Media Center | Congressman Joe Courtney
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September 22, 2017
“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."

September 21, 2017
“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.”

September 18, 2017
“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.”

September 15, 2017
“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.”
Issues:Health Care

September 14, 2017
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.

September 13, 2017
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.
Issues:Health Care

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Cracks in a wall
September 12, 2017

U.S. Reps. Joseph D. Courtney and John B. Larson say they're optimistic that homeowners with crumbling foundations will be provided tax relief for repairs following a meeting Monday with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.


September 11, 2017
Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) and Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) met with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy David Kautter at the Department of the Treasury headquarters in Washington, D.C. to discuss assistance for north-central Connecticut residents impacted by crumbling concrete foundation.

September 7, 2017
"Thank you Mr. Chairman. And thank you to Admiral Moran, Rear Admiral Boxall, and Mr. Pendleton for your testimony today. I would also like to recognize Ms. Rachel Eckels, mother of the late Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Timothy Eckels Jr. who perished onboard the USS John S. McCain, for joining us today. The circumstances that bring us to today’s hearing are painful and tragic. As Admiral Moran pointed out in his order to the Navy’s Fleet Forces Command dated August 24, 2017, in the span of 65 days, 17 sailors were lost in ship collisions and accidents on naval vessels. These were not, as he pointed out, “limited occurrences” but part of a disturbing trend of mishaps in the Asia Pacific Region that since January involved the USS Antietam (CG 54), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), USS Fitzgerald, and the USS John S. McCain. To put that in perspective, these heartbreaking casualties are more than the number of service members we have lost in the Afghanistan war zone in 2017."

September 5, 2017
“As members of the Connecticut federal delegation, we are writing in reference to a news story in The Day on Saturday, September 2, 2017, which detailed disturbing allegations from minority cadets alleging that an atmosphere of racial hostility exists on campus,” wrote the members. “As strong supporters of the Academy and its historic role of producing the Coast Guard’s leadership, we are sure you agree that a meaningful, transparent response is required to further advance the institution’s mission. We recognize that the Academy has been engaged in a concerted effort to boost minority enrollment over the last eight years and has shown significant progress in the numbers at the time of matriculation. Higher admission rates have to be coupled with robust retention in order to ensure a higher graduation rate for minority cadets so that Coast Guard leadership ultimately reflects the multicultural makeup of the country’s population. Ensuring that the Academy’s environment and culture are free of any racial animus is critical to achieving such an outcome.”