Dear friend, 

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

Last week, I attended the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Javier Lopez who will serve as the 24th Chief of the Waterbury Fire Department. Also, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby urging the Trump Administration to reverse course following credible reports that munitions shipments to Ukraine were halted. 

More from the week:  I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon demanding answers on the decision to illegally impound education funding for the 2025-2026 school year. I also signed on to an amicus brief challenging efforts by the Trump Administration to move forward with its reckless tariff policy. 

I am also including an update on my Fall 2025 Internship Program and Casework on Your Corner program.

For my full recap, please read below. 

Swearing-In Ceremony for Waterbury Fire Chief Javier Lopez

On Wednesday, I attended the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Javier Lopez, who will serve as the 24th Chief of the Waterbury Fire Department. Chief Lopez has served the city of Waterbury for 36 years. I join the local community in congratulating Chief Lopez on this new role. 

Thank you for your service and dedicated leadership. 

Aid to Ukraine

On July 1, 2025, the Trump Administration confirmed that it had decided to halt shipments of munitions to Ukraine. 

In the days following, Russia targeted Ukraine with 322 drones, injuring 11 people in Kharkiv. It is reported that as a result of these attacks 37 were injured and 14 people were killed.

Last week, I joined 55 of my colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby urging the Administration to change course.

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the White House confirmed the United Sates would resume sending weapons to Ukraine as they work to defend their democracy. 

Public Education Funding 

Just one day before they were to become available, the Administration announced it is withholding nearly $6.8 billion in federal K-12 funding for the 2025-2026 school year.

Some Connecticut public school districts are at risk of losing up to $3.8 million in funds that are critical to supporting educator development, multilingual learners, after school programs, and wraparound services for students and adult education.

Last week, I joined over 175 of my colleagues in sending a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon demanding answers on the decision to illegally impound this funding.

It is imperative these funds be released to prevent further disruption to school and district planning. 

Amicus Brief on Trump Administration Tariffs 

On Tuesday, I joined my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus in filing an amicus brief challenging efforts by the Trump Administration to move forward with tariffs illegally imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Article I of the Constitution grants Congress the legislative authority to impose tariffs and regulate commerce. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act restricts presidential authority to emergencies presented by foreign nations. 

The chaotic and repeated changes to tariff implementation by the Trump Administration has resulted in drastic declines in the stock market, lost value to retirement accounts, and unnecessary tension with our closest allies.

I will continue to work with my colleagues to hold this Administration accountable and reinforce the constitutional authority of Congress.

Fall 2025 Internships Open

Are you a college student or recent graduate interested in public service? My Waterbury and Washington, D.C., offices are accepting applications for the Fall 2025 Internship Program.   

Interns will have the opportunity to connect directly with constituents, assist with constituent casework and correspondence, coordinate and conduct tours, research legislation, and develop community outreach.  

Additional information on the 2025 Internship Program is available here.

Casework Highlight

Do you need help navigating a federal agency? 

My casework staff can answer questions, provide guidance, and open new cases in real-time with federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration (SSA), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). 

John in Danbury reached out to my office in need of help communicating with an embassy overseas. My casework team was happy to assist. Read a testimonial from John below. 

“The Office of Congresswoman Jahana Hayes was very attentive and prompt with my need to communicate with a U.S. Embassy overseas. The caseworkers followed up and assured that the matter was concluded. I am very appreciative.” 

- John, Danbury

To learn more about my Casework on Your Corner program, click here.  

And that’s a wrap!

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me. 

Jahana Hayes
Member of Congress