{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", party = \"Democrat\" and state = \"MD\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-approved-2027-maryland-marketplace-rates", "Hoyer Statement on the Approved 2027 Maryland Marketplace Rates", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement regarding the nearly 15% increase for unsubsidized individual Maryland marketplace health insurance plans in 2027:\n\n\u201cDonald Trump and Republicans ran in 2024 on addressing inflation and bringing costs down. They misled American families. Costs are only going up - and faster - because of their policies. We\u2019re now seeing that reflected in health-insurance premiums for coverage through the state health-care exchanges. In Maryland, even though our state officials are doing everything possible to keep costs down, premiums for unsubsidised plans are rising an average of 14.6% for 2027. This is a direct result of Republicans\u2019 decision to remove eligibility, permit ACA subsidies to lapse, and allow critical tax credits to expire.\n\n\u201cDemocrats are fighting to lower costs for health care, groceries, consumer goods, gas, and diesel. It\u2019s clear that the Republicans who are in control of Congress have failed to do so, and it is time to change course.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-27T10:23:37Z", "2026-09-27T10:25:08Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-86-million-increase-safety-and-security-places", "Maryland Delegation Announces $8.6 Million to Increase Safety and Security in Places of Worship", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 This week, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Andy Harris (MD-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) announced $8,627,091 in federal funding to strengthen security at 49 religious institutions and community centers across Maryland.\n\n\u201cThe Nonprofit Security Grant Program has become an essential tool for protecting our houses of worship, schools, community centers, and early-childhood programs. With the alarming rise in antisemitism and other forms of hate, it is critical that everyone feels safe when gathering with their communities and congregations. I\u2019m proud that Team Maryland was able to secure this funding, and I will continue working with our delegation to push for further federal support for nonprofit security,\u201d said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05).\n\n\u201cEvery Marylander deserves to be able to exercise their right to religious freedom and worship without fear for their safety. Our faith institutions also help build community in many ways, from providing spiritual services to offering youth programs to supporting local families. As that work continues, we have also seen an appalling increase in threats against faith-based organizations across the state, and we know that more federal funding and reforms are necessary to meet the growing security measures needed to keep community members safe. We will continue working to increase funds for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and to see that these investments go where they are needed most, in light of recent changes to this program,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\n\u201cAll Marylanders deserve to feel safe in their homes, schools, communities \u2013 and especially in places of worship. It was critical that Team Maryland fight to secure over $8 million in federal funding to strengthen security at religious centers in our state. And I won\u2019t stop fighting until all Marylanders feel and are safe,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks (D-MD).\n\n\u201cNo matter what your faith or religion is every American should feel safe and secure in their ability to worship peacefully,\u201d said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). \u201cWith this injection of over $8 million in Federal funding, dozens of faith-based institutions across Maryland will be able to improve their security systems and protocols, ensuring that houses of worship remain sanctuaries for practitioners of all beliefs.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarylanders should be able to practice their faith without worrying about their safety. This funding will improve security at religious institutions across the First District, from Harford County to the Eastern Shore. Thank you to President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security for helping Maryland\u2019s religious organizations improve security and protect our communities,\u201d said Congressman Harris (MD-01).\n\n\u201cAmidst an alarming increase in antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of toxic hate, Team Maryland is surging more than $8.6 million in federal Nonprofit Security Grants to protect our people,\u201d said Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08). \u201cNo American should become a target of senseless violence and intimidation, especially in their house of worship.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery Marylander should be able to worship and gather without fear,\u201d said Congressman Ivey (MD-04). \u201cTeam Maryland fought together to secure this federal funding so that faith communities across our state have the resources they need to strengthen security and protect the people they serve. I\u2019m proud of our delegation\u2019s work to deliver these investments and help keep Marylanders safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarylanders of all faiths deserve to both be safe and feel safe in their houses of worship. Since coming to Congress, I have continued to prioritize increased security funding for nonprofit and religious institutions \u2013 both in Washington in the budget and through our Interfaith Advisory Council \u2013 which is why it is so great to join Team Maryland in announcing this $8 million in federal funding for 49 houses of worship, religious institutions, and community centers across our state. Especially as religious institutions spend more and more on security and the number of hate crimes continues to rise, Congress has an important responsibility to ensure the safety of all of our neighbors,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth (MD-03).\n\n\u201cWhether you are walking into a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or community center, you should never have to fear for your safety. Freedom of religion means the freedom to worship without fear. This $8.6 million investment will help 49 institutions across Maryland strengthen security and protect the communities they serve. I\u2019ll keep working with Team Maryland to ensure our faith communities have the resources they need to keep people safe,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney (MD-06).\n\n\u201cOur faith communities are critical community anchors and bring so many Marylanders together,\u201d said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). \u201cThis funding gives 49 religious institutions and community centers across our state the resources they need to worship, learn, and gather without fear. Team Maryland will keep fighting to make sure our houses of worship have what they need to stay safe.\u201d\n\nA full list of the recipients, selected by the Department of Homeland Security, is below:\n\nSouthern Maryland\n\nCamp St. Charles Inc.\n\nCrossroads Christian Center, Inc.\n\nMontgomery & Prince George\u2019s Counties\n\nChabad Lubavitch of Bowie Maryland Inc\n\nChabad Lubavitch of Upper Montgomery County Inc.\n\nCharles E. Smith Jewish Day School (Lower School)\n\nCongregation B'nai Tzedek\n\nCovenant Life Church (7501)\n\nCovenant Life School (7503)\n\nCovenant Life School/Church (7505)\n\nGreater Praise and Deliverance Tabernacle\n\nGreek Orthodox Church of Saint George, Inc.\n\nIsrael on Campus Coalition, Inc.\n\nImadi\n\nKehilat Pardes\n\nKingdom Full Tabernacle International Ministries\n\nLife Changing Christian Center\n\nMcLean Bible Church (Montgomery)\n\nNorth Brentwood AME Zion Church\n\nThe Guru Gobind Singh Foundation Trust Inc\n\nThe Sierra Leone Muslim Jamaat, Inc. (3305)\n\nTikvat Israel Congregation\n\nWestern Maryland\n\nB'er Chayim Congregation\n\nBeth Sholom Congregation of Frederick, MD\n\nBroadfording Bible Brethren Church\n\nBroadfording Bible Brethren Church DBA Global Vision Christian School Broadfording (Main Campus)\n\nBroadfording Bible Brethren Church DBA Global Vision Christian School Broadfording (West Campus)\n\nCamp Airy\n\nCamp Louise\n\nSaints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church\n\nBaltimore Area\n\nArundel Christian Church\n\nBeth Tfiloh Congregation dba Beth Tfiloh Camps\n\nCecil Memorial United Methodist Church\n\nChabad of Greengate Maryland Inc.\n\nChabad of Harford County, Inc.\n\nCongregation Kneseth Israel\n\nHebrew School of the Performing Arts, Inc.\n\nImmaculate Heart of Mary School\n\nImmaculate Heart of Mary Church\n\nJewels Therapy Clinic\n\nJohn Carroll School Inc.\n\nRedemption City Church Baltimore\n\nSafe Green Transit Corporation\n\nSts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church\n\nSt. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church\n\nTalmudical Academy of Baltimore Inc.\n\nThe Cathedral of Mary Our Queen\n\nThe Greek Orthodox Cemetery\n\nWest Baltimore United Methodist Church\n\nEastern Shore\n\nLighthouse Christian Academy\n\nThe awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps high-risk nonprofits, including faith-based institutions, obtain the resources required to support and integrate preparedness activities with broader state and local efforts. The lawmakers fought to fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program at $300 million through the Fiscal Year 2026 annual appropriations package, an increase from $274.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025.", 1, "2026-09-27T10:23:37Z", "2026-09-27T10:25:08Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-meets-discuss-critical-priorities-port", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Meets to Discuss Critical Priorities for the Port of Baltimore", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) and members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation held a meeting at the United States Capitol to discuss their work on a range of issues relating to the Port of Baltimore, including its infrastructure needs, long-term stability, and growth. During the meeting, the lawmakers heard from Port leadership and stakeholders about upcoming modernization projects, investments, general workforce updates, and more. The Port of Baltimore generates $70 billion annually in economic impacts to Maryland, and 273,000 total jobs in Maryland are connected to the Port. Video of the members\u2019 press availability following the meeting is available here.\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore has been able to survive ups and downs of the economy for over 100 years. Now, the President\u2019s economic strategy that prioritizes tariffs over jobs is adding additional hardship. The President\u2019s ongoing, illegal war in Iran is driving up the cost to ship everything, which directly impacts our port and our economy. But Team Maryland will be able to overcome that. We're in Washington and working together to deliver, not just for the Port, not just for the 2,400 Longshoremen who work in the Port, but for our economy and state as a whole,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth. \u201cTo write the future of the Port of Baltimore, we will be taking inspiration from what once was \u2013 back to the Baltimore clippers and the hundreds of Liberty ships built during World War II. It is time for Maryland to lead in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing once again.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaryland is a leading hub for trade and commerce \u2013 and the Port of Baltimore is a key part of our success, generating thousands of jobs and bolstering our economy. Yesterday\u2019s meeting was a great opportunity for Team Maryland to come together with Port leadership and key stakeholders to discuss our past efforts and plan for how we will build on those efforts for the future of the Port. Working alongside state and local partners, we will keep fighting to deliver resources and support so communities across Maryland reap the benefits of a strong and vibrant Port,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Port is more than just the pride of Baltimore. It\u2019s a state treasure, and it\u2019s an economic engine for the nation and the rest of the world. Our support for Baltimore and the Port remains strong, because a strong Port makes us better, makes our economy stronger, and makes us more sustainable. We have to continue looking at every opportunity to invest in this economic engine that consumers, businesses, workers, and economies worldwide depend on. And I look forward to working with Team Maryland on Capitol Hill to continue fighting for the resources that keep us on the cutting edge,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore has always been a mighty force in job creation and economic growth in our state. I was glad to meet with the Maryland Congressional Delegation, Maryland Port Administration leadership, and local Port leaders to discuss the significant economic development accomplishments and opportunities for our nation's exports out of Baltimore. Investing in our infrastructure and transportation systems at the Port will improve shipping capacity, competitiveness, and business opportunities for the communities across Maryland that depend on the port. The delegation will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to secure the investments needed to strengthen the Port of Baltimore, grow our economy, and create jobs here in Maryland and across the country,\u201d said Congressman Hoyer.\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore is a booming economic gateway for the Free State and the nation,\u201d said Congressman Raskin. \u201cWhile President Trump\u2019s chaotic and costly trade war and tariffs have reduced imports, Team Maryland will continue fighting for the federal funding needed to keep the port an accessible, attractive destination for the largest cargo ships and create more high-paying union jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvesting in the Port of Baltimore isn\u2019t just about concrete, cranes, and cargo \u2014 it\u2019s about investing in people,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski. \u201cTwo and a half years after the Key Bridge collapse, we have a responsibility to rebuild stronger and keep investing in the infrastructure that makes the Port a national economic asset. When we prioritize the Port, we are prioritizing jobs, families, and the future of Maryland.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-meets-discuss-critical-priorities-port", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Meets to Discuss Critical Priorities for the Port of Baltimore", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation held a meeting at the United States Capitol to discuss their work on a range of issues relating to the Port of Baltimore, including its infrastructure needs, long-term stability, and growth. During the meeting, the lawmakers heard from Port leadership and stakeholders about upcoming modernization projects, investments, general workforce updates, and more. The Port of Baltimore generates $70 billion annually in economic impacts to Maryland, and 273,000 total jobs in Maryland are connected to the Port.\n\n\u201cMaryland is a leading hub for trade and commerce \u2013 and the Port of Baltimore is a key part of our success, generating thousands of jobs and bolstering our economy. Yesterday\u2019s meeting was a great opportunity for Team Maryland to come together with Port leadership and key stakeholders to discuss our past efforts and plan for how we will build on those efforts for the future of the Port. Working alongside state and local partners, we will keep fighting to deliver resources and support so communities across Maryland reap the benefits of a strong and vibrant Port,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cInvesting in the Port of Baltimore isn\u2019t just about concrete, cranes, and cargo \u2014 it\u2019s about investing in people,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski. \u201cTwo and a half years after the Key Bridge collapse, we have a responsibility to rebuild stronger and keep investing in the infrastructure that makes the Port a national economic asset. When we prioritize the Port, we are prioritizing jobs, families, and the future of Maryland.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Port is more than just the pride of Baltimore. It\u2019s a state treasure, and it\u2019s an economic engine for the nation and the rest of the world. Our support for Baltimore and the Port remains strong, because a strong Port makes us better, makes our economy stronger, and makes us more sustainable. We have to continue looking at every opportunity to invest in this economic engine that consumers, businesses, workers, and economies worldwide depend on. And I look forward to working with Team Maryland on Capitol Hill to continue fighting for the resources that keep us on the cutting edge,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore has always been a mighty force in job creation and economic growth in our state. I was glad to meet with the Maryland Congressional Delegation, Maryland Port Administration leadership, and local Port leaders to discuss the significant economic development accomplishments and opportunities for our nation's exports out of Baltimore. Investing in our infrastructure and transportation systems at the Port will improve shipping capacity, competitiveness, and business opportunities for the communities across Maryland that depend on the port. The delegation will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to secure the investments needed to strengthen the Port of Baltimore, grow our economy, and create jobs here in Maryland and across the country,\u201d said Congressman Hoyer.\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore is a booming economic gateway for the Free State and the nation,\u201d said Congressman Raskin. \u201cWhile President Trump\u2019s chaotic and costly trade war and tariffs have reduced imports, Team Maryland will continue fighting for the federal funding needed to keep the port an accessible, attractive destination for the largest cargo ships and create more high-paying union jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore has been able to survive ups and downs of the economy for over 100 years. Now, the President\u2019s economic strategy that prioritizes tariffs over jobs is adding additional hardship. The President\u2019s ongoing, illegal war in Iran is driving up the cost to ship everything, which directly impacts our port and our economy. But Team Maryland will be able to overcome that. We're in Washington and working together to deliver, not just for the Port, not just for the 2,400 Longshoremen who work in the Port, but for our economy and state as a whole,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth. \u201cTo write the future of the Port of Baltimore, we will be taking inspiration from what once was \u2013 back to the Baltimore clippers and the hundreds of Liberty ships built during World War II. It is time for Maryland to lead in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing once again.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-meets-discuss-critical-priorities-port", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Meets to Discuss Critical Priorities for the Port of Baltimore", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 This week, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation held a meeting at the United States Capitol to discuss their work on a range of issues relating to the Port of Baltimore, including its infrastructure needs, long-term stability, and growth. During the meeting, the lawmakers heard from Port leadership and stakeholders about upcoming modernization projects, investments, general workforce updates, and more. The Port of Baltimore generates $70 billion annually in economic impacts to Maryland, and 273,000 total jobs in Maryland are connected to the Port. Video of the members\u2019 press availability following the meeting is available here.