Courtney Gets Top Leadership Committee Position

U.S. Rep. Joseph Courtney said this week that he will serve as the top Democrat on the Education and Workforce Committee’s Workforce Protections Subcommittee in the 113th Congress.

Courtney lives in Vernon.

He said the subcommittee has jurisdiction over wages and hours of workers, workers’ compensation, trade and immigration issues as they impact employers and workers; workers’ safety and health, and all  matters related to equal employment opportunity and civil rights in employment.

 “The Education and Workforce Committee has a busy schedule ahead of it for the next two years that includes health care implementation, higher education affordability, retirement security, and, as we know in the wake of the Newtown shooting, a renewed focus on school safety,” Courtney said. “I look forward to rejoining the committee, working again with Mr. Miller and Chairman Kline, and taking a leading role in workplace safety.”

Courtney also retained his position on the House Agriculture Committee. Two years ago, Courtney became the first member of congressman from Connecticut in 100 years to serve on the committee—a platform from which to address key farming issues in eastern Connecticut, including the flawed milk pricing system. Courtney said he will also continue to co-chair the Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus, which he co-founded in 2009.

“With nearly 2,500 farms in eastern Connecticut, agriculture and dairy policies will always be front and center for me,” Courtney added. “As founding co-chairman of the Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus and a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’ve worked tirelessly to prevent further farm foreclosures and advocated for policies that help these small businessmen and women.”

Additional information on Courtney’s House Armed Services Committee subcommittee assignments will be released once they are ratified by the House Steering and Policy Committee, his office indicated.