|
Dear Friend,
After an active week in Washington, I’m here with an update for you on our work on behalf of eastern Connecticut. Thanks for taking a little time to catch up, and for starting your weekend here with us.
Advancing an NDAA that Supports Eastern CT
First, an update on the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). We’ve been working across the aisle on the House Armed Services Committee and Seapower Subcommittee to craft a 2023 defense authorization that provides our Navy and Armed Services with the resources we need to protect our homeland, deter conflict, and assure our allies. At a time when many wonder if Congress can still work together and get big things done, this NDAA proves we can—the House came together from both sides of the aisle last night to pass our 2023 NDAA. That’s great news for our servicemembers, our Navy, and for eastern Connecticut.
At the heart of our nation’s national security are our servicemembers in uniform, their families, and the civilians who support their work in the manufacturing industry. We ensured this year’s NDAA delivers them the support they need and deserve. Our bill would ensure that all American military personnel get a 4.9% pay raise next year, and would provide a 2.4% bonus to servicemembers on the lower end of the pay scale. The NDAA would also keep making investments in our manufacturing workforce. The uptick in submarine construction we’ve overseen demands a sizeable and skilled workforce, and the 2023 NDAA includes provisions I authored to strengthen our industrial base and manufacturing pipelines, and to invest over $200 million for increased manufacturing workforce development.
The 2023 NDAA is packed with provisions that support our Navy and our region. It includes funding authorization to keep building two Virginia-class submarines per year, full support to continue construction of the new Columbia-class fleet—which began just last month—new infrastructure upgrades for SUBASE New London, and so much more. Read a full rundown of the House’s 2023 NDAA here.
A Big Step Forward for Veterans and Their Families
The House also voted this week to pass the Honoring Our PACT Act, a bipartisan bill that will make sure millions of veterans who were exposed to toxins while serving our country receive treatment for illnesses developed later in life. We passed a previous version of this bill back in March, but a technical issue within the Senate’s version required further action by the House. We came back together on Wednesday to pass the PACT Act with even more bipartisan support than before, and we’re expecting the Senate to pass it soon, too. After that, the PACT Act will be signed into law.
 |
| The House passed the PACT Act with strong bipartisan support, 342-88. The bill would add 23 new respiratory illnesses and cancers to the VA’s list of “service-connected” illnesses, granting coverage to millions of American veterans. |
There are millions of veterans—many here in eastern Connecticut—who served America honorably, and who we know are suffering from complications due to exposure to toxins and chemicals during their service. We owe these veterans and their families a debt that can’t be repaid, but what we can and must to is follow through on the care that was promised to them before they put on our nation’s uniform. For years, we’ve worked to tear down red tape at the VA and provide veterans in eastern Connecticut with the services they need and are entitled to. There’s more work to be done for secure earned benefits for all of America’s veterans, especially those suffering from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, but this is a big step forward for so many vets and their families. Proud to help pass this bipartisan bill.
A New Bill to Support Our Public Service Workers
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was established on a bipartisan basis to reward Americans who enter public service careers that our communities depend on—like teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and servicemembers. We found out under former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos that the program wasn’t helping nearly the number of Americans it should have, but that changed last year when the Department announced an overhaul of PSLF. Since then, more than 1,400 additional public service workers in Connecticut have had over $92 million in old student loans wiped out. That’s great for local families and for our local economy, and this week I introduced a bill that would codify the changes that made it possible: the Simplifying and Strengthening PSLF Act.
The Simplifying and Strengthening PSLF Act would reduce the number of payments needed for public service workers to qualify for loan forgiveness while working for an eligible employer—from 120 payments over 10 years, to 60 payments over 5. It would also allow any prior period of repayment to count as a qualifying payment, regardless of federal loan type or repayment plan, and would allow Parent PLUS loan holders and couples who have previously joint-consolidated their FFEL federal loans to re-consolidate them into one Direct Loan for PSLF eligibility. The bill also includes my effort to clarify that America’s active-duty military—whose loans are often put into deferment while on deployment—are eligible for PSLF.
Public service workers play critical roles in our communities. We need to be doing all we can to attract more Americans to these professions, and my bill would improve a program that helps them receive student loan relief after years of service. Read more here.
Honoring an American Hero
Yesterday, Congress honored Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams – the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from WWII. While he lay in state in the Capitol building, I joined my colleagues and members of Mr. William’s family to pay my respects to this outstanding American.
 |
| On Thursday, Hershel 'Woody' Williams lay in state in the U.S. Capitol building. Rep Courtney joined his colleagues and members of Mr. William's family to pay his respects. |
Williams was a hero in the Battle of Iwo Jima and when he returned home to West Virginia, he committed himself to serving other veterans at the VA and advocating for Gold Star families. To honor his life, we’ve got to recommit ourselves to serving veterans and making the federal government work for them. The final passage of the Honoring Our PACT Act is a massive step toward that goal, and my work to serve and advocate for eastern Connecticut veterans will continue.
Amazing Images from the James Webb Space Telescope
Earlier this week, NASA revealed the first full-color images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). These are the deepest, most detailed views of our universe we’ve seen to date. With Webb’s massive mirror and ability to see light on the infrared spectrum, scientists to peer through dust clouds and witness the formation of the first stars and galaxies after the big bang – over 13 billion years ago!
A galactic sized congratulations to the teams of scientists, engineers, and technicians who worked for many years to bring us these incredible images. The path to this moment wasn’t easy, but make no mistake, their achievements will inspire a new generation of STEM students across country.
Check out some of the images released this week below, and learn more about them here. This is only the beginning for the JWST. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Thanks as always for taking the time to read my update. If we can of any assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to my Norwich office at (860) 886-0139. Have a nice weekend!
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
|
