Trump’s threatened veto of $740 billion in defense spending is to keep Confederate names on U.S. military bases.
Defense Authorization Bill
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Courageous K-9 in ISIS raid boosts Blumenthal efforts on military dogs
Although no U.S. forces were killed in the raid that led to the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a military working dog suffered injuries in the line of duty.
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Congress authorizes big boost in CT defense spending
WASHINGTON — Congressional negotiators on Wednesday finished work on a final defense bill that would boost the number of F-35’s requested by President Donald Trump from 70 to 90 and Sikorsky-made Black Hawk helicopters from 45 to 53. The defense bill also authorized billions of dollars for submarines and other weapons systems made in Connecticut and boosts military pay as well as the number of sailors, soldiers and marines.
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Short week for Congress yields defense funding, railroad revival
The U.S. House of Representatives was out and the Senate had a shortened work week because of the Veterans Day holiday, but there was still plenty of activity in Congress. The Senate approved a final defense bill that authorizes billions of dollars in spending on weapon systems developed in Connecticut. The Federal Railroad Administration took a big step forward on an ambitious overhaul of the rail system in the Northeast Corridor.
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Final defense bill OKs 63 F-35s, other major CT weapons
WASHNGTON — The Senate on Tuesday sent on to President Obama a final defense authorization bill that paves the way for an increase in defense spending in Connecticut and the nation.
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Blumenthal, McCain press ‘paid patriotism’ ban at sports games
WASHINGTON — Tributes to U.S. troops at New England Patriot games and other professional sporting events are wasteful “paid patriotism” costing taxpayers millions of dollars, say several U.S. senators, including Richard Blumenthal, who have pressure the Pentagon to stop the practice.
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In the news: Pacific trade pact, Sikorsky sale, billions for CT defense firms
Congress approved billions for Connecticut defense projects; Sen. Richard Blumenthal stepped up his campaign fundraising with attacks on CNBC commentator Larry Kudlow; Lockheed Martin got the last approval it needed to finalize its purchase of Sikorsky; and the White House released the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
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Navy moving on new nuclear sub EB hopes to build
WASHINGTON — The defense budget is in flux, but the Navy is moving forward on plans for a new nuclear sub Electric Boat hopes to build in partnership with Newport News Shipbuilding.
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Connecticut has winners, losers in $1.1 trillion U.S. spending plan
WASHINGTON – The massive $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill that Congress struggled to approve – with little help from the state’s Democratic lawmakers – has some clear winners and losers in Connecticut, including Pratt & Whitney, Aetna Inc., food stamp recipients and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
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Coltsville national park passes the House tucked in a defense bill; Senate next
WASHINGTON – The long-sought designation of Hartford’s Coltsville neighborhood as a national historic park was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday, tucked into a massive $577 billion defense bill. Now the legislation is headed for the Senate, where there could be a fight over including provisions for public lands in a defense bill.
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Courtney tussles with GOP lawmaker over fast food wages at military bases
Washington – Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, Wednesday took on Rep. Scott Rigell of Virginia and other Republicans who want to stop a hike in the minimum wage for restaurant workers on the nation’s military bases.