Senator Blumenthal Week In Review 08/05/2022—08/12/2022
PASSING THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
— U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement after the Senate approved the Inflation Reduction Act, a measure to cut costs for consumers, lower drug prices, and make historic investments in clean energy:
“The Inflation Reduction Act is history-making and record-setting. This bill will save money, it will save lives, and it will help save the planet.”
“Our bill will cut costs for consumers. It will help families better afford groceries, gas, and utilities while billionaire tax cheats will finally have to pay their fair share. Democrats have fought for years to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices which will result in huge savings for seniors. This bill is the largest investment and most important action to fight climate change in history.”
“Every single American will benefit from this bill.”
“Despite the years of bipartisan negotiations that led to this bill, my Republican colleagues were categorically unwilling to support it when it actually came to a vote. Instead, they devised a series of bad faith amendments – in effect malicious poison pills. As they made clear, not a single one of their amendments would have changed their vote, which is why I opposed all of them to protect the integrity of the bill.”
ENSURING HEALTHCARE & BENEFITS FOR VETERANS EXPOSED TO BURN PITS & TOXINS
— Blumenthal and Amy and Mark Antioho, the wife and son of the late Peter Antioho, attended the White House ceremony for the signing of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, comprehensive legislation to deliver multiple generations of veterans exposed to burn pits and dangerous toxins access to healthcare and benefits.
Peter Antioho of Berlin, Connecticut served in the United States Army and was exposed to toxic burn pits during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2012. After being diagnosed with a grade four brain tumor and terminal brain cancer, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) twice rejected his claims for disability benefits, arguing the burden was on him to prove the cancer was caused by the burn pits. Antioho’s claims were only approved following assistance from Blumenthal’s office in 2019, a little over a year before Antioho died.
“We lost Peter Antioho to glioblastoma, a hideous form of cancer that was caused by these burn pits. I came to know him and his family and advocated for him when he needed care and benefits, but one thing he said to us is…no veteran should have to call a United States Senator to get what they deserve,” said Blumenthal. “He was right, and he was a big part of the inspiration. And Amy took up the cause and promised him that we would get it across the finish line, and she and families of veterans and veterans themselves did it.”
“There’s no way to bring back Peter or the brave veterans we’ve lost to these diseases, but there’s no way that this nation should fail to honor its obligation to them and so many others who were exposed to these toxic substances,” Blumenthal continued. “And now we have to make sure the veterans in Connecticut—and there are thousands who need this care and benefits—know about it, have access to it, [and] take advantage of it.”
“My message to all the veterans and families still fighting is don’t give up. Please don’t give up or take no for an answer. Please apply for benefits,” said Amy Antioho. “Meeting Heath Robinson’s widow and young daughter, my son and her daughter fist bumped and said, ‘Your daddy died too? So did my daddy.’ And I think that’s what people need to realize, is that these are real human beings with families, with children that will grow up without fathers and mothers and siblings. And I really hope that this helps…The cost of war is too high and it comes home with us.”
The PACT Act will deliver relief to post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits, like Antioho, 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.
— Blumenthal also hosted a roundtable with veterans in Connecticut to highlight the landmark legislation.
“The PACT Act is an enormously impactful measure that will make a difference in the lives of vets exposed to burn pits & other toxins. At today’s roundtable with Comm. Saadi, the American Legion, & CT Veterans Legal Center we discussed the importance of making sure vets access these benefits.”
PROTECTING FIRST RESPONDERS & IMPROVING TRAFFIC SAFETY WITH SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER LAWS
— Blumenthal joined law enforcement, members of the Iodice family, AAA and traffic safety advocates to announce a resolution to raise awareness of Slow Down, Move Over state laws to reduce struck-by-vehicle injuries and fatalities, and to recognize the important role law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services, tow truck operators, and transportation workers play in road safety.
The Slow Down, Move Over resolution is inspired by Corey Iodice, a tow truck operator for his family’s business, who was tragically struck and killed on the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut in 2020 while assisting a driver. Earlier this year, Cindy Iodice, Corey’s sister, launched the Flagman Project, a non-profit organization to raise awareness and educate drivers on roadside dangers faced by first responders and highway workers in memory of her late brother.
“First responders & highway operators, like Corey Iodice, are killed working roadside because reckless drivers refuse to slow down & move over. To raise awareness of this lifesaving traffic rule, I've introduced a Senate resolution to highlight Slow Down, Move Over laws.”
EXPANDING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE
— Blumenthal visited Connecticut Pediatrics at Community Health Centers Hartford, Stamford’s Community Health Center, and the Connecticut Institute for Communities Greater Danbury Health Center to highlight the importance of high quality, affordable health care. Across Connecticut, community health centers provide accessible and affordable medical, dental, behavioral and mental health services to 350,000 people who might not otherwise be able to access or afford health care.
