|
Dear Friend,
After an important week in Congress, I’m back home in eastern Connecticut. Here with an update on my vote to avert a catastrophic debt default, new federal resources to transform abandoned land, and lots more. Thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
Voting to Avert a Catastrophic Debt Default
On Wednesday evening, I voted to pass the bipartisan agreement to raise the debt ceiling for two years. This bill averts a catastrophic default on the full faith and credit of our government and ensures our nation can pay its bills. I’ve repeatedly warned that U.S. default would have grave consequences on American families and trigger a recession. Millions of workers would lose their jobs, retirees would see their 401(k) accounts fall, and small businesses would shutter. Globally, our financial reputation, our debt instruments and currency would suffer permanent damage – all while our competitors, particularly China, watch with glee. Breaching the debt ceiling for the first time in U.S. history since the War of 1812 was not an option.
Despite House Republicans’ reckless game of brinkmanship and attempts to gut critical programs, the final bipartisan agreement averts a catastrophic default while also shielding services Americans rely on from extreme cuts. To name a few, the agreement protects Medicaid and prevents efforts to end Social Security and Medicare, it protects veterans’ access to health care, like screening and treatment for exposure to toxic substances, and it protects the historic investments House Democrats made in clean energy and infrastructure.
Even with these key protections, the bill reflects a compromise between a divided government that will blunt federal investments in worthy programs for the next two years. Nonetheless, the House fulfilled its duty to ensure the U.S. can pay its bills and maintain our nation’s position as a reliable government that backs up its obligations.
Infrastructure Law Funding Continues to Fuel Growth & Development in New London
Big news in New London today. I joined Mayor Michael Passero, City officials, and EPA Brownfield Representative Jim Byrne to announce $1,000,000 from the Infrastructure Law is coming to New London to transform abandoned properties – also known as brownfields – into residential and business economic hubs. We met at the Beam apartments – a former vacant site – and discussed how this new federal funding will provide the city with a fighting chance to transform abandoned property into vibrant community centers.
 |
| Today, Rep. Courtney joined (left to right) New London Economic Development Coordinator Elizabeth Nocera, Grants Coordinator Adriana Reyes, Director of Economic Planning and Development Felix Reyes, RJ Development + Advisors Principal Jason Rudnick, Community & Economic Development Project Coordinator Tom Bombria, EPA Brownfield Representative Jim Bryne, Congressman Courtney's Grants and Special Projects Coordinator Julia McGrath, and Mayor Michael Passero. |
This is yet another example of the Infrastructure Law delivering for eastern Connecticut towns. We passed the law in 2021, and it's providing once-in-a-generation funding to our communities, allowing them to take on long-term growth and development projects. Last year, we announced other abandoned properties in Rockville, Stafford Springs, and New London would be cleaned-up for future development, thanks to federal Infrastructure Law funding. These projects are excellent examples of how infrastructure projects are once again creating new opportunities for our towns to build thriving communities.
Thank you to Mayor Passero and New London City officials for hosting today’s discussion with Mr. Jim Bryne from the New England Regional EPA Brownfields office. From the Gold Star Bridge, to port infrastructure development on the Thames River, to pipeline modernization and brownfield revitalization, the City of New London has done a fantastic job of putting Infrastructure Law funding to use.
 |
| New London Economic Development Chief, Felix Reyes described the City’s successful housing and growth using federal resources. Click here to read more about today's announcement of Infrastructure Law funding for the City of New London. |
Congratulations Class of 2023!
The 2022-23 school year is wrapping up across eastern Connecticut – the culmination of lots of hard work from students, educators, and parents. Congratulations to our graduating high school seniors!
This is a massive step forward, and I can’t wait to see your accomplishments – they will shape our nation’s future. As you go forth, I encourage you to continue to be engaged in your community. The number one way we effect change is by voting in elections. Click here to register in Connecticut.
The end of the school year also brings “signing day” events for graduates from local career and technical education programs. On Wednesday, Grasso Tech hosted Electric Boat Signing Day. 2023 graduates from career & technical education programs across eastern CT signed on to join EB in high-skill, rewarding careers as welders, electricians, pipefitters, carpenters, and more. Congratulations to these new shipbuilders!
These grads will play a critical role in the 21st century shipbuilding boom – delivering a fleet of submarines to keep us and our allies safe. Their hard work is backed up by historic investments from Congress in our submarine industrial base – including $751 million nationwide in 2023 alone. Click below to read more in The Day.
My Office is Here to Help
A quick reminder that passport processing is still significantly delayed due to high demand. If you have summer international travel plans and need to renew your passport or apply for the first time, don’t wait to act. My Norwich office can help you with the renewal and application processes. It’s one of the most frequent services we provide to Second District residents. Give us a call at (860) 886-0139.
If you are planning on making a trip down to our nation’s capital this summer, my Washington, D.C. office can help schedule tours for your family or group. We even provide guided tours of the Capitol building. Give us a call at (202) 225-2076.
Click below to learn more about the constituent services my office provides.
| Get in touch |
Order a Flag |
Grant Applications |
Help with a federal agency |
Internships |
Tours & Tickets |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Thank you for taking some time to read my update. If we can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to give my Norwich office a call at (860) 886-0139. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
|
