Sunday - April 28, 2024
U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving Connecticut Newsletter for Sunday March 24, 2024 ( 32 items )  

Ahead of March Madness, Blumenthal Demands Sports Betting Companies Stop Targeting Problem Gamblers
WASHINGTON, March 19 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: [HARTFORD, CT] - This week, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote eight major sports betting companies to demand they stop leveraging data to target problem gamblers with promotions and ads. Blumenthal's call to action comes at the start of March Madness and urges companies to make it easier for problem gamblers to remove themselves from online gaming platforms as the tournaments begin in t  more

Ahead of Social Security Budget Hearing, Larson & Davis Applaud Commissioner O'Malley for Quick Action to Protect Social Security Beneficiaries
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, House Ways and Means Committee Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny K. Davis (IL-07) applauded Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley for his quick action to safeguard seniors and other Social Security Administration beneficiaries after the leaders raised concerns over troubling reports of overpa  more

Blumenthal & Blackburn Urge Declassification of TikTok & ByteDance Information Over National Security Concerns
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) called on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to declassify information regarding TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance amid national security concerns. "American intelligence and law enforcement officials on a bipartisan basis have repeatedly raised alarms that the Chinese government can u  more

Blumenthal & Scott Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Animal Welfare
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced legislation today to better protect animals in federally-licensed facilities. The legislation, Goldie's Act, amends and strengthens the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and provides solutions and clear authority for U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors, promoting the safety and wellbeing of animals. "This essential measure give  more

Blumenthal Sponsors Legislation to Crack Down on Price Fixing Algorithms that Help Predatory Landlords Raise Rents
WASHINGTON, March 20 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: [HARTFORD, CT] - U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined Senate colleagues in introducing two new bills that would ban predatory practices by landlords who use pricing algorithms to avoid competition and raise rents. Senator Blumenthal is a cosponsor of both the Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act, which would prevent companies from using algorithms to collude to set higher prices, and the  more

Blumenthal, Markey, & Warren Introduce Legislation to Protect Car Buyers & Bolster Safety of Used Cars
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced legislation today to ensure the safety and reliability of used cars. The legislation, the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act, requires car dealers to repair any outstanding safety recalls in used cars prior to selling, leasing, or loaning them to consumers. Current federal law does not prohibit   more

Hayes Marks National Nutrition Month With Bipartisan Legislation To Bring Fresh Meals To Schools
WASHINGTON, March 20 -- Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Scratch cooking has had early success in improving student health and wellness, academic performance, sustainability, and school food workforce development. Further, the procurement of ingredients from local farms has also been proven to lower food costs and drive economic activity in the communities around participating schools. "Fruits and vegetables are key for healthy growth and brain development i  more

Hayes Marks National Nutrition Month With Bipartisan Legislation To Bring Fresh Meals To Schools
WASHINGTON, March 20 -- Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: As part of National Nutrition Month, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) led Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) in introducing the Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act, to launch a grant program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand scratch cooking in schools. Research shows school meals are the healthiest meals children eat in a day. Buil  more

Hayes Votes to Advance Funding Package with Connecticut Priorities
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted to pass a package of six appropriations bills which helps with the cost of living, protects the rights of women, reinforces the United States as a global leader, and improves safety and security in our communities. The Minibus passed the House by a vote of 286-134, with a majority of the votes coming from Democrats. This package includes funding for Defens  more

Himes Votes to Stop Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Jim Himes, D-Connecticut, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) today issued the following statement regarding the passage of the six remaining fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills. This package, which passed with a bipartisan vote of 286-134, includes funding for the following: Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies; Legislative Bran  more

Inside the fight to stop government from robbing your Social Security for student loan payments
WASHINGTON, March 20 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: A startling number of seniors can't collect their full Social Security benefits because they defaulted on student loan payments, prompting lawmakers to call for a halt to this practice. A group of Democratic lawmakers, co-led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, sent a letter on Tuesday evening highlighting the devastating impact these offsets have on older Americans who rely on Social Security  more

