Senator Blumenthal Week In Review 01/27/2023—02/03/2023
BOLSTERING AIRLINE PASSENGER PROTECTIONS
— Following a holiday travel season with Southwest Airlines’ meltdown and other airline disruptions affecting thousands of fliers, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) led the introduction of the Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights and the Forbidding Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous (FAIR) Fees Act, bills to expand protections for air travelers.
Among a host of key consumer protections, the comprehensive Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights would ensure that airlines provide passengers with fair compensation, refunds, and recourse in the event of airline-caused flight delays and cancellations, require airlines to pay at least $1,350 to passengers denied boarding as a result of an oversold flight, and mandate airlines to immediately refund bag fees for damaged or lost bags. The Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
The FAIR Fees Act, encompassed in the Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights, would prohibit airlines from charging unreasonably high fees for basic services like checked bags, seat selection, and ticket changes. The FAIR Fees Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
“This legislation will ensure fliers have the essential consumer protections they deserve,” said Blumenthal. “The Southwest Airlines debacle is just the latest example of why we urgently need stronger passenger protections, as air travel has become more stressful, unpredictable, and uncomfortable for fliers. This legislation will establish clear, enforceable rules for airlines to follow, putting consumers first and restoring sanity to the skies.”
Blumenthal and Markey hosted a virtual press conference to discuss the bills with Christine Pastore, a resident of Stratford, Connecticut, who was personally impacted by the Southwest meltdown when her flight to Denver for her daughter’s birthday was cancelled.
“Airlines need to be given some incentives to do the right thing and consumers need protection,” said Blumenthal, calling the expenses and hardship from recent delays and cancellations, “just one example of what happens every day to many consumers across the country because they have no bill of rights right now.”
“This Bill of Rights provides practical, tangible guarantees,” Blumenthal continued, discussing the legislation’s provisions to ensure airlines provide passengers with fair compensation, refunds, and recourse in the event of airline-caused flight delays and cancellations. “If Southwest faced these kinds of potential penalties and consumer class action, it might have updated its IT system. It might have revised its point-to-point travel system. And it would have done the right thing voluntarily rather than incur these humongous disruptions and expenses to its consumers…This cause ought to be bipartisan. There’s nothing Republican or Democrat about being stranded in an airport.”
CHAIRING THE PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS
— Blumenthal announced that he will become the Chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI). Blumenthal will be a new member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee and will continue serving on the Senate Judiciary; Armed Services; Veterans; and Aging Committees.
“I am excited to join a committee with such significant oversight responsibilities and investigative power, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. I am honored to take the gavel of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which has conducted some of the most significant inquiries in the history of Congress, going after wrongdoers – no matter how powerful – in every corner of American life. That legacy of unsparing and relentless accountability is one that I am privileged to continue,” Blumenthal said.
“While I may no longer be serving on the Commerce Committee, my priorities remain the same: protecting Americans from exploitation, fraud and abuse remains my driving passion. Consumers need vigorous voices and champions now more than ever. The relationships I have forged on the Commerce Committee – especially with my bipartisan colleagues on the Consumer Protection Subcommittee, Senators Moran and Blackburn – will continue to be some of my most valued partnerships and I look forward to pursuing legislative proposals that we have introduced and advocated in the past.”
“And to Big Tech and others in industry: you’ll be hearing from me very, very soon.”
PSI is the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s chief investigative subcommittee and is tasked with broad authority to investigate crimes, fraud and violations of consumer protections, and threats to national security. PSI has previously conducted investigations into a wide range of criminal activity, corporate malfeasance, and government waste, fraud and abuse. More information on the history of PSI is available here.
ADDRESSING AMERICA’S GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC
— Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) led a group of 186 Members of Congress in reintroducing Ethan’s Law, legislation requiring gun owners to safely and securely store their firearms. Named in honor of Ethan Song, a teenager from Guilford, Connecticut who was tragically killed in 2018 by an unsecured gun in a neighbor’s home, the bill would create federal requirements for safe gun storage and establish strong penalties for any violations. With loaded and unlocked guns in the homes of an estimated 4.6 million American minors and killing or injuring eight children or teens every day, Ethan’s Law would reduce access to these unsupervised firearms often used in suicides, school shootings, and other acts of violence.
