U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) issued the following statements today regarding news that Pratt & Whitney will hire approximately 8,000 new workers in Connecticut.

"These jobs are great news for Connecticut workers, our economy and our national security,” Blumenthal said. “I have been a strong, vocal advocate for the defense contracts that helped to create such jobs and produce the extraordinary technology our national security needs. Workers at Pratt are second to none in skill and dedication-- an enduring tradition for these proud, new employees."

“This is huge news for Connecticut. The workers at Pratt & Whitney make the best engines in the world, which is why demand is through the roof,” said Murphy. “This just shows that Connecticut is the place to be for companies needing a skilled workforce and high quality of life to attract and retain employees. Our state’s advanced manufacturers are a force to be reckoned with, and I’ll keep working hard in Washington make sure they have the tools and support they need.”