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July 20, 2018
Press Release
"Homeowners in more than three dozen towns in north central and northeast Connecticut have reported that their home foundations are failing due to the mineral pyrrhotite that could affect up to 35,000 homes in the area. That is why it is critical to make sure that all municipal, state, federal and private sector measures are taken to address this catastrophe. This week was another small step to help our constituents as two amendments passed in the House of Representatives."
July 18, 2018
Constituent Corner
Meredith Clermont-Ferrand is a professor at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic. Last spring, Meredith contacted my office seeking assistance with FedLoan Servicing, a private company that operates in partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Education. As a professor at ECSU, Meredith is eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program that is designed to reimburse college graduates for student loans if they pursue a career in public service. In addition to working in a public service career, graduates must first make a total of 120 on-time monthly loan payments before qualifying for the PSLF program.
Issues:
July 14, 2018
Press Release
“The untimely passing of Air Force Staff Sgt. Grotjean, while deployed far from home protecting our nation, is a heart-breaking loss for his family, our state, and our entire nation. His critical work in the UAE as part of Operation Inherent Resolve to defend the civilized world deserves our deepest honor and respect. All of Connecticut mourns with his loved ones.”
Issues:
July 13, 2018
Press Release
“Today’s decision to grant a key maintenance availability to Electric Boat reflects the value the Navy places in the private sector industrial base which has been critical in responding to the needs of the submarine force,” said Courtney. “This decision will help sustain key jobs and skills in the Groton shipyard as we prepare for a surge in submarine construction work. It also ensures that one of our newest submarines, the USS Indiana, will not delay its first deployment. This is good news for the hardworking men and women of Electric Boat and for the national security needs of the United States.
Issues:
July 11, 2018
Press Release
“The signals regarding potential outcomes that are coming from this administration in advance of the President’s upcoming trip to Europe are deeply concerning. Without question, in his upcoming meetings with NATO and President Putin, President Trump must continue to affirm America’s commitments to our allies, especially Article V of the Atlantic Treaty. He must not praise, condone, or abet any Russian efforts to undermine the sovereignty or democracy of any of our allies and partners. He must take a genuine stand against Russia’s cyber campaigns and its efforts to interfere in our elections.
Issues:
July 9, 2018
Constituent Corner
On June 3, 1969, Bill Thibeault was asleep on the destroyer USS Frank E. Evans as it sailed between Vietnam and the Spratly Islands before being struck by a much larger Australian aircraft carrier. The accident resulted in the ship being split in half with the bow section sinking in less than 5 minutes. A total of 74 sailors were killed in the disaster that day. Sadly, nearly 5 decades later, the names of Bill's deceased shipmates have still not been added to the Vietnam War Memorial wall because the Evans was technically outside of the designated combat zone, about 80 miles off the coast of Vietnam, when it was struck.
Issues:
June 25, 2018
Press Release
“This is a good day for the House and more importantly, for our veterans,” Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) said. “Blue water veterans have waited decades for action and fairness from the VA and from Congress. I am proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis to finally get this this important and long-overdue legislation passed in the House. I hope that the Senate will follow our lead and pass this bipartisan bill without delay so that our Blue Water veterans can finally receive the recognition and care they deserve.”
June 18, 2018
Press Release
“In the wake of growing bipartisan calls for President Trump to end his Justice Department’s recently implemented policy of “zero tolerance” that results in separating families at the border, I am cosponsoring new legislation in the House of Representatives today called the Keep Families Together Act. This bill will prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from separating parents and children taken into custody within 100 miles of the border except for narrow cases involving abuse or neglect. It would also allow people seeking asylum in the United States to be given a fair hearing before subjecting them to criminal prosecution and tearing families apart.
June 4, 2018
Press Release
“Clearly, the Air Force is making the right decision cancel the previously announced sole-source contract and hit restart on this process. Even with the understanding that the Air Force One mission brings with it unique requirements and challenges, a $24 million sole-source contract just didn’t pass the smell test,” said Courtney.
Issues:
May 25, 2018
Press Release
“Our military service members have a proven themselves to be dedicated public service and they are exactly the type of professional we need to be recruiting to educate our future generations,” said Courtney. “I am very pleased that Connecticut will be receiving a sizable grant from the federal government to help transitioning service members join the ranks of teachers in our state. I’ve worked on a bipartisan basis to make sure that more servicemembers looking to continue their service to our communities can do so by sharing their skills and experience in our classroom. I have no doubt that Connecticut will be well served by the new teachers we are able to recruit and train with this funding.”