Larson Commends Commissioner O'Malley During Budget Hearing for Efforts to Improve Social Security Administration, Slams Republican Plan to Cut Benefits and Defund SSA
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, during a Joint Subcommittee Hearing on President Biden's Social Security budget request, Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) commended Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O'Malley on his leadership and pushed back on Republican proposals to cut the agency's budget. "Under the leadership of Commissioner O'Malley, the Social Security Administra  more

Larson Opening Statement at Joint Subcommittee Hearing with Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O'Malley
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Commissioner O'Malley for being here today. Commissioner O'Malley, I commend you on your leadership and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the nearly 70 million Americans on Social Security continue to receive the benefits they earned. I applaud your quick attention to addressing the impact of overpayment collections on seniors and people wi  more

Larson Opposes Republican Bills That Endanger Our Environment and Hike Energy Costs
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: This week, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted against several Republican bills that would roll back efforts to combat climate change, jeopardize clean energy jobs, and raise costs for American families. "This week, I voted against six anti-environment bills because they would endanger the public health of our communities, undo the progress we've made to tackle climate change, and raise prices for Ame  more

Larson Statement on Republican Budget Plan Proposing $1.5 Trillion in Cuts to Social Security
WASHINGTON, March 20 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after the Republican Study Committee (RSC), the largest caucus of House Republicans, released a budget plan that calls for raising the retirement age and $1.5 trillion in cuts to Social Security. "Only a week after Donald Trump called for cuts to Social Security on national television, Republicans in Congress released their plan to   more

Larson Votes for Bipartisan Schools, Safety, and Security Government Funding Package
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for H.R. 2882, the bipartisan Schools, Safety, and Security Government Funding Package, securing new investments in education and Connecticut's manufacturing workforce. "The government funding package we voted on today advances critical investments in our nation's schools, public health, and Connecticut's manufacturing workforce," said Larson. "I am enormousl  more

Larson, Becerra Highlight Work to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Yesterday, in the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) questioned Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra on the impact of Democrats' efforts to lower prescription drug prices for seniors and how President Biden's budget lays out a vision to support older Americans across the nation. You can view Rep. Larson's remarks here. "President Biden's budget is an incred  more

Larson, Warren Lead Lawmakers Calling on Federal Government to Stop Taking Social Security Benefits to Pay Defaulted Student Loans
WASHINGTON, March 20 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Reps. Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), led their colleagues to call on the federal government to end the practice of offsetting Social Security benefits to pay off defaulted student loans. "As a growing number of older Americans have federal  more

Larson: Bipartisan Government Funding Package Excludes Republican Closed-Door Commission to Slash Social Security
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after the House passed government funding legislation that excluded House Republicans' demand for a commission to fast-track cuts to Medicare and Social Security. "Once again, we have defeated Republicans' plan for a closed-door commission to gut Social Security," said Larson. "In the past two weeks, we have seen former President Tr  more

Larson: President Biden's Plan to Strengthen Social Security is the Practical and Pragmatic Solution
WASHINGTON, March 17 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) dismissed President Biden's plan to strengthen Social Security by ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share on Meet the Press. "The President's call to strengthen Social Security by making the wealthy pay their fair share is not only fair, but also the practical and pragmatic solution," said Larson.  more

Larson: Republican Inaction Leaves Ukraine in Dire Need
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after the House adjourned without passing aid for Ukraine. "It is shameful for Congress to leave town without voting to send aid to Ukraine," said Larson. "Due to Republican inaction, we have not voted on aid to Ukraine even though it passed with overwhelming support in the Senate. The facts are clear: the Ukrainian people need our   more