\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore has always been a mighty force in job creation and economic growth in our state. I was glad to meet with the Maryland Congressional Delegation, Maryland Port Administration leadership, and local Port leaders to discuss the significant economic development accomplishments and opportunities for our nation's exports out of Baltimore. Investing in our infrastructure and transportation systems at the Port will improve shipping capacity, competitiveness, and business opportunities for the communities across Maryland that depend on the port. The delegation will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to secure the investments needed to strengthen the Port of Baltimore, grow our economy, and create jobs here in Maryland and across the country,\u201d said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05)\n\n\u201cMaryland is a leading hub for trade and commerce \u2013 and the Port of Baltimore is a key part of our success, generating thousands of jobs and bolstering our economy. Yesterday\u2019s meeting was a great opportunity for Team Maryland to come together with Port leadership and key stakeholders to discuss our past efforts and plan for how we will build on those efforts for the future of the Port. Working alongside state and local partners, we will keep fighting to deliver resources and support so communities across Maryland reap the benefits of a strong and vibrant Port,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\n\u201cThe Port is more than just the pride of Baltimore. It\u2019s a state treasure, and it\u2019s an economic engine for the nation and the rest of the world. Our support for Baltimore and the Port remains strong, because a strong Port makes us better, makes our economy stronger, and makes us more sustainable. We have to continue looking at every opportunity to invest in this economic engine that consumers, businesses, workers, and economies worldwide depend on. And I look forward to working with Team Maryland on Capitol Hill to continue fighting for the resources that keep us on the cutting edge,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks (D-MD).\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore is a booming economic gateway for the Free State and the nation,\u201d said Congressman Raskin (MD-08). \u201cWhile President Trump\u2019s chaotic and costly trade war and tariffs have reduced imports, Team Maryland will continue fighting for the federal funding needed to keep the port an accessible, attractive destination for the largest cargo ships and create more high-paying union jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore has been able to survive ups and downs of the economy for over 100 years. Now, the President\u2019s economic strategy that prioritizes tariffs over jobs is adding additional hardship. The President\u2019s ongoing, illegal war in Iran is driving up the cost to ship everything, which directly impacts our port and our economy. But Team Maryland will be able to overcome that. We're in Washington and working together to deliver, not just for the Port, not just for the 2,400 Longshoremen who work in the Port, but for our economy and state as a whole,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth (MD-03). \u201cTo write the future of the Port of Baltimore, we will be taking inspiration from what once was \u2013 back to the Baltimore clippers and the hundreds of Liberty ships built during World War II. It is time for Maryland to lead in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing once again.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvesting in the Port of Baltimore isn\u2019t just about concrete, cranes, and cargo \u2014 it\u2019s about investing in people,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski (MD-02). \u201cTwo and a half years after the Key Bridge collapse, we have a responsibility to rebuild stronger and keep investing in the infrastructure that makes the Port a national economic asset. When we prioritize the Port, we are prioritizing jobs, families, and the future of Maryland.\u201d", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-joins-maryland-delegation-announcing-86-million-increase-safety-and", "Elfreth Joins Maryland Delegation in Announcing $8.6 Million to Increase Safety and Security in Places of Worship", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski announced $8,627,091 in federal funding to strengthen security at 49 religious institutions and community centers across Maryland.\n\n\u201cMarylanders of all faiths deserve to both be safe and feel safe in their houses of worship. Since coming to Congress, I have continued to prioritize increased security funding for nonprofit and religious institutions \u2013 both in Washington in the budget and through our Interfaith Advisory Council \u2013 which is why it is so great to join Team Maryland in announcing this $8 million in federal funding for 49 houses of worship, religious institutions, and community centers across our state. Especially as religious institutions spend more and more on security and the number of hate crimes continues to rise, Congress has an important responsibility to ensure the safety of all of our neighbors,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth.\n\n\u201cEvery Marylander deserves to be able to exercise their right to religious freedom and worship without fear for their safety. Our faith institutions also help build community in many ways, from providing spiritual services to offering youth programs to supporting local families. As that work continues, we have also seen an appalling increase in threats against faith-based organizations across the state, and we know that more federal funding and reforms are necessary to meet the growing security measures needed to keep community members safe. We will continue working to increase funds for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and to see that these investments go where they are needed most, in light of recent changes to this program,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cAll Marylanders deserve to feel safe in their homes, schools, communities \u2013 and especially in places of worship. It was critical that Team Maryland fight to secure over $8 million in federal funding to strengthen security at religious centers in our state. And I won\u2019t stop fighting until all Marylanders feel and are safe,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Nonprofit Security Grant Program has become an essential tool for protecting our houses of worship, schools, community centers, and early-childhood programs. With the alarming rise in antisemitism and other forms of hate, it is critical that everyone feels safe when gathering with their communities and congregations. I\u2019m proud that Team Maryland was able to secure this funding, and I will continue working with our delegation to push for further federal support for nonprofit security,\u201d said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer.\n\n\u201cNo matter what your faith or religion is, every American should feel safe and secure in their ability to worship peacefully,\u201d said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \u201cWith this injection of over $8 million in Federal funding, dozens of faith-based institutions across Maryland will be able to improve their security systems and protocols, ensuring that houses of worship remain sanctuaries for practitioners of all beliefs.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarylanders should be able to practice their faith without worrying about their safety. This funding will improve security at religious institutions across the First District, from Harford County to the Eastern Shore. Thank you to President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security for helping Maryland\u2019s religious organizations improve security and protect our communities,\u201d said Congressman Harris.\n\n\u201cAmidst an alarming increase in antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of toxic hate, Team Maryland is surging more than $8.6 million in federal Nonprofit Security Grants to protect our people,\u201d said Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08). \u201cNo American should become a target of senseless violence and intimidation, especially in their house of worship.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery Marylander should be able to worship and gather without fear,\u201d said Congressman Ivey. \u201cTeam Maryland fought together to secure this federal funding so that faith communities across our state have the resources they need to strengthen security and protect the people they serve. I\u2019m proud of our delegation\u2019s work to deliver these investments and help keep Marylanders safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhether you are walking into a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or community center, you should never have to fear for your safety. Freedom of religion means the freedom to worship without fear. This $8.6 million investment will help 49 institutions across Maryland strengthen security and protect the communities they serve. I\u2019ll keep working with Team Maryland to ensure our faith communities have the resources they need to keep people safe,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cOur faith communities are critical community anchors and bring so many Marylanders together,\u201d said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). \u201cThis funding gives 49 religious institutions and community centers across our state the resources they need to worship, learn, and gather without fear. Team Maryland will keep fighting to make sure our houses of worship have what they need to stay safe.\u201d\n\nA full list of the recipients, selected by the Department of Homeland Security, is below:\n\nWestern Maryland\n\nB'er Chayim Congregation\n\nBeth Sholom Congregation of Frederick, MD\n\nBroadfording Bible Brethren Church\n\nBroadfording Bible Brethren Church DBA Global Vision Christian School Broadfording (Main Campus)\n\nBroadfording Bible Brethren Church DBA Global Vision Christian School Broadfording (West Campus)\n\nCamp Airy\n\nCamp Louise\n\nSaints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church\n\nBaltimore Area\n\nArundel Christian Church\n\nBeth Tfiloh Congregation dba Beth Tfiloh Camps\n\nCecil Memorial United Methodist Church\n\nChabad of Greengate Maryland Inc.\n\nChabad of Harford County, Inc.\n\nCongregation Kneseth Israel\n\nHebrew School of the Performing Arts, Inc.\n\nImmaculate Heart of Mary School\n\nImmaculate Heart of Mary Church\n\nJewels Therapy Clinic\n\nJohn Carroll School Inc.\n\nRedemption City Church Baltimore\n\nSafe Green Transit Corporation\n\nSts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church\n\nSt. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church\n\nTalmudical Academy of Baltimore Inc.\n\nThe Cathedral of Mary Our Queen\n\nThe Greek Orthodox Cemetery\n\nWest Baltimore United Methodist Church\n\nMontgomery & Prince George\u2019s Counties\n\nChabad Lubavitch of Bowie Maryland Inc\n\nChabad Lubavitch of Upper Montgomery County Inc.\n\nCharles E. Smith Jewish Day School (Lower School)\n\nCongregation B'nai Tzedek\n\nCovenant Life Church (7501)\n\nCovenant Life School (7503)\n\nCovenant Life School/Church (7505)\n\nGreater Praise and Deliverance Tabernacle\n\nGreek Orthodox Church of Saint George, Inc.\n\nIsrael on Campus Coalition, Inc.\n\nImadi\n\nKehilat Pardes\n\nKingdom Full Tabernacle International Ministries\n\nLife Changing Christian Center\n\nMcLean Bible Church (Montgomery)\n\nNorth Brentwood AME Zion Church\n\nThe Guru Gobind Singh Foundation Trust Inc\n\nThe Sierra Leone Muslim Jamaat, Inc. (3305)\n\nTikvat Israel Congregation\n\nSouthern Maryland\n\nCamp St. Charles Inc.\n\nCrossroads Christian Center, Inc.\n\nEastern Shore\n\nLighthouse Christian Academy\n\nThe awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps high-risk nonprofits, including faith-based institutions, obtain the resources required to support and integrate preparedness activities with broader state and local efforts. The lawmakers fought to fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program at $300 million through the Fiscal Year 2026 annual appropriations package, an increase from $274.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/disability-rights-advocacy-groups-support-hoyers-bipartisan-american", "Disability Rights Advocacy Groups Support Hoyer's Bipartisan American Procurement Improvement Act", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 A coalition of 51 organizations, unions, disability stakeholders, and advocacy groups have endorsed H.R. 10443, the American Procurement Improvement Act (APIA), bipartisan legislation which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Pete Sessions (TX-17). Following the bill's introduction, many leaders have expressed their support for the bill:\n\n\u201cSourceAmerica supports the American Procurement Improvement Act of 2026 as it advances priorities long sought by groups seeking to drive continued improvements within the AbilityOne Program,\u201d said Richard Belden, SourceAmerica President and CEO. \u201cAbilityOne is a proven model that strengthens the American workforce, supports the domestic supply chain and helps federal agencies deliver on their missions. We sincerely thank Reps. Hoyer and Sessions and the other cosponsors for choosing to make the protection and growth of AbilityOne Program employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities, including veterans, a priority.\u201d\n\n\u201cPeople with disabilities deserve access to good jobs that provide fair wages, meaningful benefits, opportunities to develop new skills, and a pathway to advance in their careers. AAPD appreciates Representatives Steny Hoyer and Pete Sessions for their leadership in introducing this bipartisan legislation and for recognizing that modernizing AbilityOne must go hand in hand with expanding economic opportunity for people with disabilities. We look forward to working with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure the program continues to create high-quality employment opportunities where people with disabilities can build careers, achieve economic independence, and thrive,\u201d said Maria Town, President and CEO of American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).\n\n\"Businesses lose access to talented individuals who could strengthen their workforce and improve performance when they dismiss the millions of Americans with disabilities who are ready to contribute, lead, and succeed. This legislation will modernize the AbilityOne program to ensure that people with disabilities have the same thing everyone else needs to thrive in employment: A chance,\u201d said Former Congressman Tony Coelho (CA-15) and lead sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).\n\n\u201cThe AbilityOne program has shown what is possible when we connect federal procurement with the talents and potential of people with significant disabilities. The American Procurement Improvement Act gives that successful model the tools it needs to evolve with today\u2019s workforce, creating more opportunities for people to enter the workforce, advance their careers, and take on new responsibilities. This legislation will help ensure that AbilityOne continues to open doors to meaningful employment and economic independence for generations to come,\u201d said Larysa Kautz, President and CEO of the Melwood Family of Companies.\n\n\u201cSince our founding in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind has worked to improve employment opportunities for blind Americans. We greatly appreciate the work of Representatives Steny Hoyer and Pete Sessions to advance the American Procurement Improvement Act of 2026, H.R. 10443, which will advance this goal. This bill will dramatically modernize the AbilityOne program by promoting upward mobility, professional development, and career counseling for blind and disabled employees on AbilityOne contracts,\" said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind.\n\n\"I urge Congress vote to enact the implementation of the American Procurement Improvement Act of 2026. I am a Disability Rights Leader and Business Leader; I also live with epilepsy. I have expertise on the employment of people with disabilities, and the APIA would substantially improve the lives of the unemployed Americans with disabilities and provide them with dignity and quality of life. I believe the APIA would enable them to gain the greatest treasure-employment. Remember, the unemployment of Americans with disabilities touches us all and the APIA gives me hope that change will come,\u201d said Joyce Bender, CEO and Founder of Bender Consulting Services, Inc.\n\n\u200b\"The AbilityOne program is essential to supporting our nation\u2019s warfighters. The American Procurement Improvement Act enhances Program contributions to total force readiness and accelerates our mission to provide empowering, fulfilling employment for individuals with disabilities across the nation,\" said Retired U.S. Army Major General Tony Cucolo, President and CEO of Professional Contract Services, Inc (PCSI).\n\n\u201cFor decades the AbilityOne Program has demonstrated how the government can leverage its purchasing power to create jobs for Americans with disabilities,\u201d said Bartholomew Devon, Executive Director of the Alliance for Expanding America\u2019s Workforce. \u201cThis legislation will help create new opportunities for career growth, enhance professional development, and promote economic independence for employees with disabilities. The members of the Alliance are grateful to Representatives Hoyer and Sessions for their bipartisan leadership and for recognizing the extraordinary contributions disabled Americans make to our nation\u2019s economy and our communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-press-usda-usfs-make-good-commitment-keep", "Maryland Delegation\u00a0Members\u00a0Press USDA, USFS to Make Good on Commitment to\u00a0Keep\u00a0Baltimore Urban Forestry Office\u00a0in Baltimore", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) were joined by U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), in calling for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden and United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz to reverse course on the decision to close the USFS Baltimore Field Office and relocate staff outside of Baltimore. The USFS Baltimore Urban Field Station leads forestry-related projects that benefit the local Baltimore community and conducts important forestry and urban ecology research that informs land use decision-making throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and beyond. The lawmakers pose several questions to USDA and USFS around the decision, which comes after Senator Van Hollen questioned Chief Tom Schultz in the Senate Appropriations Committee and received commitment to maintain presence in Baltimore.\n\nThe lawmakers begin, \u201cOn April 30, 2026, during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the United States Forest Service (USFS) FY27 budget, Chief Schultz assured Senator Van Hollen that USFS would not force Baltimore Urban Field Office employees to relocate outside of the Baltimore area during the USDA reorganization. Despite this commitment, when USFS announced earlier this month that the Baltimore Urban Field Office will close, we learned that USFS intends to relocate Baltimore employees to Beltsville, Maryland \u2013 a location that is decidedly outside of the broader Baltimore area. USFS must make good on its word and keep Baltimore Urban Field Office employees in Baltimore so they can effectively continue their place-based and partnership-dependent work in the Baltimore area.\u201d\n\nOn the critical benefits for keeping the Baltimore Urban Field Office in the Baltimore area, the lawmakers write, \u201cWhen Secretary Rollins announced the USDA reorganization, one of the stated pillars of the plan was to \u2018bring USDA closer to its customers.