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://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-pascrell-fitzpatrick-spartz-introduce-national-critical,"DeLauro, Pascrell, Fitzpatrick, Spartz Introduce the National Critical Capabilities Defense Act",2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — United States Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05) today introduced the National Critical Capabilities Defense Act (NCCDA) to establish a review process that would protect the United States supply chain from foreign adversaries like China and Russia. This legislation would create a whole-of-government screening process for outbound investments and the offshoring of critical capacities and supply chains to ensure that the United States can quickly detect supply chain vulnerabilities. ""The COVID-19 pandemic and semiconductor shortages exposed that critical United States supply chains were not up to the task of robustly responding to America's needs. We have to learn from our mistakes and cannot allow outbound investments from the United States to take critical supply chains overseas and into the hands of our adversaries such as China or Russia,"" said Representative DeLauro. ""Companies at a minimum should be required to report on their proposed offshoring of supply chains so the United States can better protect critical manufacturing capacity here at home and safeguard American workers and our national, economic, and health security. I am hopeful that this legislation can spur action related to United States supply chain security. I thank my colleagues in the House, Representatives Pascrell, Fitzpatrick, and Spartz, and in the Senate, Senators Casey and Cornyn, for leading this critical effort. Now is the time to act."" ""The frayed American supply chain and our continued bleeding of industrial capacity offshore represent a dangerous national security threat to the United States,"" said Representative Pascrell. ""This watershed, bipartisan, bicameral legislation will take a major step to provide needed transparency and tools to prevent supply chains and critical industries from being offshored to our adversaries. The Chinese Communist Party climbed America's back to economic power and is now using that power to commit genocide, crush democratic norms, empower dictators, undermine workers, rig the world economy, and threaten America's allies. Putin's Russian Federation has also leached off America's economic might to sow discord in the world. It is time to enhance supply chain visibility so our companies and average worker investments are not being hoodwinked into empowering trade that undermines American competitiveness. Our proposal would be an important element for innovation and competition legislation being advanced in the House."" ""The unfolding global supply chain crisis is evidence that America can no longer afford to rely on foreign adversaries like China and Russia for our essential goods and supplies,"" said Representative Fitzpatrick. ""The NCCDA is an immediate, bipartisan response to the supply chain bottleneck that is plaguing our country and will increase transparency surrounding the offshoring of critical industries and manufacturing. We must act now to ensure the US has a resilient and secure supply chain that will bolster American innovation, job creation, and national security."" ""The recent pandemic highlighted significant weaknesses in supply chain resiliency, geographic imbalances, and material dependencies on the manufacturing output of our adversaries—like China—posing serious national security risks,"" said Representative Spartz. ""This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will improve transparency to mitigate strategic risks and increase domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical products and materials."" United States Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) also introduced this bipartisan legislation in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-delauro-statement-build-back-better-act,Chair DeLauro Statement on the Build Back Better Act,2021-12-19,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement on the negotiations to pass the Build Back Better Act: ""After years of government working for the biggest corporations, passing the Build Back Better Act would finally help working families. Senator Manchin opposing it is a slap in their face. ""While families are living paycheck to paycheck, Senator Manchin's actions would mean big corporations not paying their fair share, coal companies endangering the climate, and millions of children in poverty. ""Failure to pass this transformational package hurts the more than 346,000 children in West Virginia benefiting from the Child Tax Credit, goes against the more than 70 percent of West Virginia voters who support paid family and medical leave for all workers, and betrays working and middle class families calling for the federal government to reduce the costs of child care, health care, prescription drugs. ""Build Back Better is an economic boost, it would have no impact on inflation in the short run and reduce inflation over time, and will put money in people's pockets when they need it the most. And Build Back Better is fully paid for and reduces the deficit in the long run.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-delauro-applauds-8-million-award-expand-registered-apprenticeships,Chair DeLauro Applauds $8 Million Award to Expand Registered Apprenticeships,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement celebrating the U.S. Department of Labor's award of more than $8 million in contract investments to four national Industry Intermediaries to expand the use of Registered Apprenticeship in sectors affected by the pandemic: ""With this much-needed investment, President Biden and Secretary Walsh are proving yet again that training our workforce and providing Americans with the skills they need to thrive is one of their highest priorities. By focusing on our care economy, electric power generation, key supply chains, and the transportation industry, this funding for industry intermediaries will create new partnerships across the nation that will boost our economy and help change the lives of working families.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-rallies-colleagues-support-child-tax-credit,DeLauro Rallies Colleagues in Support of the Child Tax Credit,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the day Child Tax Credit payments hit bank accounts for more than 35 million families, House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) rallied her colleagues in support of the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit and urged the Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act so that these checks continue to go to hardworking families. ""The expanded and improved Child Tax Credit has already lifted millions of middle class families, reduced hunger among families with children to the lowest levels measured during the pandemic, and kept nearly 4 million children out of poverty per month,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""I thank my colleagues for joining me in the continued fight to extend this transformational policy that I have been fighting to implement for nearly 20 years."" Evidence shows that for every $1 invested, the Child Tax Credit provides $8 in social and economic benefits. The economic impact of the Child Tax Credit payments as implemented in the American Rescue Plan includes: Reducing childhood poverty by more than 40%, lifting nearly 4 million children out of poverty. An extra $3,000 in a family's annual income when a child is younger than five leads to 19% higher future earnings Declines in food insufficiency. Food has consistently been the top category for Child Tax Credit spending, while many also used the payments for school expenses prior to the start of the 2021-22 school year and child care. In Connecticut's 3rd District alone, the Child Tax Credit has: Delivered $172 million in Tax Cuts to 71,000 hardworking families for 117,000 children. Congresswoman DeLauro continued, ""Over the past few months, families have relied on these monthly checks for groceries, childcare, clothing, rent or mortgages, or gas. It is crucial that the Senate pass the Build Back Better Act to lock in this Social Security for Children.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9C2478AF-B9BF-4155-A86F-BE6D4F8DA7D8,"Hayes, Adams, Axne, Gallego, Reed & Casey Introduce EDUCATORS for America Act",2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Alma Adams (NC-12), Cindy Axne (IA-03), and Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) in the House, as well as U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Bob Casey (D-PA) in the Senate, introduced the EDUCATORS for America Act, urgently-needed legislation to address teacher shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDUCATORS Act will invest in states and educators to improve the teacher pipeline and create more career-ready teachers and school support staff. ""I joined my colleagues in support of the EDUCATORS for America Act because it addresses the multitude of concerns classroom teachers face every day. We need to recruit, prepare, and support current and future educators, with financial assistance, faculty development and capacity building, while ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. As a teacher, I understand the impact this bill will have on educators, students and the community,"" said Rep. Hayes. “As an educator for forty years, I always hoped some of the bright young minds I taught would go on to become educators themselves. Unfortunately, aspiring educators are often discouraged by high student debt, low salaries, and the lack of institutional support,” said Rep. Adams. “Educators are struggling, particularly as they continue to grapple with the pandemic. Schools are facing pervasive staffing shortages, and we can no longer afford to neglect the educator pipeline. It’s time for a comprehensive national investment in our educators.” “The EDUCATORS for America Act will mobilize and support states and local communities in improving the educator pipeline so that all schools have the diverse educators they should have, to support student development and academic achievement. It will support educator preparation programs and partnerships and remove financial barriers to entering the education profession. After the disruption and devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked on our education system, we can’t wait for the next generation of teachers to appear; we must act intentionally to urgently recruit hard-working teachers in the classroom, and importantly, provide them the support to retain them in the classrooms. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the EDUCATORS for America Act with my House colleagues and Senate partners,” concluded Adams. “Our nation’s outlook for the future is tied to the strength of the education profession and today the profession is in crisis,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, and a long-time champion for educator preparation and professional development. “The EDUCATORS for America Act provides a comprehensive plan for uplifting the profession based on input from stakeholders across the education field about what is needed to recruit, prepare, and support educators.” “As a proud mom of two Iowa public school students, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that a quality education from good educators can make in a child’s life. And in the face of the most difficult school years in recent memory, we need to make sure we have the educators in place to continue supporting our students,” said Rep. Axne. “We know that we need more educators, and that we need to do more to ensure our educators are supported once they’re on the job. With this legislation, we invest in Iowa’s educators —and by doing so, Iowa and our whole nation will see a monumental return on our investment.” “Our educators are the bedrock of our country’s future, and they show up each and every day–pandemic or otherwise–to make sure our children get the education they deserve,” said Rep. Gallego. “That is why it is imperative we recruit and cultivate a diverse, qualified educator workforce that touches all corners of our country. That’s especially true in Arizona, where we have one of the worst teacher shortages in the country, affecting more than 1 in 4 classrooms. We are better off if we have more teachers, not less, and that is why I am proud to co-lead the comprehensive EDUCATORS for America Act so that states and communities have the tools they need to build a pipeline of diverse, highly-trained, and well-supported educators.” Original Cosponsors in the House include Representatives Scanlon, Sewell, Lamb, Sires, Leger Fernandez, and Michael F.Q. San Nicolas. Organizations endorsing the bill include the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education; American Association of State Colleges and Universities; American Association of School Personnel Administrators; American Federation of School Administrators; American Federation of Teachers; American Occupational Therapy Association; American Psychological Association; American Society for Engineering Education; Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD); ASCD; ACTFL; Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL); Committee for Children; Council of Administrators of Special Education; Council for Exceptional Children; EDGE Consulting Partners; Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities; Higher Education Consortium for Special Education (HECSE); Learning Forward; National Association of Elementary School Principals; National Association of School Psychologists; National Association of Secondary School Principals; National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE); National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; National Center for Learning Disabilities; National Center for Teacher Residencies; National Council of Teachers of English; National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; National Education Association; National Indian Impacted Schools Association; National Institute for Excellence in Teaching; PDK International; Public Advocates; Public Advocacy for Kids; School Social Work Association of America; State Higher Education Executive Officers Association; STEM Education Coalition; Teach Plus; Teacher Education Council Of State Colleges And Universities; Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; The Arc of the United States; The California State University; Thurgood Marshall College Fund; UNCF (United Negro College Fund); University of Northern Iowa; and Vernier Software & Technology. “AACTE enthusiastically supports the Educators for America Act and thanks Senator Reed and Representative Adams for their unwavering leadership in support of educator preparation. This comprehensive bill will make robust investments in teacher and other educator preparation programs while alleviating our nation’s educator shortage, diversifying the profession, and providing critical support to our member institutions and their community partners,” said Dr. Lynn M. Gangone, President and CEO, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. “Educators across the country are burnt out, overwhelmed, and under-resourced, resulting in a massive teacher shortage that leaves students without permanent teachers in their classrooms and parents, caregivers and other school staff struggling to fill in the gaps. In order to adequately meet the needs of our kids, the educator workforce needs massive investment, from expanding teacher training and pipelines, recruiting diverse educators, and improving pay and benefits like loan forgiveness that help make teaching a more sustainable profession. The Educators for America bill takes a comprehensive approach to teacher prep and helps ensure educators and school staff get the time, tools, training and resources they need to support students,” said Randi Weingarten, AFT President. ""EDUCATORS for America represents a monumental step forward in the effort to grow, retain, and diversify our nation's educator workforce. With our roots in educator preparation, UNI appreciates the opportunity to help advance national policy to invest in our nation's educators and through them the quality of education our children receive,"" said Mark A. Nook, University of Northern Iowa President. “The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) enthusiastically supports the EDUCATORS for America Act and its goals to strengthen teacher preparation programs, like those offered at regional comprehensive institutions, as well as grow and diversify the nation’s teaching corps. AASCU, and it’s close to 400 members who prepare the majority of teachers for our nation’s schools, understands the value and importance of well-prepared educators in shaping the lives of our children and in the development of our communities,” said Mildred García, Ed.D, American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) President and CEO. “School educators and principals are critical to ensuring all our nation's children have the high-quality opportunities necessary to thrive and succeed,” said Ronn Nozoe, National Association of Secondary School Principals CEO. “Congress must pass the Educators for America Act to strengthen the school leader pipeline so state and local school communities can continue to support student development and academic achievement.” “I applaud Senator Reed and Representative Adams for crafting a bill that will shore up the educator profession by attracting, preparing, and retaining educators, and specifically, for supporting new educators of color and educators with disabilities. This legislation offers a thoughtful and comprehensive solution to the current educator shortage crisis, including in high-needs areas such as special education,” said Dennis Cavitt, Ed.D, President, Council for Exceptional Children. “Great teaching matters. This legislation will help ensure that we educate and prepare more outstanding educators in the critical science, technology, engineering, and math subjects that our students need to compete in the global economy today and tomorrow,” said James Brown, Executive Director, STEM Education Coalition. “Without a robust and well-prepared educator workforce, including school psychologists, schools cannot truly meet the academic, social-emotional, and mental and behavioral needs of our students. NASP is proud to endorse the Educators for America Act, which would help states address issues in their educator workforce pipeline and ensure no students go without the education professionals that can help them thrive in school, at home, and in life,” said Laurie Klose, President of National Association of School Psychologists. Additional quotes from endorsing organizations are available here. The EDUCATORS for America Act reflects the input from stakeholders across the education field about what is needed to recruit, prepare, and support educators. It addresses early outreach and career exploration, clinical preparation for teachers, principals and other educators, financial assistance, faculty development, and capacity building at the state and local levels with a focus on ensuring equity and diversity. Specifically, the EDUCATORS for America Act calls for: Authorizing $500 million annually for grants to support states in developing and implementing a statewide strategy for meeting their educator workforce needs, including ensuring an inclusive and equitable workforce that supports the recruitment, preparation, and retention of populations that are underrepresented in the field of education, including teachers of color, first-generation college students, and teachers with disabilities. Authorizing $500 million annually to support educator preparation programs and partnerships including: Updating and expanding the Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Program to focus on residency programs, strengthen the principal and school leader preparation programs, and enable partnerships to address the need for early childhood educators, school librarians, counselors, and other specialized support personnel. Reauthorizing the Honorable Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-serving institutions in expanding and strengthening their educator preparation programs. Providing recruitment and completion grants to educator preparation programs to ensure that students have the wrap-around supports they need to graduate. Establishing an education careers opportunity program to expose middle and high school students to the education profession. Increasing the capacity of educator preparation programs to meet the needs of the field, including supporting school leader development, faculty professional development and training, offering doctoral fellowships, and promoting innovation and resiliency. Streamlining the data and reporting requirements for teacher preparation programs to focus on key measures related to program quality and addressing identified workforce needs. Removing financial barriers to entering the education profession by: Doubling the TEACH grants to $8,000 per year and providing additional protections and options to prevent the conversion of grants to loans. Including the costs of clinical experiences in the cost of attendance for awarding financial aid Providing educators and teachers in high-needs fields credit towards loan repayment as they serve rather than waiting 5 to 10 years to earn forgiveness. More information on the bill can be found here. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-praises-passage-defense-authorization-bill,DeLauro Praises Passage of Defense Authorization Bill,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that makes key investments to improve the lives of servicemembers and military families, while also strengthening our national security. ""I am proud to support the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act that honors our values, strengthens our security, and advances our leadership in the world,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""As a nation, we are deeply indebted to our women and men in uniform, and to the families and communities who support them. This bill honors their service, responsibly invests in our national security, and includes important wins for working people in Connecticut and across the country. In particular, the NDAA authorizes billions in funding for helicopters, combat aircraft, submarines, and more—all of which support good-paying jobs for workers in Connecticut's aerospace and defense manufacturing industries."" This year's Defense Authorization bill authorizes funding for projects that are critical to Connecticut including: 48 UH-60M Blackhawks, built at Sikorsky; 9 CH-53Kheavy-lift helicopters, built at Sikorsky; Columbia-class development; 80 F-35 aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps and reprioritizes F-35 program funding that would accelerate and bolster F-35 maintenance activities and procurement of additional engine modules, built at Pratt & Whitney. The NDAA also: Sustains the two-per-year build rate of new Virginia-class submarines in 2022 and beyond; Authorizes $17 million for the Connecticut Air National Guard's Aerospace Ground Equipment and Vehicle Maintenance Facility. The facility is the last major C-130 specific mission-driven project to execute on Bradley Air National Guard Base since the installation started the conversion to the C-130 aircraft back in 2013, which will ensure mission readiness of the 103rd Air Wing; Authorizes $7 million to continue development of unmanned logistics capabilities with the CQ-24A KMAX helicopter manufactured by Bloomfield-based Kaman Aerospace.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-honors-comptroller-kevin-lembos-legacy-public-service,DeLauro Honors Comptroller Kevin Lembo's Legacy of Public Service,2021-12-03,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement on State Comptroller Kevin Lembo's exemplary career and commitment to servicing the people of Connecticut: ""State Comptroller Kevin Lembo's commitment to bettering the lives of the people of Connecticut shows in everything he does. His focus on helping the vulnerable and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, quality health care has made a difference in all our lives. It is an honor to have Kevin as a constituent, to watch him break down barriers and lead with strength and courage. Most importantly, I am so grateful to call Kevin a friend. Through years of service together, our close personal relationship has meant the world to me. ""I am saddened by the news of his departure at the end of this year. I thank Kevin for his service and know that Connecticut is better off thanks to his three terms in office.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-delauro-statement-retirement-chair-defazio,Chair DeLauro Statement on Retirement of Chair DeFazio,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement on the retirement of House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Peter DeFazio (OR-04): ""Congressman Peter DeFazio is a skilled legislator, brilliant thinker, and committed public servant. He possesses unmatched knowledge of the issues facing our nation's infrastructure and never shies away from fighting for America's working families. With the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, legislation Pete was instrumental in crafting, generations of Americans will benefit from his determination and tenacity. Pete's commitment to creating jobs and ending the climate crisis in the Build Back Better Act will help build the architecture for our nation's future. ""The House of Representatives is losing one of its brightest, and I will miss having his leadership atop the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee next Congress. We worked closely in the fight against big industry on issues such as PFAS, food labeling, and price gouging on COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. Together, over many years and different administrations, we have urged federal agencies to protect workers and families and put people above corporations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-supreme-court-s-consideration-mississippi-s-abortion,DeLauro Statement on the Supreme Court’s Consideration of Mississippi’s Abortion Law,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued this statement on the United States Supreme Court's consideration of Mississippi's near ban on abortions: ""The Mississippi case brought before the Supreme Court is a product of Republican attacks on reproductive rights spanning decades. This case threatens to overturn Roe v. Wade, depriving individuals across the country of their right to choose to have an abortion. I pray that the Supreme Court recognizes the important precedent set by Roe v. Wade, restores these essential health services in Mississippi, and ensures individuals in the 18 states, who have legislative bans on abortion that will automatically make abortion illegal if the landmark decision is overturned, would not lose their access to abortion. Fortunately, Connecticut is not one of these states.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-praises-passage-johanna-s-law-reauthorization-legislation-raise,"DeLauro Praises Passage of Johanna’s Law Reauthorization, Legislation to Raise Awareness About Gynecologic Cancers",2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeLauro, 35-Year Ovarian Cancer Survivor, Reintroduced Bill Earlier this Summer WASHINGTON, DC — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), a 35-year ovarian cancer survivor, celebrated the passage of her legislation to reauthorize Johanna's Law, a national education campaign led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to increase the awareness about the symptoms, risk factors, and prevention of gynecologic cancers such as ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers, as a part of the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act. As Chair of the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Appropriations Subcommittee, DeLauro has ensured continued funding for Johanna's Law, $29 million over the last three years, despite its authorization expiring in October 2014. ""Thirty-five years ago, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""I was lucky and had excellent doctors who detected the cancer by chance in Stage 1. I underwent radiation treatment for two-and-a-half months, and I am fortunate to say that I have now been cancer-free ever since. Had my doctors not caught my cancer at its earliest stage, the outcome might have been very, very different."" ""This year, more than 21,000 women will receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis, and sadly, an estimated 14,000 will die from this disease,"" DeLauro continued. ""Caught early, a gynecological cancer does not have to prove deadly, yet for far too many women it is discovered too late. No one should have to depend on luck, and this bill will help educate women and health care providers and ultimately, save lives. I am proud that this critical legislation has once again passed with bipartisan support."" Johanna's Law, which was first passed in 2006, was named for Johanna Silver Gordon, a public school teacher, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, who was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. Despite multiple surgeries and aggressive treatment, Johanna died nearly four years after her diagnosis. This bill was proposed by her sister, Sheryl Silver, to help raise awareness about the disease and educate women and their health care providers about its symptoms, clinical signs, and risk factors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-delauro-and-senator-markey-reintroduce-legislation-fund,Congresswoman DeLauro and Senator Markey Reintroduce Legislation to Fund Medical Research for Universal Flu Vaccine,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today reintroduced the Flu Vaccine Act, legislation to conduct or support comprehensive research for the creation of a universal influenza vaccine or prevention that protects against multiple strains of the flu virus and offers longer-lasting protection. The legislation calls for a total investment of $1 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for this research. As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, DeLauro and her colleagues were able to secure $540 million in appropriations over the past three years for universal flu vaccine research at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases within NIH, including $200 million in fiscal year 2020. ""With the creation of the COVID-19 vaccines, we have seen firsthand the benefits of providing scientists with the resources they need to study and create vaccines,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""We must approach the universal flu vaccine with the same attention and focus. Influenza is responsible for between 12,000 and 52,000 deaths annually in the United States, up to 650,000 globally. This impact and the deadly toll are staggering considering we have had annual vaccines for decades. The Flu Vaccine Act would fix this problem by investing in the creation of a universal flu vaccine—saving lives by taking the guesswork out of the equation. Since September 2018, as Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Subcommittee, I am proud that Congress has provided $540 million in dedicated funding for universal flu vaccine research, and we must not stop until a universal flu vaccine or preventative is discovered and approved. More than 100 years after the Spanish influenza killed tens of millions across the globe—including my own grandfather—we can and we must do better."" ""As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep the nation, America's scientists and clinicians remain at the epicenter of health and disease research and innovation. It is up to the United States to not only lead the world in improving the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but to also enhance our response to the flu,"" said Senator Markey. ""We are on the brink of a flu-free future and the Flu Vaccine Act can play an indispensable role in reaching that vision for our world. I am pleased we were able to secure $220 million in last year's spending package for this research, however our work here is not done.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-votes-pass-build-back-better-act,DeLauro Votes to Pass Build Back Better Act,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"From Health Care to Child Care and More, Once-In-A-Generation Action Lowers the Everyday Costs that Burden Working Families WASHINGTON, DC — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today voted to pass the Build Back Better Act delivering once-in-a-generation investments to lower the everyday costs that burden working families. From lowering health care, child care, and family care costs to making the largest investment to combat the climate crisis in United States history, this legislation cuts taxes and is fully paid for making big corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share. The Build Back Better Act also includes paid family and medical leave and a one-year extension of the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit, policies DeLauro has championed for decades and pushed to include in this historic package. ""The Build Back Better Act delivers a once-in-a-generation investment in children, families, and caregivers – and finally a scale of investment in combatting climate change that cannot wait,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""People are struggling with their bills and taxes and need a government that looks out for the middle class, working families, small businesses, and the vulnerable who work hard. By making the top one percent and biggest corporations pay their fair share, we can invest in education and child care, reduce drug and health care costs, and lower taxes for the people of Connecticut. We are making the investments that will shape our economy in a way that meets this critical moment."" ""I am particularly proud that the Build Back Better Act expands and improves the Child Tax Credit, the biggest cut in taxes for working families with children – a groundbreaking policy that I have been fighting to implement for nearly 20 years,"" DeLauro continued. ""And I am so proud that this package includes paid family and medical leave, which finally responds to the needs of workers and families so they can take time off to care for themselves or a loved one. While we must make these improvements to the Child Tax Credit permanent and continue to fight for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave nationwide, as Connecticut has, the inclusion of these investments is a critical step in the right direction. Our work does not stop here."" The Build Back Better Act is transformative for every Connecticut family, delivers historic investments that meet their needs in the wake of the pandemic, and ensures that all can share in the benefits of a growing economy now, and for generations to come. These needs include: Lower taxes: before DeLauro secured the expanded Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan, 13 percent of children in Connecticut lived in poverty. The Build Back Better Act extends this life-changing tax cut and continues our progress toward reducing child poverty. It also bolsters financial security and spurs economic growth in Connecticut by reducing taxes on the middle class and those striving to break into it. Child care: the average annual cost for child care in Connecticut is $16,000. The Build Back Better Act will enable Connecticut to provide access to child care to nearly 180,000 young children per year and ensure that no Connecticut family earning up to an estimated $200,000 will pay more than seven percent of their income on child care. Early education: only eight percent of 3- and 4-year-olds in Connecticut have access to publicly funded pre-K, while the average annual cost of private pre-K in the state is $8,600. The Build Back Better Act will expand access to free, high-quality pre-K to more than 56,000 additional 3- and 4-year-olds in Connecticut– setting these children up for lifelong success and saving their parents thousands of dollars. Health care: expanding Medicare benefits to include hearing aids, reducing drug costs, and dramatically cutting health insurance premiums on health exchanges like Access Health CT. It makes home and community based services for seniors or loved ones with disabilities more affordable and accessible. Climate impacts: Connecticut has experienced 15 extreme weather events over the last decade, which have cost Connecticut families more than $5 billion in damages. By reducing carbon pollution, bolstering community resilience and strengthening the American clean energy economy, the Build Back Better Act will create good-paying union jobs, advance environmental justice, and save Connecticut families the steep costs of recovery. The Build Back Better framework also makes generational investments in higher education, workforce training, affordable housing, nutrition assistance, and more. ""I believe the Build Back Better Act ranks alongside the New Deal and Great Society,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""We have an opportunity to build the architecture for the future. Working and middle-class families across the country are counting on us. We must seize this opportunity with action, with hope, and with a unity of purpose for a better, stronger America.