BLUMENTHAL STATEMENT ON SPENDING BILL TO AVERT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) issued the following statement after the Senate passed an end-of-year spending deal that would extend government funding until March 2025:

“This stopgap spending bill averts a government shutdown’s devastating human consequences reaching every corner of Connecticut and the country. Connecticut’s economy benefits from smart, targeted investments in our future—not from repeated budgetary brinksmanship. This agreement will provide essential disaster aid for local farmers impacted by extreme flooding, safeguard Connecticut’s submarine industry, and fund essential nutrition and public health programs on which so many Connecticut families depend. I pledge to continue the fight to fund vital programs that serve the American people, lower prescription drug costs, and promote economic growth and opportunity.”

The Continuing Resolution (CR) includes a number of provisions that would benefit Connecticut, including a topline of $2.94 billion in post-disaster investments. Specifically, the CR includes:

Disaster Aid for Connecticut Farmers: The CR includes $20.78 billion in disaster aid for farmers for necessary expenses related to losses of revenue and quality or production of crops. Extreme weather events, including severe floods and unprecedented droughts have devastated Connecticut farms in recent years. In the wake of these events, Blumenthal has authored legislation to improve access to disaster assistance programs and crop insurance for small-sized farms. The CR includes an estimated $22 million in disaster payments and an estimated $1 million in economic assistance payments for Connecticut.

Support for the Virginia Class Submarine Program: The CR provides $5.69 billion in emergency funds for the Virginia Class Submarine Program, including wage increases for non-executive workers. Blumenthal has fought for increased funding to safeguard Connecticut’s submarine industry and continue steady production of the Virginia Class program.

Relief for Recovering Small Businesses: The CR includes $2.249 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans Program Account to provide relief for small businesses recovering from natural disasters. Currently, 77 disaster loan applications from Connecticut are pending at SBA totaling $6.71 million in aid.

Funding Repairs to Local Roads and Bridges: The CR invests $8.08 billion in the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program at the Department of Transportation to help communities recovering from natural disasters make necessary repairs. Connecticut could benefit from at least $48 million for emergency funding.

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