“No one should have to face the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one because of an unsecured firearm. Under Ethan’s Law, responsible safe storage requirements will help prevent these senseless, unnecessary deaths and protect the thousands of children living in homes with unsecured guns,” said Blumenthal. “Through their tireless work, Kristin and Mike Song have been the face of courage and resilience – turning their grief into action. Their advocacy has saved lives across Connecticut, and passing this legislation will save lives across the country.”
Under Ethan’s Law, gun owners would be required to secure their firearms in a “secure gun storage or safety device” if a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without permission, or if a resident of the dwelling cannot legally possess a firearm under existing law. The bill also includes incentives for states to pass and enforce their own safe gun storage laws.
Ethan’s Law was passed by the Connecticut General Assembly in May of 2019 and signed by Governor Ned Lamont in June 2019. Last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Ethan’s Law as part of the Protecting Our Kids Act, a broader legislative package focused on addressing America’s gun violence epidemic. 24 states already have some form of safe storage or child access prevention laws already on the books.
— Blumenthal, Murphy, and Markey joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Jack Reed (D-RI) in introducing the Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act, legislation that directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules that prohibit the marketing of firearms to children.
The legislation comes as Americans suffered 52 mass shootings and 3,700 gun-related deaths across the United States in the first month of this year alone. There are restrictions on cigarette and tobacco advertising, on alcohol advertising, and on cannabis advertising, yet the firearms industry is not subject to any specific restrictions or limitations on their marketing practices. For decades, gunmakers have marketed their automatic rifle-style guns, the weapon of choice in mass shootings, and other weapons, to children. These weapons include Chicago-based WEE1 Tactical’s ‘JR-15’ assault-style weapon, marketed and sold as a child’s version of the AR-15 assault rifle.
“No assault style weapon should ever be marketed to a child. The gun industry has taken a page right out of Big Tobacco’s book, as they continue to prioritize profit over childrens’ safety,” said Blumenthal. “The FTC has the power and proof to stop these unconscionable marketing practices – and action is long overdue.”
— Blumenthal joined a group of his colleagues in announcing the formation of the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus. Members of the caucus will work together to promote commonsense solutions to battle the epidemic of gun violence plaguing the United States. In addition to coordinating efforts in the Senate and with the House, the caucus has the goal of holding additional hearings and briefings on key gun violence issues beyond the work of Senate committees.
“The Gun Violence Prevention Caucus will elevate attention to our nation’s epidemic and unite colleagues devoted to a common cause. Last year’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was a step forward, but more must be done to prevent the needless bloodshed and loss,” said Blumenthal. “Safe storage, a ban on assault weapons, community violence intervention programs, strengthened red flag laws, and increased resources for law enforcement can and will save lives. I’m proud to be a founding member and will continue fighting for legislation to protect our communities.”
— Blumenthal joined Durbin and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL) in introducing bicameral legislation aimed at reducing gun violence by preventing the theft of firearms from federally-licensed gun dealers (FFLs). The Safety Enhancements for Communities Using Reasonable and Effective (SECURE) Firearm Storage Act would address the problem of “smash and grab” gun store burglaries by requiring all firearms to be securely stored when a federally-licensed gun dealer is not open for business. Additionally, the bill would authorize the Attorney General to review and put forth additional security measures to reduce the risk of theft, and requires a new section on the FFL application for an applicant to describe security plans before a license can be approved.
Gun thefts from FFLs are a significant problem across the country. In 2020 and 2021, FFLs reported a combined 769 burglaries to the ATF, and a total of 8,897 firearms were reported stolen during the burglaries. These stolen guns frequently end up being used in crime; one study found that between 2012 and 2018, nearly 14,800 guns recovered in crimes had been reported as lost or stolen from gun dealers.
IMPROVING TRAFFIC & ROAD SAFETY
— Blumenthal joined the Connecticut Congressional Delegation in announcing $2.408 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support six traffic safety projects across Connecticut. The funds are awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program established to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
“This funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law comes at a time of great urgency. More people are dying on our nation’s roadways than ever before, and we need to commit to safety improvements that will prevent these senseless tragedies from occurring,” said Blumenthal. “These projects will target the issues at the local level so that Connecticut’s motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists can feel safer on the roads.”
STOPPING SPACE HEATER FIRES
— As temperatures reach dangerous and historic lows in Connecticut this weekend, Blumenthal announced new legislation that would require mandatory safety standards for space heaters — including automatic shut off features to prevent thousands of house fires caused each year by space heaters.
