Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 7/3/2026-7/10/2026

Touring Storm Damage [Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) met with local officials and residents in Torrington, Bristol, Salisbury, Harwinton, Plainville, and Southington to tour damage from this week’s storms. “Storm damage devastated areas of Torrington. I visited some of the worst with Gov Lamont. We’ll be fighting for federal aid,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . “Bristol’s team has worked well to restore power but widespread residential damage still needs to be repaired. I’m urging homeowners to document it, so we can press for insurance coverage they deserve,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . “Destruction pervasive in Salisbury—including the renowned White Hart Inn—with 95% power out town wide. A lot of rebuilding ahead. We’re mobilizing possible federal support,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . “Harwinton hard hit—widespread power outages, lines down, homes damaged, roads blocked. Community coming together,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . “Winds, hail, rain, & more pummeled Plainville & Southington. Trees fell on houses & roads as well as power lines. Mini-tornadoes or microbursts left a path of destruction,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . Blumenthal recommended homeowners and businesses impacted by the storms document any damage they are experiencing to support future insurance claims, and he also acknowledged the tireless work of first responders in their emergency response to the storm. “These microbursts are absolutely destructive in places where there are homes hit by falling trees. What I’ve asked residents to do is document the harm to their property so that insurance will cover it. And the towns are making sure that they have photographic evidence because we can declare an emergency and get federal aid. FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and other agencies ought to come to the assistance of Connecticut,” said Blumenthal. “The destruction is massive in the places where this storm targeted, specific areas with wind and rain and hail. So, were here to help—and I’ve just been very impressed by communities coming together, helping each other, and the police fire, first responders, all responding magnificently.” Urging Water Safety to Avoid Preventable Injury & Death this Summer Blumenthal joined Stew Leonard Jr. in West Hartford to urge water and pool safety amidst a surge in drowning deaths as the summer swimming season begins. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 in the U.S. For children aged 5 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last year, the Trump Administration dismantled the CDC Drowning Prevention Unit at the CDC and recently proposed cutting federal funding for the program entirely. Blumenthal requested $5 million in funding for the program in Fiscal Year 2027 and is calling for a reversal of these dangerous and reckless cuts that threaten children and families. “Every year, about 900 children 1 to 4 years old die as a result of drowning. It is inexcusable, needless, tragic—and there are some easy preventions. Number one: supervision. Watch your child literally every second, because it only takes seconds for drowning to occur. Number two: life vests. These life vest are life savers. And third: learn to swim. There is no excuse for a child to be deprived of swimming lessons. Stew Leonard is offering them for free. Stew Leonard took tragedy and turned it into something immensely positive,” said Blumenthal at the press conference. Blumenthal further urged water safety on Twitter/X. “Stew Leonard took the tragic drowning of his son & turned it into positive change for the community. Swim lessons, water safety, watchful caregivers will help save children’s lives this summer,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X . Demanding Repeal of Trump Administration Harmful Student Loan Policy Blumenthal joined students, faculty, and leadership at Southern Connecticut State University to demand passage of legislation to repeal the Trump Administration’s changes to federal student loan eligibility for part-time college students that are in effect as of July 1. Part-time students have historically qualified for the same federal loans as full-time students. Under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill , students enrolled part-time are only eligible for loans proportional to the number of credits they take, meaning a student taking 50% of a full course load can receive only 50% of the federal loan they previously qualified for. The cost of tuition does not account for the full cost of attendance, even for part time students. This reduction could prevent students from affording books, transportation, childcare, and other necessities in order to successfully complete their degree requirements. Blumenthal is pushing for Senate passage of his Restoring College Access and Affordability Act , introduced earlier this year, which would repeal these changes and restore equal access to federal student loans. “Donald Trump is screwing higher education. Students lose, billionaires win, which is unfair to students but also unfair to the country—because we need those students to be gaining the skills that are needed in all kinds of areas of business,” said Blumenthal at the press conference. “I’ve introduced a measure called the Restoring College Access and Affordability Act. It safeguards loans and other sources of financing that are essential.” Celebrating the Fourth of July Across Connecticut On the Fourth of July, Blumenthal celebrated our country and the values upon which our nation was founded. “Happy Fourth of July! On America’s 250th Birthday we reflect on the promise of our great nation, our hard-won independence & our common commitment to upholding democratic values,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . “On America’s 250th, I remember Justice Thurgood Marshall’s Bicentennial reminder that the Constitution is not “fixed in meaning” but rather “a living document.” Honoring our Founders, we should honor also all who have expanded liberty, justice & equality. Our work continues,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . Blumenthal also recognized our country’s 250 th birthday with a post on his Substack page . Blumenthal marked the Fourth of July with parades and celebrations across Connecticut over the holiday weekend. “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday with IRIS, thanking this magnificent organization for its profoundly important work welcoming & resettling immigrants & refugees,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . “Columbia's July 4th parade—a great community celebrates a great country on its 250th. A deeply patriotic tribute,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . “The Boom Box July 4th Parade in Willimantic was one of the best ever—rousing, rocking spirit & energy. Despite the heat, crowds were amazing—in numbers & enthusiasm. Thank you Wayne Norman of WILI!” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . “Bell ringing 250th celebration in Norwich with Mayor Singh & wonderful community. Recitations, music, remarks & bells—all made it special,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . “Wethersfield celebrated 250 years of independence & this historic town’s enduring contribution with a community party—music, games, food, bubbles, tattoos (removable) & lots of exuberant spirit (sustained),” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . “In Guilford, reading the Declaration of Independence marked a 250th celebration, followed by music & food. A great time, before a classic New England summer rainstorm,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X . Blumenthal Bulletin Blumenthal celebrated Seyo Cecunjanin’s release from ICE detainment. Blumenthal announced an agreement on legislation to hold purchasers of Russian oil accountable. Blumenthal demanded FTC action on hidden delivery fees that drive up prices for consumers. Blumenthal supported the decision to grant Ukraine a license to construct more Patriot missiles. Blumenthal slammed Trump for profiting from the Presidency while investors in his bitcoin experienced a humongous loss. Blumenthal joined CNN’s Anderson Cooper to discuss Trump leveraging the presidency to profit off his crypto schemes. Blumenthal demanded the FTC stop deceptive fees on food delivery apps. Blumenthal attended a Venezuela flag raising ceremony in Bridgeport. Blumenthal called out Trump for rolling back gun violence protections. Blumenthal celebrated the UConn Health Neuromodulation Center of Excellence offering critical care to veterans. -30-