The Democratic lawmakers say the administration has not adequately explained the reasons for its actions.
ISIS
Posted inNews, Politics
CT lawmakers differ on airstrikes on Syria, agree Trump needs approval from Congress
WASHINGTON — Sen. Chris Murphy on Saturday had some of Capitol Hill’s the harshest criticism of U.S. airstrikes on Syria, calling them “illegal,” and counterproductive, leading to more attacks by Bashar al-Assad on the Syrian people and “a bloodier, more brutal war.” Other Connecticut lawmakers were more supportive of the strikes, but called on the White House to seek authorization from Congress for further military action and devise a “comprehensive” strategy on Syria.
Posted inNews
Senate rejects Murphy attempt to block Saudi arms sale
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Tuesday rejected an effort by Sen. Chris Murphy to block a portion of a $110 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia. Murphy, however, says concern in the U.S. Senate is growing over the Saudi bombing campaign in Yemen.
Posted inPolitics
Murphy trying to block Saudi arms sale, but not the part benefiting Sikorsky
WASHINGTON — Sen. Chris Murphy has teamed up with Sen. Rand Paul to try to block part of a proposed $110 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, but not the portion that would benefit Sikorsky.
Posted inPolitics
CT lawmakers: Trump must ask Congress for authority for Syria campaign
WASHINGTON — As they did when President Obama took action against ISIS in Syria, Connecticut’s Democratic lawmakers are calling for President Donald Trump to seek Congress’approval before taking any further military action against Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad. But Congress isn’t likely to take action.
Posted inPolitics
West Hartford’s McGurk to help Trump in transition
WASHINGTON — Former West Hartford resident Brett McGurk, who under the Obama administration helped coordinate the war against the Islamic State, has been asked to stay in his position after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, one of about 50 Obama appointees who will remain in their posts to maintain “continuity” until Trump’s picks are confirmed.
Posted inPolitics
Himes seeks to curb Trump’s war powers
WASHINGTON — Rep. Jim Himes is on a quest to rein in President-elect Donald Trump’s ability to take the United States to war, shifting that authority to Capitol Hill. “For decades Congress has wimped out on its authority to declare war,” he said.
Posted inPolitics
Senate to vote on Murphy effort to block Saudi arms sale
WASHINGTON – The Senate plans to vote Wednesday on a resolution sponsored by Sen. Chris Murphy that would block a $1.5 billion sale to Saudi Arabia. It’s a long shot. But Murphy says he’ll win something even if he loses the vote.
Posted inPolitics
Esty travels to Afghanistan to get a closer look at war
WASHINGTON — Rep. Elizabeth Esty, in her second term representing the 5th congressional district, just returned from her first congressional delegation trip – to Afghanistan and Kuwait.
Posted inPolitics
Blumenthal, Murphy help block Syrian refugee bill
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate on Wednesday blocked a bill that has split the Connecticut delegation and would have required additional scrutiny for Syrian and Iraqi refugees, slowing their entry into the United States. “Our enemy is ISIL – not refugees,” Blumenthal said in a statement
Posted inPolitics
Malloy, federal lawmakers stand firm on helping Syrian refugees
WASHINGTON — A growing number of GOP governors are citing the Paris attacks as a reason not to accept Syrian refugees, but Connecticut politicians are rejecting that notion.
Posted inPolitics
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.
Posted inPolitics
State Dept. official with West Hartford ties tasked to develop, sell Syria plan
WASHINGTON — Former West Hartford resident Brett McGurk is considered a leading expert at the State Department on the threats posed by the Islamic State and what the Obama administration is trying to do about them. But fighting international terrorism isn’t his only challenge. Now he’s been tasked to persuade skeptical lawmakers, including members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation, to back President Obama’s campaign against ISIS in Syria.
Posted inNews
Murphy pushes Senate vote to bar ground troops from ISIS battle
Washington — Sen. Chris Murphy Monday pushed his campaign to bar American ground troops from the U.S. fight against ISIS by pressing for a Senate amendment that would prohibit the Pentagon from putting boots on the ground.
Posted inPolitics
Murphy’s query prompts Kerry to harshly condemn GOP letter to Iran
WASHINGTON – When Sen. Chris Murphy asked Secretary of State John Kerry Wednesday about a letter sent to Iranian leaders by a group of GOP senators, the answer he received added fuel to a firestorm over the Republican move.