WASHINGTON — Connecticut has had a “red flag” law for years, but after the Parkland, Fla., school shooting, some in Congress think other states should be prodded to allow authorities to remove guns, at least temporarily, from those who may be a danger to themselves or others.
Elizabeth Esty
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Esty draws second GOP challenger — Manny Santos
Rep. Elizabeth Esty has a second Republican rival as former Meriden Mayor Manny Santos declared his candidacy for the 5th District congressional seat Wednesday.
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Esty leads House delegation in fundraising
WASHINGTON — Rep. Elizabeth Esty raised the most campaign cash among the state’s delegation to the U.S. House, nearly $1.3 million, as Connecticut’s Democratic incumbents, for the most part, handily outraised their political rivals last year.
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Trump says he seeks bipartisanship, CT lawmakers skeptical
WASHINGTON — In his first State of the Union address President Donald Trump sought to send Americans a upbeat message – and Connecticut lawmakers showed up to make their points, too. Trump also said he is seeking bipartisanship, but Connecticut Democrats are skeptical.
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Despite shutdown deal’s promise, CT immigrant youth still in limbo
WASHINGTON — A deal that ended the brief government shutdown included a promise to hasten a debate in Congress over immigration, but good intentions have run into political realities that are putting the fate of thousands of young, undocumented immigrants in Connecticut in doubt.
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Most CT lawmakers opposed bill that reopened government
WASHINGTON — Saying the deal was not good for Connecticut, most Connecticut lawmakers on Monday voted against a short-term spending bill that will reopen the government. The Connecticut Democrats who opposed the CR said it failed to fund programs important to the state and to protect young undocumented immigrants known as “dreamers.” But it did authorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as HUSKY B in Connecticut, for six years.
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Shutdown impact on CT would depend on how long it lasts
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House approved a short-term spending bill late Thursday, but the legislation that would avert a government shutdown is expected to face a tough time in the Senate. A shutdown’s impact on Connecticut would depend on how long it lasts.
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CT lawmakers weigh revival of earmarks
WASHINGTON — Reviled as corrupting and anti-democratic, congressional earmarks may have a revival because of recent comments from President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers’ growing frustration with the budget process. Their return is fine with Connecticut lawmakers who have used the process to steer tens of millions of dollars to special projects in the state.
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Connecticut Dems have big stake in November elections
WASHINGTON – Connecticut’s all-Democratic delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives has been hampered by being in the minority since 2010, but that may change this year, analysts say.
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Senate, House approve tax plan CT lawmakers call disastrous for state
Updated at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday
WASHINGTON — With Vice President Mike Pence presiding, the Senate early Wednesday approved a massive tax overhaul on a strict party-line vote, deepening the partisan divide in Congress. Connecticut’s Democrats joined all others in their party to vote against the tax plan, calling it a giveaway to the rich that would hurt working Americans.
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House GOP links concealed-carry to gun background check measure
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House is expected to vote, and likely approve this week, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act — legislation that would undermine Connecticut’s restrictions on carrying concealed firearms.
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CT lawmakers, NRA back gun buyer background check bill
WASHINGTON – Rep. Elizabeth Esty, usually at odds with gun rights groups over firearm legislation, is promoting a bill that the National Rifle Association likes, too. Esty, D-5th District, is a co-sponsor of the U.S. House version of the “Fix NICS Act of 2017,” legislation that aims to prevent individuals like the shooter in Sutherland, Texas, from slipping through the cracks of the federal gun buyer background check system.
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GOP approves tax bill over opposition of CT lawmakers
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House on Thursday approved a wide-ranging overhaul of the federal tax code that will lower taxes for many in Connecticut, while hiking them for some, especially in middle-class tax brackets. The Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy said 305,000 Connecticut households earning less than $197,000 would see a tax increase under the bill.
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Murphy campaign raises $6 million as CT Dems outpace rivals
WASHINGTON — Sen. Chris Murphy’s campaign said the senator has raised $1.3 million in the last quarter and has more than $6 million in his war chest. The state’s other congressional Democrats also are leaving GOP challengers in the dust when it come to raising political cash.
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CT lawmakers keep introducing gun control bills, but face uphill climb
WASHINGTON — Rep. Elizabeth Esty, who represents Newtown in Congress, on Thursday was the latest lawmaker to introduce a bill aimed at curbing gun deaths. Although the number of bills in Congress that would tighten regulations on firearms is growing, there’s no indication the political climate on Capitol Hill is becoming more favorable to gun control, even after the Las Vegas massacre.