The bicameral Safe Heat Act, led by Blumenthal and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in the Senate and by U.S. Representatives Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) in the House, would require the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue safety standards for portable electric heating devices to prevent thousands of space heater fires that damage homes and seriously injure and kill people each year.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, home heating equipment is the leading cause of fires in U.S. homes and cause an average of 1,700 fires per year. In March 2022, a Hamden home was seriously damaged after a space heater fire.
“Common sense safety standards for space heaters will prevent fires and save lives. Portable electric heaters are essential for many families during the cold winter months, but the lack of proper safeguards increases the risk of these devices overheating and tipping over – often with deadly consequences,” said Blumenthal. “By implementing automatic turn-off features and allowing the CPSC to strengthen safety regulations, our legislation takes important steps to protect consumers from these preventable tragedies.”
ANNOUNCING NEW MONEY FOR SNAP & SCHOOL MEALS
— Blumenthal joined advocates to announce significant federal funding increases for both the Supplemental Nutritional Insurance Program (SNAP) and child nutrition programs, which include school meal programs, as growing numbers of Connecticut families face food insecurity this winter.
The federal budget includes $154 billion for SNAP, an increase of $13.4 billion over last year, $28.5 billion for Child Nutrition Programs including historic funding allowing schools to serve healthy meals, and $6 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Connecticut’s SNAP and child nutrition programs are expected to receive a boost of millions of dollars to support access to affordable and nutritious foods.
“More federal money for the SNAP program & child nutrition is an investment in the future of our families & young people. We will not stand by as people in CT face hunger. I will continue to fight at the federal level for food security & increased funds.”
According to Feeding America, nearly 400,000 people in Connecticut face hunger, equating to one in every 10 residents. Nearly one in 8 children are food insecure.
SUPPORTING HOMELESS SERVICES PROVIDERS
— Blumenthal visited homeless service providers to highlight federal efforts to ensure access to safe and reliable shelter. In Meriden, Blumenthal visited New Beginnings Inc., a shelter that is expanding services to house additional people due to the cold weather this weekend. In New Haven, Blumenthal joined Governor Ned Lamont and HUD to announce federal funding for homeless services in Connecticut.
ANNOUNCING MADISON’S NEW EMERGENCY SHELTER
— Blumenthal joined local officials to announce $1 million in federal funding to make critical safety improvements and energy efficiency upgrades to the town’s emergency shelter.
Following a 2020 facility study, the Town of Madison identified several issues with their current emergency shelter at the town campus gym. The town plans to move the emergency shelter to Polson Middle School, but needs to purchase a generator and make significant electrical upgrades for new equipment. The $1 million in federal funding will provide for the purchase and installation of the generator at the new facility.
REQUESTING AN ARMY BRIEFING ON SIKORSKY’S FLRAA BID
— Blumenthal released the following statement in response to the U.S. Army’s latest denial of a briefing for Connecticut’s Congressional delegation on Sikorsky’s bid to build Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).
“Despite our delegation’s repeated requests, the Army unreasonably and irresponsibly has refused to provide us — or the public — with any information about why Sikorsky’s bid to build Future Long Range Assault Aircraft was rejected. Connecticut jobs and families are on the line with this decision and our delegation and Sikorsky’s dedicated, world class workers deserve answers. The Army’s repeated refusal to provide a briefing is unacceptable. The servicemembers who will rely on the FLRAA deserve better. The Army must reconsider this decision and provide them the helicopter that delivers the required capability at a cost that can be sustained.”
SUPPORTING MARIA KAHN’S NOMINATION TO THE SECOND CIRCUIT
— Blumenthal applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee’s approval of Justice Maria Araújo Kahn, President Biden’s nominee to fill a vacancy on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The Second Circuit is one of thirteen appeals courts across the country and exercises appellate jurisdiction over federal district courts within Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. With the bipartisan 11-9 vote, the nomination of Kahn, a Justice on the Connecticut Supreme Court and a former Appellate and Superior Court judge, Assistant U.S. Attorney, public defender, and attorney for individuals with disabilities, will now advance to the full Senate.
While Kahn was previously approved by the Committee in December, nominations not confirmed by the end of the Congress must be returned to the White House. President Biden resubmitted Kahn’s nomination on January 3, 2023 at the beginning of the 118th Congress.
