Congresswoman Jahana Hayes

Hayes Introduces National Teacher Appreciation Week Resolution

Tue, 125 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced legislation to designate May 4, 2026, through May 8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week. The legislation affirms that public school teachers should have a seat at the table in education policymaking at all levels, including federal, state, and local decision-making.

Teachers are the cornerstone of the American education system, providing essential knowledge, skills, and guidance to the next generation. There has been an unprecedented attack by the current Administration against teachers, public education, the Department of Education, and higher education. Despite these attacks, teachers show up each day to provide students with the skills needed to build brighter futures. The National Teacher Appreciation Week Resolution affirms that commitment and highlights the urgent need for change and greater teacher voice.

“Real appreciation for educators extends beyond a single week every year. It shows up in the actions we take to support teachers each day. This resolution officially acknowledges the vital contributions of educators, upholds respect for their commitment to the profession, and affirms the need to have teachers at the decision-making table at every level – particularly in light of the attacks on public education under this Administration.” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Gabe Amo (RI -1), Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-1), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Ed Case (HI-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Bill Foster (IL-11), John Mannion (NY-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (NY-05), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

The resolution is also endorsed by Educators for Excellence and the American Federation of Teachers.

“Teachers shape the next generation of Americans every single day. They deserve an equal hand in shaping the policies that govern their work. This resolution is a meaningful step toward that reality. True appreciation isn't a week on the calendar — it's a permanent seat at the table, in local boardrooms and federal halls alike, where the decisions that define classrooms are made. True appreciation is power, not platitudes. Educators for Excellence is proud to stand with Representative Hayes and every cosponsor in demanding exactly that,” said Evan Stone, CEO of Educators for Excellence.

"Every day, teachers make a difference in the lives of students. They help students learn how to read and calculate equations but also how to navigate the world, think critically and find their passions. Teachers create opportunity. We celebrate teachers and their profound impact this week, while recognizing that teacher appreciation means more than praise. It means pushing for better classroom conditions and pay and lifting up teachers' voices in policy decisions. Thank you to U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), the 2016 Teacher of the Year, for introducing this important resolution and for always being a champion and voice in Washington, D.C., for educators,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.

Full text of the resolution is available here.

Hayes Statement on House Passage of Farm Bill

Thu, 120 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted no on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The legislation passed out of the House by a vote of 224 to 200.

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes released the following statement.

“The Farm, Food, and National Security Act fails to meet the needs of families and farmers across the country and does nothing to substantively address the issues before the agricultural economy. Today, I voted no on final passage of the bill.

The Farm Bill cements the $187 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), guts conservation programs, and continues to abandon small farms in Connecticut by not addressing issues with traditional crop insurance programs.

Since H.R. 1 was enacted, more than 3 million Americans have been kicked off SNAP, with losses reported in every single state. In Connecticut, over 33,000 people have already lost their benefits and that number is expected to rise. Families have been forced to make difficult decisions about keeping a roof over their head, paying for healthcare or feeding their families - not because their needs have changed, but because this Congress has changed the rules. I offered an amendment during Rules debate that would have restored full benefits to the 42 million Americans and another to rescind the administrative cost shift to states, unfortunately Republicans blocked it from coming to the House Floor.

I also introduced an amendment to address the lack of safety nets for small farms by amending the Non-Insured Disaster Assistance Program and the Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program. Connecticut farmers have lost over $50 million due to weather-related events in recent years. Yet only 5% of Connecticut farms are enrolled in crop insurance, compared to 19% of farms nationally. My amendment would have provided a stronger safety net by expanding the number of farms eligible to purchase crop insurance, lower coverage costs for small farms, and directing the USDA to develop more responsive coverage options for farmers during extreme weather. This amendment was also blocked from consideration.

A Farm Bill should meet the needs of all Americans – both rural and urban. This legislation does not. It does not address the failed tariff and trade policies plaguing family farmers, it does not restore benefits to hungry Americans, and it does not heed the warnings from states about the devastating impacts this legislation will have on state budgets.

I join the more than 200 organizations, including farm, labor, conservation, hunger, and animal welfare groups who are opposed to this legislation.

I will not vote to take food away from hungry people and leave Connecticut farmers behind. I will continue to work to address the pressing needs of my constituents affected by this legislation.”

Hayes Introduces Bipartisan Legislation Highlighting National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week

Tue, 118 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) reintroduced legislation to recognize more than one million Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) across the United States by designating the week of April 27, 2026, as “National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week.”

There are more than 1 million SISP professionals across the United States. This group includes school counselors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, library media specialists, speech-language pathologists, and others. These individuals provide school-based prevention and early intervention services to reduce barriers to learning, as well as work with teachers, school leaders, and parents to ensure that all students are successful in school.

“Specialized instructional support staff are essential in bridging students, educators, families, and communities with the resources necessary to thrive. Through wraparound services, SISP professionals create the foundation for meaningful student success,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “I remain committed to supporting their indispensable role in school communities.”

“Some of the most important work in a school happens before a student ever takes a test or receives a grade. Specialized Instructional Support Personnel are trained to see the challenges that may stand in the way of learning, identify the academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and health needs behind them, and help students get the support they need to succeed. In my work with the incredible SISPs in our community, I have seen the magnitude of their impact firsthand. This resolution honors their specialized expertise, recognizes their essential role in student success, and renews our commitment to supporting the critical work they do every day in our schools,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick

The legislation builds upon the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights resolution, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Hayes to advocate for dignified wages, benefits, and working conditions for paraeducators, classroom assistants, bus drivers, custodial workers, and other essential school staff who often work for low wages, few benefits, and without job security.

Hayes Supports Iran War Powers Resolution

Thu, 106 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted in support of a War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran unless authorized by Congress. The legislation failed in the House by a vote of 213 to 214, with 1 voting present.

Congresswoman Hayes released the following statement:

“Today, as the conflict in Iran reaches day 48, I voted in support of H.Con.Res.40, a bipartisan War Powers Resolution that would prohibit further military action against Iran without congressional approval.

President Trump has failed to clearly articulate a reason for going to war or provide a plan to end the hostilities, leaving our troops in harm’s way. Thirteen service members have died as a result of this war, and tens of thousands of U.S. troops are operating in the region.

Reports indicate the Pentagon is spending close to $2 billion a day on the conflict, while critical domestic programs are facing funding cuts having devastating effects on Americans. Families in Connecticut and across the country are experiencing the crushing costs of this war at the gas pump.

Only Congress has the authority to declare war, and I will continue to vote to assert that constitutional authority.”

Hayes, Markey Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Connect Vulnerable Youth to Educational and Workforce Development Program

Thu, 106 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) reintroduced the YouthBuild for the Future Act. This legislation reauthorizes $1 billion for the YouthBuild program, a national program that equips opportunity youth with education, employment, and leadership skills.

Opportunity youth are age 16 to 24, no longer in school and disconnected from work opportunities. With nearly one in seven youth in the United States not engaged in school, training, or work, YouthBuild provides young people with the resources necessary to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. The program serves more than 5,000 opportunity youth in more than 40 states, including Connecticut.

“YouthBuild transforms the lives of young people by helping participants earn their diplomas and confidently step into careers in high-demand fields,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “The YouthBuild for the Future Act will ensure youth in the Fifth District and across the country can reach their full potential. I am pleased to introduce legislation that will make essential federal investments in one of our greatest resources: our young people.”

“YouthBuild programs uplift communities and connect young people to the educational and job opportunities they need to build a rewarding career and life,” said Senator Markey. “When we invest in YouthBuild, we invest in the future of our children and our communities. Reauthorizing the YouthBuild program and expanding employer partnerships in Massachusetts communities and across the country will ensure our local economies can thrive, and that all young people can live up to their God-given potential.”

The YouthBuild for the Future Act is endorsed by YouthBuild Global, The Forum for Youth Investment, The Corps Network, Voices for National Service, Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition, Service Year Alliance, New North Citizen’s Council Youth Services, National Youth Employment Coalition, National Collaborative for Transformative Youth Policy, and New Deal for Youth, National Skills Coalition, and Jobs for the Future.

"There are 4.15 million young people in this country between the ages of 16 and 24 who are out of school and out of work — ready to contribute, ready to work and just needing a real chance," said John Valverde, president and CEO of YouthBuild Global. "The YouthBuild for the Future Act is a common-sense investment in that potential. For almost 50 years, YouthBuild programs have connected these young people to the hands-on training, education and support that leads to family-sustaining careers in high-demand fields. When we give them a clear pathway forward, they don't just succeed individually — they strengthen our economy, our communities and our country."

In 2024, the YouthBuild for the Future Act passed the House as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Though YouthBuild programs have continued to receive funding through the annual appropriations process, the program has not been meaningfully updated or reauthorized since Fiscal Year 2020

The YouthBuild for the Future Act would authorize $1 billion for the program over six years and make meaningful program updates. Specifically, the legislation would:

Authorize a total of $1 billion for YouthBuild programs for Fiscal Years 2027-2032
Authorize YouthBuild-employer partnerships to deepen private-sector commitment to local programs and participants
Reserve grants for programs serving rural and tribal communities
Allow funding for participant meals
Allow grantees to count YouthBuild funds towards the matching requirement under the National and Community Service Act and
Require States to share Unemployment Insurance wage data with YouthBuild programs

Read the full text of the bill here.

Hayes, Warren Introduce Bill to Address Students Emotional, Mental, and Physical Health

Tue, 104 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026, which would create an application-based grant program administered by the Department of Education over the next ten years to accelerate academic progress and address social, emotional, mental, behavioral, and physical health needs. These funds will specifically target the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public schools across the nation have long lacked sufficient funding and resources to provide all students with a high-quality public education. This challenge has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which worsened these pre-existing achievement gaps, leading to instructional loss and increased mental health challenges.

“Almost 6 years later, while many parts of our country have recovered from the COVID 19 pandemic, we still see lasting impacts on our students,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “In Connecticut students are still facing chronic absenteeism, lower reading scores, and increased mental health challenges. The Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act of 2026 is a comprehensive piece of legislation to address the lasting impacts of the pandemic and truly invest in equitable access to education.”

“Our government is failing students, especially those in low-income communities and communities of color, by refusing to invest in closing education gaps worsened by COVID,” said Senator Warren. “Our bill takes a massive step toward bridging these gaps and making sure every kid in this country receives a high quality education.”

The Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act reserves funds for the Bureau of Indian Education, rural areas, and applicants serving low-income students. States, school districts, nonprofits in partnership with school districts, and the Bureau of Indian Education can apply for grants for one of two purposes:

Implement Evidence-Based Strategies: 75% of funds are reserved for grantees to adopt programs that meet a high bar of evidence, which may include supporting social-emotional learning, implementing culturally and linguistically responsive practices, extending instructional time, and implementing high-quality individual or small-group tutoring.
Support Field- and Educator-Initiated Innovations:25% of funds are reserved for grantees to develop or replicate new ideas and strategies designed by educators in the field to accelerate academic progress and address social, emotional, mental, behavioral, and physical health needs, including those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Grantees must include an independent evaluation for efficacy.

This legislation is endorsed by EdTrust, National Education Association (NEA), Connecticut Education Association (CEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Connecticut Association of Schools, Committee for Children, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), Peekapak, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Massachusetts, Boston Teachers Union (BTU), Healthy Schools Campaign, Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs

“The Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act represents a critical investment in both academic recovery and the whole-child supports our students need to succeed. School leaders welcome this opportunity to expand evidence-based strategies and innovative practices that will help close persistent gaps and ensure every student has access to a high-quality, equitable education. We are grateful to Congresswoman Hayes and Senator Warren for reintroducing this important legislation”, said Dr. Glenn Lungarini, Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Schools

“Healthy Schools Campaign proudly supports the Educational Equity Challenge Grant Act, which would fund evidence-based school programs to advance the health and learning of students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. While ESSER funds helped districts address learning loss and mental health challenges, continued federal investment is essential to ensure all students can learn and thrive,” said Jennifer Tani, President and CEO, Healthy Schools Campaign

Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues 2026

Fri, 100 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce hosted Gov. Ned Lamont for Eggs & Issues. Good to hear from the Danbury area business community and proposals from Governor Lamont to address the economic landscape ahead.

New Britain City Hall Visit

Wed, 98 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

An impromptu visit to New Britain City Hall to see Mayor Sanchez and the new City Clerk. It has only been a few months and this Mayor has worked with me to implement COYC and submit several community projects on behalf of our New Britain constituents.
Excited about his vision for the city and looking forward to our continued work.

SEIU Locals Meeting

Wed, 98 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

SEIU Locals from around the state met with me to voice the top priorities of their members.
Cuts to Medicaid, Immigration and affordability were among their concerns. Hearing from workers is so important when considering upcoming legislation.

CCSU Veterans Drop-In Center Visit

Wed, 98 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

I was humbled by the opportunity to visit CCSU Veteran Drop-in center and hear from student veterans and other service members. The Office of Veterans Affairs on campus offers this center as a place for these students to study, network and access other veteran related activities. This visit helped to better inform me of the needs of these service men and women as they transition back to their communities.

Meriden YMCA Head Start Program Visit

Tue, 97 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

What a great morning at the YMCA Meriden Head Start program. This organization will be expanding available child care slots with a new federal grant from HHS.

Effective, comprehensive early childhood education is a crucial investment in our economy and should be available to all families in need.

CT NAACP The Great Debate

Thu, 92 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

An exhibition of excellence!
What a pleasure to moderate the CT NAACP Great Debate featuring Yale and Howard University.

This initiative continues to inspire a new generation of gifted scholars, ready to showcase their intellectual prowess and oratorical skills. It was a powerful experience for the 1,500 students from across CT who attended. Congratulations to the Bulldogs and Bison, and thank you for an engaging and thought-provoking morning.

Surface Transportation Reauthorization Breakfast with CT Congressional Delegation

Tue, 90 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

CT Construction Industries Association hosted a Surface Transportation Reauthorization Breakfast with the Congressional delegation. It has been five years since the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided over $1 billion in infrastructure investments to CT-05. Building upon that level of progress is our goal moving forward.

Senator Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast

Fri, 79 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Happy to stand in for Senator Murphy at his St. Patrick’s Day breakfast. This annual tradition honors students from Cheshire High School and brings the community together for pancakes & policy.

Murphy was missed- but I’m glad he stayed in DC to push back on the SAVE Act

Hayes, Blumenthal, and Alsobrooks Introduce Legislation to Address Maternal Health Crisis

Thu, 78 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) led the introduction of the Social Determinants for Moms Act to identify social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition. This legislation will establish a whole of government task force to address the maternal health crisis. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Angela Alsobrooks are introducing the legislation in the Senate.

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, a trend that continues to get worse. Black women, the maternal mortality rate in 2023 was 50.3 – nearly 3.5 times the maternal mortality rate for white women. Fortunately, more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. The Social Determinants for Moms Act is working to address these preventable pregnancy-related deaths.

This bill is part of the Momnibus Act, introduced by Representatives Lauren Underwood and Alma Adams (NC-12) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). The Momnibus Act is 14 bills that comprehensively address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States.

“Black women in America are three times more likely to die during childbirth than white women. Long-standing inequities in housing, transportation, and nutrition are directly linked to maternal health,” said Congresswoman Hayes. "In the wealthiest country in history, women should have access to high-quality health care and the ability to give birth with peace of mind. We can invest directly in efforts aimed at addressing the social determinants of health, allowing us to begin eliminating generations of disparities and ultimately saving lives.”

“Social barriers like inadequate access to healthy food and affordable housing play a critical role in how mothers recover from childbirth. This bill makes invests in all the nonmedical factors that impact mothers during and after pregnancy. By creating a whole-of-government task force to address the maternal health crisis in our country, the Social Determinants for Moms Act establishes an interdisciplinary approach to reduce maternal mortality and save lives. Every mother deserves to have a safe and healthy pregnancy—regardless of where they live and work, their ethnicity, or anything else,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“Moms are dying in America – both from a lack of access to health care and because of social determinants like racial discrimination, housing instability, food insecurity, and lack of transportation. It is unacceptable. American mothers deserve better. I am proud to partner with Senator Blumenthal and Congresswoman Hayes to make essential federal investments to address the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes for moms,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

Full bill text of the Social Determinants for Moms Act is available here. You can one-pager here.

Momnibus Act

The Momnibus Act is made up of fourteen bills. The legislation will:

Make critical investments in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition.
Extend WIC eligibility in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods.
Provide funding to community-based organizations that are working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity.
Increase funding for programs to improve maternal health care for veterans.
Grow and diversify the perinatal workforce to ensure that every mom in America receives maternal health care and support from people they trust.
Improve data collection processes and quality measures to better understand the causes of the maternal health crisis in the United States and inform solutions to address it.
Support moms with maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
Improve maternal health care and support for incarcerated moms.
Invest in digital tools to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas.
Promote innovative payment models to incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical support during and after pregnancy.
Invest in federal programs to address maternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.
Invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change-related risks for moms and babies.
Invest in research to reduce preventable causes of maternal deaths, end disparities, and improve health for women before, during, and after pregnancy.
Promote maternal vaccinations to protect the health of moms and babies.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

Strengthening Our Rural Safety Net Legislative Roundtable

Fri, 72 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

In Torrington at McCall Behavioral Health for a legislative roundtable to strengthen our rural safety net.
It was important to hear from stakeholders who provide high-quality care and understand that the obstacles faced by providers and patients in rural areas are vastly different than those in urban areas.

Federal policies can do more to support these vulnerable communities.

ARKA Facility Visit

Tue, 69 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

ARKA in Danbury provides cutting edge technology to many federal agencies. I visited with Rep. Jim Himes to hear about their work in the aerospace and defense technology industry and the work they do to support the community.

EdAdvance Roundtable

Fri, 65 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Ed Advance provided school based mental health services through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act until the Trump administration illegally rescinded the grants. The funding, staff and crisis hotline have saved lives.

We visited today to hear how this disruption, and the threats to Head Start have impacted children.

Hayes Statement on Farm Bill Markup

Thu, 64 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The legislation passed out of the House Agriculture Committee on a vote of 34-17.

“After over eighteen hours in a Farm Bill markup and the rejection of almost every amendment offered by Democrats, I voted no on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. This legislation does not address the needs of families, farmers, or the Ag economy.

The Farm Bill, as passed, is filled with many harmful provisions, like a blanket liability exemption for million-dollar pesticide corporations, the rollback of the environmental quality incentives program, and even deeper cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It does nothing to address trade disruptions, rising costs or the pressure on small family farmers. The bill leaves small farms in Connecticut behind by not addressing their issues with being unfairly shut out of traditional crop insurance programs.

Last Summer, Republicans passed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill, which cut $187 billion from SNAP. These cuts have created a massive unfunded mandate on state governments, expanded work requirements for older Americans, veterans and parents with children, and eliminated the ability for families to use SNAP participation as an indicator for energy assistance programs or broadband access.

I offered five amendments to restore food security for Americans by repealing the cuts in H.R. 1, rescinding the administrative cost shift to states, addressing the lack of crop insurance reform for small farmers, expanding access to SNAP for individuals in Puerto Rico, and ensuring SNAP benefits can be used to purchase hot foods. Unfortunately, none of these amendments were adopted.

More than 200 organizations, including farm, labor, conservation, hunger, and animal welfare groups, opposed this legislation. Notable opponents included the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), the National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC), the League of Conservation Voters, and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Protecting Connecticut farmers and feeding hungry people were my main objectives going into this markup. This was a missed opportunity to rebuild the Farm Bill coalition and work in a bipartisan manner to support families and farmers across the country. I will continue to work to address the pressing needs of my constituents affected by this legislation.”

Hayes Statement on U.S. Military Action in Iran

Sat, 59 Feb 2026 12:00:00 EST

WATERBURY, CT – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) issued the following statement regarding the United States military action taken in Iran:

“Today, President Trump ordered a large-scale military operation inside Iran. This decision came just days after mediators described the recent talks as "the most serious and constructive discussions in years.

The Iranian regime is brutal, corrupt, and repressive, but today's bombing will not lead to lasting regime change in the country. The President has not articulated the objectives, the timeline, or the day after plans for Iran, and there have been no reports of any credible intelligence of an imminent threat.

In his address to the nation, President Trump stated, “the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties.” Placing U.S. troops in immediate danger risks igniting a broader regional war in the Middle East and ultimately makes Americans less safe.

Only Congress has the formal authority to declare war, and I will vote on a war powers resolution to prohibit unauthorized military action against Iran or any country without congressional approval. I will always advocate for diplomatic solutions to ensure the safety of American citizens, rather than impulsive and dangerous military strikes.

The American people must be assured that actions like this are absolutely necessary and in our best interest. Our history has taught us the consequence of never ending wars in this region. I pray for the service members and civilians who are now in harms way.”