News from Representative Himes

Dear Friends,

2025 was a year of Trump-induced chaos. With news breaking by the minute, it is more difficult than ever to sort fact from fiction, meaning from nonsense. That is why I want to share a few stories from this year that have helped focus my attention and action.

Conner Curran – Ridgefield:

This spring, Conner Curran and his family came to Washington, D.C. to explain what Congressional Republicans’ proposed $880 billion Medicaid cut would mean for him. A Ridgefield resident, Conner was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age four. Medical breakthroughs have helped Duchenne’s patients live into their 40s and 50s, but these treatments are costly. The Currans rely on Medicaid to cover Conner’s lifesaving treatments and therapies, including one that costs $60,000 per month.

I stood on the House floor and told my colleagues what their votes to cut Medicaid would mean for Conner and his family. I asked them to show restraint and compassion. Those pleas fell on deaf ears. I will fight to reverse their disastrous cuts so the Currans and other families like theirs need not face financial ruin.

Reverand Doctor Lindsay Curtis – Norwalk:

Representatives can bring a guest chaplain from their districts to deliver the opening prayer before Congress. This year, I had the immense privilege of hosting Reverand Doctor Lindsay Curtis of Norwalk’s Grace Baptist Church.

For two decades, Pastor Curtis has faithfully guided his Norwalk congregation. His counsel has been invaluable to me throughout my time in office. You can read Pastor Curtis’ full prayer here.

A Mailbox for Easton:

Like many of you, I get frustrated by the slow pace of federal bureaucracy. This summer an Easton official told me that the United States Postal Service had failed to install a mail drop box for over a year. Hardly rocket science, I thought. It took another month, but my office finally got Easton its second mail drop box.

It shouldn’t take a Member of Congress pushing a federal agency for that agency to do its job. That’s why I joined a bipartisan group of Representatives in forming the Build America Caucus, a coalition of lawmakers bent on making government work better and faster. We are focused on advancing legislation that cuts red tape, lowers housing costs, speeds infrastructure projects, and unleashes America’s full potential. You can read more about our work here.

Nina and Remy – Ridgefield:

This fall, Congressional Republicans refused to extend critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that millions of Americans rely on to pay for their health care. My constituents Remy and Nina of Ridgefield purchase their health care through Connecticut’s insurance marketplace which Remy relies on to cover his follow up appointments after surviving cancer. Their 2025 health care premiums were just below $1,000 a month – expensive, but manageable within their budget. Because of Congressional Republicans’ inaction, Remy and Nina will now pay north of $3,000 a month in 2026.

How my Republican colleagues can sit on their hands as premiums explode for millions of Americans like Remy and Nina is beyond me. Democrats have made multiple proposals to extend the ACA tax credits to avert a health care catastrophe. Last week, we finally had a breakthrough when four House Republicans broke from their party to join a Democratic effort to force a vote on extending ACA tax credits in the new year.

Fairfield National – Fairfield:

The real joy of this job is meeting my neighbors and celebrating their triumphs. Few things brought me more pride this year than watching the Fairfield National Little League team make a run deep into the 2025 Little League World Series playoffs.

Those boys electrified Southwestern Connecticut, advancing all the way to the US championship game. Celebrating their accomplishment in August with the entire town of Fairfield was a highlight of the summer.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year. Please be in touch in 2026 if my office can help you in securing a new passport, inquiring about your Social Security or Veterans benefits, speeding your IRS refunds, or other matters related to federal agencies. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack for updates on how my work in Washington helps you here in Connecticut.

Sincerely,

Jim

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