Joseph Courtney — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Connecticut, 2026

Joseph Courtney voted against a government funding bill because it lacked reforms for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He stated he would not support full-year DHS funding without critical reforms designed to address what he termed "ICE’s lawlessness." This indicates a focus on regulating and reining in ICE operations.

“I voted to pass a funding bill which provides full-year funding for 70% of the government except for DHS. In the next 10 days, an attempt will be made to put reforms in place to stop ICE’s lawlessness. I have not and will not support full-year DHS funding bill without critical reforms in law that rein in ICE. — Joseph Courtney, Facebook, 3 February at 12:28”

Joseph Courtney voted to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits by supporting H.R. 1834 in 2026, aiming to lower healthcare costs for struggling Americans. He also voted against President Trump’s H.R. 1 in 2025, opposing its nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts, which he argued would strip coverage and force hospitals to cut services. Courtney advocates for every American to have access to affordable health care.

““The American people, for good reason, have sent a message loud and clear that they are struggling with the high cost of living. The relentless increase in the cost of health care has persistently remained a top concern from people in Connecticut’s Second District who contact my office,” Courtney said. “For months, I’ve heard directly from people in all corners of the Second District who are facing health care cost hikes that are not just unaffordable but impossible. Finally, after months of obstruction by the House majority, we finally acted WITH A STRONG BIPARTISAN VOTE, to bring these costs down by extending longstanding Affordable Care Act tax credits. Now, the Senate and the President must follow suit.” — Joseph Courtney, from 'Courtney Votes to Lower Skyrocketing Health Care Costs' press release, January 8, 2026.”

Joseph Courtney supports aggressive action to protect environmental interests, including investment in renewable energy, emissions reduction, and green manufacturing. He has indicated support for federal initiatives on climate change, as evidenced by the House's rejection of an amendment on September 4, 2025, which aimed to curtail federal authority over the domestic energy sector and criticize climate-change executive orders.

Joseph Courtney supports abortion rights, advocating for the restoration of Roe v. Wade to protect individual medical privacy. He voted against banning federal health coverage for abortion and for expanding embryonic stem cell research. Courtney is endorsed by NARAL, reflecting his pro-choice stance and commitment to reproductive freedom and healthcare access.

““The real solution is to restore Roe,” Courtney said. “People want their privacy in terms of how their medical decisions are made between them and their doctor.” (Joe Courtney, CT Public, 2022-10-04)”

Congressman Joseph Courtney voted to advance the bipartisan FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, which included his amendment to boost Virginia-class submarine funding to maintain a two-per-year build rate. He also voted for a national security aid package to support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and provide humanitarian aid. He states that the military and defense industrial base require stable federal budgets to operate effectively.

““This bill will give Ukraine forces the armaments to defend their nation against Russia’s vicious, illegal invasion; supply Israel with missile defense to safeguard its citizens; surge over $9 billion in desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, Ukraine, Africa, and Haiti; and help Taiwan fend off pressure and coercion from China. As part of our efforts to rebalance the security environment in the Indo-Pacific, the aid package includes critical funding for the submarine industrial base. This funding will increase shipyard capacity and availability of attack submarines at a time when all eyes are on the United States to see if we can outpace China and meet AUKUS commitments.” - Joe Courtney, in a press release titled 'Rep. Courtney Votes to Pass National Security Aid for Allies Abroad'”

Joseph Courtney, a senior member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, supports federal funding for public education and student aid. He opposed student loan caps in H.R. 1, citing concerns they would reduce graduate-level loans for critical professions such as nursing. Courtney voted against reauthorizing the DC opportunity scholarship program and generally opposes private school voucher programs. He is endorsed by the National Education Association for his commitment to public education.

“Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), a senior Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, slammed the Department of Education’s new student loan caps, a result of the Big Ugly Bill (H.R. 1), which will cut in half the available graduate level student loans for nursing students and other critical professions. Courtney also called out banks for lobbying in support of the caps that will raise the cost of graduate education. — Congressman Joe Courtney, February 4, 2026 press release”

Research pending more substantial sources.

“Courtney emphasized the significance of the Safe-to-Report policy, stating it is 'a game changer' for ensuring a safer workplace.”