Meet Joe
Since his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, Joe Courtney has served as an independent voice and tireless advocate for eastern Connecticut. Sent to Washington during the most trying economic period in a generation, Joe has fought to protect jobs in the region and to expand opportunities for Connecticut businesses.
Connecticut Born and Raised
A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Joe learned the value of public service firsthand from his parents, Bob and Dorthy Courtney. His parents met during their service in World War II for the FBI’s New York City headquarters guarding against enemy sabotage in the homeland. Growing up in a large family with four brothers, his parents always conveyed the importance of giving back to the community and striving to achieve something greater than himself.
State Representative
Joe’s introduction to public service came in 1986 when Democrats in Vernon sought a candidate for the 56th House District in the Connecticut General Assembly. Having helped in other local campaigns and already a known figure in the Vernon community, Joe was on everyone’s list as a strong and viable candidate for the 56th. After some exploration and many conversations, Joe launched his campaign and won.
Next Chapter
In 1998, Joe ran for Lieutenant Governor. Though he did not prevail, he gained valuable experience in campaigning for higher office. With the insights gained from running for statewide office, Joe went on to launch a campaign to become 2nd District Congressman in 2002. Despite the unprecedented influx of Republican PAC money into the district earmarked for negative advertising, Joe came within a few points of the Republican incumbent.
Landslide Joe
In 2006, Joe ran for Congress again, hitting the trail hard and giving his all to show the constituents of the 2nd District why change was needed. After months of hard-fought campaigning, Joe was elected to Congress in the closest race in the country that year—winning an upset victory by just 83 votes. Nicknamed “Landslide Joe” by his new peers in the US House of Representatives, Joe did not take his close victory for granted then–nor has he since.
Focused on Eastern Connecticut
From his first day in office as the Congressman from the 2nd District, Joe has kept his focus squarely on the needs of eastern Connecticut. Joe’s first challenge was to reverse years of decline at the Electric Boat shipyard, which was on the verge of massive layoffs when he took office in 2007. He won a seat on the House Armed Services Committee and, working with Democrats and Republicans alike, secured $588 million to start building two new submarines a year.
Staying True to What’s Important
Every day, people across eastern Connecticut wake up and go to work to support their families and their communities. From day one, Joe has promised to work just as hard every day as the people he serves-and he’s never forgotten that promise. That’s why even in the face of unprecedented challenge and turmoil that our nation has faced during his time in office, Joe has remained committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents of the 2nd District. That’s why he opposed a Wall Street Bailout—despite pressure from his own party, he stood up for the middle class in the 2nd District and across the country. That’s why he’s fought hard for health care reform, historic improvements in infrastructure, and doing what it took to help our region survive the COVID-19 pandemic. And that’s why he will continue to do his part in improving the 2nd District so that future generations can reap the benefits of a better economy, education system, environment, and much more.
Joe is also working to pass the National Apprenticeship Act of 2022
Joe is also working to pass the National Apprenticeship Act of 2022 which would bring this long-standing and successful program into the 21st century to increase the availability of earn-as-you-learn job training opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, health care, and information technology.
As a co-chair of the House Impact Aid Coalition
As a co-chair of the House Impact Aid Coalition, Joe has been a leader in securing education funding to support military families and their children.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives write and vote on federal laws, including the federal budget. Each represents one district and serves a two-year term. Tax bills must start in the House, only the House can impeach federal officials, and members oversee federal agencies through their committees.