Dear Friend, 

After a busy week in Congress, I'm back home in eastern Connecticut. Here with an update on passing a bipartisan government funding bill, economic development in Enfield, and more from the week. As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me.

Watch: America is Not a Nation in Decline

Contrary to what you might hear at political rallies or on social media, American is not a nation in decline. For proof of our bright future, look no further than the newest U.S. Navy sailors and our strong global alliances. 

On Wednesday, I spoke on the House floor to highlight two recent Navy graduation ceremonies that I had the honor of joining – a Naval Station Great Lakes bootcamp graduation in August and a Groton Submarine School graduation in July, which included the first-ever class of Australian submarine officers who trained alongside U.S. Navy servicemembers under AUKUS. Watch the floor speech here. 

Passing a Short-Term Continuing Resolution 

On Wednesday, I once again joined a coalition of Democrats and Republicans to avert a government shutdown with a short-term funding bill which runs through December 20th.

The short-term funding bill passed the House by a vote of 341-82.

Passage of this bill will ensure federal employees, including the 9,000 sailors and officers in Groton, and thousands of Coast Guard Academy personnel doing outstanding work for our nation, will continue to receive pay without interruption and do not have to relive the harmful experience of the 2019 shutdown that accomplished absolutely nothing. It also ensures the federal services so many rely on, like Social Security, remains an available resources while we negotiate a final 2025 budget. 

When Congress returns to session in November to finalize those negotiations, I will continue to make sure that submarine construction and critical programs to lower costs, like heating and cooling assistance, receive the highest levels of support.

Enfield Day of Economic Development

I’m bullish on Enfield’s future economic development. Over the past year, I have the chance to visit local businesses with Town Manager Chris Bromson, from retail shops to cutting edge precision defense manufacturing companies like Phoenix Manufacturing and PCX Aerosystems. There are so many great innovators and entrepreneurs in the town, and yesterday, I had the privilege to join them at the Enfield Day of Economic Development breakfast.

A big reason why I believe Enfield's future is so bright is the future Enfield Train Station – a project in the heart of Thompsonville which we secured over $20 million in federal funding to make a reality. For years, my office worked alongside the Town of Enfield and the CT Department of Transportation on this project. When completed, it will play a key role in further connecting Enfield to the greater region.  

Major Disaster Declaration for Connecticut 

Good news. On Friday, September 20th, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration in Connecticut for the flooding that took place from August 18, 2024 to August 19, 2024. 

Because of this approval, businesses in Hartford and Middlesex County may be eligible for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). Businesses have until 6/20/2025 to apply for loans from the SBA. To apply, click here. 

Under the disaster declaration, Hartford and Middlesex County businesses may be eligible only for EIDLs. 

I am very glad that businesses in the Second District are included in federal support to assist in their recovery from the August flooding, and I will continue working in Congress to provide our small businesses with the support they need. 

With any questions on the major disaster declaration or EIDL loans, don’t hesitate to give my Norwich office a call at (860) 886-0139. I encourage you to share this message with neighbors who were impacted by the August flooding. 

Meeting with ANCOR

On Tuesday, I had the chance to meet with ANCOR during their visit to Congress. ANCOR provides critical care and services for Connecticut residents with disabilities. We discussed the challenges they face with staffing, and how I can help address them with support from Congress.

Visit to Common Cents EMS Supply 

Earlier this month, I had the chance to stop by Common Cents EMS Supply in Old Saybrook. Common Cents was founded in 1996 and provides equipment for first responders, including Electric Boat’s fire department. Thanks to Owner J.T. Dunn and VP Joe Johnson for updating me on their critical work. 

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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