Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today hailed the unanimous Committee passage of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007.  Authored by Dodd, the bill, which seeks to expand and improve lifesaving screening of newborns for detectable and treatable conditions, passed unanimously out of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. 

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today expressed disappointment that President Bush vetoed the Labor, Health and Human Services (Labor HHS) Appropriations bill:

“It is unfortunate that President Bush has once again chosen to ignore both Congress and the American people to veto legislation that would improve the quality of life for millions of children and families throughout the nation. This needed legislation received wide bi-partisan support and would invest more than $150 million in education, health care, medical research, and job training. It is my hope that Congress will be successful in overriding this misguided veto and once again affirm its support for quality education and health care for the American people.   

Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman today praised the Senate’s final adoption of the fiscal year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill.  Working with Senate colleagues on the appropriations committee, Dodd and Lieberman successfully secured almost $5.3 million for a variety of initiatives aimed at improving health care, education, employment, and the arts in Connecticut.  The bill invests $150 million in education, college affordability, health care, biomedical research, and job training across the country. 

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) today hailed the passage of their legislation, "The Support for Injured Servicemembers Act," and urged President Bush to sign the legislation into law.  The Dodd-Clinton amendment extends the benefits provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) by allowing the families of wounded military personnel to take up to six months of unpaid leave.  The measure, approved today as an amendment to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) bill, will implement a key recommendation of the Commission on the Care for Wounded Warriors, a panel led by former Senator Bob Dole and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala.  A previous CHIP bill was vetoed by President Bush last month.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today applauded Senate agreement to end debate on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), setting the stage for final passage of the bill.

“Plain and simple, passing the Children’s Health Insurance Program will help ensure every child in America has the health care they deserve.  This bill represents the hard work and agreement of a majority of members on both sides of the aisle.  It is a testament to how critical issues like children’s health care can be addressed in a bipartisan manner by a united Congress.  I hope that President Bush will rise above partisan politics and support the efforts of both Democrats and Republicans alike to enact this measure.  The health of millions of children across the country hangs in the balance.”

As the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) own advisory committees question the safety and effectiveness of cough and cold medicine for children, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) yesterday sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach urging him to take swift action to ensure that the benefits of medications given to children outweigh their risks.  Dodd’s letter comes shortly after a joint meeting of two of the FDA’s advisory committees, the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Pediatric Advisory Committee, where the committees recommended that over-the-counter cold medicines used by children under 6 years of age should be removed from store shelves due to safety concerns. 

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) today hailed House passage of their amendment, "The Support for Injured Servicemembers Act," which if signed into law will allow the families of wounded military personnel to take up to six months of unpaid leave.  The Dodd-Clinton amendment expands the benefits provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which currently allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually.  The measure, approved today as part of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) bill, will implement a key recommendation of the Dole-Shalala Commission on the Care for Wounded Warriors. 

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and John Ensign (R-NV) yesterday lauded Senate passage of their resolution celebrating “Lights On Afterschool,” a program to raise awareness of afterschool programs. This year, more than a million Americans are expected to attend 7,500 events to show their support for these much needed programs.  In addition, Lights On Afterschool 2007 marks the 10^th anniversary of 21^st Century Community Learning Centers, the primary federal initiative in support of afterschool.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today introduced legislation to address the critical issues facing our students concerning disparities in educational opportunities. The Student Bill of Rights Act of 2007 will help states provide students with the proper educational resources for success.

Today Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) explained why he voted against ending debate on the Defense Authorization bill late last night. 

“I voted against ending the debate on the Defense Authorization bill for two simple reasons— First, this bill doesn’t do anything to end the war; and second, it doesn’t provide adequate support for the families of our returning wounded warriors.