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=76C32A09-9DF4-4873-95C1-69FDEC19F271,Rep. Hayes Wins Big for Connecticut in Build Back Better,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted to pass the Build Back Better Act. The Build Back Better Act supports families, climate change, and affordable care, while increasing jobs and opportunities around the country. “Today, the House passed the historic Build Back Better Act. The magnitude of this bill cannot be summarized by a simple headline; there is so much in this legislation to help stabilize American families. The Build Back Better Act helps families raising children; those seeking better educational and employment opportunities; lowers prescription costs, expands affordable housing, childcare, and healthcare; provides paid family leave and addresses climate change. I have championed many of the provisions included in this package and am thrilled to see this vote pass. I am grateful for President Biden’s vision to Build Back Better in a way that benefits those who are often left behind,” said Congresswoman Hayes. The Build Back Better Act supports Connecticut in the following ways: Lowering the Cost of Child Care and Universal Pre-School The Build Back Better Act will ensure that no family of four making under $300,000 will pay more than 7% of their income on childcare. expand the availability of high-quality childcare, and raise wages for childcare workers. The Build Back Better Act invests in securing universal preschool, which helps prepare as many as 6 million children for happier, healthier, and more productive lives. Children’s Health Insurance Program and Medicaid The Build Back Better Act includes funding to permanently extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which ensures that low-income children always have access to quality, affordable health insurance. Child Tax Credit The Build Back Better Act extends the enhanced Child Tax Credit for an additional year. Over 350,000 Connecticut families are projected to be eligible for the tax credit, totaling $127 million for Connecticut families. The bill provides a tax cut by extending the American Rescue Plan’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion. Universal Paid Family Leave The Build Back Better Act guarantees four weeks of paid family and medical leave starting in 2024. Medicare Hearing Coverage The Build Back Better Act adds new comprehensive hearing benefits to Medicare Part B including coverage of hearing aids for individuals with moderately severe, severe, or profound hearing loss. With the Build Back Better Act about 124,800 people in CT-05 stand to gain from adding a hearing benefit. Helping Older Americans and Individuals with Disabilities The Build Back Better Act would cap out of pocket drug costs for seniors at $2000 per year. The Build Back Better Act provides more than $1 billion for Older Americans Act programs to extend vital services that help vulnerable Americans stay safe, healthy, and independent and additional investments to help people with disabilities learn, work, and thrive in their communities. Home-and Community-Based Services The Build Back Better Act invests $150 billion to expand access to quality home-based services and care for millions of seniors and people with disabilities. It strengthens the direct care workforce by investing $1 billion to fund the recruitment and retention of direct care workers, including raising wages and creating training opportunities to help address the direct care workforce shortage, and improving provider payment rates. Makes Insulin Affordable The Build Back Better Act would cap the monthly cost for every Connecticut resident to $35 per month for their insulin prescription, or $420 annually. Connecticut residents currently spend anywhere from $1,200 to $20,000 annually. Lowering Health Care Costs The Build Back Better Act closes the Medicaid coverage gap to help millions of Americans gain health insurance, extend through 2025 the American Rescue Plan’s health insurance premium reductions for those who buy coverage on their own, and help older Americans access affordable hearing care by expanding Medicare. The bill helps 26,000 uninsured people in Connecticut gain coverage and 40,700 save hundreds of dollars per year. Addressing Climate Change The Build Back Better Act makes the largest ever investment in our clean energy economy—across buildings, transportation, industry, electricity, agriculture, and climate smart practices. These investments are crucial to Connecticut, which has experienced 15 extreme weather events, costing up to $5 billion in damages, from 2010 to 2020. Broadband Affordability The Build Back Better Act appropriates $280 million to provide grants to public-private partnerships for projects that increase access to affordable broadband service. Climate-Smart Agriculture The Build Back Better Act provides over $10 billion combined for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – two of the most popular and prominent agricultural conservation programs throughout New England. These programs protect farmlands and wetlands through conservation easements and provide one-year contracts to Connecticut producers for the implementation of conservation programs. Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles The Build Back Better Act invests $5 billion in replacing heavy-duty vehicles, such as school buses, with zero emission vehicles. This funding builds off $2.5 billion secured by Congresswoman Hayes for the replacement of diesel school buses in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Congresswoman Hayes has fought for the national deployment of clean school buses since her first term in Congress, when she introduced the Clean School Bus Act with then Senator Kamala Harris. Lowering the Cost of College The Build Back Better Act invests $20 billion to strengthen higher education and lower the cost of college by increasing the value of Pell Grants by $550. This increase would bring the maximum grant award to $7,045. In Connecticut, 47,500 students receive Pell Grants. Child Nutrition The Build Back Better Act invests $10 billion in child nutrition programs which bolsters the fight against child hunger. In Connecticut, these investments mean expanding access to free school meals to an additional 62,000 students during the school year and providing nearly 270,000 students with resources to purchase food over the summer. State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT) Expansion The Build Back Better Act repeals the State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT) cap instated by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 by increasing the deduction limit from $10,000 to $72,500 per year. Workforce Development The Build Back Better Act invests $20 billion in training programs that prepare Connecticut workers for high-quality jobs in fast-growing sectors like public health, childcare, manufacturing, IT, and clean energy. Increases Affordable Housing The Build Back Better Act invests over $100 billion to expand rental assistance for Connecticut renters, while also increasing the supply of high-quality housing through the construction and rehabilitation of over 1 million affordable housing units nationwide and includes one of the largest investments in down payment assistance in history, enabling more first-generation homebuyers to purchase their first home. 9/11 Health The Build Back Better Act provides $2.86 billion in funding for the World Trade Center Health Program to ensure that the program can continue to fulfill the commitment to provide medical treatment and monitoring to more than 110,000 9/11 responders and survivors. Veteran Health The Build Back Better Act provides $2.3 billion for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to update clinics and medical facilities. West Haven VA in Connecticut would stand to benefit from these investments, helping to better serve veterans in Connecticut. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2A54AED2-9F03-4C18-981D-B141158C636C,Hurricane Ida Resources,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"In October, President Biden approved Governor Lamont’s request to declare a major disaster for the State of Connecticut and several counties due to damage caused by Hurricane Ida. Fairfield County residents with uninsured losses from Hurricane Ida may be eligible to get certain expenses covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). My office has compiled a Disaster Resource and Recovery Guide. I hope you’ll find this guide helpful to answer your questions about the resources that may be available if you were affected by Hurricane Ida. Click here to view the Disaster Resource and Recovery Guide. If you think you may qualify for any of the FEMA programs listed in the guide, click here to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance. If you think you may qualify for the SBA programs listed in the guide, click here to apply for SBA Disaster Loan Assistance. FEMA opened two Disaster Recovery Centers in Bridgeport and Greenwich. These centers are available to help Fairfield County residents affected by Hurricane Ida. Fairfield County residents with uninsured losses from Hurricane Ida may be eligible to get certain expenses covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Click here to learn more. Disaster Recovery Center Information: Bridgeport location: Bridgeport Public Library, 925 Broad St., Bridgeport, CT, 06604 Bridgeport location hours: Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: Closed Darien location: Noroton Heights Fire Dept. 209 Noroton Ave., Darien, CT 06820 Darien location hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: Closed Greenwich location: Glenville Fire Station, 266 Glenville Rd., Greenwich, CT 06831 Greenwich location hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: Closed Norwalk location: Norwalk Fire Department, 121 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854 Norwalk location hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: Closed If you’d like assistance over the phone, you can call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The line is open 7 am to 11 m ET seven days a week. As always, please do not hesitate to call my office if you need any additional assistance at (203) 333-6600. My office is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B8EF1718-F26C-4337-A1F7-21F73AB53D93,"Himes, House Pass Build Back Better Act",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) voted for the Build Back Better Act, which passed the House by a vote of 220-213. The Build Back Better Act, as passed by the House, would be transformative. The bill invests in America’s future, benefiting seniors and small businesses, as well as fighting climate change. It greatly benefits families, especially those with young children, by providing universal Pre-K, reducing childcare costs, and expanding the Child Tax Credit. Some of the goals it would achieve include: Providing Universal Pre-K for all three- and four-year-olds. Capping childcare costs at 7% or less for millions of working families. Expanding the Child Tax Credit – putting money directly in the hands of parents. Raising the cap on state and local tax deductions. Allowing the government to negotiate with drug companies, lowering prescription costs. Establishing a hearing benefit in Medicare. Supporting small businesses by increasing access to capital. Extending Affordable Care Act tax credits to give more Americans health insurance. Investing in clean energy resiliency, development, and procurement to fight the climate crisis. Training Americans for the jobs of the future through education and workforce development. Creating 1 million new affordable housing units. Developing high-speed rail projects and connecting affordable housing to transit Ensuring sufficient funding for treating and monitoring health conditions for 9/11 responders and survivors. “If passed into law, this bill will benefit countless Americans,” said Himes. “And we do it all in a way that raises revenue by saving money, asking the richest Americans and corporations to pay their fair share, and increasing enforcement against tax cheats.” “The work is not done,” Himes continued. “The Senate still has to pass its version of the bill and we need to conclude negotiations that have tested the patience of the American people. But I am confident that we will get it across the finish line, building a better, healthier, more prosperous future for all of our neighbors in Southwest Connecticut and beyond.” For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-floor-remarks-support-build-back-better-act,DeLauro Floor Remarks in Support of the Build Back Better Act,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of the Build Back Better Act. A video of DeLauro's remarks can be found here. ""The Build Back Better Act strengthens our economy and changes the lives of millions of Americans. ""It fights inflation because it is fully paid for by making big corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share. No one making under $400,000 will pay a penny more in taxes. ""It expands and improves the Child Tax Credit, the biggest tax cut for working families with children – a transformative policy that I have been fighting for nearly 20 years. It is a lifeline for the middle class and lifts over 50 percent of children out of poverty. ""It guarantees that the cost of child care will not exceed seven percent of a families' income. It includes paid family and medical leave, which responds to the needs of all people so they can take time off to care for themselves or a loved one. ""It delivers a historic and once-in-a-generation investment in combatting climate change that cannot wait. It lowers health care costs. It provides Universal Pre-K. I could go on and on. ""We have an opportunity to build the architecture for the future for working families. Working and middle-class families across the country are counting on us to build a better and a stronger America.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-delauro-urges-secretary-vilsack-suspend-brazilian-beef-imports,Chair DeLauro Urges Secretary Vilsack to Suspend Brazilian Beef Imports,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to immediately suspend all imports of beef from Brazil after the country failed to promptly report cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy earlier this summer. ""I write urging you to use your authority to halt imports of beef from Brazil into the United States immediately,"" wrote Congresswoman DeLauro. ""The decision by Brazilian officials to hide the country's June 2021 cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy for months was reckless and appalling. Actions such as these threaten international efforts to combat outbreaks of animal diseases around the globe."" ""At the same time, we have known for years the underlying structural problems with Brazil's meat inspection system,"" continued Congresswoman DeLauro. ""We should act before a crisis occurs in order to protect American consumers, their families, and the farmers and ranchers of this country. This issue is made worse by our lack of mandatory country of origin labeling. Families are left without an option to tell where their beef comes from, and farmers and ranchers are forced to compete against beef imported from a country that refuses to play by the rules."" In March of 2017, DeLauro also urged USDA to suspend beef imports from Brazil following a two-year Brazilian federal police investigation into the country's corrupt meat and poultry industry. Later that year, she called on USDA to conduct a full and thorough review of Brazil's meat inspection systems before allowing further imports of Brazilian beef.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8FDB20F8-88EC-4E34-BBD5-557E2CFD96DB,"Hayes, Schiff Introduce See the Board Act to Equitably Expand Free Vision Care in Schools",2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Adam Schiff (CA-28) introduced the See the Board Act, legislation to help millions of students access optometry care at no cost to their families, bringing life-changing mobile vision services to schools in both rural and urban communities, and helping ensure children have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom. Due to inequitable access to vision care, it is estimated that more than two million students nationwide go to school each day without the glasses they need to fully participate and succeed in class. The consequences can reverberate throughout their entire academic career. Children with uncorrected vision are more likely to perform poorly in school and suffer from lower self-confidence. These consequences can lead students to be misdiagnosed with behavioral disorders and cause struggles throughout children’s lives. “Many families need assistance with vision and eyecare for their children. Often, eyecare is overlooked at home due to the cost of eyeglasses and the lack of access to an optometrist. Children with unaddressed vision impairments often struggle to complete their studies and lag behind their classmates. This disconnect has likely increased during the pandemic, while students had even less access to intervention services. The See the Board Act seeks to improve access to free, mobile vision services for students in public elementary and secondary schools, to eliminate barriers and allow children to concentrate in the classroom and stay engaged,” said Hayes. “No child should be prevented from experiencing the full benefits of an education because they cannot see the board at the front of their classroom. Bringing no-cost optometry care directly to students will have a significant impact on low-income families who cannot access eye care or cannot afford to miss work to travel to a specialist,"" said Schiff. ""Breaking down a systemic inequitable access to eye care will have a ripple effect through the entire lives of children who should be given every opportunity to thrive in the classroom from their earliest days.” The See the Board Act will authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to deliver grants to nonprofit organizations that provide cost-free, mobile vision services for students in public elementary and secondary schools. The nonprofits would be able to use these grant funds to purchase portable optometry equipment and to pay for operational costs, including direct health care, service delivery costs, and personal protective equipment. While vision services for low-income families, including a free pair of glasses for children, are covered under Medicaid, many eligible families face barriers that prevent them from accessing these services. Families are often unable to take time away from work and school or are unable to secure transportation to visit eye doctors. The See the Board Act is endorsed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Disability Rights Network, and Vision to Learn. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D994DF0E-2DE8-45D7-BF37-21CD1BDAA64E,Himes Statement as Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Becomes Law,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) released the following statement as President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law: “Democrats and Republicans have come together today to fulfill our promise for historic infrastructure investment in America. This law delivers at least $5.4 billion to Connecticut, with the chance for much more, and will improve the lives of all our neighbors in the 4th District. Today means a brighter future as we repair, rebuild, and improve our rail, roads, bridges, ports, pipes, and broadband all while creating good-paying, union jobs. I will always work to improve opportunity and quality of life for Connecticut families, and was proud to deliver for you today.” For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9E0A73BE-07AA-4A84-A7D8-FDB52552E0EB,"Hayes Votes to Pass Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Advancing Connecticut Priorities",2021-11-08,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted in favor of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The infrastructure bill will create high paying jobs, and help to repair and improve Connecticut's highways, bridges, rail, public transportation, and water infrastructure. Additionally, it provides a five-year reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs. The IIJA also includes resources to improve Connecticut ports, waterways, and high-speed internet access. The bill represents the largest reinvestment in America’s transportation infrastructure in more than two decades. “My office has heard from thousands of constituents seeking substantial legislation to address the economy. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act delivers on these priorities by improving our infrastructure and creating millions of American jobs.” said Congresswoman Hayes. “I specifically fought to include funding for Connecticut in the form of $100 million designated for accessible and affordable broadband; $445 million to replace pipes and ensure safe drinking water; and $2.5 billion for electric school buses to support efforts to mitigate climate change. This legislation puts Americans to work on projects that will improve our communities in a meaningful way, and I look forward to the President signing it into law.” Learn How the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Supports Connecticut: Roads and Bridges: Connecticut will receive about $3.5 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $561 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years. Connecticut can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities. Amtrak and Rail: This legislation is the largest investment in rail since the creation of Amtrak and positions rail to play a central role in our transportation and economic future. The bill invests $66 billion in additional rail funding to eliminate the Amtrak maintenance backlog and $30 billion to modernize the Northeast Corridor. Public Transportation and Electric Vehicles: Connecticut will receive about $1.3 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state. Connecticut would receive $53 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. Connecticut will also be eligible to apply for $2.5 billion in funding for electric school buses – funding Congresswoman Hayes was integral in securing. Internet Access: Connecticut will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including expanding access to at least 27,000 more Connecticut residents. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 654,000 or 18.7% of people in Connecticut will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access. Climate Change, Cyber Attacks, and Extreme Weather Events: Connecticut will receive $6.4 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $13 million to protect against cyberattacks. From 2010 to 2020, Connecticut has experienced 15 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $5 billion in damages. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Connecticut will also benefit from the historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families. Safe Drinking Water: Connecticut will receive $445 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is available in all communities. Currently, up to 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and childcare centers lack safe drinking water. Airports: Connecticut will receive approximately $62 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years. The United States built modern aviation, but our airports lag far behind our competitors. To learn more about how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act impacts you, read the state and territory fact sheets that highlight the nationwide impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-floor-remarks-support-rule-advance-build-back-better-act,DeLauro Floor Remarks in Support of Rule to Advance the Build Back Better Act,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of advancing the Build Back Better Act. A video of DeLauro's remarks can be found here. ""I rise in support of the Build Back Better Act that is before us today – a package of legislation that I believe ranks alongside the New Deal and Great Society in its impact. ""We must pass this legislation. It delivers a once-in-a-generation investment in children, families, and caregivers – and finally a scale of investment in combatting climate change that cannot wait. ""The Build Back Better Act expands and improves the Child Tax Credit, the biggest cut in taxes for working families with children – a groundbreaking and transformative policy that I have been fighting for—for nearly 20 years. I am proud that families with children under six received $300 a month and children six through 17 received $250 a month. It is a lifeline for the middle class and lifts over 50 percent of children out of poverty. It allows us to emerge from the shadows of the pandemic. It is Social Security for children. ""The Build Back Better Act adds to this with a first-time investment in child care that guarantees that its cost will not exceed seven percent of their income. And I am so proud that this package includes paid family and medical leave, which finally responds to the needs of workers and families so they can take time off to care for themselves or for a loved one when they are ill. ""We have an opportunity, an opportunity to build the architecture for the future for working families in this country. Working and middle-class families across the country are counting on us to build a better, stronger America.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-passage-historic-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill,DeLauro Statement on Passage of Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeLauro: ""This historic bill is about jobs, jobs, jobs."" WASHINGTON, DC — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today voted to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, historic legislation to create jobs, strengthen the economy, and revitalize crumbling infrastructure. ""After decades of disinvestment, we are finally making historic infrastructure investments that will create millions of good-paying jobs and shape our economy in a way that meets the moment,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""The bipartisan infrastructure bill repairs crumbling roads and bridges, invests in public transit and rail, expands broadband, and secures clean drinking water all while creating millions of jobs, in Connecticut and across the country, that cannot be outsourced. I am particularly pleased that this legislation ensures that contracted workers will be protected and paid prevailing wages. With the passage of this bill, including a $1.63 billion increase for Connecticut over the most recent transportation bill and $30 billion to modernize the Northeast Corridor, we are investing in a foundation for strong economic growth in Connecticut."" In addition to fighting for worker protections and the creation of good-paying jobs, DeLauro worked to secure critical funding for Connecticut including $5.38 billion over the next five years, a $1.63 billion increase over the most recent transportation bill enacted in 2015. The bill also provides a total of $100 billion in national competitive grants Connecticut can apply to receive including: $7.5 billion in RAISE grants for projects of local or regional significance $8 billion in CRISI Grants to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger rail $500 million in Reconnecting Communities grants for planning, design, demolition, and reconstruction of street grids or parks divided by transportation infrastructure $8 billion in Capital Investment grants for new and expanded high-capacity rail and bus service In addition to the new investments in surface transportation, the bipartisan infrastructure bill will help close the digital gap and connect all Connecticut households to reliable high-speed internet. Connecticut is expected to receive a minimum of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, and many low-income Connecticut families will be eligible for discounted broadband service.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=48B99DEC-3EF3-4DBA-977E-9726F1ACACD1,Himes Passes Historic Infrastructure Funding,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) released the following statement on the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: “Today, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will provide approximately $550 billion in new funding. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide almost $5.4 billion to the state of Connecticut and will create more than $100 billion in competitive grant programs for which organizations across the state will be eligible to apply.” “This bill has already passed the Senate and will move swiftly to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. It will finally bring American roads, rail, and bridges into the 21st Century and beyond. The bill includes landmark investment in public transportation, including Amtrak and regional rail, and makes repairs to bridges and highways that are necessary for us to remain competitive in the global economy. In addition, it will bring safe water, reliable broadband internet, electric vehicle infrastructure, updated ports and waterways, and much more to millions of Americans. For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=375AF089-69B0-4320-B847-FAEA08896873,Hayes Votes to Pass Protections for Older Job Applicants,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), releases a statement on the passage of the Protect Older Job Applicants Act of 2021 (H.R. 3992), a bill to address discrimination against older job applicants under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). “Every person deserves a chance to work without the worry of discrimination,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “In Connecticut, the percentage of workers over 54 years old rose from 20 percent in 2008 to 27 percent in 2019, making it the sixth state with the largest aging worker population in the United States. I supported the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2021 because providing older workers with a chance to enter and stay in the workforce is important for the growth of our communities and economy."" The Protect Older Job Applicants Act: Will amend the ADEA disparate impact statute to ensure that the ADEA protects older job applicants Clarifies that older “applicants for employment” are also protected from age discrimination under federal law Directly restores protections for older job applicants in the 7th and 11th Circuits by reversing Villarreal and Kleber, as well as prevent other circuits from adopting similar interpretations of the ADEA Strengthens the EEOC’s interpretation that the ADEA covers job applicants and aligns ADEA protections for job applicants with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 AARP testified before the Education and Labor Committee urging Congress to remedy the loophole created by the Court of Appeals’ decisions that exclude job applicants under ADEA The bill text can be found here. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=16A0C525-F33F-449A-ADD0-0D9EAE9098F6,Himes Chairs Hearing on Natural Resource Exploitation,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) chaired a hearing of the National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee entitled, “From Timber to Tungsten: How the Exploitation of Natural Resources Funds Rogue Organizations and Regimes.” The development, use, and export of natural resources are an important driver of national wealth. In some situations, however, illicit harvesting and trade can cause lasting ecological and humanitarian damage as well as provide funding to criminal organizations, terrorists, and rogue regimes. Today’s hearing examined the different methods of resource exploitation, as well as the tools available on the national and international level to combat them. “Experts estimate that the illicit natural resource market generates more than $100 billion a year, making it the fastest-growing international crime,” said Himes. “Proceeds from these crimes flow into terrorist coffers, support extremist organizations, and fund criminal operations around the world. We need to discuss how we can improve legal remedies, refine information sharing, and encourage the private sector to implement standards that recognize risks and suspicious behaviors.” Witnesses appearing at the hearing included: • Kidan Araya, Member, Illicit Trafficking Working Group, Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security; Board Member, Africa Policy Accelerator, CSIS • Carla García Zendejas, Director, People, Land, and Resources, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) • Channing Mavrellis, Illicit Trade Director, Global Financial Integrity • Kathleen Miles, Director of Analysis, Center on Illicit Networks and Organized Crime (CINTOC) • Joshua Fruth, Chief Strategy Officer, Section 2 Financial Intelligence Solutions For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov. The full bill is attached. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-applauds-inclusion-paid-family-and-medical-leave-build-back,DeLauro Applauds Inclusion of Paid Family and Medical Leave in the Build Back Better Act,2021-11-03,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued this statement celebrating the inclusion of four weeks of paid family and medical leave in the Build Back Better Act: ""We did it. The Build Back Better framework is transformational, and with the inclusion of paid family and medical leave, we are responding to the needs of workers and their families and building a more resilient economy. ""This victory is personal for so many American workers and their families, and it is personal for me. From taking time off when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer to caring for my mother in her final days, I took the time when I needed it. No one questioned my motives, threatened my job, or forced me to go without pay. All workers deserve this. Paid family and medical leave should be guaranteed not left to the whims of employers. ""I thank Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Neal for their tireless advocacy and their fight to get this over the finish line. Now is the time to pass this critical legislation."" DeLauro has been working on family and medical leave since the 1980s when she was Senator Dodd's Chief of Staff. She worked closely with Chairman Neal to craft the version of paid family and medical leave included in the Build Back Better Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-applauds-cardona-answering-call-establish-stronger-process,DeLauro Applauds Cardona for Answering Call to Establish a Stronger Process for Recouping Funds from Predatory Colleges,2021-11-02,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — House Appropriations Committee Chair and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued the following statement on revisions by the U.S. Department of Education to its proposed process for recouping funds from predatory institutions under Borrower Defense: ""I am pleased that under Secretary Cardona's leadership, the Department of Education strengthened its proposed process for recouping funds from predatory institutions that commit wrongdoings against student borrowers. As I recommended in my October letter to the Secretary, the Department is now proposing a recoupment process that is automatic and formalized rather than optional. In addition, the proposal makes clear that predatory schools will be liable for any amounts discharged through the Borrower Defense process except under certain reasonable circumstances.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0EFAA6DD-64FB-4182-80BC-FF65E25BC716,"At Himes Urging, Biden Approves Disaster Declaration for Connecticut",2021-11-01,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Congressional Leaders Successfully Secure Federal Aid in Wake of Hurricane Ida Greenwich, CT— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that President Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Connecticut in the wake of Hurricane Ida, which struck the state in early September, causing immense property damage. The disaster declaration will not only provide aid to state and local governments but will also make resources available to individuals and families. Federal aid may include housing assistance, crisis counseling, case management services, legal services, personal property damage, and transportation assistance. Ida-affected residents can learn more about these programs and other forms of assistance at www.himes.house.gov/Ida. “This was an all-hands-on-deck emergency,” said Himes. “Immediately after the storm, I started meeting with local leaders to survey damage and working with Governor Lamont and the other members of the Congressional delegation to ensure Connecticut would get the help we needed as quickly as possible. The process of working with FEMA and other federal agencies to secure disaster funding is rigorous, but, by working in unison, local, state, and federal officials were able to bring this assistance to the people who desperately need it.” The disaster declaration will also make money available to assist businesses that were negatively affected by Hurricane Ida. This aid comes primarily in the form of Business Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans to assist businesses that suffered either physical damage or loss of revenue due to the storm, respectively. For details on the programs and to learn more about eligibility and how to apply, business owners should visit www.himes.house.gov/Ida. In the wake of Hurricane Ida, Congressman Himes successfully worked to include $3 billion in the Congressional disaster relief bill to accelerate the construction of flood- and storm-damage reduction projects, with $1.5 billion of that money going specifically to states that declared a major disaster due to Ida. “The most important thing for government to do is take care of people in emergencies,” continued Himes. “Our neighbors in Southwest Connecticut need help and they need it now. That’s why I’m so proud today to be able to say we delivered.” Congressman Himes’ Disaster Resource and Recovery Guide, which goes into great depth on program benefits, requirements, and eligibility can be found at www.himes.house.gov/Ida. For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4AEFCF6F-F567-43D0-BF2E-F65420711863,Hurricane Ida Disaster Resources,2021-10-30,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Review Rep. Himes' Disaster Resource and Recovery Guide For More Information President Biden approved Governor Lamont’s request to declare a major disaster for the State of Connecticut and several counties due to damage caused by Hurricane Ida. Fairfield County residents with uninsured losses from Hurricane Ida may be eligible to get certain expenses covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). My office has compiled a Disaster Resource and Recovery Guide. I hope you’ll find this guide helpful to answer your questions about the resources that may be available if you were affected by Hurricane Ida. Click here to view the Disaster Resource and Recovery Guide. If you think you may qualify for any of the FEMA programs listed in the guide, click here to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance. If you think you may qualify for the SBA programs listed in the guide, click here to apply for SBA Disaster Loan Assistance. Fairfield County towns and cities may also receive assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which assists municipalities with costs of such as debris removal and emergency protective measures. As always, please do not hesitate to call my office if you need any additional assistance at (203) 333-6600. Sincerely, Jim",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=176742B0-208E-4874-8572-A908D786C00D,Congressman Himes Announces $1.25 Million in Federal Grant Funding for Drug-Free Communities Support Programs,2021-10-27,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Bridgeport, CT — Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that two community coalitions, the Community Fund of Darien’s Thriving Youth Task Force and Fairfield Public Schools in partnership with Fairfield CARES, received Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grants. Each will be awarded $625,000 over five years, totaling $1.25 million in funding to address local youth substance use. “The COVID-19 pandemic has put a real strain on our kids,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “It’s sadly not surprising that the National Institute of Health found an increase in adolescents using nicotine products and misusing prescription drugs. That’s why Drug-Free Communities Support Program and their partners’ work is more important than ever. I look forward to working with these organizations to ensure they have the resources needed to keep our communities safe and healthy.” ""The grant award is the culmination of many years of work and partnership with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Positive Directions of Westport, the Fairfield Public Schools, the Town of Fairfield, and the leadership team of the coalition"", said Philip Dwyer, Fairfield CARES Co-chair. ""This will allow Fairfield CARES to continue its focus on reducing alcohol and marijuana use among youth."" ""Fairfield CARES has worked consistently over many years with Fairfield Public Schools, as well as parent and community volunteers, to help the coalition achieve its mission and benefit from this opportunity,” said Mike Cummings, Superintendent of Schools and Co-chair of Fairfield CARES. “Thus Fairfield Public Schools was pleased to partner with CARES in this grant."" “The Thriving Youth Task Force’s programs will provide parents with critical information about how marijuana impacts the teen brain and strategies for keeping open lines of communication with their teen around all substance use,” said Thriving Youth Program Director Emily Larkin.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=AB05E4DB-01E9-409E-A7B6-C1E5776A5659,Rep. Hayes Releases Statement on H.R. 2119 - Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act,2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) releases statement on the passage of H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021, a bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and update the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. “I supported H.R. 2119, to reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act, because our communities need funding to address the increased rate of intimate partner and family violence. By improving local support services, we can also build the capacity of organizations whose mission is to help communities of color, Tribal communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Connecticut will receive a 37 percent increase in funding for programs tackling these issues, allowing men, women, children and vulnerable individuals to receive assistance when they need it most,” said Congresswoman Hayes. The Family Violence and Prevention Services Improvement Act (FVPSA) of 2021: Shifts investments to increase prevention efforts, therefore reducing the rate of intimate partner violence and decreasing the funding needs for support services; Increases dedicated resources for over-represented and underserved populations, including communities of color, Tribal communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities; and Ensures survivors can receive culturally appropriate, accessible services. For a fact sheet on the bill, click here. For a state-by-state estimates on increases in funding for shelter, services and other support, click here. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1B62F5B4-2B03-4B86-A82A-684ED37E8DF9,Rep. Hayes Releases Statement on H.R. 5142 - Congressional Gold Medal Bill,2021-10-25,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Jahana Hayes releases statement on H.R. 5142, legislation to award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal, in commemoration to the servicemembers who perished in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, during the evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport. ""I supported H.R. 5142 because every American owes our servicemembers a debt of gratitude for their heroic efforts in Afghanistan in August. These brave men and women sacrificed their lives to complete their mission and help those trying to escape the Taliban regime. May we keep the families and loved ones in our hearts. This legislation helps ensure they will not be forgotten,"" said Congresswoman Hayes. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E4C50F11-9390-44C9-BCF8-AA28AFC857DE,Rep. Hayes Votes to Pass Protections for Nursing Mothers,2021-10-22,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, releases a statement on the passage of the Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act (H.R. 3110), a bill to extend break time and space protections for nursing mothers in the workplace. Working mothers are not sufficiently protected under current federal break time and space law. “Mothers should not have to choose between nurturing their baby and working to provide for their family. I was happy to support the passage of the bipartisan PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act to expand and strengthen legal protections to provide nursing mothers with the time and privacy to pump at work,” said Congresswoman Hayes. This legislation expands protections to nearly nine million US workers in agriculture, transportation, airlines, and teachers and more to ensure they recover and supports them when their rights are violated. The PUMP Act: Extends break time and space protections to workers who are currently excluded from overtime protections, including agricultural workers, transportation workers, airline workers, and teachers; Ensures workers can recover appropriate forms of relief in court for violations, including reinstatement or back pay; Extends break time and space protections to workers up to two years after the employee gives birth or begins nursing a child; Ensures workers are covered by break time and space protections when they begin nursing a child, including an adopted child, or when they give birth, even if the infant is stillborn or the worker does not retain custody of the infant; and Clarifies that if a worker is not completely relieved of duty during breaks, such break time is considered hours worked and thus compensable. The bill text can be found here. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-honors-life-and-legacy-robert-juliano,DeLauro Honors Life and Legacy of Robert Juliano,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued this statement on the passing of Bob Juliano: ""My heart breaks over the passing of Robert Juliano, my dear friend that many of us affectionately knew as Cool Bobby J. A longtime labor representative and an unmatched champion of workers, Bob's efforts in Washington, DC, were guided by his work in the 1960s and 1970s as an elevator operator on the West Side of Chicago. ""Bob believed deeply in the power of bipartisanship to protect workers. He came to Washington to serve as a legislative representative for the Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union. He served as chairman and vice chairman of the U.S. Government's Travel and Tourism Advisory Board in the 1980s and 1990s. ""A fierce advocate in the labor movement and a friend to all—Bob shook hands and became close with some of our nation's top leaders in the fight for labor equality. He worked with UNITE HERE to protect the health care benefits of retired miners and worked on nearly every major piece of labor legislation over the last four decades. ""Bob loved telling the story of an event he hosted at his house—'a pizza competition.' I brought the best pizza in the country from New Haven, CT, and he brought a deep dish pizza from Chicago. The way he tells it, deep dish pizza won, but everyone in attendance knows New Haven pizza won by a landslide. Our pizza preferences may have differed, but as children of Italian immigrants, we created an unwavering bond.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A6B430E2-C8FB-475A-95F3-39B9D362D62C,"Himes, Blumenthal, Murphy, Jones Request Assistance for Byram River Basin Flooding Project",2021-10-12,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Washington, DC— Last week, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04), along with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Congressman Mondaire Jones (NY-17) sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) asking it to prioritize using recently approved construction funding for the Byram River Basin project. Flooding of the Byram River Basin has been a persistent problem for affected residents who suffer continued property damage and threat to their homes. The USACE has determined that two U.S. Route 1 bridges are major contributors to the flooding. A 2020 USACE study recommended removing and replacing the bridges. The Representatives and Senators asked that the USACE use appropriated funding provided by the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act to begin work on this critical project. The Act, which Rep. Himes supported, includes $3 billion to accelerate the construction of authorized flood and storm damage reduction projects. Because there is a backlog of authorized projects that haven’t received an appropriation, it’s critical that USACE prioritizes funding projects in flood-prone areas, like in the Byram River Basin. “In the wake of Hurricane Ida, we once again see how vulnerable many of our communities are to flooding,” said Congressman Himes. “And those thousands of people living around the Byram River Basin in Greenwich and Port Chester get hammered by rising waters again and again. We know the problem and we know the solution. We’re asking that the Army Corps takes swift action to fund this vital project to prevent any more flood damage, road closures, downed power lines, and unsafe conditions.” The full text of the letter can be found here. For more information, contact Elena Radding at Elena.Radding@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E2F5314E-5A7F-4FA2-9FE9-81C3899F3E37,Congressman Himes announces $79 million federal contract to Pitney Bowes,2021-10-12,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced the U.S. General Services Administration awarded Stamford-based Pitney Bowes a $79 million, five-year contract. The contract is for mailing equipment, supplies, and mailing solutions. Pitney Bowes employs over 1,000 employees in their Stamford headquarters and Shelton operation. “Pitney Bowes is an important member of our community, providing good-paying jobs and making our neighborhoods better through their Foundation,” said Himes. “It’s always a good thing when we are able to bring federal dollars home to Connecticut where they’ll make their way into the pockets of our working families. I’ll keep working to make sure our families, neighborhoods, and businesses are getting their fair share.” “Pitney Bowes is proud to serve the US government with our solutions which help simplify shipping and mailing and save money,” said Daniel Goldstein, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Pitney Bowes. “We appreciate all the work Congressman Himes does to advocate on behalf of Connecticut businesses.” Pitney Bowes opened their corporate headquarters in 1980 and their Shelton Technology Center in 1990. They serve over 750,000 businesses around the world and employ over 11,000 workers. Their Foundation has supported over 110,000 students and 1,425 non-profits.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-announces-creation-46-new-child-care-slots-and-20-new-full-time,"DeLauro Announces Creation of 46 New Child Care Slots and 20 New, Full-Time Education Jobs in New Haven",2021-10-07,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeLauro Secured $600,000 to Expand Montessori School on Edgewood in New Haven NEW HAVEN, CT — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today announced $600,000 from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Greater Dwight Development Corporation (GDDC) to expand the Montessori School on Edgewood infant toddler program in New Haven, Connecticut. As chair of the committee that determines federal funding for HHS, DeLauro secured this Community Economic Development (CED) grant that will have a transformative impact on child care in New Haven. ""The United States has been teetering on the brink of a child care crisis, but now, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed us over the edge,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""Even before the pandemic, affordable child care was already a significant and severe issue. With rising costs, people are struggling to pay their bills and struggling to keep their kids in child care. If parents do not have a safe, affordable place to send their kids, they will not be able to work. Access to child care is an economic issue that cannot be ignored. I am proud to have secured this funding to renovate the Montessori School on Edgewood that will create 46 new child care slots and 20 new full-time education jobs in New Haven. As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to create jobs that cannot be outsourced and increase access to high-quality, affordable child care across Connecticut."" These CED funds will be used to create onsite childcare slots for 16 children, as well as five family child care businesses that will create an additional 30 childcare slots in the Greater Dwight neighborhood. In order to create the five family child care businesses, GDDC will partner with All Our Kin, a nationally recognized expert in home-based childcare businesses, to provide extensive support and resources for people to become licensed providers. The project will also leverage an additional $2,400,652 and create 20 new, full-time education jobs, 15 of which will be filled by individuals with low income.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-applauds-overhaul-public-service-loan-forgiveness-program,DeLauro Applauds Overhaul of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program,2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued this statement applauding the Department of Education's significant changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF): ""People are struggling with their bills and taxes and need a government that looks out for the middle class and working families. By overhauling the broken PSLF program, the Biden Administration is making education a priority, supporting our frontline workers and first responders, and making good on our promise to help cover the cost of their higher education. ""Today, the Department of Education announced significant changes to the PSLF program that will help alleviate the burden of student loans for as many as 550,000 Americans who are eligible. The PSLF program recognizes the importance of public service to our nation's success and is intended to provide debt relief to committed public servants, including teachers, military service members, nurses, government employees, and others serving the public. In practice, PSLF has been notoriously difficult to navigate and has not lived up to its initial promises. Today's announced changes will simplify and improve the process, allowing long-term public servants to make the most of this important program. ""While the Trump Administration attempted to eliminate PSLF and cut student debt relief from the budget, I led the House in passing education spending bills with funding to expand opportunities for workers to access PSLF. We must ensure that there are adequate resources for those who choose to pursue a degree, particularly for those who choose to use their degrees in the service of others.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-condemns-anti-semitic-and-racist-graffiti-found-yale,DeLauro Condemns Anti-Semitic and Racist Graffiti Found at Yale,2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued this statement on the anti-Semitic, racist graffiti found on a building at Yale University: ""I am heartbroken by the anti-Semitic, racist symbols found on the Yale University campus. We must condemn anti-Semitism and bigotry in all its forms and whenever it occurs. This act of hate has no place in New Haven, or in any of our communities, and will not be tolerated.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-defazio-mcgovern-and-kildee-urge-epa-administrator-regan-fully,"DeLauro, DeFazio, McGovern, and Kildee Urge EPA Administrator Regan to Fully Address PFAS Pollution",2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Letter Comes as EPA Prepares Multiyear PFAS Strategy WASHINGTON, DC — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR-04), House Rules Committee Chairman James McGovern (D-MA-02), and Co-Chair of the Congressional PFAS Task Force Daniel Kildee (D-MI-05) today sent a letter to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan urging him to comprehensively address polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) in the Agency's forthcoming multi-year strategy. Specifically, the Members urged the EPA to fully address industrial discharges of these ""forever chemicals"" into the air and water. ""We are concerned the strategy currently being developed by the Agency will fail to meaningfully address industrial discharges of PFAS into the air and water,"" wrote Representatives DeLauro, DeFazio, McGovern, and Kildee. ""Any forthcoming strategy that fails to immediately designate these chemicals as hazardous substances, fails to accelerate efforts to set drinking water and groundwater cleanup standards, fails to address ongoing industrial releases of PFAS into the air and water, or fails to make sure PFAS wastes are properly disposed would also fail to meet the Agency's mission to protect human health and the environment."" ""For decades, communities living downwind and downstream of industrial PFAS polluters have waited for action,"" continued the Members. ""We look forward to working with you to ensure they receive the protection they deserve."" Earlier today, more than 150 advocacy groups also sent a letter urging Administrator Regan to strengthen efforts to tackle industrial discharges of PFAS under the Clean Water Act. The full text of the Members' letter is below. A PDF copy is available here. Dear Administrator Regan: We are writing regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) continued efforts to address the contamination of American communities from pollution of per-and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS). Specifically, we are concerned the strategy currently being developed by the Agency will fail to meaningfully address industrial discharges of PFAS into the air and water. In April 2021, we supported your decision to establish a new EPA Council on PFAS, recognizing the seriousness of the problem and the need to coordinate the Agency's work from a senior level. We also support the ongoing development of a multi-year strategy on PFAS, including the need to identify new strategies and priorities. But critically, such a strategy must include real protections that address the primary causes of PFAS contamination. To date, thousands of communities have confirmed the presence of PFAS in their drinking water. For too many American families, this exposure is increasing their risk of cancer and other serious health problems. Despite estimates by experts that as many as 30,000 manufacturers are discharging PFAS, the Agency has for decades failed to set legal standards for industries that discharge their PFAS wastes into the air and water. Our concerns have only increased since the Agency released its Preliminary Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15 earlier this month. Despite the well documented risks posed by PFAS, Preliminary Plan 15 excludes most of the industry categories responsible for PFAS pollution and fails to set deadlines for new standards. We find this unacceptable. On two separate occasions, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation that would require the Agency to set PFAS standards for nine industry categories within four years. Anything less ambitious than the standards endorsed by the House would fall short of what communities struggling with PFAS pollution expect from EPA. Any forthcoming strategy that fails to immediately designate these chemicals as hazardous substances, fails to accelerate efforts to set drinking water and groundwater cleanup standards, fails to address ongoing industrial releases of PFAS into the air and water, or fails to make sure PFAS wastes are properly disposed would also fail to meet the Agency's mission to protect human health and the environment. For decades, communities living downwind and downstream of industrial PFAS polluters have waited for action. We look forward to working with you to ensure they receive the protection they deserve. Sincerely, ROSA L. DeLAURO Chair House Committee on Appropriations PETER A. DeFAZIO Chair House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure JAMES P. McGOVERN Chairman House Committee on Rules DANIEL T. KILDEE Co-Chair Congressional PFAS Task Force",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-thanks-dr-francis-collins-28-years-leadership-national,"DeLauro Thanks Dr. Francis Collins for 28 Years of Leadership at the National Institutes of Health, Including 13 Years as NIH Director",2021-10-05,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued this statement thanking Dr. Francis Collins for 28 years of leadership at the National Institutes of Health, including 13 years as NIH Director across three administrations: ""I want to thank Dr. Francis Collins for three decades of groundbreaking service at the National Institutes of Health, including mapping the human genome, and commend him on his steadfast leadership of the NIH for the past 13 years. ""There is a reason Dr. Francis Collins is the only Presidentially appointed NIH director to serve in more than one administration. His steadfast leadership guided by both reason and faith has changed the course of biomedical research around the world and challenged the boundaries of science. ""Dr. Collins changed the realm of possibility for treatment of a number of diseases. In addition to guiding the Human Genome Project, his own research laboratory discovered several important genes, including those responsible for cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, Huntington's disease, a familial endocrine cancer syndrome, genes for type 2 diabetes, and the gene that causes Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a rare cause of premature aging. ""As an ovarian cancer survivor, I know I am only here today by the grace of God and because of biomedical science. The scientific and medical breakthroughs supported by NIH have allowed millions of Americans, myself included, to live healthier and longer lives. Dr. Collins is to thank for so many of the breakthroughs we have had in both the identification and treatment of life-threatening diseases. ""He was also a trusted partner in the fight to address gender difference in preclinical trials. I am so proud that we worked together to ensure our research efforts aligned with the reality that diseases present themselves and evolve differently in women. Dr. Collins understood that women respond to treatments in different ways, and he knew that balance in research was critical to ensuring women are treated on an equal playing field with men. ""In 2006, I was thrilled to invite Dr. Collins to share his writings and faith with Members of Congress who had gathered at my home. As a Catholic, I was grateful to have his voice leading the conversation about the nexus of faith and reason. That evening, Dr. Collins proved that he truly is prime evidence that the two do not have to be in conflict. At the end of the night, he sang and played his guitar for us, his brilliance beyond science and religion on full display for the group. ""With Dr. Collins' departure, we are not just losing someone with unparalleled expertise from the highest role at the NIH, but I am losing a trusted voice and a dear friend. I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Collins for the rest of the year and cannot wait to see what new and exciting challenges he will embark on beyond his time at NIH.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=08B1FB3D-55CA-47E4-BE76-61EF68CCDB90,"Hayes, Veasey Introduce Bill to Extend Funds for Internet Connectivity Across Nation",2021-10-05,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) introduced Preventing Disruptions to Universal Services Funds Act to extend access to federal funds for telecommunications programs for three years, eliminating the need for a yearly fund recertification. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated and laid bare the challenges faced by households without broadband access, and for isolated communities without sufficient internet connection. As schools transitioned to remote learning, many students were forced to seek internet access in their community, traveling to libraries, coffee shops, or even parking lots where they can find a signal to log in to their classes and do their homework. “After 18 months of this pandemic, it is clear that access to the internet is essential. Yet burdensome, and outdated federal law puts access in jeopardy, threatening the funding for critical programs to make the internet accessible in high need schools and communities and those living in rural areas. From expanding telehealth to helping students learn, this fund should be something that communities can consistently count on, and not be impacted by unnecessary annual action by Congress,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “In April 2020, Pew Research Center reported 40 percent of children used public Wi-Fi to complete schoolwork due to lack of internet access. As schools reopen it has become clear just how important that access is – to ensure that kids remain connected. The Preventing Disruptions to Universal Services Funds Act will ensure that federal broadband programs remain active through the remainder of this crisis decreasing the digital divide and homework gap.” “Many of my constituents in Texas’ 33rd district rely on critical programs funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF) – a service that low-income Americans and students depend on to access a consistent telephone and internet connection to help them live their daily lives,” said Congressman Veasey. “I am proud to join Rep. Hayes to introduce the Preventing Disruptions to Universal Service Funds Act because it ensures that this vital program will not be disrupted. We are in a pivotal time moving past the covid pandemic and Americans don’t need any more road blocks that will keep them from living and thriving in our communities.” The Universal Service Fund helps to fund the following programs: The Schools and Libraries Program, commonly called the E-Rate Program, provides needs based discounts to eligible schools and libraries for telecommunications services. The Rural Health Care Program, which helps reduce cost and ensure parity for rural health care providers’ internet services. This program helps make telehealth more accessible for patients. The Lifeline Program, which helps provides subsidies to reduce costs for qualified broadband consumers or households, like those accessing SNAP or housing assistance. Has of how it is funded. For the past several years, Congress has exempted the Fund from the Anti-Deficiency Act for the next year. This bill is simple, it would extend the exemption for 3 years just to make sure that there is no disruption to the funds going to these important initiatives. The bill was created to ensure internet access for millions across the country is not disrupted by federal funding costs allowing for continuous access to available resources. “The sustainability and stability of the Universal Service Fund (USF) is key to ensure high-quality and affordable telephone service and broadband access are available to low-income and rural Americans, rural health care facilities, and schools and libraries. On behalf of NTCA, I applaud Reps. Hayes and Veasey for introducing legislation to extend the USF Antideficiency Act exemption. For nearly two decades, Congress has acted to extend this exemption that was first put in place in 2004. Without an exemption, the Antideficiency Act threatens to have an unintended, but immediate crippling effect on the fund. This legislation to extend the exemption for multiple years takes necessary and needed steps so that USF can operate effectively and reliably,” said Shirley Bloomfield, chief executive officer of the NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association. To view the bill text please click here. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-urges-cardona-establish-stronger-process-recouping-funds,DeLauro Urges Cardona to Establish a Stronger Process for Recouping Funds from Predatory Colleges,2021-10-04,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeLauro to Cardona: ""Predatory for-profit colleges should be on notice that there will be straightforward, substantial financial consequences for any unscrupulous behavior that leads to a successful borrower defense claim."" WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, today sent a letter to Secretary Miguel Cardona urging the United States Department of Education to make changes to the proposed process for recouping funds from predatory institutions. Today, the Department of Education will begin negotiated rulemaking on a variety of higher education topics including Borrower Defense, an Obama administration regulation that would have allowed students to have their federal student loan debt discharged if their school misled or defrauded them. Under the Trump administration, Secretary DeVos rolled back these regulations by making it harder for borrowers to seek relief and by making it easier for for-profit colleges to avoid financial penalties for serious wrongdoing. In her letter, DeLauro wrote, ""I appreciate that the Department recognizes how the recoupment process from institutions should serve as a strong deterrent to predatory for-profit colleges. Unfortunately, much of the language in Issue Paper #8 could render the recovery process toothless and fail to establish a strong deterrent effect that protects student borrowers."" While the Department of Education released draft proposals for Borrower Defense, DeLauro expressed concerns that the proposed process for recouping funds from predatory colleges fails to establish a strong deterrent effect to protect student borrowers and hold for-profit, predatory colleges accountable. ""I appreciate your consideration of these recommendations for the recoupment process to establish a strong deterrent effect that protects student borrowers,"" DeLauro continued. ""Predatory for-profit colleges should be on notice that there will be straightforward, substantial financial consequences for any unscrupulous behavior that leads to a successful borrower defense claim."" The full text of the letter is below. A PDF copy is available here. Dear Secretary Cardona, In the 116th Congress, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on predatory for-profit colleges. At this hearing, I heard testimony from a disabled veteran who was assured by a for-profit college that he could enroll using only grant aid and GI Bill benefits and would not need to take out any student loans to attend; however, he came to find out that he owed approximately $100,000 in student loan debt and was unable to find employment in his field of study after graduating from the for-profit institution. Sadly, his story is not an outlier. To protect borrowers like these, I am writing to urge you to make changes to the Department's proposed process for recouping funds from predatory institutions. I appreciate that the Department recognizes how the recoupment process from institutions should serve as a strong deterrent to predatory for-profit colleges. Unfortunately, much of the language in Issue Paper #8 could render the recovery process toothless and fail to establish a strong deterrent effect that protects student borrowers. Though I support the Department's proposal to separate the process of borrower relief from the adjudication of recoupment from institutions, I am concerned by the proposal to make the recovery process merely an option that can be exercised by the agency. The Department correctly recognizes that student borrowers who were harmed should receive swift relief without having to wait for potentially lengthy proceedings where institutions can contest determinations. However, the Department must draft strong rules that establish an expectation that there will always be straightforward, substantial consequences for the predatory actions that lead to a successful borrower defense claim. Under the previous administration, representatives of predatory for-profit colleges oversaw higher education policy at the Department and granted their sector every possible leniency and advantage during their tenure. If a proposal making recoupment merely optional was in place during that time, these conflicted individuals would have never exercised the option to recoup, letting predatory for-profit colleges off the hook. To address this concern, the Department can retain its proposal to first complete the borrower approval process and grant relief to successful claims; however, procedures for the subsequent institutional recoupment process should be automatic and formalized rather than optional. The Department may want to establish a reasonable, de minimis threshold for initiating this process in instances where the institution has closed and clearly lacks sufficient assets to cover liabilities. In addition, I am concerned by the Department's proposal that the recovery ""amount could be no greater than the amount of approved [loan] discharges but could also be less."" To establish a strong deterrent effect through recoupment amounts, the loans discharged should be the floor rather than the ceiling. The Department should not give predatory institutions hope that they can always seek the lowest possible penalty when they commit wrongdoings that harm student borrowers. Instead, the Department should formalize a process to use its authority to impose sanctions and corrective actions on predatory institutions on top of recouping full amounts from loans discharged. Such sanctions should include fines commensurate with the scope of the misrepresentations and wrongdoing committed by the institution. Further, the Department should establish procedures that ensure recoveries and fines are received from the institution in a timely manner. Finally, I am concerned that the Department is seeking to limit its ability to recoup funds from predatory institutions to any borrower defense relief for loans issued after the effective date of these regulations, pushing the timeline for meaningful accountability far into the future. Like the proposal to develop a single federal standard for all borrower defense claims regardless of when the loan was first disbursed, the Department should also seek to recoup loan discharges regardless of when the loan was disbursed. By proposing to significantly delay recoupment and sanctions for institutions that commit substantial misrepresentations and other misconduct, the Department will be granting predatory colleges a lifeline to operate for years without suffering any meaningful financial penalty. The Department should change its proposal and recoup funds retroactively to avoid this negative incentive and to strengthen the deterrent effect of the recoupment process. As your Department works on these proposed regulations, I appreciate your consideration of these recommendations for the recoupment process to establish a strong deterrent effect that protects student borrowers. Predatory for-profit colleges should be on notice that there will be straightforward, substantial financial consequences for any unscrupulous behavior that leads to a successful borrower defense claim. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Rosa L. DeLauro Chair",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=589795B5-B8E4-4545-8FA2-0C6A0BE575B0,Hayes Announces Bill to Improve Data Collection on School Shootings,2021-10-04,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), and Lucy McBath (GA-06) announced the School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act. The legislation will allow the public and policy makers to gain a complete and accurate picture of gun violence in and around our school campuses, and provide actionable data to build effective strategies to prevent bloodshed at America’s places of learning. The School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act would create a definition for ‘school shooting,’ which does not exist in federal law. Currently, policy makers rely on media reports of ‘school shootings,’ which can vary widely. With a standard definition, lawmakers would have a reliable way to measure incidents, trends, and the impact of reforms and strategies designed to save lives. This bill would also direct the Department of Education to consult with the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS) to produce comprehensive annual reports on school safety indicators, such as shooting and fatality statistics, shooter and victim demographics, shooter motivations, the types of firearms and ammunition acquired and used, and more. It would also track prevention efforts, such as building designs, and communication and response plans. Without that, a true understanding of the problem remains as elusive as the best solutions we need to finally end it. ""Gun violence prevention is a top concern for me, and my constituents. Every day we continue to see these tragedies occur impacting the safety of our schools. In 2018 and 2019, there were 24 and 25 school shootings respectively. The School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act is a key prevention measure providing the framework to obtain the data needed to be pro-active,"" said Hayes. ""By analyzing the history of school shootings, we can identify shooting and fatality statistics; shooter and victim demographics, shooter motivations; the firearms and ammunition acquired and used; and maintain a database, so we can attempt to get to the core of why this phenomenon continues to occur."" “We will never loosen the chokehold opponents of gun safety have on solving this public health crisis until we fully understand the carnage that firearms inflict on Americans, especially on our school campuses,” said Wasserman Schultz. “The more we know about the dangers that guns pose to our classrooms, the more likely we are to prevent the next Marjorie Stoneman Douglas or Sandy Hook massacre. Protecting students and teachers, and understanding the real dangers they face from firearms, is yet one more political space where all sides can agree that we need to make swift, substantial progress. We just need the data to help identify trends and gaps, and then we can work toward solving it. This legislation would build a sturdy foundation to make schools safer.” “School shootings and mass shootings have become far too common in our country,” said McBath. “There is not currently a federal definition for a ‘school shooting,’ yet far too many of our young people have witnessed one firsthand. We must understand the extent of this heartbreaking tragedy before we can find the solutions necessary to solve it, and I thank all those who continue to stand with us in the fight to end gun violence.” Various gun safety and education groups are also backing this critical legislation: “Congress must take a comprehensive and holistic approach to keep youth safe from gun violence. Ensuring we have the best data possible on violence in schools is necessary to save lives,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise and father of Daniel who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. “We applaud Reps. Hayes, Wasserman Schultz and McBath for introducing this critical legislation.” “The School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act is a step in the right direction as the first piece of federal legislation to define and produce data on school shootings,” said Elizabeth Brown, principal of Forest High School in Ocala, FL, and a member of the NASSP Principal Recovery Network. “I know from firsthand experience how devastating these school shootings can be — their reverberations impact not only students, staff, and educators, but entire communities. As school leaders, it’s critical that we have up to date information that will allow us to make the best decisions to ensure our schools are the safe and welcoming places they need to be.” “School shootings are not an inevitable part of American life. In fact, they are avoidable tragedies. Instead of traumatizing our children with active shooter drills, we should find solutions to prevent gun violence in our nation’s schools,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, Giffords’ Federal Affairs Director. “The School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act would help do just that by creating the federal framework for collecting and sharing data about school shootings, including establishing a federal definition for school shootings and ensuring regular reporting on these incidents. We thank Congresswomen Wasserman Schultz, McBath, and Hayes for their leadership in introducing this bill and working to keep our students, educators, and communities safe from gun violence.” To view the bill text please click here. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-announces-more-25-million-workforce-alliance,DeLauro Announces More Than $2.5 Million for Workforce Alliance,2021-10-01,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN, CT — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today announced that Workforce Alliance, Inc., has been awarded $2,532,680 from the United States Department of Labor's CAREER Dislocated Worker Grants. This grant is one of 29 awards nationwide to help connect job seekers to employment as the economy continues to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. ""As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee and the subcommittee that is charged with overseeing the funding for the Department of Labor, I am thrilled that Workforce Alliance is a recipient of a CAREER Dislocated Grant,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""This funding supports successful re-entry into the workforce for Connecticut residents who are out of work due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As our community continues pandemic recovery efforts, Workforce Alliance is doing critical work to provide life skills and job training to people seeking employment. I remain committed to ensuring that federal funds are used to support Connecticut's workers and build back a stronger and more inclusive economy. This grant is a step in that direction."" ""The pandemic showed us that we needed to modify and improve the technology that allows remote services, but also revealed how much more we need to do to increase awareness of the public workforce system especially for those who don't have access to technology,"" said Bill Villano, President and CEO of Workforce Alliance, one of five workforce boards in Connecticut.""This grant means that technology and access can be consistent across the state.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=01723DCD-E938-4D1A-9541-2C99EDECE463,"Hayes, Dingell Unveil Legislation to Hold Educational Institutions Accountable for Sexual Assault",2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswomen Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Debbie Dingell (MI-12) introduced legislation to hold education institutions accountable for any mishandling of sexual assault reports and failing to prevent further assaults. Amidst continued sexual assault lawsuits regarding Michigan higher education institutions, the legislators are calling on schools to take responsibility for these cases and work to prevent future impact on students. “Gender-based violence is a heinous reality for too many students, faculty and staff on college campuses, and K-12 schools. The statistics are alarming, and no one should endure this treatment, ” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The impact of gender-based violence has a ripple effect for survivors, including academic challenges, and a range of physical and mental health issues. One incident of gender-based violence is one too many, and those that enable and perpetuate violence must be held accountable. This bill would ensure that the onus is on education institutions to take responsibility for campus culture and sufficiently prevent and respond to violence against students, faculty and staff. We need to protect students and survivors. I am committed to working to keep school campuses safe from gender-based violence.” The Title IX Take Responsibility Act would establish notice and reasonable care standards to hold educational institutions liable for sex discrimination, further defining criteria for how schools must exercise action to prevent and correct the impacts of sexual assault. The bill also would provide an individual private right of action for any institution’s failure to enforce these rights under the established standards and allows for equitable relief for the victim. “For too long survivors of assault have suffered in silence, afraid to come forward for fear of retribution, attacks on their character, physical fear or, quite frankly, lack of action. Unfortunately, we see too much of it in Michigan, we see it across the country, and I’ve seen it in my own home,” said Rep. Dingell. “What has to be addressed is how schools have a responsibility to investigate potential patterns on their campuses and not pretend they’re not happening or sweep it under rug. Even if charges aren’t filed after an assault, that doesn’t mean they aren’t happening. As rumors spread across schools and their communities and people are discussing possible assaults, we need school administrations and faculty to keep their ear to the ground and strongly address potential threats to students to finally change the culture of treating this as a taboo subject. There is a serious responsibility on educational institutions to understand the culture of sexual assault at their schools and protect students, especially those who are afraid to report assaults or pursue help. This legislation is a first step in holding them accountable for any Title IX discrimination and mishandling sexual assault reports.” “Courts have created barriers denying student survivors the justice they deserve for too long,” said Shiwali Patel, Director of Justice for Student Survivors & Senior Counsel at the National Women’s Law Center. “Students’ education and livelihoods have suffered because schools have been allowed by courts to do less than workplaces to protect survivors of sexual harassment. We’re proud to support this bill that will restore Title IX’s purpose to protect students’ civil rights and ensure no student is denied access to education because of sexual harassment.” The view the text of the bill please click here. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-applauds-biden-administration-decision-roll-back-misguided-tip,DeLauro Applauds Biden Administration Decision to Roll Back Misguided Tip Regulations,2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC– House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued this statement applauding the United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh for restoring the United States Department of Labor's (DOL) ability protect employees and ensure workers maintain ownership of their tips. ""Tipped workers—not their bosses—are entitled to their hard-earned dollars. Too many people are working in jobs that do not pay them enough to live on. Given that reality, we must prevent employers from illegally pocketing workers' tips. ""The previous administration implemented policies that consistently prioritized businesses and employers over workers. The rule implemented by the Trump administration that allowed employers to keep employees' tips was misguided and contrary to regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In December 2019, I joined Senator Murray in urging DOL to abandon this harmful regulation, and I am proud Secretary Walsh and the Biden Administration have answered our call.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-auchincloss-introduce-we-need-eviction-data-now-act,"DeLauro, Auchincloss Introduce the We Need Eviction Data Now Act",2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Legislation To Create Federal Database to Track Evictions WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) today introduced the We Need Eviction Data Now Act of 2021 which would create a national database to standardize data and track evictions. This legislation would also establish a Federal Advisory Committee on Eviction Research to make recommendations related to eviction data collection and create policies to prevent the removal of families and individuals from their homes. After the recent ruling by the Supreme Court to end the Biden administration's eviction moratorium, nearly 6.5 million people could face eviction over the next few months. Currently, the federal government has no way of tracking evictions. A tracking system would provide critical data for policymakers to craft more evidence-based legislation to prevent evictions and allocate related resources. ""If the federal government does not intervene quickly with additional measures to prevent evictions and allocate federal resources, we will continue to see a wave of evictions across the country,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""In addition to the personal trauma that comes with a family losing their home, mass evictions exacerbate a devastating public health crisis by contributing to a surge of the Delta variant. While we must continue to fight to extend the federal eviction moratorium and distribute existing federal resources to keep families in their homes, we must pass this bill to allow us to track displacement. I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Auchincloss, in taking this important step toward more informed policymaking. Only with good data can we properly allocate federal resources to assist families struggling to keep their homes."" ""In order to help tenants stay housed, we must understand the discrepant impact of evictions in neighborhoods across the country,"" said Congressman Auchincloss. ""These disparities exist in my district, which is why I am working with Chairwoman DeLauro to reintroduce the We Need Eviction Data Now Act. By developing a comprehensive federal eviction database, we are taking the first step needed to ensure housing stability for all Americans."" ""Nearly 6.5 million households are currently behind on rent and are at risk of losing their homes in the coming weeks and months as the pandemic continues to surge,"" said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. ""This impending eviction crisis underscores the need for both urgent action to keep renters stably housed now and long-term solutions, including the ‘We Need Eviction Data Now Act.' This legislation would create a national database to track evictions, providing advocates and policymakers at all levels of government with the data they need to better ensure housing stability among America's lowest-income and most marginalized renters. We look forward to working with Representative DeLauro to enact this legislation."" ""Long before the current pandemic, the U.S. was gripped by an eviction crisis. Given the economic devastation wrought by Coronavirus, the We Need Eviction Data Now Act from Representatives DeLauro and Auchincloss is more essential than ever to our efforts to curb the crisis,"" said Shamus Roller, Executive Director for the National Housing Law Project. ""Currently, there is no system in place to measure the extent of the eviction crisis nationwide. Comprehensive data collection will help us combat the devastating effects of eviction on families, create more responsive policies, and reduce housing instability and homelessness.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=71DA5E99-7ADF-4C11-BEA1-AB880CB43F2F,Rep. Hayes Votes to Defend Reproductive Health Rights,2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted to defend women’s constitutional right to reproductive health care with H.R. 3755, the Women’s Health Protection Act. Amid a dangerous assault on women’s basic health freedoms – from state houses across the country to the U.S. Supreme Court – this landmark legislation enshrines into law the vital protections of Roe v. Wade and secures the right to reproductive care for all women across America. “Today, the House took a historic step to codify Roe v. Wade after the Supreme Court failed to protect its own precedent. I voted for the Women’s Health Protection Act because we need to defend the basic freedom of every woman in every community to make their own health care decisions. I believe that abortion and reproductive health are a woman’s constitutional right and I stand against efforts in Texas and across the country that attempt to undermine this freedom and put lives at risk,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Let us not forget that many of these attacks are aimed at our most vulnerable communities – low-income women, and women of color. Access to safe, affordable reproductive care is critical for all.” For years, state legislatures have waged an all-out assault on women’s reproductive rights. 2021 is on track to be the worst legislative year for women’s health rights, with 90 measures restricting reproductive rights enacted since July – more than in any year since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. On May 19th, Texas enacted SB 8, the most extreme abortion law in effect in the United States. This catastrophic legislation outlaws nearly all abortions after six weeks, with no exceptions for rape and incest, while also creating a chilling bounty system that deputizes private citizens to sue health care providers or anyone else they believe has helped a woman get an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Shamefully, the Supreme Court voted to permit this law to go into effect, despite its flagrant violation of the Constitution, by effectively denying Texas women the ability to exercise their constitutional rights guaranteed by Roe. The Supreme Court could take further action to gut Roe’s essential protections when it considers Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on December 1st. The Women’s Health Protections Act codifies the constitutional right to abortion care as found in Roe and reaffirmed in many subsequent decisions for nearly half a century. It establishes the federal statutory right for health care providers to offer abortion care and the federal right for patients to receive that care, free from state restrictions. # # # Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E9F5CAA8-ABAF-4679-945E-0EAD7EFB5A30,Hayes Statement on the Mistreatment of Haitian Migrants at the Border,2021-09-23,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Hayes (CT-05) releases a statement on the mistreatment of Haitian migrants at the border: “The images we have all seen of Haitians at the border, suffering abuse at the hands of U.S. officials, are unconscionable. In the wake of this migrant crisis, I was shocked and horrified to see the images of the interaction between U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and Haitians. I am equally disappointed and dissatisfied with the response from the Biden Administration thus far. “These actions resemble an outdated and cruel history of treatment towards Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities, and it has no place in our society. ""I have been working to get answers to the obvious questions so many of my constituents are asking. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Professional Responsibility has launched an investigation, and I look forward to learning more about the action taken to deport Haitians seeking asylum. “Yesterday, I joined my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus and Hispanic Caucus at a press conference to speak against the mistreatment of Haitians seeking asylum. CBC Members also visited the White House to meet with senior administration officials and reiterated the call for humanitarian assistance for those at the border including: Immediately conducting a full investigation of the violence against Haitian migrants, public release of the results of the investigation and a call for removal of CBP agents identified in photos on horseback brutalizing migrants. Clarify public narrative surrounding the treatment of Haitian migrants, which stands in stark contrast to what the public witnessed regarding the treatment received by Afghan refugees. Haitian migrants are being deported under Section 42 Public Health Order issued in March 2020 which allows the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deport migrants without any due process or opportunities to claim asylum. This process is discretionary. Ensure Haitian migrants are provided with necessities like food and water. Provide a detailed breakdown regarding U.S. efforts to support repatriated Haitians, including any assistance, aid, or healthcare including Covid-19 vaccinations, and/or counseling delivered. “In August, with a full awareness of the dire situation in Haiti, I joined 53 of my colleagues in calling on the Biden Administration to provide humanitarian parole for Haitians arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, and halt the application of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) Title 42 ban and Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). This letter also urged the Biden Administration to immediately halt deportations in response to the earthquake that devastated Haiti, like the action taken by the U.S. government following the previous earthquake in Haiti in January 2010. “I will continue to monitor these efforts and work to ensure Haitian’s migrants have the full protection afforded to those seeking asylum under U.S. law. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4F3DF142-7FA4-44BD-8CE8-8EA8FC63EA0A,Himes Chairs Hearing on Federal Reserve Board Pandemic Response,2021-09-23,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) chaired a hearing of the National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee entitled, “Lending in a Crisis: Reviewing the Federal Reserve’s Emergency Lending Powers During the Pandemic and Examining Proposals to Address Future Economic Crises.” The hearing examined measures taken by the Federal Reserve to bolster the economy and buttress vulnerable financial institutions during the coronavirus pandemic, including lending to facilities that support the corporate and municipal bond markets. In addition, the Federal Reserve set up systems to purchase loans made to small and mid-sized businesses by establishing the Main Street Lending Program. “The United States’ economy has faced crises before, and will certainly face crises again,” said Himes. “Our goal for today’s hearing is to learn what lessons we can from the Fed’s response to the pandemic and use that knowledge to increase our preparedness and resiliency for the future.” Witnesses appearing at the hearing included: • The Honorable Shawn Wooden, Treasurer, State of Connecticut, and President-Elect of the National Association of State Treasurers • Mike Konczal, Director, Macroeconomic Analysis and Progressive Thought, Roosevelt Institute • June Rhee, Director Master of Management Studies in Systemic Risk, Yale School of Management • Claudia Sahm, Senior Fellow, Jain Family Institute • Christopher Russo, Post-Graduate Research Fellow, Mercatus Center For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov. The full bill is attached.