WASHINGTON — Connecticut and most other states rely on the federal government for the lion’s share of their transportation funding. But because Congress can’t agree on how to fund federal road projects, money for the highway trust fund –financed by largely by gasoline taxes — will run out in a few weeks.
Chris Murphy
Chris Murphy, Connecticut’s junior U.S. senator, was first elected in 2012. Sen. Murphy has supported stricter gun legislation and affordable health care.
Posted inNews
Murphy asks French president to stop selling warships to Russia
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and five other U.S. senators are trying to tell French President François Hollande what to do.
More specifically, Murphy has sent a letter to Hollande asking he halt the delivery of two French-made warships to the Russian Navy that cost about $1.6 billion each.
Posted inPolitics
Himes says VA chief Shinseki must go
Washington – Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District, on Thursday became the first member of Connecticut’s congressional delegation to call for the resignation of Eric Shinseki, the embattled secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Posted inPolitics
Pelletier helps Dems on women’s issues
WASHINGTON — Lori Pelletier, the head of Connecticut AFL-CIO, was a main witness Tuesday at a Senate hearing on a wide range of women economic issues that Democrats hope will give them an edge with female voters this year, including equal pay and family leave.
Posted inNews
Washington Watch, Week of May 18
In the week before Congress’ Memorial Day Break, the House will tackle a bill that would boost accountability at the scandal-plagued Department of Veterans Affairs. Legislation that would provide billions of dollars for Connecticut’s defense contractors will also move forward this week with a House vote on the National Defense Authorization bill and action in the House Appropriations Committee on a defense spending bill that would fund all projects in the authorization bill.
Posted inPolitics
Rich senator, poor senator
WASHINGTON — According to the latest financial disclosures filed in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., continues to be one of the poorest members in that chamber — although he has a lot of cash in the bank.
Financial disclosure reports for 71 senators were released on Friday.
Posted inPolitics
Murphy backs Obama plan on Russia -– and urges caution
WASHINGTON – Citing Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, Sen. Chris Murphy took to the Senate floor Wednesday to defend President Obama’s policy toward Russia from GOP sniping — and to suggest changes.
Posted inNews
Washington Watch, Week of May 11
The House of Representatives is in recess this week, so look for stepped up activities in the state for members of Connecticut’s House delegation.
Posted inNews
Washington Watch, Week of May 4
Connecticut’s defense industry will be watching as the House Armed Services Committee (Rep. Joe Courtney) releases the National Defense Authorization Act — and funding for all weapons systems for the year.
Posted inPolitics
CT senators take new aim at gun control
Washington — A year after a modest proposal to change gun laws failed in the Senate, Connecticut Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy have switched tactics.
They plan to introduce a bill that would forbid anyone under a temporary restraining order from owning a gun.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Connecticut insurers have eyes on Washington
Washington – Connecticut insurance powerhouses Aetna, The Hartford and Travelers have different lobbying agendas in Washington, but when it comes to their clout and the handing out of political cash, the companies are very similar.
Posted inMoney
Despite CT lawmakers’ support, minimum wage bill falters in Senate
Washington — Senate Democrats Wednesday failed to move forward on a bill that would boost the federal minimum wage, likely killing the effort in Congress.
The bill failed on a 54-44 vote. Sixty votes were needed.
Posted inHealth, Politics
CT lawmakers join war on heroin, painkillers
Washington – Washington has turned its attention to the epidemic of heroin addiction and overdose deaths – including more than 250 in Connecticut last year, but there’s a limit to what the federal government and Congress can do, especially in times of tight budget constraints.
Posted inMoney, Politics
CT lawmakers take fight over Russian ‘copters to Kerry
Having had a poor response from the Pentagon, Connecticut lawmakers and others who are trying to protect local defense interests have taken their fight to end Russian military contracts to Secretary of State John Kerry.
Posted inPolitics
Murphy’s new chief of staff has GOP ties
Allison Herwitt has worked for Republican politicians, but now she’ll take the top position in the office of Democratic Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy. On Friday, Murphy announced the hire of Herwitt as his chief of staff, replacing Francis Creighton, who left the senator’s office in February.