Sen. Rob Sampson Sounds Alarm on S.B. 83 as Democrats Distract with National Politics on Opening Day

HARTFORD —State Sen. Rob Sampson (R–16) today voted no and warned that S.B. 83, An Act Establishing the Federal Cuts Response Fund, represents a major political overreach by Democratic leadership that sidelines the legislature and weakens accountability to taxpayers.

“This bill is not about preparing for federal funding cuts,” Sen. Sampson said. “It is about concentrating power in the Governor’s office and stripping the legislature of its constitutional role.”

Under S.B. 83, the Governor, acting through the Office of Policy and Management, would gain control over as much as $330 million in taxpayer funds, with the first $30 million spent immediately. Blocking that spending would require an extraordinary 42-member vote, making meaningful legislative oversight virtually impossible.

Sen. Sampson emphasized that the bill forces legislators including members of the majority party to surrender their authority and the rights of their constituents.

“Every legislator in this chamber should be disturbed by this,” Sen. Sampson said.

Sen. Sampson also criticized Democratic leadership including Gov. Ned Lamont’s 2026 State of the State Address for using national political controversies to divert attention from state-level issues.

Rather than addressing Connecticut’s real problems, Gov. Lamont continues to inject national or federal political fights like ICE and Washington-driven agendas,” Sen. Sampson said. “Those distractions are being used as a power grab. I am offended by this, and any thinking person who understands what’s really happening here should be too.”