Dear John,

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

Last week, I was thrilled to be back in Waterbury for a momentous occasion: the grand opening of the newly renovated Hamilton Park Pool. Also, I joined a delegation of federal and state leaders for the groundbreaking ceremony of phase 2 of the I-91/1-691/Route 15 Interchange Infrastructure Improvement Project in Meriden. I am also including an update on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Garland v. Cargill and a constituent services casework highlight.

For my full recap, please read below.

Hamilton Park Pool Reopening

On Saturday, I was thrilled to be in Waterbury for the grand reopening of the newly renovated Hamilton Park Pool. Renovations at the park were made by possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Community Project Funding (CPF), which I secured through the appropriations process. Local, accessible community pools are essential to swim safely. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Black children are seven times more likely to drown than white children. Further, 64% of Black children have never had swimming lessons; 50% of Hispanic children have never had swimming lessons; 46% of white children have never had swimming lessons.

The American Rescue Plan Act led to over $20 billion nationwide in state and local funds for water infrastructure. In Waterbury, $13 million in ARPA funds supported the Hamilton Park Pool renovation and upgrades at eight additional parks throughout the city.

Hamilton Park renovations are also supported by Community Project Funding (CPF). Through the appropriations process, I secured $850,000 for Hamilton Park in the final fiscal year 2024 budget. These funds are being used to construct a new gate at the East Main Street Park entrance and create a 25-car parking lot on Hamilton Park Road, as well as multi-use trails and physical and visual beautification upgrades.

Hamilton Park is the largest park in Waterbury, located in the East End Neighborhood. The park will once again become a hub for families, friends and neighbors, serve as a place where children can receive lifesaving swim instruction, and contribute to the rebirth of the Waterbury community.

The grand reopening could not have come at a more critical time as record-breaking temperatures sweep across the United States. In Connecticut, temperatures are expected to reach up to 100 degrees, with “feels-like” highs reaching 105 degrees. 

During times of extreme heat, the following prevention tips are recommended: 

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Additional tips and information on Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol are available here. 

Interchange Improvements in Meriden

In 2021, I joined my colleagues in passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this legislation provides $550 billion over 5 years to invest in Connecticut highways, bridges, rail, public transportation, and water infrastructure. The legislation was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021.

Each day, we are seeing this investment come to life. Last week, I joined Federal Highway Administration (FHA) Administrator Shailen Bhatt, Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati, and a host of dedicated trades workers for the groundbreaking ceremony of phase 2 of the I-91/1-691/Route 15 Interchange Infrastructure Improvement Project in Meriden. 

The I-91, 1-691, and Route 15 interchange serves as a critical link for passengers in our state. In 2023 alone, more than 40 million vehicles passed through this highway corridor. Unfortunately, the aging highway has been the site of significant congestion and safety concern. 

Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Connecticut residents will see several critical safety improvements, including wider lanes, guide rails, lighting upgrades, and sign replacement, keeping drivers safer and reducing the risk of accidents. Specifically, Phase 2 of the project is receiving nearly $250 million and will support the construction of an additional two lanes for I-91 North, a two-lane ramp off of exit 16, widening of exit ramps, and overall interstate restructuring. For nearly a decade, this project has been stalled due to insufficient funding, but thanks to the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we are making much needed progress towards safer and more efficient commutes.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is making good on its promise to improve Connecticut infrastructure, quality of life for Connecticut residents and provide good paying jobs. I am happy to have voted for this legislation and look forward to continuing to bring federal resources back to the Fifth District of Connecticut.

To learn more about the I-91/1-691/Route 15 Interchange Infrastructure Improvement Project, click here. 

An Update on the Supreme Court Ruling on Bump Stocks

On June 14, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a decision in the Garland v. Cargill case, striking down a federal ban on bump stocks. 

Bump stocks are devices that can be attached to a semiautomatic firearm to enable the rapid fire of bullets. These devices were used during the 2017 Las Vegas shooting that took the lives of over 50 and left hundreds injured. Following the shooting, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) banned the devices on the grounds that they transform legal semiautomatic weapons into illegal machine guns.

Instead of upholding the bump stock ban to keep communities safe during Gun Violence Awareness Month, the conservative SCOTUS majority has opened the door to future tragedies. There is no legitimate use for a bump stock. This decision made by the conservative Supreme Court majority is wrong. 

In Connecticut, we have passed laws to ban bump stocks, and now we need federal legislation that does the same to keep communities safe. This includes the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023, of which I am a cosponsor. I stand with my colleagues on the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and urge my Republican colleagues to pass the bill and ban these deadly devices for good. 

Casework Highlight

“With an international trip scheduled, and hearing of the backlog in passport processing, I sent in an application for a passport renewal in February along with an expedite fee to ensure a timely turnaround. When checking the passport processing portal daily, week after week, my application never appeared as being ‘in process’. 

With our trip only week away, I called the Office of Congresswoman Jahana Hayes for assistance. A Caseworker immediately moved on the case and began making calls on my behalf. With her tenacity and determination, low and behold, my original application was found, approved immediately, and a passport was overnighted to me. 

Our sincere thanks to Congresswoman Hayes and her terrific staff! I don’t believe this wonderful trip we just took would have ever happened without their backing and support!

               -   Janice, Bethel 

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