Senator Blumenthal Week In Review 03/24/2023—03/31/2023
ADDRESSING AMERICA’S GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC
— U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led twenty-two Senators in introducing legislation to close a current loophole that allows gun sales to proceed if a background check is not completed within a certain time period, even if the gun buyer is not legally allowed to purchase a gun. The gap in existing law has allowed thousands of gun sales to prohibited buyers, including the sale of the firearm used by the shooter in the deadly attack at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church. U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“If you haven’t passed a background check, you shouldn’t be able to purchase a weapon. No check, no gun. It’s really that simple,” Blumenthal said.
When a criminal background check indicates that a firearm purchaser may have a criminal record, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tries to determine whether the purchaser can legally buy a gun. If this process takes longer than 72 hours for those 21 years of age or older, or 10 days for those under 21, gun dealers can complete the sale even though there is a heightened risk that the purchaser is legally disqualified from purchasing a gun.
The Background Check Completion Act would require a completed background check for every gun buyer who purchases a gun from a federally-licensed gun dealer.
— Blumenthal reacted to the shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Children dead & gravely injured. Casualties of gunfire. My heart is with the Covenant School community. Congress can help stop this senseless violence—now. Our thoughts & prayers are not enough.”
“Americans deserve a fight in Congress to ban these military style assault weapons—causing unspeakable tragedy & trauma. These laws work, as we know in CT. Failure to act won’t work anymore for America.”
“Again & again, it’s the assault weapons enabling mass murder. Our legislative ban would save lives. Even as we grieve, let’s honor with action. Take steps toward a clear lawful remedy. Congress is complicit if again it looks away. Inaction is inexcusable.”
“We can do this—stop assault weapon carnage. I’ll keep working for commonsense measures like red flag laws, safe storage, better background checks, & more. An assault weapons ban must be a priority among them.”
— Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and U.S. Representatives Elissa Slotkin (D-MI, Mark Takano (D-CA) and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) in reintroducing legislation that would fund research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand and address the nation’s ongoing gun violence epidemic, a public health crisis which in the past five years has taken the lives of more than 180,000 people across the United States.
Specifically, the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act would authorize $50 million each fiscal year over the next five years to boost the CDC’s firearms safety and gun violence prevention research – building upon already successful efforts to secure a total of $100 million for federal gun violence prevention research between fiscal years 2020 and 2023. Currently, the CDC is supporting more than 20 individual research projects dedicated to the study of gun violence prevention – including research on understanding the unique harms posed to young people, mitigating gun violence in highest-risk communities, and stopping firearm suicides among military service members and veterans, and more.
— Blumenthal and Murphy announced new information from the U.S. Department of Justice on the implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act’s provisions regarding federal criminal penalties for gun trafficking and straw purchasing, enhanced background checks for gun sales to buyers under 21, and funding for red flag laws and other gun violence prevention initiatives. The Senators highlighted the impact that federal legislation can have on reducing gun violence in our communities and called on Congress to take further action to address this national crisis.
SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS FROM SPORTS BETTING ADDICTION
— Blumenthal joined the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling to call on colleges and universities to put student health and well-being above lucrative on campus gambling contracts. In a letter sent to the top revenue generating basketball and football schools in the United States, Blumenthal urged colleges and universities to consider the serious risks on-campus sports betting poses to students. According to media reports, major universities have entered into lucrative contracts with casinos and sportsbooks to encourage students to gamble on sports – raising well-founded fears about an activity that is known to be addictive.
“We are approaching the height of March Madness & also the height of online gambling. To max out on the money, schools are sidelining the health & well-being of students in favor of lucrative on-campus gambling contracts.”
“I am sending a letter to the top revenue generating basketball & football colleges demanding more information about these partnerships. Schools have an obligation to care for students not put them in danger of developing a gambling addiction.”
“In CT we are lucky to have organizations like the Council on Problem Gambling to help raise awareness & provide recovery support. With the explosion in online gambling these resources are all the more vital.”
— Blumenthal released the following statement in response to a new Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering issued by the American Gaming Association (AGA), which includes a prohibition on college partnerships that promote, market or advertise sports wagering activity:
“The American Gaming Association’s new sports betting code of conduct is a serious effort to protect young people from gambling addiction. I applaud AGA for seeking to set meaningful industry standards that specifically prohibit college partnerships that promote, market or advertise sports betting. Unfortunately, the benefits of this new code are limited given that not all sports betting companies – in fact, many of the largest ones – aren’t members of the AGA and don’t abide by their standards. Caesars’ irresponsible – and on occasion, potentially illegal – marketing to college students through their schools remains entirely unacceptable. I look forward to learning more from the schools themselves about what outreach they’ve received from sports betting companies, particularly in light of AGA’s new industry standards that make clear that any sports betting partnerships with schools is unacceptable.”
