Dear Friends,

Last month, we celebrated spring in Southwest Connecticut by launching community improvement projects, recognizing local talent, and honoring our men and women in uniform. Check out some highlights from the month of May below.

Expanding Access with the Walk Bridge

I joined with our state’s elected officials and local leaders to break ground on the Norwalk River Railroad (Walk) Bridge Replacement Project. The Walk Bridge, originally constructed in 1896, connects much of the Northeast Corridor, including the Metro-North New Haven Line – the busiest rail in in the U.S. Updating this critical infrastructure is key to reducing traffic congestion, transitioning to cleaner travel alternatives, and promoting economic development in Southwest Connecticut.

I’ve been working to get the Walk Bridge project off the ground for years now, and I’m so proud to have secured the nearly $1 billion in federal funding to break ground. Wider travel lanes, new sidewalks, and additional bike lanes on the new Walk Bridge will improve safety and reliability for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Breaking ground on the Walk Bridge with local leaders. Credit: The Hour

Artist rendering of the new Walk Bridge over the Norwalk River. Credit: The Hour

Restoring Wilton High School’s Sports Complex

After Hurricane Ida damaged Wilton High School’s sports complex and derailed the 2021 football and marching band season, restoring the stadium was a high priority for students and families across our community. I was proud to secure $1,425,000 for the Town of Wilton Public Works to bring this project to fruition.

This money will fund installation of a new storm mitigation system surrounding the stadium turf at WHS, upgrading the capacity of the current drainage system from two- and five-year storm resilience to 100-year storm resilience. It is crucial that our infrastructure can withstand storms like Hurricane Ida, especially as climate change events grow in frequency and intensity.

Our students deserve the best facilities to learn, grow, and play. I’m excited to see the Warriors compete at the upgraded stadium!

Enjoying the enhanced facilities at Wilton High School. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton.

Checking up on Child Care

I visited Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center in Westport, which opened at the end of 2022. The new facility is home to 4,100 square feet of space, including 23 exam rooms and nearly 20 pediatric specialties.

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in the state dedicated to pediatric care, and we are fortunate to have one of their seven family-friendly, top-of-the-line facilities right here in CT-04. Special thanks to Dr. Robyn Matloff for taking the time to show me around and share her vision for increasing access to pediatric care for families in Fairfield County.

Touring Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center in Westport with Dr. Matloff.

Highlighting local talent

Each year, high schoolers across our district are encouraged to submit artwork for the Congressional Art Competition. And each year, I am amazed by the talent of our young artists.

This year’s winners are no exception. Big congratulations to Jane Freiler of Fairfield Ludlowe High School for winning first place with “The Voyager.” Jane’s artwork will be displayed in the halls of the United States Capitol for the next year. Lucy Li, a junior at Greenwich High School won second place with "How We Make the Most of Things." Celine Fong from Rye Country Day School took home third place with “The Seafood Connoisseur’s Guide to Fine Dining in 2030.”

Thanks to all the students who submitted artwork for this year’s competition—you keep Connecticut beautiful!

“The Voyager” by Jane Freiler.

Touching Base with Global Partners

As Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I helped lead a bipartisan group of lawmakers on a Congressional Delegation trip to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. We spoke with world leaders about the importance of our strong partnership and the complexities of diplomacy in the region.

Meeting with world leaders and my colleagues on the Intelligence Committee.

Visiting Bridgeport Rescue Mission

Since the expiration of pandemic-era emergency benefits in February, Connecticut has seen an uptick in families seeking assistance to provide for their children. Over 100 new families have utilized the services at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission over the last couple months, which include access to healthy meals, safe housing, and addiction recovery resources.

I visited the Mission the other week to see firsthand how the facility operates during food pantry distribution hours. Local organizations like the Bridgeport Rescue Mission help to feed and safeguard our community, and I’m proud to have been able to deliver federal funds to support that cause.

Visiting with staff at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Celebrating Memorial Day

It was a meaningful day in Southwest Connecticut as community members and elected officials came out to honor those who have dedicated their lives to keeping us safe. I took time to lay wreaths at the Vietnam Memorial in Trumbull. As we celebrate the freedom we enjoy here, we must never forget those who paid the ultimate price for it.

Thank you to our brave men and women who serve.

Honoring our servicemembers in Redding.

As always, I’m here to serve you. If you’re having trouble with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to call my office at (203) 333-6600.  

Sincerely,

Jim