https://courtney.house.gov

Congressman Joe Courtney was elected in 2006 to represent the Second Congressional District of Connecticut in the House of Representatives. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, and House Education and Labor Committee.

As a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Courtney has worked to strengthen our nation’s defense by leading the call for increased submarine production. When Courtney arrived in Congress, Electric Boat was facing significant workforce reductions, and, for the first time in 50 years, was not actively designing the next generation of submarine. Because of funding secured by Courtney through his committee work, the men and women of Electric Boat have been building two submarines per year since 2011.

Dedicated to protecting the environment, Courtney introduced and won passage of a law that designated the Eightmile River in Connecticut as a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Thanks to his efforts, this pristine and scenic watershed will be preserved for generations to come.

Before serving in Congress, Courtney represented the citizens of Vernon in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1987 to 1994.

Platforms

Joe Courtney has had a number of interviews. We captured the transcript from these interviews, and used chatGPT to assess Joe’s platform positions.

Importance of Social Security

He stresses that Social Security is not just for the elderly but also benefits young people and those with disabilities. He argues that the program is fundamental to economic security across different life events, including disability and the loss of a family provider

Industrial and Defense Policy

Joe Courtney emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steady procurement of submarines to support the industrial base and employment in the defense sector. He highlights that a consistent order of two submarines per year since 2011 has been crucial for rebuilding the industrial base, providing job security and encouraging investment.

Defense Spending

Courtney touches on the fiscal responsibility act that limits growth in defense spending to 1%

Workplace Safety

Joe Courtney is deeply committed to enhancing workplace safety, particularly for healthcare workers who face increased risks from assaultive behavior.

Legislation Against Junk Fees

Courtney supports legislative efforts to combat deceptive business practices related to junk fees. He played a role in passing the TICKET Act, which mandates companies to advertise the complete price of a ticket upfront, thereby preventing surprise fees during the purchasing process. He has brought this up in multiple interviews.

International Relations

Courtney discusses the importance of international alliances, specifically highlighting the AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He emphasizes the strategic benefits of this partnership, particularly in enhancing Australia’s submarine capabilities, which aligns with U.S. interests in maintaining a strong presence in the Pacific against rising challenges.

Economic Measures and Legislation

He discusses his legislative efforts and their impact on his district, including economic measures that support local businesses and healthcare services. Courtney also mentions his support for broader economic reforms and trade policies that consider the interests of local industries and workers.

Voting Record

We can tell a lot from a candidate about their voting record.

HeathCare / Veterans

Reproductive Rights

Business

LGBTQ+

2nd Amendment

Defense

News Articles

About Joe Courtney

Congressman Joe Courtney was elected in 2006 to represent the Second Congressional District of Connecticut in the House of Representatives. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, and House Education and Labor Committee.

Congressman Courtney is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces. According to a review by House Historians Office, Courtney is the first known member from Connecticut to lead a naval oversight panel in the House of Representatives since 1873, when Stephen W. Kellogg of Waterbury served as Chair of the Committee on Expenditures in the Navy Department in the 42nd Congress (1871-1873). Prior to that, Samuel Ingham, a two-term Congressman with connections to Hebron, Jewett City (Griswold) and Essex, served as chair of the Committee on Navy Affairs in the 25th Congress (1837-1839).

In addition, he co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus along with Rep. Rob Wittman of Virginia.