PROVIDING SERVICEMEMBERS WITH LEAVE FOR ABORTION & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE SERVICES
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in sending a letter with 35 of their Senate colleagues to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, underscoring the serious national security imperatives tied to providing U.S. service members access to protected leave for abortion and reproductive health care services.
The Senators’ letter addresses numerous national security implications in the wake of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, which in addition to disenfranchising U.S. servicewomen control over their own bodies, risks serious repercussions for the U.S. military, including health of the force, military readiness and recruitment and retention. The letter reaffirms commitment among Senators to support the Department of Defense's (DOD) reproductive health care policies.
“Following the Dobbs decision, the RAND Corporation estimates that 40% of active duty women serving in the continental United States face limited or no access to abortion services where they are stationed. When service members are assigned to duty stations either domestically or overseas, their placement is determined by the needs of the U.S. military,” the Senators wrote. “Women service members, who make up approximately 17% of active duty military, have no say in where they are stationed, even if their duty station is in a state that severely limits or restricts access to abortion or other critical reproductive health services. It is unacceptable that service members or their dependents should face limited or no access to abortion care simply because of where they are stationed as part of their service to the United States.”
In their letter, the Senators explain the national security implications for restricting service members’ reproductive freedom and underscore the dangerous message sent to women in uniform – current and future – that they cannot be trusted to make their own decisions about their health and families. The Senators conclude the letter by reaffirming Senate Democrats’ commitment to ensure the full implementation of the Department’s reproductive policies and that efforts will continue in the Senate to fiercely defend service members and their families’ health and freedoms
REACTING TO THE INDICTMENT OF FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP
— Blumenthal released the following statement in response to the indictment of former President Donald Trump:
“No person is above the law – and violations should be pursued no matter how powerful the person is. A grand jury has reportedly decided to charge former President Trump after an intensive investigation lasting many months. Our justice system has an obligation to pursue the facts and law wherever they lead. Former President Trump will have the same rights as any criminal defendant and the justice system will presume him innocent until proven guilty.”
ADDRESSING DANGERS ABOARD CRUISE SHIPS
— Blumenthal authored an op-ed for BuzzFeed News about the need for his Cruise Passenger Protection Act. Blumenthal’s op-ed follows BuzzFeed News’ recent investigation into serious assaults, including rapes, and lax security aboard cruise ships.
“The cruise line industry has fiercely fought this legislation, saying its requirements are ‘unnecessary.’ As BuzzFeed News’ investigation makes clear, they’re contested by experts, lawyers, and victims and their families. The courage of those speaking out will help us pass my Cruise Passenger Protection Act. I hope the cruise industry will support these important reforms, which will only make their voyages better for consumers. Strong safety standards and real enforcement will help protect passengers and hold the cruise industry accountable,” wrote Blumenthal in the op-ed.
ADDRESSING THE RISING NUMBER OF WHALE DEATHS ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST
— Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) called on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to address the rising number of whale deaths along the Atlantic Coast. With some endangered whale species already at risk of extinction, the letter comes as more than 20 whales have died between North Carolina and Nova Scotia, Canada, since December 2022.
“In recent months, there has been a concerning number of whale deaths along the Atlantic coast,” the senators wrote in reference to the deaths of humpback whales and North Atlantic right whales (NARWs). “There are fewer than 340 NARWs remaining, including fewer than 70 breeding females, and without action, the NARW will likely go extinct.”
“If we do not act, other whale species may face the same fate,” the senators continued, highlighting other recent unusual whale deaths, including those of gray whales on the Pacific coast.
The senators asked NOAA to describe how it will use funds to address whale injuries and deaths from gear entanglement and vessel collisions – the likely cause of death in many of these incidents according to preliminary reports. The letter also asks the agency to detail its reporting procedures and elaborate on, “what additional resources NOAA may need to strengthen its efforts to protect and conserve marine mammals and prevent their deaths.”
“We believe accessibility, transparency, and timeliness is of the utmost importance for NOAA’s whale injury and death reporting,” the senators wrote while calling for strengthened data-sharing practices with the public, non-profit organizations, and government partners. “We look forward to working with you to ensure the health and well-being of our oceans’ marine mammals.”
