Rep. Courtney: Congress Must Act Swiftly And Decisively To Address The Challenges Before Us

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney was sworn in to the 111th Congress today to begin his second term as the Representative for Connecticut's Second Congressional District.

"It is an honor and a privilege to continue to serve as the representative for Connecticut's Second Congressional District. The Congress faces an enormous responsibility to grow our economy and get our country back on track," Courtney stated. "The election of President-Elect Barack Obama was a historic moment for our nation and I am eager to work with his Administration. The mandate for change that voters have given both the President-Elect and the 111th Congress demands that we must act swiftly and decisively to address the challenges that lay before us."

Representative Courtney will focus his efforts on issues of importance to eastern Connecticut's working families, including spurring economic growth, increasing access to higher education and improving health care for all Americans. Courtney will also continue his advocacy on behalf of our nation's veterans, an issue he made a top priority during his first term in Congress.

Representative Courtney has been reappointed to the Armed Services Committee where he has distinguished himself as a leading voice for increased submarine production and to the Education and Labor Committee where he has fought to improve educational opportunities for students and their families.

As he did in the 110th Congress, Representative Courtney has again rejected taxpayer funded Congressional health care. The Congressman believes that all Americans should have the same access to affordable health care as Members of Congress and until that time, Congressman Courtney will continue to refuse the health care benefit.

Representative Courtney welcomed Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) to Washington today. "Representative Jim Himes arrives in Washington at a critical and challenging time for our nation, but I am confident that his experience will help to make him an immediate and positive contribution to Congress. I welcome Jim and look forward to working very closely with him, especially because his office is directly across the hall from mine," Courtney stated.

"Once again, I congratulate Congressman John Larson on his election to serve as the new Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus," Courtney added. "This is an important role in which his proven leadership will be necessary to guide the 111th Congress as it brings the change the American people are seeking."

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