\u2019 Closing the Baltimore Field Office and relocating employees away from Baltimore violates this core principle, since the primary \u2018customers\u2019 of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office are in Baltimore; they are the community groups, local government, and academics with whom the Field Office has developed partnerships and collaborations during its nearly 40-year tenure on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. These relationships have enabled important research projects that benefit the Chesapeake Bay watershed and regional forests, as well as urban forestry projects in the Baltimore community. For example, the Office supports community-led restoration and urban revitalization efforts in Baltimore by leading the Baltimore Urban Waters Partnership. It delivers professional skill building and workforce training to urban youth in Baltimore by supporting youth forestry projects at the Stillmeadow Church and Peace Park. And it started an urban wood reuse project that successfully spun off into a city-run urban sawmill and wood recycling center.\u201d\n\nAmong other questions, the lawmakers go on to ask the following:\n\nDid USDA or USFS conduct an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with closing the Baltimore Urban Field Office as compared to keeping them in the current location?\n\nHas USDA or USFS assessed the impact that closure of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office and relocation of employees outside of the Baltimore area will have on the important work that the Baltimore Urban Field Office has been conducting?\n\n\u201cThe Baltimore location is critical to the ability of the Baltimore Urban Field Office to successfully accomplish its place-based and partnership-driven work. This work not only benefits the Baltimore community but serves as a model for urban forestry work in cities across the country and the world. The Baltimore Urban Field Office is an asset to the nation and its closure serves no one. Keep your word and keep the work of the Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore.\u201d the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Deputy Secretary Vaden and Chief Schultz,\n\nOn April 30, 2026, during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the United States Forest Service (USFS) FY27 budget, Chief Schultz assured Senator Van Hollen that USFS would not force Baltimore Urban Field Office employees to relocate outside of the Baltimore area during the USDA reorganization. Despite this commitment, when USFS announced earlier this month that the Baltimore Urban Field Office will close, we learned that USFS intends to relocate Baltimore employees to Beltsville, Maryland \u2013 a location that is decidedly outside of the broader Baltimore area. USFS must make good on its word and keep Baltimore Urban Field Office employees in Baltimore so they can effectively continue their place-based and partnership-dependent work in the Baltimore area.\n\nWhen Secretary Rollins announced the USDA reorganization, one of the stated pillars of the plan was to \u201cbring USDA closer to its customers.\u201d Closing the Baltimore Field Office and relocating employees away from Baltimore violates this core principle, since the primary \u201ccustomers\u201d of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office are in Baltimore; they are the community groups, local government, and academics with whom the Field Office has developed partnerships and collaborations during its nearly 40-year tenure on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. These relationships have enabled important research projects that benefit the Chesapeake Bay watershed and regional forests, as well as urban forestry projects in the Baltimore community. For example, the Office supports community-led restoration and urban revitalization efforts in Baltimore by leading the Baltimore Urban Waters Partnership. It delivers professional skill building and workforce training to urban youth in Baltimore by supporting youth forestry projects at the Stillmeadow Church and Peace Park. And it started an urban wood reuse project that successfully spun off into a city-run urban sawmill and wood recycling center.\n\nUSDA has continually failed to respond to basic questions about the Department\u2019s decision-making during the reorganization process. This includes a failure to answer the questions included in the letter sent to you opposing the closure of the Baltimore Urban Field Office from April 24, 2026, such as whether a cost-benefit analysis has been conducted to understand the true costs to the American taxpayer of closing this facility. This lack of transparency is particularly disturbing when USDA maintains that the reorganization is meant to save money.\n\nTo add to this concern, there are clearly other suitable federal facilities for these employees in the Baltimore area. For example, there is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) facility that is located across the street from the Baltimore Urban Field Office that has the capacity to accommodate USFS employees - a facility that Chief Schultz mentioned during the April 30th hearing. The availability of other Baltimore locations to house the Baltimore Urban Field Office make it extremely difficult to understand why the Field Office\u2019s employees would need to be relocated outside of Baltimore, where it will be harder for them to effectively do their jobs and maintain critical partnerships in the community that this Field Office exists to serve.\n\nIn addition, while Beltsville may fall within the range of the Forest Service\u2019s expansive definition the Baltimore \u201ccommuting area,\u201d despite being well outside of the Baltimore area, relocating Field Office employees to Beltsville realistically means commutes of 2 hours or more for Baltimore-based employees who rely on public transit. This will keep employees away from their families for longer and create an additional cost burden for them \u2013 stressors that stand to decrease overall employee productivity and harm employee retention.\n\nWe urge you to keep your word and reverse course on the decision to relocate USFS Baltimore Field Office employees outside of Baltimore. In addition, please provide answers to the following questions by October 1, 2026:\n\nDid USDA or USFS conduct an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with closing the Baltimore Urban Field Office as compared to keeping them in the current location?\n\na. If so, please provide that analysis, including details on the alternative locations that were considered for Baltimore Field Office employees.\n\nHas USDA or USFS assessed the impact that closure of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office and relocation of employees outside of the Baltimore area will have on the important work that the Baltimore Urban Field Office has been conducting?\n\nb.If so, please explain in detail how the assessment was conducted and what the findings were.\n\nDid USDA or USFS assess the feasibility of co-locating the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office with the nearby USGS facility that Chief Schultz referenced in the April 30th hearing?\n\nWill employees still be able and expected to work on the ground in Baltimore?\n\nIf so, how will employee productivity be impacted by the relocation and what will the cost to USDA be, including lost work hours and travel expenses, from frequent employee travel from Beltsville to Baltimore?\n\nThe Baltimore location is critical to the ability of the Baltimore Urban Field Office to successfully accomplish its place-based and partnership-driven work. This work not only benefits the Baltimore community but serves as a model for urban forestry work in cities across the country and the world. The Baltimore Urban Field Office is an asset to the nation and its closure serves no one. Keep your word and keep the work of the Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/top-appropriators-demand-white-house-immediately-take-taxpayer-funded-ad", "Top Appropriators Demand White House Immediately Take Taxpayer-Funded Ad Celebrating Trump Off the Air", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, wrote a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles demanding the Trump administration immediately take off the air a taxpayer-funded political ad celebrating President Trump \u2014 and report to the Committees exactly how many taxpayer dollars were spent creating and airing the illegal political propaganda.\n\n\u201cThis is the sort of government propaganda one might expect in North Korea, not the United States of America, and it is an egregious and utterly illegal misuse of Americans\u2019 hard-earned tax dollars,\u201d write the lawmakers, who note the ad constitutes a blatant violation of Section 718 of Division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which forbids any federal funding from supporting propaganda, as well as other federal laws.\n\n\u201cWe write to demand that you immediately take this ad off the air and appropriately reprimand and discipline the Federal employees who knowingly violated Federal law in working on and paying for this advertisement. In addition, we demand a full account and breakdown of all Federal funds used to create and air this ad,\u201d they continue. \u201cThe law is not complicated. You cannot use taxpayer dollars for political advertisements.\u201d\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nThe Honorable Susan Wiles\n\nChief of Staff\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nCc: The Honorable Russell T. Vought, Director, Office of Management and Budget\n\nMs. Wiles:\n\nLast night, Fox News aired a government-sponsored political ad that was \u201cPaid for by the U.S. Government\u201d\u2014otherwise known as the American taxpayers. The ad celebrates President Trump with a montage of photos of him and the American flag as singers repeat the words \u201clove me\u201d from JMSN\u2019s song \u201cLove Me.\u201d[1] If President Trump wants people to love him, he can pay for it himself.\n\nThis is the sort of government propaganda one might expect in North Korea, not the United States of America, and it is an egregious and illegal misuse of Americans\u2019 hard-earned tax dollars. This ad is a violation of section 718 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, a longstanding general provision prohibiting any taxpayer funds from being used to produce government propaganda. Section 718 states that, \u201cNo part of any appropriation contained in the act or any other Act shall be used directly or indirectly, including through a private contractor, for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States not heretofore authorized by Congress.\u201d It is also apparently a violation of Federal ethics laws, including the Hatch Act.\n\nWe write to demand that you immediately take this ad off the air and appropriately reprimand and discipline the Federal employees who knowingly violated Federal law in working on and paying for this advertisement. In addition, we demand a full account and breakdown of all Federal funds used to create and air this ad.\n\nAs you are aware, this is not the first time this administration has violated anti-propaganda law[2]. It is unconscionable that repeated violations of appropriations law continue to occur during this Administration, and those violations underscore the failure of the Office of Management and Budget to safeguard taxpayer funding and to consistently and faithfully ensure compliance with the law. No taxpayer funding should be used to air this outrageous propaganda.\n\nThe law is not complicated. You cannot use taxpayer dollars for political advertisements.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/team-maryland-welcomes-new-microsoft-discovery-center-ribbon-cutting-ceremony", "Team Maryland Welcomes New Microsoft Discovery Center at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in University of Maryland\u2019s Discovery District", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) joined Governor Wes Moore today for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Microsoft\u2019s Discovery Center at the Capital of Quantum at the University of Maryland. The new quantum research center, in the heart of the University of Maryland\u2019s Discovery District, will serve as a development hub for next-generation quantum technologies, marking a critical milestone in Maryland\u2019s momentum to become a global leader for quantum information science and technology innovation.\n\n\u201cQuantum has the potential to transform every part of our economy and society and the opening of this new discovery center is another step in Maryland leading the nation in this emerging sector,\u201d said Gov. Moore. \u201cOur partnership with Microsoft and our continued investment in the Quantum ecosystem, creates jobs, stimulates our economy, and drives innovation. Together, we will solve some of the world\u2019s most pressing challenges right here in Maryland.\u201d\n\nLaunched by Governor Moore at IonQ's College Park headquarters in January 2025, the Capital of Quantum Initiative is a public-private partnership with the state, the University of Maryland, College Park and private partners to catalyze more than $1 billion in investments in Maryland\u2019s quantum industry. Since the Capital of Quantum Initiative was announced, the State of Maryland and the University of Maryland have reached over $500 million in pledged investments to strengthen the state\u2019s quantum ecosystem through academics, workforce development, and technical support.\n\n\u201cMaryland is positioning itself at the forefront of the quantum revolution, and the launch of the Discovery Center marks another major step forward,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Ivey. \u201cHere in Prince George\u2019s County, we have the talent, research institutions, and entrepreneurial ecosystem to turn groundbreaking discoveries into new companies, good-paying jobs, and economic opportunity. I\u2019m proud to join Governor Moore, the University of Maryland, Microsoft, and our partners in building the Capital of Quantum right here in Maryland and ensuring our region helps lead the next generation of American innovation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis moment fulfills the commitment that UMD made a year ago when we joined the State of Maryland in announcing Microsoft as a member of our growing quantum community,\" said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. \"We are excited for the progress of this partnership and welcome the quantum companies investing in Maryland, as we continue to grow the Capital of Quantum.\u201d\n\n\"One year ago, Governor Moore, the State of Maryland, the University of Maryland, and Microsoft came together around a shared ambition to advance Maryland's Capital of Quantum initiative,\" said Executive Vice President of Microsoft Discovery & Quantum Jason Zander. \"Today, we are delivering on that commitment and creating an ecosystem to translate quantum innovation into lasting scientific and economic impact.\"\n\nSince launching the Capital of Quantum Initiative, Maryland has welcomed nearly a dozen quantum startups to the Discovery District\u2019s diverse network of quantum innovators, and IonQ has announced three significant mergers with quantum and aerospace firms.\n\nToday\u2019s ribbon-cutting ceremony coincided with QuEra, a Boston-based company that develops quantum computers using neutral atoms based on research conducted at both Harvard University and MIT, announcing that it would establish office space in the Discovery District. Last week, British-based Riverlane, a global leader in quantum error correction, announced that Maryland would become the site of its new U.S. headquarters. These expansions follow the University of Maryland welcoming additional commercial tenants to the Capital of Quantum like IQM and Quantum Motion, in addition to Microsoft\u2019s cutting-edge quantum research lab.\n\nAdditional deals reached within the past year include an agreement between the State of Maryland and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) providing up to $100 million in matching grants for state and private quantum investments, a major expansion of IonQ\u2019s global headquarters, and the development of a new, 110,000 square-foot headquarters for Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland\u2014$65 million capital project that will advance national defense technology and solidify the state\u2019s status as a global leader in quantum.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mfume-vindman-urge-netanyahu-to-contain-violence-and-protect-palestinians-in-the-west-bank", "Reps. Mfume, Vindman Urge Netanyahu to Contain Violence and Protect Palestinians in the West Bank", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and Congressman Eugene Vindman (D-VA) led a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to take immediate steps to contain settler violence and protect Palestinian communities in the West Bank.\n\n\"We write with urgent concern regarding the growing outbreak of extremist settler violence in the West Bank, including violence that has killed and threatened American citizens,\" wrote the lawmakers. \"We do so out of concern for Israel's long-term security as well as for the safety of Palestinians. Continued settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank will harm that security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.\"\n\n\"Amidst this violence, we are especially concerned for the safety of American citizens in the West Bank,\" the lawmakers continued. \"Nine American citizens have been killed in the West Bank since January 2022. To date, no one has been held accountable for any of these nine deaths. Many of us have heard directly from constituents, including American citizens who have themselves been threatened or harassed by settlers without cause.\"\n\n\"Restoring the rule of law in the West Bank serves the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike,\" the lawmakers concluded. \"The safety of our constituents matters to us as the safety of your citizens matters to you. We also hope to see conditions improve so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live alongside one another without fear of terrorism or lawless violence.\"\n\nIn the letter, the representatives request that the Israeli government take the following actions to uphold the rule of law and end the violence in the West Bank:\n\nInstruct the Israeli Police and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to defend Palestinian communities in the West Bank when they come under attack, and to apply that standard consistently, whoever the attackers are;\n\nEstablish a transparent and credible mechanism to investigate and prosecute violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian Americans, and complete the pending investigations into the deaths of the nine American citizens killed in the West Bank since January 2022.\n\nHalt further settlement approvals and continue to take steps to remove illegal outposts in the West Bank.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Reps. Ansari, Balint, Barrag\u00e1n, Beyer, Bonamici, Boyle, Carbajal, Carson, Carter, Casten, Chu, Clarke, Cleaver, Cohen, Courtney, Crockett, Davis, Dean, DeLauro, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Doggett, Elfreth, Escobar, Foster, Garamendi, Green, Grijalva, Hoyer, Hoyle, Huffman, Jackson, Jacobs, Johnson (GA), Kamlager-Dove, Kaptur, Kennedy, Khanna, Lofgren, Lynch, Mannion, McBride, Moore, Morrison, Nadler, Norton, Olszewski, Pallone, Panetta, Pelosi, Peters, Pettersen, Pingree, Pocan, Quigley, Randall, Raskin, Ross, Salinas, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Stansbury, Stanton, Subramanyam, Thompson (MS), Tokuda, Tran, Vindman, Walkinshaw, Waters, and Watson Coleman.\n\nSupporting organizations include: J Street, New Jewish Narrative, and Jewish Democratic Council of America.