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Dear Friend,
After another busy week in Congress, I’m back home in eastern Connecticut and here with an update on new legislation to support eastern Connecticut farmers access land, new health care savings for seniors, and lots more. Thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
Celebrating Juneteenth in Norwich
Today, outside Norwich City Hall, I had the honor of joining the Norwich NAACP and local elected officials for the city’s annual Juneteenth ceremony. Norwich was actually the first city in Connecticut to recognize Juneteenth back in 1989 and for decades, has been a regional and nationwide leader in commemorating this day – thanks to the dedicated work of Norwich NAACP President, Jacqueline Owens. Jackie was an extraordinary advocate for teaching and sharing African American history.
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| Today, Rep. Courtney joined the Norwich NAACP, local elected officials, and residents to observe Juneteenth ahead of the national holiday on Monday. |
This Monday, June 19th, marks 158 years since enslaved African Americans in Texas received the news of emancipation, and the freedom promised in our nation’s founding doctrine was finally granted to all Black Americans. Juneteenth is a day to celebrate emancipation, the end of slavery in America, and the great contributions of the African American community. We must also look forward to the progress still left to be made as a state and as a country. Shocking and sickening disparities exist today. The issues of gun violence and infant mortality continue to harm Black communities to a much greater degree. We can't wait any longer to address these challenges with legislation – including the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.
Thank you to the Norwich NAACP, President Anthony Holland, Juneteenth Chair Dr. Gizelle Tircuit, and city officials for bringing the community together ahead of Monday's holiday.
Connecting with CT Constituents in Washington
On Wednesday, I had a great meeting with Connecticut’s Commander Carl Harvey and Welfare Officer Myron Melnyk – members of the Ukrainian American Veterans Post 33 in New Haven. We discussed our ongoing work to build on last year’s defense bill to create a pilot program for the treatment and rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers wounded during Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. My support remains strong for the Ukrainian people in their brave defense of democracy.
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| On Wednesday, Rep. Courtney met with Commander Carl Harvey (left) and Welfare Officer Myron Melnyk (right) from the Ukrainian American Veterans Post 33 in New Haven. |
Then, on Wednesday afternoon, I met with Connecticut students during their visit to Capitol with the group 'Connecticut History Day'. It’s always a great time talking about our state’s rich history (including the USS Nautilus!).
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| Later on Wednesday, Rep. Courtney met with Connecticut students during their visit to the U.S. Capitol with the group Connecticut History Day |
These students have done excellent work on their history projects, and this week, they traveled to Washington, D.C. to receive deserved national awards. Congratulations to award winners Abigail Yang, Claire Flynn, Emmett Smith, Angelina Lux, and Mary Lynch!
Working to Improve Land Access for America's Farmers
Repeatedly, eastern Connecticut farmers tell me that acquiring affordable land is one of the greatest barriers to starting and continuing to farm. This is particularly true for young and under-resourced farmers. I’m committed to keeping eastern Connecticut a hub for New England’s agriculture sector, and I’ve been working with local farms to introduce legislation to take on the issue of land access. Last week, I introduced the bipartisan Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act.
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| Click here to read more about the Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act. |
Our bipartisan bill would deliver $100 million annually to the Department of Agriculture – enabling the agency to support young and beginning farmers and historically underserved producers in acquiring land for food production. This would give the next generation of farmers – including shellfish producers – a better shot at success in the agriculture industry.
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| Rep. Courtney worked closely with eastern Connecticut farmers and the National Young Farmers Coalition to introduce the Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act. |
I look forward to working with my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, to include this proposal in the 2023 Farm Bill and deliver the resources that many farmers in my community, including Susan Mitchell of Cloverleigh Farm, have long advocated for.
The First Step in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Process
On Tuesday, the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee got to work in a strong bipartisan fashion to take our first step in passing the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. During our meeting, we approved increased investments in our nation’s shipbuilding and submarine industrial base—ensuring we can meet the demands of an increasingly challenging security environment. At a time when so much division and partisanship runs through the halls of Congress, the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee continues to be a healthy corner of cooperation.
Notably, this year’s markup provides the Navy with the authority to exceed the two-per-year build rate for Virginia-class submarines. This is a clear signal of Congress’ commitment to meet Navy fleet requirements while also supporting the AUKUS agreement.
On Monday, before the subcommittee meeting, my colleagues, the Chairman of the Seapower Subcommittee, Rep. Trent Kelly, joined me in southeastern Connecticut for a tour of the Electric Boat shipyard and an update on workforce development. There’s wide-spread, bipartisan belief in Congress that eastern Connecticut can and will create a 21st Century workforce to produce a fleet of submarines that will ensure safety and security for Americans and our allies. Tuesday’s subcommittee vote reflects that.
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| Click here to watch Rep. Courtney's opening statement in Tuesday's Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Meeting |
Next week, we will take the next step to advance the annual defense bill through the full House Armed Services Committee. I look forward to continuing the bipartisan tradition of our committee and ultimately, passing a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act in Congress for the 63rd consecutive year.
New Prescription Drug Cost Savings
The drug cost savings which are now in effect thanks to the Medicare reform bill we passed last year – the Inflation Reduction Act – continue to bring new cost savings for beneficiaries in eastern Connecticut. Just last week, the Department of Health and Human Services announced 43 medications will have their costs lowered after drugmakers illegally raised prices higher than the rate of inflation. Now, those companies who did so in 2023 will pay rebates, which will deliver up to $449 per dose in savings to Medicare beneficiaries.
On Tuesday, in an Education and Workforce Committee hearing, I asked U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra about this new rule and the need to expand these savings to all Americans. As a senior member of the Committee, I think doing so is the number one way we can continue lowering costs for Americans. I’m hoping that as the new House majority sees the impact of these Inflation Reduction Act provisions, we can work together to expand them.
Click below to learn more.
Connecticut's State Budget Supported by the American Rescue Plan
Earlier this month, Connecticut enacted a new state budget. Many critical programs included in the state budget are made possible by federal American Rescue Plan dollars we secured in Congress. In total, over $140,000,000 from the Rescue Plan is being put to use to support Connecticut families with childcare and housing, improve access to health care, bolster public safety, create healthier, vibrant communities, and lots more. Read more below to see where the American Rescue Plan is delivering for Connecticut in the new state budget.
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.
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
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