ADDRESSING MISLEADING MEAT LABELS
— Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) to address meat companies’ use of misleading food labels. The letter follows a recent Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) report showing “humanely raised” and “sustainably farmed” labels on products are often unsubstantiated and poorly vetted.
“We are concerned USDA may need to further clarify their guidelines in order to continue carrying out their vital mission of protecting the public from misleading food labels,” the senators wrote to Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Sandra Eskin.
According to the AWI’s examination of USDA responses to nearly 100 animal-raising claims on meat products, 50 percent of label claims had no application on file and 29 percent lacked adequate substantiation. These findings follow a 2020 Office of Inspector General investigation which found that 15 percent of FSIS-approved label applications reviewed were either incomplete or inaccurate.
To provide consumers with safe and properly labeled meat and poultry products, the members called on the FDA to prevent items with potentially misleading claims from reaching store shelves.
“Without clear labels, consumers are robbed of their ability to purchase in accordance with their values,” the senators continued. “The USDA has an obligation to ensure consumers have the information necessary to make informed choices about the products they purchase and that hardworking farmers and producers are able to compete on a level playing field.”
EXPANDING TOXIC EXPOSURE BENEFITS
— Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to urge veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and other hazards to apply for newly expanded VA benefits.
“Packed house at the VA in West Haven this morning with veterans taking advantage of new PACT Act opportunities & benefits for their exposure to burn pits & other toxic chemicals. Glad they’re getting what they deserve. More should be done. We’re raising awareness.”
The PACT Act, signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, delivers relief to post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits and will correct the nearly 80 percent rejection rate faced by burn pit veterans seeking claims. The legislation also includes provisions championed by Blumenthal to expand benefits, healthcare, and compensation to veteran populations that are not currently able to access services: veterans who responded to the nuclear disaster in Palomares, Spain, those who were deployed to the K2 Air Base, and veterans and families exposed to toxins in the water supply at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
INCREASING ACCESS TO AEDS IN SCHOOLS
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), U.S Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Representatives Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Bill Posey (R-FL) in introducing the bicameral, bipartisan Access to AEDs Act, legislation that would promote students’ access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public elementary and secondary schools.
“Access to AEDs is vital to improve the chances of survival for anyone who suffers Sudden Cardiac Arrest,” said Blumenthal. “This bill provides schools with grants for the equipment, education, and training necessary to aid those in crisis.”
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency caused by a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system or structure, caused by an abnormality from birth or one that develops over time. Annually, nearly 600,000 Americans suffer from SCA. More than 7,000 youth under the age of 18 suffer from SCA annually in the United States, with student athletes being more than 3.5 times as likely to experience SCA as non-athletes. Survival from SCA more than doubles when a bystander uses a publicly available AED as compared to waiting for an AED shock after the arrival of emergency responders.
Currently, only 23 states have AED school requirements, with varying degrees of specificity regarding mandates on whether schools must have AEDs on campus and provide the necessary training on their use.
QUESTIONING THE DHS SECRETARY ON NIL FOR INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES, TIKTOK’S SECURITY THREATS, & WELCOMING REFUGEES
— As we approach the height of March Madness, Blumenthal questioned Secretary Mayorkas on current rules that prevent international student athletes from accessing the same NIL benefits offered to their American teammates. Specifically, Blumenthal discussed UConn basketball players Adama Sanogo and Aaliyah Edwards who, “are prevented by student visa rules from benefitting from financial opportunities and indeed their educational futures because of these rules.”
“Will you commit to publishing guidance or issuing rulemaking to ensure that Adama and Aaliyah and other international students on the Huskies and on other teams have a fair opportunity on their NIL rights for their entire college career?” Blumenthal asked.
“Senator, thank you for your letter on this subject which brought the issue to my attention,” Mayorkas responded, referencing last week’s letter from Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. “We are indeed of looking at the issue very carefully. And I hope quickly. And we will move with deliberate speed…We'll move as quickly as we can, Senator.”
— Blumenthal questioned Mayorkas on the Department’s efforts to combat TikTok’s cybersecurity concerns, threats of foreign espionage, and destructive effects of driving toxic content to children.
“Do you have concerns about the safety of TikTok’s user data and the Independence of TikTok from the Chinese government?” Blumenthal asked.
“Senator, I certainly do. And I have tremendous concern with respect to many aspects of the PRC’s aggression with respect to the United States and other democracies around the world,” said Mayorkas. “Let me be clear that we're very concerned about the security implications of TikTok.”
