Senator Blumenthal Week In Review 06/16/2023—06/23/2023

PROTECTING KIDS ONLINE

— U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), authors of the Kids Online Safety Act, met with parents of children who died or were harmed because of social media to discuss the urgent need for passage of the bipartisan legislation. The advocates were on Capitol Hill meeting with senators and gathering support for the bill, which will protect children online and hold Big Tech accountable. The legislation now has the support of 39 senators and hundreds of advocacy groups.

“You are having an effect because we now have 39 [supporters]…because you’ve had the courage and strength to come forward and tell your stories,” Blumenthal told the parents. “We’re building momentum that I think will have an effect, and it’s because advocates like you have the guts and the grace to come forward…We are in the midst of a mental health crisis. It hasn’t been created alone by social media, but social media is aggravating it and exploiting it. They know what they’re doing and they’re continuing to do it because it makes money for them…The time is now.”

— Following reporting by The Wall Street Journal about Instagram hosting and connecting a vast network of pedophiles and child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Blumenthal and Blackburn demanded Meta answer for its failures to protect children on its platforms and efforts to stop and report the heinous crimes.

The investigation by the Wall Street Journal, Stanford University’s Internet Observatory, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Recue Lab found hundreds of accounts on the platform were able to openly sell and trade CSAM, including abuse content, illicit sexual acts, and trafficked children. The researchers also found the platform’s algorithms contributed to this problem, flooding users with other child abuse communities.

“Instagram was not merely acting as a passive host for predators, but was found to be fostering abuse networks,” Blumenthal and Blackburn wrote to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. “Essentially, Instagram was caught brokering child abuse material and helping child predators network together.”

The senators said Meta failed to remove illicit hashtags and accounts associated with the pedophile network, which remained on Instagram even after the Journal’s reporting. The letter also documents Meta’s continued rejection of reports of child abuse, confirming the experience of parents and advocates who reported explicit images involving children but were left unanswered for months.

“Meta’s inaction has profound real life consequences for children,” the senators wrote. “These reports reflect a dangerous and recurring pattern of Meta failing to catch vile and exploitative material targeting children, despite repeated assurances to Congress and the public that it is cleaning up its platforms.”

While Meta has set up an internal task force to address these shortcomings and threats to children, Blumenthal and Blackburn called the response, “anemic” and said the investigation’s findings, “should trouble every young person and parent in America.” Blumenthal and Blackburn also noted that because of Meta’s weak enforcement and poor safeguards, the proliferation of CSAM, sextortion, and other threats to children are worse on Instagram than on other social media platforms.

Citing their work on the Kids Online Safety Act, the EARN IT Act, and the REPORT Act, the senators demanded Meta, “provide information regarding the prevalence of child sexual exploitation and the measures it takes to address child safety on Instagram and other platforms it operates.”

— Blumenthal and Blackburn released the following statement after TikTok confirmed they do store some U.S. user data in China. TikTok’s announcement was in response to a probe by the senators.

“We are extremely concerned that TikTok is storing Americans' personal, private data within the reach of the Chinese government,” said Blumenthal and Blackburn. “TikTok executives appear to have repeatedly and intentionally misled Congress when answering how the company secures and protects the data of Americans. TikTok’s response makes it crystal clear that Americans’ data is still exposed to Beijing’s draconian and pervasive spying regimes – despite the claims of TikTok’s misleading public relations campaign.”

EXAMINING THE PROPOSED PGA-LIV GOLF AGREEMENT

— Blumenthal, Chair of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and Ranking Member Ron Johnson (R-WI) invited PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir al-Rumayyan, and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman to testify at a hearing on July 11, 2023. The hearing will examine the planned agreement between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund regarding the future of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf and professional golf in the United States.

“Our goal is to uncover the facts about what went into the PGA Tour’s deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund and what the Saudi takeover means for the future of this cherished American institution and our national interest,” said Blumenthal. “Americans deserve to know what the structure and governance of this new entity will be. Major actors in the deal are best positioned to provide this information, and they owe Congress – and the American people – answers in a public setting.”

SECURING WINS FOR CONNECTICUT IN THE NDAA

— Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the Committee’s approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which includes a number of significant provisions he championed to invest in Connecticut’s defense manufacturing workforce and enhance national security. The bill passed out of Committee by a vote of 24-1 and will now move to the full Senate for consideration.

