Posted inPolitics

Senate approves massive defense bill, but trims number of F-35s

WASHINGTON –  The Senate late Monday approved a $716 billion defense authorization bill that trims the number of F-35’s the Pentagon can purchase this year, but allows for more spending on Electric Boat submarine programs and Sikorsky-made helicopters. “Five percent of our country’s defense spending is done in Connecticut,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal said.

Posted inHealth, Politics

Senate fails to repeal Obamacare

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans failed early Friday to win approval of a “skinny” bill they hoped would grow into a full-fledged repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act, putting an end to efforts to eliminate Obamacare, at least for now. The dramatic vote in the middle of the night is a boost to Connecticut Democrats who fought the GOP campaign to repeal the ACA.

Posted inPolitics

Up for re-election, Murphy says he’s focused on activism, not campaigning

WASHINGTON — Despite the advantage President Donald Trump’s political gaffes may give them, many Senate Democrats face tough re-elections next year, but Chris Murphy isn’t one of them. The senator, who is defending what is considered a safe seat, says he won’t begin running for re-election in earnest until next year and for now prefers to invest in grassroots activism instead.