U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, are asking Pfizer Inc.'s chief executive officer to reconsider plans to replace local contractors at its southeastern Connecticut campuses with foreign workers.

In a letter Monday to Jeffrey B. Kindler, Pfizer's chairman and chief executive officer, Dodd and Courtney said they are concerned about a companywide policy dubbed Procedure 117 that would replace local information-technology contract workers at its Groton and New London sites with workers from outside firms, including those from overseas.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) sent the following letter today to Jeffrey B. Kindler, CEO of Pfizer Inc, expressing their concern over recent reports that suggest the company has been training foreign contractors to replace local workers at their facilities in New London and Groton.

NORWALK -- In the face of looming federal budget constraints, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., told employees of Norden Systems on Monday that $20 million has been included in the 2009 defense budget for an improved radar system to be built at the plant.

The allocation would allow continued development of the multi-platform radar technology insertion program, designed to replace air-to-ground systems on 17 Joint Stars Air Force aircraft.The new version would expand the surveillance system to air-to-air capabilities.

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), Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed and the President signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act:

“I commend Chairman Frank, Speaker Pelosi, and Congressmen Emanuel, Boehner and Blunt for their contributions to this bipartisan, bicameral effort.   

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) released the following statement on NASA’s decision to re-open the competition for the new Constellation Space Suit System:

“This is great news for Connecticut and its workers, but more importantly, this is the right decision by NASA,” said Dodd.  “The workers of Hamilton Sundstrand know space-suits better than anyone else and they deserve a fair shot at this contract.  I’m confident that Hamilton Sundstrand can win this competition and will continue to build the suits worn by our country’s astronauts, just as they have for the last 40 years.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act:

“The legislation that the Senate passed tonight is the product of thoughtful and deliberate bipartisan cooperation, and is a vast improvement over the blank check that the Administration sought just days ago.  The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act will not only provide stability and confidence to our financial markets, but also will help American families who are struggling to make ends meet.  The legislation gives the Treasury Secretary the authority to respond quickly and forcibly to the current crisis, while creating strong protections for American taxpayers, helping to preserve the American dream of homeownership, and cracking down on excessive compensation for corporate executives who made bad decisions.

For the latest version of the package legislation which includes the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, click here.

For a one page summary of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 click here.

For legislative text of Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 section by section click here.

For legislative text of Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 bill language click here.