Congresswoman Jahana Hayes

Hayes Votes for Water Infrastructure Projects Supporting Danbury, New Britain, Thomaston, and Waterbury

Thu, 260 Sep 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted to pass H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation approves federal projects to improve water resources infrastructure across the country, including ports and harbors, flood and storm protection, and the United States inland waterway navigation network.

The legislation includes a request made by Congresswoman Hayes for $50 million dollars to support four municipalities in the Fifth District including Danbury, New Britain, Thomaston, and Waterbury. Projects were submitted by each municipality for consideration. Congresswoman Hayes worked with local partners to ensure their requests were within the guidelines of the program, before making the case to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2026 Water Resources Development Act. This is only the first step, as projects still must be approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Federal Budget. The Congresswoman will follow this bill all the way through the process and continue to work with colleagues until funds are delivered.

Final request amounts include:

DANBURY: $32 million to improve water supply infrastructure, water storage, & distribution
NEW BRITAIN: $5 million to improve water supply infrastructure & storm water management
THOMASTON: $8 million to improve water & wastewater infrastructure including storm water management
WATEBURY: $5 million to improve water supply infrastructure

“The Fifth District continues to be plagued by the devasting consequences of aging water infrastructure. Local leaders know best what they need and I have been working with them for months to formalize their applications and make these requests,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.” This vote on the Water Resources Development Act is a critical first step in getting federal funding to these communities to assist in their efforts to address outdated pipes that have led to costly water main breaks, leaving communities without access to clean drinking water, and provide for flood mitigation and wastewater systems that are in disrepair as severe weather events become more frequent.”

Additional information on the Fiscal Year 2026 Water Resources Development Act is available here.

CT House Delegation Statement On Russia Sanctions Bill

Wed, 259 Sep 2026 12:00:00 EST

CT HOUSE DELEGATION STATEMENT ON RUSSIA SANCTIONS BILL

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05), John Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Jim Himes (CT-04) issued the following statement after voting “no” on H.R. 10076, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.

“Last June, the U.S. House passed a bipartisan Russian sanctions bill, H.R. 2913, to support the brave nation of Ukraine along with new military assistance to Ukraine, which is critically needed. The sanctions provisions in H.R. 2913 provided enforcement language that would ensure President Trump implemented the bill. The Lindsay Graham Senate bill, H.R. 10076, removed the sanctions enforcement language and left the decision to sanction totally within the discretion of the President, who has repeatedly demonstrated bias towards Russia’s war goals of seizing the eastern Donbas.

Furthermore, this bill would only enable the President’s penchant for imposing reckless tariffs at the expense of the American consumer – effectively handing the President the power to raise costs on American workers and families by more than $8,000 a year– while providing zero additional military assistance for Ukraine. Our delegation has staunchly supported Ukraine and are determined to provide tangible assistance as well as enforceable sanctions against Putin’s war machine.

We recognize the Senate’s hard work and applaud Senator Blumenthal and his colleagues for their efforts. Due to our concerns, we could not vote for this bill in its current form and remain committed to continuing to stand unwaveringly with the Ukrainian people and enacting tough sanctions that hold the Putin regime accountable.

The Senate bill falls short of those goals, and we believe it is time to redouble efforts to pass the original House bill.”

Hayes Introduces Legislation to Increase WIC Enrollment for Pregnant Women, Moms, Infants, And Young Children In Connecticut

Tue, 258 Sep 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the WIC For Kids Act, legislation to eliminate barriers to enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

WIC is a cost-effective investment in families that leads to healthier infants, more nutritious diets and better health and support for pregnant and nursing moms. Unfortunately, there are nearly 6 million mothers and children who are eligible for WIC but cannot access benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only 50.2 percent of eligible Americans participate in WIC.

“Millions who are eligible for WIC do not access the program. My legislation, the WIC for Kids Act would help to remove unnecessary barriers, connect more recipients to WIC, and provide the necessary nutrition for early development,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.

Specifically, the WIC for Kids Act removes barriers to program enrollment by granting automatic eligibility to WIC for those who:

Reside in a household in which a member participates in SNAP
Participate in Children’s Health Insurance Program
Participate in Head Start or reside in a household in which one or more children are enrolled in Head Start.
Reside in a household that participates in Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Are members of a family of a pregnant woman, postpartum woman, infant, or child that receives medical assistance from Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The legislation also allows for adjustments to help align family certification periods and directs states to include information on how kinship families will be served as part of state plans.

