Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Education Committee, I represent a military district with about 7,000 sailors and officers. Many of those children use local schools which the Federal Government partially reimburses through the Impact Aid Program. The notion that we are going to start a new program--and really this program is about who pays. It is about funding vouchers.
2026 MidtermsLean SeatD+16R shift +2$488K raised
Joe Courtney
Representative · Connecticut · Democrat
Joe Courtney
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Chairman, as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, I yield myself 2\1/4\ minutes. Mr. Chairman, I rise to endorse many provisions of the Seapower and Projections Forces mark of the 2027 NDAA, which our subcommittee crafted under the able leadership of my good friend, Chairman Trent Kelly. A whole range of much-needed Navy warships and auxiliary platforms are authorized in this bill using multiyear contracting, which will save money for the taxpayer and provide certainty to our shipbuilding industrial base to invest and grow.
Mr. Speaker, 5 days from now, on July Fourth, our country will be celebrating its 250th birthday. All over the Nation, there will be enthusiastic events in big cities and small towns to recognize the publication, 250 years ago, of the Declaration of Independence, which, as historian Jill Lepore recently wrote, is ``arguably the most important piece of prose in modern history.'' Its author, Thomas Jefferson, laid out a vision of an independent America built around the individual's rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which still inspire not only our own people but people all…
Biography
Joe Courtney began his career as a public defender, advocating for fairness in the legal system. Elected to represent Connecticut’s 2nd Congressional District in 2006, he has focused on strengthening national defense, expanding access to affordable health care, and supporting education and workforce development. Courtney played a key role in increasing submarine construction at Electric Boat, securing thousands of local jobs, and serves as the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces. Known for his practical approach and attention to constituent needs, he works to ensure that Eastern Connecticut’s interests are well represented in Congress.
Education
- J.D., University of Connecticut School of Law, Hartford, CT1978
- B.A., Tufts University, Boston, MA1975
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2007-PresentRepresenting Connecticut's 2nd district
Attorney, Courtney, Boyan, And Foran, Llc
1978–2006Attorney, Town of Vernon
2003–06Member, Connecticut House of Representatives
1987–94Public Defender
Policy Focus
Education33%
Labor and Employment18%
Health10%
Armed Forces and National Security10%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Joe Courtney's record in Congress.
Submarine Manufacturing Funding
Secured federal funding to expand submarine production at Electric Boat, supporting jobs and the U.S. Navy fleet.
Affordable Care Act Support
Helped pass the Affordable Care Act, expanding healthcare coverage and protections for Connecticut residents.
GI Bill Improvements
Co-authored legislation to enhance GI Bill education benefits for veterans and their families.
Student Loan Interest Rate Reduction
Led efforts to lower federal student loan interest rates, making college more affordable for students.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Armed Services
- House Committee on Education and Workforce
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