“Historic investments in defense platforms made in Connecticut show continued unshakable confidence in our state’s spectacular workforce. This strongly bipartisan national security support package recognizes threats to America now, and in coming years,” said Blumenthal. “Readiness requires investment in advanced technologies—submarines, helicopters, and fighter jets—but also in people, including improved education, skills training, and public health resources necessary for servicemembers and workforce development. Absolutely critical to our own defense is unstinting support for Ukraine’s brave fight against Russia’s barbaric criminal invasion—a cause meriting the funding here. Overwhelming endorsement in Committee indicates that this NDAA should have strong bipartisan support when the full Senate votes, hopefully within the next few months.”

ADDRESSING AMERICA’S GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC

— Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) led 78 Members of Congress, including U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Jason Crow (D-CO), in reintroducing the bicameral Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, legislation to ensure that victims of gun violence have their day in court and that negligent gun companies and gun sellers are not shielded from liability when they disregard public safety. The bill would repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), passed by Congress in 2005, which gives the gun industry a unique and unjustifiable legal liability shield that protects gun manufacturers from lawsuits. 

“The gun industry’s legal immunity has given it a free pass to negligently manufacture and distribute weapons of war – often with devastating consequences for communities across the country,” said Blumenthal. “Repealing PLCAA’s protective shield will hold manufacturers accountable for wrongdoing and allow victims, survivors, and families to seek justice. Those impacted by our gun violence epidemic deserve their day in court. Passing this measure and ending the industry’s sweetheart deal is long overdue.”

When Congress passed PLCAA, its supporters argued that it was necessary to protect the gun industry from frivolous lawsuits, and that victims of gun violence would not be shut out of the courts. In reality, numerous cases around the nation have been dismissed on the basis of PLCAA, even when the gun dealers and manufacturers acted in a fashion that would qualify as negligent if it involved any other product. Victims in these cases were denied the right to even discover or introduce evidence. This legislation allows civil cases to go forward against irresponsible bad actors.

In 2005, the National Rifle Association (NRA) identified PLCAA as their “number one” legislative priority, and the NRA celebrated the passage calling it the “most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years.” Letting courts hear these cases would provide justice to victims and their families, while creating incentives for responsible business practices that would reduce injuries and deaths. Effectively, the gun industry would once again be subject to the same laws as every other industry, just as it was prior to 2005.

— Blumenthal also joined Murphy, GIFFORDS, and Everytown for Gun Safety and its grassroots networks Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action in hosting President Joe Biden, elected leaders, Biden-Harris Administration officials, survivors of gun violence and hundreds of gun safety advocates in Hartford, Connecticut for the National Safer Communities Summit to celebrate the first anniversary of the passage of The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA).

“Proud & grateful to be at the exciting #SaferCommunitiesSummit. Surrounded by survivors, loved ones, & advocates I joined Chris Murphy, Lucy McBath, and John Feinblatt for a discussion of the legislative & enforcement action we can take to stem the tide of gun violence.”

“It was a tremendous honor to introduce one of my heroes, Gabby Giffords, at the #SaferCommunitiesSummit. Her compassion, courage, strength, tenacity, & empathy make her a stalwart champion working tirelessly to end gun violence.”

“Inspiring to hear President Biden speak about the ways his Administration is implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. He is right this is just the first step. We must continue to turn our pain into purpose, loss into determination—together we can stop gun violence.”

ADDRESSING THE BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS

— Blumenthal joined women’s health advocates to urge passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, critical legislation that will save mothers’ lives and address the drivers of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States.

“The rates of maternal mortality are deeply alarming, especially those of Black women who are significantly more likely to die or experience pregnancy complications. Every mom deserves a safe, healthy pregnancy no matter their race, zip code or economic status. That is why I was proud to introduce the Black Maternal Health Momnibus with my colleague Senator Booker. This package of 13 bills will no doubt save moms’ lives.”

Black women are over three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of maternal deaths in the U.S. increased by 89 percent from 2018 to 2021.

In Connecticut, Black babies born to Black women are significantly more likely to die before their first birthday, than babies born to white women. They are also twice as likely to be born weighing less than 5½ pounds, which can put them at higher risk for serious health and developmental consequences.

ENDING ROADWAY FATALITIES & IMPROVING TRAFFIC SAFETY

— Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) reintroduced the Road to Zero resolution to reduce traffic fatalities and improve roadway safety for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road. Introduction of the resolution follows an announcement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that over 9,000 people died in traffic crashes during the first three months of 2023. By improving data collection and promoting access to safe, reliable transportation, the Road to Zero resolution aims to end roadway fatalities by 2050.  

