Press Releases

“I am deeply disappointed that Republican leadership refuses to even consider the emergency funding that communities across this country are crying out for to address their most pressing needs such as increasing the number of treatment beds. We are facing down a nationwide public health emergency of almost unprecedented scale, and today Congress took a pass on taking any real action which could help turn the tide against this epidemic of rising drug abuse. The measure we passed today simply does not match the severity of the crisis it is it meant to address."

“The final rule issued yesterday establishing new restrictions on the use of the Central and Western Long Island Sound Dredged Material Disposal Sites goes a long way toward protecting the environment while advancing Connecticut’s maritime economic interests. Long Island Sound waterways contribute more than $9 billion annually to our economic output in the region and maintaining navigable shipping channels is critical to the long-term health of our state’s economy. From the submarine base in Groton to family-owned marinas up and down our coast, thousands of residents across our state depend on reliable access to local waterways for their livelihoods. We are pleased that the amended restrictions announced yesterday prioritize disposing of dredged materials on land to mitigate any harm to the environment and the region’s fish and shellfish stocks. EPA was able to strike the right balance between ensuring our maritime economy continues to thrive while protecting both the scenic beauty and biological diversity of the Sound.”

"I am proud to once again serve as a member of the conference committee tasked with finalizing the annual defense authorization bill. In this capacity, I will continue to build on the strong support I secured for Connecticut’s defense priorities in the House-passed bill -- including full support for robust submarine production, restoration of critical gaps in aircraft production levels, and further modernization of the C-130 aircraft assigned to the 'Flying Yankees' of Connecticut’s Air National Guard. There are many challenging issues on the agenda for these negotiations, but I remain confident that we will continue to find a bipartisan approach to ensuring that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have the support they deserve.”

“There are no words which can adequately convey what a horrific and heartbreaking day this is for the United States of America. As the reporting from Dallas this morning has made clear, what occurred last night was an execution-style attack on Dallas police officers who were engaged in protecting freedom of speech and ensuring public safety – the highest form of public service."

“I was very pleased by the strong bipartisan support for the mental health bill passed by the House yesterday which includes a section of my bill to add child and adolescent physiatrists to the National Health Service Crops,” said Courtney. “We know that when children experience trauma or mental illness at a young age, it can have a profound impact on the rest of their lives. With nearly 1 out of every 5 young American’s experiencing some type of mental health issue during adolescence, we owe it to our children to make sure we are providing enough psychiatric providers to care for them."

“Plum Island is a scenic and biological treasure located right in the middle of Long Island Sound. It is home to a rich assortment of rare plant and animal species that need to be walled off from human interference. Nearly everyone involved in this issue agrees that it should be preserved as a natural sanctuary – not sold off to the highest bidder for development. The amendment will prevent the federal agency in charge of the island from moving forward with a sale by prohibiting it from using any of its operational funding provided by Congress for that purpose. This will not be the end of the fight to preserve Plum Island, but this will provide us with more time to find a permanent solution for protecting the Island for generations to come.”

"While the scope and urgency of the opioid crisis would justify this investment being considered emergency spending, we are willing to put Federal budget savings on the table, demonstrating that there is no excuse for inaction when it comes to funding for treatment and prevention of opioid addiction,” said the Democratic Conferees.

"I am very pleased that this important piece of legislation which will help bring kidnapped children home has been signed into law by President Obama,” said Courtney. “My colleague, Rep. Erik Paulsen and I first introduced this bill in 2011, and we have remained strong advocates for it ever since. Missing children investigations are incredibly complex and challenging for law enforcement officials to solve, and we should be providing them with every conceivable tool that can help bring children home safely. We should not be leaving a single rock unturned when it comes to finding and returning missing children to their families."