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Dear Friend,
It's been a packed week here in eastern Connecticut. Here with an update on a newly renovated welding lab at Westbrook High School, a new submarine contract, and more from the week. As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
Marking One Year After the October 7th Attack on Israel
This Monday marks one year since Hamas’ October 7th brutal terrorist attack on Israel. One year later, we remember the innocent lives lost.
On the morning of October 8th, Waterford's Jerry Fischer called me with the news that his cousin, Liat Beinin Atzili, had been taken hostage by Hamas from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. My office and I worked closely with Jerry to ensure the safe release of Liat. After over 50 days in Hamas’ captivity, Liat returned home during a November ceasefire in the conflict. Tragically, Liat learned shortly after that her husband, Aviv, who was believed to have been taken hostage, had been killed by Hamas on October 7th.
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| Rep. Courtney hosted Jerry Fischer as his 2024 State of the Union guest. |
I had the honor of meeting with Liat during her visit to Washington this past July. Her release through a negotiated ceasefire is further proof that we must achieve a lasting ceasefire agreement to return all Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, end civilian bloodshed in Gaza, and put the region on a path to lasting peace.
Today, I joined Jerry and Liat's father, Yehuda Beinin, to reflect on the October 7th attack. You can watch our conversation on Monday on Fox61 news.
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| Rep. Courtney, Liat Beinin Atzili, Yehuda Beinin, and Jerry Fischer meet in Rep. Courtney's office in July 2024 |
A Renovated Welding Lab Opens at Westbrook High School
Surging submarine production is creating thousands of good jobs in southeastern Connecticut. This week, I joined the ribbon cutting for Westbrook High School's newly renovated welding lab, which was made possible in part by Submarine Industrial Base funding that I secured in Congress and a federal Perkins grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
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| Westbrook High School's renovated welding lab was funded by the Department of Education’s Perkins Competitive Supplemental Grants, Navy Submarine Industrial Base funding through the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance, the American Welding Society, the Westbrook Foundation, and the Town of Westbrook Capital Improvement Funding |
The new lab is doubled in size with eight new welding booths, new electrical and HVAC systems, and lots more equipment. Thanks to a strong collaboration with Electric Boat, Westbrook is significantly expanding the number of students who can gain the skills needed for job offers immediately after graduation.
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| Rep. Courtney with Westbrook High School's College and Career Readiness Coordinator Leslie Carson |
Congratulations to Westbrook First Selectman John Hall, Principal Tara Winch, Superintendent Kristina Martineau, and College and Career Readiness Coordinator Leslie Carson on this milestone. Westbrook High School's career pathways program has received national recognition and additional federal funding as part of the Department of Education's Career Z Challenge.
A New Submarine Contract for Eastern CT Shipbuilders
Eastern Connecticut shipbuilders are second to none. With hard work, world-class talent, and record hiring fueled by federally-funded skills training programs, they are meeting the demand of a bold submarine production plan we have launched in Congress.
This week, with funding I secured as Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee, the Navy awarded Electric Boat a $243.7 million contract to continue producing spare parts and materials for Virginia-class submarines.
This contract is a testament to Electric Boat's shipbuilders and their capability to deliver on Virginia-class submarine repair and maintenance while keeping momentum strong for construction of new Virginia submarines and the Columbia class fleet.
In Congress, I will continue working to ensure Groton shipbuilders and the hundreds of submarine suppliers across Connecticut have the resources they need to meet demand for our Navy.
Welcoming the Under Secretary of State to the Groton Sub Base
Eastern Connecticut is playing a critical role in making AUKUS a success.
Last Friday, I welcomed Under Secretary of State Bonnie Jenkins for a visit to Navy Sub School with RADM Michael Van Poots and Sub School Commanding Officer CAPT Matthew Fanning. Thanks to my bipartisan Courtney-Gallagher amendment in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, Australian submariners are training at Sub Base alongside U.S. Navy officers. The 1st class of Australian Sub School graduates are already aboard Virginia-class submarines!
Happy Birthday, President Carter
Happy 100th Birthday, President Jimmy Carter!
Eastern Connecticut shares a special connection with the former President, forged during his time serving in the submarine force at Sub Base New London. His legacy lives on today in Groton.
In 2005, when the Navy sought to close the Groton base and transfer its fleet of submarines to Kings Bay, Georgia, the former President from Georgia shocked his home state and the Navy by joining “Team Connecticut” and publicly opposing the plan, citing the value of Sub Base New London’s “proud submarine heritage”. President Carter’s opposition was a key factor in his and the Commission’s decision to reverse the Navy’s plan by a 7-1 vote. Today, Groton is the modernized and thriving Submarine Capital of the World thanks in part to President Carter’s lasting appreciation for our state.
Joining the Stafford Veterans Coffeehouse
Veterans’ benefits should increase to match the cost of living that retired servicememebers experience every day. Last week in Congress, we successfully tied VA benefits to the 2025 Social Security cost of living adjustment, meaning that veterans’ benefits will change to match to Social Security COLA, which is expected to be a 2.5% increase. Although we have more work to do to make sure benefits meet the real needs facing veterans and seniors, this is a step forward. On Tuesday, I shared that news and more updates at the Stafford Veterans Coffeehouse, alongside American Legion Post 26 Commander John Barry.
The grassroots movement of veterans coffeehouses continues to provide excellent meetings spots for our large veteran community to connect with each other and stay up to date on the latest news.
Connecticut’s 2nd District is home to more veterans than any other Congressional District in our state. Oakdale’s James A. LaCouriere is a longtime leader in our state’s veteran community, and this past August, he was elected as National Commander of the American Legion, where he now serves millions of veterans nationwide. Congratulations to James on this huge achievement. This is a very proud moment for Connecticut.
Celebrating the Greek Community in Norwich
I had such a great time at Greek Fest in Norwich last weekend. The moussaka and baklava were fabulous!
Greek values are at the core of American values, and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association carries them on today. Thanks to AHEPA Previous Supreme President John Grossomanides for updating me on their work in eastern Connecticut.
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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