“Road to zero is reachable and responsible,” said Blumenthal. “Roads must be made safer for all—pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as car users. Improved technology and increased investment provide the opportunity—and imperative—to cut road tragedies.”

The Road to Zero resolution highlights the troubling number of traffic fatalities and crashes in the United States, with many of the deaths resulting from distracted and alcohol-impaired driving. The resolution also notes the deep history of inequality in the United States’ transportation systems as crashes have a disproportionate impact on people of color and low-income communities. Citing the success of seatbelts, speed limits, and other technology in preventing injuries and fatalities, the measure encourages federal agencies to implement interventions and improve data collection to prevent crashes.  

While nearly 43,000 people lost their lives to traffic crashes in 2022, NHTSA’s data from the beginning of 2023 shows a decline in fatalities compared to the same time last year. This drop follows implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included historic funding for transportation safety and the Safe Streets and Roads for All grants to address high-crash areas. The Road to Zero resolution seeks to build on this progress and achieve zero roadway fatalities by the year 2050. 

ADDRESSING MISLEADING MEAT LABELS

— Blumenthal applauded a recent step by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address meat companies’ use of misleading food labels.

A recent report by the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) shows that labels like “humanely raised” and “sustainably farmed” are often unsubstantiated and poorly vetted, with up to 50% of labels lacking proof to back up their claims. Following the report, Blumenthal wrote a letter to USDA urging action by the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

Last week, FSIS announced that it is implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims. The agency is now strongly encouraging producers to use a third-party verification system to ensure labels using “humanely raised” or “sustainably farmed” are accurate.

DEFENDING AGAINST HACKERS

— Blumenthal announced $326,000 in federal funding for the University of New Haven’s Center for Consumer Protection and Cybersecurity project to purchase specialized equipment for cybersecurity training and education. The Center will serve as a regional and national asset to increase the pipeline of cybersecurity experts to protect consumers in cyberspace.

PROTECTING LGBTQ+ RIGHTS

— Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) recognized Pride Month by urging Congress to pass the Equality Act, legislation that prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, a record 70 anti-LGBTQ+ state laws have been enacted so far this year, including laws banning gender affirming care and sports participation for transgender youth, restricting drag performances, and censoring school curriculums. As courts and Republican-led states across the nation strip away LGBTQ+ rights, the Equality Act is historic, comprehensive legislation that would ban discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans, just as religious, racial, and ethnic discrimination are illegal everywhere in the United States.

The Equality Act would finally enshrine these protections into federal law under all areas of potential discrimination and ensure that these essential protections for LGBTQ+ Americans are not subject to the whims of a changing court.

— Blumenthal and Murphy also joined their colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month. The senators’ resolution highlights the contributions LGBTQ Americans have made to our country, notes several major milestones in the fight for equal treatment of LGBTQ Americans, and resolves to continue efforts to achieve full equality. The resolution also recognizes the progress that has been made with the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act and the legal recognition of workplace protections for transgender people while acknowledging the continued attacks on the rights of LGBTQ people taking place in our legal institutions.

SUPPORTING OUR SERVICEMEMBERS & VETERANS

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) in introducing the Dental Care for Our Troops Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure that every service member has premium-free dental care. The bill would waive premiums and co-pays in the TRICARE Dental Program for all members of the reserve components. In addition to guaranteeing dental insurance, this legislation would ensure that all servicemembers are ready to deploy and serve our country when called upon.

“All who serve in our Armed Forces deserve the same high quality dental care—including our National Guard and Reserves,” said Blumenthal. “They should never have to pay out of pocket for dental care afforded to active duty servicemembers. Our legislation closes an egregious health care gap, and invests in military readiness.”

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) in introducing the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a program to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist them in carrying out programs to provide service dogs to eligible veterans.

“Service dogs offer invaluable support and comfort to our veterans. When our heroes struggle with PTSD and other service-related injuries during their adjustment to life at home, canine companions are right by their side,” said Blumenthal. “These grants for nonprofits will provide veterans with the resources they need to prioritize their health and wellbeing. I’m proud to join Senator Tillis in this bipartisan effort.”

It is estimated that upwards of 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have PTSD and more than 450,000 service members have been diagnosed with at least one traumatic brain injury over the past two decades. As a result, these veterans suffer from alarmingly high rates of depression, anxiety, joblessness, homelessness, substance use disorder and other negative behaviors. Far too often, they resort to taking their own lives – roughly 20 veterans die by suicide each day, nearly one an hour.

