Senator Blumenthal Week In Review 07/01/2022—07/08/2022

SUPPORTING OUR UKRAINIAN ALLIES

— U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) posted the following Twitter thread after visiting Ukraine with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

“Lindsey Graham & I are returning from Ukraine more convinced than ever that the Ukrainians can defeat Russia’s barbaric invasion if America provides the arms & aid it needs to win. Our message to President Zelenskyy & all Ukrainians was: The US has your back.”

“Our lengthy meeting with President Zelenskyy was remarkable for his grit, candor, vision, & resolve. He vitally needs more long-range multiple launch artillery & more advanced weapons, as well as humanitarian aid & stronger economic sanctions.”

“I was also more deeply impressed than ever by the resilience & courage of Ukraine’s people in the face of Putin’s horrific atrocities. Our visit to Bucha—one site of Russia’s soul-shattering civilian murders—was moving beyond words.”

“Children back to school, Ukrainians fully back to work, life back closer to normal—all require truly effective air defense, an imperative the US must help meet. Ukraine can go on offense, if protected from Putin’s brutal bombs & missiles.”

“This bipartisan delegation visit—the first since the invasion—hopefully will help show our commitment, uniting Republicans & Democrats, to this historic common cause.”

“We return more resolute than ever about our bipartisan Senate resolution designating Russia a state sponsor of terrorism, now on the floor ready for passage after unanimous Foreign Relations Committee approval. To Ukrainians its meaning is unmistakable.”

“Standing with Ukraine is a matter of American national security & defense, but also moral leadership & conscience. Its fight to stop Putin’s abhorrent assault is vital to democracy & freedom—American values & ideals & American interests.”

During their visit to Kyiv, Blumenthal and Graham presented President Zelenskyy with a copy of the resolution they have introduced to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. A readout of the meeting from President Zelenskyy’s office can be found here. Blumenthal and Graham also met with the Minister of Interior, Prosecutor General of Ukraine, and U.S Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink. Additional photos and videos of their trip can be found here.  

PROTECTING REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Governor Ned Lamont in visiting Planned Parenthood’s Waterbury health center to meet with patients, providers and health leaders to discuss what HHS is doing to protect reproductive rights in post-Roe America.

Blumenthal also joined a rally in support of reproductive freedom in Berlin.

“Proud to join hundreds at a powerful pro-reproductive freedom rally in Berlin today—moving calls to action, & march, organized by recent high school graduates. Thanks to amazing activists!”

SUPPORTING SURVIVORS OF MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA

— Blumenthal joined CT Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi and the Wounded Warrior Project to introduce legislation that will ensure veterans who have survived military sexual trauma (MST) have access to trained peer support specialists within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help them navigate the complicated and often re-traumatizing process of documenting their assault.

Currently, veterans who file disability claims with the VA to receive benefits due to the effects of MST have no formal mental or emotional health support. The Blumenthal-led legislation would offer invaluable resources to survivors of military sexual trauma to help them heal and formally document their claims.

“1/4 female vets & 1/100 male vets report military sexual trauma. We must do all we can to support these survivors. I was honored to join the Wounded Warrior Project's Denise Florio to announce bipartisan action to create a stronger peer support network for these vets as they navigate the VA system.”

INVESTING IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for a roundtable at United Community and Family Services to highlight critical investments in community health centers, behavioral health, and telehealth.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps and critical funding needs for mental health services across Connecticut. $3 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding will support community health centers in providing a more accessible and holistic approach to care.

“As we confront an ongoing mental health crisis, we must redouble our investment in telemedicine, community-based care, & more. I joined Secretary Becerra at United Community and Family Services to hear from great providers & urge more federal resources.”

IMPROVING BRADLEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), U.S. Representatives John B. Larson (D-CT) and Joe Courtney (D-CT), and Governor Ned Lamont in announcing a $20 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration’s FY2022 Airport Terminal Program for Bradley International Airport. This funding will increase capacity of the ticket counter area, improve and streamline baggage handling, enhance and meet ADA requirements, and improve energy efficiency. It is expected to create 2,500 jobs during construction.

“This is a significant investment for Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure. Not only will this critical funding lead to an easier and more streamlined airport experience for travelers at Bradley, but it will create thousands of good jobs for Connecticut workers. I am proud to have fought alongside our Congressional delegation to bring this much needed federal infrastructure funding back to Connecticut,” said Blumenthal.

ENDING AMERICA’S GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC

— Blumenthal reacted to a shooting at a July Fourth Parade in Highland Park, Illinois that killed seven people.

“A heart wrenching tragedy—on a day that should celebrate freedom, filled with family & fun, another community is torn by vile gun violence. We must do more to stop it.”

“As I reflect on the WILI Boom Box & Columbia parades—fantastic, festive events teeming w/families & friends—a pit grows in my stomach. Moments of community & patriotism should be exuberant celebrations, as these two great events were, not deadly attacks. Let’s end gun violence.”

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