— Blumenthal questioned Mayorkas on efforts to resettle Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in the United States. Blumenthal praised the Department’s announcement it will give Ukrainians already in the U.S. a, “one-year parole, an extension to an estimated 25,000 Ukrainians and their immediate family members who have come here in the wake of the murderous assault by the Russians.”
Blumenthal citing his work in fighting for, “assurances that Ukrainian refugees coming here will be safe and welcome in our country,” and asked Mayorkas, “What kind of support and resources does DHS need to further process and expand the number of refugees who will be welcomed here?”
“The Uniting for Ukraine, a very innovative program that we implemented, is a tremendous source of pride for us and we are tremendously committed to continuing it,” said Mayorkas.
Mayorkas also told Blumenthal he would support the Afghan Adjustment Act, Blumenthal-led legislation that would allow Afghans with temporary status that undergo additional vetting to apply for permanent legal residency.
“Will you support the Afghan Adjustment Act, which I championed and a number of us on this committee supported?” Blumenthal asked.
“Yes. And we very much appreciate your championing of it,” said Mayorkas.
PRESERVING CONNECTICUT’S HISTORY
— Blumenthal and Murphy announced $1 million in congressionally directed spending for the Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library (CHS) to conserve and digitize thousands of historical records. The Senators received a behind-the-scenes look at several historically significant documents, including the only known surviving copy of the first issue of the Connecticut Courant, Nathan Hale’s diary, and materials belonging to civil rights activist Mardon Walker. Murphy and Blumenthal also saw how CHS will use federal funds to digitize these records in-house, preserving them for future generations and making them more accessible to students and the community.
EXPANDING CONNECTICUT’S HIGHLANDS AREA
— Blumenthal and Murphy announced that Connecticut will receive $1.46 million in federal funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand Connecticut’s existing Highlands area. This funding was made possible by the Highlands Conservation Reauthorization Act which was included in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus appropriations bill to extend protections for the next five years and provide $10 million to conserve 3.5 million acres of land in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.
“The Highland Region is an incredibly beautiful and vital natural treasure. This $1.46 million investment through the Highlands Conservation Act will preserve valuable open space, provide clean drinking water, and maintain recreational trails for all to enjoy. Protecting these lands is critical to Connecticut’s future and I am deeply proud to have fought for this robust funding,” said Blumenthal.
STRENGTHENING OUR BANKING SYSTEM
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in sending a letter to Michael Barr, Vice Chair for Supervision of the Federal Reserve, Martin Gruenberg, Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Michael Hsu, Comptroller of the Currency, urging the banking regulators to establish strong bank capital requirements to protect consumers and preserve the safety and soundness of the banking system.
“In the immediate aftermath of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB’s) sudden failure, thousands of small businesses, nonprofits, and other customers were thrust into uncertainty, facing serious questions about whether they would be able to pay their employees, make payments, and stay afloat,” wrote the lawmakers. “While regulators have taken extraordinary action to stem the threat of contagion, the failures of SVB, Signature, and Silvergate, are deepening concerns about the resilience of the banking system.”
Banking executives and industry groups have long lobbied against strengthened capital requirements and, in 2018, they successfully rolled back Dodd-Frank regulations and loosened bank capital requirements. Just days before the collapse of SVB, Republican members of Congress pushed Fed Chair Powell to weaken capital requirements.
“The failures of SVB and Signature, and the regulatory and supervisory failures that enabled its costly collapse, are directly tied to the big banks’ and Republican policymakers’ cynical efforts to weaken our regulatory framework,” concluded the lawmakers. “In order to prevent future bank crises and protect working Americans, we urge your agencies to quickly implement strong capital requirements and resist industry pressure to weaken or delay these requirements.”
— Blumenthal also joined U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) in introducing the bipartisan Financial Regulators Transparency Act, legislation that would strengthen Federal Reserve accountability and ensure that all financial regulators must be responsive to various information requests from Congress. These important reforms will help ensure Congress receives the information necessary to fully evaluate the recent collapses of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank.
PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM FREE TRIAL SCAMS
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) in introducing the Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity (Consumer OPT-IN) Act, bicameral legislation to protect consumers from online free trial scams and hard-to-cancel recurring-payment programs. The lawmakers’ bill puts the onus on companies, not consumers, when it comes to extending subscriptions and memberships, including requiring a shift from “opt-out” conditions to “opt-in.” This legislation complements the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recently proposed “click to cancel” rule to make it easier for consumers to get out of unwanted subscriptions.
