Dear John,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week, I voted for the fourth time to extend the deadline to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Although we have averted a government shutdown again, we cannot continue operating in this irresponsible way and only fund our government for a few weeks at a time.

More from the week: I attended the Waterbury Regional Chamber Legislative Summit, where Governor Ned Lamont shared how federal investments are continuing to improve our state. During the event, I had the opportunity to talk with constituents about the legislative issues that matter most to them. Also, on Saturday, I attended the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Waterbury. Lastly, I have included an update on my Summer 2024 Congressional Internship Program. 

For the full recap, please read below.

Government Shutdown Averted

Last week, the House passed H.R. 7463, the Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act. This legislation will extend government funding for six of 12 appropriations bills to March 8 and the remainder to March 22.

In the 118th Congress, House Democrats have provided the votes necessary to keep the government open and fund critical programs, secure disaster relief for communities devastated by extreme weather, pass the National Defense Authorization Act, and improve the tax code. The vote on Thursday was no different, with House Democrats providing 207 of the votes in the final 320-99 vote tally.

House and Senate negotiators have agreed on six bills: Agriculture-FDA, Commerce-Justice and Science, Energy and Water Development, Interior, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD, and Republican Leadership has indicated that floor consideration will occur on or before March 8.

This continuing resolution is the fourth time in the last several months that we have been brought to the brink of a government shutdown. I remain committed to working with my Republican colleagues to find bipartisan solutions wherever possible. 

Waterbury Regional Chamber Legislative Summit

The Waterbury Regional Chamber works to strengthen the regional economy by serving its members as a network, resource, and advocate.

On Friday, the Chamber convened the 2024 Legislative Summit, where state and local leaders outlined key priorities and objectives in the upcoming legislative session. Among the most pressing issues are labor and workforce development, business retention, and economic development. 

During the event, Governor Ned Lamont shared how federal investments are continuing to improve our state. I also had the opportunity to talk with constituents about the issues that matter most to them. 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

On Saturday, I participated in the Waterbury St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a celebration of Irish culture and tradition. 

We were excited to have Richard Dalton as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. My office provided Grand Marshal Dalton with a special congressional recognition in celebration of his contributions to the Irish-American community in Waterbury. 

In Connecticut, Irish Americans have a rich and long history. From supporting movements for workers’ rights to supporting the public service workforce, the Irish experience spans all 169 cities and towns in our state. 

It was a pleasure to honor and celebrate the contributions of this community.

Summer 2024 Intern Applications Open

Are you a college graduate, student, or recent graduate interested in public service? My Waterbury and Washington, D.C. offices are accepting applications for the 2024 Internship Program.

Interns will have the opportunity to connect directly with constituents, assist with constituent casework and correspondence, coordinate and conduct tours, research legislation, and develop community outreach. 

Additional information on the 2024 internship program is available here.

And that’s a wrap!

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me.   

Jahana Hayes 
Member of Congress