Media Center

“Today is a special day in southeastern Connecticut as we mark the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Navy installation that would become Naval Submarine Base New London,” said Courtney. “On this date in 1868, the state of Connecticut and the city of New London conveyed a deed of gift to the U.S. Navy that was only 5,200 feet long and 700 feet wide. Over time, that small tract of land along the Thames River has grown in size and stature as it became the home to the ‘first and finest’ submarine base."

“It would be difficult to overstate how important dredging and dredging disposal is to the maritime economy of southeastern Connecticut,” said Courtney. “Without the regular dredging of ports and waterways, a vast array of economic activities in our region ranging from recreational boating to commercial maritime transportation, shipbuilding, the Coast Guard Academy, and the submarine base would simply cease."

“The sudden and stunning decision by Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute to cease operations with no notice to students or staff screams out for action by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” said Courtney. “Many of the students used federal student loans and grant programs to pay tuition, and it is imperative that the Dept. of Ed exercises its statutory authority to protect both taxpayers and the students who put their faith in this school’s promise of a certificate that would provide gainful employment."

“We are trying to get out the word that the IRS is holding thousands of checks for Connecticut residents that will disappear if they go unclaimed on Tax Day,” the members said. “The IRS believes it is holding about $12.7 million in 2014 refunds for taxpayers in Connecticut who did not file their returns that year. We want these residents to know that it is not too late to file for 2014 and collect that money, but the final deadline is approaching.”

“Following the release of grim statistics from the office of the Chief Medical Examiner on drug overdoses state-wide in 2017, I met with the police chiefs from across the region to determine what the most critical needs are to combat drug addiction. Time and again I hear the same refrain, they need more funding to hire police officers and fund drug treatment facilities,” said Courtney. “I was very pleased yesterday that after months of debate in House, we were able to pass a bill with robust federal funding targeted to help local communities hire police officers and educate youth about the acute dangers of prescription opioid and heroin abuse. Our local police officers are out working the front lines of the crisis each day and they deserve our full support for leading this fight.”

“For months, we have been hearing from military leaders about the critical need for budget certainty to move forward on a wide range of programs and priorities. Now, with this bill, Congress has finally provided them with that certainty,” said Courtney. “As ranking member of the Seapower subcommittee, I am pleased that this measure reflects many of the priorities I have worked on including robust investment in our undersea forces. I am proud to have fought for key investments in programs important to Connecticut that will contribute to our state’s growing manufacturing resurgence.

“This bill marks the end of a year-long process to secure a bipartisan deal to fund the federal government, and end the persistent threat of looming government shutdowns,” said Courtney. “This deal is great news for both Connecticut’s defense industry and our overall economy. The bill contains strong support for all of Connecticut’s defense manufacturing priorities, including my amendment to authorize the Navy to sign an agreement with Electric Boat and its partners to build up to 13 Virginia-class submarines under the next block contract. This will help meet urgent national security needs and further expand on the growing impact that submarine construction is having in our state.