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Dear Friend,
After a busy week in eastern Connecticut, I'm here with an update on another Navy contract award for Electric Boat, Medicare Open Enrollment, and more from the week. Thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
Congress Must Deliver Additional Hurricane Relief Funding
The devastating hurricanes in the southeast demand immediate action in Congress. This week, dozens of my colleagues and I sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, urging him to reconvene the House of Representatives to provide additional disaster funding to FEMA and the SBA.
On September 26th, Congress provided $20 billion to FEMA, before hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the southeast, which will not last until mid-November when Congress reconvenes. Speaker Johnson has the power to call the House back sooner, and for the sake of the communities affected and overworked first responders, he needs to act.
Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy!
This Sunday, October 13th, marks the U.S. Navy's 249th Birthday! For nearly two and half centuries, Navy sailors have ensured our nation's prosperity and security.
I have the great honor of representing eastern Connecticut, the Submarine Capital of the World, home to Submarine Base New London and the 9,000 Navy servicemembers stationed there.
Our servicemembers are the heart and muscle of our Navy's dominance in the undersea domain. As Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee, it's my mission to provide them with the support they need.
Recording Veterans' Stories of Service
I've recently had the honor of interviewing two local World War II veterans as part of the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project: Niel Spillane (age 100) and Bill "Buck" Scarano (age 99).
Both Niel and Bill survived heavy combat overseas. As an Army servicemember, Niel landed on Utah Beach in Normandy shortly after the D-Day and served in the liberation of Europe from Nazi control. As a Navy sailor, Bill was assigned to the Groton-built USS Sealion (SS-315) which was deployed to the Pacific theatre.
Eastern CT is lucky to be home to a large veteran community and their inspirational stories of service. I am honored to be part of preserving Niel and Bill's stories in the Library of Congress.
Another Navy Contract for Electric Boat
On the heels of a contract award earlier this month to carry out submarine maintenance and repair work, the Navy has awarded a new $347 million contract to Electric Boat to advance Virginia class submarine production.
I helped secure this funding as Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. We authorized it through the Fiscal Year 2021 and the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Acts.
This new contract, coupled with Electric Boat's record large workforce, is keeping momentum strong to build a stronger, larger fleet of Virginia class submarines. It will also support research and design of advanced capabilities on future generations of attack submarines to ensure our Navy maintains its undersea superiority.
Eastern Connecticut shipbuilders are the best in the world. These contract awards recognize their track record of excellence in our submarine program.
A Few Days Away: Medicare Open Enrollment
Can you believe it's almost 2025? Medicare Open Enrollment for 2025 begins on October 15 and runs through December 7th.
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act which I helped pass in 2022, out-of-pocket drug costs will be capped at $2,000/year starting in 2025 for Medicare beneficiaries.
For the latest information on 2025 plans, visit Medicare.gov. Additionally, you can download the official "Medicare and You" guidebook here. And if you want to change your plan or have questions about your current Medicare plan, consider talking with a CHOICES Counselor. This service may be available through your local senior center or you can call 1-800-994-9422 to speak with a counselor in your area.
Make no mistake, savings now in place for Medicare beneficiaries, like the $35/month cap on insulin costs, should be extended to working age Americans too. I am a co-sponsor of the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act, which would give people under age 65 equal assistance with lower costs.
Removing Lead Paint in Norwich
No child should be exposed to the very serious health dangers of lead paint in their home.
I've led federal efforts to prioritize this issue, and now, with federal funding I secured in Congress, Norwich is set to receive $3.1 million to carry out lead paint removal in homes.
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| Norwich plans to use the funding to remove lead paint hazards from at least 85 properties, with a specific focus on homes with children. |
This grant award comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction program. The award is clear testament to the outstanding work executed by the City of Norwich, it's Lead Program Officer Wayne Sharkey, and his team. They spent hours and hours on the grant application so they can continue their life-saving work.
In the 2024 fiscal year federal budget, I secured funding for HUD's Lead Hazard Control and Health Homes Program so grants like this could come to fruition. In the 2025 fiscal year budget negotiations, I am pushing to increase funding for the program.
Colchester Receives Federal Support to Combat Addiction
The addiction crisis has impacted communities across eastern Connecticut. Thankfully overdose deaths in New London County fell dramatically in 2023. That's due in large part to successful efforts by first responders and prevention groups. We must continue to support their life-saving work.
On Tuesday, I had a great meeting with Colchester Social Services and the Youth First Coalition. They recently received a Drug Free Communities grant award. Thanks to First Selectman Bernie Dennler, Director of Youth & Social Services Valerie Geato, Prevention Coordinator Marquis Lawson, and Chair of the Youth First Coalition Russ Melmed for briefing me on their critical work to prevent substance use among young people.
I'm working in Congress to ensure the Drug Free Communities grant program receives full funding in federal budgets, and I am committed to stemming the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs through the southern border.
When I visited the border earlier this year, Border Patrol agents were severely under equipped with substance detection technology. After returning, I helped pass a bipartisan Homeland Security budget which invested in drive-through, car wash-style screening technology for border agents, where entire vehicles are screened for substances. There's no question that we must do more, which is why I strongly support the bipartisan border security agreement that was introduced in the Senate this year.
A New Senior & Community Center in Andover
Finally, seniors in Andover have a dedicated Senior Center.
With federal American Rescue Plan funding that I secured in Congress, the Town of Andover built a long-awaited new Community and Senior Center. The building opened in August with expanded services on offer. I visited last week for a tour with Town Manager Eric Anderson, First Selectman Jeffery Maguire, Selectman Anne Peterson Cremè, and new Senior Center Director Tess Grous.
 
Amenities on the completed upstairs level of the Center include spaces to socialize and the Palazzi Family Kitchen, named for long-time Andover volunteer Cathy Palazzi.
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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