WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives approved a new federal education bill Wednesday that would replace No Child Left Behind and turn back much authority over K-12 educational policy back to the states.
Joe Courtney
Joe Courtney, a Democrat, has served as the U.S. representative for Connecticut’s second congressional district since 2007.
Posted inNews
Paris attacks, Syrian refugee policy dominate Congress
House and Senate negotiators did manage to finish work on an education bill that will take the place of the “No Child Left Behind Act,” but the week in Washington was dominated by the Paris attacks and debate in Congress and across the country over Syrian refugee policy.
Posted inNews
Himes, Courtney defy Obama, vote for bill pausing refugee program
WASHINGTON — The debate over U.S. policy on Syrian refugees that has roiled the nation and Congress split the Connecticut delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday over a measure that would effectively suspend entry of refugees from Syria and Iraq until the screening process is strengthened.
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
CT defense industry hopes to boost sales at Groton aerospace summit
It may not be as big as the Paris Air Show, but some the same companies that attend that event, including Airbus and Northrup Grumman, will gather in Groton on Monday to pursue the same goals they seek every year in France — more sales and the information needed to make good business decisions.
Posted inPolitics
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.
Posted inPolitics
CT lawmakers raising plenty of campaign cash
Washington – Although most of them are running unopposed, members of Connecticut’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives have raised plenty of campaign cash this year.
Posted inEducation, Politics
Congress shuts loan program that helps thousands of CT students
WASHINGTON – Congress may have averted a government shutdown, but failed to prevent the demise of the nation’s oldest student aid program, known as the Perkins loan. Thousands of Connecticut students use this program to help finance their education.
Posted inPolitics
CT lawmakers say Boehner’s resignation cuts shutdown odds, but threat remains
WASHINGTON – House Speaker John Boehner’s decision to resign may have lessened the prospects of a government shutdown, but that won’t be known for sure until Congress considers a short-term spending bill next week. Meanwhile, Connecticut agencies have been told to draw up contingency plans.
Posted inPolitics
‘Pope of the people,’ citing history, urges Congress to act
WASHINGTON – Pope Francis sent a message of personal and social responsibility to a joint session of Congress and the nation Thursday, but also gently pressed lawmakers to end their partisan bickering and legislative dysfunction.
Posted inMoney, Politics
CT defense industry big loser in federal budget stalemate
WASHINGTON – With only days to act remaining, Congress is once again on the brink of a fiscal crisis that will have a special impact on Connecticut’s $13 billion defense industry.
Posted inPolitics
DeLauro urges Pope to address social ills in speech to Congress
WASHINGTON — Rep. Rosa DeLauro has led an effort by congressional Democrats to urge Pope Francis to bring his social teachings to Congress when the pontiff makes his historic speech there on Sept. 24.
Posted inPolitics
Courtney says he supports Iran nuclear deal
WASHINGTON – Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, on Thursday became the second member of the Connecticut delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives to voice his support for the Iran nuclear pact.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Bill to speed drug approvals sitting in Senate’s waiting room
WASHINGTON –It was hailed as a rare bipartisan victory when it was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month, but legislation that would boost the fortunes of Connecticut’s pharmaceutical industry — and perhaps speed a cure for Lyme disease — faces an uncertain fate.
Posted inPolitics
Obama-Courtney golf game chat not about Iran pact, aide says
WASHINGTON – President Obama and three House Democrats, including Rep. Joe Courtney, played a round of golf in the sweltering heat at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland Sunday, but no one says politics was discussed on the green.
