Congresswoman Jahana Hayes

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.

City of Torrington 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

Town of Salisbury 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.

Hayes, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Provide Mentorship and Training to New Teachers

Wed, 161 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Beginning Educator Mentorship and Retention Act, legislation that would provide funding for school districts to enhance and or establish mentoring and induction programs for new teachers and school leaders with less than two years of experience. Companion legislation has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA).

“The initial years of teaching can be extremely challenging and over 70% of beginning educators contemplate leaving the profession within their first five years,” stated Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “The Beginning Educator Mentorship and Retention Act is designed to incorporate supports early on to improve retention, accelerate professional growth, and boost educator confidence, setting new teachers on a successful path.”

“The success of future generations and our overall economy depend on America’s teachers,” stated Senator Tim Kaine. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bicameral legislation to increase mentoring and induction programs for educators who are new to the field, so they can receive the support they need to stay in the field and do what they do best in the classroom.”

The Beginning Educator Mentorship and Retention Act would authorize competitive grants for states to support school districts in bolstering or developing mentoring and induction programs for new teachers and school leaders with less than two years of experience. Specifically, the bill would ensure states and localities:

Develop and sustain evidence-based induction and mentorship programs that will help novice teachers and leaders develop the skills they will need to be effective in supporting students’ learning, which include support in developing and using evidence based instructional strategies, meeting the needs of students with disabilities and English learners, fostering positive classroom environments, and engaging parents;

Coordinate with their educator preparation programs to build upon and enhance the high-quality training for novice teachers and leaders and avoid redundancy;

Recruit experienced and effective mentor educators who will support new teachers and leaders in their first two years of teaching or leading. Mentor educators must have demonstrated effectiveness in their roles as educators, taught in the same or similar field, grade, or subject as the mentee, and facilitated collaboration and adult learning;

Compensate and provide release time for mentor educators; and

Prioritize areas of concentrated poverty with the most significant turnover and staffing challenges. The bill will also provide additional mentoring, and induction supports for rural or remote areas schools and areas with limited administrative capacity.

A link to full text of the bill can be found here.

The Beginning Educator Mentorship and Retention Act has been endorsed by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, All4Ed, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), Center for Learner Equity, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE), Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS), Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), CASEL: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Deans for Impact (DFI), EdTrust, Educational Testing Service (ETS), InnovateEDU, Learning Forward, National Association for Music Education (NAfME), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), National Education Association (NEA), National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA), National Principals Association, National Rural Education Association (NREA), National School Boards Association (NSBA), National Urban League (NUL), Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Third Way.

Hayes Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

Thu, 155 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) issued the following statement after House Democrats forced the passage of a War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran unless authorized by Congress. The vote passed 215-208. This was the fifth time the House has voted to end the hostilities in Iran.

“For months, the President has violated the Constitution by engaging in conflict with Iran. This unnecessary war has caused the loss of American troops, soaring energy costs and supply chain disruptions, and increased concern about domestic security and polarization. The war is widely unpopular, as 60 percent of American adults disapprove of the conflict.

I joined my colleagues in passing H.Con.Res.86 to force the President to adhere to the constitution which mandates troops be withdrawn within 60 days unless Congress authorizes continued action. This check on the President’s ability to commit U.S. armed forces to armed conflict without congressional consent is critical and my vote asserts that constitutional authority.”

Middlebury Veterans Hall Visit

Mon, 145 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Students from Middlebury commemorated Memorial Day by researching local military members, past and present, and creating a Veterans Hall which was on display at Shepardson Community Center. This memorial highlights the humanity, love of country, and strength of those from the community who have honorably served.

Tariffville Memorial Day Ceremony

Mon, 145 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

In Tariffville, we paid tribute to the men and women who never returned home and honor the families they left behind. We are forever grateful for their courage and sacrifice.

Middlebury Memorial Day Ceremony

Mon, 145 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Rain didn’t stop the Town of Middlebury from coming together for a Memorial Day Ceremony. As we mourn and honor our service members, we are reminded that our freedoms are not inevitable, but the result of extraordinary sacrifice.

Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee Memorial Day Patriotic Services

Sun, 144 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Reflective afternoon with the Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee honoring our fallen heroes, including those who served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service in WWII. Thankful to be surrounded by neighbors & friends committed to always remembering our past in hopes to build a more resilient future.