The Columbia-class program would be frozen without the resolution’s ‘anomaly.’
government shutdown
CT lawmakers invite State of the Union guests with political messages
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chris Murphy has invited the head of a Connecticut nonprofit that cares for immigrant children and Sen. Richard Blumenthal a veteran who seeks to help those harmed by Agent Orange..
Conn. federal courts bracing for shutdown’s impact
Washington — The latest victim of the partial government shutdown, now entering its second month, are the state’s federal courts, at least its employees.
As federal shutdown lengthens, impact on state, local governments grows
Washington– The longer the federal government is shut down, the more state and local governments will feel the disruption in Washington.
Hayes joins hunt for McConnell in attempt to end shutdown
WASHINGTON – Followed by a phalanx of journalists, Rep. Jahana Hayes joined a group of House Democratic freshmen Wednesday who went on the hunt for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to pressure him to hold votes on Democratic bills that would end the shutdown. They did not find McConnell, but even if they had, there’s little evidence they would succeeded in ending a 26-day stalemate.
USDA finds fix to temporarily extend food stamp, WIC programs despite shutdown
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has moved to prevent a cutoff or curtailment of food stamps and other nutrition programs endangered by the shutdown — programs that help feed hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents.
Trading immigration deal for border wall appears unpopular way to end shutdown
WASHINGTON – As it was the last time the federal government closed, protection for young immigrants known as “Dreamers” has been raised as a possible bargaining chip in a deal to end the partial shutdown. But as Democrats and Republicans alike panned a large-scale immigration deal for President Trump’s wall as the solution to a shutdown, it appears an elusive solution.
As positions harden, likelihood of quick end to federal shutdown dims
WASHINGTON – Efforts to end a partial government shutdown failed Saturday as Congress put off the issue until after Christmas, meaning there’s no quick end to closures that will affect about 1,500 government workers in Connecticut and those who need certain services.
Budget deal has plenty for Connecticut
WASHINGTON – In rare bipartisan agreement, Congress on Friday approved a massive budget deal that will increase federal spending in Connecticut, providing big boosts for the state’s defense industry and health care programs and even helping schools educate displaced students from Puerto Rico. Every member of Connecticut’s congressional delegation, all Democrats, voted for the package.
Budget deal would rescue Newman’s Own from tax problem
WASHINGTON — A massive budget agreement headed for a vote in the Senate contains a provision that would save Newman’s Own from a thorny tax problem that threatens Paul Newman’s iconic food company. “This is not a tax break for Newman’s Own. It is simply legislative permission for us to continue to exist…,” said Bob Forrester, president and CEO of the Newman’s Own Foundation.
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.
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.
Budget impasse hurts CT defense industry, young immigrants, others
WASHINGTON — Whether, and how, Congress comes to an agreement on a massive spending bill to fund the federal government will impact Connecticut in several ways. The health of the state’s defense industry, as well as that of thousands of Connecticut children, and the fate of immigrant youth and the Affordable Care Act are at stake.
CT senators vow to fight for more aid for Puerto Rico
WASHINGTON – Congress is about to resume a bitter dispute about how much more federal help to provide Puerto Rico, where many residents are still without electricity or functioning schools or hospitals more than a hundred days after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, who just visited the island, said they are committed to sharply increasing aid to Puerto Rico.
Congress turns its sights on budget mess that has special impact in CT
WASHINGTON — Consumed by its effort to pass a federal tax overhaul this week, Congress has failed to pass a budget that would keep the federal government operating past midnight on Friday. Attempts to find a solution to this problem will have their impact in Connecticut, determining how long the state can continue a health program for children and how long its defense contractors can hire new workers.