“Maria Kahn’s immense integrity and intellect are reflected in today’s bipartisan approval of her nomination,” said Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “She has extraordinary experience as a prosecutor, public defender, judge and justice that will enrich and strengthen the Court of Appeals. She also has an inspiring American immigrant story, distinguished by hard work and perseverance. I am proud to have championed her as a nominee and look forward to her confirmation in the coming weeks.”
INVESTING IN HOME CARE FOR SENIORS & PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
— Blumenthal and Murphy joined U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) in introducing legislation to expand access to home and community-based services for older adults, people with disabilities, and injured workers, while increasing pay and improving benefits for the caregivers who provide this life-sustaining care. The Better Care Better Jobs Act would enhance Medicaid funding for home care, helping many of the over 650,000 people on waiting lists nationally finally receive care in the setting of their choice, allowing them to stay active in their communities, and live independently. This legislation would also strengthen the caregiving workforce, improve quality of life for families, and boost the economy by creating good-paying jobs to make it possible for families and workers alike to thrive economically.
“The Better Care Better Jobs Act would be a historic investment in caregiving at a moment when our health care system is increasingly overwhelmed and stressed. Workers deserve living wages to care for our loved ones. This commonsense legislation would make it easier for older adults and people with disabilities to receive care in their own homes or communities, eliminating sometimes lengthy wait times to receive critical care, and increasing pay and benefits for caregivers. I urge Congress to pass this law and deliver long overdue care and benefits to our seniors, disabled people and, of course, caregivers,” said Blumenthal.
LOWERING DRUG COSTS BY PREVENTING PATENT SYSTEM ABUSE
— Blumenthal and U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act, legislation to help lower drug prices by preventing bad actors’ anti-competitive use of patents to block generic and biosimilar competition from coming to market. Some pharmaceutical manufacturers have been deliberately abusing the patent system to prevent potential competitors from entering the marketplace through tactics like “product hopping” and abuse of the “patent dance” process. The Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act puts an end to practices that prioritize profits for pharmaceutical companies ahead of Americans’ health. By stopping abuses of our patent system, this legislation will pave the way for generics and biosimilars to compete with branded drugs and aggressively lower drug prices for consumers in the process.
“The pharmaceutical industry’s shameless abuse of the patent system has driven costs sky-high for consumers by keeping generics off the market and stifling innovation,” said Blumenthal. “Our common sense reforms will protect competition and reduce prices at the pharmacy. I’m proud to join Senator Cornyn in this bipartisan effort to ensure patients can afford critical medicine. We’re stopping the music for pharma’s patent dance.”
SUPPORTING PEACEFUL PROTESTS IN IRAN
— Blumenthal and Murphy joined U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jim Risch (R-ID), and James Lankford (R-OK) in reintroducing a bipartisan resolution reaffirming the United States’ support for the Iranian citizens who have taken to the streets in peaceful protest and condemning Iranian security forces for human rights abuses.
In addition to calling on the international community to continue to publicly highlight and condemn the Iranian regime’s crackdown since protests began more than five months ago, the resolution urges the Biden administration to strengthen international efforts to impose additional sanctions on officials and entities responsible for the violent suppression of demonstrations. The resolution also underscores the importance of the U.S. government and the private sector providing additional support for access to digital communications and internet freedom in Iran so that Iranian citizens have the tools necessary to communicate with the world and each other.
“Iran’s vicious and brutal crackdown on protestors rallying for change after the death of Mahsa Amini is nothing short of cruel and craven. I stand with these brave Iranians speaking truth to power and showing incredible courage and determination in fighting for freedom against an oppressive regime,” said Blumenthal.
UPDATING MEDICATION LABELS TO PROTECT WOMEN EXPERIENCING EARLY-PREGNANCY MISCARRIAGE
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in sending a letter to Danco Laboratories, a manufacturer of mifepristone, urging them to submit an application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to add miscarriage management to the medication’s label—which currently only includes medication abortion but can also be safely and legally used for miscarriage management. Given that many states are trying to limit the use of medication abortion, women experiencing early-pregnancy miscarriage are facing barriers to accessing this critical drug due to the fact that “miscarriage management” is not included on the label of the drug. Updating mifepristone’s label would make this drug accessible for miscarriage management without fear of criminal action against health care providers and will ensure women can access the most safe and effective treatment for miscarriage.