“Consumers need protection against free trial subscription scams. They deserve refunds when they’re lured into no cost introductory offers and then trapped by a high cost subscription they can’t reject. Our legislation says they shouldn’t be charged unless they explicitly request the subscription—simple fairness and common sense,” said Senator Blumenthal.
HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF POISON CONTROL CENTERS
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Tim Scott (R-SC) in announcing the passage of their Senate resolution designating the week of March 20 through March 26, 2023, as “National Poison Prevention Week.” The resolution encourages communities across the United States to raise awareness of the dangers of poisoning and promote poison prevention. The resolution also expresses gratitude for the individuals who operate and support local poison control centers as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the importance of educating the public on poison safety and promote the use of the Poison Help hotline.
“The incredible professionals at poison control centers in Connecticut and across the country play an instrumental role in protecting our communities,” said Blumenthal. “Their work in addressing exposure to harmful household products, drug overdoses, and other accidents puts these first responders on the frontlines of helping those in crisis. They deserve our unwavering support and gratitude.”
CURBING DEADLY SOOT POLLUTION
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and U.S. Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Nanette Barragán (D-CA) in writing to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan urging EPA to strengthen the proposed air quality standards to reduce fine particulate matter pollution, also known as soot pollution, and protect communities from its related health issues, including cardiovascular and respiratory disease, infant mortality, and premature death. Toxic air pollution disproportionately impacts people of color, frontline environmental justice communities, and lower-income neighborhoods that are already bearing the brunt of environmental injustice. In January, EPA announced its proposal to update existing air quality standards and is currently accepting public comment.
“Strengthening particle pollution standards will improve air quality from coast to coast and will start to address historic inequities and injustices in communities suffering from cumulative exposure to multiple pollutants,” the lawmakers wrote. “People and their families have waited far too long to breathe healthy air. The science is clear and we urge you to move swiftly to finalize these standards so that we can finally begin to achieve the promise of clean air for everyone.”
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and 23 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize the achievements and courage of the transgender community around the world, and to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility.
“The International Transgender Day of Visibility acknowledges and celebrates the courage it takes for transgender and non-binary people to live life as their true, authentic selves. I stand with the trans community and will fight for laws that combat the discrimination and violence they face,” said Blumenthal.
PREVENTING DISCRIMINATION IN JURY SERVICE BASED ON DISABILITY & AGE
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and U.S. Representative Katie Porter (D-CA) in introducing the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act to prohibit excluding a person from federal jury service based on disability or age. Currently, federal law prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of “race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status.” Disability and age are not included, which allows for discrimination against seniors and people with disabilities.
AROUND CONNECTICUT
— Blumenthal visited the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to announce millions of dollars in federal funds to fight tick borne diseases such as Lyme, Babesiosis, and Powassan.
“Tick-borne diseases, like ticks, are exploding in number. Babesiosis cases rose 338%, Lyme doubled in recent years. I helped get $200,000 to CT’s Agricultural Station, $26 million to CDC, $7 million to DOD, all for vital research, diagnosis, & treatment.”
“Spring time is tick time, beginning right now. A warm winter means more of them, some like the Asian longhorned ticks, are new to this region. Safeguard yourself with the right clothes, insect repellent, & more. Diseases like Lyme & Babesiosis can be debilitating, even lethal.”
— Blumenthal joined The Center for Empowerment and Education to call on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt strong rules to help survivors of domestic violence and other crimes to cut ties with their abusers and separate from shared wireless service plans, which can be exploited to monitor, stalk or control victims.
“The FCC should protect domestic violence survivors by guaranteeing the privacy of their cellphone calls for help, & access to free cell service. Joining with The Center for Empowerment and Education to help stop abusers from tracking & threatening.”
— Blumenthal attended the CT Land Conservation Council’s annual conference.
“Hundreds of dedicated environmental activists & advocates gathered at Wesleyan yesterday for the CT Land Conservation Council annual conference. Very inspiring to be among these steadfast, unstinting leaders.”
— Blumenthal attended the CT House of Heroes “Fun Raiser.”
“CT House of Heroes annual ‘fun raiser’ was sold out, a record crowd celebrating their unbelievable work for our veterans. They rebuild homes, transform lives, honor true heroes. Nearly 200 homes! Thank you!”
— Blumenthal reacted to the passing of Sal DePiano.
“Sal DePiano was many things to many people over many years—community leader, state senator, musician, veteran, lawyer, & much more. Most important—a caring & dedicated public servant, generous friend, a real gentleman. My heart is with his family.”
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