The WIC for Kids Act is endorsed by National WIC Association, Alliance to End Hunger, Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), Connecticut Foodshare, Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK), Generations United, Hawai'i Children's Action Network, Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Parents Anonymous, South Carolina Program for Infant/Toddler Care, StriveTogether, and Wheeler Health.

"WIC is one of the most effective federal programs we have, yet almost half of eligible families are not participating. The WIC for Kids Act would make it easier for eligible families to enroll and stay enrolled in WIC by reducing administrative barriers. Allowing families to consolidate appointments and letting WIC use existing eligibility data from other programs are commonsense policy improvements that will improve access to WIC while maintaining strong program integrity,” said Georgia Machell, President and CEO, National WIC Association.

“To help make sure moms and children can access the critical nutrition and services that WIC provides, the Alliance to End Hunger supports efforts that make it more efficient for family members to participate. This bill complements flexibilities that will be provided through passage of the bi-partisan MODERN WIC Act/21st Century WIC Act,” said Eric Mitchell, President, Alliance to End Hunger.

“FRAC is proud to support the WIC for KIDS Act reintroduced today by Rep. Hayes (D-CT). WIC is one of our nation’s most effective tools for improving the health and well-being of moms, babies, and young children by ensuring they get the nutrition they need to thrive. Yet too many families are missing out because of red tape. This bill would remove unnecessary barriers and ensure more eligible families can access and maintain the support that WIC provides,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president of FRAC.

“Connecticut Foodshare is proud to support the WIC for Kids Act to help ensure that all eligible households are able to access the program at a time when it is desperately needed,” said Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO.

"Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK) has witnessed firsthand what happens when the WIC recertification process is made too complex and complicated. Adding income and residency requirements further contributes to often overwhelmed parents to give up in frustration or confusion and choose not to opt-in to much need assistance. PAK thanks Rep Hayes for her effort to simplify the process of the WIC certification process and increase the number of WIC participants," said Arnold F Fege, President, Public Advocacy for Kids.

The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Barragán, Bell, Brown, Carter (LA), Costa, Courtney, Dean, Gomez, Holmes Norton, Horsford, Jacobs, Keating, Kennedy, Krishnamoorthi, McIver, Moore, Moulton, Pingree, Scanlon, Simon, Thanedar, Thompson (MS), Williams (GA), and Wilson.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

Hayes, Beyer Introduce Legislation to Enforce Congressional Oversight

Wed, 231 Aug 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following repeated efforts by the Trump Administration to block Members of Congress from conducting oversight of federal agencies, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) joined Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08) to introduce the Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act to ensure Members of Congress and accompanying staff can access federal buildings to carry out their constitutional oversight responsibilities without unnecessary obstruction or delay.

“The American people are demanding more transparency in government, yet this Administration continues to block information or provide sufficient details on its actions,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Congressional oversight is essential to our democracy. This legislation is intended to ensure Congress can uphold our constitutional duty regardless of who is in the White House.”

“I have personally been denied access to USAID, the U.S. Institute of Peace, a public meeting at the Department of the Interior, and repeatedly delayed in conducting oversight at ICE facilities. All of these were clear examples of the Trump administration’s deliberate and repeated efforts to deny, delay, or obstruct Congressional oversight of the executive branch,” said Congressman Beyer. “That is not how our Constitution works. Congress has an obligation to oversee the agencies it funds and the laws it passes, and no administration should be able to obstruct that oversight because it finds it inconvenient or politically uncomfortable. Our bill makes clear that obstruction is not an option and ensures that no administration can shut Congress out again.”

The Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act would establish clear statutory protections for congressional oversight by:

Guaranteeing Members of Congress and accompanying congressional staff immediate access to federal buildings, including contractor-owned and operated facilities, during normal business hours for official oversight activities.
Requiring agencies to provide Members and accompanying staff access to facilities outside of regular business hours within 24 hours after such a request is made.
Preventing agencies from using declared national or public health emergencies as a pretext to deny congressional oversight when buildings remain operational.
Establishing procedures for access to secure areas while respecting applicable security clearance requirements.
Prohibiting agencies from altering facilities or conditions to conceal information or otherwise limit meaningful congressional oversight.

