Rep. Joe Courtney

This week, President Trump lashed out that “we no longer need or desire NATO countries’ assistance.” That’s ludicrous. Just a few weeks ago, Denmark’s Navy safely evacuated a U.S. submariner in need of medical care while on a NATO mission off the coast of Greenland. A perfect example of NATO at work.

Easy.

Eastern Connecticut is helping lead the next generation of clean transportation technology. Lat week, I visited Nimbus Power Systems in Groton, where researchers are working to develop hydrogen fuel cell engines designed for large vehicles like buses and trucks. The technology has the power of a diesel engine but produces zero emissions. It’s exciting to see the new cutting-edge tech that is being developed here in eastern CT.

Last week, I joined Access Health CT at United Community & Family Services in Norwich for a health care plan enrollment fair for Connecticut residents who qualify for new state subsidies during a special enrollment period. After the Trump Administration stonewalled bipartisan efforts to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits and INSTEAD let health care costs skyrocket for millions, Connecticut has launched a new state subsidy program that provides support to some residents who lost ACA tax credits. To provide relief to everyone who was hit with skyrocketing costs at the start of 2026, the Senate and the White House have the power to pass the ACA tax credit legislation that passed the house on January 8, 2026.
 Connecticut’s special enrollment period is currently ongoing until at least the end of April. Read more on eligibility here: agency.accesshealthct.com/access-health-…

Happy Women’s History Month! This is a time to celebrate the achievements of women in our community and beyond. Here are just a few women who have made great contributions in eastern Connecticut.

The first transmission of electricity from Revolution Wind to New England’s energy grid is proof that offshore wind can provide a reliable, cost-lowering source of energy that is produced in America for American energy consumers – not at the mercy of uncertain global energy markets.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! There’s no better place in Connecticut to celebrate than at home in CT-02, Connecticut’s most Irish Congressional District.   I hope that everyone can spend some time with family and friends to celebrate the holiday. Go n-eirí an t-ádh leat!

Last week, I visited the Early Childhood Center at B.P. Mission in New London. The school is currently at capacity, and as a 2026 Community Project, I worked with the City of New London to secure $850,000 to add new classrooms at the school to welcome more early childhood students. Since B.P. Mission started 5 years ago, student proficiency has shown impressive results. In both reading and math, these students are school-ready the day they enter Kindergarten.   Thanks to Lead Teacher at B.P. Mission Paige True, New London Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Ritchie, NLPS Manager of Executive Support Services Kristea Francolino, Mayor Michael Passero, and NLPS Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jenn Hills-Papetti for briefing me on their commitment to providing a quality education to young students in New London.

At a time when Americans are being hit with increasing energy costs, flipping the “on” switch to start Revolution Wind power delivery will bring cheaper electricity to CT consumers at $.09/kWh vs. the average cost of $.30/kWh in our region. Crucially, because this wind energy is directly transmitted off the coast of New England, its price will not be at the mercy of uncertain global energy markets. This milestone never would have happened without talented CT building trades workers, who persevered through the Trump Admin’s illegal halt work orders that were rejected by every court in the country.

2025 & early 2026 has been a brutal time for small businesses who have had to absorb the price shock caused by the President’s tariffs. In the Quiet Corner, I met with three local businesses: Two Dogs Coffee in Danielson, Sadie’s Sweet Shop in Putnam, and Reynolds Electric in Danielson to discuss the increased costs they are facing under Trump tariffs. Passing along tariff costs is very hard in a region of mostly working families with limited disposable income. After SCOTUS struck down many Trump tariffs as illegal, it’s only fair that Congress and the Courts mandate refunds to the businesses that were forced to pay them.

Today, I met First Selectman Colin Moll and Suffield First Responders to discuss a new $2.4M "Safe Streets for All" grant the town is receiving from the Infrastructure Law that we passed in 2021. The Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Service, the Suffield Police, and East Windsor Ambulance put together a successful plan to protect pedestrian foot traffic and speed blood plasma treatment to car crash victims. Cutting edge public safety. Then, I visited the Suffield Water Pollution Control Authority to catch up on a $959,752 Community Project that I worked with the town to secure in 2024 for the rehabilitation of the Stony Brook Interceptor, a project needed for continued safe operations at Suffield's Water Treatment Plant.

The number one way to lower housing costs is the build more homes. It was great to join Eastern CT Housing Opportunities in New London for the opening of Bayonet Apartments Phase II, which was constructed using federal American Rescue Plan funding. The building includes 36 new workforce apartments with certain units designated for residents with intellectual disabilities.

Redeveloping old mills is a great way to build new homes and maintain a piece of our town’s textile history. In Vernon, I worked with the town to secure $250,000 in federal Community Project funding to support remediation work at Daniel’s Mill, cleaning the old mill up for development into new homes in the heart of Rockville.

Keeping local law enforcement’s equipment up to date is critical for public safety. I worked with the Town of Coventry to secure $446,000 for the Coventry PD to replacing 10 to 20-year-old cruiser cameras, body cameras, and dispatch equipment. Last week, I met with Police Chief Eric Peterson, Captain Jeffrey Spadjinske, Town Manager Jim Drumm, and Town Council Chair Lisa Thomas to discuss how these upgrades will support officers’ work and ensure transparency to the community.

Under the leadership of CEO Megan Torrey, the CT World Affairs Council in Hartford yesterday hosted an impressive delegation of NATO military leaders from Germany, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, and Slovakia. We discussed the critical importance of the alliance and common issues around industrial base capacity. CT National Guard Adjutant General Francis Evon and CT Military Affairs Commissioner Bob Ross briefed the group on our state’s oversized role in the U.S. defense industrial base. Obviously, the strategic and economic disruption created by the war in Iran weighs heavily, nonetheless, their allegiance to NATO endures.

Heartiest congratulations to the talented manufacturing students across eastern CT for taking a huge step in their careers at Electric Boat “Application Day”. I joined students and teachers at Windham Tech & Westbrook High School for the exciting day last week. Students had on-the-spot interviews, and in many cases, officers of employment after graduation this spring. The exciting prospect of beginning a rewarding career in shipbuilding filled the rooms with positive energy. Congratulations to students at Windham Tech, Westbrook, East Lyme, Old Lyme, Daniel Hand, Morgan, and Valley Regional high schools for taking part in “Application Day.” With Electric Boat gearing up for record hiring in 2026, demand for the next generation of shipbuilders isn’t letting up.

Bike and pedestrian infrastructure in Storrs is urgently needed for the safety of town residents and UConn students. As a 2026 Community Project, I worked with the town of Mansfield to secure $1.952M in federal funding for Phase II of the bike and pedestrian connectivity project on Storrs Road between Middle Turnpike and Tower Loop Road. Last week, I caught up with Mansfield Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth, Mayor Toni Moran, and other local officials to discuss this project to improve safety in the Four Corners area.

Just weeks ago, the Department of Defense explicitly downgraded the threat that Iran posed. Now, President Trump, with little or no explanation, has launched a war of choice against Iran, six servicemembers have been killed, and there is no clear endgame in sight. This is not what the American people signed up for.

I voted for a war powers resolution against President Trump’s war in Iran.

If you are an American seeking help evacuating from Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or Qatar, fill out this form to request support: mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake All US Citizens in the Middle East should enroll in the Smart Traveler Program (STEP) for the latest alerts and updates. Please be aware that flights arranged through these efforts may not travel directly to the United States.