I've been honored to work for you, the people of Connecticut. Over the last thirty years, I've joined with Democrats and Republicans, powerful leaders and ordinary working people, to win important fights for the families of our state. We've helped deliver health care for children, tax cuts for middle class families, and paid leave for working parents -- and with such enormous issues facing our state and our country, we've got a lot more work to do. I love getting up every morning to fight for the people of Connecticut, and I know that if we keep working together for our communities, the best is yet to come.
Health Care
"Quality, affordable and accessible health care for every single American should be a right, not a privilege. It shouldn’t be reserved for a privileged few, and throughout my own health care experiences this year, I’m more convinced than ever that we need to fundamentally alter the way we organize, pay for and deliver health care in this country. That’s why I have fought my entire career for fundamental health care reform to help ensure Americans have the peace of mind knowing that they are never just an accident away from financial ruin. And it’s why I’m working hand-in-hand with President Obama to deliver that change for the American people.”
"I’m working hand-in-hand President Obama to fix the economic mess created during the early years of this decade and produce a strong economy, a strong middle-class and an economic foundation that creates prosperity for many years to come."
"Connecticut families deserve an energy policy that works for them, not the big oil and energy interests. That’s why I have fought to promote a 21st Century energy policy focused on renewable and alternative energy sources."
"As a former Peace Corps volunteer, I know the importance of maintaining our country's moral authority and a diplomatic foreign policy approach. The thousands of Americans who are serving in uniform, as well as the civilians working in our Embassies, deserve our gratitude for their service."
"In addition to the financial services industry, where I've fought the credit card companies for more than 20 years, I've also worked to protect children from harmful toys and food allergies, stood up for consumers and to protect our communities from harmful toxins."
"I am working to provide every child in this country - regardless of where they live, how much money their parents make, or the color of their skin - with a first-class public education that will prepare them for higher education or workforce training."
"Connecticut’s children are our greatest resource. Even before I had two daughters of my own, I spent my career fighting to protect the rights and health of our children. It was important enough that I started the children caucus in the Senate in 1983."
"The rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution are the most fundamental rights that we have in America. We must forcefully protect those rights for all, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation."
"If we want to meet the challenges of the 21st century, we can develop our communities and our country in a sustainable way – making our economy leaner and more efficient and reducing carbon emissions by making a historic commitment to public transportation."
Credit CARD Act
The Credit CARD Act offers important protections against unfair rate increases and hidden fees. The Act also requires an opt-in from the consumer to allow over-the-limit transactions and bans unfair fee practices like double-cycle billing, and shifting and weekend deadlines. The Act requires plain language disclosures to be prominently located, and restricts the practice of freely enrolling college students and young adults.
Helping Families Save Their Homes Act
The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act eases eligibility restrictions for the Hope for Homeowners program, allowing a greater number of families to refinance and ultimately save their homes from foreclosure, and increases the flow of credit in the economy by extending the increase in deposit insurance and allowing the FDIC and the NCUA increased borrowing authority, reducing costs for banks and credit unions. The Act also protects renters from eviction when, through no fault of their own, their rental property is foreclosure, and allows homeowners to determine what institution owns their mortgage.
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act submits tobacco products to the authority and control of the Food and Drug Administration, bans candy and fruit flavored cigarettes, requires full disclosure of ingredients and additives, strengthens warning labels, and bans youth-targeted and deceptive marketing practices.
Kennedy Serve America Act
The Kennedy Serve America Act will open up new opportunities for Americans to volunteer in their communities, particularly those which may be low-income or underserved. It also streamlines funding programs and grants to promote efficacy and expand access to funding for service projects. In addition, the Act supports innovation within the non-profit sector to encourage new ideas and programs.