“Marking Community Health Center week, Stamford’s CHC had a health fair—with tons of info & advice available to all attending. Despite the heat, great energy & spirit from this excellent team.”
“Fantastic to be at CIFC’s Greater Danbury Health Center yesterday for the ribbon cutting of their new building addition. This space will help the Center expand their comprehensive care services.”
— Blumenthal also joined State Sen. Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and affordable health care advocates to call for thorough scrutiny of significant proposed insurance rate increases.
Aetna, ConnectiCare, Oxford/UnitedHealthCare and Anthem have requested to increase the cost of individual health plans next year by an average of 20.4%, an unaffordable increase for Connecticut families. Meanwhile, insurance companies are reporting record profits.
Insurance companies have said the proposed increases are driven in part by the expectation that Congress would not extend subsidies for individuals who buy health care through the exchange and the insurance companies would lose customers. However, the Senate passed a three year extension of the subsidies on Sunday and the House is expected to follow suit on Friday.
SECURING FEDERAL FUNDING FOR CONNECTICUT
— Blumenthal announced a $100,000 federal grant awarded to the Black Business Alliance (BBA) to fund their ‘Black Business Funding Superhighway’ which supports Black-owned businesses through financial literacy training, loan application support and networking opportunities.
The BBA is non-profit organization which seeks to empower and collaborate with local and statewide minority businesses by addressing the gaps in access to funding and providing educational resources. This funding awarded through the Small Business Administration (SBA) will allow the BBA to facilitate expert technical assistance and support for Black-owned businesses.
“Congrats to the Black Business Alliance on being awarded a $100,000 federal grant. With this funding they will be able to build upon their tremendous work to provide CT’s minority owned businesses with the tools & resources to realize their entrepreneurial dreams.”
— Blumenthal announced two federal grants for the YWCA Greenwich to expand services for victims of domestic violence and enhance their early childhood education program.
The Greenwich YWCA is the only provider of domestic abuse services in Greenwich. With a $75,000 award from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), they will be able to hire additional staff and expand their office space to better serve more clients.
The YWCA Greenwich was also awarded a $65,000 in grant support from the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) to complete the quality improvement process needed to earn accreditation from The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The organization received accreditation from NAEYC in July.
The YWCA Greenwich is a community non-profit that has served children and families, from infants to older adults, for over 100 years.
— Blumenthal visited Beat the Street (BTS) Community Center in Meriden to announce $25,000 in federal funding to support their Career Development Program for youth and young adults. The program offers support and mentorship opportunities for young people, helping them to develop and pursue their career goals. The grant is awarded through the Employment and Training Administration (ETA).
— Blumenthal visited the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of New London County to announce a $300,000 federal grant from the Employment and Training Administration to support their job training programs.
OIC is a non-profit organization which helps adults become self-sufficient through workforce development training and job placement support, as well as providing valuable strategies to become successful, productive members of the community. Since their founding in 1970, OIC of New London County has served more than 30,000 people seeking to enter or re-enter employment.
“Proud day at OIC New London for students & staff as we announce a $300,000 grant for workforce development. It will be a force multiplier for skills & jobs.”
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT) in announcing a $2.1 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant for the City of Stamford’s West Main Street Corridor Planning Project. The funding will support improvements to expand pedestrian and biking opportunities, make intersections safer, promote economic development, and provide equitable transportation access.
“This significant infrastructure investment will help jump start the transformation and revitalization of Stamford’s West Main Street corridor, replacing aging infrastructure, creating safer conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists, and improving the quality of life for the neighborhood. From my days representing Stamford’s West Side in the state legislature, I know firsthand how critical this corridor is and how small businesses and residents will be aided by this investment. I am so pleased that Stamford was awarded this funding and will keep fighting to bring federal dollars home to Connecticut for these vitally important community projects,” said Blumenthal.
The U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. The RAISE discretionary grant program funds increased by approximately $500 million over the last year under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
STRENGTHENING CONSUMER PRIVACY
— Blumenthal, Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security, released the following statement applauding new rulemaking issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to strengthen consumer privacy, bolster civil rights, and establish guardrails on the collection and use of consumers’ personal data:
“This announced rulemaking is a tremendous win for consumers, promising strong protections for privacy rights and personal data, and accountability for violating them. Big Tech’s exploitation of Americans’ private information, anti-competitive behavior, and data breaches have created a crisis that demands action. I’ve long urged the FTC to use this essential tool to implement strong and enforceable consumer safeguards and rights. This rule is a major step forward in helping give power back to consumers.”
In September 2021, Blumenthal led a group of nine Democratic senators calling on the FTC to advance the rulemaking. The full text of that letter can be found here and the FTC’s response can be found here.
SUPPORTING AFGHAN REFUGEES
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in introducing the Afghan Adjustment Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation allowing Afghans with temporary status that undergo additional vetting to apply for permanent legal residency.
