Dear Friend, 

After a busy week in Congress, I’m back home in eastern Connecticut, and here with an update on the Honoring Our PACT Act, a visit to an east coast shipyard with President Biden, and more. As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me. 

A Huge Turnout at the Norwich PACT Act Claims Clinic  

Last weekend, I attended a PACT Act Claims Clinic in Norwich. This is one of the largest expansions in Veterans’ health care ever, and it’s important that every Veteran and their family are aware of the new benefits available to them at the VA. 

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Last Saturday, Rep. Courtney and his office attended a PACT Act Claims Clinic in Norwich, hosted by Easterseals Veterans Rally Point with support available from Connecticut VA representatives

The claims clinic was an opportunity to receive in-person support when filing a new PACT Act claim. There was a terrific turnout! 75 new claims were submitted and lines were long throughout the day for toxic exposure screenings. The number of Veterans seeking assistance blew through the 9AM-12PM schedule, and VA representatives stayed until the last Veteran was served.  

Thanks to Easterseals Veterans Rally Point and the US Department of Veterans Affairs for hosting. A special thank you to Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch and his team—they did a fantastic job. 

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In the PACT Act’s first year as law, over 1,000 Veterans in Connecticut’s Second District have filed PACT Act claims. The VA began processing claims for over 20 new “presumptive conditions” related to toxic exposure in December 2022. These conditions include Agent Orange, burn pits, and more. The VA also provides free toxic exposure screenings, and nearly half of screenings have identified at least one potential toxic exposure.  

To learn more about the PACT Act and file a disability claim, visit VA.gov/PACT. My office in Norwich works every day to connect Veterans with the benefits they’ve earned through service. For help with the VA, tracking down lost service medals, and more, give my Norwich office a call at (860) 886-0139 and ask to speak to Manny, my Military and Veterans Representative.  


Veterans and Survivors: File PACT Act Claims Now to Receive Backdated Benefits 

There is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits, but if you file a claim – or submit your intent to do so – by August 9th, 2023, you may receive benefits backdated to August 10th, 2022. Filing a claim is free and easy, and I encourage Veterans who’ve been denied to re-apply. Again, you can visit VA.gov/PACT to file a claim online. 

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Meeting with UConn President Maric

There’s game-changing research that takes place in Storrs. UConn’s programs in agriculture, green energy, Long Island Sound protection, undersea vehicle technology, and more bring huge benefits to our communities, and are made possible, in part, by Congressional funding. 

On Tuesday, I had a great meeting with UConn President Dr. Radenka Maric in my Washington office to discuss the importance of steady federal support for these programs. Together, I am confident we can deliver the resources they need so important work for eastern Connecticut can continue. 

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During their meeting, Rep. Courtney and UConn President Maric were joined Jonathan Heiden, a UConn student and an intern in Rep. Courtney's Washington, DC office.

During our meeting, President Maric and I were joined by one of my office’s summer interns and UConn student, Jonathan. Whether it’s in my Washington office or my Norwich office, internships are fantastic opportunities for young people and open all sorts of doors. I fondly remember my days as an intern!

If you’re interested in exploring internship opportunities, my office is now accepting applications for the fall. Click here to apply.


Highlighting Investments in Shipbuilding with President Biden

Yesterday, I joined President Biden and my colleagues in Congress for a visit to the Philly shipyard – highlighting investments in domestic manufacturing which are creating jobs, bolstering supply chains, and supporting growth in shipbuilding.  

The visit came shortly after the Philly Shipyard recently christened the EMIPRE STATE VII—the first of five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels authorized by the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. That christening, and President Biden’s visit, are powerful statements about the impact of a strong domestic shipbuilding policy and the potential for our nation’s hard- working shipbuilders to rise to the challenges we face today.  

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On Thursday, Rep. Courtney joined President Biden, Rep. Mary Scanlon, Rep. Donald Norcross, Rep. Brendan Boyle, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Navy officials, and highly-skilled shipbuilders on a visit to the Philly shipyard. Click here to watch President Biden's speech from the Philly shipyard.

Just a few short years ago, the Philly shipyard had only a small number of employees and a nearly empty shipyard. Now, thanks to Congressional action, the shipyard is a booming economic hub for domestic shipbuilding that not only contributes to our nation’s seapower but our ongoing efforts to transition to clean energy. 

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Last year, Rep. Courtney visited the Philly shipyard for an update on the National Security Multi- Mission Vessel program and other shipbuilding activities

In eastern Connecticut, work is ramping up at State Pier New London, a hub for New England’s offshore wind industry. Last month, the first wind turbine components arrived at the pier – an exciting marker and the start of decades-long economic development at the pier. The state pier is being built for 50, 100 years of future activity on the Thames River in clean energy and beyond.

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Congratulations to Danielson Young Marines – National Unit of the Year

Earlier this year, Danielson’s Natchaug River Young Marines were named National Unit of the Year. The Young Marine program has a strong focus on community service and the Natchaug River Young Marines and Unit Commander Russell Grant completed over 3,800 hours of service in the Danielson area – particularly supporting local Veterans.

Congratulations on this well-earned, national recognition! Click below to watch a story on the Unit.

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Click here to watch.

Thanks 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


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