In February 2025, Congresswoman Hayes was locked out of the U.S. Department of Education despite showing congressional credentials. Immediately following the incident, Congresswoman Hayes introduced the All Access Act to guarantee Members of Congress are allowed access to federal buildings. Together, the All Access Act and the Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act, aim to ensure Congress can appropriately conduct oversight over the Executive Branch.

This legislation is endorsed by the Project on Government Oversight (POGO).

“Congress cannot fulfill its constitutional oversight responsibilities if Members of Congress are denied access to the very agencies they are charged with overseeing. The Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act reaffirms Congress’ authority to conduct meaningful oversight and helps ensure transparency and accountability across the executive branch,” said the Project on Government Oversight (POGO).

Full text of the Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act can be found here.

Hayes, Lofgren, Landsman Aim to Triple Funding to Expand And Improve Access to Head Start

Mon, 229 Aug 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), a member of the Congressional Head Start to Congress Caucus, was joined by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01) to introduce the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act to triple annual funding for Head Start and Early Head Start to $36 billion for Fiscal Years 2027-2032. The bill aims to infuse federal dollars into the early education program to expand access to more children and families, recruit and retain staff, and address dire physical infrastructure needs.

Head Start is the nation’s flagship early learning program, supporting healthy child development and acts as a lifeline for the most vulnerable children and families in the United States. In Fiscal Year 2026, Head Start served nearly 700,000 children and families, including more than 4,450 in Connecticut. Despite the proven success of Head Start and Early Head Start, they remain largely under-resourced, outdated, and understaffed. Earlier this year, the National Head Start Association found that nearly twenty percent of all Head Start and Early Head Start staff positions were vacant. Additionally, the most recent Head Start Facilities Report submitted to Congress by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that 61 percent of Head Start facilities surveyed were identified as needing improvement to their physical infrastructure. Without intervention, the worsening workforce and infrastructure crises could jeopardize Head Start programs in Connecticut and throughout the country.

“Head Start is one of the greatest anti-poverty programs that we have. It offers high-quality education, health, and social services to the youngest and most vulnerable among us during a critical developmental stage,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act demands immediate action in addressing the growing needs of this vital program and allows more families to access its services.”

“It's critical that America's children receive a first-class education and have opportunities that create a solid learning foundation. Under the Trump administration, critical federal education programs and agencies have been increasingly under threat,” said Congresswoman Lofgren. “For more than 60 years, Head Start has played an important role in helping children enter school ready to learn and succeed. I am proud to join Reps. Hayes and Landsman in introducing the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act to protect and preserve the Head Start program.”

"High quality preschool makes such a difference in our children’s lives, and Head Start gives families the support they need to succeed. Our legislation will help more families give their children the best possible start," said Congressman Landsman.

Specifically, the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act would:

Expand eligibility to include families with children 5 years old and younger who are:
At or below 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Eligible for assistance under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Triple annual funding levels to $36 billion for Fiscal Years 2027-2032.
Establish a grant program providing $1 billion in annual funding to renovate, expand, and acquire program facilities.
Provide student loan forgiveness for Head Start and Early Head Start child care workers.
Establish a grant program to increase salaries for Head Start and Early Head Start workers.

The Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act is the latest action Congresswoman Hayes has taken in support of the early learning and wraparound service program. In March, Congresswoman Hayes led 189 Members in a Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations letter requesting $14.27 billion for Head Start. Additionally, following efforts from the Trump Administration to eliminate Head Start, Congresswoman Hayes joined Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Congressman André Carson (IN-07) in introducing the Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act, legislation to permanently protect the program and restore shuttered Head Start regional offices. Further, Congresswoman Hayes is a founding Member of the Head Start to Congress Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral, group of Head Start alumni lawmakers dedicated to protecting and strengthening Head Start.

Hayes, Murphy, and Blumenthal Press Postmaster General for Update on Shuttered Morris Post Office After a Year Without Answers

Thu, 225 Aug 2026 12:00:00 EST

WATERBURY, CT – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner demanding the United States Postal Service (USPS) provide answers to why residents of Morris, Connecticut, have been forced to live without local postal services for the past year.

Last August, the Postal Service closed the Morris Post Office, the only postal facility in town, stating the closure was “temporary.” However, the town of Morris still lacks a replacement post office, and the Postal Service has been unresponsive when town officials have asked for updates.

The letter highlights the widespread disruptions the post office closure has imposed on the Morris, CT community: “Morris residents have been forced to travel approximately 20 minutes to the Thomaston Post Office to access basic postal services. This prolonged disruption has disproportionately affected senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and residents who do not have reliable transportation, all of whom are dependent on consistent access to essential postal services, including prescription deliveries, bill payments, and government correspondence.

Currently, residents in Morris do not even have access to a public mailbox, forcing them to travel outside of Morris to send mail. In their letter, Representative Hayes and Senators Murphy and Blumenthal requested the Postal Service commit to restoring postal facilities in Morris and identify the reasons for the delay within the next ten days.

A copy of the letter is available here.

Hayes, Kennedy Introduce Bill To Improve Community College Graduation Rate Transparency

Tue, 209 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03) introduced the Time for Completion Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure community colleges more accurately report graduation rates and provide increased transparency for students when selecting an academic institution. Under current law, community colleges and other higher education institutions are only required to report graduation rates for first-time, full-time students. Non-traditional students are often omitted in reporting, leading to critical data gaps.

According to the Community College Research Center, community colleges serve about 8.6 million students per year – or about 40% of all undergraduates. Current law excludes these students from reporting on graduation rates. The Time for Completion Act expands existing reporting requirements to ensure schools provide data on all student populations, including part-time and returning students, students with disabilities, and others who are earning a full-time degree or certificate at community colleges. By including all students, community college reporting will more accurately reflect student success and allow students to better evaluate institutions of higher education.

“Selecting a college is one of the most consequential decisions a student can make. This decision should be guided by accurate and transparent information, said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “Current data does not fully capture the range of student experiences and outcomes at community colleges, limiting the quality of information available to prospective students. The Time for Completion Act helps ensure students have a completer and more reliable picture of community college success so they can choose the institution that is right for them.”

“Students deserve the full picture when making a decision as consequential as choosing a college,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “Right now, official graduation rates leave out a large portion of community college students. The Time for Completion Act will ensure schools provide data on all student populations. Counting everyone’s success is a common-sense fix that helps students make more informed decisions and find the institutions that are truly right for them.

Full text of the Time for Completion Act is available here

Hayes Statement on the House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2027

Thu, 204 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives advanced H.R.8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA), 216-212:

“I voted against the National Defense Authorization Act, which would authorize an unprecedented $1.15 trillion in discretionary national security spending, a $251.1 billion increase from last year. Despite the 28% budget increase, Secretary Hegseth is pushing for $73 billion in supplemental funding for the war in Iran – adding to the $4 trillion in national debt.

“Republicans cannot continue to increase the defense budget and simultaneously cut domestic programs that feed children and keep Americans healthy. Funneling over a trillion of taxpayer dollars in defense spending enables the President to move forward with his unconstitutional war and ultimately jeopardizes our military readiness. I could not support this legislation as it fails to meet our most pressing national security needs or hold this Administration accountable.”

The NDAA authorizes $1.15 trillion for the Department of Defense, National Nuclear Security Agency, and other national security agencies. This is in addition to the $73 billion in defense funding House Republicans aim to advance through Reconciliation 3.0. Additionally, the legislation officially changes the name of the agency to the Department of War, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates could cost as much as $125 million. Since the start of the conflict, families across the country have spent more than $1,000 per household on fuel, food, and other expenses.

Hayes Introduces Resolution Declaring Federal Support For Americans With Disabilities

Thu, 197 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced a resolution reaffirming federal support of the Americans with Disabilities Act and legislation instructing publicly-funded infrastructure projects to be made fully accessible to all. This effort not only recognizes the barriers people with disabilities face daily but makes accessibility a guiding principle for future policy. With more than 1 in 4 adults, or more than 70 million people, living with a disability, improved accessibility is necessary. Congresswoman Hayes and Senator Blumenthal have introduced similar resolutions in previous Congressional sessions.

The resolution aligns U.S. policy with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a widely supported international treaty ratified by over 85% of United Nations member states. The Convention recognizes global disability across various areas, including infrastructure design, communications, and accessibility.

“Making government buildings accessible to all Americans should always be our standard. This resolution acknowledges that existing law falls short and policy can intervene to improve the lives of those with disabilities,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “Persons living with disabilities should not have to worry about access to federally funded spaces. They deserve equal protection under the law, and I remain committed to legislative efforts that make that a reality.”

The Delcaring Federal Support for Americans with Disabilities Resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Wesley Bell (MO-01), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), John Mannion (NY-22), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24)

The legislation is endorsed by The Arc, Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Family Voices, the National Black Disability Coalition, and the United States International Council on Disabilities.

The resolution builds on efforts by Congresswoman Hayes to support Americans living with disabilities. In February, Congresswoman Hayes led her colleagues in writing to the Department of Justice requesting an update on efforts to adopt Public Rights-Of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). Congresswoman Hayes has also championed legislation to phase out subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities and advocated for increased funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) for eligible persons with disabilities.

Read the Delcaring Federal Support for Americans with Disabilities Resolution here.

Hayes Statement On Massie Amendment #8 Vote

Thu, 197 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement following her vote in support of Massie Amendment #8 to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act.

I support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and homeland for the Jewish people, and recognize the close military, economic and strategic alliance we share. During my time in Congress, I’ve had a long-standing voting record in support of defense funding for Israel and remain committed to ensuring its safety and security.

I am also horrified by UNICEF reports that children in Gaza have been killed, maimed, and displaced in a devastating war that is an affront to our shared humanity. The security and humanitarian situation in the region remains catastrophic, characterized by widespread destruction, mass displacement, severe aid blockages and high levels of acute food shortages. I continue to believe the Palestinian people have a right to self-determination and American actions should support that goal.

It is unfortunate that Massie Amendment #8 is poorly written and extremely broad and fails to acknowledge the humanitarian efforts, potential impacts on Embassy operations, educational and cultural exchanges, and the ongoing support for Palestinian Security Forces which are funded through this aid. I do not believe this amendment was drafted in pursuit of longstanding solutions, but instead to be another political wedge issue.

While I do not agree with the entirety of the amendment, I do believe it opens the door to long overdue, hard conversations on U.S. military aid.

In the same way I have voted no to domestic funding for agencies who refuse to implement necessary reforms, I cannot vote to send American taxpayer dollars anywhere in the world without that same level of scrutiny.

In this moment, my constituents in the Fifth district of Connecticut are demanding more thoughtful and deliberate consideration of the path forward for the Israeli and Palestinian people. For these reasons I voted in support of the amendment.

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Connecticut Teacher of the Year Annual Symposium

Wed, 189 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Today, I gave the keynote at the CT Teacher of the Year Empowered to Lead Symposium where I reminded teachers to remember their why. These educators are Rooted in Purpose” and are the “Catalyst for Change” While many told me that I filled their cup today- all I can say is that my cup runneth over.

Town of Salisbury Storm Recovery Efforts

Tue, 188 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Widespread damage in Northwest CT after the July 4th storm. Today we toured the area and met with local leaders in Torrington, Harwinton and Salisbury. In an emergency like this, we all come together to brainstorm federal, state and local solutions to keeping people safe and making communities whole again. Not the time for partisan politics, we have so much work to do.

Town of Harwinton Storm Recovery Efforts

Tue, 188 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

City of Torrington Storm Recovery Efforts

Tue, 188 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Hayes, Booker Lead Bicameral Legislation to Strengthen Environmental Education and Sustainability Literacy in Schools

Mon, 187 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Green Ribbon Act, bicameral legislation designed to expand environmental education, promote health and wellness, and strengthen sustainability literacy in schools nationwide. The bill builds on the success of the ED-Green Ribbon Schools Program at the Department of Education, first established in 2011.

The ED-Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) Program is a federal recognition initiative highlighting schools, districts, postsecondary institutions, and early learning centers that implement cost-saving, health-promoting, and performance-enhancing sustainability practices. Since its launch, ED-GRS has honored more than 700 awardees—over 40 percent of whom serve resource-constrained communities—helping drive the adoption of environmentally responsible practices across the nation’s education system.

The program last issued awards in 2024. The Trump Administration quietly wound down the program last year, ending more than a decade of recognitions.

“Expanding the Green Ribbon Schools program would encourage more students, faculty, and administrators to incorporate sustainable practices in schools, especially those in underserved communities,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “I am pleased to introduce the Green Ribbon Act with Senator Booker to strengthen environmental education and sustainability initiatives in schools.”

“Schools across the country are demonstrating that sustainability initiatives can lower costs, improve student health, and strengthen educational outcomes,” said Senator Booker. “This bicameral legislation builds on the success of the ED-Green Ribbon Schools Program by helping more schools—especially in underserved communities—adopt sustainable practices that improve air quality, reduce energy costs, expand environmental learning opportunities, and create healthier environments where students and communities can thrive.”

The Green Ribbon Act includes three major components:

Give the current program greater impact by strengthening the pipeline of school applicants for the award through greater engagement by participating states.
Provide federal award winners with a modest honorarium, which would further encourage more applicants while enabling winners to join their peers in Washington, D.C. for the annual award ceremony.
Extend the program to include awards for non-formal learning institutions (museums, libraries, zoos, aquaria, etc.), with the award program managed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Green Ribbon Act is endorsed by endorsed by 21st Century School Fund, Action for the Climate Emergency, American Federation of Teachers, Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Campaign for Climate Literacy, Captain Planet FoundationCenter for Green Schools at U.S. Green Building Council, EcoRise, Go Green Initiative, Green Schools National Network, Green Schoolyards America, International WELL Building Institute, National Center for Science Education, National Education Association, National Wildlife Federation, New Buildings Institute, North American Association for Environmental Education, SEI (Strategic Energy Innovations), State Education and Environment Roundtable, The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education, The Wild Center, Ten Strands, UndauntedK12, US Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development, and Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

Town of Bethlehem America 250 Celebration

Sat, 185 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

Happy Birthday America. In #CT05 Christmas Town

Leading up to the semiquincentennial, the town of Bethlehem has worked tirelessly to honor our nation’s rich history and the small but consequential part they have played since the founding in 1787. Their efforts remind us of the legacy we’ve inherited and the spirit that guides us into the next generation.

Hayes Introduces Bill to Lower Costs for Telehealth Patients

Thu, 176 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Fair Telehealth Billing Act of 2026, legislation to lower costs for telehealth patients. Specifically, the legislation would prohibit certain facility fees for telehealth services.

Facility fees are often used by hospitals and providers to maximize revenue and added on top of professional service fees. Fees imposed upon patients who never set foot in a facility are hard to justify. Hospitals offer little transparency in charging these fees, and often do not disclose until after treatment is provided. This system creates unexpected and avoidable costs for individuals and families who are simply seeking timely medical care.

“Families throughout Connecticut and across our country continue to struggle to afford the exorbitant cost of health insurance. The Fair Telehealth Billing Act seeks to alleviate the financial burden for patients who use telehealth services. Modernizing delivery of care must also include streamlining the billing process for patients,” said Congresswoman Hayes.

According to the National Academy for State Health Policy, facility fees can increase out-of-pocket costs for patients by as much as $1,000. Patients are often charged separately for professional services and facility fees, leading to double-billing. The Fair Telehealth Billing Act of 2026 prevents health care facilities from charging consumers a separate facility fee; ensuring facility fees for telehealth would only be permitted when there is no professional fee available to the billing provider. This approach is fair to health care providers, who will get paid for their services, and to patients, who will only receive one bill for the care they receive through telehealth.

Full text of the Fair Telehealth Billing Act of 2026 is available here.

Plainville Juneteenth Celebration

Fri, 170 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

In #Plainville, encouraged to see Juneteenth events all across the district. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we must also examine our historical roots and continue to work so the next generation is marked by progress towards that more perfect union we desire.

City of Waterbury Juneteenth Collective Celebration

Fri, 170 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

On this Juneteenth, I joined Waterbury to affirm the contributions of Black Americans as central to our American story.

It is our responsibility to be the storytellers and the messengers and ensure that policy is not just what is written on paper, but also implemented and enforced. It doesn’t matter if the people don’t know.

Conservation Conversation at Tanner Farm

Fri, 163 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

Congratulations to the Warren Land Trust & Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy on your continued stewardship of our beautiful district. Adding the Tanner Farm Preserve, will provide hundreds of acres of pristine open space for generations to come.