Dear John,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week, I joined members of the House Democratic Caucus to once again denounce gun violence following the school shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, TN. Our children deserve better.

More from the week: On Wednesday, I spoke in opposition to the Polluters Over People Act, dangerous legislation to gut bedrock environmental protection laws. The House Committee on Agriculture held a full committee hearing to hear testimony from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack. Additionally, I met with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for their annual legislative conference. Lastly, I attended the regional awards ceremony for Connecticut History Day in Torrington.

For the full recap, please read below. 

Denouncing Gun Violence

The tragedy in Nashville is yet another reminder of how prevalent gun violence is in the United States.  My heart and prayers are with the loved ones of the victims, children & educators affected by The Covenant School shooting. 

This is not normal—we must do more as a nation to protect our kids and end this epidemic.

On Wednesday, I joined members of the House Democratic Caucus to once again denounce gun violence. Our children deserve better.

I am unwavering in my support of common-sense gun safety measures.

H.R. 1 - Polluters Over People

Last week, the Republican House majority passed H.R.1, the Polluters Over People Act. While framed as legislation to lower energy costs, the bill would increase the federal deficit by $2.4 billion.  Additionally, H.R. 1 would pad the pockets of oil and gas executives, attack clean energy, systematically gut bedrock environmental protection laws, threaten clean air and safe drinking water, and erode the critical progress communities have made in cleaning up environmental messes of the past. 

For decades, the Fifth District of Connecticut struggled with environmental abuses. During my time in Congress, I have worked to bring back federal resources for brownfield remediation in Waterbury, New Britain, and Torrington – places where asthma-related illnesses are on the rise as a direct result of environmental factors. After years of hard work, once blighted properties have been transformed into fisheries, art spaces, and even affordable housing; and miles of rivers in Connecticut have been granted Wild and Scenic designations.

The Polluters Over People Act threatens to roll back years of progress and protection. For these reasons, I opposed the legislation. 

House Agriculture Committee Hearing 

On Tuesday, the House Committee on Agriculture held a full committee hearing:  For the purpose of receiving testimony from The Honorable Thomas J. Vilsack Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

During his testimony, the Secretary shared the importance of re-evaluating the Thrifty Food Plan every five years. The Thrifty Food Plan refers to the cost of groceries needed to provide a healthy, budget-conscious diet for a family of four. 

Previously, re-evaluations of this critical program happened every 45-50 years. However, shifts in consumption patterns, food prices, physical activity, and a host of additional factors can significantly impact the costs associated with providing healthy meals. 

It is imperative Congress maintain the five-year timeline in the 2023 Farm Bill to ensure we are feeding more people, not less. 

To listen to my remarks during the hearing, please click here.

Meeting with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 members and retirees working in a variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, and rail. On Tuesday, I met with representatives from IBEW Local 1228, based in Simsbury.

During the meeting, we discussed the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act and the National Apprenticeship Act, legislation that would support workers as they collectively bargain for better wages and bolster opportunities for students to enter high-skill, high-wage apprenticeships in key industries.

Connecticut History Day Awards Ceremony

Connecticut History Day (CHD) is one of 58 affiliate programs of National History Day (NHD), an academic program that brings students, teachers, museums, and scholars together to support young people as they engage in history.

Connecticut History Day annually engages over 4,000 middle- and high-school students in historical research, interpretation, and creative expression through project-based learning.

As a history teacher, I was thrilled to attend the CHD regional contest awards ceremony in Torrington last week.  Congratulations to all the students who participated in the competition this year and best of luck to the finalists advancing to the state competition in May.

And that’s a wrap!

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress