Larson Votes for Bipartisan Schools, Safety, and Security Government Funding Package
“A vote of confidence in the precision, expertise, and dedication of the most highly skilled workforce in America”
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for H.R. 2882, the bipartisan Schools, Safety, and Security Government Funding Package, securing new investments in education and Connecticut’s manufacturing workforce.
“The government funding package we voted on today advances critical investments in our nation’s schools, public health, and Connecticut’s manufacturing workforce,” said Larson. “I am enormously proud that this bill secures Pratt and Whitney as the sole supplier of engines for the F-35 and funds record investments in engine modernization, ensuring the best machinists and engineers in the world keep the eagle flying right here in Connecticut. The Pratt & Whitney F135 engine is the most advanced, reliable, and capable production fighter engine the world has ever known and supports thousands of manufacturing jobs and nearly 100 small business suppliers across our state. Today’s vote is a vote of confidence in the precision, expertise, and dedication of the most highly skilled workforce in America, based in East Hartford and Middletown, Connecticut.
“Despite House Republican demands for steep cuts to the programs working families and seniors rely on, under the leadership of Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Democrats secured new funding for childcare and Head Start, and disease research while preventing poison pill riders that would have limited access to women’s reproductive health care,” Larson concluded.
After the Pentagon announced it intends to award sole source contracts for F135 modernization to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, the bipartisan government funding package fully funds engine modernization at $462 million, and ensures no federal funding is used to support a costly alternative engine that would cost taxpayers billions and imperil thousands of Connecticut manufacturing jobs.
In addition to funding for F-35 modernization to bolster Connecticut’s manufacturing supply chain, House Democrats:
Increased funding for child care and Head Start by $1 billion
Secured $220 million in new funding for cancer and Alzheimer’s research
Increased funding for the Social Security Administration by $100 million to improve customer service
Rejected $15 billion in cuts to public schools, which would have forced a nationwide reduction of 224,000 teachers from classrooms serving low-income students
Blocked attempts to limit access to women’s reproductive health care
“On behalf of Hartford Public Schools, our staff, and our students, I commend Congressman Larson and his colleagues for fighting to maintain Title I funding, which is essential in providing equitable access to high-quality education for historically marginalized communities. Investments in education for cities like Hartford will pay tremendous dividends for years to come,” said Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools.
"This is another boost for the aerospace industry and our members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 26. Once again, Congressman Larson has stood strong for the Union workers in Connecticut. This proves how much our members’ skillsets are valued in this industry. We continue to build and maintain the best products in the world and this investment proves it," said Jeff Santini, Directing Business Representative, District 26 IAMAW.