\n\nText of the letter can be viewed here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-people-who-work-government-should-be-able-afford-work-government", "Hoyer: People Who Work for the Government Should Be Able to Afford to Work for the Government", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks at a press conference with members of the Federal Workforce Caucus and federal employee union leaders to highlight the impact of President Donald Trump's proposed 2027 pay freeze on the federal workforce. Below is a transcript of his remarks:\n\n\"Congressman Walkinshaw, thank you very, very much. Congressman Walkinshaw is a new Member of the Congress of the United States. He's not a new member of representing, literally, hundreds of thousands, over the years, federal employees. He is not somebody who is not experienced at running a government who can make sure that you can recruit and retain the best, so that we can give people the best service possible. He is not new to the challenge that he met when he came to Congress of the United States with this Administration, with Russell Vought, whose intent, as he pointed out, was to visit Trump on federal employees. And to the federal employees who may be watching, our president reported $2.2 billion of income. Do any of you think when he goes to the grocery store \u2013 I don\u2019t think he goes to the grocery store \u2013 and he picks up a piece of pizza, says, \u2018That may be too expensive for me.\u2019 Or that when he goes to a gasoline station \u2013 of course, we know he doesn\u2019t \u2013 that he worries about either diesel or gasoline products being $2, $3, or $4 higher than they were six months ago? Of course you don't. Americans are struggling to pay their bills. Americans are struggling to reach an economy that is affordable for them and their families. By the way, federal employees are Americans, and they are consumers, and they are struggling. And while the President says, \u2018Zero for the federal employees,\u2019 if you're not a federal employee, he's saying 'Zero' to you as well. How is he saying that? He\u2019s saying, \u2018I don't care what inflation is. I don't care [that] costs are going up. I'm going to keep this war going.\u2019 A war of choice. I'm making some signs up, it's going to be at number of gas stations in my district that\u2019s going to say, \u2018Pay Trump's War Tax Here.\u2019\n\n\"I was the sponsor of the Federal Employee Pay Comparability Act. It passed in 2010 or thereabouts \u2013 I think it was 2010, a couple of decades ago \u2013 and what that bill said [was], \u2018We're going to pay somebody in the federal government who does a job that is done in the private sector, comparable.\u2019 Why do [we] want to pay them more comparable? Because we want to compete, so that when DOGE wipes out a couple hundred thousand positions and then, by the way, hires back because, 'Oh, we needed those people,' and you need to hire competent, capable people who have the skills to do the jobs that Americans need them [done] and their families. That's why we're here. That's why we're saying, \u2018Yes, the sergeant over at the Pentagon who is sitting there at the computer and doing a job needs to be compensated in a fair and effective way. But by the way, the person sitting next to that sergeant in a civilian guard, not in the military, who is doing exactly the same thing, exactly the same thing, ought to be comparably compensated.' This president said, \u2018Zero, Mack. You're on your own. Take a hike. I don't care that you're having problems getting food. I don't care that you're having problems paying $6 a gallon if you had a diesel vehicle, or $4.50 if you got a gasoline vehicle.\u2019 And then you have to make a choice between that and your rent, between that and your groceries, between that and your medical costs. \u2018I don't care because I made $2.2 billion, so why do I care? And my son had his wedding paid for.' Although he's worth not a billion, perhaps, but hundreds of millions of dollars himself. His cost of living, of course, is the interest he gets every day, which exceeds what that sergeant makes in a year. So, he apparently doesn't care.\n\n\"So, I\u2019m pleased to join my friend, Congressman Walkinshaw, and my friend, Senator Van Hollen. The civilian pay freeze announced by the Administration is just the latest example of how he traumatized Americans \u2013 not just federal employees, Americans \u2013 why he doesn't care about your costs, why he hasn't offered a policy to help them. They\u2019re trying to create tension and an artificial divide between civilian [employees] and those who wear a uniform. I have been for comparability since I came to the Congress of the United States 45 years ago, and we've been largely successful \u2013 not completely, there were a lot of years where we took a pass, some because things were tough for everybody. And by the way, the Pay Comparability Act says, \u2018Civilian employees in the federal government cannot get a raise if the private sector economic cost (inaudible). That\u2019s what the law says. And, Mr. Walkinshaw, it's about 3.2- 3.3% and going up, and inflation is outstripping \u2013 even in the private sector [salary increases].\n\n\"So, I'm very hopeful that our Members of Congress \u2013 we\u2019ll see what the election results [are], we\u2019re hopeful. The fact of that is, most Members of Congress are dispersed, two weeks before we were supposed to. Somehow, we thought our work was done, while people are struggling, while gas prices are spiraling, while health care costs and housing costs are driving people to distraction, and worse. I want to thank Representative Walkinshaw, I want to thank you Senator Van Hollen, I want all of you for supporting this effort. I want to thank the federal employee unions who have been so active. I congratulate all of them for keeping the faith for the American people and making sure that people who work for the government are still able to afford to work for the government. I\u2019m sure I have some other great remarks, but I'm afraid I\u2019ve probably talked too long. But we need all of you who are watching, just say to your representatives, say to the Congress of the United States, say to the President of the United States, \u2018We value the people for helping us at the federal, state and local level and we need to make sure they don't fall through the floorboards,\u2019 because that\u2019s what\u2019s happening. With the rising costs and the lack of affordable in the American economy, the average working man and woman cannot make $2.2 billion a year. I now yield to my dear friend, and our senior senator from Maryland, who has been, himself, a very strong, consistent, and faithful voice on behalf of federal employees. Of course, being faithful to our federal employees is being faithful to our country, to our state, and to our people. Senator Van Hollen.\"", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2026/9/ahead-of-u-s-china-summit-raskin-meeks-mcgovern-urge-trump-to-condemn-ccp-law-designed-to-repress-religious-minorities-and-attack-critics-around-the-world", "Ahead of U.S.-China Summit, Raskin, Meeks, McGovern Urge Trump to Condemn CCP Law Designed to Repress Religious Minorities and Attack Critics Around the World", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (NY-05) and Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02) called on President Donald Trump to express the United States\u2019 opposition to China\u2019s sweeping new law to repress ethnic minorities and silence critics around the world, including U.S. citizens, during his meetings with President Xi Jinping at this week\u2019s U.S-China summit. The Ethnic Unity and Progress Law grants Chinese officials broad authority to prosecute transnational dissidents as well as Tibetans, Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups that it classifies as detrimental to \u201cnational unity and Communist Party ideology.\u201d\n\nXi\u2019s visit to the U.S. is scheduled to begin on September 24. The State Department has previously expressed opposition to China\u2019s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.\n\n\u201cDuring your meeting with Xi Jinping, it is imperative that you continue to voice your administration\u2019s disapproval of this affront to the fundamental freedoms of minority communities, human rights advocates and U.S. citizens,\u201d the lawmakers wrote to President Trump.\n\nEnacted in March, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law furthers the Chinese government\u2019s efforts to systematically persecute ethnic and religious minorities and attack critics under the guise of protecting \u2018social harmony.\u2019\n\nThe law allows China to target dissidents around the world, including U.S. citizens living outside of China. In recent years, China has sought to silence pro-democracy voices through monetary bounties on Hong Kong advocates, cyberhacking campaigns and other intimidation tactics. Absent a repeal of the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, the use of such tactics will only become more frequent.\n\n\u201cWe greatly appreciated the State Department\u2019s earlier statement expressing concerns about the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cA president\u2019s personal advocacy, however, has unparalleled power to elicit meaningful change.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers specifically cited the case of Min Zin, a U.S. citizen detained in June while visiting China for an academic conference, to illustrate the government\u2019s repressive practices. Min was an active voice for democracy in Southeast Asia. He remains in Chinese custody.\n\nThe Chinese government has a long and troubling history of subordinating and forcefully assimilating religious and ethnic groups that it deems a threat to state security. As the lawmakers noted, Chinese authorities have sought \u201cto destroy the shrines of Uyghur Muslims, remove Tibetan Buddhist statues from monasteries, censor the holy texts read in Christian churches and otherwise purge houses of worship\u2026\u201d\n\nRaskin, Meeks and McGovern are among the most vocal advocates in Congress for human rights around the world. They have sought and obtained the release numerous of prisoners of conscience, including through the Tom Lantos Commission\u2019s Defending Freedoms Project, an effort to bring attention to international human rights abuses. Tibetan writer Kunchok Tsephel and Vietnamese climate activist Dang Dinh Bach\u2014two political prisoners sponsored by Raskin\u2014were later released from prison.\n\nThe letter is also signed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11) and Representatives Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Ami Bera (CA-06), Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Lloyd Doggett (TX-10), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Al Green (TX-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), George Latimer (NY-16), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Eleanor Norton (DC-AL), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Dina Titus (NV-01), James Walkinshaw (VA-11) , Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Maxine Waters (CA-43).\n\nThe letter is endorsed by the International Campaign for Tibet, Uyghur Human Rights Project and Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation.\n\nRead the full letter here and below.\n\nPresident Donald J. Trump\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nDear President Trump,\n\nAs you engage with President Xi Jinping this month, we urge you to express profound opposition to the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law recently implemented by the Chinese government.\n\nThis law grants Chinese authorities sweeping authority to prosecute Tibetans, Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minority groups that it broadly accuses of undermining national unity and Communist Party ideology.\n\nMoreover, the extraterritorial scope of the law means that it will dramatically accelerate China\u2019s transnational repression of critics living in the U.S. The State Department has itself recognized these ramifications in a statement calling the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law \u201cproblematic.\u201d During your meeting with Xi Jinping, it is imperative that you continue to voice your administration\u2019s disapproval of this affront to the fundamental freedoms of minority communities, human rights advocates and U.S. citizens.\n\nEnacted under the guise of promoting \u201csocial harmony\u201d on March 12, 2026, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law is in fact an insidious declaration of China\u2019s intent to further repress religious freedom and the freedom of group association. One of the most troubling provisions of the law would require religious activities to undergo \u201cSinicization,\u201d a process championed by Xi Jinping and used in reference to the complete subordination and assimilation of religious and ethnic groups to the political ideology of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Well before the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law came into effect on July 1, 2026, China had already embarked upon a concerted campaign to destroy the shrines of Uyghur Muslims, remove Tibetan Buddhist statues from monasteries, censor the holy texts read in Christian churches and otherwise purge houses of worship in the name of \u201cSinicization.\u201d With the additional legal cover provided by their new law, Chinese authorities are escalating their systemic persecution of minority faith communities.\n\nElsewhere in the text of the law, the Chinese government asserts the alarming power to extend its repressive tactics into U.S. borders and against U.S. citizens. Article 63 plainly states that organizations and individuals outside China will be held legally accountable for activities that China deems are undertaken in opposition to national unity and progress. In codifying this language, China thus purports to exercise jurisdiction over people who are neither Chinese citizens nor residents of the country and who are merely exercising their freedom of expression. For dissidents who fled China in pursuit of the rights and freedoms we enjoy in America, the clause amounts to a promise that they will continue to be pursued by an oppressive state adamant about suppressing their speech and beliefs.\n\nTo grasp the consequences of such a promise, one need only examine the tactics China has increasingly deployed against its U.S.-based critics, including U.S. citizens. In the last couple of years alone, the federal government determined conclusively that Chinese officials intimidated student activists who spoke out against its rule, imposed monetary bounties on Hong Kong activists, launched a cyber-hacking campaign targeting dissidents and employed other sophisticated strategies to silence pro-democracy voices in the U.S. Just this summer, Chinese authorities detained Min Zin, a U.S. citizen and doctoral candidate, upon his arrival in the country for an academic conference. Today, Min Zin, who actively promoted democratization in Southeast Asia, remains in Chinese custody. Absent robust efforts to contest the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, he will be just one of many more targeted U.S. citizens.\n\nMin Zin\u2019s story, along with the broader trends indicating an intensification of China\u2019s crackdown on religious minorities and dissent abroad, should serve as a warning to us all. If left in place, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law will expedite ongoing transnational repression, religiously motivated and identity-based persecution and other anti-democratic maneuvers of the Chinese government. In fact, emerging evidence suggests that China has actively begun to leverage the measure against the communities it has historically sought to marginalize. Uyghur-language signs are reportedly being removed from city streets, and during a recent tour of Tibet, a top CCP leader pressed authorities to \u201cadapt\u201d Tibetan Buddhism in accordance with the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.\n\nWe greatly appreciated the State Department\u2019s earlier statement expressing concerns about the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law. However, a president\u2019s personal advocacy has unparalleled power to elicit meaningful change. During your upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping, we therefore urge you to ask for the repeal of the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.\n\nAt stake are our national security, sovereignty and basic human rights all over the world.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-calling-immediate-delivery-military-assistance-ukraine", "Hoyer Statement Calling for the Immediate Delivery of Military Assistance to Ukraine", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement urging the Pentagon to ensure immediate delivery of the $400 million that was authorized in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative:\n\n\u201cOn September 16, Congress sent the President bipartisan sanctions legislation that can substantially degrade Russia\u2019s ability to wage war. This was a major step toward ending the war in Ukraine with a victory that can secure its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. But it cannot and must not be the only immediate step we take. The signing of that law should be accompanied by the transfer of $400 million in military assistance already authorized and appropriated by Congress for FY26.\n\n\u201cCongress appropriated these funds more than seven months ago!\n\n\u201cWhen Members of Congress visited Ukraine in early September, they heard from the first deputy speaker of its parliament and the secretary of its national defense council that delivery of that assistance was the next-highest priority. The Ukrainians have told us that, to date, they have not received any part of it!\n\n\u201cI urge the Pentagon immediately to deliver to Ukraine the resources that have been appropriated. I also ask the Administration to deliver the second tranche of $400 million, which has also been authorized, as soon as it is appropriated. America should lead in this defense of democracy, sovereignty, and international law.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaney-and-maryland-delegation-demand-independent-investigation-after", "McClain Delaney and Maryland Delegation Demand Independent Investigation After ICE Operation in Frederick", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06), alongside Senator Chris Van Hollen, led the full Maryland Congressional delegation in demanding an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the tactics employed by ICE during its operation in Frederick on September 3rd and 4th. The letter went to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Acting ICE Director David Venturella, and DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, and it sets a response deadline of October 1, 2026.\n\nThe Members want to know whether ICE had a warrant before entering the home, whether that warrant was administrative or judicial, whether agency policy permits using vehicles to clear peaceful observers, and how ICE obtained a local official\u2019s personal information and why an officer recited it back to her. A federal law enforcement vehicle drove down a Frederick sidewalk and struck an observer. Officers used a baton on a protester and dragged another person off the front steps of a home. An ICE officer told a local elected official that the agency knew her name, her license plate, and where she lived.\n\nAll of it happened over roughly 40 hours in one neighborhood of Frederick, in Maryland\u2019s Sixth District, and all of it is on video.\n\n\u201cThe Frederick community deserves better from its government,\u201d,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. \u201cNone of what happened there earlier this month made anyone safer. This Administration claims it is targeting the worst of the worst, but its own numbers show that seven out of ten people arrested in this region had no criminal record. I brought Team Maryland together because our constituents deserve to know who authorized this operation, what warrant ICE relied on, and what use-of-force policy allowed these tactics. We expect clear answers by October 1.\u201d\n\nThe letter also presses DHS on the scope of last month\u2019s two-week surge across Maryland and Virginia. By the Department\u2019s own numbers, nearly 70 percent of the 1,328 people arrested in that operation had no criminal record.