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Dear Friend,
I am here with an update on my work to respond to the abhorrent terrorist attacks in Israel, as well as information on a new union contract for workers at Electric Boat, a Social Security COLA increase, and more. As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
An Update on the Terrorist Attacks Against Israel
The barbaric, vicious terrorist attacks by Hamas on the country of Israel, which resulted in the slaughter of innocent civilians, has rightfully sparked tremendous revulsion in the civilized world. The United States stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel which, like any sovereign state, has the right to defend itself from an unprovoked attack.
The military operations to degrade Hamas' ability to commit terrorist acts, as well as secure innocent hostages--some who are US citizens--will be extremely challenging. As US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said this week in Israel affirming the US-Israeli alliance, “it is so important to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.”
While the House of Representatives is currently at an impasse, as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am receiving regular briefings to stay updated on all happenings and ensure my office and I can assist residents in the Second District.
My office and I are actively working to ensure eastern Connecticut residents who have loved ones in the region are safely evacuated. Today, the State Department began arranging charter flights to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who have been unable to book commercial transit and seek a safe means of departing Israel. Those in need of assistance should complete the crisis intake form through the State Department.
Many people have also contacted our office concerning the $6 billion humanitarian aid the United States pledged to Iran in exchange for American hostages. First and foremost, this aid is not in Iran's hands--it's being held within banks in Qatar--and not a single dime has been spent. Even if Iran had access to the assets, they cannot withdraw funds from this account like your typical banking account. It takes significant layers of approval, which the United States has an active role in reviewing, to access the assets. As Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo stated yesterday, the US has an agreement with the government of Qatar to keep those assets frozen.
Finally, if you are considering donating to organizations responding to the crisis, please be cautious of scammers who are attempting to exploit donors’ good-will. Please check out these helpful tips from the Federal Trade Commission and verify the organization you are considering through charitywatch.org.
As always, please reach out to my office at 860-886-0139 for additional assistance.
For more updates on the situation, please take a moment and watch a video update I shared yesterday.
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| Click here to watch Rep. Courtney's video message. |
Historic Union Contract for Electric Boat Workers
Big news for Electric Boat and its talented workforce.
Last Friday, workers a part of the Metal Trades Council (MTC) voted to approve a new five-year contract. The MTC represents more than 3,400 employees in the skilled trades at the company’s Groton shipyard which includes welders, electricians, machinists, pipefitters, laborers, painters, transportation services, and administrative support.
Thanks to the leadership of Peter Baker, MTC’s leader, and Shawn Coyne, Electric Boat’s Vice President of Human Resources, workers are seeing the largest wage package in more than 30 years. The agreement provides a general wage increase for all MTC members totaling 21.4% over five-years; retention and sign on bonuses; a one-time $2,500 contribution to employee’s 401k retirement savings account; and more.
Ratification of this robust contract by a 2-1 margin is a five-year ironclad guarantee of economic security for the Electric Boat metal trades workforce, which they richly deserve.
It also sends a powerful message to the Navy and Congress, who fund their work, that the Groton waterfront is in for the long haul as our nation grows its undersea fleet.
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| Rep. Courtney during one of his visits to Electric Boat's Active Learning Center |
This weekend also marks an important milestone in Electric Boat’s work to meet the Navy’s demand signal.
Tomorrow, EB shipbuilders, Navy leaders and Sailors, and personnel from the Australian and British embassies will come together to commission the USS Rickover—the culmination of the hard work of the shipbuilders and the boat’s crew.
Since its christening in July 2021, Electric Boat’s shipbuilders and Captain Matthew Beach and his crew have not taken their eye off the ball, and relentlessly worked to get this submarine delivered to the Navy’s fleet.
Tomorrow’s commissioning is one of many milestones in submarine production over the last year.
A new generation of shipbuilders commissioned two Virginia submarines last year, OREGON and MONTANA and will now christen two submarines in rapid succession – RICKOVER tomorrow and NEW JERSEY in the coming months. And 13 Virginia subs are in the queue after these vessels.
The five-year labor contract will only solidify EB’s ability to recruit and retain more workers to continue this great momentum.
Update: Speaker of the House Election
This week, the majority party held internal forums and debates in an attempt to elect a new speaker. Unfortunately, they have failed to select a candidate who can earn enough support within the Republican party to win on the House Floor.
While this has stalled all business on the House Floor, Committee activity has continued, including briefings through the House Armed Services Committee, which I serve on, to ensure Members stay abreast of national security matters.
Even still, the majority party must work urgently to return the House to normal order on so we can pass a federal budget and prepare a funding package that delivers support for our border security, as well as our allies Ukraine and Israel.
The path forward to stabilizing our government is clear: bipartisanship. It’s the only proven way forward. In May, it was a coalition of Democrats and Republicans who came together to avert a catastrophic default on the full faith and credit of our Treasury notes, and just two weeks ago, Democrats and Republicans came together again to keep the federal government operating.
The Democratic Caucus is united and prepared to negotiate with our Republican colleagues to end their intra-party impasse and work to create a bipartisan path forward to successfully govern in a closely divided Congress.
Click here to read more in The Day.
Cost of Living Increase for Social Security Recipients
This week, the Social Security Administration announced Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans will increase 3.2 percent in 2024. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by more than $50 per month starting in January.
While this modest boost will help seniors stretch their benefits a little bit further, it is proof as to why Congress must pass the Social Security 2100 Act and deliver benefits that reflect seniors’ actual budgets.
The Social Security 2100 Act would raise benefits across the board by 2%, further improve the Cost-of-Living Adjustment, and repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset to ensure people who have worked in the public sector such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, and more public servants are not penalized for doing so.
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| Rep. Courtney discusses the Social Security 2100 Act with seniors at the Windham Senior Center |
More than 66 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the 3.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2024. Increased payments to approximately 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 29, 2023.
Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. Individuals who have a personal 'my Social Security' account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. People can set up text or email alerts when there is a new message--such as their COLA notice--waiting for them in my Social Security.
People will need to have a 'my Social Security' account by November 14 to see their COLA notice online. To get started, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
If you have questions, contact my Senior Constituent Services Casework, Karen, at 860-741-6036.
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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