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=783EDC16-54D5-42F9-9BC0-BD9DB3D0B879,"Congressman Jim Himes announces $500,000 Federal Grant to the Barnum Museum",2021-09-22,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Last week, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced the Barnum Museum will receive a $500,000 grant from the National Parks Service (NPS) to repair the historic building’s 79 windows. Congressman Himes joined Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, Barnum’s great-great-great-granddaughter Elinor Biggs, and Barnum Museum director Kathleen Maher. The NPS Save America’s Treasures grant provides funding to preserve and conserve nationally significant structures and sites. “I’m thrilled to bring substantial federal resources to preserve the legacy of P.T. Barnum, one of Connecticut’s most colorful figures,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “This $500,000 investment will ensure future generations will be able to enjoy the Greatest Show on Earth. The museum’s thousands of artifacts and extensive digital collection inspire awe and curiosity in visitors of all ages. I look forward to continuing to support the Barnum Museum’s conservation of important Connecticut history.” “P.T. Barnum was more than 60 years old when he created the infamous “The Greatest Show on Earth,” but his life-long passion was his numerous Museum enterprises,” said Barnum Museum director, Kathleen Maher. “The ornate, exotic Barnum building distinguishes the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut’s uniqueness, it is a symbol of achievement and creativity, and is a testament to the pioneers and visionaries who continue to shape the future of this great City. We are thrilled and honored to receive this funding, it enables us to continue the important restoration and revitalization work, and we are thankful to be acknowledged with this important award.” According to the Barnum Museum, the museum is the leading authority on P.T. Barnum’s life and work, and contains more than 60,000 artifacts relating to Barnum, Bridgeport and 19th century America. The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Click here to learn more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=94A7259B-82F1-487F-BF24-9D6224C98C2A,"Himes, Warner Introduce Portable Retirement Investment Accounts",2021-09-22,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the Portable Retirement and Investment Account (PRIA) Act of 2021. The PRIA Act will create universal, portable retirement and investment accounts that will be accessible to all Americans throughout their lives and move our retirement system into the 21st century. “The current retirement system isn’t working for all Americans,” said Himes. “The options to which American workers have access can differ significantly based on their area of employment and the systems can be needlessly confusing. In addition, many Americans lose access to retirement savings vehicles if they lose their jobs, and gig, contract, and part-time workers are often ineligible. PRIA changes all of this.” “Americans are more likely to change jobs and be engaged in non-traditional forms of work than they were a generation ago, but our policies haven’t kept up with these shifts,” Warner said. “As more and more Americans hold multiple jobs across a career, a year, and even a day, PRIA will provide more workers with access to flexible, portable benefits such as retirement savings that will carry with them from employer to employer and gig to gig.” Congress needs to act to bring more people into the system and make it easier for Americans to save: Approximately half of American households do not have access to a 401k retirement account. The Federal Reserve calculates that half of Americans have not saved enough to retire at their current standard of living. While 80% of full-time workers have access to retirement savings accounts, only 40% of part-time workers have access. According to the 2020 Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households by the Federal Reserve, around 35% of Americans work outside of traditional full-time jobs, in the gig economy. Every American will receive a PRIA at the same time they receive a Social Security Number. PRIAs will be administered by an independent board and managed by selected financial institutions. After the creation of the initial account, account holders will have the option to choose investment options from a qualified financial institution. Employers can contribute to their employee’s PRIA just like legacy plans like 401ks, but employees who separate from their employer will still have the ability to contribute to the same PRIA plan as before. Americans who want to keep their 401ks, IRAs, and other savings plans with which they are familiar will still have those options. PRIAs are designed to supplement the existing system and provide a simple, portable option for those who want it. “PRIA is going to bring people in from the cold,” Himes continued. “Instead of seeing themselves fall further and further behind in their retirement savings, millions of Americans in non-traditional employment arrangements will have another tool in their retirement toolbox.” For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov. The full bill is attached.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-coalition-advocates-announce-bill-increase-usda-fresh-produce,"DeLauro, Coalition of Advocates Announce Bill to Increase USDA Fresh Produce Purchases",2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Legislation empowers farmers and community organizations to serve low-income families and strengthen local food systems WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today introduced the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act, legislation to increase and improve the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) procurement of fresh fruits and vegetables. The bill would require USDA to partner with growers, distributors, and food hubs to provide fresh, U.S.-grown fruits and vegetables to community organizations like schools, local food pantries, and youth organizations while prioritizing socially disadvantaged farmers and entities, regional food inequities, and local and regional food systems. ""Along with creating the greatest public health and economic crisis in a generation, the COVID pandemic exploited our country's nutrition crisis and highlighted the need to build resiliency in local and regional food systems,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""Throughout 2020, USDA's Farmers to Families Food Box Program succeeded in connecting healthy fruits and vegetables from our nation's farmers to hungry families who needed it the most. I saw gratitude on the faces of so many families as I helped distribute boxes from Cecarelli's Harrison Hill Farm at Common Ground High School in my district. Many of them would go on to say that never before had they had access to such high-quality, fresh produce."" ""That is why I was disappointed by Secretary Vilsack's decision to end the program,"" continued Congresswoman DeLauro. ""In my view, the program should have been strengthened and continued as a way to get healthier foods to families and as an investment in our local producers and specialty crop growers, who traditionally fall outside of USDA's commodity supports. The bill would abandon USDA's low-cost bid model, and instead, require priority be given to local food systems and regional inequities. This bill is an important first step in leveraging USDA food purchasing to drive important reforms across our food system."" Just last week, the Bipartisan Policy Center released a report calling on USDA and Congress to ""establish a greater focus on procurement of fresh fruits and vegetables in USDA Food Distribution Programs"" as a way to increase diet quality and meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. DeLauro's announcement comes in conjunction with the United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Conference. ""We know that demand is high for fresh fruits and vegetables at emergency feeding sites around the country, yet USDA's procurement infrastructure is not built to purchase and distribute a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables,"" said Tom Stenzel, President & CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association. ""We thank Representative DeLauro for recognizing the extraordinary opportunity to address nutrition insecurity by tapping the existing fresh produce supply chain to meet these community needs."" Along with United Fresh, the Fresh Produce Procurement Act is supported by a broad coalition of agriculture, nutrition and public health, as well as community serving organizations that include Boys & Girls Club of America, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, the American Heart Association, Save the Children, The Common Market, National Center for Appropriate Technology, the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, CA, and the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry. ""Even prior to the pandemic, local Boys & Girls Clubs across the country operated on the frontlines, helping address the impacts of food insecurities in communities. During COVID-19, we've seen this issue significantly intensify, making it even harder for kids and families in America to thrive,"" said Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. ""Each day, I am in awe of the innovative ways Boys & Girls Clubs and other youth-serving organizations have stepped up to distribute food, providing access to nutritious meals and fresh produce. We applaud Congresswoman DeLauro once again, for championing critical anti-hunger initiatives through the Fresh Produce Procurement Act of 2021. Our Clubs stand ready and committed to do whatever it takes to ensure youth have their essential needs met, so they can focus on school, developing new skills, and having fun."" ""A silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has highlighted the resilience and capacity of community-based food systems to respond to emergencies in innovative ways,"" said Wes King, Senior Policy Specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. ""For years, small farmers and advocates have emphasized the role that community-based food systems play in providing those in need with access to healthy and culturally appropriate fresh fruits and vegetables. The Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act of 2021 seeks to incorporate this reality and the lessons learned through USDA pandemic response efforts into ongoing efforts at the department to address nutrition and food insecurity. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) applauds Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) for introducing this timely legislation and looks forward to working with her and Congress to advance this important proposal."" ""We are pleased to support Congresswoman DeLauro in her work to improve access to nutritious foods for children and families in rural areas of America,"" said Trevor Moe, Senior Director at Save the Children. ""87% of counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are rural. Current nutrition programs underserve rural America. This bill is a step toward more nutritious food systems that rural families need."" ""Relying on local supply chains to support emergency feeding programs presents an opportunity to center quality, cultural relevance, and nutrition — facets not often associated with emergency feeding responses,"" said Haile Johnston, co-founder of The Common Market, a nonprofit regional food distributor responsible for delivering nearly 1 million local food boxes to communities across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions in response to COVID-19 last year. ""Offering fresh, nutrient-dense, and culturally appropriate foods is critical to an equitable emergency response effort, providing stability and dignity for recipients during a time of great uncertainty and loss."" ""In our community, unemployment is still more than twice the pre-pandemic level, two million people in our state recently lost all unemployment benefits, the eviction moratorium will soon expire, personal debt is at an all-time high, and the inflationary cost of food is impacting low-income families most dramatically,"" said Mark Lowry, Director of Community Action Partnership of Orange County, CA. ""Although the demand for food assistance remains high, attention directed toward meeting this need has faded. Right-sized support from the federal government, our county government, and local cites early in our COVID disaster response has largely evaporated. We need to repeat that COVID is not over and the financial impacts of COVID are certainly not over. Congresswoman DeLauro has long been a champion of the families who we serve, and we applaud her leadership in working to secure additional fresh fruits and vegetables to satisfy the nutritional needs of vulnerable families across America.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=273CD28F-99E5-41F9-8FBD-E31E1245FF88,"Reps. Hayes, Sherrill, Jones, Porter Lead Colleagues in Letter to Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer On Childcare Provisions in Build Back Better Act",2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05), alongside Reps. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Katie Porter (CA-45), and Mondaire Jones (NY-17) led 102 colleagues in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer citing the importance of the expanded childcare provisions included in the Build Back Better Act and calling on House leadership to ensure this policy is included in the final package. “Millions of Americans, particularly women, are continuing to leave the workforce, hesitating to form small businesses, and forgoing promotions because child care is unaffordable for most families,” the lawmakers wrote. “Our entire economy continues to suffer as a result. Businesses cannot effectively recruit because child care accounts for nearly all of an entry-level employee’s pay. Women have stagnated in achieving leadership positions, and women’s workforce participation is at a 30-year low. Jobs during non-traditional hours are dominated by men. These realities are a big problem for our economy.” The full text of the letter can be found below. Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer, We applaud your leadership on, and commitment to, passing President Biden’s Build Back Better initiatives. Last week, under the leadership of Chairman Bobby Scott, the House Committee on Education and Labor passed the necessary investment in child care that reflects the scale and scope of support that American families need. Specifically, the Committee’s vote to ensure that no family pays more than 7 percent of its household income on care for young children recognizes the economic benefits of protecting our economy from the financial instability and workforce reduction caused by unaffordable child care. We urge you to preserve this provision in the final passage of this bill. As you know, child care is central to delivering on our promise to Build Back Better and invest in our nation's children, families, and economic future. We have the opportunity to create a universally affordable child care program that leaves no family behind. As such, we must give every American access to child care by maintaining the provision to cap out-of-pocket child care costs as a percentage of income. Abruptly cutting off eligibility at specific income levels fails to recognize that the costs of child care disrupt the financial security of nearly all parents with young children, particularly single mothers who need more care, people living in states with high costs of child care, and people with more than one young child. It is important to underscore that more families will be served by the current 7 percent formula, as passed by the House Committee on Education and Labor. Before the pandemic, the average American family was spending almost $10,000 a year per child on child care. These costs are further exacerbated for families living in states with higher costs of living. In more than half of states, child care tuition can exceed the cost of in-state college tuition, and for many families the costs of childcare dwarf even their home mortgage. To make matters worse, about half of all parents planning to enroll their children in child care say they are planning to accumulate credit card debt to pay for the expense. This is unacceptable. No parent should go into debt to provide quality care for their child while working a full-time job. The Department of Health and Human Services has determined that to be affordable, child care should not cost a family more than 7 percent of its household income. However, a dual-earning household averaging 150 percent of the average worker’s pay spends about 30 percent of its earnings on child care. These numbers are drastically worse for single parents who spend upwards of 50 percent of their earnings on child care. The pandemic has created particular harm for some Americans. Working parents, particularly mothers, have lost their jobs or have been forced to reduce their working hours as the direct result of school and daycare closures. An estimated 1.2 million parents left the workforce between February and October of last year. Women have lost nearly three million jobs since February 2020, and their return to the workforce has been anemic. In August 2021, women accounted for just 12 percent of job gains. It would take nine straight years of job growth at that level for women’s participation in the workforce to be restored to pre-pandemic levels. Given the inherent inequities of the pandemic, the resurgence in COVID-19 cases in July of this year disproportionately affected women and parents, who are dealing with school and daycare closures along with continued financial hardships and an uncertain future of remote work. Millions of Americans, particularly women, are continuing to leave the workforce, hesitating to form small businesses, and forgoing promotions because child care is unaffordable for most families. Our entire economy continues to suffer as a result. Businesses cannot effectively recruit because child care accounts for nearly all of an entry-level employee’s pay. Women have stagnated in achieving leadership positions, and women’s workforce participation is at a 30-year low. Jobs during non-traditional hours are dominated by men. These realities are a big problem for our economy. The child care crisis is a crisis of productivity. It is an economic quicksand that multiple generations are mired in: older Americans who provide unpaid child care to grandchildren, parents who exit the workforce, and kids who fall behind because their families cannot afford quality care. Including a universal cap on child care costs at 7 percent of annual household income in the final Build Back Better bill will allow us to deliver on our promises to the American people by creating a program designed to target relief to workers who need it, including in area with high costs of living. Thank you for your commitment to helping as many families as possible with this historic legislation. We look forward to working with you to implement policies that will have a profound impact on our nation’s families. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-ryan-release-gao-report-revealing-lack-federal-strategy-address,"DeLauro, Ryan Release GAO Report Revealing Lack of Federal Strategy to Address Nutrition Crisis",2021-09-20,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) and Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Tim Ryan (D-OH-13) released a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report requested in June 2018 to examine food policy and how it connects to public health. The GAO report found that a cohesive strategy across government agencies could help to improve American's diets and prevent chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. ""This GAO report highlights the need to reimagine and reorganize our efforts to address diet-related disease,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dangers of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, all of which could be prevented with a healthy diet and other behaviors like exercise. Numerous federal agencies play a role in addressing diet and its link to chronic health conditions and increased risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19, but our scattershot approach to addressing this nutrition crisis leaves gaps in key scientific research. The lack of cooperation and cohesion across agencies is ineffective, deadly, and costly and must be addressed."" ""The rise in chronic diseases and conditions across the United States is alarming. It not only negatively impacts a person's lifestyle, but takes a toll on our nation's economy and health care system. Our country needs to get healthier and that can start by examining what we put on our plates,"" said Congressman Tim Ryan. ""This report will help give us a better understanding of how to address these health challenges and reduce the costs and risks of diet-related chronic disease. It is time for Congress to step up and combat these skyrocketing health issues with a comprehensive food policy."" The GAO report, ""CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS: Federal Strategy Needed to Coordinate Diet-Related Efforts,"" points out: Forty-two percent of adults had obesity—or approximately 100 million U.S. adults, with diet-related diseases of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes counting for half of the annual deaths in the United States. Government spending, including Medicare and Medicaid, to treat cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes accounted for 54 percent of the $383.6 billion in health care spending. Twenty-one federal agencies have 200 efforts related to diet but have not effectively managed fragmentation of efforts or the potential for overlap and duplication despite establishing interagency groups. A federal strategy for diet-related efforts could provide sustained leadership and result in improved, cost-effective outcomes for reducing Americans' risk of diet-related chronic health conditions. The report also highlights that those with diet-related diseases are 12 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than those without diet-related diseases. These conditions also impact the economy and military eligibility. Government spending on diet-related disease increased 30 percent from 2009 to 2018. Thirty percent of young people do not qualify for military service because of their weight.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F33A5718-EE8E-41EF-95CD-CAE3A0D85B5B,Rep. Hayes Statement on the Over $11 million in COVID-19 Relief Dollars Approved for Local Venues to Save and Create Jobs,2021-09-20,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) provides a statement on the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) recently approved for CT-05 music and entertainment businesses. “To date, 30 venues in the Fifth District have been approved to receive Shuttered Venue Operators Grants, totaling $11,119,468 million. Connecticut small businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, crippling our local economy, and causing painful layoffs. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant is helping businesses recover from loss and bring jobs back to my district,” said Congresswoman Hayes. The Small Venue Operators Grant program was established through the bipartisan Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues (Economic Aid) Act, as part of end of year appropriations legislation in 2020. The program appropriated $15 billion for grants, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Disaster Assistance. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-welcomes-afghan-refugees-connecticut,DeLauro Welcomes Afghan Refugees to Connecticut,2021-09-17,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"As Chair of Appropriations, DeLauro is Leading Congress in Securing Critical Federal Resources to Continue Evacuation Efforts and Support Resettling Afghans NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued this statement welcoming as many as 310 Afghan refugees to Connecticut: ""I am proud to stand with Governor Ned Lamont in welcoming more than 300 Afghan refugees to Connecticut. Refugees and allies, fortunate enough to have already made the trip, left behind their lives, professions, and families with the hope of a better life. So many of them supported our mission abroad, and now they need our assistance to rebuild. We have a duty to work together to ensure that these men, women, and children have the resources they need to thrive. ""Connecticut has long served as an example of how communities should come together to aid refugees, and I am confident we will meet this moment with the generosity and support that make our communities great. ""I want to again extend my gratitude to Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI), Danbury Area Refugee Assistance (DARA), and Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition (CIRC) for providing critical services to quickly accept and integrate our new Afghan neighbors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F62EC78B-2BC8-44B9-A466-13687DD8DD1D,Hayes Introduces Two Bills To Address Ending Hunger Amongst Children and College Students,2021-09-14,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced two bills to address hunger among college students and school-age children: the Closing the College Hunger Gap Act and the School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act, also known as the School MEALS Act. Combined, the two bills would take monumental steps to eliminate food insecurity among children and young adults, nationally. The Closing the College Hunger Gap Act would direct the Secretary of Education to notify college students of their eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) using Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information. The School MEALS Act would make several improvements to direct certification for free meals without the need for household applications. “Any level of food insecurity among children and college students is morally reprehensible and must be addressed,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “We can never again allow hunger to reach the astronomical levels we saw in 2020. Although Congress responded by strengthening nutrition programs, 1 in 5 Connecticut children still experienced food insecurity, and over one-third of college students reported knowing someone who dropped out of college because of lack of access to proper and stable nutrition. I have seen the impact of hunger and recognize that hungry children do not learn. It is our responsibility to ensure all students have the confidence of knowing where their next meal is coming from. My bills would provide critical, commonsense improvements to federal nutrition programs, helping to ensure no Connecticut child or college student goes to bed hungry.” Hunger among Connecticut children and college students has been a persistent problem, however food insecurity levels spiked due to conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, child hunger climbed by six percent in Connecticut. The improvement of direct certification addresses the problem by easing the process through which children are automatically approved for free and reduced-price lunch at school. Additionally, college student hunger soared during COVID-19. After the start of the pandemic, 38 percent of students said they regularly missed meals because they were less hungry or stressed, and 36 percent of students reported knowing someone who has dropped out due to food insecurity during the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, college students already faced disturbing levels of food insecurity. Nearly a quarter of students at the University of Connecticut reported concerns of food insecurity and around 30 percent reported skipping meals to save money. Eighteen percent of the student body at Connecticut State Colleges and Universities reported housing instability or homelessness. Instability amongst college students is exacerbated by a lack of awareness of eligibility for nutrition assistance programs. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) study showed that over two million at-risk students – inclusive of first-generation students, students raising children, or low-income students – whom were potentially eligible for SNAP benefits did not report receiving benefits in recent years. The Closing the College Hunger Gap Act ensures that all students are informed of their potential eligibility for the SNAP program through the information they report during the FAFSA process. These bills are endorsed by: End Hunger CT, CT Foodshare, Food Research & Action Center, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, and Feeding America. The text of the Closing the College Hunger Gap can be found here. The text of the School MEALS Act can be found here. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6E2D3500-08F4-406E-92E0-426B7A047A4A,Rep. Himes announces $14.2 million in federal grants to Greenwich and Bridgeport hospitals to assist in the cost of COVID-19 response,2021-09-14,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced Bridgeport Hospital and Greenwich Hospital will be awarded $14,212,698 in grant funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The $5,111,679 to Bridgeport Hospital and $9,101,398 to Greenwich Hospital will reimburse the costs accrued from the emergency response to COVID-19, including expenses for PPE equipment, testing centers, medical equipment, and increased staff presence. Additionally, the grant will ensure the hospital can continue to effectively respond to the pandemic in the months ahead. “The COVID-19 pandemic severely strained our healthcare system,” said Himes. “Throughout this pandemic, Bridgeport Hospital and Greenwich Hospital played a crucial role in keeping our communities safe. Healthcare workers fought this pandemic on the frontlines by treating patients and saving lives. As our country experiences a spike in COVID hospitalizations because of the Delta variant, it is still more important than ever to support our healthcare providers. I look forward to continuing to bring federal funding to support Southwest Connecticut’s healthcare system.” “I am extremely proud of how our hospital and health system rallied to care for an enormous volume of patients when COVID hit last year, as well as our efforts to establish a mobile field hospital and testing site.” Said Anne Diamond, JD, CNMT, President of Bridgeport Hospital. “We are very pleased that FEMA has recommended that Greenwich Hospital be reimbursed for costs incurred due to the pandemic.” Said Diane Kelly, DNP, RN, President of Greenwich Hospital. “I am extremely proud of how our hospital and health system rallied to care for an enormous volume of patients when COVID hit last year as well as standing up drive through testing and converting non-patient space to be ready to care for even more patients.” FEMA has provided $120,504,003.95 in public assistance to entities within Connecticut connected to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Click here to learn more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-celebrates-groundbreaking-fourth-phase-farmington-canal-heritage,DeLauro Celebrates Groundbreaking on Fourth Phase of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail,2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeLauro Secured an Additional $10 Million for the Project in 2005 NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued this statement celebrating the groundbreaking on the fourth phase of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail: ""The day has finally come to complete the last leg of this historic reconnection through central Connecticut, from Northampton, Massachusetts, to the Canal Dock Boathouse. Connecticut and the Northeast have been leaders over the past two decades in constructing greenways as a cleaner and greener intermodal bike and pedestrian option.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-joins-west-haven-leaders-announce-more-12-million-west-haven,DeLauro Joins West Haven Leaders to Announce More Than $1.2 Million for West Haven Fire Department,2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeLauro Also Secured Funding for East Haven, Stratford, and Guilford Fire Departments Image NEW HAVEN, CT—House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today joined West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, West Haven Center Fire Station Chief James P. O'Brien, West Haven Allingtown Fire Station Chief Michael Terenzio, West Shore Fire Chief Stephen Scafariello, West Haven Grants Administrator Doug Coulter, and DHS/FEMA Regional Fire Program Specialist David L. Parr to announce four Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) for the West Haven Fire Department totaling $1,231,019. The West Haven Fire Department received the following grants: West Haven Fire Department - Allingtown District received a federal share of $373,636 for rapid intervention air packs and firefighter breathing apparatuses West Shore Fire District received $39,333 for diesel fume exhaust systems for two fire stations West Haven Fire Department received $545,454 for a new pumper engine West Haven Fire Department received $272,595 for an air compressor system and firefighter training ""I am proud to join City of West Haven leaders and firefighters in celebrating more than $1.2 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grants,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""Connecticut's firefighters and first responders dedicate their lives to protecting and strengthening our communities, and they deserve all the support and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. With state and local budgets stretched thin, these federal grants help equip our first responders with life-saving training and technologies to keep our families safe. As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I will always be committed to making sure our first responders have the resources and federal support they need and deserve. That is why the Appropriations Committee approved a ten million dollar increase in the bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security next year. I thank the West Haven Fire Department for keeping our community safe and am proud to have secured this critical support."" ""The efficacy in firefighting is heavily reliant on a team effort,"" said West Haven Allingtown Fire Station Chief Michael Terenzio. ""This team effort not only applies to the men and women whose ‘boots are on the ground' in responding to emergencies, but includes the tireless efforts of local, state, and federal community leaders and officials that assist departments by making grant funding available and guiding departments through the process."" Three other fire departments in Connecticut's Third Congressional District were also awarded AFG: East Haven Fire Department received $98,181.82 for thermal imaging cameras Stratford Fire Department received $60,891.41 for a smoke alarm installation program targeting the elderly and hearing impaired Guilford Fire Department received $332,215.05 for technical rescue training",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0715FA9A-40A6-4E13-B697-393B770C2A14,"Hayes, Trahan, Bustos Lead Reintroduction of Teacher Pipeline Legislation",2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswomen Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Cheri Bustos (IL-17) reintroduced the Supporting Teachers with Residency Opportunities and New Grants (STRONG) Act, legislation endorsed by the nation’s two largest teachers’ unions to alleviate the burden placed on educators over the past 18 months and strengthen the pipeline of America’s next generation of teachers. “It is important for the education field to attract and retain professionals who are truly invested in the future of our children. The pipeline can be upheld with alternative options like Teaching Residency Programs, which target students early,” said Congresswoman Hayes, a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. “Teaching Residency Programs support future educators by providing a solid foundation and infusing the pipeline to stabilize the K-12 workforce. I thank Congresswoman Trahan for her leadership on this critical issue.” ""Throughout the pandemic, teachers – like so many frontline heroes – have overcome daily challenges while continuing to provide quality education to our children. As the mom of two school-aged daughters, I’ve seen the immense sacrifices teachers have made for their students firsthand. It’s long past time for them to receive the help they deserve,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The STRONG Act will provide teachers with long-overdue support and address our ongoing difficulty with teacher retention by establishing a strong pipeline of teachers ready to hit the ground running in classrooms across America. This legislation should be voted on without delay so that we can implement these commonsense solutions immediately."" “Teacher shortages often hurt our most vulnerable - our children in communities of color and rural areas - and the pandemic has only exacerbated this growing problem. When we sell our teachers short by leaving them underpaid and undervalued, we sell our next generation short,” said Congresswoman Bustos, a member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. “Our schools can't remain open if our classrooms have no educators to fill them. That's why I’m proud to introduce the STRONG Act, to help fill the gap and increase the number of desperately-needed teachers into the workforce.” The STRONG Act would provide immediate assistance to teachers who have been under immense pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver quality education to students in dynamic learning environments by expanding eligibility for undergraduate students and recent graduates with a teaching- or education-related major to enter into Teacher Residency programs – fast-tracking prospective teachers into the current workforce to provide additional assistance and much needed back up to our teachers. The legislation also authorizes $600 million in funding for programs that bolster teacher preparation such as Teacher Residencies and incentivizes participation by prospective teachers in those programs by expanding eligibility for undergraduate students enrolled in a Teacher Residency to immediately participate in the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program. The STRONG Act is key to ensuring that teachers can continue doing their jobs knowing that their ability to succeed in their roles is taken just as seriously as that of their students. The text of the legislation as introduced can be accessed HERE. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DA72AE7B-A80B-481A-B471-EEF63DAFE1EB,"Congressman Himes announces nearly $200,000 in federal funding to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk",2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk will receive $194,047 in federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to empower teens to become environmental educators and advocates and to make the aquarium’s online programming more accessible to virtual visitors with special needs. “The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is a state treasure that educates and inspires visitors of all ages,” said Himes. “These grants will make the aquarium more accessible by designing virtual exhibits with learners with special needs in mind and by providing more opportunities for teens to get involved. I’m thrilled to see federal dollars coming to such an exceptional Southwest Connecticut institution. I look forward to continuing to bring well-deserved federal recognition and resources to the Maritime Aquarium.” “These awards for two very diverse initiatives underscore the strength and breadth of our programs on behalf of Long Island Sound and Connecticut,” said Jason Patlis, the Aquarium’s president and CEO. “We thank the IMLS for helping us to reach and inspire more members across our community.” The aquarium will receive $144,440 from the IMLS’ Museums for America grant to implement its Marine Debris Prevention Corps to empower teens to become environmental community leaders. Additionally, the aquarium will receive $49,607 from IMLS’ Inspire! Grants for Small Museums to create virtual programming designed for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. According to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, the institution’s mission is to inspire people of all ages to appreciate and protect the Long Island Sound ecosystem and the global environment through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education. Click here to learn more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-20th-anniversary-attacks-september-11-2001,"DeLauro Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the Attacks on September 11, 2001",2021-09-11,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN, CT —Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued the following statement marking 20 years since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001: ""Twenty years ago, today, a coordinated act of senseless terror robbed 2,977 individuals of their lives, injured more than 6,000, and sent our nation into a period of shock and collective grief unlike any before or since. Today, we remember those lost on September 11, 2001. We share in the pain the loved ones left behind have felt every day since. We lift up and honor the women and men, in and out of uniform, who courageously worked in the service of others, despite the grave personal cost. ""While twenty years have come and gone since September 11, 2001, the memory of that day stands out starkly against the passage of time. Many of us remember the exact moment we heard the news of the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and Flight 93. I recall the sense of despair I felt, as I, along with other Members of Congress, evacuated our offices. We gathered shoulder to shoulder on the steps of our nation's Capitol, not yet allowed to return to the building, but unable to leave in the face of this great tragedy. We stood together, not as Democrats and Republicans or as Senators and Representatives, but as Americans, and we sang ‘God Bless America.' ""There are times when words are not enough. Not enough to express the depth of our loss. Not enough to express our gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives in service. Not enough to comfort a nation. After twenty years, I still have not found the right words. Still, I will continue to speak in memory of those who died and pray for those who mourn.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-celebrates-house-passage-500000-community-project-funding,"DeLauro Celebrates House Passage of $500,000 in Community Project Funding for Wallingford Housing Authority",2021-09-10,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Image WALLINGFORD, CT—House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today joined Wallingford Mayor Bill Dickinson, Wallingford Housing Authority (WHA) Executive Director Kelly McDermott, WHA Chairman Nick Lombardi, WHA Vice Chairman Bob Wiedenmann, and the architect behind WHA's new developments and Principal at Silver, Petrulli & Associates David Stein to celebrate the House passage of $500,000 in Community Project Funding for Wallingford Housing Authority. DeLauro toured the new housing development located at 2 Wharton Brook Drive. This federal funding will be used to renovate the housing development, including replacing the kitchen and bathroom, installing new flooring and windows, and replacing heating and cooling units. Renovations will also be made to the exterior including installing a new roof, siding, entry and exit doors, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant entrances and walkways. ""As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to meeting the needs of our communities in a transparent and accountable way, which is why I am so proud we have been able to secure $500,000 in Community Project Funding for the Wallingford Housing Authority in the House-passed 2022 spending bill,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""The improvements supported by this federal funding will further build a sustainable and prosperous community where residents enjoy a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment. As I toured the facility today, I met so many people who are deeply dedicated to ensuring that all Wallingford residents have access to the resources and support they need. Not only to live, but to thrive as members of the Wallingford community. I am passionate about this project. Investing in affordable housing units as well as much needed community space will support resident activities and help stabilize the neighborhood."" ""The 2 Wharton Brook Drive project is an opportunity to have immediate revitalization impact, through the cleanup of a long-term distressed site, and also increase access to housing opportunities and community housing resources,"" said WHA Executive Director Kelly McDermott. ""WHA is excited and grateful for this funding opportunity,"" said WHA Chairman Nick Lombardi. ""In a neighborhood that has three public schools with walking paths, community parks and ballfields surrounding this property, 2 Wharton Brook drive will be a significant revitalization project that will re-establish this community gateway as safe and inviting. This property has been the missing link in WHA's portfolio and represents our commitment to promoting safe communities and developing housing in areas of opportunity."" Chair DeLauro led House Democrats in passing a package of spending bills with funding for community projects nationwide and historic investments in Connecticut, including $500,000 for Wallingford Housing Authority.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-celebrates-house-passage-34-million-community-project-funding,DeLauro Celebrates House Passage of $3.4 Million in Community Project Funding for the Durham Water System,2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Image EPA Remedial Project Manager Ed Hathaway, Durham First Selectman Laura Francis, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim Celebrate Community Project Funding for Durham DURHAM, CT —House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today joined Durham First Selectman Laura Francis, Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Remedial Project Manager Ed Hathaway, Owner of The Red Barn Don Mondani, Owner of LNJS Realty Leonard Rossicone, and Durham Residents Gene and Karen Brown to celebrate the House passage of $3,412,455 in Community Project Funding to expand the Durham Center Water System, the Town of Durham's public water supply. ""We must ensure that the residents of the Town of Durham, and every community across the United States, has access to clean, safe, reliable drinking water,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""I am pleased that the $3.4 million in Community Project Funding that we are celebrating here today builds on the progress of the interlocal agreement between the Town of Durham and City of Middletown, expanding to other homes and businesses that fell outside of the plans for the Durham Meadows Superfund site, and would serve 73 properties both commercial and residential and a population of about 300 people. This is exactly the kind of investment in the community I envisioned as I worked to include Community Project Funding in this year's federal appropriations process. I look forward to continuing to work to bring federal tax dollars back home to fund essential infrastructure projects like the revitalization of the Town of Durham's public water supply."" ""I wish to thank Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and her staff for their unwavering support for the expansion of clean water in the Town of Durham,"" said Durham First Selectman Laura Francis. ""Property owners will be relieved to know that their health will no longer be at risk and their property values will be protected."" The Durham Water System currently services the southern portion of Durham utilizing a well adjacent to the Durham Fairgrounds. For decades, properties in the center of Durham were polluted by toxic chemicals requiring filtering and monitoring. After many years of planning, clean drinking water will be supplied to this area via an interlocal agreement between the Town of Durham and the City of Middletown, part of the Record of Decision for the Durham Meadows Superfund site. This project is under construction, funded by the EPA under their Superfund program, and is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Construction should be substantially completed in 2021 and totally completed by 2022. The Community Project Funding secured by Chair DeLauro will fund the connection of adjacent neighborhoods to the water system. Given their location to the current system under construction, this connection would alleviate current and future contamination and other water quality issues. Chair DeLauro led House Democrats in passing a package of spending bills with funding for community projects nationwide and historic investments in Connecticut, including $3.4 million for the Town of Durham.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/paid-leave-champion-delauro-endorses-ways-and-means-proposal,Paid Leave Champion DeLauro Endorses Ways and Means Proposal,2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN– House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), the sponsor of the FAMILY Act, released the following statement endorsing Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richie Neal's (D-MA-01) paid family and medical leave proposal: ""Creating a permanent, national paid family and medical leave program has been one of the most important causes of my life. ""As Democrats collaborate on the historic Build Back Better Act, I am pleased that the Ways and Means Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Richie Neal, has put forward a proposal that includes a plan for 12 weeks of universal, comprehensive, and equitable paid family and medical leave. This plan, which I worked closely with Chairman Neal to develop, will benefit millions of American workers, families, businesses, and individuals, as well as our entire economy. ""I am proud that the heart of this legislation is built around the FAMILY Act that I have introduced with Senator Gillibrand since 2013. I believe it is the best approach to secure paid family and medical leave in reconciliation legislation, and I wholeheartedly endorse it. ""Together, Congress and President Biden have the opportunity to finally deliver this critical benefit for working families. We must not let the moment pass. It will not come again.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=28971AC7-DDCB-4640-AFFD-5633BB96F0F3,Rep. Himes on the declassification review of documents concerning the 9/11 terrorist attacks,2021-09-07,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement on President Biden’s Executive Order directing agencies to conduct a declassification review of certain documents concerning the 9/11 terrorist attacks: “I support the President’s decision to move forward with the process of potentially declassifying documents related to the FBI’s September 11th investigations. This month, we will hit a painful anniversary: 20 years since we lost 2,977 friends, family members, and neighbors, including dozens of Connecticut residents. These families deserve transparency that may bring them peace, and I will work to ensure this process is completed as expeditiously as possible. The President’s Executive Order also requires that the justification for what remains classified be presented to the intelligence committees, and as a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I expect that classification only be maintained to directly protect the sources and methods the intelligence community uses to keep us safe.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-reiterates-call-consumer-groups-illness-victims-scientists-and,"DeLauro Reiterates Call by Consumer Groups, Illness Victims, Scientists, and Industry Leaders for USDA to Reform Poultry Food Safety",2021-09-02,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement after a broad and unprecedented coalition of consumer groups, illness victims, poultry industry leaders, academic scientists, and state regulators wrote to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to call for a new, science-based regulatory approach to poultry food safety: ""Part of USDA's core mission is to protect Americans and their families from dangerous illnesses spread by meat and poultry. Yet, current USDA standards do not differentiate between the riskiest products contaminated with the most harmful, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and those that are free of harmful pathogens. As a result, all poultry products, regardless of risk, can be stamped ‘USDA inspected and passed' and sent out into the food system for consumers to eat. That is unacceptable. ""For too long USDA has lagged behind the best food safety science and modern prevention practices. This failure to control recurring outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in poultry has resulted in the number of people infected by foodborne illnesses remaining high for decades now. It is time for USDA not only to respond to outbreaks but to control dangerous pathogens before they sicken Americans, with standards that are enforceable and cover the food supply chain from farm to fork. ""Today's announcement is historic because I know how rare it is for consumer groups, victims of foodborne illness, leading scientists and members of regulated industry to align around a common goal. This is a moment for USDA to make genuine improvements to our food system, which will benefit all consumers and their families.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rosa-delauro-opinion-mental-health-crises-require-mental-health-pros,Rosa DeLauro (opinion): Mental health crises require mental health pros,2021-09-02,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"September 2, 2021 Opinion by Chair Rosa DeLauro Watching a loved one experience a mental health crisis is hard enough, but not knowing where to turn for assistance makes things even more difficult. Many fear that calling 911 and having law enforcement respond could frighten their loved one further and put more people in danger. What if it was possible to ensure a specially trained mental health professional arrived to provide help instead? Imagine also that many of our respected police, who face great day-to-day challenges, need help, as well. That is the idea behind a new pilot program in our community, the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team. The program would divert 911 calls involving mental or behavioral health emergencies to social services and dispatch specially trained behavioral health professionals instead of police. First announced in August 2020, the program is expected to hit the streets early next year following a period of rigorous planning and community outreach. It will come just in time as our nation starts to emerge from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past year and a half, the isolation, school closures, economic anxiety, job losses and challenges to obtaining child care or paid time off have greatly exacerbated existing mental health challenges and created new barriers to treatment. A recent survey by the American Psychiatric Association found that more than 4 in 10 adults (43 percent) say the COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on their mental health. A CDC report found that the number of suicide attempts among adolescents aged 12-17 increased 31 percent between January 2019 and May 2021. And another found that alcohol use, substance misuse, and overdose deaths have surged. But even as Americans are experiencing more mental health crises, our public health and emergency response systems are still ill-equipped to address them. Due to a lack of funding for mental health resources and to a lack of properly equipped emergency response teams, we have seen far too many instances in which local police were dispatched to deal with mental or behavioral health crises that would be more appropriately handled by a trained behavioral health provider. In New Haven, a review of 911 call data from 2019 found 11,000 cases in which law enforcement officers responded to an incident that could have been better addressed by a community crisis response team. These instances place an undue burden on law enforcement, including making their already difficult job more dangerous, while failing to provide the complex and compassionate care that those in crisis really need. That is why community crisis response teams like the one being developed in New Haven are so important. They will enable law enforcement and emergency response services to focus on crime prevention and life-threatening emergencies while ensuring that people facing a mental health crisis, substance use disorder, or even struggles with homelessness get the appropriate health care services they need. I have been a staunch advocate for these kinds of mobile crisis response teams for quite some time. And I am immensely proud that, using my position as chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I secured $2 million in federal funding for the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team in legislation that the House of Representatives passed last month. In addition to the funding provided for our community, the bill also included $100 million to expand these model programs across the country. This funding will be indispensable as we work to integrate more mental health professionals into our nation's emergency response systems and build the infrastructure necessary to connect our residents with the right services. No one should go to jail when what they really need is mental health treatment. I will continue to champion federal funding for the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team, and I look forward to seeing how it delivers life-saving health care while reducing the burden on the brave women and men of law enforcement.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-supreme-court-s-failure-protect-right-abortion,DeLauro Statement on Supreme Court’s Failure to Protect the Right to Abortion,2021-09-01,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeLauro Calls on Congress to Pass Women's Health Protection Act NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued this statement on Texas' near ban on abortions and the Supreme Court's failure to prevent this dangerous law from going into effect: ""Today, the most restrictive abortion law in the nation went into effect in Texas prohibiting abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy—before many even know they are pregnant. This dangerous law is a full-scale attack on patients, their health care providers, and their support systems. ""Everyone should have the right to make their own health care decisions without interference from politicians. By allowing this Texas law to go into effect, the Supreme Court has shown they cannot be trusted to protect the constitutional right to choose. It is up to Congress to pass the Women's Health Protection Act to end this assault on reproductive freedom once and for all.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-announces-804000-guilford-east-haven-and-west-haven-fire,"DeLauro Announces $804,000 for Guilford, East Haven, and West Haven Fire Departments",2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"GUILFORD, CT — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today announced $804,033 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) for three fire departments in Connecticut's 3rd Congressional District. Guilford Fire Department received $332,215 for Technical Rescue Training, East Haven Fire Department received $98,181 for Thermal Imaging Cameras, and West Haven Fire Department received $373,636 for Rapid Intervention Air Packs and Firefighter Breathing Apparatus. The award for West Haven Fire Department is a Regional Award also benefitting the Allingtown Fire District and West Shore Fire District. ""Connecticut's firefighters and first responders dedicate their lives to protecting and strengthening our communities, and they deserve all the support and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""With state and local budgets stretched thin, these federal grants help equip our first responders with life-saving training and technologies to keep our families safe. As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to ensure our first responders receive the federal support they deserve."" ""The grant that the Guilford Fire Department received will greatly enhance the Department capabilities to provide Technical Rescue to the Town of Guilford and the region,"" said Guilford Fire Department Chief Charles E. Herrschaft Jr. ""In a department like ours the Assistance to Firefighters Grant is essential to augment our equipment cadre especially for large dollar projects that would not be possible without taking on more municipal bonding compounding our economic challenges,"" said East Haven Fire Department Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Matthew Marcarelli. ""The grant also allows us to have modern equipment that improves Firefighter and Public Safety. We are thankful for Congresswoman DeLauro for consistently being an advocate for this federal program."" ""The AFG grant program focuses on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards,"" said West Haven Fire Department Chief Michael R. Terenzio. ""The City of West Haven Fire Department-Allingtown, was the host department for the Regional Grant application that will benefit the combined fire districts that collectively protect West Haven. The $373,636 awarded in Federal funds and the 10% local share will be used to purchase 57 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus that meet current National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards to replace outdated and obsolete SCBA equipment. The SCBA equipment which are worn on the backs of responding fire personnel are a vital component of a firefighter's Personal Protective Equipment that enables them to safely enter into fire and smoke-filled, and other dangerous and toxic atmospheres to effect fire suppression, and search and rescue tactics for the preservation of life and property from fire and other hazardous conditions. The 3 joint fire departments as part of this regional effort and who collaborate regularly on operational and administrative functions will mutually utilize the funds immediately to order and place into service SCBA's that will be used by all firefighting staff in the city to provide personnel for the City of West Haven Fire Department – Allingtown with 22 updated packs, the West Haven Center Fire District with 12 updated packs, and the West Shore Fire District with 23 updated packs; in addition to three Rapid Intervention Team firefighter rescue SCBA's used in the event of a firefighter down rescue. The cost for the equipment is approximately $7000 for each SCBA pack which include 1 harness and regulator, 2 air cylinders and 1 face piece mask. The RIT firefighter rescue equipment cost approximately $4000 each.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DDA939AC-335A-4F6F-9E14-6335E0C1F821,Himes Leads Letter Calling for Afghan Fee Waivers,2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,James A. Himes,H001047,himes.house.gov,himes,https://himes.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) led a letter with 34 other members of the US House of Representatives to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services Ur. M. Jaddou calling for a blanket fee waiver for applications for humanitarian parole for Afghans trying to enter the United States. Under current rules, people applying for humanitarian parole must pay a $575 filing fee for each application. While there are currently some circumstances in which the fee may be waived, the process of getting a waiver is plagued with delays. US Citizenship and Immigration Services must also review the fee waiver request before it can consider a parole application itself. The letter from the House members asks that all fees for applications for Afghan Nationals be waived immediately to expedite processing. “There are procedures we must follow to ensure the security of the humanitarian parole process,” said Himes. “But charging a filing fee that holds up the entire process and potentially costs refugees their lives doesn’t make Americans any safer. It’s exactly the type of red tape we need to cut through if we’re serious about saving as many lives as we can.” Joining Congressman Himes on the letter are Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-3), Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Rep. Peter Welch (VT-At Large), Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13), Rep. David Cicilline (RI-1), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.-At Large), Rep. Jennfier Wexton (VA-10), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rep. Katie Porter (CA-45), Rep. Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rep. Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), Rep. Grace Meng, (NY-6) Rep. Susan Wild (PA-7), Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-1), Rep. Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Rep. Henry C. ""Hank,"" Johnson Jr. (GA-4), Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) , Rep. Michael Doyle (PA-18), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) , Rep. James McGovern (MA-2), Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY-4), Rep. Abigail D. Spanberger (VA-7), Rep. Tom Malinowski (NJ-7) Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-1), Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-5), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Rep. John Larson (CT-1), Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Rep. J. Luis Correa (CA-46), and Rep. André Carson (IN-7). The full letter is available here. For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0DA6099C-13D2-4C23-9353-A2F911C1676B,"U.S. Department of Education Approves Connecticut's Plan for Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Support K-12 Schools and Students, Distributes Remaining $369 Million to State",2021-08-30,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Waterbury, CT - On Friday, Aug. 27, the U.S. Department of Education announced the approval of Connecticut's American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) plan and distributed remaining ARP ESSER funds to them. Connecticut's plan details how the state is using and plans to use ARP ESSER funds to safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and equitably expand opportunity for students who need it most, particularly those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools and states begin the new school year, the Department released the Return To School Roadmap, which provides key resources and supports for students, parents, educators, and school communities to build excitement around returning to classrooms this school year and outlines how federal funding can support the safe and sustained return to in-person learning. ARP funds can be used to support the roadmap's efforts. ""Students have faced the devastating impacts of the pandemic, and funding from the American Rescue Plan has already supported local school districts in addressing their needs,"" said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. ""This latest ESSER funding from the Department of Education fulfills a promise to Connecticut students and families. As resources are made available, the funding from the American Rescue Plan will get them safely to schools and address learning loss, and the social, economic, and emotional toll the last year has had on students, educators, and our communities at large."" Earlier this year, the Department distributed two thirds of the ARP ESSER funds, totaling $81 billion, to 50 states and the District of Columbia. The remaining third of the funding to states will be made available once state plans are approved. Connecticut is receiving $1.1 billion total in ARP ESSER funds, and today's approval of their plan will result in the release of the final $369 million. Additionally, the Department approved plans for Alaska, Illinois, and Louisiana. Today's approvals mean a total of 32 ARP ESSER state plans have been approved since June. The Department has approved plans supporting more than 50 percent of students nationwide. ""Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been striving to make the investments necessary to help our school communities meet their areas of greatest need, especially for those students disproportionately affected by the pandemic,"" Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker said. ""This historic level of funding allows us, as one educational community, to be bold and innovative as we forge our path to a transformative and equitable recovery."" ""These funds were specifically directed by Congress to help schools reopen safely and enable in-person learning to thrive,"" said Sen. Richard Blumenthal. ""Putting students back in Connecticut classrooms is critical to overcoming the setbacks and learning gaps resulting from the pandemic. Our approving this American Rescue Plan funds is a game changing step, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Biden Administration to ensure our schools remain open and safe for students, teachers, and staff."" ""As Connecticut kids head back to school, it is critical that educators have the federal funding necessary to help them thrive,"" said Sen. Chris Murphy. ""I am grateful Connecticut continues to be a leader in addressing the needs of all our students by putting together a plan that meets this moment. The Department of Education's approval of this plan means Connecticut's educators will soon have an additional $369 million to support our children's academic, social, mental, and emotional needs as we continue to navigate COVID-19."" The ARP ESSER state plans approved by the Department today, including Connecticut, show how states are using federal pandemic resources to support safe in-person instruction and meet the social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs of students—with a focus on the students most impacted by the pandemic. For example: Returning to In-Person Learning: The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) expects school districts to offer in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year. Addressing the Academic Impact of Lost Instructional Time: CSDE will use ARP ESSER resources to support a model K-8 curricula. This will include high-quality instructional materials that will be made available on the state's Open Education Resources portal; two digital platforms to support learning acceleration and credit recovery; high-dosage tutoring to support students with specific learning disabilities; and expanded pathways to educator certification focusing on multilingual educators, special education educators, educators of color, and male educators. Additionally, CSDE will partner with the juvenile justice system and contracted residential treatment programs to provide high-quality instructional resources, devices, and access to digital curricula to align with the public school setting. Investing in Summer Learning and Expanded Afterschool Programs: CSDE launched a competitive Expansion Grant program to provide up to $25,000 to summer enrichment programs to expand capacity for summer 2021 and an Innovation Grant program to provide up to $250,000 to summer enrichment programs that scale-up summer enrichment opportunities. For summer 2021, more than $8.6 million was allocated to grant recipients. The state is taking a similar approach to fund comprehensive afterschool programs. Supporting Students' and Educators Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Needs: CSDE will use ARP ESSER funds to help address the mental health challenges of transitioning back to the classroom. CSDE will fund schools to partner with community-based mental health agencies to provide on-site mental health specialists to support students. Other potential investments include support for existing mental health providers, working with or creating more school-based health centers, and hiring or deploying more behavioral health staff. Supporting Family Engagement: CSDE will use ARP ESSER funding to support school district efforts to strengthen educators' engagement with families. CSDE is continually engaging with stakeholders, including community-based and parent organizations, to determine the best use of ARP ESSER funds to further family and community engagement and to support districts in their efforts. As CSDE implements the initiatives outlined in the state plan, additional future family and community engagement efforts to gather input may include, but are not limited to, public forums, ThoughtExchanges, community visits, focus groups, and surveys. CSDE will update its plan as appropriate when additional specific strategies are determined. For more information on the ARP ESSER and the U.S. Department of Education, visit this website. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-supreme-court-ruling-eviction-moratorium,DeLauro Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Eviction Moratorium,2021-08-27,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued this statement after the Supreme Court issued a ruling blocking the Biden Administration from enforcing the CDC's temporary moratorium on evictions: ""Late last night, while our country mourned the loss of United States service members and Afghan civilians, six Republican Supreme Court appointees—three from Trump-McConnell—cleared the way for landlords to throw people onto the street. An estimated 3.5 million Americans will face the threat of eviction. The cruel decision to lift the federal eviction moratorium threatens the lives of countless individuals and families while we see peak COVID-19 cases in many communities across the country. ""Our neighbors and loved ones cannot be left unhoused while the Delta variant rages. We must quickly distribute existing federal funds allocated for rental assistance. As an original cosponsor of Congresswoman Maxine Waters' legislation to extend the CDC's eviction moratorium through the end of this year, we cannot accept a wave of mass evictions. ""There are resources available for landlords and tenants. In Connecticut, we have $450 million in rental and utility assistance available through UniteCT, and landlords must participate in the program as part of the eviction process. So far, the program has paid out $67 million with another $30 million on the way. This is how we cancel rent.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-terror-attack-outside-kabul-airport-and-us-service,DeLauro Statement on Terror Attack Outside Kabul Airport and The U.S. Service Members and Afghan Victims Killed and Wounded,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued this statement on the terror attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport: ""I am horrified by today's heinous attack outside the Kabul airport and condemn these cowardly acts of terror. My heart breaks over the innocent lives taken today, and I mourn the loss of our brave United States military members who were killed in service of this critical mission. I pray for their families as they receive news of the loss of their loved ones and share in every American's gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice. ""I applaud President Biden for his commitment and determination: this mission is not over. Through today's devastation, we must remain committed to safely evacuating all American service members and citizens, Afghan allies, and the vulnerable populations that will be targeted by the Taliban. ""I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Biden Administration to ensure our military and diplomats in Afghanistan have the tools they need to successfully complete this mission. I am grateful for their steadfast courage.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-floor-remarks-support-rule-advance-build-back-better-agenda,DeLauro Floor Remarks in Support of Rule to Advance the Build Back Better Agenda,2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of advancing the Build Back Better Act and the bipartisan infrastructure package. A video of DeLauro's remarks can be found here. ""This rule allows us to move forward on rebuilding our nation's crumbling infrastructure, restoring the power of the Voting Rights Act, and a historic budget resolution that advances our priorities by making critical investments to expand our nation's social safety net to continue to Build Back Better. ""For far too long, the deck has been stacked for the wealthy and well-connected, while middle-class, hard-working families, and the vulnerable have been left behind. After decades of disinvestment, we have an opportunity today to make history, to deliver on the promise we made to the American people, to build a stronger, fairer future for our kids. A once in a lifetime moment. Creating more jobs and cutting middle-class taxes – while simply asking the biggest corporations and top one percent to pay their fair share of taxes. ""What are the transformative issues in this bill? Expand and improve the Child Tax Credit, already acclaimed to cut child poverty and hunger with only one payment; Guaranteeing affordable, high-quality child care; Tackling the long-term health care crisis; Access to long-term services and supports for aging loved ones and those with disabilities; Universal Pre-K; Two years of tuition-free community college; Maximizing the Pell Grant award; Launching the first-of-its-kind paid family and medical leave benefit. ""Historic investments ranking alongside the New Deal and the Great Society, standing the test of time and strengthening our society. President Roosevelt didn't just rebuild America, he created Social Security. When it came to infrastructure and human needs, he did both. So, to meet today's moment, we must—and we can—do both.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-votes-protect-right-vote-all-americans-honor-legacy-john-lewis,"DeLauro Votes to Protect the Right to Vote for All Americans, Honor the Legacy of John Lewis",2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) voted to pass H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to restore critical protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and ensure that every eligible American voter can have their voice heard. Amid the most coordinated state-level effort to restrict the right to vote in generations, H.R. 4 would prevent states and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination from restricting the right to vote by requiring these jurisdictions to obtain federal preclearance before changing their voting laws. ""Ensuring all Americans can freely participate in the electoral process is a bedrock of our democratic society,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""We are witnessing an unprecedented wave of state voter suppression laws across the country. As states introduce hundreds of restrictive, anti-voter bills, the need to restore federal oversight has never been more urgent. I am proud that today, we took the crucial steps necessary to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by passing H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This bill honors the legacy of John Lewis and all those who sacrificed for the right of all Americans to vote."" For decades, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) prevented states and localities from restricting the right to vote. However, in its disastrous Shelby County v. Holder decision in 2013, the Supreme Court gutted the law, invalidating Section 4 and striking down the formula used to determine which jurisdictions are subject to federal oversight. In July 2021, the Court further weakened the law in its decision in Brnovich v. DNC which made it more difficult to challenge discriminatory voting laws under Section 2. Since 2013, there has been a steady increase in the number of restrictive voting laws that disproportionately suppress turnout among minorities, young adults, and aging Americans. This accelerated in 2021 with the Big Lie of a ""stolen election."" Just this year, 18 states have enacted at least 30 laws to restrict access to the vote. Named for the late Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, H.R. 4 restores the preclearance requirement, allowing the federal government to once again reject many restrictions to voting, and creates a new practice-based preclearance requirement. The bill also eliminates the heightened standard for challenging voter suppression laws, which was created by the Brnovich decision. ""What we do at this moment determines the course of our democracy for decades to come,"" DeLauro continued. ""Fifty-six years ago, heroes like my friend John Lewis shed blood on the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the right of all Americans to vote. Today, as that right comes under attack once again, we honor their legacy by passing this critical legislation."" The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will also: Allow federal courts to immediately halt measures that put voting rights at stake until a final ruling is made. Empower the Attorney General to request that federal election observers be present anywhere in the country where discriminatory voting practices pose a serious threat. Require reasonable public notice for proposed voting changes to increase transparency. Allow the federal government to review already-enacted but not-yet-implemented measures. Help plaintiffs seek injunctive relief for voting rights violations ahead of an election. Establish a grant program for small jurisdictions to help them comply with the bill's requirement to provide public notice for proposed voting laws.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=66C10568-E169-4FB4-AB8D-99C7AF5AD543,Reps. Hayes and Courtney Welcome New Assistance for Connecticut Dairy Farmers Following Request to President Biden,2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– Today, Representatives Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Joe Courtney (CT-02) welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of details for the new Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) for dairy farmers. The new program will provide $350 million in pandemic relief payments to dairy farmers who received a lower value for their products due to market abnormalities caused by the pandemic, and is part of a larger package that includes permanent improvements to the Dairy Margin Coverage safety net program. Reps. Courtney and Hayes voted to authorize funding for the new program in December 2020 through H.R. 133. The USDA Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program will specifically help reimburse dairy farmers for losses brought on by the Trump Administration’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program (FFFBP), which is no longer operating. Although the previous administration’s FFFBP made certain dairy product purchases that were important, it weighted purchases in such a way that had a devastating impact on the average prices for Class I skim milk in the second half of 2020. In July, Reps. Hayes and Courtney wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to ensure American dairy farmers are reimbursed for the millions of dollars lost in Class I skim milk revenue as a result of the FFFBP—click here to read more. ""The news of the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program by the USDA is monumental and much needed for dairy farmers throughout Connecticut. The structure of this program will target small dairy farmers who have been severely impacted by the pandemic, drought, excessive rain, disrupted sales flow, and supply chain issues. Additionally, the permanent improvements to the Dairy Margin Coverage safety net program will ensure realistic feed costs are reflected in payments to family dairies, and will strengthen the program as we head into the next Farm Bill. Connecticut farmers will be grateful for this news, and I commend the USDA and Secretary Vilsack for their hard work,"" said Congresswoman Hayes. “America’s dairy farmers took a big hit during COVID-19, and we need to keep our foot on the gas to make sure assistance keeps making it out the door and onto their farms,” said Rep. Courtney. “The new Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program is going to put relief straight into the pockets of eastern Connecticut dairy farmers to help make up for the steep drop-off in milk prices they saw in late 2020—a financial loss driven in part by the pandemic, and in part by some decisions made by the previous Administration. I’ve stayed in close touch with farming families and have been out to visit many of our local farms this summer and throughout the past year—there’s no question they need this federal support, and my office will be ready to help our local dairy farmers access it.” Background on the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program The Class I “mover,” which is used to compute the base Class I (fluid milk) skim milk price under the Federal Milk Marketing Order system, was modified in 2019—instead of being based on the higher of the Class III or Class IV price each month, it would now be structured as the monthly average of the Class III and Class IV prices, with a $0.74/cwt. adjustment. The historical record from January 2000 through August 2017 indicated this would be revenue-neutral for dairy armers. However, under the Trump Administration’s FFFBP, that wasn’t the case. The previous administration heavily weighted its dairy product purchases towards cheese (Class III), and contributed to a wide divergence in the monthly Class III and Class IV prices, making the average of the two significantly lower than the higher of the two. As a result, Class I skim milk prices averaged $3.56/cwt. lower during the second half of 2020 than they would have under the previous mover. As a result, dairy producers in all regions of the country suffered more than $725 in net losses since the current mover was put in place. In July, Rep. Courtney and Rep. Hayes joined twenty-three other Members of Congress in writing to President Biden to ensure dairy farmers were reimbursed for those losses. Click here to read their letter. Under the PMVAP, USDA will provide approximately $350 million in payments to reimburse qualified dairy farmers for 80% of the revenue difference per-month based on an annual production of up to 5 million pounds of milk marketed and on fluid milk sales from July through December 2020. The payment rate will vary by region based on the actual losses on pooled milk related to price volatility. USDA will make payments through agreements with independent handlers and cooperatives. USDA payments will: Provide assistance to dairy farmers who received a lower value for pooled milk due to fluid milk market abnormalities caused by the pandemic and ensuing Federal policies. Be distributed to dairy farmers on the same basis the handler made July – December 2020 payments to dairy farmers. Be made through agreements between USDA and individual handlers or cooperatives whose dairy farmer suppliers are eligible to receive payments. Be made to dairy farmers with an eligible 2020 Adjusted Gross Income. To be eligible for payments, a person or legal entity must have an average adjusted gross income of less than $900,000 for tax years 2016, 2017, and 2018. However, if 75 percent of their adjusted gross income comes from farming, ranching, or forestry-related activities, the AGI limit of $900,000 does not apply and the person or legal Click here to read more. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=ECFEE78A-D23B-4E1A-9009-C95E41E891C6,Hayes Statement on the Passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act,2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) provided a statement on the passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act: ""Today, I voted to pass H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to ensure that decades of action taken to prevent discrimination in voting are not reversed, but are instead restored and strengthened. This bill is necessary, as we witness sweeping efforts to implement some of the most restrictive voting laws in a generation. H.R.4 will protect vulnerable Americans by restoring and strengthening key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, which were dismantled in 2003 by the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision. The right to vote is our most fundamental right, without it all of our other rights are in jeopardy. Congress must pursue policies to protect voter integrity and equitable access to the ballot. I am steadfast in my commitment to protecting the sacred right to vote,"" said Congresswoman Hayes. For decades, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) empowered the federal government to block certain states and localities with dark histories of discriminatory barriers to voting from enacting restrictions on the right to vote. However, in its disastrous Shelby County v. Holder decision in 2013, the Supreme Court gutted the U.S. Department of Justice’s “preclearance” power under the VRA. In July 2021, the Court further weakened the law in its decision in Brnovich v. DNC, which made it more difficult for the federal government to challenge discriminatory voting laws. As a result of the Shelby decision, states began passing voter suppression laws, because there was no preclearance requirement hindering them. The restrictive laws – including voter roll purges, restrictions to mail-in voting, elimination of polling places and more – have disproportionately reduced turnout among communities of color, voters with disabilities, young adults and older voters. This has been meticulously documented by the Democratic House over two Congresses. This year, Republican-controlled state legislatures across the nation have accelerated their voter suppression campaign, fed by former President Trump’s Big Lie about the results of the 2020 election. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, 18 states have already enacted 30 laws that restrict the right to vote, and more than 400 voter suppression bills are still actively being considered across the country. Named for the late Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, H.R. 4 restores the preclearance requirement, allowing the federal government to once again reject many restrictions to voting, and creates a new practice-based preclearance requirement. The bill also eliminates the heightened standard for challenging voter suppression laws, which was created by the Brnovich decision. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will also: Allow federal courts to immediately halt measures that put voting rights at stake until a final ruling is made. Empower the Attorney General to request that federal election observers be present anywhere in the country where discriminatory voting practices pose a serious threat. Require reasonable public notice for proposed voting changes to increase transparency. Allow the federal government to review already-enacted but not-yet-implemented measures. Help plaintiffs seek injunctive relief for voting rights violations ahead of an election. Establish a grant program for small jurisdictions to help them comply with the bill’s requirement to provide public notice for proposed voting laws. After passing today in the House, H.R. 4 will now go to the Senate for consideration. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=712944C7-CAC4-4C87-B65A-32E313A4746A,Hayes Recognizes Progress as Thrifty Food Plan Receives 21 Percent Increase,2021-08-20,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), provided a statement regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, used to calculate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As a result of this congressionally mandated re-evaluation, the average SNAP benefit will increase by 21 percent on October 1, 2021 nationwide. Connecticut residents utilizing SNAP will see an increase of $181, raising the maximum available benefit to $847 per month starting October 1, 2021. This is the first update to the content of the Thrifty Food Plan since 2006 and the first cost increase to the Plan since it was created over 45 years ago. “The update to the Thrifty Food Plan is long overdue. We’ve seen a vast body of research with evidence that SNAP benefits are too low to support a nutritious diet for today’s low-income working families. Accordingly, Congress mandated that USDA reevaluate the Thrifty Food Plan by 2022 in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The increase coming from today’s update will help ensure that more SNAP families can have access to healthy meals,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, who is also chairwoman of the Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations Subcommittee. “I’m looking forward to continuing our work with USDA as they implement Congressional programs and address hunger and food insecurity for modern-day families in need.” The statement was also included the House Agriculture Committee release. Prior to the announcement of the update, the Congresswoman led a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack with Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations Subcommittee Democrats. The letter signified support of USDA's intent to ensure the Thrifty Food Plan, on which Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are based, is up-to-date and reflective of the latest science, as required by the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. The letter was signed by all Democratic Members of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations, namely: James P. McGovern, Alma S. Adams, Bobby L. Rush, Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Salud Carbajal, Al Lawson, Ann McLane Kuster, Jimmy Panetta, and Sean Patrick Maloney. To find out more about the changes in benefits by state, visit here. For questions about your SNAP benefits, please contact your SNAP state agency. ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-delauro-new-haven-register-we-need-more-gun-research-now,"DeLauro in New Haven Register: We need more gun research, now",2021-08-18,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"New Haven Register Rosa DeLauro (opinion): We need more gun research, now Opinion by Chair Rosa DeLauro A few months ago, officers responding to an incident on Goffe Street in New Haven found a 16-year-old boy shot in the back. The boy's injuries were not life-threatening, and I join those praying for his full recovery. But while I am grateful that this story did not end in tragedy, it is shocking just how common gun violence has become across the nation. The economic hardship, uncertainty and social disruptions of the coronavirus pandemic have led to a dramatic spike in gun violence over the past year. Last month alone, 438 people have been injured or killed nationwide in mass shootings — which include incidents involving four or more injuries or deaths. More recently, in the first half of this year, mass shootings were up 55 percent nationwide compared to 2020. Yet even as our nation faces this ever-growing crisis of gun violence, legislators have struggled to enact meaningful reform. Disagreements over the causes of gun violence and the best prevention methods have led to bitter partisan gridlock and ultimately put our communities and the safety of our law enforcement officers at risk. Part of the challenge legislators face is that even as we have plenty of evidence showing the dangers of guns, we still do not have sufficient data to suggest which gun violence prevention strategies, responses or interventions are the most effective. In 1996, a Republican-controlled Congress effectively halted all federal funding for gun violence research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. This meant that for over 20 years, our public health agencies were unable to treat gun violence as the public health crisis that it is. When I took the gavel as chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee that funds these agencies in 2019, I set about to reverse this two-decade-long lapse in funding. Standing up for this critical issue, I secured $25 million for gun violence prevention research at the NIH and CDC in 2020. For the first time in more than two decades, research into gun violence prevention resumed. And we provided a further $25 million in resources to the CDC and NIH in 2021 to get these gun violence prevention research projects off the ground. In fact, one of the beneficiaries of this funding is right here in our community. Caitlin Elsaesser at the University of Connecticut is currently working on a two-year research project studying ways to reduce firearm threats that are expressed through social media. I am proud that we were able to provide this vital funding and am eager to see the results of her research. In January, I became chair of the full Appropriations Committee, while keeping my perch overseeing health spending. I led hearings this spring with the CDC and NIH to assess the agencies' progress and continuing needs. What we learned is that these agencies need robust federal funding to fulfill the promise of this vital research. That is why, in the 2022 funding bills that passed the House in July, I increased the funding provided for gun violence research to $50 million. As the House's funding bills await consideration in the Senate, I will continue working to preserve this provision in the legislation that goes to President Biden's desk. By helping to establish whether solutions such as gun-free zones, defensive gun-use practices, waiting periods or background checks are more or less effective in reducing gun violence, this critical funding will play a central role in informing better gun violence prevention policies and legislation. We can all agree that gun violence is a problem in desperate need of a solution and that a rigorous, evidence-based approach is essential to preserving lives. By working together to provide meaningful research funding, I am hopeful that we can build healthier communities and make work safer for the law enforcement officers sworn to protect them.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4A22A006-F25F-4CDA-81AB-74EDB376B8C5,Hayes Statement Regarding the Recent Earthquake in Haiti,2021-08-17,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti: “My heart goes out to the people of Haiti as they deal with the impact of yet another devastating earthquake. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, as well as those who continue to search for their loved ones. As the recovery process begins, with the looming hurricane season amongst them I am supportive of continued U.S. humanitarian efforts to assist the people of Haiti."" ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E4CBB846-E4BE-485C-AFCA-B80AC0BC480F,Hayes Statement on Afghanistan,2021-08-17,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement on Afghanistan: ""I have been following the developing news, been briefed as a Member of Congress and listened to the President address the nation on the situation in Afghanistan. I remain supportive of efforts to facilitate the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country and recognize the need to prioritize the safety of all U.S. service members, personnel and citizens. However, I am shaken to my core by the images of the Afghan people and deeply concerned about the welfare of Afghan women, journalists, and human rights advocates. What has transpired over the past few days is a cause for global concern. We must ensure the Afghans who have supported our American missions are able to get the help they need."" ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-applauds-historic-increase-food-stamp-benefits,DeLauro Applauds Historic Increase in Food Stamp Benefits,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Increase to Result in Additional Estimated $181 Million for Connecticut Recipients NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued the following statement on the Biden-Harris Administration's actions to increase food assistance benefits through the largest increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) history: ""As the cost of living in Connecticut and in communities across the country continues to skyrocket, I applaud the Biden-Harris administration for taking this step to ensure families have access to affordable, healthy, and nutritious food. By strengthening this lifeline, the updated benefit better reflects the struggles our families face today rather than outdated metrics designed decades ago. ""Under the current Thrifty Food Plan, Connecticut is receiving approximately $666 million in SNAP benefits. Under the new plan, Connecticut will receive $846 million, an increase of $181 million. As a result, SNAP-participating households will receive a historic 21 percent increase in food assistance benefits.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-afghanistan,DeLauro Statement on Afghanistan,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued this statement on Afghanistan: ""President Biden's decision to recognize the will of the American people and end the twenty years of war in Afghanistan was the right one. I commend his efforts and leadership in understanding that the United States military occupation could not create a sustainable government nor lasting peace. ""The situation unfolding in Afghanistan is a humanitarian crisis. Our immediate priority must be to safely evacuate all American service members and citizens, Afghans who supported the American mission, journalists, and the vulnerable populations that will be targeted by the Taliban. This must be a whole-of-government approach to quickly process visas and assist our Afghan partners in safely resuming humanitarian efforts on the ground. Doing so can help to ensure the progress U.S. forces have made with our allies over these years is not erased overnight. ""I am grateful for the brave members of our armed services, diplomats, and humanitarian aid workers who have over the past two decades worked to help the people of Afghanistan build a better future.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-senate-passage-budget-resolution,DeLauro Statement on Senate Passage of Budget Resolution,2021-08-11,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued the following statement after the United States Senate voted to pass a $3.5 trillion budget resolution: ""This morning, the United States Senate voted to pass a historic budget resolution that will help to advance Democratic priorities and continue to Build Back Better by making critical investments to expand our nation's social safety net. This resolution advances President Biden and Congressional Democrats' bold agenda to better the lives of hard-working middle-class families, small business owners, and the vulnerable. We must also ask the biggest corporations and top one percent to pay their fair share in taxes. ""The breadth of the initiatives covered in this resolution is transformational. The resolution expands the Child Tax Credit, establishes universal pre-K for three and four-year-olds, creates a new child care benefit for working families, makes higher education more accessible with two years of tuition-free community college, increases the maximum Pell Grant award, and launches a first-of-its-kind paid family and medical leave benefit. Taken together, these efforts will provide every family and child across the country with a better chance at a better life. ""As a champion of paid family and medical leave and the Child Tax Credit, I am pleased the Senate framework includes these priorities to lift generations of children out of poverty and help working and middle-class families who are more hard-pressed than ever. But we must go further. Now is the moment to make the Child Tax Credit permanent and advance critical funding for child care and paid family and medical leave. Working with our colleagues in the Senate, House Democrats are ready to produce a reconciliation bill committed to our values that will make a difference in the lives of all Americans.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-senate-passage-bipartisan-infrastructure-investment,DeLauro Statement on Senate Passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,2021-08-10,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued the following statement after the United States Senate voted to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. ""After decades of disinvestment and four years of failed ‘Infrastructure Weeks,' today's Senate action took the first step to make desperately needed investments to rebuild our nation. From fixing our crumbling roads and bridges, revitalizing public transit systems, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and bringing high-speed broadband to every corner of our country, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will move our country's economy into the 21st century and create good, union jobs that cannot be outsourced. ""The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that we cannot simply return to normal. We must meet the moment by building the architecture for our nation's future. I am particularly pleased that this legislation includes strong Davis-Bacon requirements to ensure that contracted workers will be protected and paid prevailing wages. I am proud that the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $15 billion to remove lead service lines ensuring that all Americans will have access to clean drinking water and a $66 billion investment in rail to eliminate the Amtrak maintenance backlog, including $30 billion to modernize the Northeast Corridor. ""This investment will have a transformative impact on the lives of Connecticut's working families and will create good paying jobs to grow the middle class. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues on this legislation, as well as a broad Budget Reconciliation package of Democratic priorities, to quickly send to President Biden's desk.