\n\nThe letter was signed by Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Representatives April McClain Delaney, Steny H. Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn F. Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mfume-jackson-introduce-house-bill-requiring-the-us-to-rejoin-the-who-and-help-contain-the-fastest-growing-ebola-outbreak-on-record", "Reps. Mfume, Jackson Introduce House Bill Requiring the U.S. to Rejoin the WHO and Help Contain the Fastest-Growing Ebola Outbreak on Record", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 This month, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) and Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01) introduced the Epidemic Barrier and Outbreak Leadership Act, or the EBOLA Act (H.R.10345), which would require the President to rejoin the World Health Organization within 30 days of enactment and direct the United States to begin working with the WHO immediately on the Ebola outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa. The bill is the House companion to legislation introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.\n\nPer the World Health Organization's September 6 Situation Report, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has passed 6,500 confirmed cases and 3,200 confirmed deaths in a little over two months, a faster rate of spread than any previous Ebola outbreak. By comparison, the 2014 West Africa outbreak had roughly 40 suspected cases when the international response began. Fighting between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 has cut off humanitarian access to some of the areas where the virus is spreading fastest, and the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention are running the global response without American participation.\n\n\"President Trump pulled the United States out of the World Health Organization and told Americans we would be safer for it. It was a foolish decision the day he made it, and sadly, with Ebola now spreading faster than any outbreak of it we have seen, it did not take long to become a dangerous one,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \"This Administration also cut foreign assistance and stalled funding for the vaccine organizations that stop outbreaks abroad before they reach us, including Gavi. Every one of those choices made this crisis worse and left Americans more vulnerable. Protecting American families means working alongside the health experts tracking this virus, not turning our backs on them. The House should take this bill up without delay.\"\n\n\"Every American family should be concerned that when this dangerous outbreak began, our own government did not hear about it for nine days because we are no longer in the room,\u201d said Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson. \u201cWhile Ebola continues to spread and communities are living in fear and desperate for support, the United States is on the sidelines, cruelly abandoning the humanitarian mission that our nation guided for decades. In June, I co-led a letter with 74 of my colleagues warning that America\u2019s retreat from the global health system would leave us exposed and vulnerable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CDC Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya did not heed our warnings, and that\u2019s exactly what has happened. The answer is straightforward: America is safer when we invest in partnerships that have long advanced both our moral responsibilities and American interests. I am proud to co-lead this legislation with Congressman Mfume to require the U.S. to rejoin the WHO and stop treating the health of families in Central and Eastern Africa as separate from the health of families on the South Side of Chicago.\u201d\n\nPresident Trump signed Executive Order 14155 in January 2025 beginning the withdrawal of the United States from the WHO, and the withdrawal was completed in January 2026. It ended nearly all American support for the organization and pulled back U.S. personnel and contracts. One consequence is that the State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cannot retrieve personal protective equipment that American taxpayers paid for and that is being held in WHO facilities near the affected region. Another is timing: the United States did not learn of this outbreak until nine days after the WHO did.\n\nAdditional House Cosponsors include: Yvette Clarke, Jasmine Crockett, Danny Davis, Madeleine Dean, Jonathan Jackson, Pramila Jayapal, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Stephen Lynch, Sarah McBride, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Johnny Olszewski, Ilhan Omar, Deborah Ross, Rashida Tlaib, Nydia Velazquez.\n\nAdditional Senate Cosponsors include: Cory Booker, Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine, John Hickenlooper, Amy Klobuchar, Jacky Rosen, Chris Coons, Alex Padilla, Chris Murphy, Tammy Baldwin, Jeff Merkley.\n\nClick HERE to read the bill's full text.\n\nThe EBOLA Act would:\n\nRequire the President to rejoin the WHO no later than 30 days after enactment, and require the United States to begin collaborating with the organization immediately on the outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa; and\n\nAuthorize the appropriations needed to carry out the Act, including membership dues and voluntary or programmatic support aimed at stopping the spread of Ebola.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-press-usda-usfs-make-good-commitment-keep", "Maryland Delegation Members Press USDA, USFS to Make Good on Commitment to Keep Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.), in calling for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden and United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz to reverse course on the decision to close the USFS Baltimore Field Office and relocate staff outside of Baltimore. The USFS Baltimore Urban Field Station leads forestry-related projects that benefit the local Baltimore community and conducts important forestry and urban ecology research that informs land use decision-making throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and beyond. The lawmakers pose several questions to USDA and USFS around the decision, which comes after Senator Van Hollen questioned Chief Tom Schultz in the Senate Appropriations Committee and received commitment to maintain presence in Baltimore.\n\nThe lawmakers begin, \u201cOn April 30, 2026, during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the United States Forest Service (USFS) FY27 budget, Chief Schultz assured Senator Van Hollen that USFS would not force Baltimore Urban Field Office employees to relocate outside of the Baltimore area during the USDA reorganization. Despite this commitment, when USFS announced earlier this month that the Baltimore Urban Field Office will close, we learned that USFS intends to relocate Baltimore employees to Beltsville, Maryland \u2013 a location that is decidedly outside of the broader Baltimore area. USFS must make good on its word and keep Baltimore Urban Field Office employees in Baltimore so they can effectively continue their place-based and partnership-dependent work in the Baltimore area.\u201d\n\nOn the critical benefits for keeping the Baltimore Urban Field Office in the Baltimore area, the lawmakers write, \u201cWhen Secretary Rollins announced the USDA reorganization, one of the stated pillars of the plan was to \u2018bring USDA closer to its customers.\u2019 Closing the Baltimore Field Office and relocating employees away from Baltimore violates this core principle, since the primary \u2018customers\u2019 of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office are in Baltimore; they are the community groups, local government, and academics with whom the Field Office has developed partnerships and collaborations during its nearly 40-year tenure on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. These relationships have enabled important research projects that benefit the Chesapeake Bay watershed and regional forests, as well as urban forestry projects in the Baltimore community. For example, the Office supports community-led restoration and urban revitalization efforts in Baltimore by leading the Baltimore Urban Waters Partnership. It delivers professional skill building and workforce training to urban youth in Baltimore by supporting youth forestry projects at the Stillmeadow Church and Peace Park. And it started an urban wood reuse project that successfully spun off into a city-run urban sawmill and wood recycling center.\u201d\n\nAmong other questions, the lawmakers go on to ask the following:\n\n\u2014 Did USDA or USFS conduct an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with closing the Baltimore Urban Field Office as compared to keeping them in the current location?\n\n\u2014 Has USDA or USFS assessed the impact that closure of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office and relocation of employees outside of the Baltimore area will have on the important work that the Baltimore Urban Field Office has been conducting?\n\n\u201cThe Baltimore location is critical to the ability of the Baltimore Urban Field Office to successfully accomplish its place-based and partnership-driven work. This work not only benefits the Baltimore community but serves as a model for urban forestry work in cities across the country and the world. The Baltimore Urban Field Office is an asset to the nation and its closure serves no one. Keep your word and keep the work of the Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore.\u201d the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-press-usda-usfs-make-good-commitment-keep", "Maryland Delegation Members Press USDA, USFS to Make Good on Commitment to Keep Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey, alongside U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume, joined Representatives Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.), in calling for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden and United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz to reverse course on the decision to close the USFS Baltimore Field Office and relocate staff outside of Baltimore. The USFS Baltimore Urban Field Station leads forestry-related projects that benefit the local Baltimore community and conducts important forestry and urban ecology research that informs land use decision-making throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and beyond. The lawmakers pose several questions to USDA and USFS around the decision, which comes after Senator Van Hollen questioned Chief Tom Schultz in the Senate Appropriations Committee and received commitment to maintain presence in Baltimore.\n\nThe lawmakers begin, \u201cOn April 30, 2026, during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the United States Forest Service (USFS) FY27 budget, Chief Schultz assured Senator Van Hollen that USFS would not force Baltimore Urban Field Office employees to relocate outside of the Baltimore area during the USDA reorganization. Despite this commitment, when USFS announced earlier this month that the Baltimore Urban Field Office will close, we learned that USFS intends to relocate Baltimore employees to Beltsville, Maryland \u2013 a location that is decidedly outside of the broader Baltimore area. USFS must make good on its word and keep Baltimore Urban Field Office employees in Baltimore so they can effectively continue their place-based and partnership-dependent work in the Baltimore area.\u201d\n\nOn the critical benefits for keeping the Baltimore Urban Field Office in the Baltimore area, the lawmakers write, \u201cWhen Secretary Rollins announced the USDA reorganization, one of the stated pillars of the plan was to \u2018bring USDA closer to its customers.\u2019 Closing the Baltimore Field Office and relocating employees away from Baltimore violates this core principle, since the primary \u2018customers\u2019 of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office are in Baltimore; they are the community groups, local government, and academics with whom the Field Office has developed partnerships and collaborations during its nearly 40-year tenure on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. These relationships have enabled important research projects that benefit the Chesapeake Bay watershed and regional forests, as well as urban forestry projects in the Baltimore community. For example, the Office supports community-led restoration and urban revitalization efforts in Baltimore by leading the Baltimore Urban Waters Partnership. It delivers professional skill building and workforce training to urban youth in Baltimore by supporting youth forestry projects at the Stillmeadow Church and Peace Park. And it started an urban wood reuse project that successfully spun off into a city-run urban sawmill and wood recycling center.\u201d\n\nAmong other questions, the lawmakers go on to ask the following:\n\nDid USDA or USFS conduct an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with closing the Baltimore Urban Field Office as compared to keeping them in the current location?\n\nHas USDA or USFS assessed the impact that closure of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office and relocation of employees outside of the Baltimore area will have on the important work that the Baltimore Urban Field Office has been conducting?", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/olszewski-trumps-attack-press-outrageous-and-unconstitutional", "Olszewski on Trump\u2019s Attack on the Press: \u201cOutrageous and Unconstitutional\u201d", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Towson, MD) \u2013 Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski today issued the following statement after President Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from the White House and confiscated the press credentials of their journalists. The three outlets announced today they are suing the Trump Administration over the ban.\n\n\u201cA free and independent press is fundamental to our democracy. President Trump\u2019s attack on news organizations he doesn\u2019t like is outrageous and unconstitutional.\n\nThis issue is bigger than any one news outlet. It\u2019s about whether the President of the United States gets to decide which journalists are allowed access to him based on favorable coverage. He doesn\u2019t.\n\nUnfortunately, this is part of a broader pattern from the Trump Administration \u2014 using the power of the federal government to punish journalists and restrict the ability of the press to hold those in power accountable. That is the kind of overreach we associate with authoritarian regimes, not a healthy democracy. I commend other, competing news organizations for standing in solidarity to defend the First Amendment.\n\nThe White House belongs to the American people. They have a right to an independent press that asks tough questions, reports the facts, and holds their government accountable.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-over-30-million", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce Over $30 Million for Infrastructure Upgrades at Maryland Airports", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) announced $33,931,039 in federal funding to support infrastructure and equipment upgrades at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Carroll County Regional Airport, and Hagerstown Regional Airport. The investments will fund important safety improvements at all three airports, as well as upgraded equipment and an evaluation of the noise exposure at BWI, including its impact on surrounding communities, which members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address in April.\n\n\u201cAirports are not simply places where flights arrive and depart \u2013 they are engines of opportunity, connecting people to jobs, businesses to customers, communities to global markets, and regions to long-term economic growth,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. \u201cEach of Maryland\u2019s airports, including the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport here in the Third Congressional District, has played a critical role in the growth of our communities, our state, and our nation. I was grateful to work with Team Maryland to secure this much-needed $21 million investment for BWI that will evaluate noise exposure for our neighbors and ensure the safety of worldwide travelers.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaryland\u2019s airports are economic engines, serving travelers and businesses across the region and around the world. That\u2019s why we worked to deliver these investments in important updates to BWI, Carroll County Regional, and Hagerstown Regional airports. These federal funds will help ensure these airports meet important safety standards, and, at BWI, will support efforts to address local communities\u2019 noise concerns,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cOur airports here in Maryland fuel our economy, connect us to the rest of the world, and support our businesses. I am proud to partner with my colleagues to announce over $33 million in federal funding to upgrade the infrastructure at three of our airports. Modernizing our infrastructure is an investment in our future and in our safety \u2013 I\u2019m glad we are getting this done,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nMaryland\u2019s airports and aviation industry are crucial for trade and business. Thanks to the hard work of Team Maryland, our congressional offices secured more than $30 million to make our airports safer, more accessible, and more efficient. These investments will provide Hagerstown Regional Airport with the funds necessary to make improvements to its 2/20 runway and adjacent building infrastructure\u2014critical safety upgrades needed to fully comply with FAA guidance,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cAs Maryland continues to grow, we must ensure our airports have the infrastructure and equipment they need to operate safely, efficiently, and effectively,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski. \u201cThis funding will strengthen our aviation infrastructure and help ensure these facilities can continue serving our communities and the rest of the nation. I was proud to work with Team Maryland to help deliver these critical investments.\u201d\n\nThe federal funding has been announced as follows:\n\n$21,091,172 to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to support an evaluation of noise exposure at the airport and surrounding areas as well as the reconstruction of 110,000 square yards of the existing North Cargo Apron pavement and installation of low-emission equipment, including five gate electrification systems and remote ground power units.\n\n$7,609,500 to Carroll County Regional Airport to shift Runway 16/34 by 250 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.\n\n$5,230,367 to Hagerstown Regional Airport to remove a building and relocate fencing identified as obstructive by the Federal Aviation Administration. The funding will also help the airport rehabilitate lighting and 3000 feet of pavement on Runway 2/20 to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris.\n\nThese investments are provided through the FAA\u2019s Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Senator Van Hollen worked to fund the AIP through the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which authorized $4 billion a year for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2028.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-over-30-million", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce Over $30 Million for Infrastructure Upgrades at Maryland Airports", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced $33,931,039 in federal funding to support infrastructure and equipment upgrades at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Carroll County Regional Airport, and Hagerstown Regional Airport. The investments will fund important safety improvements at all three airports, as well as upgraded equipment and an evaluation of the noise exposure at BWI, including its impact on surrounding communities, which members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address in April.