Press Releases

Courtney, Palazzo Lead Effort to Defend American Shipbuilders

January 22, 2015

WASHINGTON—Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) and Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4), along with 30 bipartisan House colleagues, sent a letter this week to Senate leadership urging opposition to an amendment that would strip domestic construction requirements that help strengthen America’s shipbuilding industry. In addition to building and maintaining approximately 40,000 commercial vessels, private shipbuilders provide critical maintenance services and capacity for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard fleets—capacity that would be threatened if build requirements under the Jones Act are undone.

Courtney Statement on President Obama's State of the Union Address

January 20, 2015

Press Release

WASHINGTON--Tonight, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) released the following statement after President Obama delivered his 2015 State of the Union Address:

"Tonight President Obama gave voice to the millions of middle class Americans who are looking to gain a bigger share of the benefit of our economic recovery--a share that has been too meager to date.

Courtney Welcomes Federal Grant to Prevent Layoffs, Help Working Families

January 16, 2015

Press Release

Norwich, CT—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor announced a $1.2 million grant to Connecticut’s “Shared Work Program” to help keep employees on the job during downturns in their company’s business.

“Helping employers retain valuable workers during a downturn in business is the best way to keep those employees connected to a job, rather than face the total loss of a layoff,” Congressman Courtney said. “I applaud Secretary Perez for awarding these funds, which will bolster our fragile recovery.

Issues: Economy & Jobs

Courtney Statement on EB Hiring Announcement

January 15, 2015

Press Release

Groton, CT—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) released the following statement after Electric Boat President Jeff Geiger presented a strong and positive outlook for the yard at its annual legislative breakfast, including plans that EB expects to hire approximately 600 workers at their Groton shipyard in 2015.

“EB’s strong hiring outlook will provide a powerful boost to our eastern Connecticut economy, and I am proud to play a direct role on the House Seapower Subcommittee in ensuring continued support for the submarine construction, design and support programs th

Issues: Defense & National Security Economy & Jobs

Courtney Welcomes Passage of Clay Hunt SAV Act to Address Veteran Suicides

January 13, 2015

Press Release

WASHINGTON--Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) released the following statement after the House voted to pass the Clay Hunt SAV Act, a bill on which Courtney is an original cosponsor:

"Today the House took an important step forward on behalf of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform. With an estimated 22 veterans taking their lives each day--including the tragic loss of veterans in Connecticut in recent weeks--it is clear that Congress, the VA and our veterans organizations need to continue to work together to address this critical problem.

Issues: Veterans & Military Personnel

Courtney Statement on President Obama Signing 2015 NDAA

December 19, 2014

Press Release

Washington--Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) released the following statement after President Obama signed the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act tonight:

"The enactment of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act--which President Obama signed tonight--locks in two-a-year production of Virginia Class submarines, invests in research and design for the Ohio Replacement Program, and funds hangar construction at Bradley Air National Guard Base.

Issues: Defense & National Security

Courtney: Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Renewal Passes Senate, Provides Relief for Homeowners

December 17, 2014

Press Release

WASHINGTON—Last night, the Senate approved a House-passed legislative package of “tax extenders” for 2014, sending the bill to President Obama for his signature. Today, Congressman Joe Courtney highlighted the inclusion of a provision that protects struggling homeowners from severe tax penalties after a short sale, mortgage restructuring or foreclosure. Without renewal of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, distressed homeowners would have incurred income taxes on mortgage debt forgiven in such a transaction—an expensive proposition for families already facing financial distress.

Issues: Economy & Jobs

Courtney Announces More than $2.4 Million Saved for Constituents in 2014

December 15, 2014

Press Release

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) released 2014 totals showing that constituent casework performed by his office in 2014 saved or returned $2,431,624 to eastern Connecticut residents. Courtney's office helped residents receive funds and benefits owed to them by resolving IRS disputes, VA benefit issues, mortgage problems, complications with Social Security benefits, and other issues.

Issues: Seniors and Retirement Security

Courtney Statement on "CROmnibus" Spending Bill Passage

December 11, 2014

Press Release

WASHINGTON—Tonight, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) released the following statement after voting against a spending bill that contained objectionable provisions that roll back portions of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, and undermine campaign finance contribution limits:

Courtney Statement on Passage of Bicameral Defense Authorization Bill

December 4, 2014

Press Release

WASHINGTON—Today Congressman Joe Courtney released the following statement after voting in favor of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill, negotiated between the House and Senate after passage of the House version of the NDAA in May, will now go to the Senate floor for approval.

Issues: Defense & National Security Economy & Jobs