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May 11, 2016
“Today, there will be votes and a lot of self-congratulatory rhetoric about the fact that we are moving on something, but remember: there is not a penny for law enforcement, for treatment, or for prevention and education. Until we do that, we are kidding ourselves that we are going to turn this alarming, disturbing trend around.
“We have an epidemic in this country which far surpasses any challenge presented by a natural disaster. If we had an attack on the homeland that took the number of lives that these maps represent – this Congress would be on fire!
“To be clear, there is not a penny in either of these measures to help law enforcement, the police and fire who are responding to these crises day in, and day out. There is not a penny for treatment beds, for detox for long-term care treatment. In Connecticut, it takes 4-6 months to get into treatment. And there is not a penny for education.
“If we had a hurricane, or a forest fire, or tornado that was ravishing parts of this country, or an attack on the homeland, this place would not hesitate on getting resources out there to help folks respond to that type of a crisis. Yet, somehow we can turn a blind eye to the thousands of Americans who are suffering from some type of addiction, to the thousands of law enforcement and fire personnel who are responding to these calls as we speak right now.”
Issues:
Health Care
May 7, 2016
“Targeted federal grants like these Rural Development funds from the USDA go a long way toward helping small communities like Sprague make improvements for local residents,” said Courtney. “These two grants will help the town of Sprague save a significant amount of money on their annual energy bills, as well as provide safety and shelter to local residents during severe winter weather. Earlier this year, I held a seminar series for town leaders from across eastern Connecticut to help them learn more about how the Rural Development program works, and how to obtain this type of funding. Too often, rural communities do not have access to the credit required to launch long-term projects like upgrades to bridges, schools, or municipal complexes, and the loans and grants provided through Rural Development ensure our small towns do not get left behind. I want to thank First Selectwoman Osten for everything she does to support the people of Sprague, and her efforts in helping to obtain these grants today.”
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May 4, 2016
“One of the most urgent requests we have heard from law enforcement officers, public health officials, and community leaders is for funding to address this growing epidemic,” wrote the members. “We must treat this problem like the emergency that it is, and give those responding to the crisis the tools, support and resources they need right now.
Issues:
Health Care
April 30, 2016
“We had so many great works of art entered into the competition this year, it was clearly a very difficult decision for our judges to choose one single winner,” said Courtney. “I am very impressed by the level of artistic ability and creativity shown by the young people who took part this year. It seems like year after year – the art works get even better. After the judges made a careful evaluation of the entries, I am pleased to announce that Alexandra Crampton of RHAM High School in Hebron is the winner for the Second Congressional District. Her entry was the standout piece of the night, and we are proud that it will represent eastern Connecticut in the Capitol building for the next year.”
April 29, 2016
“Plum Island is a scenic and biological treasure located right in the middle of Long Island Sound,” said the lawmakers. “The island is home to a rich assortment of endangered species, and should be preserved as a natural sanctuary – not sold off to the highest bidder for development. We have long supported federal legislation to remove the government requirement to sell Plum Island as a means to finance a new research facility. The sale of Plum Island is no longer financially necessary because Congress has fully appropriated the funds to build the new bioresearch facility in Kansas. Now that this legislation has been passed in committee, it is our hope that it will be quickly passed by the full House and taken up in the Senate. We are closer than we have ever been to permanently protecting Plum Island.”
Issues:
Energy & Environment
April 28, 2016
“We are encouraged that the EPA was able to help locate a central site for the disposal of dredged materials in eastern Long Island Sound and look forward to public input to ensure the site will protect both the scenic beauty and biological diversity of the area,” the lawmakers said. “Long Island Sound waterways contribute more than $9 billion annually to our economic output in Connecticut, and maintaining navigable shipping channels is critical to the long-term health of our regional economy. From the New London Submarine Base to family-owned marinas, thousands of residents across our state depend on reliable access to local waterways for their livelihoods. We are particularly pleased that the EPA clearly articulates processes that will mitigate any harm to the environment and to the region’s fish and shellfish stocks.”
Issues:
Energy & Environment
April 28, 2016
“This is a good bill for the defense priorities of our region and state, and I am proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis to pass it” said Courtney. “From fully supporting the submarine construction that is fueling our economic recovery in eastern Connecticut, to restoring critical gaps in aircraft production levels and investment in our state’s ‘Flying Yankees’, this measure makes a solid investment in Connecticut while meeting the security needs of our nation. As the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee that played a key role in crafting the bill, I am proud of the strong bipartisan support this bill provides for the hard working men and women across Connecticut who go to work every day in support our nation’s defense."
April 21, 2016
“As a longtime champion of Connecticut’s “Flying Yankees,” I am pleased that this measure will support the last major piece of their transition to their new C-130 flying mission,” said Courtney. “On the House Armed Services Committee I have worked hard, along with my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, to end years of uncertainty for the unit by securing a relevant and enduring mission for our Air National Guard. This small air terminal will provide the facilities they need to fully support that mission, and coupled with the long-term avionics upgrades I have supported, this measure continues to ensure a bright future for the Flying Yankees.”
April 20, 2016
As recent events around the world clearly demonstrate, the presence and capabilities of our forces on, below and above the seas are in higher demand than at any other time in recent history. Yet, as this subcommittee knows all too well, these forces are under significant pressure in meeting growing operational needs and keeping pace with developments around the world in the face of limited resources.
April 19, 2016
“The Two-Midnight Rule was not a solution to the observation crisis for hundreds of thousands of Medicare patients across the nation,” said Courtney. “The arbitrary coding of observation status is plunging families into a Medicare black hole financially and medically. While I am pleased they have ditched the Two-Midnight Rule, it is time for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to join the 56 other organizations and 118 bipartisan cosponsors in supporting passage of my bill, the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2015.”