\n\n\"Maryland\u2019s airports and aviation industry are crucial for trade and business. Thanks to the hard work of Team Maryland, our congressional offices secured more than $30 million to make our airports safer, more accessible, and more efficient. These investments will provide Hagerstown Regional Airport with the funds necessary to make improvements to its 2/20 runway and adjacent building infrastructure\u2014critical safety upgrades needed to fully comply with FAA guidance,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cMaryland\u2019s airports are economic engines, serving travelers and businesses across the region and around the world. That\u2019s why we worked to deliver these investments in important updates to BWI, Carroll County Regional, and Hagerstown Regional airports. These federal funds will help ensure these airports meet important safety standards, and, at BWI, will support efforts to address local communities\u2019 noise concerns,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cOur airports here in Maryland fuel our economy, connect us to the rest of the world, and support our businesses. I am proud to partner with my colleagues to announce over $33 million in federal funding to upgrade the infrastructure at three of our airports. Modernizing our infrastructure is an investment in our future and in our safety \u2013 I\u2019m glad we are getting this done,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cAirports are not simply places where flights arrive and depart \u2013 they are engines of opportunity, connecting people to jobs, businesses to customers, communities to global markets, and regions to long-term economic growth,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. \u201cEach of Maryland\u2019s airports, including the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport here in the Third Congressional District, has played a critical role in the growth of our communities, our state, and our nation. I was grateful to work with Team Maryland to secure this much-needed $21 million investment for BWI that will evaluate noise exposure for our neighbors and ensure the safety of worldwide travelers,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth.\n\n\u201cAs Maryland continues to grow, we must ensure our airports have the infrastructure and equipment they need to operate safely, efficiently, and effectively,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski. \u201cThis funding will strengthen our aviation infrastructure and help ensure these facilities can continue serving our communities and the rest of the nation. I was proud to work with Team Maryland to help deliver these critical investments.\u201d\n\nThe federal funding has been announced as follows:\n\n$21,091,172 to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to support an evaluation of noise exposure at the airport and surrounding areas as well as the reconstruction of 110,000 square yards of the existing North Cargo Apron pavement and installation of low-emission equipment, including five gate electrification systems and remote ground power units.\n\n$7,609,500 to Carroll County Regional Airport to shift Runway 16/34 by 250 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.\n\n$5,230,367 to Hagerstown Regional Airport to remove a building and relocate fencing identified as obstructive by the Federal Aviation Administration. The funding will also help the airport rehabilitate lighting and 3000 feet of pavement on Runway 2/20 to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris.\n\nThese investments are provided through the FAA\u2019s Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Senator Van Hollen worked to fund the AIP through the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which authorized $4 billion a year for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2028.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-olszewski-bills-strengthen-americas-diplomatic-workforce", "House Passes Olszewski Bills to Strengthen America\u2019s Diplomatic Workforce", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The Foreign Service Language Readiness Act, introduced with Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), will require the State Department to maintain an up-to-date list of critical foreign languages tied to national security priorities and improve workforce planning around language proficiency and training. The Open Doors to Diplomacy Act, introduced with Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), will strengthen State Department recruitment and outreach at community colleges, junior colleges, career and technical institutions, and other nontraditional institutions of higher education.\n\nThe bills\u2014included in the broader Foreign Service Modernization Act\u2014will now move to the U.S. Senate. Together, they address two critical pieces of America\u2019s diplomatic readiness: ensuring the Foreign Service has the expertise it needs and making sure it can recruit the talent it needs.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s diplomatic strength depends on having the right people, with the right skills, ready to serve wherever our national security interests demand it,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski. \u201cThat means investing in critical language capabilities, planning ahead for emerging threats, and making sure talented Americans from every corner of our country see themselves in a career in the Foreign Service. I\u2019m proud these bipartisan bills are moving forward as part of a broader effort to modernize our diplomatic workforce and give our diplomats the tools they need to keep America safe.\u201d\n\nThe Foreign Service Language Readiness Act would:\n\nRequire the State Department to develop and regularly update a list of critical foreign languages based on national security priorities;\n\nEstablish clear proficiency standards for positions requiring critical language expertise;\n\nBetter align language training, career development, and assignments with mission-critical workforce needs; and\n\nImprove the Department\u2019s ability to surge qualified, language-capable personnel during international crises.\n\n\u201cLanguage proficiency isn't a luxury \u2014 it\u2019s a national security necessity,\u201d Congressman Olszewski said when the legislation was introduced. \u201cWhether responding to conflict, countering strategic competitors, or protecting Americans abroad, our diplomats need the expertise to understand the countries where they serve and communicate effectively with the people there.\u201d\n\nThe Open Doors to Diplomacy Act would expand State Department outreach and recruitment efforts at nontraditional institutions of higher education, including community colleges, junior colleges, and career and technical institutions. It would also broaden eligibility for certain Foreign Service internship opportunities and expand digital and hybrid recruitment efforts.\n\n\u201cAmerica needs a Foreign Service that can draw on the full depth of talent our country has to offer,\u201d Congressman Olszewski said. \u201cToo many talented Americans may never consider a career in diplomacy simply because they have limited exposure to the opportunities available to them. We should be opening doors to public service, not narrowing the pipeline.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-over-30-million", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce Over $30 Million for Infrastructure Upgrades at Maryland Airports", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced $33,931,039 in federal funding to support infrastructure and equipment upgrades at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Carroll County Regional Airport, and Hagerstown Regional Airport. The investments will fund important safety improvements at all three airports, as well as upgraded equipment and an evaluation of the noise exposure at BWI, including its impact on surrounding communities, which members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address in April.\n\n\u201cAs Maryland continues to grow, we must ensure our airports have the infrastructure and equipment they need to operate safely, efficiently, and effectively,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski. \u201cThis funding will strengthen our aviation infrastructure and help ensure these facilities can continue serving our communities and the rest of the nation. I was proud to work with Team Maryland to help deliver these critical investments.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaryland\u2019s airports are economic engines, serving travelers and businesses across the region and around the world. That\u2019s why we worked to deliver these investments in important updates to BWI, Carroll County Regional, and Hagerstown Regional airports. These federal funds will help ensure these airports meet important safety standards, and, at BWI, will support efforts to address local communities\u2019 noise concerns,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cOur airports here in Maryland fuel our economy, connect us to the rest of the world, and support our businesses. I am proud to partner with my colleagues to announce over $33 million in federal funding to upgrade the infrastructure at three of our airports. Modernizing our infrastructure is an investment in our future and in our safety \u2013 I\u2019m glad we are getting this done,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cAirports are not simply places where flights arrive and depart \u2013 they are engines of opportunity, connecting people to jobs, businesses to customers, communities to global markets, and regions to long-term economic growth,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. \u201cEach of Maryland\u2019s airports, including the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport here in the Third Congressional District, has played a critical role in the growth of our communities, our state, and our nation. I was grateful to work with Team Maryland to secure this much-needed $21 million investment for BWI that will evaluate noise exposure for our neighbors and ensure the safety of worldwide travelers,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth.\n\nMaryland\u2019s airports and aviation industry are crucial for trade and business. Thanks to the hard work of Team Maryland, our congressional offices secured more than $30 million to make our airports safer, more accessible, and more efficient. These investments will provide Hagerstown Regional Airport with the funds necessary to make improvements to its 2/20 runway and adjacent building infrastructure\u2014critical safety upgrades needed to fully comply with FAA guidance,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\nThe federal funding has been announced as follows:\n\n$21,091,172 to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to support an evaluation of noise exposure at the airport and surrounding areas as well as the reconstruction of 110,000 square yards of the existing North Cargo Apron pavement and installation of low-emission equipment, including five gate electrification systems and remote ground power units.\n\n$7,609,500 to Carroll County Regional Airport to shift Runway 16/34 by 250 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.\n\n$5,230,367 to Hagerstown Regional Airport to remove a building and relocate fencing identified as obstructive by the Federal Aviation Administration. The funding will also help the airport rehabilitate lighting and 3000 feet of pavement on Runway 2/20 to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris.\n\nThese investments are provided through the FAA\u2019s Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Senator Van Hollen worked to fund the AIP through the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which authorized $4 billion a year for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2028.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-statement-trump-administration-decision-rolling", "Maryland Delegation Members\u2019 Statement on Trump Administration Decision Rolling Back Federal Coordination of Chesapeake Bay Restoration", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) joined the full Maryland Congressional Delegation \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) \u2013 to release the following statement regarding the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to revoke an Executive Order declaring the Chesapeake Bay a national treasure and establishing a coordinated federal strategy for the protection and restoration of the Bay and its watershed, including by supporting state-led efforts on water quality goals, pollution limits, agricultural preservation, stormwater management, and climate resiliency.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay and its health are vital to lives and livelihoods across our state and the greater region. Now more than ever, we need continued federal partnership and support for Chesapeake Bay restoration, not efforts to roll back all the progress we\u2019ve made. The 2009 Executive Order that the Trump administration just revoked provided vital federal resources that support state-led efforts to improve the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding area. Removing the coordinated federal backing that advances the watershed protection and restoration goals of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement risks undermining the future health of the Bay along with the businesses and communities that depend on it. This decision is shortsighted and harmful to our communities. Make no mistake: the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure. And we will continue to fight for it.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/bicameral-lawmakers-demand-answers-usda-cyclospora-research-terminations", "Bicameral Lawmakers Demand Answers on USDA Cyclospora Research Terminations", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Glenn Ivey (MD-04) along with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture demanding answers the Department\u2019s decision to shutter all research related to Cyclospora in the midst of the largest outbreak in history and plans to close BARC, the largest and most diversified agricultural research complex in the world. The lawmakers urged USDA to reverse course.\n\nCyclospora has sickened nearly 20,000 Americans, hospitalized over 1,000 and killed at least two \u2013 with case totals expected to continue to rise. A recent Politico story reported that three research programs, that represent nearly all of the Cyclospora research at USDA, are on hold or have been terminated entirely.\n\n\u201c\u2026[T]he proposal to decommission BARC will do nothing but disrupt this important work, endanger Americans\u2019 health and safety, and harm our national security,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cTherefore, we request that USDA immediately cease its efforts to close BARC and halt its reorganization before it results in any more costly mistakes.\u201d\n\nThe full letter can be read here and below.\n\nThe Honorable Brooke Rollins\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of Agriculture\n\n1400 Independence Ave., S.W.\n\nWashington, DC 20250\n\nDear Secretary Rollins,\n\nThe United States is in the midst of its largest Cyclospora outbreak in history, sickening over 17,000 Americans, hospitalizing 1,000 and killing at least two. Case totals are expected to continue to rise in the coming weeks.\n\nA recent Politico story reported that the three research programs that represent nearly all of the Cyclospora research at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), all previously or currently underway at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Maryland, are on hold or have been terminated. In the story, the Department blames Congress for terminating two of the three projects. What the Department fails to mention is that funding ended based on technical advice Congress received from USDA indicating that despite funding cuts, the researchers working on Cyclospora projects would continue to work at BARC and that USDA would retain their scientific expertise without ending all Cyclospora-related research.\n\nThe third project, which remains funded, has reportedly been halted because of the Department\u2019s overzealous drive to dismantle the Agricultural Research Service as part of its shortsighted reorganization effort of USDA, and in particular its ill-conceived drive to shutter the largest and most diversified agricultural research complex in the world, BARC. According to Politico\u2019s reporting, the scientists working on Cyclospora research at BARC have declined orders to relocate to a different facility in Iowa, and so the project remains on hold and there will be no dedicated USDA research staff to study Cyclospora as confirmed cases continue to rise.\n\nAs Congress continues to work towards a final funding agreement for FY 2027, Democrats stand ready to build on existing Cyclospora research to protect the American people\u2019s health and safety. Americans deserve to trust that the food they eat is safe. The Department can join us in doing its part by reversing its decision to dismantle Cyclospora research at BARC, something that is wholly within your power to do immediately.\n\nDuring a record-breaking number of food safety outbreaks and the worst Cyclospora outbreak our country has ever experienced, USDA\u2019s ill-considered reorganization will only exacerbate the problem and leaves serious questions unresolved:\n\nCan the Department confirm reporting that all staff currently working on Cyclospora research at BARC have declined to relocate to Iowa?\n\na. If so, have any new staff been hired to work on the third Cyclospora research project at its new proposed location?\n\nHow many other research projects will lose scientific staff who have declined or otherwise not finalized an agreement to relocate as a result of the reorganization and more specifically, the closure of BARC?\n\nHow will the Department ensure research progress at BARC remains \u201cuninterrupted,\u201d in particular the food safety research on Cyclospora?\n\nPlease share the Department\u2019s specific and detailed plan to relocate Cyclospora research, including where research will move to and whether receiving labs have capacity to continue BARC research, including appropriate lab space, equipment, and staff expertise.\n\nDoes USDA plan to transport highly pathogenic organisms across the country as a part of the reorganization, and if so, what precautions will be in place to ensure that these samples will remain contained and undamaged during relocation?", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-sessions-introduce-american-procurement-improvement-act", "Hoyer, Sessions Introduce the American Procurement Improvement Act", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Pete Sessions (TX-17) introduced H.R. 10443, the American Procurement Improvement Act (APIA). The APIA would modernize the statutory framework governing AbilityOne, while preserving its core mission of expanding employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. This bipartisan bill is endorsed by a coalition of 50 organizations, unions, disability stakeholders, and advocacy groups.\n\nCreated in 1938, AbilityOne has helped deliver critical products and services through federal contracting and provided employment for over 41,000 Americans. To keep pace with today's workforce, disability policy, and federal procurement environment, it is critical that the program's governing statute is modernized to preserve its mission of creating job opportunity and career growth for people with disabilities. The bipartisan APIA offers a consensus approach to implementing key changes that would secure an effective, sustainable future for AbilityOne.