Congressman Joe Courtney represents the people of Connecticut's Second Congressional District. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Courtney serves on the Armed Services Committee and Education and Labor Committee. Prior to his election in 2006, Courtney represented the citizens of Vernon in the 56th House District in the Connecticut General Assembly for four consecutive terms -- from 1987 to 1994. During this tenure, he served as House Chairman for both the Public Health and Human Services Committees.

As state legislator, Courtney took up the fight for better health care. As Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Universal Health Insurance, Courtney was instrumental in proposing reforms that resulted in increased access and better health care for all Connecticut citizens.

A tireless, hard working, and respected legislator, Courtney was also recognized in a legislative poll in 1994 by Connecticut Magazine for his bi-partisan efforts, and named the "Most Conscientious” and the “Democrat Most Admired by Republicans.”

In 1998, Courtney made a Democratic bid for Lieutenant Governor, and for the Second District Congressman in 2002. Despite the unprecedented influx of Republican PAC money into the district earmarked for negative campaigning, Courtney came within a few points of the Republican incumbent.

In 2004, Courtney worked tirelessly for the Kerry-Edwards ticket. He personally served as Connecticut coordinator for the John Edwards campaign, making TV and campaign appearances, and leading Connecticut's 14 Edwards delegates at the National Convention.

Courtney is a 1975 graduate of Tufts University in Boston. He earned a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1978.

Courtney lives in Vernon with his wife, Audrey Courtney, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and their two children, Robert and Elizabeth.