Improving these newly arrived Afghans’ legal status would provide certainty as they build new lives in the United States. Currently, Afghans who were admitted on temporary humanitarian status can only gain permanent legal status through the asylum system or Special Immigrant Visa process (SIV), which both face severe backlogs and long processing times. The Afghan Adjustment Act would also improve and expand the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process, including by broadening SIV eligibility to include groups that worked alongside American forces such as the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command and the Female Tactical Teams of Afghanistan.
“This measure will provide safe haven for Afghans fleeing Taliban persecution. Our bipartisan bill fulfills a moral obligation to the men and women who sacrificed in support of the U.S. mission helping American troops and diplomats. These Afghan allies worked as journalists, translators, non-profit workers, guards, and interpreters – as well as other dangerous professions that put their and their families’ lives on the line. This effort is urgent as their situation is increasingly desperate. These at-risk Afghans deserve a clear path to citizenship. I am especially proud to have authored language in the bill that will expand eligibility for the SIV program to members of the Afghan Special Forces, including the Female Tactical Teams. The idea developed from the work my office has been doing with several U.S. veterans and service members who fought alongside these Afghans and who have spent the last year trying to get them to safety. I am honored to work with them to fulfill our moral obligation to those who fought alongside us,” said Blumenthal.
EVENTS AROUND CONNECTICUT
— Blumenthal attended the groundbreaking of the Great Pond warehouse in Windsor — a new 750,000 square foot logistics facility that will create new jobs and bolster the local economy. The warehouse is situated on 93-acres on the edge of the Great Pond mixed-used district.
“Wonderful to be at the groundbreaking of the new, state-of-the-art logistics facility in Great Pond. Leading by example, this Windsor development project is reclaiming land that was polluted & building spaces that will support job creation & enrich the community.”
— Blumenthal visited L.C. Doane Company in Essex, a 100 employee small business that has provided light fixtures to the U.S. Navy since 1947. L.C. Doane’s products are critical to the United States’ national strategic defense and Connecticut’s manufacturing economy.
— Blumenthal joined environmental leaders and advocates to highlight the Connecticut conservation projects that have been empowered by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) and call for continued investments.
In May, Blumenthal reintroduced the Complete America’s Great Trails Act which would create a tax credit for landowners who make voluntary land contributions towards the completion of the National Scenic Trails.
The GAOA, signed into law in August of 2020, utilizes revenues from energy development to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) which invests in conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the country. In Connecticut, LWCF has been utilized to increase climate resilience, protect clean water, preserve habitats and increase access to outdoor recreation in the Connecticut River Watershed region.
— Blumenthal joined city officials for the annual Puerto Rican flag raising ceremony on the New Haven Green. The flag raising ceremony kicks off the Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven which returns to the city this weekend after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EXPANDING STUDENT DEBT RELIEF PROGRAMS
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and 21 of their colleagues in a letter commenting on the Department of Education’s proposed rules to expand and improve student debt relief programs. In the letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, the Senators applauded the Department’s efforts to provide and expand relief to borrowers whose schools closed or defrauded them, borrowers working in public service, and borrowers who are totally and permanently disabled.
“The Department’s proposed rules will help to provide additional relief to struggling borrowers, protect students and taxpayers from fraud and abuse committed by institutions, and ensure our federal student loan program fulfills its promise to put higher education within reach for more students without subjecting them to complex, burdensome, or punitive requirements that make it harder to get the relief they are owed,” wrote the Senators. “This proposal represents an enormous step forward for students and borrowers, and, when finalized, it will help ensure government benefits and programs function as Congress intended.”
ENSURING THE SAFETY & TRACEABILITY OF SEAFOOD
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Califf urging the FDA to retain and strengthen seafood traceability rules. Strengthening these rules will ensure Americans are consuming safe, legally caught, and honestly labeled seafood.
“Seafood is a valuable source of protein and nutrients in our diet, and seafood fisheries and businesses support U.S. coastal communities. However, according to NOAA Fisheries, the United States imports 70% to 85% of our seafood,” wrote the Senators. “These imports pass through complex global supply chains, in which illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is widespread—depleting fish and other marine species, destroying ocean habitat, and enabling forced labor and human rights abuses around the world.”
RESPONDING TO THE MONKEYPOX PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and 13 of their colleagues in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) urging the Senators to include critical funding to address the monkeypox (MPV)/orthopoxvirus Public Health Emergency (PHE) in any forthcoming legislative package in the 117th Congress.
“As of August 9, 2022, there have been over 9,492 confirmed MPV/orthopoxvirus cases in the United States from when the first case in the current outbreak was identified on May 18, 2022,” wrote the Senators. “The current outbreak in the United States is the largest in the world by case count in the current global outbreak—which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization—and the largest in the nation’s history.”
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