Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) announced today that fire departments in Farmington, Wallingford, Union, Meriden, Westport, and Woodstock have been awarded federal grants totaling more than $400,000. The funds will go to improving operations and safety at their facilities. The grants were made possible by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, which provides aid to first-responder programs nationwide with the aim of providing better equipment to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of the first-responders themselves. In fiscal year 2008, the AFG program has provided approximately $500 million in nationwide grants.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) congratulated the Trumbull High School Golden Eagle Marching band on being chosen to represent the State of Connecticut in the 56^th Inaugural Parade in January. Trumbull High School was chosen from more than 1300 organizations who submitted application to participate in the parade.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, welcomed new federal funding for Connecticut organizations that provide counseling and legal assistance to families facing the threat of foreclosure.  The grants, which were announced today by NeighborWorks America, will provide $681,230 to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority and $202,536 to the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven.  Several national organizations with offices in Connecticut will also receive large grants. 

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, will hear testimony from James Fleming, the president of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, at the Committee’s second hearing to examine the state of America’s automobile industry on Thursday morning. 

As recent news reports show that foreclosures in Connecticut have risen 134% in the month of October, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, held an oversight hearing today on the implementation of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, focusing on foreclosure prevention efforts, ensuring that lenders are using the federal funds for lending, and executive compensation policies.

Senator Chris Dodd visited Norden Systems in Norwalk on Monday to announce new funding that will allow this defense contractor to continue building critical radar equipment for the U.S. Military. Dodd made the announcement in a meeting with company employees and also toured the plant.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement today on the recent news that the number of Connecticut households applying for home heating assistance has more than tripled as compared with this time last year.  Last winter, more than 86,000 households in Connecticut received assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a number which is expected to increase dramatically before the season is over.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today announced Senate passage of legislation that includes an eight-year extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) that will greatly benefit Connecticut fuel cell manufacturers.  The long-term extension, which was approved by the Senate last night as part of a comprehensive package of tax extensions, will provide these Connecticut companies with the financial security they need to make long range plans, increase their investments, and add even more well-paying jobs.   

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately investigate the cases of contaminated candy made in China and distributed  in Connecticut over the last few days.  Dodd wrote to FDA Commissioner Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach urging the FDA to take immediate action and ensure that no additional Americans are put at risk. 

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today made the following statement on the floor of the Senate to honor his longtime friend and Connecticut resident Paul Newman: