“I am deeply disappointed in the Defense Authorization Act that was passed by the Senate tonight.  Not only does it lack provisions to end this disastrous war, but it fails to provide even the simplest benefit to the families of our returning wounded warriors.  The least we could have done for these families is protect their jobs for six months as they care for their injured loved ones, which is exactly what the amendment I filed a few weeks ago would have done.  Unfortunately, my amendment was not included in the bill that passed tonight.  While I am pleased that the Senate has finally acted to increase funding for some critical national defense initiatives, such as the $470 million provided for the production of an additional submarine per year, I cannot applaud the Senate for passing yet another piece of legislation that takes no steps to end this war and bring our troops home.”

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.

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) praised Congress for passing their amendment, "The Support for Injured Servicemembers Act," which if signed into law will allow the family of wounded military personnel to take up to 6 months of unpaid leave. The legislation expands the benefits provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which currently allows 12 weeks of unpaid leave. The Act was passed as an amendment to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and has received broad bipartisan support.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today announced that the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) has endorsed his proposal to allow the families of wounded military personnel to take up to 6 months of unpaid leave to care for their loved ones during the often lengthy rehabilitation process.

Dodd “There is no better way to support our troops than making sure they return safely home.”

Watch clip

Today, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) urged colleagues to support legislation which would set firm and enforceable timelines for the phased redeployment of combat troops out of Iraq. The Feingold-Reid Amendment, which Dodd co-sponsored, would have remaining forces focus on counter-terrorism, training Iraqi forces, and protection for U.S. personnel and infrastructure. The amendment failed 28 to 70.  

Today, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) expressed frustration that an amendment which would have provided members of the Armed Forces who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan the same amount of time at home before being redeployed, was unable to go to vote. The Webb-Hagel Amendment stated that no unit or member of a reserve component, including the National Guard, could be redeployed to Iraq or Afghanistan within three years of their previous deployment. 

Dodd: “Wounded soldiers deserve the care of
their closest loved ones.”

Today, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) testified before the House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Workforce Protections in support of extending Family and Medical Leave Act benefits to wounded soldiers and their families.  Dodd is the author of the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and has introduced The Support for Injured Servicemembers Act to allow the families of wounded military personnel to take up to 6 months of unpaid leave to care for their loved ones during the often lengthy rehabilitation process.

Joins growing coalition of advocates for the Support for Injured Servicemembers Act

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today announced that the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) has endorsed his proposal to allow the families of wounded military personnel to take up to 6 months of unpaid leave to care for their loved ones during the often lengthy rehabilitation process.  EANGUS is the only military service association that represents the interests of all enlisted soldiers and airmen in the Army and Air National Guard.  EANGUS joins the Military Officers Association of America, who announced their support for Senator Dodd’s measure yesterday. 

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today announced that the Military Officers Association of American (MOAA) has endorsed his proposal to allow the families of wounded military personnel to take up to 6 months of unpaid leave to care for their loved ones during the often lengthy rehabilitation process.

“Congress should have no higher priority than the safety and well-being of America’s combat heroes.  The very least we owe them is our total support for their needs as they recover from injuries sustained defending our nation,” said Dodd.  “My proposal is plain and simple – the families of these brave men and women should be allowed to care for their loved ones without fear of losing their job.  I am grateful for the support of the MOAA on this importation initiative, and I look forward to working with them to ensure its quick enactment into law.  Our troops and their families deserve nothing less.” 

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) today announced the approval of the 2008 Defense Appropriations Bill by a key Senate panel which includes substantial funding for Connecticut’s defense industry.  This bill, which was unanimously approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, contained significant additional funds that will increase submarine production to two submarines per year by 2010 – two years earlier than originally planned by the Navy.  This funding impacts thousands of jobs throughout Connecticut, especially in the southeast region of the state.  The bill also includes substantial investments in current defense systems and research and development activities to ensure U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are outfitted with the quality resources they need to perform their missions