Dear John,

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

Last week, we recognized National Police Week, a time to honor law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe every day.

More from the week: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a full committee hearing with testimony from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Additionally, the House passed the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Also, I met with childcare advocates for an Early Care Connection call to discuss the challenges facing the childcare industry in Connecticut and across the country. Lastly, I met with over 100 students on the steps of the Capitol, from Whisconier Middle School in Brookfield. 

For my full recap, read below.

Recognizing National Police Week

National Police Week pays recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Last week, we celebrated this important occasion.

I join communities in the Fifth District and across the nation in thanking our law enforcement officers who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities. We are grateful for your service and all you do to keep our nation safe.

Examining the Policies and Priorities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

On Wednesday, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce received testimony from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra.

During the hearing, I discussed the importance of the social determinants of health, the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that impact a wide range of health, functioning, and quality of life outcomes and risks.

While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require health care organizations to screen for risk factors associated with the social determinants of health, no clear guidance exists for states.

If we are to be intentional about creating healthier communities, we must consider the full scope of conditions that impact health outcomes and implement systems to collect the data necessary to create solutions.

I also asked the Secretary about measures the Department can take to better track children at the border and how to prevent them from falling victim to trafficking.

To listen to the full hearing, click here.

Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization

On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act.

This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation infrastructure and safety programs for five years. The bill passed the House by a vote of 387-26. The legislation was signed into law by President Biden on May 16, 2024.

Specifically, the legislation includes $66.7 billion for FAA operations to fund key safety programs, from aircraft certification reform to air carrier oversight, and enable hiring, training, and retention of safety-critical staff like air traffic controllers and engineers; and $19.35 billion for FAA airport infrastructure improvement grants to support more than 3,300 airports nationwide in meeting increasing demand and integration of emerging technologies. This includes airports in our state.

The bill also includes new protections for passengers. For the first time, passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is heavily delayed by 3 hours for domestic flights and 6 hours for international flights. Additionally, the legislation prohibits fees for family seating and ensures passengers have 24/7 access to customer service.

Learn more about the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act here.

Early Care Connection

Childcare for Connecticut's Future is a non-partisan coalition leading advocacy for public funding for the early care system in Connecticut. The coalition has more than 70 non-profits and unions and represents 7,000 parents and educators.

On Monday, I met with over 100 representatives from the group for a virtual Early Care Connection meeting. During the meeting, we discussed the challenges facing the childcare industry in Connecticut and across the country. Key issues include care costs and workforce shortages.

According to the United Way of Connecticut, there are 40,000 available openings for children at childcare facilities across Connecticut, but facilities are not able to fill those slots because of a workforce shortage. No less concerning, Connecticut families who pay for childcare spent an average of $369.39 per week on care in 2023. The U.S. average is $325.39.

Too many families are left to navigate a system in desperate need of support and investment. As we mark #DayWithoutChildcare, we must ensure access to affordable, high-quality care so that parents are able to fully participate in the workforce.

Whisconier Middle School Visit

I ended my week in Washington visiting with over 100 students from Whisconier Middle School located in Brookfield.

I was thrilled to answer their questions on everything from my work in Congress to what made me decide to run for office.

It was great to see yet another group of CT-05 students learning more about their government.

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