12/21/18 Weekly Update
Investing in Eastern CT’s Maritime Supply Chain
This week my office announced $62,100 in federal grant money to the Development Agency to the Naval & Maritime Consortium in Groton, providing the network with the resources for establishing a framework that supports capital investment and job creation in eastern CT. Our region is preparing for tremendous growth in submarine construction work in the coming years, and a robust supply chain will be a critical component for successful execution. I was honored to be a part of the launch of the Naval & Maritime Consortium at UConn Avery Point last month, and am proud to work with partners like UConn and Thames River Innovation Place to accomplish this important and exciting goal.
The First Step Towards Reforming Our Nation’s Criminal Justice System
Proud to vote for the House passage of The First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that re-evaluates a system that has resulted in our country’s stunningly massive prison population, and enforces key changes to the way inmates are treated. Among these changes are the elimination of solitary confinement in juvenile facilities, which has been demonstrated to exacerbate behavioral and mental health disorders among imprisoned youth, and a ban on using restraints on pregnant women in custody. First Act also bolsters critical reentry programs, providing a much needed pathway for inmates to reintegrate into their communities in a way reduces the likelihood of re-incarceration.
The First Step Act is culmination of years of work over the course of multiple administrations and Congresses, and exemplifies what is possible when both parties work together. Aptly named, this bill marks an important first step towards continued, comprehensive criminal justice reform, and a more just America.
A Meeting with the Ukrainian Ambassador
Last week I met with the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Valeriy Chaly as well as Commander of the Ukrainian Army Ihor Voronchenko to receive a briefing on Russia’s seizure of 3 Ukrainian vessels and 24 sailors who remain in detention. This outrageous and flagrant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and Russia’s international legal obligation can not stand. It is paramount that Russia return the Ukrainian vessels and release the detained sailors safely and expediently.
