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July 14, 2016
Press Release
“With the cost of a college education skyrocketing, Americans across the country are demanding action to lower the crushing costs of higher education and relieve the burden of student debt,” said the members. “The challenges faced by our constituents are staggering – student loans account for $1.3 trillion in consumer debt, the highest amount of consumer debt outside of a mortgage, and the average student borrower carries nearly $30,000 in education debt. This is not just a drag on students, graduates, and their families; it’s a drag on our entire economy. When a potential borrower is burdened by student debt, it makes it that much more difficult to buy a home, start a family, or change a career.
Issues:
July 12, 2016
Press Release
“This ruling makes clear what the United States and its allies in the region already know – that China’s excessive maritime claims and reclamation activity in the South China Sea are not only inconsistent with international law but also highly disruptive to stability of the region,” Courtney said. “In reclaiming more than 3,000 acres of land from the seafloor, militarizing the majority of it, and attempting to partner with landlocked states to write a false narrative justifying their actions, it ought to be clear that China’s actions are jeopardizing the international rules-based order. In light of this binding decision today, China and other stakeholders in the region must work cooperatively and constructively to uphold the rights and responsibilities affirmed under international law."
July 11, 2016
Press Release
“We cannot allow small communities and municipalities across this country to fall into financial distress because of congressional gridlock which is holding up the establishment of a federal nuclear waste storage facility,” said Courtney. “Our bill will compensate local communities that have become de facto interim storage locations for toxic nuclear waste until a centralized storage location can be opened. This bill is an acknowledgement that communities like Haddam deserve restitution for storing spent nuclear fuel long after the federal government committed to taking on the burden.“
Issues:
July 8, 2016
Press Release
“I am deeply disappointed that Republican leadership refuses to even consider the emergency funding that communities across this country are crying out for to address their most pressing needs such as increasing the number of treatment beds. We are facing down a nationwide public health emergency of almost unprecedented scale, and today Congress took a pass on taking any real action which could help turn the tide against this epidemic of rising drug abuse. The measure we passed today simply does not match the severity of the crisis it is it meant to address."
Issues:
July 8, 2016
Press Release
“The final rule issued yesterday establishing new restrictions on the use of the Central and Western Long Island Sound Dredged Material Disposal Sites goes a long way toward protecting the environment while advancing Connecticut’s maritime economic interests. Long Island Sound waterways contribute more than $9 billion annually to our economic output in the region and maintaining navigable shipping channels is critical to the long-term health of our state’s economy. From the submarine base in Groton to family-owned marinas up and down our coast, thousands of residents across our state depend on reliable access to local waterways for their livelihoods. We are pleased that the amended restrictions announced yesterday prioritize disposing of dredged materials on land to mitigate any harm to the environment and the region’s fish and shellfish stocks. EPA was able to strike the right balance between ensuring our maritime economy continues to thrive while protecting both the scenic beauty and biological diversity of the Sound.”
July 8, 2016
Press Release
"I am proud to once again serve as a member of the conference committee tasked with finalizing the annual defense authorization bill. In this capacity, I will continue to build on the strong support I secured for Connecticut’s defense priorities in the House-passed bill -- including full support for robust submarine production, restoration of critical gaps in aircraft production levels, and further modernization of the C-130 aircraft assigned to the 'Flying Yankees' of Connecticut’s Air National Guard. There are many challenging issues on the agenda for these negotiations, but I remain confident that we will continue to find a bipartisan approach to ensuring that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have the support they deserve.”
July 8, 2016
Press Release
“There are no words which can adequately convey what a horrific and heartbreaking day this is for the United States of America. As the reporting from Dallas this morning has made clear, what occurred last night was an execution-style attack on Dallas police officers who were engaged in protecting freedom of speech and ensuring public safety – the highest form of public service."
July 7, 2016
Press Release
“I was very pleased by the strong bipartisan support for the mental health bill passed by the House yesterday which includes a section of my bill to add child and adolescent physiatrists to the National Health Service Crops,” said Courtney. “We know that when children experience trauma or mental illness at a young age, it can have a profound impact on the rest of their lives. With nearly 1 out of every 5 young American’s experiencing some type of mental health issue during adolescence, we owe it to our children to make sure we are providing enough psychiatric providers to care for them."
Issues:
July 7, 2016
Press Release
“Plum Island is a scenic and biological treasure located right in the middle of Long Island Sound. It is home to a rich assortment of rare plant and animal species that need to be walled off from human interference. Nearly everyone involved in this issue agrees that it should be preserved as a natural sanctuary – not sold off to the highest bidder for development. The amendment will prevent the federal agency in charge of the island from moving forward with a sale by prohibiting it from using any of its operational funding provided by Congress for that purpose. This will not be the end of the fight to preserve Plum Island, but this will provide us with more time to find a permanent solution for protecting the Island for generations to come.”
Issues:
July 5, 2016
Press Release
"While the scope and urgency of the opioid crisis would justify this investment being considered emergency spending, we are willing to put Federal budget savings on the table, demonstrating that there is no excuse for inaction when it comes to funding for treatment and prevention of opioid addiction,” said the Democratic Conferees.
Issues: