Senator Blumenthal Week In Review 09/30/2022—10/07/2022

CONDEMNING SAUDI ARABIA’S ACTIONS

— U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) posted the following Twitter thread criticizing Saudi Arabia’s actions after OPEC+ announced oil production cuts.

“Saudis siding with Russia—a deeply offensive blunder. Unconscionable at this moment in world history. There must be consequences.”

“There was no immediate need for the Saudis to push to reduce supply unless they were seeking to harm the U.S. to the benefit of Russia.”

“Significantly diminishing oil prices reflect Congress & President Biden’s fighting inflation. OPEC+ creating instability in the global supply of energy threatens this progress. This move will fuel global inflation, raise U.S. gas prices, & provide Russia with windfall profits.”

“This unnecessary, self-destructive cut should spur a prompt far reaching review of our relationship w/Saudi Arabia. Especially as they try to “sports wash” their international image in the wake of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder & the humanitarian disaster caused by their war in Yemen.”

“The US must revisit & revise military supplies & sales, & other security aid to Saudi Arabia & rebalance this one-sided relationship. Saudi Arabia cannot turn to other defense suppliers unless they wish to partner with Russia, Iran, or China for far inferior systems.”

— Blumenthal voiced support for new federal legislation amid the news.

“Cutting arms aid provides a plausible path in persuading Saudis to pull back on disastrous supply cut plans. The Malinowski bill to remove all US armed forces from Saudi Arabia should be considered in the Senate.”

— Blumenthal criticized OPEC and Russia’s cuts to oil production.

“Saudis are siding with Russia in hiking oil prices & sabotaging our economy—requiring a stiff signal. If you cut oil supplies, you’ll risk cuts in military support. Our serious national interests are at stake.”

— Blumenthal voiced support for decisive action in response to Saudi Arabia’s decisions.

“A sharp, strong message to Saudi Arabia—your cutting oil supply is totally unacceptable. Saudi profiteering from global oil shortages imperils our national security & economy. We must act decisively.”

DEMANDING INFORMATION ON M&T BANK LAYOFFS

— Blumenthal wrote to M&T Bank demanding more information about the extent of the bank’s layoffs of Connecticut employees. M&T Bank reported recently that it has laid off over 300 people during its acquisition of People’s United Bank and another 333 people are expected to be laid off in the future.

“As you know I have been deeply concerned about the potential adverse impacts of the merger on the hardworking employees of People’s United Bank and have consistently advocated for transparency and support for any impacted individuals and the community. The recent news reports of layoffs of People’s United employees, low rehiring numbers of People’s United employees to new M&T positions, and complaints that some employees have been “pushed into lower-pay positions” are deeply troubling,” Senator Blumenthal wrote.

In the letter, Blumenthal asks M&T to provide information about the number of open positions in Connecticut, how many People’s United employees have been or will be laid off and what steps are being taken by the bank to mitigate the number of layoffs and eliminated positions. The full text of the letter can be found here.

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE

— Blumenthal joined Interval House in Hartford to highlight the tragic issue of domestic violence and discuss the leading role men, who represent 92% of abusers, play in breaking the cycle of intimate partner violence.

“Domestic violence is a scourge & we must do more to break the cycle of abuse. In recognition of #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth I joined Interval House & the group Men Make a Difference to stress the need for men to speak out against this violence.”

One in four women and one in seven men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner during their lives and over 40% will experience psychological aggression or coercive control.

Earlier this year, Blumenthal was one of 10 Senators who drafted and negotiated the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, legislation that reduced the “boyfriend loophole,” and includes incentives for states to implement red flag laws that keep deadly weapons out of the hands of people determined by the courts to be a danger to themselves or others. The legislation also includes funding for family mental health services after traumatic events.

Also this year, the Blumenthal co-sponsored Violence against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 passed and was signed into law by President Biden. This legislation provides meaningful resources to protect and help domestic and gender-based violence survivors, enable victim advocates to expand outreach and services to those in need, and give law enforcement agencies better tools to protect victims from this kind of violence. 

PREVENTING SUICIDE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

— Blumenthal announced new bipartisan legislation to help improve college students’ mental health and incentivize higher education institutions to develop and implement comprehensive mental health and suicide prevention plans.

“To help millions of students suffering from anxiety & depression, we must expand services & erase any stigma attached to mental health. My bill will encourage colleges to do so. Thank you Tunxis Community College for your leadership.”

The Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act would amend the Higher Education Act, and require the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collaborate and encourage higher education institutions like universities and colleges to create proactive plans for preventing suicide and promoting positive mental health among students to address the mental health crisis.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people age 15 to 24 in the U.S. A 2020 study found 25% of young adults aged 18 to 24 had seriously considered suicide in the last month—a higher percentage than any other adult age group. Over 30 percent of the same age group had reported experiencing a mental, behavioral or emotional health issue in the last year.

Blumenthal was joined by the Jed Foundation (JED), which was founded in 2000 by Phil and Donna Satow after their son Jed died by suicide. JED works directly with high schools, colleges, and universities — including Tunxis Community College — to put systems, programs, and policies in place to create a culture of caring that protects student mental health.

STOPPING “SYSTEMIC ABUSE” IN U.S. WOMEN’S SOCCER

— Blumenthal issued the following statement after the release of a report revealing “systemic abuse” in U.S. women’s soccer. Blumenthal is Chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee with jurisdiction and oversight authority over the health and safety of U.S. Olympic and amateur athletes.

“This report reveals appalling and abhorrent systemic abuse in U.S. women’s professional soccer. Years of complaints about sexual misconduct, verbal abuse, and other completely inappropriate conduct against female soccer players were met with little to no action from teams, the League, or the Federation,” said Blumenthal. “As Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security, I will be pushing for Congressional hearings after this damning report. We must ensure those responsible are held fully accountable and that our athletes are protected.”

BLASTING STARBUCKS FOR UNION-BUSTING

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) in sending a letter to Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and chair of the board of directors, Mellody Hobson, blasting the company for its union-busting campaign, including its ongoing and illegal weaponization of benefits against unionizing workers. The senators are calling on Starbucks to stop its union-busting and recognize and bargain in good faith with unionized workers, and are seeking more information related to the company’s anti-union campaign.

“Starbucks has also weaponized wage increases and new benefits in its anti-union campaign, threatening to withhold them from workers who have voted to unionize, and even those who are organizing and have not yet had a union election – and not hesitating to act on that threat… you have illegally extended (benefits) only to non-unionized workers and used this disparity to threaten workers considering unionization,” wrote the senators.

Starbucks has extended wage increases to non-unionized workers only, and has not extended, or taken away, benefits including gender-affirming care, abortion-related travel expenses, student loan repayment and savings accounts, and accelerated sick leave accrual to workers in unionized stores. The full letter can be found here.

KEEPING WATER PRICES LOW FOR CONSUMERS

— Blumenthal blasted Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut’s staggering proposed 25 percent rate increase and called on the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to reject the proposal.

Under this proposed rate filing, Aquarion — a subsidiary of Eversource — is preparing to increase its rates by approximately 13.9 percent starting next February, 6.9 percent the next year, and another 4.2 the following year – all total, a 25 percent increase in rates in just three years.

In comments filed on Friday morning, Blumenthal noted that consumers cannot afford to pay more for water, especially given higher gasoline, heating and food costs.

“Water is an essential resource, like food or shelter.  Yet, significant increases in water rates could result in substantial limits on consumers’ water use.  As proposed, the amended rate schedule would negatively affect all Connecticut Aquarion consumers but would have a disproportionate impact on our state’s most vulnerable residents, including senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and low- and middle-income households,” Blumenthal said.

Full text of the comments can be found here and video of Blumenthal’s remarks can be found here.

PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO VOTE

— Blumenthal and the Former Connecticut Secretary of the State, Denise Merrill, joined leaders from the Registrars of Voters Association of Connecticut (ROVAC) and the Connecticut Town Clerks Association (CTCA) to highlight the early voting ballot referendum. If the referendum passes, it will allow the Connecticut General Assembly to decide in 2023 whether to offer early voting. Connecticut is one of only four states that does not permit in-person early voting options for all residents.

“Long overdue: steps to expand & protect voting rights—like the efforts to enable CT in-person early voting. Also, passing into federal law, the SAVE VOTERS Act, barring unjustified purging of names from voter registration lists.”

In September, Blumenthal joined Senate colleagues in introducing the SAVE VOTERS Act which would prohibit states from removing people from voting rolls unless the state has received objective, reliable evidence and the Same Day Voter Registration Act which would require all states to offer same day registration at polling locations on Election Day and during early voting.

QUESTIONING NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION’S USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

— Following new alarming details from leaked 2016 Cambridge Analytica emails revealing the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) contracted with Cambridge Analytica (CA) to collect and use gun owners’ personal information and data for political purposes, Blumenthal questioned the trade organization on efforts to safeguard the private information of American gun owners.

“I am writing to request more information about the way in which the NSSF and gun manufacturers utilize and maintain warranty information and other personally identifiable information (PII) that they appear to have used to identify lawful gun owners,” wrote Blumenthal to NSSF President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Bartozzi.

“The claim by Cambridge Analytica that NSSF maintains and leverages a database, akin to a registry, of gun owners’ personal information should come as a surprise to millions of law abiding gun owners, many of whom, undoubtedly, would never have consented for firearms manufacturers or retailers to retain, share, and expose their sensitive personal data for political purposes,” wrote Blumenthal.

Citing the need to protect the privacy and data security of millions of American consumers, Blumenthal demanded NSSF detail their practices, writing, “Congress deserves a full explanation of the data collection process, the way the data was used, and the safeguards that NSSF put in place to protect the private information of gun owners.”

The full text of the letter can be found here.

PREPARING STUDENTS TO ENTER IN-DEMAND TECH JOBS

— Blumenthal joined Quinebaug Valley Community College to highlight a $5 million grant for a consortium of Connecticut community colleges to train students from historically underrepresented communities to enter Information Technology careers and other in-demand jobs.

“With this $5M grant Quinebaug Valley Community College & other CT community colleges will be connecting students from underrepresented communities with the education & training they need to enter high-quality, good paying IT jobs. Thank you for your work & dedication to addressing equity & workforce gaps.”

The funding will allow Quinebaug and other colleges to address equity and workforce gaps by connecting students from marginalized and underrepresented communities in Connecticut with the education and training they need to enter high-quality, good paying IT and technology jobs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently found that college graduates earn twice as much as those with only a high school diploma, which underscores the economic disparities faced by those without access to quality career and technical education programs. Blumenthal also toured Quinebaug’s manufacturing center, which teaches students much needed and cutting edge manufacturing skills.

REDUCING PFAS EXPOSURE

— Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), lead Senate sponsors of the PFAS Free Military Purchasing Act, issued statements following a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) that the agency will prohibit the procurement of certain items that contain perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOS and PFOA are members of a chemical group of per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), dangerous and toxic chemicals commonly found in many everyday items like food service ware, carpets and rugs, clothing, and cosmetics.

“DOD’s new ban on purchasing certain items containing highly hazardous types of PFAS chemicals will help better protect the health of our armed forces. PFAS-free products are widely available and the DOD is helping lead the way in making the switch to healthier alternatives,” said Blumenthal. “Still, more action is necessary to eliminate all items containing these toxins from use to stop needlessly putting members of our military and their families at risk—and to spur the transition away from PFAS for all Americans. My and Senator Shaheen’s legislation would ban DOD from procuring any PFAS-containing items, and we will continue fighting for its passage for the sake of our servicemembers.”

Blumenthal and Shaheen have long fought to reduce exposure of servicememembers and their families to harmful PFAS chemicals. In May 2021, Blumenthal and Shaheen led the introduction of the PFAS Free Military Purchasing Act to prohibit DOD procurement, purchasing, and selling of items that contain PFAS, including non-stick cookware and food service ware, food packaging materials, furniture, and more. PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease.

SEIZING RUSSIAN OLIGARCH ASSETS TO BENEFIT UKRAINE

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Jim Risch (R-ID) to put forth bipartisan legislation to empower U.S. authorities to seize high-priced assets of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s oligarchs, and to put the proceeds from the sale of those assets toward aid for the Ukrainian people.

“Our measure cracks down on the enablers and chief beneficiaries of Putin’s cruel invasion of Ukraine,” said Blumenthal. “By providing necessary authorities to U.S. law enforcement, it will enable swift seizures of super yachts, jets, mansions, penthouses, and other luxury assets belonging to Putin’s cronies to support the brave Ukrainian freedom fighters.  I am proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort and will push for its passage in the upcoming defense legislation.”

The legislation includes authorities requested by President Biden in his comprehensive plan to hold Russian oligarchs and elites accountable for Russia’s unprovoked war on Ukraine. The senators have filed their legislation as an amendment to the pending defense authorization bill, which is due for action later this year. Representative Tom Malinowski (D-NJ) has introduced companion legislation in the House. 

INVESTING IN CONNECTICUT’S DEFENSE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

— Blumenthal released a statement following the U.S. Navy’s announcement that they have awarded a $532 million contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat for lead yard support and development studies and design efforts related to Virginia-class submarines.

“I am extremely pleased that the U.S. Navy has awarded this $532 million contract to Electric Boat and made another significant investment in Connecticut’s skilled workforce and defense manufacturing industry.  Submarines are at the core of our commitment to national defense in a deeply dangerous world and Electric Boat has shown time and again that they are capable of handling this incredibly important work,” Blumenthal said.

REVITALIZING FORMER INDUSTRIAL SITES

— Blumenthal attended the ribbon cutting for the newly completed Riverfront mixed-use apartment building, which replaces the former blighted Torrington Manufacturing Company industrial site along the Naugatuck River.

Riverfront is a mixed-use, mixed-income residential community that includes 60 apartments and 1,200 square feet of ground floor retail space that connects to the Naugatuck Greenway a multi-use trail that once completed will connect all 11 Naugatuck River communities. The project was a partnership between the City of Torrington, Pennrose and the Cloud Company.

PREVENTING TRAGIC BUTTON BATTERY INJURIES AND DEATHS

— Blumenthal visited Landsdowne Labs to hear how their ChildLok button battery innovations that could prevent tragic button battery injuries and death.

In August, the Blumenthal-led Reese’s Law was signed by President Biden. Reese’s Law strengthens safety standards for battery packaging and products with small batteries frequently found in everyday items. Button cell and coin batteries are found in common household items including cameras, calculators, battery-operated candles, flashing apparel, and even greeting cards. If swallowed, these batteries can pose a serious danger to young children and infants, and can cause serious injuries, severe internal burns, or even death.

The legislation was named after Reese Hamsmith, an 18 month old, who died tragically after ingesting a button battery from a remote control. Reese’s mother Trista Hamsmith will be at Friday’s event.

Landsdowne Labs is developing ChildLok — an innovative technology designed to deactivate the battery following accidental ingestion—preventing the electrochemical burns that injure and sometimes kill children.

QUESTIONING HOSPITAL CONSOLIDATION

— Blumenthal released a statement following the news that Yale New Haven Health has reached an agreement with Prospect Medical Holdings to acquire Waterbury Hospital, Manchester Memorial Hospital and Rockville General Hospital.

“Yale New Haven Health will undoubtedly bring its expertise and resources to these hospitals and their patients. However, the continued consolidation of hospitals and health care services in Connecticut is troubling.  I urge the Office of Health Strategy to carefully and critically review the impact of this transaction on consumer choice, prices and the level of care provided,” Blumenthal said.

RECOGNIZING NATIONAL HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELL DAY

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA), John Larson (D-CT), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in celebrating the eighth annual National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, by introducing bipartisan, bicameral resolutions designating October 8, 2022, as “National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.”

“The hydrogen and fuel cell industry provides immense economic and environmental benefits to Connecticut and our country,” said Blumenthal. “Cutting-edge fuel cell and hydrogen technologies bolster our energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost job creation, and strengthen our power grid. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution and to join my colleagues in marking National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.” 

This important day marks the growth of the industry by raising awareness of the benefits hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies provide in reducing emissions while driving economic growth. National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is observed on October 8 (10.08), in recognition of the atomic weight of hydrogen - 1.008. Hydrogen is already providing fuel, feedstock, and power to wide-ranging sectors of the United States.

U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Rob Portman (R-OH) joined the Senate resolution as co-sponsors. The full text of the resolution can be found here.

— Blumenthal visited Infinity Fuel Cell & Hydrogen, Inc. to celebrate National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day and recognize their AMPES (Advanced Modular Power and Energy System) fuel cell test flight on the Blue Origin New Shepard. The visit will offer an opportunity to see the fuel cell on display and hear from the engineers who built the unit.

Blumenthal led recent Senate passage of a bipartisan resolution designating October 8th as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day to mark the growth of the industry and raise awareness of the environmental and economy benefits that hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology provide.

PREPARING YOUTH FOR IN-DEMAND TRADE JOBS

— Blumenthal attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Platt Technical High School building. The 237,000-square-foot facility includes energy efficient technology as well as a 15-bay garage to house maintenance equipment and the schools’ buses that transport students to job sites.

“Ribbon cutting for the new, magnificent Platt Technical High School in Milford—an inspiring vision of CT career education. Platt is providing priceless training & skills so vital to CT’s economy. Thank you to all the educators & students who’ll use it.”

Platt Tech is run by the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), which aims to provide a direct employment pipeline for high school students and adult learners. Through trade and academic programming, graduates of Platt Tech are prepared to enter the workforce in Connecticut’s most in-demand trades.

AROUND CONNECTICUT

— Blumenthal joined Protect Our Care during their bus tour in Hartford to highlight efforts to improve the quality of health care and to make it more affordable.

“Stopping in Hartford this week, the @ProtectOurCare bus highlights the work we have done on lowering health care costs & bettering quality, & how much there is left to do.”

— Blumenthal attended the dedication ceremony for the Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris ’71 Student Center at Miss Porter’s School.

“Congrats to Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, cutting the ribbon on its new student center named for Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris ‘71, an enormously accomplished physician & public health leader. A clear demonstration of the school’s continuing commitment to inclusion & excellence.”

— Blumenthal visited the Community Action Agency of New Haven to announce funding for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, a federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills.

“With temperatures dropping, many families are having to make the absolutely unacceptable choice: heat or eat. I joined Senator Chris Murphy, Governor Ned Lamont, and Representative Rosa DeLauro at CAAHN Inc. to announce $20M in extra federal funding for CT’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.”

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