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Dear Friend,
After a busy week in eastern Connecticut, I’m here with an update on my work to protect Social Security, new federal funding in Enfield & Coventry, and lots more.
First, I want to remember the legacy of Senator Joe Lieberman, who passed away suddenly this week. This is a moment of history for the state of Connecticut. His long career in life left indelible marks on our state.
In eastern Connecticut, his brilliant 2005 summation speech before the Pentagon’s base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) in Boston, Massachusetts was a critical turning point in the successful effort to save Naval Submarine Base New London from closure. As a strong Sub Base supporter in the audience, I will never forget the power of his words that day which clearly reinforced the need for the Commission members to vote to keep the base open. May he rest in peace.
Hosting Finnish Ambassador Hautala and the Department of Energy in Eastern CT
This week, I had the pleasure of welcoming Finnish Ambassador to the United States Mikko Hautala and the U.S. Department of the Energy’s Deputy Assistant Secretary Paul Murray in eastern Connecticut. We made visits to Millstone power plant in Waterford and CT State Community College Three Rivers (formerly Three Rivers Community College) in Norwich – all focused on the Finland-United States partnership and shared goals in nuclear energy and spent nuclear fuel.
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| Tour of Millstone Power Station |
There’s no question that nuclear power can be a big piece of a sustainable, carbon free energy future, particularly with new modular reactors that require less water and produce smaller spent fuel. But any expansion in that direction must happen alongside a long-term solution to spent fuel storage – one that removes spent fuel rods from their current storage in the Haddam Neck and Waterford plants, that never were intended for that purpose.
The democratic nation of Finland recently overcame this challenge by creating a new permanent storage site that has been built and will be operational this year. At the Department of Energy, a process is underway – led by Dep. Asst. Sec. Murray with federal funding I secured – to identify interim spent fuel store sites and remove the materials from eastern Connecticut. Crucially, the Department of Energy's search is consent-based with buy-in from the communities who will host the materials.
At the Waterford Town Hall, Dep. Asst. Sec. Murray discussed the ongoing search and Ambassador Hautala shared Finland’s insight with Millstone leadership and First Selectman Rob Brule, his town staff, State Representative Kathleen McCarty, and others.
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| Roundtable discussion at Waterford Town Hall |
CT State Community College Three Rivers’s nuclear technology program that trains students to work at commercial nuclear power plants is special – and one of the best in the nation. I invited Ambassador Hautala to visit their classroom and engage with these very bright students in a discussion on our nations’ joint efforts to safely advance nuclear energy.
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| Visit to CT State Community College Three Rivers nuclear technology program |
Thank you to Ambassador Hautala and Deputy Assistant Secretary Murrary for joining me to discuss this hugely important topic for eastern Connecticut communities and our energy future.
Protecting Social Security with Rep. John Larson
On Monday, I joined Rep. John Larson in Glastonbury to reaffirm our commitment to protect and strengthen the Social Security program. Just last week, the Republican Study Committee, which includes 169 Members of Congress and the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, brazenly declared their plan to cut Social Security via an increase of retirement age, and turn Medicare into a voucher program. We won’t let them do it.
John’s bill, Social Security 2100, would make the first enhancements to Social Security in over 50 years and ensure the program’s strength for future decades. It’s time for Congress to pass Social Security 2100.
Defending Mifepristone
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case which could severely restrict access to mifepristone, a medication used to for abortion. Once again, extreme anti-abortion opponents are attempting to cut off access to reproductive care nationwide.
Let’s be clear, mifepristone has been used safely and effectively for over 20 years. Extreme lawyers, judges, and lawmakers should stay out of patient-doctor decisions and scientific, evidence-based FDA regulations.
As a member of the Congressional Pro Choice Caucus, I joined 262 Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief calling on the Supreme Court to reject the dangerous arguments against mifepristone. Click here to read it.
Make no mistake, the attempt to restrict access to mifepristone is a direct result of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. Congress must pass the Women's Health Protection Act to restore reproductive freedom nationwide. I am an original co-sponsor of the bill and have voted to pass it twice in the House.
New Community Project Funding in Enfield & Coventry
Now that $11.8 million in federal funding has been signed into law for 15 Community Projects in eastern CT, I’m meeting with our towns and local organizations to celebrate the good news and discuss the work ahead.
On Monday, I met with Enfield Town Manager Chris Bromson. The town is set to receive $1 million in new federal Community Project funding for streetscape and public utility improvements in the Thompsonville section of town. These improvements will enhance the new Enfield Train Station and attract new businesses and passengers.
Then, on Tuesday, I met the Coventry Town Council Chair Lisa Thomas, Town Manager Jim Drumm, and more local leaders. With $1 million in Community Project funding, Coventry will build a new fire safety water tower. The 500,000 gallon tower will provide water to the fire hydrants and building sprinklers, opening the door for new housing and business development on Coventry’s Main Street.
These two projects in Enfield and Coventry are terrific examples of targeted federal investments which will have wide-reaching benefits for our communities. I'm proud to have worked with the towns to help make them possible.
Working for Second District Veterans
When U.S. Army Veteran Julius Zamal reached out to my office about his claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, we worked to secure his earned benefits. This week, I caught up with Julius in my Enfield office.
For assistance in working with the VA and accessing earned benefits, give my Norwich office a call and ask to speak with Manny Meneses (USN, Ret.), my Military and Veterans Representative and casework specialist.
Celebrating the 100th Birthdays of Two Local Veterans
Finally, I want to wish a happy 100th birthday to two Second District veterans and active community members.
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| Left: Rep. Courtney's Military and Veterans Representative Manny Meneses with Niel Spillane. Right: Niel Spillane and Rep. Courtney welcome Australian submarine officers to Groton |
In Mystic, my office joined the birthday celebration for Niel Spillane. Niel served two years of active duty in the Army during WWII. After returning home, he led a career as an expert shipbuilder in the Naval Reserves and oversaw projects at Electric Boat. Today, he’s an energetic member of southeastern CT’s veteran community. When the first group of Australian Navy submarine officers arrived in Groton last month for training, Niel joined me to welcome them.
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| Left: Ernie Maynard's 100th birthday celebration in Enfield. Right: Rep. Courtney presents Ernie Maynard with his Korean Ambassador for Peace medal in 2015 |
Then, last weekend in Enfield, I joined the birthday celebration for Ernie Maynard. Ernie served in the Army from 1943 to 1952 – the European Theater, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Korean War. Back home in Enfield, Ernie and his wife of over 60 years, Jacqueline, raised two boys. Ernie has served the Enfield Community for decades, notably as a 32-year member of the Hazardville Fire Department, and still today as a member of American Legion Post 154.
In 2015, Ernie contacted my office to organize for Ambassador for Peace service medals to be delivered from the Korean Embassy to Korean War veterans in Connecticut. I had the honor of presenting Ernie with his own medal (pictured above) – one of many decorations earned in his Army service. Today, Ernie remains an active member of my Veterans Advisory Board.
Happy birthday, Niel and Ernie!
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. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
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