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join with Rep. Sessions to introduce this bipartisan, consensus bill to modernize the AbilityOne program,\" said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. \"For nearly ninety years, this program has opened up job opportunities for tens of thousands of Americans with disabilities, delivering greater independence and dignity while yielding a strong return on investment for the taxpayers. However, its legal framework hasn\u2019t been substantially updated in over half a century. Our bill modernizes procurement under the program, while making it more accountable. It would also expand eligibility and help more Americans with disabilities get hired, promoted, and grow in their careers. Ultimately, this will benefit employees with disabilities and their families, improve government efficiency, and expand our economy. Sponsoring the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 and helping secure its enactment was one of my proudest achievements in office. Over the years, I have worked alongside many allies on both sides of the aisle to protect and build on that landmark law, including in the area of employment, where so much work is still needed. I look forward to partnering with Rep. Sessions, our cosponsors in both parties, and the broad range of endorsing organizations from across the disability community to try to move this bill through the House before the end of the year. We can and should get this done.\"\n\n\"AbilityOne has worked for nearly 90 years, connecting federal procurement with real employment for Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities. The law governing it has not kept pace. Last year the unemployment rate for Americans with disabilities was 8.3 percent, more than double the rate for Americans without disabilities, and the share of our neighbors with disabilities who are not in the workforce at all is far higher still. This bipartisan bill preserves the mission while modernizing procurement, clearing the way for career advancement, and strengthening accountability to the taxpayer. In Texas we believe every person is made in the image of God and has something to contribute, and I am proud to lead this effort alongside Congressman Steny Hoyer,\" said Congressman Pete Sessions.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Mike Ezell (MS-04), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03).\n\nThe APIA is endorsed by: American Association of People with Disabilities, SourceAmerica, National Council of SourceAmerica Employers, CEO Commission for Disability Employment, Alliance for Expanding America\u2019s Workforce, The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, the Arc of the United States, National Organization on Disability, National Down Syndrome Society, National Disability Rights Network, National Federation of the Blind, Melwood Inc., PCSI, Tessera, Didlake, Alula, Peckham, WORK Inc., ORC Industries, ACCSES, Advocations, Challenge Unlimited, Inc., Employment Source, Global Connections to Employment, Opportunity Center, Inc., PARC, Assets, Inc., ServiceSource, Speak Foundation, Health Hats, Access Ready Inc, Whistleblowers of America, The American Association of Kidney Patients, SEIU, Bender Consulting, Goodwill South Florida, CommunicationFIRST, ACHIEVE Human Services, Inc., Bobby Dodd Institute, Workability International, Chimes International, Eastern Carolina Vocational Center, Inc., Human Technologies, InspiriTec, PORTCO Inc, PRIDE Industries, Phoenix, Pueblo Diversified Industries, Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, Inc., and Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst (APSE).", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-statement-trump-administration-decision-rolling", "Maryland Delegation Members' Statement on Trump Administration Decision Rolling Back Federal Coordination of Chesapeake Bay Restoration", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, the full Maryland Congressional Delegation \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Andy Harris (MD-02), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) \u2013 released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to revoke an Executive Order declaring the Chesapeake Bay a national treasure and establishing a coordinated federal strategy for the protection and restoration of the Bay and its watershed, including by supporting state-led efforts on water quality goals, pollution limits, agricultural preservation, stormwater management, and climate resiliency:\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay and its health are vital to lives and livelihoods across our state and the greater region. Now more than ever, we need continued federal partnership and support for Chesapeake Bay restoration, not efforts to roll back all the progress we\u2019ve made. The 2009 Executive Order that the Trump administration just revoked provided vital federal resources that support state-led efforts to improve the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding area. Removing the coordinated federal backing that advances the watershed protection and restoration goals of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement risks undermining the future health of the Bay along with the businesses and communities that depend on it. This decision is shortsighted and harmful to our communities. Make no mistake: the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure. And we will continue to fight for it.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-statement-trump-administration-decision-rolling", "Maryland Delegation\u00a0Members\u2019\u00a0Statement\u00a0on\u00a0Trump Administration Decision Rolling Back Federal Coordination of Chesapeake Bay Restoration", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the full Maryland Congressional Delegation \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) \u2013 released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to revoke an Executive Order declaring the Chesapeake Bay a national treasure and establishing a coordinated federal strategy for the protection and restoration of the Bay and its watershed, including by supporting state-led efforts on water quality goals, pollution limits, agricultural preservation, stormwater management, and climate resiliency.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay and its health are vital to lives and livelihoods across our state and the greater region. Now more than ever, we need continued federal partnership and support for Chesapeake Bay restoration, not efforts to roll back all the progress we\u2019ve made. The 2009 Executive Order that the Trump administration just revoked provided vital federal resources that support state-led efforts to improve the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding area. Removing the coordinated federal backing that advances the watershed protection and restoration goals of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement risks undermining the future health of the Bay along with the businesses and communities that depend on it. This decision is shortsighted and harmful to our communities. Make no mistake: the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure. And we will continue to fight for it.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-scott-condemn-trump-executive-order-targeting-chesapeake-bay", "Elfreth, Scott Condemn Trump Executive Order Targeting Chesapeake Bay", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) and Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), co-chairs of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, issued the following statement after President Trump revoked Executive Order 13508, which directed federal agencies to reduce water pollution from federal lands and facilities and to promote ecosystem conservation:\n\n\u201cYesterday, President Trump revoked an executive order by President Obama that directed federal agencies to support the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. The federal government has a responsibility to be a partner in protecting and restoring the Bay, and walking away from that responsibility jeopardizes the hard-fought progress we have made. President Trump is making it more difficult for us to meet the goals outlined in the bipartisan 2025 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and to secure a healthier bay for the millions of people who live throughout the watershed.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs co-chairs of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, we urge President Trump to immediately reverse course and reinstate the executive order. We cannot afford to turn back the clock on decades of bipartisan work to restore this national treasure.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-call-answers-investigation-following-alarming-ice", "Maryland Delegation Members Call for Answers, Investigation Following Alarming ICE Operation in Frederick", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Representative April McClain Delaney, Representative Steny Hoyer, Representative Kweisi Mfume, Representative Jamie Raskin, Representative Glenn Ivey, and Representative Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) \u2013 in pressing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director David Venturella for answers around Trump\u2019s ICE operations in Frederick, Maryland on Thursday, September 3 and Friday, September 4. In their letter, the lawmakers additionally called on DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari to initiate an independent and transparent investigation of the tactics ICE is deploying in Maryland.\n\nThe lawmakers begin, \u201cAs members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation, we write to express our serious concerns with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2019s (ICE) recent operation in Frederick, Maryland. The tactics used by ICE officers detailed by eyewitnesses and exposed in videos circulating online are alarming and necessitate more information as to how the recently-merged Washington-Baltimore field office and the agency are enforcing our immigration laws. We request an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation of the tactics ICE is deploying in our state.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cRecently, ICE reportedly conducted an approximately 40-hour immigration enforcement operation in one neighborhood of Frederick, Maryland. Videos released by observers revealed that on Friday evening the operation turned violent as a dark law enforcement vehicle with flashing lights drove down the sidewalk toward observers, hitting one of them. Another video depicted ICE officers using a baton to beat a protester and dragging another from the front steps of a home that ICE was attempting to enter. Additionally, during the operation, an ICE officer reportedly approached a local elected official and told her that ICE knew her name, license plate, and where she lived. If true, this is deeply disturbing and appears to be an attempt to intimidate local elected officials.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of our constituents, we request an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation of the tactics ICE has been and is currently deploying in our state, and we request responses to the following by no later than September 30, 2026,\u201d the lawmakers conclude.\n\nAmong other questions, the lawmakers go on to ask the following:\n\nPlease provide a detailed description and timeline, with documented evidence such as body camera footage, of the events of the operation.\n\nDoes ICE have a policy that allows the use of vehicles to clear an area of peaceful observers?\n\nDoes that policy allow for ICE to hit observers, or threaten to hit observers, with their vehicles?\n\nWhen an ICE officer informs a legal observer that they have their name, information, and know where they live \u2013 what is the purpose of the officer making that statement?\n\nHow does ICE come to have this information, and for what reasons does ICE use it?\n\nHow did ICE\u2019s use of force in this case align with DHS\u2019s use of force policy?\n\nDuring the operation, video shows ICE entering a home, reportedly in pursuit of a target. Did ICE secure a warrant for the target\u2019s arrest before entering the home?\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-statement-trump-administration-decision-rolling", "Maryland Delegation Members\u2019 Statement on Trump Administration Decision Rolling Back Federal Coordination of Chesapeake Bay Restoration", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the full Maryland Congressional Delegation \u2013 U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all Md.) \u2013 released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to revoke an Executive Order declaring the Chesapeake Bay a national treasure and establishing a coordinated federal strategy for the protection and restoration of the Bay and its watershed, including by supporting state-led efforts on water quality goals, pollution limits, agricultural preservation, stormwater management, and climate resiliency.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay and its health are vital to lives and livelihoods across our state and the greater region. Now more than ever, we need continued federal partnership and support for Chesapeake Bay restoration, not efforts to roll back all the progress we\u2019ve made. The 2009 Executive Order that the Trump administration just revoked provided vital federal resources that support state-led efforts to improve the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding area. Removing the coordinated federal backing that advances the watershed protection and restoration goals of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement risks undermining the future health of the Bay along with the businesses and communities that depend on it. This decision is shortsighted and harmful to our communities. Make no mistake: the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure. And we will continue to fight for it.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/bicameral-lawmakers-demand-answers-usda-cyclospora-research-terminations", "Bicameral Lawmakers Demand Answers on USDA Cyclospora Research Terminations", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (MD-04), alongside U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture demanding answers on the Department\u2019s decision to shutter all research related to Cyclospora in the midst of the largest outbreak in history and plans to close BARC, the largest and most diversified agricultural research complex in the world. The lawmakers urged USDA to reverse course.\n\nCyclospora has sickened nearly 20,000 Americans, hospitalized over 1,000 and killed at least two \u2013 with case totals expected to continue to rise. A recent Politico story reported that three research programs, that represent nearly all of the Cyclospora research at USDA, are on hold or have been terminated entirely.\n\n\u201c\u2026[T]he proposal to decommission BARC will do nothing but disrupt this important work, endanger Americans\u2019 health and safety, and harm our national security,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cTherefore, we request that USDA immediately cease its efforts to close BARC and halt its reorganization before it results in any more costly mistakes.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-call-answers-investigation-following-alarming-ice", "Maryland Delegation Members Call for Answers, Investigation Following Alarming ICE Operation in Frederick", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Representatives April McClain Delaney, Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) in pressing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director David Venturella for answers around Trump\u2019s ICE operations in Frederick, Maryland on Thursday, September 3 and Friday, September 4. In their letter, the lawmakers additionally called on DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari to initiate an independent and transparent investigation of the tactics ICE is deploying in Maryland.\n\nThe lawmakers begin, \u201cAs members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation, we write to express our serious concerns with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2019s (ICE) recent operation in Frederick, Maryland. The tactics used by ICE officers detailed by eyewitnesses and exposed in videos circulating online are alarming and necessitate more information as to how the recently-merged Washington-Baltimore field office and the agency are enforcing our immigration laws. We request an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation of the tactics ICE is deploying in our state.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cRecently, ICE reportedly conducted an approximately 40-hour immigration enforcement operation in one neighborhood of Frederick, Maryland. Videos released by observers revealed that on Friday evening the operation turned violent as a dark law enforcement vehicle with flashing lights drove down the sidewalk toward observers, hitting one of them. Another video depicted ICE officers using a baton to beat a protestor and dragging another from the front steps of a home that ICE was attempting to enter. Additionally, during the operation, an ICE officer reportedly approached a local elected official and told her that ICE knew her name, license plate, and where she lived. If true, this is deeply disturbing and appears to be an attempt to intimidate local elected officials.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of our constituents, we request an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation of the tactics ICE has been and is currently deploying in our state, and we request responses to the following by no later than September 30, 2026,\u201d the lawmakers conclude.\n\nAmong other questions, the lawmakers go on to ask the following:\n\nPlease provide a detailed description and timeline, with documented evidence such as body camera footage, of the events of the operation.\n\nDoes ICE have a policy that allows the use of vehicles to clear an area of peaceful observers?\n\nDoes that policy allow for ICE to hit observers, or threaten to hit observers, with their vehicles?\n\nWhen an ICE officer informs a legal observer that they have their name, information, and know where they live \u2013 what is the purpose of the officer making that statement?\n\nHow does ICE come to have this information, and for what reasons does ICE use it?\n\nHow did ICE\u2019s use of force in this case align with DHS\u2019s use of force policy?\n\nDuring the operation, video shows ICE entering a home, reportedly in pursuit of a target. Did ICE secure a warrant for the target\u2019s arrest before entering the home?", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-statement-trump-administration-decision-rolling", "Maryland Delegation Members\u2019 Statement on Trump Administration Decision Rolling Back Federal Coordination of Chesapeake Bay Restoration", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey joined the full Maryland Congressional Delegation \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) \u2013 in releasing the following statement regarding the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to revoke an Executive Order declaring the Chesapeake Bay a national treasure and establishing a coordinated federal strategy for the protection and restoration of the Bay and its watershed, including by supporting state-led efforts on water quality goals, pollution limits, agricultural preservation, stormwater management, and climate resiliency.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay and its health are vital to lives and livelihoods across our state and the greater region. Now more than ever, we need continued federal partnership and support for Chesapeake Bay restoration, not efforts to roll back all the progress we\u2019ve made. The 2009 Executive Order that the Trump administration just revoked provided vital federal resources that support state-led efforts to improve the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding area. Removing the coordinated federal backing that advances the watershed protection and restoration goals of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement risks undermining the future health of the Bay along with the businesses and communities that depend on it. This decision is shortsighted and harmful to our communities. Make no mistake: the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure. And we will continue to fight for it.