Dear friend,

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

The Trump Administration is continuing its unconstitutional crusade to collapse federal agencies. I am using every legislative tool within my power to push back on this executive overreach. With just three weeks until government funding expires, I implore my Republican colleagues to act to prevent further chaos in our communities. 

More from the week: On Saturday, I attended a remembrance ceremony to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Iwo Jima Flag Raising. 

I also had the privilege of participating in several Black History Month activities last week. These include a Black History Month breakfast hosted by the Center for Children’s Advocacy and Southern Connecticut State University, the African American Mayor for the Day Celebration in Waterbury, and a special conversation with Vanessa, a student at Maloney Magnet School. 

For my full recap, please read below. 

Holding the Administration Accountable

 The Trump Administration is continuing its unconstitutional crusade to collapse federal agencies. 

I am using every legislative tool within my power to push back on this executive overreach. Last week, I signed onto several congressional letters demanding answers and accountability from this Administration. 

The Department of Education

• I was joined by 102 of my Democratic colleagues in both the House and Senate in sending a letter to Acting Secretary Denise Carter and Acting Director Matthew Soldner demanding answers about the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the U.S. Department of Education, which has resulted in orders to terminate ongoing federal education research, evaluation, statistics, and technical assistance efforts at the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). 

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

• I was joined by 27 of my House Democratic colleagues in demanding the President take immediate action to reinstate funding to support women and girls worldwide. 

• Under this Administration, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has illegally decided to slash the reimbursement rate for indirect research costs. This decision could result in closed laboratories, staff lay-offs, an end to clinical trials, and a pause on critical research programs. Over 150 of my Democratic colleagues and I sent a letter to Acting Director Matthew Memoli demanding answers about the impact of the reimbursement rate change.

The Department of Treasury

• Over 150 of my Democratic colleagues and I sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent demanding answers regarding the access Elon Musk has to payment systems at the U.S. Treasury.

The Department of Labor

• I was joined by nearly 80 of my Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Acting Secretary Vince Miccone of the U.S. Department of Labor demanding information on DOGE access to internal systems at the Department, which may have compromised protections for federal workers.

This President promised to improve conditions, but after just one month, he has only delivered hardship to American families. Only three weeks remain before Congress must pass a federal budget to keep the government open and working. I implore my Republican colleagues to act to prevent further chaos in our communities. 

Marking the 80th Anniversary of the Iwo Jima Flag Raising

80 years ago, U.S. Marines raised the United States flag over Iwo Jima—an important step on the path toward peace during World War II. The Battle of Iwo Jima claimed the lives of 7,000 Marines and wounded another 20,000. At least 100 Connecticut men were killed in action. 

On Saturday, I attended a remembrance ceremony to honor the lives of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 

I was joined by Connecticut VA Commissioner Ron Welch and other local leaders. 

Black History Month

During Black History Month, we celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans who have helped shape the nation. 

Center for Children’s Advocacy Black History Month Breakfast

On Friday, I attended a Black History Month breakfast hosted by the Center for Children’s Advocacy and Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU).

During the event, Chief Justice Raheem Mullins underscored the need for communities to come together to ensure that children of all socio-economic backgrounds have equitable opportunities to achieve a brighter future. 

African American Mayor for the Day Celebration 

Each year during Black History Month, the City of Waterbury selects an African American Mayor for the Day. The recognition is bestowed upon an African American for their contributions to the local community.  

Last week, we celebrated Irene Saunders as the 2025 African American Mayor for the Day. I was happy to attend the ceremony and present a certificate in recognition of her service to the city and contributions to the healthcare field. 

In 2016, I was recognized as the African American Mayor for the Day. Each year, I look forward to continuing the important tradition of honoring the living Black history in our community and inspiring the next generation of leaders. 

Leaders like Vanessa  

Last week, Vanessa, a third-grade student at Maloney Magnet School in Waterbury, reached out to my office to share she had selected me for her Black History Month Project. Like me, Vanessa wants to be a teacher.

She had done all her research to put together her bottle person, a project in which a student uses a two-liter bottle to create a model that will accompany their presentation. 

I had the opportunity to speak to Vanessa about the project, and what it means to be a Member of Congress and even show her the U.S. Capitol. 

Our conversation was a timely reminder of the importance of public education and why we must continue to fight for the future we believe in. 

Each week, I continue to fight for all of the Vanessas and all communities in the Fifth District of Connecticut.  

Learn more about our conversation here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Please be assured I will continue to advocate for your priorities. 

That’s a wrap!

Jahana Hayes
Member of Congress