Dear John,

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

Last week, Members of Congress and the law enforcement community gathered to honor the U.S. Capitol Police and those who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Additionally, my staff joined the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments for the Annual Regional Brownfields Partnership meeting. I am also including information on a PACT Act Awareness Open House hosted by the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. 

I previously shared the Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act. This legislation has passed in the House and now awaits signature by President Biden.

For the full reap, please read below.

Honoring the U.S. Capitol Police

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress. On Tuesday, community members gathered to honor the extraordinary heroism of the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) and law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

During the ceremony, Congressional Gold Medals were presented to the U.S. Capitol Police and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

I am forever grateful for the sacrifice of the law enforcement members who acted to protect our democracy on January 6th and every day. I voted in support of H.R. 3325, which authorized the minting of the ceremonial medals, to ensure the heroism of these officers is never forgotten.

Meeting with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments

Last week, while I was in D.C. my staff joined the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) for the Annual Regional Brownfields Partnership meeting.

According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a brownfield is a property where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.  Through the EPA’s Brownfields and Land Revitalization Program, communities can work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. In May, Connecticut’s Fifth District received $4 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to revitalize blighted sites and jump start economic development in the region. 

I have fought for Brownfield remediation funding since entering Congress and will continue to advocate for more opportunities to protect the environment and health of the community.

PACT Act Open House

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act was signed into law by President Biden on August 10, 2022. This legislation expands Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for more than 3.5 million veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. It also includes my legislation to ensure veterans exposed to toxins in Palomares, Spain can access the care they need.

For additional information about benefits available through the legislation, please click here.

Casework Highlight

Congresswoman Hayes and her staff did a stellar job helping me with the VA regarding my husband’s exposure to agent orange in Vietnam. My family and I greatly appreciate their proactiveness and thoughtfulness during a difficult time in my life. Their attention to detail and timeliness made this daunting journey seamless.

CT 5th District is lucky to have a conscientious and hard-working Congresswoman like Rep. Hayes. It’s rare nowadays to find elected officials who lead with integrity and truly listen to their constituents. Thank you, Congresswoman Hayes.

                                                                             - Cynthia, Woodbury

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