Future Innovations

9/09/08: Dodd Calls for Fairness in New NASA Space Suit Competition

September 9, 2008

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) recently sent a letter to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Michael Griffin expressing concern about how the recent competition for the new Constellation Space Suit System was executed.  The competition resulted in NASA awarding the new contract to Oceaneering International, a firm that specializes in deep sea diving suits, instead of Connecticut-based Hamilton Sundstrand, the company that has manufactured America’s space suits for more than 40 years.  This decision has since been withdrawn by NASA due to concerns voiced by the NASA Inspector General and a protest filed by Hamilton Sundstrand with the Government Accountability Office (GAO).


7/31/08: Dodd Urges Investment in Nation's Infrastructure

On eve of anniversaries of Minneapolis bridge collapse and introduction of bipartisan bill, Dodd delivers speech on importance of rebuilding America's infrastructure

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July 31, 2008

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today spoke on the Senate floor on the state of our nation’s infrastructure and the importance of long-term investment in our roads, bridges, mass transit, drinking water, and wastewater removal systems.  Dodd’s speech comes on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the tragic I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis. Tomorrow also marks one year since Dodd introduced the National Infrastructure Bank Act along with Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE).  Dodd has held two hearings on the legislation, which has 12 co-sponsors.


6/20/08: Dodd, Lieberman Announce New Investments in Connecticut Initiatives

June 20, 2008

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) announced today that they were able to secure more than $3.4 million for Connecticut initiatives in the Senate’s fiscal year 2009 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill.  Among other projects funded by Senate appropriators, the bill includes over $1 million for the construction of a new public safety complex in Hartford.      


6/12/08: Opening Statement: Condition of our Nation's Infrastructure: Local Perspectives from Mayors

Submitted by Chris Dodd on June 12, 2008 - 1:26pm.
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June 12, 2008
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Remarks as Prepared: The Committee will please come to order.  We gather here this morning to examine once again the condition of our nation’s infrastructure and proposals for needed improvements to it.

When the Committee last gathered to examine this critical issue, we considered the perspectives from individuals who held expertise in public and private financing, civil engineering, labor, and business.  They were unanimous in voicing compelling support for increased investment in our nation’s infrastructure and for the need to develop and implement alternative ways to finance this critically important investment in our nation’s future.


4/10/08: CT Delegation Highlights Federal Transportation Funding Increase

April 10, 2008

The entire Connecticut Delegation wrote to Governor M. Jodi Rell contesting the assertion that Connecticut saw a reduction in federal transportation funding.  The delegation countered the claims by outlining the actual increase in resources that the Connecticut Department of Transportation will receive in fiscal year 2008 for critical transportation initiatives.


3/28/08: Dodd Visits Norwich Wastewater Treatment Facility

March 28, 2008

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) visited Norwich on Friday to announce the federal funding he secured for construction of the Norwich Intermodal Transportation Center, currently in the final stages of development.  Dodd joined Mayor Ben Lathrop to discuss the need for improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, which may pose a threat to the environmental well-being of the Thames Estuary in southeastern Connecticut.  Dodd first met with Mayor Lathrop to discuss these initiatives when the Mayor visited Washington, D.C. in January.   The city of Norwich is seeking federal funding for the Sound Norwich Wastewater Project in the Fiscal Year 2009 Interior Appropriations bill and has also requested additional funds for the transportation center in the Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.  


3/24/08: Dodd Discusses Infrastructure Bill in Stamford

March 24, 2008

At the site of one of Connecticut’s largest new investments in infrastructure, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) discussed the state of roads, bridges, transit systems, publicly-owned housing properties, and water treatment facilities in Connecticut and across the country.  Dodd visited the site of the Stamford Urban Transitway with Mayor Dan Malloy to discuss his bill on investing in our country’s infrastructure.    


3/11/08: Opening Statement of Chairman Dodd: " Condition of our Nation's Infrastructure and Proposals for Needed Improvements "

Submitted by Chris Dodd on March 11, 2008 - 3:07pm.
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Archive Stream of Hearing
March 11, 2008
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March 11, 2008

Remarks as Prepared: The Committee will please come to order. We gather here this morning to examine an issue of paramount importance: the condition of our nation’s infrastructure, and proposals for needed improvements to it.


11/01/07: Dodd, Voinovich Introduce Legislation to Ensure U.S. Leadership in Aeronautics Industry

November 01, 2007

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and George Voinovich (R-OH) introduced legislation yesterday to help ensure that the United States will continue to lead the world aeronautics industry.  The “Aeronautics Competitiveness Act of 2007” will increase research funding, technology transfer, and workforce development, all of which are vital to maintaining the United States’ competitive edge.  


10/19/07: Dodd Fights for Cell Phone Coverage in Rural America

Cites Reliable Wireless Service as Crucial to Public Safety

October 19, 2007


Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) yesterday sent a letter to Kevin Martin, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), expressing his concern about a recent FCC proposal that would cap funding for the construction of more cell phone towers in rural areas across the country.  Dodd explained that making reliable wireless service available to all Americans is not just a matter of convenience, but is critical to public safety, and he urged Chairman Martin to ensure that any funding proposal will not jeopardize the security of America’s rural communities.


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