Congresswoman Jahana Hayes

Hayes, Lamont, Congressional Delegation Announce Additional Funding Reimbursement For Road and Bridge Repair Costs Related to August 2024 Storm

Thu, 295 Oct 2026 12:00:00 EST

WATERBURY – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Governor Ned Lamont, and the Connecticut Congressional Delegation announced the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved another $15 million in emergency relief funding to reimburse the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) for the costs of road and bridge repairs following the historic August 2024 rain and flooding event that impacted western Connecticut.

With this latest approval, federal emergency relief to CTDOT for this storm totals $43 million, covering most of the estimated $51 million in repair costs. It follows FHWA approval of $3 million in “quick release” funds in September 2024 and a $25 million reimbursement in October 2025. Immediately upon the impact of the storm, CTDOT began using available funds to make necessary repairs and reopen roads and bridges. These reimbursements replace that money so other CTDOT projects can proceed as planned.

Additionally, as part of FY2026, Congresswoman Hayes secured $1.5 million in Community Project Funding, to cover renovations and repairs for the Southbury Public Library following damages resulting from the August 2024 storm.

“In 2024, the Fifth District experienced extreme weather that left significant damage to critical infrastructure. Federal reimbursements like this recognize the efforts made at the state and local levels to respond quickly to emergencies and restore resources. As severe weather events become more frequent, I am actively working in Congress to improve our aging infrastructure and enhance our capacity to respond to disasters,” said Congresswoman Hayes.

“Extreme weather is putting more pressure on our infrastructure, and when historic flooding washed out roads and bridges in western Connecticut, we immediately got to work restoring those connections. This federal reimbursement helps ensure that emergency work doesn’t come at the expense of other projects. I’m thankful to our Congressional delegation and federal partners for making this happen,” said Governor Lamont.

“Emergency relief funding is what allows us to respond and then recover. This funding puts back the resources we used to get Connecticut moving again after the flooding. We appreciate our Congressional delegation, USDOT Secretary Duffy, and FHWA Administrator McMaster and his team for helping us move forward,” said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.

“Traveling throughout affected areas after the storm, I saw firsthand the devastating impacts on local bridges and roads. This $15 million in federal funding will reimburse CTDOT for the swift repairs they completed following the floods. Our delegation fought hard for this funding and I’m proud we have continued to deliver relief to help our communities rebuild. As climate change creates more frequent and destructive storms, we must continue to make long-term investments in climate resilience to prevent future disasters, protect our infrastructure and keep our communities safe,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“We’ve come a long way towards rebuilding western Connecticut’s infrastructure since those devastating 2024 floods, but we need to be proactive and prepare for when the next big storm hits. This federal reimbursement will keep CTDOT’s heroic emergency repair work funded while making important upgrades possible,” said Senator Chris Murphy.

“The August 2024 floods tore through our communities, washing out roads and bridges that families and businesses depend on every day. This additional $15 million, on top of the $28 million in federal funding already provided, means Connecticut can keep moving forward on our recovery. I am grateful to Governor Lamont, Commissioner Eucalitto, and CTDOT’s dedicated workforce for their tireless work to get our infrastructure back on its feet. When disaster strikes, no state should have to rebuild alone. As ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will keep fighting to make sure federal help is there when our state needs it,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03).

“I’m thrilled the federal government is supporting Connecticut’s recovery after severe flooding wreaked havoc on infrastructure throughout the southwest of the state. With storms growing more severe due to climate change, it’s vital the federal-state disaster recovery partnership remains strong. Connecticut’s Congressional delegation stands united in working to deliver the resources our constituents need when crisis strikes,” said Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04).

Three bridges in Oxford and Southbury are currently in design for a future construction project, with those costs also eligible for emergency relief funds.

Hayes, Dingell Introduce Bill to Hold Schools Accountable for Mishandling Reports of Sexual Assault

Thu, 288 Oct 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) joined Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) to introduce the Title IX Take Responsibility Act, legislation that would hold schools accountable for mishandling reports of sexual assault and provide survivors a stronger path towards justice.

The legislation amends Title IX; a U.S. federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 that bans sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal money. The bill would reform how schools handle sexual assault and harassment by replacing outdated legal loopholes with clear accountability.

"One incident of sexual violence is one too many," said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. "I am committed to protecting students, supporting survivors, and ensuring college campuses are safe learning environments for all. The Title IX Take Responsibility Act will put the responsibility on educational institutions for any mishandling of sexual assault reporting and failure to prevent further assaults. This legislation should be considered immediately, and I thank Congresswoman Dingell for partnering on this effort."

"For far too long, outdated legal loopholes have allowed educational institutions to turn a blind eye to reports of sexual assault, leaving survivors without justice or support," said Congresswoman Dingell. "Title IX was enacted to protect students, not to shield institutions from accountability when they fail to keep campuses safe. This bill closes these gaps and ensures that every student has access to a safe learning environment free from abuse."

Under current Supreme Court precedents, schools can only be held liable if high-level officials had "actual notice" and reacted with "deliberate indifference," creating an incentive for institutions to turn a blind eye. This bill eliminates that defense by holding schools legally responsible if they knew or reasonably should have known about the abuse and failed to take effective action. It also expands access to justice by allowing survivors to hold schools accountable in federal court for monetary damages and legal fees.

The legislation is endorsed by End Rape on Campus, Just Solutions, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV), National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA), Ujima, Volare, YWCA,

Survivors should never have to choose between their safety and their education. The Title IX Take Responsibility Act affirms survivors’ rights to support, to make their own choices about reporting, and to seek justice when their access to education is harmed. It also gives schools clear standards that reflect what effective, survivor-centered response looks like. NOVA strongly supports this bill,” said Claire Ponder Selib, Executive Director, National Organization for Victim Advocacy.

"Schools must take sexual misconduct more seriously. We're abandoning survivors and ignoring the enormous impact of sexual violence on their educational attainment, health, and quality of life. This is unacceptable. The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence applauds Representatives Dingell and Hayes for re-introducing the Title IX Take Responsibility Act. We must have more accountability," said Monika Johnson-Hostler, President & CEO, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

“YWCA USA is unwavering in our pursuit of a world where all women and girls can thrive. To meet that mission, it is essential that every student can learn in an environment free from sexual violence. Sadly, we know that violence does occur. The deeply disturbing reports from Cornell University underscore that passing the Title IX Take Responsibility Act is an essential and overdue step that would hold our educational institutions more responsible for protecting students from the start and accessing swift, meaningful pathways to justice and healing,” said Kate Kasper, VP of Public Policy and Advocacy, YWCA USA.

“I’m grateful to Reps. Dingell and Hayes for reintroducing the Title IX Take Responsibility Act. At moment when the Dept of Education is rolling back protections under Title IX and leaving survivors of sexual violence vulnerable, this bill would strengthen protections and where appropriate, hold institutions accountable,” said Lisalyn Jacobs, CEO of Just Solutions.

“Survivors should not have to sacrifice their education because an institution failed to respond meaningfully to sexual harassment or violence. The Title IX Take Responsibility Act strengthens survivors’ ability to enforce their rights and recognizes that students should be able to access meaningful support without being required to pursue an investigation. Survivors deserve options that protect their safety, well-being, and ability to continue their education,” said Volare CEO Bridgette Stumpf.

Text of the Title IX Take Responsibility Act is available here.

Hayes, Landsman, Carter Introduce Bipartisan Clean School Bus Legislation

Fri, 282 Oct 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), was joined by Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01) and Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) to introduce the Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize $1 billion in funding to help school districts across the country replace traditional school buses with electric bus alternatives. Specifically, the legislation would provide $1 billion for the Clean School Bus program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Every day, 20 million children and thousands of bus drivers breathe polluted air during their commute to school, which negatively impacts student health and attendance, particularly for students with asthma and other respiratory conditions. The Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act addresses this challenge by providing school districts with grants to invest in bus replacement, charging infrastructure, and workforce development.

“Since I came to Congress in 2019, I have advocated for clean school bus funding. As an educator with over a decade of classroom experience, I know how damaging diesel exhaust can be for student well-being and learning. The consequences of diesel emissions extend to our environment, exacerbating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act will help to provide cleaner and healthier air for school children in Connecticut and across the country, support clean energy jobs, and protect our environment for decades to come,” said Congresswoman Hayes.

“School buses that run on clean energy have a major impact on the environment, and they save money for our school districts. The Clean School Bus Act is an important investment in our education system that will keep our kids and our communities safe for years to come”, said Congressman Landsman.

“Getting students to and from school safely and reliably is a priority for families and school districts across Georgia. By extending the Clean School Bus Program, this legislation will give schools greater certainty as they plan for the future, replace aging buses, and make transportation decisions that best meet the needs of their communities. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to help ensure our schools have the tools they need to keep students moving safely and reliably,’ said Congressman Carter.

The Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act builds on efforts led by Congresswoman Hayes since her first time in Congress.

In 2019, Congresswoman Hayes introduced the Clean School Bus Act to establish a grant program authorized for up to $1 billion over five years for school districts, particularly those with lower-income students, to replace diesel school buses with electric school buses.

In 2021, Congresswoman Hayes introduced the Clean Commute for Kids Act to invest $25 billion to replace existing diesel buses with electric buses.

Congresswoman Hayes fought for clean school bus funding in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in 2021. This led to the inclusion of over $5 billion for the EPA to administer rebates, grants, and contracts to replace a portion of the nearly 500,000 school buses with more environmentally safe models.

In 2023, Congresswoman Hayes joined her colleagues to urge President Biden to include at least $300 million in additional funding for clean school buses in his FY24 budget request.

In June of 2023, The Congresswoman joined Brenda Mallory, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and other officials to announce the award of 25 zero-emission school buses to DATTCO Inc. to provide school transportation services for the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS).
In 2024, the EPA announced 67 recipients for the first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition. The grants help awardees purchase over 2,700 clean school buses in 281 school districts across 36 states including Connecticut. The Congresswoman released the following statement.
During Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations, Congresswoman Hayes led over 120 of her colleagues to request $300 million for the Clean School Bus program.

The Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act is endorsed by the American School Bus Industry Coalition which includes Blue Bird, First Student, Beacon Mobility, National Express, Highland, Greenpower Motor Company, National School Transportation, Student Transportation of America, and IC Bus. Additional endorsers include the American Bus Association, American Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA), League of Conservation Voters, Moms Clean Air Force, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, and World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Electric School Bus Initiative.

“Reauthorizing the Clean School Bus Program is important to American manufacturing, American workers, our nation’s school children and local communities throughout the country. As Americans, we can take pride in the fact that almost all school buses sold in the United States, including electric school buses, are also manufactured in the United States by American workers. The school bus industry has seen great enthusiasm and increased demand for alternative fuel and zero-emissions school buses from parents and school districts, and the Clean School Bus Program has significantly expanded access to these vehicles. On behalf of U.S. school bus manufacturers, and private school bus operators, the American School Bus Industry Coalition commends Rep. Jahana Hayes, Rep. Greg Landsman and Rep. Buddy Carter for the bipartisan introduction of a five-year reauthorization bill that will positively benefit our nation’s kids.” – American School Bus Industry Coalition

Text of the Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act is available here.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Roundtable with Comptroller Sean Scanlon and UConn Health

Tue, 279 Oct 2026 12:00:00 EST

1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, which is why early screening and treatment should be accessible to all. Great to join a discussion at UConn Health with Comptroller Scanlon, CT DPH Commissioner Juthani, and state elected officials, to raise awareness, promote early detection and educate the public on risk factors and patient support.

Smith Elementary and Pre-K Center Groundbreaking Ceremony

Wed, 266 Sep 2026 12:00:00 EST

It’s always a great day when I can spend some time at a school. Today it was with the Consolidated School District of New Britain for the groundbreaking ceremony of Smith Elementary School and Pre-K Center. Another boost to education in the City and a much needed investment in our youngest learners. Thank you to Mayor Sanchez, Governor Lamont and all who made this happen.

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
WATERBURY: $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.

New Milford 9/11 Ceremony

Fri, 254 Sep 2026 12:00:00 EST

New Milford came together once again at 8:46am for 25 Years of Remembrance. Honoring the past and working to bring about a brighter future for America.

Connecticut's 25th Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

Wed, 252 Sep 2026 12:00:00 EST

Today we paid tribute to the 161 individuals from Connecticut who we lost during the September 11th attacks 25 years ago.

May we always carry their stories and honor the heroism of all who responded that fateful day.

Constituent Meeting on Special Education

Fri, 240 Aug 2026 12:00:00 EST

With a weakened Dept. of Ed, ensuring services required by IDEA so students with disabilities can find post secondary success has become even more challenging. Thank you to the constituents from Farmington & The Arc for sharing your stories.

We must restore the Dept. of Ed & finally fully fund IDEA

Ribbon Cutting for Meriden Research Parkway Linear Trail

Wed, 238 Aug 2026 12:00:00 EST

The Meriden Research Parkway Linear Trail is officially open Thanks to $3M of federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this multiuse trail will provide pedestrians and cyclists (and pets!) a safe path to walk, bike, and play.

Press Conference in Response to ICE Activity in the City of Danbury

Wed, 238 Aug 2026 12:00:00 EST

I stood with leaders in Danbury to address community concerns about the presence of ICE in the city. People are scared, children are traumatized- and everyone,not just the immigrant community, is calling for transparency. Protecting the constitutional rights of every resident should not be a partisan issue.

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.

New Britain BUILD Grant Announcement Press Conference

Fri, 212 Jul 2026 12:00:00 EST

New Britain is saying goodbye to the Z curve at the Newington Ave and East Main St intersection. Thanks to nearly $15M in federal funding secured by myself and our Senators, this high priority safety risk will finally be revitalized. Safer roads and improved commutes will strengthen the East Side neighborhood.

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 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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