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Dear Friend,
It’s Joe Courtney. Here with an update on long-awaited action to bring down health care costs and lot more from the week. As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
Finally, Breaking the Gridlock to Lower Health Care Costs
The relentless increase in the cost of health care has persistently remained a top concern from people in Connecticut’s Second District who contact my office. Now, at the start of the new year, millions of Americans are getting hit with additional, painful new costs because leaders in Washington chose not to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits.
On November 12th, I joined 214 House members to sign a discharge petition which would override the House Speaker's obstruction and extend these tax credits and lower costs in 2026. In December, four Republicans joined our effort and yesterday, the House finally voted and passed the extension, by a vote of 230-196, in the bill appropriately named the "Breaking the Gridlock Act."
Back in November, most of the pundits in Washington pronounced this bill as dead. But the calls and emails from millions of Americans and patient advocacy groups finally broke through all of the negativity and cynicism and successfully forced passage of the extension.
Since August, as this issue emerged, I criss-crossed the district holding over 30 town halls, round tables, and patient visits to hear from them about the unconscionable premium increases that were about to skyrocket if the tax credits were to expire. Their voice and others like them all across the country made a difference and defied the conventional wisdom that individual citizens do not matter. Leaders in the Senate and the President must follow the lead of a bipartisan majority in the House and extend these health care tax credits.
A Deadly ICE Shooting in Minnesota
Like so many in eastern Connecticut, I convey my deepest condolences to the family to Renee Nicole Good, who was killed in a shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis this week.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s incendiary comments made within minutes of the shooting before the victim was even identified were completely irresponsible and dangerous. As evidence from the video of the shooting and actual information on Renee Nicole Good has come to light, it’s clear that Secretary Noem and the White House were more interested in whitewashing the actions of the ICE agents than ascertaining the truth or trying to calm a nation in shock.
It is blindingly obvious that a credible, neutral investigation, incorporating the good work of local Minnesota authorities, is critically important to establish confidence that this horrific event will result in accountability for all involved. In the meantime, Secretary Noem's unprofessional, inflammatory behavior disqualifies her from continuing as Secretary of Homeland Security – for the good of the country, she should resign.
Urging Congress Reclaim Authority After the President Attacks Venezuela
Last Saturday, the Trump Administration launched an unauthorized, unilateral military strike in Venezuela. It was General David Petraeus stated, before using military force, answer the question "How does this end?" In the week following the strike, no one in the Trump Administration has been able to provide an answer to that critical question. One thing is clear, American taxpayers didn't sign up to "reimburse" oil companies for their cost of business, or to "indefinitely" run Venezuela as President Trump stated yesterday.
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| To listen to my interview on Venezuela with Brian & Co. on WTIC 1080, click here. |
The constitution screams out for Congress to reassert its role to decide use of military force. This week, members of the House and the Senate received a briefing from the Administration on the military strike in Venezuela. Following the briefing, a bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to advanced a War Powers Resolution, which would the President's ability to take military action abroad without Congressional approval. I'm a co-sponsor of a separate War Powers Resolution to reclaim Congress' authority over military action. The House majority leaders must bring the bill up for a vote.
Poll: Do you support the Trump Administration's actions in Venezuela?
Remembering the Truth of What Happened on January 6th, 2021
This week marked the 5th anniversary of January 6th, 2021, a day to observe and revere the incredible action and courage of the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police, and all law enforcement who protect our democracy.
It’s an outrage that the plaque, which congress voted on to commemorate their service, hasn’t been hung up inside the U.S. Capitol as required by law. The plaque is hanging outside my office. This history should never be whitewashed.
Defending a Strong Navy
As Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee, it is my job to work with my colleagues fulfill Congress' Constitutional authority to "provide and maintain a Navy" (Article 1, Section 8).
I recently spoke with the Hartford Courant about President Trump's proposal to build new Navy battleships.
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| You can read the full article here. |
Starting a class of Navy warships is not about satisfying an obsession with “aesthetics.” Submarines, destroyers, and carriers strengthen our force posture and Navy personnel, unlike battleships, which we know from WWII are dangerously vulnerable from air and undersea. We can do much better than living in the past with “Trump Class” battleships.
A New Dry Dock for Columbia-Class Submarines Arrives in Groton
Exciting news at the Groton shipyard. Electric Boat recently received a new $200 million floating drydock which will be used for the roll out and launch of Columbia-class submarines from the South Yard Assembly building.
This comes on the heels of a busy end of 2025 for Groton shipbuilders. In October, we marked the christening of the USS UTAH, the 28th Virginia-class submarine. In November, the final major module of the USS District of Columbia, the first ship in the new Columbia-class, arrived at the Groton shipyard. And in December, the USS IDAHO, the 26th Virginia-class submarine, completed its sea trials and was delivered to the U.S. Navy.
There is much more work ahead with ramped up construction of Virginia-class submarines alongside construction of the new Columbia-class fleet, which are 2.5x larger than Virginias. As Electric Boat continues strong hiring rates, the demand signal for submarine construction from Congress and U.S. Navy shows that these aren’t just jobs but careers.
Thank you for taking some time to read my update. If my office can be of any assistance, do not hesitate to call us at (860) 886-0139.
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
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