Newsletter - Priorities for the New Congress

Statement

Dear Friends,

This week, I was sworn into my fourth term as your Representative in Congress. Much progress has been made over the last few years, but there is still more work to do to ensure the economy creates prosperity for all Americans. As the 114th Congress begins, I'm excited to continue fighting for the education and transportation investments needed to create jobs and strengthen the foundation of Southwest Connecticut's economy.

During the last Congress, many constituents shared my frustration with the political paralysis that gripped Washington. Despite these challenges, I'm proud to have helped secure millions in federal investments to expand Bridgeport's preschool programs and continue the recovery efforts in Norwalk and Bridgeport following Superstorm Sandy. This also included $161 million to help replace Norwalk's deteriorated Walk Bridge on Metro-North's New Haven Line.

The Walk Bridge's operational failures underscored how Connecticut's deteriorated, overburdened transportation system costs Fairfield County commuters and businesses precious time and money. I'll continue urging Congress to make the long-term investments needed to fix America's crumbling bridges, roads and railways so we can put more people back to work, keep people safe and grow the economy.

As a returning member of the Financial Services Committee, I'm committed to achieving a regulatory balance that protects consumers and helps ensure taxpayers are never again on the hook to bail out large financial institutions. This includes making sure American families have access to affordable credit and financing for college tuition and home mortgages. In the last Congress, I helped introduce the Partnership to Strengthen Homeownership Act to reform our nation's housing finance system. The bill preserves the 30-year fixed rate mortgage, while protecting taxpayers and our economy from future downturns. Building support for this proposal will be a top priority in the months ahead.

I'm also honored to continue serving on the Intelligence Committee. Last year, the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal 2014 included my amendment to improve oversight of the National Security Agency by requiring the President to appoint a Senate-confirmed Inspector General for the agency. With key provisions of the PATRIOT Act set to expire this summer, I'll keep pushing to ensure our nation's intelligence programs strike the right balance between protecting America's security and the privacy and civil liberties of our citizens.

It is a privilege to represent you in Congress. It is absolutely essential for me to hear your thoughts, ideas and concerns. Please click here to share what issue is most important to you. You can also click here to receive my e-newsletter.

Sincerely,
Jim

Source