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Dear Friend,
It’s Joe Courtney. After a busy week in eastern Connecticut, I’m here with an update on new support for Connecticut farmers, new housing, and lots more. Thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
First this week, I, along with the entire eastern Connecticut region, am heartbroken by the news that Salem’s Casey Crafton was among the passengers killed on the flight that tragically crashed in Washington, DC. I’m sending my deepest condolences to his wife and children, and to all of the families of the passengers, crewmembers, and the three U.S. Army soldiers who lost their lives. Thank you to the diligent, highly talented first responders who sprung to action to lead the recovery and investigation efforts in freezing conditions.
New Support for Connecticut Farmers
After many farmers across Connecticut faced the devastating impacts of extreme weather in recent years, I worked with my neighbor and colleague Rep. Rosa DeLauro, and the entire Connecticut delegation to successfully secure direct disaster assistance for small and medium sized farms.
The assistance was signed into law in December, and will now be distributed to farms impacted by weather events in 2023 and 2024. On Monday, we celebrated the victory with farmers from across our state, including Jeff Sandness from Buell’s Orchards in Eastford and Lisa Griffin from Oxen Hill Farm in Suffield.
The need for Congress to pass this new assistance came because of a broken federal crop insurance system, which let smaller farms fall through gaps in coverage. Congress needs to fix the crop insurance program so small farms don't get left behind.
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| Last year, Cecarelli’s Harrison Hill Farm owner Will Dellacamera drove his tractor from Northford, CT to Washington, DC to urge Congress to do more to support farmers who fell through the cracks of the crop insurance program. |
Checks & Balances Prevent President Trump’s Plan to Freeze Funding – But Work is Not Done
On Monday evening, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo to “pause” all federal funding. This interruption of lawfully enacted spending was completely unconstitutional. Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution is clear that Congress has the power of the purse, not the executive branch. And that was reaffirmed in 1974 by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act, a bill that was passed to prohibit attempts by the executive branch to block or redirect spending laws.
After massive bipartisan, external blowback from across the country, as well as a court ruling blocking the pause, OMB rescinded the order on Wednesday – a victory for the rule of law. This victory is an encouraging sign that our checks and balances are alive and well. President Trump has been clear that he intends to undermine the established budget authority that is built into the foundation of our country’s legal structure. His administration's declared effort to freeze and hinder funding remains, as do the devastating impacts a funding freeze would have here in eastern Connecticut.
On Thursday, I visited United Community and Family Services (UCFS), a 134-year-old non-profit which connects thousands of Connecticut residents to health care. UCFS is able to carry out their critical work thanks to federal grants which would have been frozen had President Trump’s order remained in effect.
Then, I joined UConn scientists who are performing cutting edge research on cancer cures, Parkinson's disease, addiction, and other medical areas. President Trump's other executive order putting new restrictions on research is still hindering funding for their critical research.
It is clear that this constitutional tug-of-war is going to continue, based on the combative stance of Trump's Budget Director and press spokesman. This is an issue which will play out in the courts and budget votes this year. Protecting the people of the Second District, who have a lot at stake in infrastructure funds, job training, health care, and education, will be my north star.
Visiting New Housing in Montville
Bringing down the cost of housing is at the top of my priorities list. The most effective way to lower costs across the board is to increase our stock of high quality and affordable homes. I’m working in Congress and with builders in eastern Connecticut to do just that.
This week, I visited Oxoboxo Lofts, a mill to housing conversion in the Uncasville part of Montville. Mayor Lenny Bunnell, State Senator Cathy Osten, and I toured some of the apartments. In total, Oxoboxo is bringing 72 new mixed income housing units to Uncasville.
The Oxoxboxo development was made possible by bipartisan federal funding which I voted to pass. This project is a brick and mortar example of how federal funding can support growth in our region and lower costs.
In 2024, Electric Boat hired over 4,100 new employees. The hiring in Groton will have a spider-web effect across eastern Connecticut’s economy, and to keep up with growth, we must build more housing.
Updating Seniors on Wins for Social Security and Lower Rx Drug Costs
We recently acheived two major wins for seniors. The Social Security Fairness Act, which repeals the WEP and the GPO, is now law. And a $2,000/year cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare Part D is now in effect, after Congress passed the cap in the 2022 prescription drug law. I joined a packed house at the Ellington Senior Center to update folks on the good news.
By repealing the WEP and the GPO, the Social Security Fairness Act will increase Social Security benefits for 32,000 retired public servants in Connecticut. I have championed this reform since coming to Congress, and I forced the House to vote on the bill by signing a discharge petition with 217 of my colleagues.
After effective grassroots advocacy by teachers, police, firefighters, and more public servants in eastern Connecticut and across the country, the Social Security Fairness Act was passed by the House and Senate and signed into law.
Visiting Daniel Hand High School's Career Pathways Program
On Monday, I visited Daniel Hand High School in Madison, a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, to meet with students and teachers in the school’s career pathways program.
Career and technical education used to be exclusive to trade high schools, but now, comprehensive high schools across our region have launched groundbreaking career pathways programs. I’m a strong supporter of providing career-focused learning opportunities to all students, and I'm working in Congress to bring home federal funding to support these programs.
At Daniel Hand High School, I had the chance to meet with students in Restaurant and Food Service, Journalism and Broadcasting, and Criminal Justice classes. Then, I stopped by the Fab Lab, where students use creative and manufacturing equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, a CNC milling machine (pictured above), sound mixing equipment, sewing machines, and more. Thanks to these students and teachers for welcoming me.
Students Show STEM Skills at the Tolland Robotics Rumble
I had a really great time at the Tolland County Robotics Rumble last weekend, hosted by the Tolland County Robotics Foundation. Students put together some seriously impressive projects that showcased their skills in science and technology. Congratulations to the over 40 robotics teams, ranging from 4th to 12th grade, who competed at this year's rumble.
Thanks 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.
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
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