Media Center

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-2) announced a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in the amount of $422,264, to Thames Shipyard and Repair in New London. The grant was made possible through the competitively awarded Small Shipyard Grant Program.

“I am pleased that one of our local shipyards will be receiving this grant, which in an important investment in our region’s shipbuilding and maritime industry. This grant both increases capacity for repairs at the shipyard, and reduces impact on the environment,” Courtney said.

WASHINGTON—Today, Representative Joe Courtney (CT-2) released the following statement on the bipartisan Senate agreement on student loan interest rates:

WASHINGTON—Today, Representative Joe Courtney (CT-2) voted against the Student Success Act (H.R. 5), the Republican plan to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Among other things, the bill would lock in sequestration cuts to federal education programs for at least six years. Courtney spoke yesterday on the House floor to detail the impacts of making those cuts permanent.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today opposed the 2013 Farm Bill, which passed by the House by a vote of 216-208.

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the Treasury Department announced that it is delaying for one year the employer responsibility requirements under the Affordable Care Act, which were set to begin January 1, 2014. Under the employer responsibility requirements, large firms with 50 or more full-time or full-time equivalent (FTEs) employees are required to provide affordable and adequate coverage to their employees.

NORWICH, CT – Congressman Joe Courtney and Mayor Daryl Finizio today announced that the City of New London has secured $714,846 as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). The program provides annual grants to state and local governments to develop their urban communities. CDBG funding has been available since 1974, and is used to develop affordable housing and anti-poverty programs.

NORWICH, CT— Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) presented a Purple Heart medal to the family of the late Staff Sergeant Arnold H. Haapala. SSGT Haapala served in the U.S. Army, 22^nd Infantry Regiment, 4^th Infantry Division and was killed in action during the invasion of Normandy on June 21, 1944 at the age of 27. Haapala is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

WASHINGTON, DC – The House of Representatives adjourned today without enacting legislation to prevent subsidized Stafford student loan interest rates from doubling from 3.4% to 6.8% before the July 1^st deadline. Congressman Joe Courtney, who authored legislation that would have locked in the current low interest rate for a period of two years, made the following statement on the House floor following the last votes until the House returns on July 8: