a foundation for America’s continued competitiveness in a 21st Century economy. I'm proud to be working with the New Democrat Coalition to fight for practical, common sense solutions to grow our economy,” said New Democrat Coalition COMPETES Act leader Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06). “The reauthorization of COMPETES is a tremendous opportunity to provide manufacturers across the country with the support they need to create new jobs and hire new workers. In my district, a particular concern I’ve heard again and again is the need to boost workforce training and STEM education so our young people have the skills they need to succeed in high-tech manufacturing. As a member of the New Democrat Coalition and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I’m committed to working with my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to work for the inclusion of commonsense principles including measures that help match skillsets for our unemployed and underemployed workforce with employers and that provide our educators with the support they need to help our kids excel in the STEM fields,” said New Democrat Coalition COMPETES Act leader Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-05). “If our country is going to be competitive into the next century we must do a better job of supporting scientific research and innovation, while providing a long-term budget vision that allows institutions the chance to plan for the future. Further, we must recommit ourselves to encouraging STEM education programs that prepare the next generation for the global economy they will face. COMPETES offers the opportunity to make our innovation ecosystem more effective by reducing the administrative burden on researchers and supporting innovative, collaborative approaches to STEM in our universities,” said New Democrat Coalition COMPETES Act leader Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52). “America COMPETES supports the kind of innovation that creates jobs, helping to prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future, creating regional innovation hubs to aid our economic recovery, and helping small and medium-sized manufacturers create and retain jobs and increase productivity through innovation.  In the Sacramento region, for example, America COMPETES funded a partnership between Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance and U.C. Davis that helps local farmers and ranchers grow their businesses. It is essential to maintaining America’s continued competitiveness and prosperity that we reauthorize the America COMPETES Act and continue our smart investment in innovation and jobs,” said New Democrat Coalition COMPETES Act leader Rep. Ami Bera (CA-07).   New Democrat Coalition Principles for America COMPETES Reauthorization   The strength of America’s economic machine is underpinned by the link between innovation, economic development and job creation. Since its founding, the New Democrat Coalition has led the way for smart policies that foster innovation through public-private partnerships, new technologies and cutting-edge research and development. As Congress considers the first reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act since 2010, the Coalition offers the following principles to ensure that we, as leaders tasked with maintaining America’s continued competitiveness in a 21st Century economy, don’t just talk about innovation – we invest in it. Supporting Basic Research - Basic scientific research serves as a foundation of innovation. To ensure our nation maintains and strengthens its competitiveness, funding for basic research across all scientific disciplines should be a priority. As the New Dems have stated in their Principles for Innovation and Competiveness, “Research conducted at U.S. universities primes the industrial pipeline, while training future generations of scientists and entrepreneurs.” Stabilizing Funding for Research and Development - Consistent funding streams for research and development provide our nation’s innovators with the stability necessary to take basic research into commercial development. Reliable funding ensures that innovators are able to secure long-term investors, and entice and leverage corporate investment into public-private partnerships.  Further, greater funding consistency will help create a pipeline from basic research toward development. Intermittent and unreliable funding, as well as an increasing administrative burden, not only disrupts the research process, but also slows commercialization efforts. Supporting Paths to Success for Startups and Small Business - As the New Democrats have addressed in their Principles for Innovation and Competiveness, small businesses have been and continue to be a pathway for American entrepreneurship and innovative growth. In competitive global marketplace we must provide small businesses and startups with more than a path towards viability, but we must ensure that they can be competitive in international markets. With the fiscal constraints facing the US, we need to identify innovative ways to create a climate in which startups can thrive that do not rely solely upon new sources of government funding. We must structure steps that encourage further development rather than putting in place steep, uphill pathways to receive funding and mentorship. We need to streamline research and innovation and not create roadblocks for startups and small businesses. Expanding Public and Private Partnerships to Encourage Innovation - In our current fiscal climate, we need to look for ways to creatively use federal resources and promote private-public partnerships to spur innovation. As an example, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Education (ARPA-ED) draws on non-governmental organizations and the private sector to identify technological breakthroughs in teaching and learning. With limited and at times, inconsistent funding, many projects lose traction or become outdated. Continuing to encourage public-private partnerships with research universities and supporting programs—like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)—is critical to fostering growth at a community level. Focusing on expanding partnerships that can direct commercialization and fixes to systemic problems should be a prominent aspect in the COMPETES reauthorization. Encouraging Technology Transfer and Streamlining Innovation - While basic research is the foundation for innovation, we must increase our focus on research leading to product development, and how to disseminate research findings. As a country, job creation, whether through