Press Releases

In remarks on the House floor today, Congressman Courtney highlighted the broad opposition to the Graham-Cassidy bill being brought to a vote this week in the Senate. As Courtney noted in his remarks, nearly every major health advocacy, provider and real-world practitioner group has rejected the measure.

“The rising tide of prescription opioid and heroin addiction continues to harm our communities,” said Courtney. “We need all hands on deck response to deal with this epidemic, and this federal funding will go a long way in helping these local treatment programs to fight back against this vexing epidemic of drug addiction. Starting with youth education is one of the best ways to ensure the next generation understands the dangers associated with narcotic drug use and remain drug-free. I know that these programs will put this funding to good use.”

“The award of the detail design contact to Electric Boat kicks off the next critical phase of the Columbia class program,” said Courtney. “A lot of hard work has already gone into planning and developing this top national security priority, but that was really preparation for the work yet to occur under this new contract. Every day, countless individuals - from the shipyard to suppliers to workforce development experts – are working to ensure that our region is ready to meet the multi-generational challenge of designing and building this new submarine. This milestone today is a testament to their work, but a reminder that we still have a lot to do as Congress and the Navy look to grow our undersea fleet. This work is fueling economic growth and hiring across the region, and today’s contract keeps that momentum going. I will continue to do all I can to advocate for the funding, authorities and support needed to get this job done."

“Long Island Sound is a unique resource for eastern Connecticut,” said Courtney. “A vast array of economic activities in our region ranging from recreational boating to commercial maritime transportation, shipbuilding, the Coast Guard Academy, and the Naval Submarine Base in Groton are all directly connected to Long Island Sound. This funding will help educate local residents and students and prepare them to keep the Sound safe and healthy for future generations.”

“The Senate did the right thing by following the House’s lead this year by rejecting any discussion of a BRAC,”said Courtney. “Our region knows all too well that we must remain vigilant in defending SUBASE New London and that is what I have done since taking office, working with key stakeholders to support the base and its critical role in our nation’s defense. The language in the House version of the NDAA passed earlier this summer explicitly rejected a new base closing round, and I am glad that the Senate has followed suit. As the House and Senate work to craft a final defense bill in the weeks ahead, I will continue to be ensure rejection of BRAC.”

“I applaud the effort of the two community health centers to obtain these critical resources to combat opioid addiction in eastern Connecticut,” said Courtney. “We have to be diligent about pursuing similar grant opportunism in the future that may be available to fight back against rising drug abuse.”

Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) and Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced three amendments they authored in support of support Connecticut residents impacted by crumbling foundations passed in the House of Representatives. The amendments were added to an omnibus appropriations bill to fund the federal government which passed the House today. These amendments represent the first time that a full chamber of Congress has passed measures related to crumbling foundations in Connecticut.

Rep. Courtney joined Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), David Young (R-IA-03), and Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-01) in introducing the Community Health Investment, Modernization and Excellence (CHIME) Act of 2017 – bipartisan legislation to extend the Community Health Centers Fund (CHCF) for five years, with modest increases to ensure responsiveness to demand for care and national priority areas.