Dear friend,

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

Last week, I joined Rep. John Larson (CT-01) for a visit to the Sullivan Senior Center in Torrington. Also, I joined over 90 of my colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding an investigation into the ownership structure and operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). As a community, we mourned the death of Plainville Firefighter Raymond Moreau, who died tragically during a fire call on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

I am also including an update on the 2025 Congressional App Challenge.

For my full recap, please read below.

Sullivan Senior Center

On Tuesday, I joined Rep. John Larson (CT-01) for a visit to the Sullivan Senior Center in Torrington. During the visit, we provided an update on Social Security and answered questions about H.R. 1, the Republican reconciliation bill, which makes sweeping changes to Medicaid.

Specifically, H.R. 1 cuts Medicaid by $900 billion, tightens eligibility standards, and adds additional paperwork requirements. More than 210,000 individuals rely on Medicaid in the Fifth Congressional District and may be at risk of losing their coverage as a result of these harmful provisions.

As we mark the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, the need to safeguard these essential programs remains clear. 

I voted against H.R. 1, and am a cosponsor of Social Security 2100, legislation to permanently improve the long-term health of Social Security by extending the Trust Fund solvency without increasing taxes. I also supported the Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by President Biden on January 5, 2025. The Social Security Fairness Act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) that penalized and significantly reduced Social Security payments for many public servants, such as police, firefighters, and teachers.

I will continue to fight back against cuts to Medicaid and Medicare while working to prevent cuts to Social Security.

Humanitarian Aid for Gaza

Last week, I joined 91 of my colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding an investigation into the ownership structure and operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private U.S.-linked aid organization.  

According to recent reports, at least 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed while attempting to access aid near GHF sites. Further, flawed distribution methods led by GHF have caused mass casualties and chaos. 

Last month, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a panel developed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, issued a report warning that “the worst-case scenario of Famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip.”

The letter demands answers and accountability from GHF to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the people of Gaza.

Mourning Plainville Firefighter Raymond Moreau

On Sunday, July 27, 2025, Plainville Volunteer Firefighter Raymond Moreau died in the line of duty. Moreau was a 35-year veteran of the Department and a lifelong resident of Plainville. These are the profound risks first responders take to keep us safe. My prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We stand with the entire Plainville community as they mourn the loss of a true hero.

Congressional App Challenge

ICYMI: The 2025 Congressional App Challenge is open for submissions until October 30, 2025.
 
The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide event designed to engage students in creativity and encourage participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.

Students can compete with their peers by creating and exhibiting an original software application. Students can compete as an individual or in teams up to four. Two teammates must reside or attend school in the Fifth Congressional District. 

My office looks forward to highlighting the STEM talent across the Fifth District. Learn more here.

And that’s a wrap.

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

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress