WASHINGTON – Days after President Obama said he’d ask Congress to boost funds to fight opioid and heroin addiction, Rep. Joe Courtney introduced a bill that would seek $600 million in emergency funds to pay for both drug enforcement and treatment.
John Larson
John Larson, a Democrat, has served as the U.S. representative for Connecticut’s first congressional district since 1999.
Posted inPolitics
Coltsville bill fix moves forward
WASHINGTON — A key House committee approved legislation Wednesday that would allow the National Park Service to move forward on plans to build the Coltsville National Historic Park in Hartford.
Posted inPolitics
For CT delegation, a flurry of successes in a blizzard of bills
WASHINGTON – Sen. Richard Blumenthal sponsored and co-sponsored 377 bills and amendments in 2015, more than any other U.S. senator. But a Connecticut Mirror analysis found other Connecticut lawmakers were busy, too.
Posted inPolitics
Obamas to put Malloy in spotlight at State of the Union
WASHINGTON — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will be one of the most notable guests at Tuesday’s State of the Union speech, sitting with Michelle Obama.
Posted inNews
Plans for Coltsville national park hit some bumps in first year
WASHINGTON — A year after the go-ahead was given to authorize the first national park in Connecticut, efforts to commemorate the industrial innovation of Samuel and Elizabeth Colt in Hartford have hit some stumbling blocks, including one that may require an act Congress to resolve.
Posted inJustice
Hartford case helped inspire tax relief for wrongfully convicted
WASHINGTON — East Hartford resident James Tillman was convicted of rape and jailed for almost 18 years before a DNA test exonerated and freed him in 2006. Congress is now adding to the restitution Tillman, and hundreds of wrongfully convicted people, received for the wrong the judicial system did them.
Posted inPolitics
Defense spending, permanent R&D tax break benefit CT firms
A hyper-busy Congress accomplished this week much of what it wasn’t able to do all year.
Posted inMoney, Politics
CT lawmakers, except Himes, split with party over tax package
WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. John Larson, Elizabeth Esty, Rosa DeLauro and Joe Courtney split from their party leaders Thursday in voting for a tax package that would make permanent a research and development tax break benefiting many Connecticut companies and tax credits to help low-income families.
Posted inPolitics, Transportation
Transportation bill will boost CT road funds and help Amtrak
WASHINGTON — Congress was expected to approve a massive five-year transportation bill Thursday that would send Connecticut more than $3.5 billion in federal transportation money, bar the rental of cars under recall and commission a study that would determine an impairment standard for drivers who have smoked marijuana.
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 inPolitics
Larson hosts Pelosi, other Dems, at East Hartford bocce tournament
WASHINGTON – House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is among a group of House Democrats in East Hartford today to play a little bocce ball for charity – and also raise money for the Democratic Party at a separate event. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, holds the bocce ball tournament every year.
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 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
Larson sponsors measure authorizing use of force if Iran breaks nuclear deal
WASHINGTON – Rep John Larson, D-1st District, said he supports a deal with Iran aimed at curbing the nation’s nuclear ambitions – but he also introduced legislation that would give the Obama administration authority to use military force against Tehran.