Connecticut’s U.S. Senators said the $1.1 trillion federal spending bill signed by President Obama last week could infuse about $1 billion into the state’s economy.
Senator Chris Murphy said the spending bill includes more money for Connecticut based defense contractors. They include Pratt and Whitney, which makes jet engines, and Sikorsky, which makes helicopters. They’re some of the state’s largest private employers.
Murphy said the state’s congressional delegation was able to get more than they had anticipated.
"11 F35s above the requested level. 7 additional Black Hawks for the National Guard. We’re a small delegation, but we think we play and punch above our weight class," he said.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said the bill will allocate funds to help improve transportation, including the northeast corridor rail lines and the installation of a rail safety system called positive train control which can prevent crashes and derailments.
"$19 million for Amtrak. $25 million for positive train control. Nowhere near what is needed for a rail infrastructure, but at least a very strong and positive step," he said.
Blumenthal said the bill is a bipartisan breakthrough, and Murphy said the passage of the bill shows that Congress can get out of its own way.
