WATERBURY – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) shared that her Waterbury District Office has been named a Purple Heart Congressional Office and listed along the national Purple Heart Trail. The symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, and buildings gives tribute to those awarded the Purple Heart medal and their sacrifice. This distinction, presented by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, recognizes the dedication of Congresswoman Hayes and her office to veterans and their families. The Fifth Congressional District Office is the only Purple Heart Congressional Office in all of New England.
“I am deeply grateful my congressional office is listed alongside a network of landmarks across 45 states in honor of our combat wounded veterans and their commitment to serving our nation. Through providing quality constituent services and championing impactive legislation, I have worked tirelessly on behalf of those who have served. As a Purple Heart Congressional Office, my Waterbury Office will stand as a trusted location for service persons in need of help,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “I am committed to honoring the service of our veterans by ensuring they can access the care and benefits they have earned. Since 2019, my office has assisted over 400 veterans, secured nearly $3.8 million in overdue benefits for veterans and their families, and nominated 68 students to our nation’s military academies. I offer my sincerest thanks to the Department of Connecticut Military Order of the Purple Heart for bestowing this honor upon my office and partnering to assist the veterans of the Fifth District.”
In addition to constituent services, Congresswoman Hayes has introduced nine pieces of original veteran legislation, four of which have been signed into law by President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, as part of larger legislative packages. The legislation include:
- The VA Mental Health Staffing Act to bolster mental health services at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- The Surviving Families Benefit Expansion Act to improve access to benefits for surviving spouses and children.
- The Palomares Veterans Act, which was included in the Honoring Our PACT Act, the most significant expansion of benefits and services in decades, to ensure access to disability compensation and healthcare benefits for generations of U.S. military veterans exposed to toxic fumes and radiation.