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-celebrates-house-passage-spending-package-including-225-million,DeLauro Celebrates House Passage of Spending Package Including $2.25 Million for East Industrial Road,2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today joined Branford First Selectman James Cosgrove and Branford Town Engineer John Hoefferle to celebrate the House passage of $2.25 million for the full reconstruction of East Industrial Road in Branford, from Leetes Island Road to the southbound Interstate 95 exit ramps. Regionally, this project is vital to economic development and growth and will serve the towns of Branford, Guilford, North Branford, and beyond. The full reconstruction will provide access to a supermarket, numerous restaurants, retailers, breweries and vineyards, the local YMCA, farms, medical facilities, manufacturing and biotech facilities, distribution hubs, hotels, local shellfish processing facilities, public trails, and the Stony Creek Quarry featuring their distinctive pink granite. ""The full reconstruction of East Industrial Road will spur economic growth and development not just in Branford, but also in Guilford, North Branford, and beyond,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""In addition to creating new space for economic growth, this new road will also increase community access to existing local business, retailers, breweries, restaurants, and the Y. This is exactly the kind of investment in the community I envisioned as I worked to include Community Project Funding in this year's federal appropriations process. I look forward to continuing to work to bring federal tax dollars back home to fund essential infrastructure projects like East Industrial Road."" ""The Community Project Funding for the reconstruction of East Industrial Road is an investment in the future of the region,"" said Branford First Selectman James Cosgrove. ""The $2.25 million in Federal funds will help facilitate business expansion and job growth within this diverse business region, and provide improved access to properties ripe for development and redevelopment. We appreciate Congresswoman DeLauro's efforts and leadership in securing Community Project funds for Branford and her dedication in supporting projects that provide taxpayers a return on investment."" Last week, Chair DeLauro led House Democrats in passing a package of seven government spending bills with funding for community projects nationwide including $2.25 million for East Industrial Road.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-life-and-legacy-afl-cio-president-richard-l-trumka,"DeLauro Statement on the Life and Legacy of AFL-CIO President, Richard L. Trumka",2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued the following statement after the sudden passing of AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka. ""Throughout his life Rich Trumka never backed down from fighting for workers. As leader of the 12.5 million-member American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO), he championed working people everyday. As the son of a coal miner who followed in his father's footsteps, Mr. Trumka's career from President of the United Mineworkers to President of the AFL-CIO was rooted in protecting and fighting for the right to organize and collectively bargain. ""While I always valued Rich's counsel, I came to value his friendship over the years. Our shared Italian-American heritage and commitment to fighting for better working conditions were rooted from the lessons we learned at our dinner tables. His legacy stretches far and wide including many visits to my district. In 1996 we participated in a ""people's graduation"" in the Yale New Haven Green. Thousands of workers from Yale University gathered to advocate for new union contracts and Mr. Trumka joined to chorus to support their efforts. We worked hand in hand to defeat the Trans Pacific Partnership, and worked in solidarity to re-negotiate the new NAFTA in 2019. I was proud to be at the center of these fights with Rich as an ally and a friend. ""I do not know where we would be without Rich today. His relentless efforts to end unfair trade practices and restore U.S. manufacturing strength made him a tireless advocate for the labor movement in the United States and around the globe. I was honored to call him a colleague and a dear friend."" ""My sincere condolences go out to his wife, Barbara and the entire Trumka family, as well as the staff of the AFL-CIO.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-sterling-house-leaders-celebrate-15-million-facility,"DeLauro, Sterling House Leaders Celebrate $1.5 Million for Facility Improvements in House Passed Spending Bill",2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today joined Sterling House Executive Director Amanda Messon, Board Chair Carl Glad, and Development Director Chris Carroll to celebrate the House passage of $1.5 million to support Sterling House Community Center facility improvements. DeLauro met with students attending the Sterling House summer camp and discussed how the community center benefits Stratford families. This funding for facility improvements will be used to replace a 135-year-old tile roof, gutter system, and other deteriorating areas of the building's exterior at the Sterling House Community Center. These improvements will support Sterling House as Stratford's largest food pantry and social service agency whose programs include pre-school, afterschool, summer day camp, and many other community services. ""The Sterling House Community Center provided lifesaving services to the Stratford community long before this pandemic,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""Sterling House is a touchstone of the community--it is a place where Stratford residents of all ages gather not only for social services but for social interaction. This funding will enable Sterling House to continue their work in childcare, feeding seniors and families, and offering programs that help bring our community members together. This is exactly the type of project I imagined when working to pass spending bills that include Community Project Funding. With these funds, Sterling House can continue its more than 85-year-old tradition of serving our community and transforming lives."" ""The entire Sterling House community was so honored for Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro's visit!"" saidSterling House Executive Director Amanda Messon. ""We are proud to welcome her to feel the vibrancy and impact of our programs and services firsthand. We toured our beautiful 135-year-old building and while it has served us well, many of the features original to the House are showing their age and impacting our ability to utilize our space and expand our services. Congresswoman DeLauro's dedication and investment in Sterling House is a reflection of her role as a champion of youth, families, and community. Her support will empower us to continue to serve this amazing community for generations to come."" Last week, Chair DeLauro led House Democrats in passing a package of seven government spending bills with funding for community projects nationwide including this $1.5 million for Sterling House Community Center facility improvements.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-blumenthal-pallone-whitehouse-and-markey-introduce-food-labeling,"DeLauro, Blumenthal, Pallone, Whitehouse, and Markey Introduce Food Labeling Modernization Act",2021-08-04,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2021 in their respective chambers that would update front-of-package food labeling requirements, require updates to the ingredient list on packaged foods, and apply consumer friendly labeling requirements. ""The Food Labeling Modernization Act will give food labeling requirements an important and long-overdue overhaul,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""Food labels should give a clear, accurate, and fair representation of the product, and that is just not the case right now. This common-sense bill would provide more information to consumers—information that is vital as people make choices about what food to buy for their families."" ""This bill will bring much-needed clarity to food labels so Americans can make informed, healthy decisions for themselves and their families,"" Senator Blumenthal said. ""Current labels are a confusing maze and fail to provide important, useful information to consumers. The Food Labeling Modernization Act will ensure serving sizes are updated, allergens are clearly labeled, and nutritional information is transparent, giving people the tools they need to make healthier choices and avoid misleading, deceptive pitches and promotions."" ""American consumers have a right to know what's in the food they and their families eat, but that isn't always easy with today's opaque food labels and marketing claims,"" Chairman Pallone said. ""The Food Labeling Modernization Act will update our nation's packaging requirements to provide clear nutritional information to consumers to help them make healthier and more informed purchasing decisions. I look forward to working with Chairwoman DeLauro and Senators Blumenthal, Whitehouse, and Markey to get this pro-consumer bill passed and signed into law."" ""Americans ought to have clear information on what's in their food,"" said Senator Whitehouse. ""This bill will grant people a much better understanding of their diet so they can make healthier decisions and avoid dangers like allergens."" ""We need a clear, truthful system of labels for food products that ensures consumers can make informed dietary choices without being confused or misled,"" said Senator Markey. ""The Food Labeling Modernization Act will improve labeling standards so all consumers have access to fair, honest, and easy to understand information about their food."" In the United States, obesity and diet-related disease are responsible for hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year, as well as increased health care costs. However, food labeling requirements do not always provide families with the information they need to make healthy choices. The majority of the food labeling provisions of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act have not been updated since 1990 and in some cases have not been changed since 1938. As a result, labels do not provide the information that today's consumers need to evaluate and compare products in order to make healthy choices. In an effort to help consumers select healthy products, the Food Labeling Modernization Act's signature initiative will direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a single, standard front-of-package nutrition labeling system in a timely manner for all food products required to bear nutrition labeling. The bill will also strengthen current law to target trends in marketing that confuse or mislead consumers when they are attempting to compare food products. Specifically, the legislation will require new guidelines for the use of the word ""healthy."" The Food Labeling Modernization Act is supported by Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Reports, Environmental Working Group, Gluten Free Watchdog, National Celiac Association, Celiac Disease Foundation, Beyond Celiac, and Gluten Intolerance Group. ""The past year has laid bare how our nation's ill health can make us more vulnerable to new threats, like the coronavirus,"" said Peter Lurie, Executive Director and President, Center for Science in the Public Interest. ""Many of the same conditions identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as risk factors for severe illness from COVID-19 can result, in part, from poor quality diets. It's time for the United States to take bold action to reduce the prevalence of diet-related diseases by passing the Food Labeling Modernization Act."" ""Food labels make numerous health claims that are more often hype instead of helpful,"" said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy for Consumer Reports. ""Consumers should be able to rely on these labels so they can easily compare products and make appropriate choices. This bill would help make food labels simpler, clearer, and more meaningful so we can all have more confidence that the food we are buying is truly healthy."" ""The FLMA is a game-changer for Americans with celiac disease and other gluten related disorders,"" said Tricia Thompson of Gluten Free Watchdog. ""Requiring labels to declare all gluten-containing grains in FDA-regulated foods will give consumers information they need to safely choose products for their medically-prescribed gluten-free diets. Without the FLMA, these consumers remain at risk of unknowingly ingesting foods that are unsafe for them."" Over the last few years, the Food and Drug Administration has updated some requirements for the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods. The Food Labeling Modernization Act would build on that initial progress by ensuring consumers have access to easy-to-read information in order to make informed purchasing decisions.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-celebrates-house-passage-1-million-community-project-funding-rm,DeLauro Celebrates House Passage of $1 Million in Community Project Funding for R.M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park,2021-08-04,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeLauro, Florsheim Toured the Former Industrial Building and Discussed Impact Federal Funds Could Have on Middletown DeLauro Speaks with Community Leaders and Business Owners on Potential Revitalization MIDDLETOWN, CT —House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today joined Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim, Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Alexandra Baum, Middletown Director of Economic and Community Development Joseph Samolis, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce President Larry McHugh, and R.M. Keating tenants, ID Parcel & Mail Solutions President and CEO Jerry Fenerty, Stubborn Beauty Brewing Company Co-Owner Shane Centini, and Fidelux Lighting President Sindhu Natarajan, to celebrate the House passage of $1 million in Community Project Funding to modernize building infrastructure at R.M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park. The modernization of this former industrial building will not only add to the revitalization of the North End and bring jobs to the area but will turn unusable empty space into new, leasable space for non-profit and small businesses, entrepreneurial support programs, as well as community spaces for events and programming. The building is also located along, and will be incorporated into, a future walking trail along the Coginchaug and Mattabassett Rivers. ""As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud that last week we passed a spending package that invests in working families and helps so many towns in Connecticut,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""Included in this transformational government funding bill is $1 million in Community Project Funding, the full amount requested by the City of Middletown, to revitalize and modernize the R.M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park. This funding would provide an opportunity that will likely result in new employment and economic benefits for our communities as businesses move into these newly renovated spaces. That is why you can be sure I will be fighting for this when we come together with the Senate on the final 2022 spending bills."" Last week, Chair DeLauro led House Democrats in passing a package of seven government spending bills with funding for community projects nationwide including this $1 million for R.M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park. DeLauro's floor remarks on the seven-bill 2022 spending package are here. A summary of the bill is here. DeLauro, Samolis Tour R.M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-yarmuth-hill-permanent-child-tax-credit-expansion-will-yield,"DeLauro, Yarmuth in The Hill: A permanent Child Tax Credit expansion will yield dividends to taxpayers",2021-08-04,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"A permanent Child Tax Credit expansion will yield dividends to taxpayers Opinion by Chairs Rosa DeLauro and John Yarmuth Wednesday, July 15, was a historic day for our country. For the first time, the United States joined our peer nations, sending tax relief to poor, working, and middle class families in the form of an Advanced Monthly Child Tax Credit: $250 per child, $300 for younger children, each month. Parents report buying diapers and food, paying for team uniforms, and having a little more certainty about making next month's rent. The expanded Child Tax Credit expires after one year, but there is broad support among our colleagues to make this expansion permanent. With the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, alongside majorities in the House and the Senate, Congress stepped up by passing the historic American Rescue Plan less than 100 days into the new term. Shots in arms. Checks in pockets. America has begun to emerge from the shadows of the pandemic and related economic calamity. As President Biden reminds us, our job now is to ""build back better"" as we face simultaneous crises and need to make progress on each: the pandemic, economic inequality, racial inequity, and the climate crisis. Congress is now faced with the challenge of meeting our urgent needs — needs that existed before the pandemic and needs that will continue long past the time when the pandemic subsides. As chairs of the House Appropriations Committee and House Budget Committee, we feel a particular responsibility to meet the moment in a responsible way for our budget — both fiscally and budgetarily. At the same time, we face a ceiling on what we can pass in a bill that must receive majority support in both chambers before becoming law. Balancing the many necessary investments with the imposition of a budget constraint is often viewed as an almost intractable problem. Fortunately, in one of the most important areas there is good news, but only if Congress recognizes the facts. New research from Columbia University shows that making the landmark changes to the Child Tax Credit permanent will yield dividends to taxpayers over the long term. Doing an exhaustive metanalysis of the literature, the Columbia researchers find if the Child Tax Credit expansion is made permanent that taxpayers will actually earn back 84 cents for every dollar invested. Why? The evidence shows: Children will learn more and earn more later in life, leading to increases in tax payments. Children are less likely to be neglected, leading to decreases in child protection costs. Children are less likely to end up participating in criminal activity, leading to savings in costs of law enforcement. Children are likely to be healthier leading to decreased health care costs. Even the parents of children are likely to be healthier leading to further decreases in health care costs (in fact, scholars have found that such a policy leads to reductions in drinking and smoking among parents of recipients). In short, when children and families receive these tax credits, they will learn more, earn more, and grow up healthier and less likely to end up incarcerated. In fact, while making the Child Tax Credit permanent will save taxpayers money, it will also be a boon for American society as a whole. The Columbia scholars find that a permanent Child Tax Credit expansion returns nearly $8 for every $1 spent. Children who grow up to earn more will reap their own rewards, as will the businesses that profit off a better-trained workforce. Those additional savings from this policy may not flow directly to federal coffers, yet they are still investments for America. But we can only achieve these returns if we make the Child Tax Credit expansion permanent. It is the certainty of the program, month after month, year after year, that leads to the benefits our nation should enjoy. It is rare in public policy to have a win-win-win. Cut taxes for the working and middle classes. Cut child poverty in half. Return most of the money to taxpayers. And save money for society. In order to lock in this win, Congress must follow the evidence of the real economic impacts of the policy. We simply cannot miss this opportunity to make the Child Tax Credit permanent. We cannot put ourselves in an arbitrary straitjacket that has no relationship to the facts and ignore the real economic impacts of the policy. When it comes to coronavirus, we have depended on the evidence of researchers to enact policies to move us past the pandemic. It is time for Congress to again follow the evidence and make the Child Tax Credit expansion permanent.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-secures-2-million-federal-spending-bill-new-haven-community,DeLauro Secures $2 Million in Federal Spending Bill for the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team in 2022 Funding Bill,2021-08-03,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeLauro, Elicker, Community Leaders Urge the Senate to Include this Funding in Final Government Spending Bills DeLauro and Elicker Discuss Potential Impacts of New Haven Community Crisis Response Team NEW HAVEN, CT —House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today joined New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, New Haven Acting Police Chief Reneé Dominguez, Co-organizer of the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team Dr. Mehul Dalal, Co-organizer of the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team Carlos Sosa-Lombardo, Director of the planning phase of the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team Dr. Michael Rowe, and Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Medical Director Dr. Charles Dike to celebrate funding for the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team clearing a critical hurdle in Congress. This mobile crisis team program will be integrated into New Haven's newly proposed Department of Community Resiliency and will respond to incidents that may be best addressed by trained social services staff utilizing a suite of services and programs. For the first time, Chair DeLauro included Community Project Funding in the federal spending bills. DeLauro led House Appropriations Committee passage of the fiscal year 2022 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies funding bill which includes $2 million for the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team. ""Far too often, those experiencing mental health—or other emergencies—rely on 9-1-1 services during a crisis. In many cases, the police, fire, and EMS are the first line of response in addressing social problems, including issues related to homelessness, welfare checks, substance use and mental health crises. This status quo approach leads to the overburdening of current first responders,"" said Congresswoman DeLauro. ""As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to meeting the needs of our communities in a transparent and accountable way, which is why I am proud that we have been able to secure $2 million in Community Project Funding for the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team in the 2022 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies funding bill that recently cleared an important hurdle when it passed out of the committee. If enacted, the Community Crisis Response Team would be a vital complement to our brave women and men who serve in our police departments and fire departments and would be staffed with a licensed social worker and other specialists. I am passionate about providing these critical services for everyone in our communities and will be fighting for this project when we come together with the Senate on a final bill for next year."" ""Over this past year, my administration has been working tirelessly to reimagine the way that government can serve the residents of our city,"" said Mayor of New Haven Justin Elicker. ""Today, through partnership with our incredible Congresswoman DeLauro, I am proud to say that these new, innovative programs are likely to get the funding they need to become a reality. Creating a Community Crisis Response Team, one of the first in the nation, to integrate mental healthcare and social workers directly into our 9-1-1 dispatch will realign our approach to public safety to one focused on social services, not just on law enforcement. At the same time that we take a new approach to public safety, we also have to create more opportunities for our children. Funding for the New Haven Public Schools Manufacturing Technology program will give many of our young people the chance to get trained for good paying jobs and lifelong careers right in high school. This funding is about racial equity, both in creating opportunity and realigning the role of government to one that focuses on the well-being of every New Haven resident. Congresswoman DeLauro has been a champion for our people, and this is just the latest in a long line of her advocacy and tireless work for those who need it. I am grateful for her partnership and eager to see these programs implemented to move us closer to a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."" ""The success of the New Haven Police Department is in part built by the deep rooted tradition of partnerships and collaboration,"" said New Haven Police Chief Reneé Dominguez. ""The formation of the New Haven Community Crisis Response Team is another partnership that not only continues this tradition but aids in our continuous progression of the services we provide our community. The New Haven Police Department cannot do this alone. We embrace this new partnership and look forward to the enhanced work we, as a City and an agency, will provide to the citizens of New Haven."" ""It's widely agreed that integrating mental health professionals into New Haven's emergency response system is the right thing to do,"" said Community Services Administrator Dr. Mehul Dalal. ""With support from the Community Project Funding, we now have a clear path to bring this vision to fruition for the benefit of the New Haven Community."" ""We expect that the pilot will begin early next year,"" said Special Projects Director Carlos Sosa-Lombardo. ""As the project manager on the city side, it is exciting to see this level of commitment from the federal government for this program, because we must stop arresting our way out of social problems. With this funding level, we will be able to bring more opportunities to our residents. Opportunities to turn their lives around, opportunities to connect them to the right services during moments of crisis. It's about getting people the help they need."" ""I am excited about today's event and the funding of New Haven Community Crisis Response. This welcome development will complement already existing services and enhance the mental health infrastructure of New Haven,"" said Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Medical Director Dr. Charles Dike. ""This funding initiative is imperative as communities such as New Haven build the necessary, comprehensive infrastructure for on-the-ground mental health response for individuals in mental health crisis."" DeLauro's statement at the Committee's markup of the fiscal year 2022 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill is here. A summary of the bill is here. DeLauro Speaks to Community Leaders About Community Project Funding for New Haven",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-white-house-action-help-prevent-evictions,DeLauro Statement on White House Action to Help Prevent Evictions,2021-08-02,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Evicted as a Child, DeLauro Condemns Republican Obstruction NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued the following statement on the Biden Administration's actions to prevent evictions, calls for the use of all available resources to extend the eviction moratorium: ""When I was ten years old, my father's package store went bankrupt, and my parents could no longer pay the rent on our home. I remember coming home one day to find our furniture on the street. Eviction turned our world upside down, and our displacement left lasting scars. ""Eviction is always a tragedy and, compounded by the deadly threat posed by the Delta variant, threatens both the livelihoods and the lives of so many Americans. To protect families in this time of need, we must act to prevent evictions. Unfortunately, shameful Republican obstruction means Congress will not be able to extend the moratorium. ""With respect for the science regarding the threat of the Delta variant, the eviction moratorium must be extended. The announcement from the White House that they are working to find the legal authority for the CDC is a positive first step, but I am eagerly awaiting the outcome of these efforts. With the human costs so high, fear of an adverse court ruling should not prevent this critical step. At the same time, the Treasury Department must continue to ensure that funds allocated by Congress to renters and landlords are effectively and quickly distributed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-delauro-statement-approval-emergency-stay-nelson-pinos,Chair DeLauro Statement on Approval of Emergency Stay for Nelson Pinos,2021-07-31,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEW HAVEN – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued the following statement on the approval of a stay of deportation for Nelson Pinos: ""We are a nation of immigrants, and this should be a time of celebration for the entire New Haven Community. After years of work, against the cruelty of the Trump administration, Nelson Pinos has finally been granted a stay. A brave, courageous partner and father, Mr. Pinos and our entire community can breathe a sigh of relief. ""Nelson's story is all too common across the country and represents a broken immigration system. This system was made worse under the dangerous, inhumane practices of the previous administration, but we still have work to do. There are too many people in our communities who work hard for decades and make our communities vibrant yet are forced to live in constant fear of deportation. Today, we celebrate Nelson, tomorrow, we continue the work until there is comprehensive immigration reform that creates a path to citizenship."" In 2017, Mr. Pinos contacted Congresswoman DeLauro about his deportation case. Since then, on Nelson's behalf, DeLauro worked against the Trump administration and wrote letters to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) asking for prosecutorial discretion and an emergency stay of deportation. Nelson has resided in the United States for 29 years. With his partner and three children, he is an integral part of the New Haven community.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FA6053AC-4EDF-4F41-A6C9-9041F2C3EE6F,Rep. Hayes Update on Resources Available as the Eviction Moratorium is Set to Expire,2021-07-31,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,CT,Jahana Hayes,H001081,hayes.house.gov,hayes,https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) provides statement on the eviction moratorium: ""I am leaving Washington, D.C. today disappointed after Congress failed to extend the eviction moratorium. I stayed in Washington, D.C. on Friday and spent the day reaching out to Congressional leadership, making sure they understood how my constituents would be affected by our action or inaction. Calls to my office yesterday amplified the concerns of renters about eviction and landlords about foreclosure. After hearing from constituents in my district, I made leadership aware of the profound impact to renters and homeowners, and urged them to include language to support renters and landlords, and streamline the process for disbursement of funds in any negotiated agreement. Unfortunately, after waiting all day legislation to extend the eviction moratorium was not considered and there was no vote on the matter. With no action the moratorium will expire on July 31, 2021 at midnight. In March, the American Rescue Plan provided over $42.5 billion in assistance to renters and homeowners. Specifically, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided: Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) - The legislation provides more than $21.5 billion in emergency rental assistance to help millions of families keep up on their rent and remain in their homes. Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) - The legislation provides nearly $10 billion to help homeowners behind on their mortgage and utility payments and avoid foreclosure and eviction. Emergency housing vouchers - The legislation provides$5 billion for emergency housing vouchers for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Homelessness assistance and supportive services program - The legislation provides $5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to help create housing and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Other programs - The legislation also includes over $1 billion in funding for other housing assistance programs. To learn more about these programs, read about them here. The Consolidated Appropriations Act also provided $25 billion for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Using funds provided from the American Rescue Plan, the State of Connecticut launched UniteCT, a program to provide direct financial assistance to renters and homeowners. UniteCT provides up to $15,000 rental & $1,500 electricity payment assistance to households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of July 30th, the state has disbursed $45 million in assistance, to 5,800 tenants and 2,691 homeowners. This amount only accounts for roughly 11% of the total funding that is available for Connecticut residents. If you or anyone you know is in need of rental assistance and may benefit from this program, visit UniteCT to learn more and apply for assistance. I have several in-district meetings and events planned with constituents as I enter the August district work period. I plan to keep those commitments, and adhere to my calendar, however, I stand ready to return to Washington, D.C. at any moment to consider this or any other further legislation. As always, my office is here to help and answer any questions you may have."" ### Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-delauro-leads-house-funding-capitol-police,Chair DeLauro Leads House in Funding Capitol Police,2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,CT,Rosa L. DeLauro,D000216,delauro.house.gov,delauro,https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeLauro: ""We are saying to law enforcement all across the country that we respect the hard work they do for all of us"" DeLauro participates in bill enrollment ceremony for the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act WASHINGTON, DC — House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) this week led the passage of H.R. 3237, the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th, a funding bill that supports the United States Capitol Police with funding, overtime pay, equipment, and support services. ""On January 6, a mob of violent insurrectionists invaded our Capitol – hellbent on stopping the peaceful transfer of power. The brave men and women of our Capitol Police protected us. And since that fateful day, they have continued to work day in and day out, with only the barest minimum of support. They have soldiered on with physical, mental, and emotional trauma and have sacrificed their own needs and those of their families for the safety and security of our democracy,"" said Chair DeLauro. ""By passing this critical funding, we are meeting the needs of the Capitol Police and we are saying to law enforcement all across the country that we respect the hard work they do for all of us.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z