HOLDING AUTO DEALERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR DECEPTIVE PRICING & POOR RECORDKEEPING

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and 14 of their colleagues in colleagues in a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan expressing their support for the Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule and urging the FTC to finalize the strongest possible rule to protect consumers from deceptive and unfair practices. Specifically, the lawmakers urge Chair Khan to require auto dealers provide a comprehensive and binding “offer price” for new vehicles, do away with hidden junk fees in pricing, retain records to enable enforcement and compliance, and ensure that non-English speakers are not discriminated against in the car-buying process.

“We write to support your efforts to address unfair and deceptive practices in the sale, financing, and leasing of motor vehicles by dealers,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Chair Khan. “We agree that the practices of some motor vehicle dealers impose substantial financial costs on consumers, and the problems you have identified in the automobile financing market are serious, harmful, and widespread. These practices also hurt honest dealers, making it more difficult and costly for them to compete. The [FTC] should move forward with its rulemaking proceeding […] and adopt a final rule to address these pressing issues.”

The lawmakers continued, “We encourage you to adopt a final rule with these and other provisions to facilitate a more competitive marketplace, address deceptive sales practices that disproportionately burden car buyers of color, and reduce headaches for consumers.”

PROTECTING REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Patty Murray (D-WA) in introducing the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act, legislation to provide women the support they need to access reproductive health services by providing grants to organizations, including abortion funds, to offset the cost of travel-related expenses.

The bill would set up a grant program to help ease the financial burden associated with traveling long distances to access safe and legal reproductive health care. Specifically, the bill would allow the Treasury Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to pay for travel-related expenses and logistical support for individuals accessing abortion services. Funds, made available through a competitive grant, could be used for round trip travel, lodging, meals, childcare, translation services, doula care, patient education and information services, and lost wages.

Eligible entities include non-profits or community-based organizations that assist individuals seeking abortions. Grants would be prioritized for entities that serve people who live in a jurisdiction that has banned or severely restricted access to abortion, serve those who travel to a jurisdiction to access abortion care, or have a program in operation that helps patients access abortion services.

HELPING WITH THE SEARCH FOR MISSING PERSONS ON FEDERAL LANDS

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in introducing the TRACE Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include an additional category to the existing National Missing and Unidentified Persons Systems (NamUs) database so the public and law enforcement partners can denote cases where the person went missing or was identified on federal land—including by providing specific location details.

“Full, immediate reporting of anyone missing on public lands is vital to their safe return. Search and rescue efforts by law enforcement need all available information and families deserve it,” said Blumenthal. “Our bipartisan measure—creating this new category in the national database of missing persons—will help authorities bring loved ones home.”

The bill also requires DOJ to submit an annual report to Congress on the number of cases of persons missing on public lands or suspected of going missing on public lands from the previous year. With this new feature, family and friends of people who have gone missing on public lands could more easily find and include this information in NamUs, while law enforcement agencies can simultaneously work to improve the national records of individuals missing on public lands.

UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS & DEMOCRATIC VALUES IN INDIA

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) in a bicameral letter with over 70 of their colleagues urging President Biden to discuss the need to protect human rights and democratic values in India as he meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We join you in welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the United States. We want a close and warm relationship between the people of the United States and the people of India. We want that friendship to be built not only on our many shared interests but also on shared values. We do not endorse any particular Indian leader or political party — that is the decision of the people of India — but we do stand in support of the important principles that should be a core part of American foreign policy. And we ask that, during your meeting with Prime Minister Modi, you discuss the full range of issues important to a successful, strong, and long-term relationship between our two great countries,” the Members wrote.

STRENGTHENING THE 9/11 VICTIMS LAW

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) in introducing the Ensuring Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, which would close loopholes in the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) to allow families of victims of terrorism to seek financial compensation from foreign sponsors of terrorism.

JASTA was introduced in 2015 and passed both the Senate and House with broad bipartisan support. The bill was enacted into law by Congress in 2016. This bill amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act so that foreign sponsors of terrorism cannot invoke “sovereign immunity” in cases arising from a terrorist attack that kills an American on American soil. JASTA also amends the Anti-Terrorism Act so that civil suits against foreign sponsors of terrorism can be held accountable in U.S. courts where their conducts contributes to an attack that kills an American.

ADDRESSING THE THREAT OF RUSSIAN TACTICAL NUKES

— Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced a resolution to respond to the Russian Federation delivering tactical nuclear weapons to the Republic of Belarus. This is the first time Russia has deployed nuclear warheads beyond its borders since the fall of the Soviet Union, and represents a serious threat to global security in the midst of the war in Ukraine.

