|
Dear Friend,
I’m here with an update on the Infrastructure Law’s impact in eastern Connecticut, successful aversion of a government shutdown, and more. As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
Two Years of the Infrastructure Law in Eastern CT
This week marks two-years since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law. We passed the bill in Congress to provide a generational re-investment in America’s infrastructure, and since its enactment, the law has provided towns in Connecticut’s Second District with $3.7 billion in federal funding to take on and complete long-overdue projects.
From fixing roads and bridges, to upgrading airports, expanding broadband, creating new housing, and much more, the Infrastructure Law is making eastern Connecticut safer and more resilient for decades to come – all while creating thousands of good paying jobs. As our region attracts more businesses and a record number of new employees, the Infrastructure Law is also pivotal in ensuring we can expand infrastructure to meet growing demand.
The historic funding coming into our region has not happened by accident. It reflects my office and I’s ongoing advocacy to federal agencies on behalf of the state and local entities seeking funding for critical projects.
On Monday, I joined New London Mayor Michael Passero and more city and state officials for the groundbreaking of a project to fully replace old lead water pipes in the city. Pipe replacement is key to support growth in the city over the coming decades, but the project was once estimated to take 20 years to complete. Thanks to federal funding from the Infrastructure Law, it will now take just three years – another example of turning projects on the “to-do” list into a reality.
 |
| Connecticut will receive $73.5 million from the Infrastructure Law for drinking water infrastructure upgrades |
While in Thompsonville recently, I made a stop at the future site of the Enfield Train Station. After over a decade of work on the city, state, and federal levels, the Infrastructure Law is now supporting the transformational project as it moves toward construction – expected to kick-off in 2025.
 |
| The new Enfield Train Station will be constructed at the same site in Thompsonville as the former train station |
The Infrastructure Law is a five-year “spend” that is still evolving. I don’t need to tell you that there are many historic pieces of infrastructure in Connecticut overdue for upgrades, and as we enter year three of investments from the Infrastructure Law, I want to hear from you on the local priorities you would like to see addressed. Your input helps shape my work.
Averting a Government Shutdown
On Wednesday, I joined a coalition of 336 Democrats and Republicans to avert a government shutdown by passing a short-term continuing resolution which will continue to fund federal agencies at current levels established in the 2023 budget. I did the same in September, when Congress passed a continuing resolution which expired today, November 17th. This new bill, which has been signed into law by the President, will fund certain federal agencies through January 19 and others through February 2.
 |
| Rep. Courtney joined 127 Republicans and 208 Democrats to pass the short-term government funding bill |
As we approach the holiday season, passage of the short-term funding bill will ensure that the services eastern Connecticut residents rely on remain uninterrupted and federal employees, including roughly 9,000 sailors and officers at the Groton submarine base, will not have their pay disrupted, as well the Coast Guard Academy staff in New London. Their important work will continue uninterrupted.
This package also continues support for the Columbia-class submarine program by extending funds for construction of the USS Wisconsin and providing an additional $3.3 billion for the Navy to procure long-lead materials, while sustaining critical investments in the submarine industrial base. In eastern Connecticut, this means that Electric Boat’s talented workforce and aggressive hiring goals will not skip a beat in carrying out their crucial mission to deliver for the Navy’s future fleet of submarines.
To pass a full 2024 fiscal year budget and ensure we meet the needs of Americans and our allies, Speaker Johnson and House leadership must return to the established center-left, center-right coalition that prevented a default on the full faith and credit of the US Treasury notes in May and prevented a shutdown on September 30. As I have said before, this bipartisan path is the only proven way to govern in a closely divided Congress.
Confronting Hate & Bigotry on College Campuses
College campuses must remain a safe and welcoming place for students of all faiths and backgrounds. Since Hamas’ October 7th attack on Israel, there has been a disturbing rise in hateful incidents on campuses in which students are targeted for their identity. Students of Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, or any other religious or ethnic background must feel safe and included in educational environments.
Yesterday, the Department of Education announced an investigation into alleged antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents at seven colleges and universities. This demonstrates the need for Congress to provide full funding to the Offices for Civil Rights at the Department of Education and the Department of Justice. These offices provide legal remedies to respond to and address hate, threats, and violence on college campuses. As a senior Member of the House Educations and Workforce Committee, Im continuing to urge my colleagues to fully fund these departments so they can appropriately carry out their important mission. This week, I spoke about this urgent need in a committee hearing. Click below to watch.
I began my remarks by recognizing the Fischer family of New London whose relatives Liat and Aviv Beinin Atzili have been held hostage by Hamas since the October 7th attack. Liat Beinin Atzili is a dual citizen of the United States and Israel and was in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the day of Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack. My office is in close contact with the Fischer family, Israel, and the U.S. State Department to track the situation. In Congress, I’m working to pass emergency funding measures to help secure the release of innocent Israeli hostages, violently seized by Hamas, as well as resources and a plan, including a humanitarian pause, to protect innocent Palestinians who had no part in Hamas’ unprovoked attack.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week
This week, we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. Eastern Connecticut is the birthplace of the Registered Apprenticeship Program, which was created by the Fitzgerald Act of 1937 – a bill led by the then-freshman Congressman from Connecticut’s Second District, William J. Fitzgerald. Back then, the “earn as you learn” program helped to meet our nation’s workforce needs. Today, Registered Apprenticeships are doing the same in eastern Connecticut.
In key industries like health care and manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeship programs are helping local employers fill open positions and connecting people of all backgrounds to quality careers. To keep the momentum strong, I’m working with my colleagues on the House Education and Workforce Committee to pass the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act.
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. I hope you have a great weekend and a happy Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family.
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
|
![[ ]](https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/images/trick/checkbox.png "Click to respond")
![[___________________________________]](https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/images/trick/textarea-drag.png "Click to respond")
