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Danbury's Esty Calls On Congress To Set 'Innovation Agenda'

DANBURY, Conn. -- U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-5th District) released the following statement on her legislative agenda for the 114th Congress, which opened Tuesday. Esty represents Danbury along with much of northwestern Connecticut.

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty.

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty.

Photo Credit: Contributed

“Today, as we begin a new Congress, I join my colleagues in refocusing and recommitting to our priorities for the year ahead. The current challenges facing our country are great, but so are the opportunities for progress. Partisan differences cannot excuse inaction. There are areas of common ground where Congress can—and must—work together to move our country forward.

"For America to lead in this globally competitive world, Congress needs to establish an ‘innovation agenda’ for the country. Congress should focus on fostering an environment that supports American jobs, encourages research and innovation, and strengthens foundations for sustainable economic growth.

"We need to better train our workers to prepare them for high-demand jobs in manufacturing, health and biomedical industries, energy, and information technology by improving education in the critical STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and math.

"We need to level the playing field for American manufacturers, which includes increasing investment in basic research and development as well as reforming our overly-complex tax code to stop rewarding companies that ship jobs overseas.

"Finally, we need to rebuild our transportation system. A 21st century economy cannot thrive with 20th century transportation infrastructure. Improving our congested roads, rebuilding our crumbling bridges, and advancing timely, safe, and reliable rail service will create immediate, good-paying construction jobs while, at the same time, promote sustainable economic growth and improved productivity for the future.

"I am excited and energized by the opportunity to continue working for the 5th Congressional District on these nuts-and-bolts issues. Congress owes more to the American people than inaction and excuses. I look forward to joining my colleges on both sides of the aisle to advance policies that boost innovation, support good-paying jobs, and create an environment for sustainable economic growth in our globally-connected world.”

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