Media Center

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works about the impact of Hurricane Sandy on eastern Connecticut. Courtney stressed the economic impact of repeated storms that have hit the region over the past two years. He testified, in part:

"[Eastern Connecticut towns] have experienced just a historic repetition of bad weather that is really now starting to hit bone and muscle in terms of their ability to provide basic functions for local government."

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney, member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza:

"Israel, like all nations, has a right to defend herself and her people from attack. The unprovoked rain of rockets on innocent Israelis would not be tolerated by any sovereign state.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today announced that nine eastern Connecticut towns secured $46,589 from the U.S. Department of Justice to offset the cost of bulletproof vests. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP), created by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998, reimburses police departments for 50 percent of the cost of vets that have been purchased. In eastern Connecticut, the following towns secured:

WASHINGTON, DC – The Social Security Administration today announced a 1.7-percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries in 2013. The COLA will begin with benefits that nearly 55 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2013. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2012.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today announced that the Stafford Springs-based Warren Corporation secured two grants worth $1,407,991 from the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Worsted Wool Fabric Grants Program. The program is designed to help U.S.-based manufacturers of worsted wool fabrics to compete with international manufacturers by offsetting the benefit provided to U.S. tailored suit manufacturers by reduced duties on imports of certain worsted wool fabrics.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today released the following statement after the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia ruled against the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), setting aside new position limits rules:

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement that it is continuing with the current definition of "rural" until at least March 27, 2013. The announcement means that Connecticut towns remain eligible for Rural Development programs and funding. These funds support essential public facilities and services such as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities and electric and telephone service.