Active Legislator
"Aggressive advocacy for me has been an important part of my job" Senator Blumenthal
Senator Blumenthal's strategy is to legislate early, and often. And then legislate some more. If Senator Blumenthal is not sponsoring legislation, then you can bet he is on the look out for legislation he could co-sponsor. Govtrack.us's 2014 report card for Senator Blumenthal shows that Blumenthal introduced 63 bills during the 113th Congress, which is number one for Senate sophomores, and ranks 13th overall. Blumenthal did not just introduce bills, govtrack.us shows that Blumenthal was able to get two bills passed, good for 18th best in the Senate. These bills were S. 1174, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers, and S. 2807, Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013. Opensecrets states that Blumenthal co-sponsored 396 bills (median is 233) during the 113th, good for 3rd overall. Govtrack.us rates Blumenthal's bills introduced and co-sponsored as the 6th most progressive in the Senate. This strategy makes sense given the deep, deep blue nature of Connecticut's constituency. This ideological stance is useful for appealing to the general feelings of his constituents, but opens him to the charge of being an active part of the problem of the bi-partisan gridlock. Senator Blumenthal has made efforts to show he is willing to work with Republicans on issues that are in line with both parties, such as a bill he co-sponsored with John McCain on providing mental health services to returning veterans. Senator Blumenthal stresses this bi-partisanship and shares credit claiming with Senator McCain in the opening parts of this interview with MNSBC's Morning Joe. Senator Blumenthal also takes positions on ISIS and Israeli PM's upcoming controversial speech to congress.
Back in Connecticut Senator Blumenthal returns to speak on his active legislating in the Senate on behalf of the state of Connecticut. He especially likes to focus on areas of consumer protection. The Connecticut Mirror, a independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to coverage of Connecticut politics and policies according to INN, states that "Over the past two years he’s (Blumenthal) hounded automakers over defective ignition switches and airbags, the NFL over sports blackouts and domestic assaults, and electronic cigarette makers over their advertising to teenagers." His voting record shows his serious commitment to consumer safety, but his actions do not always show he cares about his personal safety. This ironic video shows him almost getting hit by a train as he is a part of a news conference on commuter safety in Connecticut. This trip does highlight how he returns to Connecticut to promote his advocacy on consumer protection, in the state of Connecticut and the nation.
Back in Connecticut Senator Blumenthal returns to speak on his active legislating in the Senate on behalf of the state of Connecticut. He especially likes to focus on areas of consumer protection. The Connecticut Mirror, a independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to coverage of Connecticut politics and policies according to INN, states that "Over the past two years he’s (Blumenthal) hounded automakers over defective ignition switches and airbags, the NFL over sports blackouts and domestic assaults, and electronic cigarette makers over their advertising to teenagers." His voting record shows his serious commitment to consumer safety, but his actions do not always show he cares about his personal safety. This ironic video shows him almost getting hit by a train as he is a part of a news conference on commuter safety in Connecticut. This trip does highlight how he returns to Connecticut to promote his advocacy on consumer protection, in the state of Connecticut and the nation.
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