research or production is necessary to increase global competitiveness; research for the sake of research must transition to research geared towards economic and societal betterment. Overcoming the “Valleys of Death”: Proof of Concept and Commercialization - In the innovation process, entrepreneurs face difficulties proving the merit of their ideas, and bringing their ideas to the marketplace. Many research initiatives must first obtain initial seed money and business interest to determine whether a project can be viably translated into a prototype that merits further research and development funding. Establishing phases of project development encourages mentoring partnerships with the research and business worlds, allowing promising technologies to successfully make it to market. Funding for Regional Innovation Programs - While America COMPETES addresses initiatives on a national level, regional innovation programs have successfully demonstrated the ability to stimulate growth across our nation, including rural and impoverished areas. Programs such as the i6 Challenge and the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge have helped regional industries forge an entrepreneurial ecosystem, creating jobs on a local and regional level. Supporting STEM Education and Workforce Development – Building a strong 21st century workforce is contingent upon the quality of our STEM programs at all levels of our education system. Investing in programs from pre-K initiatives designed to introduce our youngest students to exciting STEM fields to strengthening essential technical training programs at the community level will help align our education system with current and future workforce needs.  A successful COMPETES reauthorization must be focused on increasing access for women and diversity in STEM fields, including computer science and engineering programs, so that students can visualize what a career in the STEM field would be. Increasing Prize Competition- America COMPETES provided government agencies the authority to conduct incentivized prize competitions as a way to discover innovative and scalable solutions that advance their core missions and build partnerships with the private sector. Reauthorization of these programs should ensure that government sponsored prize competitions are effectively utilized to spur innovation in the private, philanthropic and public sectors while solving some of world’s most challenging issues.  The New Democrat Coalition is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. Founded in 1997, the New Dems believe firmly in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182732/http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-ayotte-cornyn-casey-introduce-bill-to-update-enhance-existing-sanctions-against-syrian-regime,"Blumenthal, Ayotte, Cornyn, Casey Introduce Bill To Update, Enhance Existing Sanctions Against Syrian Regime",2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,CT,Richard Blumenthal,B001277,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Thursday, November 14, 2013 (Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), joined by John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), introduced the Syria Sanctions Enhancement Act of 2013, legislation that would update and enhance existing sanctions against the Syrian regime to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the civil war. The legislation will update existing sanctions to reflect the reality that the Syrian regime continues its persistent war crimes. Blumenthal said, “The Syria Sanctions Enhancement Act looks at all the perpetrators of horrific violence who empower these terrorists and creates sanctions against them. Anyone who helps Assad and the Syrian regime develop weapons of mass destruction or provides them with conventional weapons is responsible for the majority of killings in Syria. They are complicit knowingly, purposefully.” Cornyn said, “At the hands of the brutal Assad regime, the Syrian people continue to suffer violent war crimes and violations of their basic human rights, enabled by outside entities from Russia and elsewhere.  I join with my colleagues in offering bipartisan sanctions to strengthen protections for the Syrian people and pressure the Assad regime to end these atrocities.” Casey said, “The Assad regime has wrought terrible violence against the Syrian people, and this bill makes clear that the United States should not do business with individuals and entities that continue to support his tyrannical rule.   During the more than two years since this conflict began, I have consistently pressed for a more robust U.S. response, including through efforts like these expanded sanctions, because I strongly believe that it is in our national security interest to have a stable, peaceful Syria and that we do not embolden the Iranian regime and terrorist organizations like Hezbollah.” The Syria sanctions program implemented by the Office of Foreign Assets Control began in 2004 when Executive Order 13338 was issued to deal with the Government of Syria’s policies in supporting terrorism, continuing its occupation of Lebanon, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, and undermining U.S. and international efforts to stabilize Iraq. Following events in Syria beginning in March 2011, subsequent Executive orders have been issued in response to the ongoing violence and human rights abuses taking place in Syria.  The Syria Sanctions Expansion Act codifies these sanctions to ensure that they address the ongoing human rights violations in Syria, the arming and financing of the Syrian regime, and the training of its military forces. The bill would also prohibit entities that provide arms to the Syrian regime from having procurement contracts with the U.S. government, end transactions between the U.S. and foreign financial institutions (i.e. Russian Banks) providing support to the Syrian regime, and require a full accounting of Assad’s assets. The Syria Sanctions Expansion Act builds upon S. Res. 428, a bipartisan resolution led by Blumenthal that urges the U.S. to develop a policy to address crimes against humanity in Syria. The bill also builds on a more recent letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew urging the agency to sanction Russian banks financing the Syrian regime, which was also led by Blumenthal. Press Contact Josh Zembik (Blumenthal) – 202-224-6452Josh_Zembik@blumenthal.senate.govMegan Mitchell (Cornyn) – 202-224-0704Megan_Mitchell@cornyn.senate.govApril Mellody (Casey) – 202-228-6367April_Mellody@casey.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z