Leader Jeffries Floor Speech In Support Of Government Funding Package
WASHINGTON, March 23 (Rep.) -- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release on March 22, 2024: Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the House Floor in support of the second six-bill appropriations minibus and Democrats' effort to fight back against extreme MAGA Republican attempts to jam their right-wing ideology down the throats of the American people. JEFFRIES: I thank the distinguished gentlelady from the great state of Connecticut for   more

LEADER JEFFRIES FLOOR SPEECH IN SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT FUNDING PACKAGE
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release: Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the House Floor in support of the second six-bill appropriations minibus and Democrats' effort to fight back against extreme MAGA Republican attempts to jam their right-wing ideology down the throats of the American people. JEFFRIES: I thank the distinguished gentlelady from the great state of Connecticut for yielding, the honorable Rosa DeLauro. And th  more

Murphy, Blumenthal, King, Murray, Colleagues Urge VA To Remove Barriers To Women Veterans Seeking Support For Sexual Trauma
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Friday joined U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and 29 of their Senate colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prioritize mental and physical healthcare resources for women veterans who experienced sexual trauma during their service. In a letter to   more

Murphy, Brown, Baldwin, King, Casey, Kaine, Sinema Introduce Legislation To Improve Public Safety, Ensure Cooperation Between State And Federal Governments On Immigration Warrants
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Angus King (I-Maine), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) on Thursday introduced the Improving Public Safety Through Immigration Warrant Issuance Act, legislation to improve public safety a  more

Ranking Member Courtney's Statement on FY24 Defense Budget
WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Appropriations Committee released the six remaining FY24 spending bills, which included the defense budget. "I enthusiastically support the investments included in the FY24 defense budget to fully-fund our submarine programs and bolster our submarine indu  more

Ranking Member DeLauro Protects 224,000 Teachers' Jobs and Secures $1 Billion Increase for Child Care and Head Start
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) secured key investments in domestic programs that support hardworking Americans despite House Republican attempts to slash vital programs. "This bipartisan bill ensures our workforce is strong, that families are healthy and safe  more

Rep. Courtney Applauds Biden Administration for Expanding Tax Credits to Support and Stimulate More Offshore Wind Projects
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02) applauded the Biden Administration for expandingeligibility for an Inflation Reduction Act tax incentive that will support and stimulate more offshore wind projects.This decision follows the urgingof Rep. Courtney as well as Representatives Seth Magaziner, Bill Pascrell, Jim Himes and 48 other Members in the U.S. House. "This is game-changing news for southeastern Conn  more

Rep. Courtney Fends off GOP Budget Attacks on Education, Increases Aid for Local Public Schools
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, Rep. Joe Courtney, a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, voted to pass the final six Fiscal Year 2024 spending bills, including the education budget. The education funding bill is more than $40 billion above what was proposed by the Republican majority earlier this year, which included an 80 percent cut to all Title I schools. In November, Rep. Courtney detailed  more

Rep. Courtney's Legislation to Protect Coast Guard Academy Cadets Advances in the House
WASHINGTON, March 20 -- Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Today, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed Rep. Joe Courtney's bill to prevent Coast Guard Academy cadets from punishment for minor offenses when reporting an incident of sexual assault. The provision passed 53-3 as part of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024. "I've worked over the last decade to institute safeguards to prevent and address sexual assault across the Co  more

Social Security head warns against raising retirement age after GOP proposal
WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. John B. Larson, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O'Malley warned that raising the retirement age for the program would disproportionately hurt blue-collar workers, the day after the Republican Study Committee (RSC) released a proposal to raise the age. The RSC, which comprises nearly 80 percent of House Republicans, released a budget proposal Wednesday that would raise the age of Social Secu  more

The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Demands Airlines Comply with Probe into Skyrocketing Fees
WASHINGTON, March 19 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chairman Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent letters to five major U.S. airlines, demanding that they fully comply with PSI's inquiry into fees charged on top of airfare, which are often hidden, costly, and confusing. PSI's inquiry proceeds as three of the largest U.S. airlines recently raised their domestic checked-bag fees, in some cases char  more