“Women in need of mifepristone for early-pregnancy miscarriages are experiencing barriers to effective and safe treatment because this drug is commonly used in medical abortions,” the lawmakers wrote. “Updating mifepristone’s label will make this drug accessible for miscarriage management without fear of criminal action against health care providers.”
RESTORING THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY TO A CABINET LEVEL POSITION
— Blumenthal and Markey joined U.S. Representatives David Trone (D-MD), Brian Fitzpatrick (D-PA), and Annie Kuster (D-NH) in a letter urging the President to announce that he will restore the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to a Cabinet-level position. Elevating the post would enable ONDCP to more effectively coordinate drug control efforts across federal agencies and enhance the Biden administration’s response the opioid epidemic, a public health crisis that kills more than 100,000 Americans each year. Prior to 2009, the ONDCP Director’s position was Cabinet-level. As a senator, President Biden supported the ONDCP Director’s serving at the Cabinet level.
“As Members of Congress, we are doing our best to address this crisis, but we urge you to take every action within your authority to prevent further loss of life,” the lawmakers wrote. “Reinstatement of the ONDCP Director to the Cabinet would be a meaningful step in improving interagency collaboration and the effectiveness of drug control programs across the federal government. It is time to restore the Director to a Cabinet position to address the drug crisis with the full force of this Administration and those that follow.”
HELPING AMERICANS ACCESS HIGH-QUALITY JOB TRAINING
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Mike Braun (R-IN) in reintroducing the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, bipartisan legislation to help more Americans get good-paying jobs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants to afford high-quality, shorter-term job training programs for the first time. Pell Grants are need-based education grants for low-income and working students. As of now, students can only use Pell Grants for two-year and four-year colleges or universities. By expanding Pell Grant eligibility, the JOBS Act would help close the skills gap and provide workers with the job training and credentials they need for careers in high-demand fields.
PROTECTING THE ARCTIC REFUGE
— Blumenthal and Markey joined U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) and U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (D-PA) in reintroducing their Arctic Refuge Protection Act, legislation that will restore critical protections to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge—home to the Gwich’in people and the nation’s largest national wildlife refuge—by designating the Coastal Plain ecosystem as wilderness under the National Wilderness Preservation System.
This legislation would permanently halt any new oil and gas leasing, exploration, development, and drilling on the Coastal Plain, and would safeguard the subsistence rights of the Arctic Indigenous Peoples who depend upon the unique ecosystem within the Arctic Refuge. It would enshrine the protections sought by President Biden on his first day in office, which were reaffirmed last June when the Administration temporarily suspended drilling lease sales in the Arctic Refuge. Despite these executive actions, the Coastal Plain ecosystem remains at risk due to oil and gas lease sales mandated by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law by then-President Trump.
DEMANDING JUSTICE FOR TYRE NICHOLS
— Blumenthal reacted to the death of Tyre Nichols and joined a rally in Bridgeport honoring his memory.
“Stomach turning & heartbreaking, we cannot turn away from Tyre Nichols’ brutal death. His family, community, all America demand & deserve justice.”
“Powerful, moving rally in memory of Tyre Nichols at Summerfield United Methodist Church in Bridgeport led by Pastor & state Senator Herron Gaston. Cries for justice call on the conscience of our country & Congress after acts of hideous, inhuman brutality.”
AROUND CONNECTICUT
— Blumenthal joined an event honoring women who served in the Coast Guard during World War II.
“Honored to attend U.S. Coast Guard Academy event honoring trailblazing women SPARS (Semper Paratus, Always Ready) who served during WWII. Women are part of USCG’s inspiring history—& future—of service & sacrifice. We’re championing a new museum to salute it.”
— Blumenthal visited John Bysiewicz as he recovers from injuries caused by a biking crash.
“John Bysiewicz is a hero—recovering with absolutely inspiring resolve & courage from a tragic biking crash caused by an impaired car driver. His wonderful family is his rock. Great Gaylord caregivers are rock stars. Looking forward to seeing John—a longtime friend from his road races I’ve run—back in action. Make no mistake: With Gaylord’s help, he’ll be on his bike again in record time. A man of boundless grit & grace.”
— Blumenthal attended a service honoring the life of Charlie Saverine.
“A pillar of the Darien community, Charlie Saverine leaves behind a beautiful family & many friends & admirers. As an athlete, mentor, & public servant, his legacy will be enduring. One of a kind.”
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