Dear John,

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

Last week, I welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small to the Fifth District to highlight clean energy investments in rural communities, made possible by funding from the USDA and the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Also, my office met with the International Trade Administration (ITA), a U.S. Department of Commerce office dedicated to increasing the competitiveness of the United States.

I am also including an update on my Fall 2024 internship program and the 2024 Service Academy Nomination process.

For my full recap, please read below. 

Welcoming USDA Deputy Secretary Torres Small to Aquila’s Nest Vineyards

Last week, I welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small to the Fifth District to highlight clean energy investments in rural communities, made possible by funding from the USDA and the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

In particular, the Inflation Reduction Act has infused more than $145 million into the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP provides grants and loans to rural small businesses and agricultural producers for energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy systems energy audits, and renewable energy planning and development. REAP has been transformative for rural small businesses across the country – including several in the Fifth District like Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Newtown.

Last year, USDA Rural Development awarded Aquila’s Nest with a $59,968 REAP grant. This federal investment was used for the purchase and installation of a solar power system and has helped to further position Aquila’s Nest as a climate-neutral certified vineyard and environmentally conscious business.

I was happy to welcome Deputy Secretary Torres Small to Newtown to highlight the work of Ardian Llomi and Neviana Zhgaba, owners of Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, and showcase the direct impact the IRA is having on clean energy projects in my district.

Additional Fiscal Year 2024 REAP grants awarded in the Fifth District include $1.1 million to the City of Torrington, $65,153 to Rebuilding Together Litchfield, $59,885 to Seventh Heaven Stables in Newtown, and $43,708 to Sunset Meadow Vineyards in Goshen.

To learn more about the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), click here. 

Meeting with the International Trade Administration (ITA)

The International Trade Administration (ITA) within the U.S. Department of Commerce works to create prosperity by strengthening the international competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements.

Last week, my office met with ITA to hear about the resources the organization provides to local businesses looking to grow into global markets and create more jobs in the Fifth.

Learn more about the International Trade Administration here. 

Fall 2024 Internship Applications

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 Fall 2024 internship program. Interns will have the opportunity to connect directly with constituents, assist with constituent casework, coordinate and conduct tours, research legislation, and develop community outreach.

The Fall 2024 internship application can be found here. Applications will close on July 26, 2024, at 5:00 PM. 

Service Academy Applications

Are you a CT-05 student interested in pursuing higher education and serving our nation?  Apply for a Service Academy Nomination.

A congressional nomination is required to be considered by a Service Academy for admission for a tuition-free college education and more from one of four world-class institutions, including the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Applications for Service Academy Nominations are open until September 19, 2024.

To learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process, please click 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