Graham and Blumenthal noted their resolution holds that any use of a tactical nuclear weapon by Russia, Belarus or their proxies, or the destruction of a nuclear facility that disperses radioactive contaminants into NATO territory would be viewed as an attack on NATO itself, requiring an Article V response.

“This resolution is meant to send a message to Vladimir Putin and to his military: they will be destroyed if they use tactical nuclear weapons or if they destroy a nuclear plant in a way that threatens surrounding NATO nations,” said Blumenthal. “This message ought to be taken seriously by Putin’s generals – his military risks total obliteration by NATO forces if they are so reckless and irrational as to resort to tactical nuclear weapons.”

INVESTING IN CONNECTICUT’S FIRE ACADEMY

— Blumenthal joined Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Congressional Delegation in announcing the Connecticut Fire Academy has been awarded a grant of $334,789 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This funding will be used to enhance the academy’s training programs, equipment, and overall operations, ultimately improving the safety and effectiveness of firefighters across Connecticut.

“This federal funding will save lives – allowing the Connecticut Fire Academy to provide updated essential equipment, training, and resources to firefighters across the state,” said Blumenthal. “Firefighters deserve the best possible tools to ensure they can do their jobs safely and effectively. We must protect our heroes who sacrifice so much to protect us.”

STRENGTHENING ETHICS STANDARDS FOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICES

— Blumenthal reacted to reports that Justice Samuel Alito took a luxury fishing vacation with a GOP megadonor who later had cases before the Supreme Court.

“Egregious & unconscionable that Justice Alito not only took this exorbitant trip partly funded by a billionaire who had a case before SCOTUS, but that he denied it was an issue. This new obfuscation of ethics adds to the legitimacy crisis facing the Court.”

“I am out of patience with this Supreme Court. They cannot continue to think they answer to no one. The drip, drip, drip of ethical wrongdoing must be met with real accountability.”

PREVENTING ELDER ABUSE

— Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced a Senate resolution designating June as “Elder Abuse Awareness Month.” The bipartisan resolution shines a light on instances of exploitation and abuse against America’s senior population and commends those working to assist victims of elder abuse. 

“This resolution recognizes the importance of protecting older adults from scammers, abusers, and others hoping to take advantage of this vulnerable population,” said Blumenthal. “As a member of the Special Committee on Aging, I’ve heard countless stories from seniors in Connecticut and across the country about their experiences with financial, physical, and emotional abuse. It’s on us to stand up for their rights, security, and wellbeing. I’m proud to join Senator Grassley in this effort.”

SECURING LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR SENATE STAFF TO ORGANIZE

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in introducing a resolution to secure legal protections for U.S. Senate staff to organize and collectively bargain. In 1996, the Office of Compliance and Workplace Rights ruled that the Senate needed to pass a resolution to provide congressional workers the legal right to unionize. This resolution would finally secure that right for U.S. Senate staff.

AROUND CONNECTICUT

— Blumenthal and Murphy joined U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT) in announcing a $17 million federal grant to the City of New London to transform public transportation and improve public safety. The funding—authorized by the federal infrastructure law—comes after the lawmakers strongly urged the Department of Transportation to support this project over the course of the year.

The federal funding will support the construction of the pedestrian bridge to connect residents to the future National Coast Guard Museum Association; a high-speed ferry terminal; a new transit hub; the restoration and renovation of Union Train Station; and an expansion of the Water Street Public Parking Garage by approximately 400 parking spaces. These projects will decrease congestion, improve pedestrian safety, expand ADA accessibility, and meet the growing demand of travelers using the city’s transportation services.

“This $17 million will be absolutely transformative, a giant gamechanger for New London’s downtown, creating a strong interconnected transportation infrastructure. I commend Mayor Passero and city leaders for their vision and determination – leading to this significant federal investment which will spur economic growth and vitality for New London.   I am thrilled to see this significant investment in one our state’s cities and will keep fighting for Connecticut to receive these critical infrastructure funds,” said Blumenthal.

— Blumenthal joined Juneteenth celebrations in Hamden and Middletown.

“Celebration of this beautiful mural & Juneteenth in Hamden with former Mayor Scott Jackson & his family—along with many others.”

“Proud to march in Middletown Ujima Alliance 1st Annual Juneteenth Parade, & later join the Festival. A historic day of joy & respect but determination for unfinished work ahead.”

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