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-anti-russia-pro-ukraine-bill-let-us-pass-it", "Hoyer: This is an Anti-Russia, Pro-Ukraine Bill. Let us Pass It.", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor during debate on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:\n\nClick here to watch a video of his remarks.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-today-we-took-step-redeem-our-pledge-ukraine", "Hoyer: Today We took a Step to Redeem Our Pledge to Ukraine", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks during a press conference following House passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:\n\nClick here to watch a video of his remarks.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2026/9/raskin-bice-johnson-boebert-introduce-legislation-to-install-new-plaque-at-lincoln-memorial-honoring-where-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-s-gave-his-i-have-a-dream-speech", "Raskin, Bice, Johnson, Boebert Introduce Legislation to Install New Plaque at Lincoln Memorial Honoring Where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s Gave His \u201cI Have a Dream\u201d Speech", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Lauren Boebert (CO-04) introduced the bipartisan, bicameralRenewing the Dream Actto authorize the National Parks Service to install a new plaque near the steps of the Lincoln Memorial marking where Civil Rights Movement leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famed \u201cI Have a Dream\u201dspeech.\n\n\u201cDr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s moral clarity, rousing oratory and strategic nonviolent organizing propelled the Civil Rights Movement to the forefront of American consciousness,\u201dsaid Rep. Raskin.\u201cOur legislation honors the life and legacy of this Civil Rights Movement hero and his vision for a \u2018Beloved Community\u2019 by updating the dated, worn plaque marking where he delivered one of his greatest speeches. I\u2019m grateful to this bipartisan group of my colleagues who are joining together to make sure Dr. King\u2019s work and that moment is never forgotten.\u201d\n\n\u201cDr. Martin Luther King Jr\u2019s \u2018I Have a Dream\u2019 speech is an iconic and critical moment in American history,\u201dsaid Rep. Bice. \u201cI\u2019m proud to co-lead a bipartisan legislation which will replace the weathered plaque at the Lincoln Memorial, assuring that every American who visits can easily recognize this historical location for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe plaque commemorating the very spot where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic \u2018I Have a Dream\u2019 speech is in need of renewal, just as his dream is in need of renewal today,\u201dsaid Rep. Johnson. \u201cDr. King dreamed that one day this nation would rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: that all people are created equal. That dream remains as powerful and as necessary today as it was when he delivered those iconic words 63 years ago. I\u2019m pleased to join Ranking Member Raskin and our bipartisan coalition to restore this historic marker and reaffirm the enduring power of Dr. King\u2019s dream.\u201d\n\n\"For over a decade, I have had a dream that one day the now deteriorated and inconspicuous stone upon which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood at the Lincoln Memorial to share his \u2018Dreams,\u2019 would one day be restored to the dignity it deserves,\u201dsaid Daryl Davis, Cofounder of the Prohuman Foundation. \u201cWe at the Prohuman Foundation are grateful for the blessing of the King family and thrilled with the support of Representatives Jamie Raskin, Hank Johnson, Stephanie Bice and Lauren Boebert who are championing our mission of Renewing The Dream. Every American will be proud to stand in the very spot where Dr. King stood 63 years ago this year, share his Dream and help turn it into a reality.\"\n\nThe Renewing the Dream Act authorizes the National Parks Service to install a new plaque near the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to honor Dr. King.Congress first authorized the plaque in October 2000. Since it was unveiled on August 22, 2003, constant exposure to the elements and countless footsteps have made the plaque nearly unreadable, as is evident in the picture below.\n\nThe new plaque includes a more durable and beautiful design, as seen below, and is completely funded by private donations.\n\nDr. King\u2019s\u201cI Have a Dream\u201d speech was delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. The march was part of a series of peaceful protests advocating for the civil rights and liberties of Black Americans.\n\nRepresentatives Andy Barr (KY-06) and Lucy McBath (GA-06) are original cosponsors of this legislation.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the Prohuman Foundation and its founder, anti-racist activist and musician Daryl Davis. Daryl has advocated for the plaque\u2019s replacement for more than ten years.\n\nThe full bill text can be foundhere.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2026/9/raskin-spartz-legislation-to-finally-construct-a-national-memorial-honoring-american-patriot-thomas-paine-successfully-passes-out-of-committee", "Raskin, Spartz Legislation to Finally Construct a National Memorial Honoring American Patriot Thomas Paine Successfully Passes Out of Committee", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014This week, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources unanimously voted to advance Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Victoria Spartz\u2019s (IN-05) bipartisan legislation to place the forthcoming memorial honoring indispensable American political writer and philosopher Thomas Paine in \u201cArea 1\u201d of the National Mall. \u201cArea 1\u201d is reserved for memorials of the highest national significance.\n\nThe Common Sense 250 Act would instruct U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to place the memorial in the central section of the National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Rep. Raskin introduced a bill passed and signed into law to create a national memorial to this extraordinary patriot in late 2022. In 2024, the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC) recommended that the memorial be placed in \u201cArea 1.\u201d\n\n\u201cTom Paine\u2019s writings inspired the American people to break free from tyrannical rule and establish a new nation based on democratic self-governance,\u201d said Rep. Raskin. \u201cOur legislation, which is now one step closer to becoming law, finally honors this absurdly unsung patriot with a dazzling memorial on the National Mall, cementing his legacy as indispensable to our country\u2019s very existence.\u201d\n\n\u201cRep. Raskin and I had to go all the way back to the American Revolution to find common ground, but I\u2019m glad we can come together on a bipartisan basis to recognize Thomas Paine and his enormous contribution to the founding of our Republic as we celebrate America\u2019s 250th anniversary,\u201d said Rep. Spartz.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation requires that the previously approved Paine memorial be placed in \u201cArea 1\u201d of the National Mall. \u201cArea 1\u201d is perhaps the most iconic section of the National Mall, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument.\n\nReps. Raskin and Spartz have led the fight in Congress to establish a national memorial to Paine:\n\nIn late 2022, Rep. Raskin\u2019s legislation authorizing the Thomas Paine Memorial Association to establish a memorial to Paine in the District of Columbia became law. Rep. Spartz cosponsored this legislation.\n\nIn September 2024, NCMAC recommended that the memorial be placed in \u201cArea 1\u201d of the National Mall.\n\nIn July 2026, Rep. Raskin and Rep. Spartz introduced legislation codifying NCMAC\u2019s recommendation and transmitting those instructions to the Department of the Interior.\n\nThis week, the Committee on Natural Resources unanimously voted to advance the lawmakers\u2019 2026 legislation to the House Floor.\n\nThe Paine memorial construction will be fully funded with private contributions from admirers of Paine and his work. The Thomas Paine Memorial Association plans to commission renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis to build the memorial.\n\nPaine is best known for writing the pamphlet Common Sense in 1776, which galvanized support for the American revolution. His ideals of democratic self-government, guarding human rights and supporting reason and science inspire millions of Americans to this day.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-if-we-do-not-pass-bill-there-will-be-great-joy-kremlin-and-great", "Hoyer: If We Do Not Pass this Bill, There Will be Great Joy in the Kremlin and Great Devastation in Kyiv", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Click here to watch a video of his remarks.\n\n\"My statement is relatively short. The discussion of this is much more complicated. Nobody in this House believes that I am a defender of Donald Trump's failure to address this issue head on and effectively. No one has opposed his tariff policies any more than I have. They have been harmful to the American people [and] harmful to our relationship in the international community. Madam Chair and Ranking Member McGovern and distinguished Members of the committee, my amendments meant to address an issue of concern for many Members about this bill. A lot of what we've heard in this debate is about affecting other countries than are set forth in the formula in the bill, and those countries are limited by the bill to being impacted. However, none of us on our side trust Donald Trump to be bound by the strictures of legislation or of the Constitution of the United States. That's not why I co-sponsored this bill because I had some trust in Donald Trump, who I think is far more partial to Russia than he is to Ukraine. That's a tough statement, but I think that's borne out by conduct.\n\n\"I support Ranking Member Meeks\u2019 numbers three, four, and five amendments. I think they strengthen the bill; I think they give more confidence to people. I do not support his removal of the tariffs. Not because I'm for the tariffs, although I think the tariffs will have some prophylactic effect on some of those named countries of which there are now ten \u2013 there used to be nine, but they struck two of the '-stans' and counted it as two rather than one. Eighty-six senators supported this bill because they thought it would help Ukraine. Eighty-seven senators support the bill now because Mr. McConnell has come back and he supports the bill. My amendment simply states the ten countries that will be affected, which will be most of the opposition that was articulated, I think, by \u2013 correctly by Mr. Meeks, because we have seen the President go far beyond his legal strictures. Nothing we do to pass this bill or defeat this bill, will adversely affect his inclination to do just that. If we don't pass this bill, it's not going to affect the President at all.\n\n\"Specifically, it tightens the scope of the legal tariff authority by naming the countries, as I said. I agree with the Administration [that] we ought to pass this bill. It's a marker. It's a, \u2018You said this.\u2019 Now the Russians lied in Budapest, when they said they were going to take the nuclear weapons in '94 and honor the boundaries of Ukraine. They lied. The Russians lie regularly. I agree with the Administration that we ought to have sanctions. Our experience is that the President does not put sanctions on Russia or Belarus or others. That is unfortunate. The last time we acted on Ukraine positively was April 20th, 2024; two years and [five] months ago. This bill would prevent manipulation of data on oil and gas imports, as well as sanctions evasions, in order to make them qualify or not. That language is pretty specific. It says no country that does not qualify for the formula \u2013 what we don't trust is the formula, which is why we need to name the countries so that we, acting in our constitutional responsibility, do in fact give authority for those 9 or 10 countries \u2013 the two '-stans' being the 10th, and that he would have to come back if he wanted to add another country. He doesn't want to do that. And so, unfortunately, after talking to the White House, they don't want that amendment. It does not change the substance of the bill one iota, if you believe that the formula will be honored by the President of the United States, period.\n\n\"I believe the change sufficiently addresses the concerns that have been raised, and I hope we can adopt it so the House can move forward on a strongly bipartisan basis with passage of this bill. My friend, Mr. Meeks, who co-sponsored the Ukraine Support Act with me \u2013 we introduced it together. As a matter of fact, I urged him to do that with me. It was a strong bill. I wish the Senate would pass it \u2013 it won\u2019t \u2013 and if it did pass it, the President would veto it. The President won\u2019t veto this bill, and once he signs on to it, we can say, \u2018You said you will do this.\u2019 Does that mean anything? Perhaps not. I urge the committee to include my amendment to the rule, bringing the bill to the Floor. I absolutely agree with the statement made in the report of Mr. Meeks and Mr. Neal. Here's what they said: \u2018We firmly support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's brutal, unjustified invasion.\u2019 And then they said, \u2018Ukraine's victory against Russian aggression is critical to the U.S. national security.\u2019 I think we all believe that. I hope the president believes it. But whether this bill passes or not will not affect the President's view one way or the other. What it will affect is a statement by the Congress of the United States is, \u2018This is what ought to happen. Sanctions ought to be imposed, tariffs or penalize countries who are funding Russia's ability to make war.\u2019 We now have a Department of War. How ironic.\n\n\"I urge the committee to make in order amendments that will facilitate the actions of the Congress of the United States to act nearly unanimously, which will send a strong, powerful message. But if we do not pass this bill, there will be great joy in the Kremlin and great devastation in Kyiv, who will see something that they thought they had in hand \u2013 a strong statement by the United States of America\u2019s Congress \u2013 disappear because of a fight over tariffs. Their morale will tank and we will be still, since April 2024, having not taken the action. I\u2019m for giving them $15 billion and for putting on sanctions. But we need to pass something, and none of you believe, in the next two years, we're going to be able to pass things \u2013 whether we take the majority or not \u2013 that the President can't veto and that we could override.\n\n\"Chairman, the Ranking Member \u2013 and I'll close with this Madam Chair \u2013 the Ranking Member said this may be a Chamberlain-Churchill moment. I agree with him. However, I believe that he chose this to be a Churchill moment rejecting this legislation. I believe it will be a Chamberlain moment, where we will leave unstated the policy of the Congress of the United States, and allow the President's actions to be the only voice that is being heard. That is not in the best interests of our country, of Ukraine, of international law, and peace and freedom. I thank you for the time.\"", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-48-million-improve-ada", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce $48 Million to Improve ADA Accessibility at Metropolitan Grove, Martin State Airport MARC Stations", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney, Jamie Raskin, and Johnny Olszewski, and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced $48,064,000 in federal funding to deliver critical accessibility upgrades at two legacy Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) stations \u2013 Martin State Airport Station on the Penn Line and the Metropolitan Grove Station on the Brunswick Line. Both stations predate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and lack the infrastructure necessary to serve all passengers safely and reliably. These upgrades will bring them into full ADA compliance.\n\n\u201cPublic transportation should work for everyone. Thanks to the hard work of Team Maryland, our congressional offices secured more than $48 million to make MARC stations safer, more affordable, and more accessible. These investments will bring Metropolitan Grove and Martin State Airport stations into full ADA compliance because no Marylander should face barriers to safe, reliable transportation,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cThousands of Marylanders rely on MARC every day to get where they need to go. We fought to pass the infrastructure modernization law to upgrade our state\u2019s transportation systems, and this significant federal investment will help ensure the Martin State and Metropolitan Grove Stations are safer and more accessible for all users, including individuals with disabilities, families with strollers, and older adults,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Americans with Disabilities Act changed our nation for the better\u2013not only making our infrastructure more accessible, but also making our country more inclusive. I am proud to have partnered with my colleagues to secure over $48 million in federal funding to bring two of our MARC stations into full ADA compliance,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Free State and the nation continue to feel the transformative effects of Democrats\u2019 Infrastructure Law,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08). \u201cTeam Maryland fought for and secured an investment of more than $48 million in federal funding to make the MARC more accessible and fully ADA compliant, so everyone can safely get where they need to go. This is a critical win that will make life easier for our people, including those with disabilities, seniors and families with small children.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery Marylander deserves safe, reliable access to public transit,\u201d said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). \u201cThese stations have gone decades without the accessibility upgrades our neighbors with disabilities, seniors, and families deserve. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to help deliver this important federal investment so that Martin State Airport and Metropolitan Grove stations finally meet the standard every rider should be able to count on.\u201d\n\nAt the Martin State Airport Station in Baltimore County, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will replace existing at-grade crossings with accessible, grade-separated connections, including high-level platforms and a pedestrian bridge. These improvements will enhance safety and eliminate the need for passengers to traverse active rail tracks used by MARC, Amtrak, and freight service. At the Metropolitan Grove Station in Montgomery County, the MTA will reconstruct the platform, improve parking accessibility, update signage, and install wheelchair lifts and enclosures.\n\n\u201cThis award from the Federal Transit Administration supports the Moore-Miller Administration\u2019s priority to ensure customers can safely access our state\u2019s transportation services to get to work, school and life\u2019s opportunities, furthering our goal of creating a transportation system that works for everyone and Leaves No One Behind,\u201d said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. \u201cThank you to Maryland\u2019s federal delegation for their work to secure the grant and their partnership in improving transit infrastructure across the state.\u201d\n\nThe federal investment comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s All Stations Accessibility Program, which members of Federal Team Maryland helped create and fund at $1.75 billion through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. On May 12, 2026, the lawmakers also wrote to Jamie Pfister, Acting Executive Director of the Federal Transit Administration, in support of the Maryland Department of Transportation\u2019s application for this funding.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2026/9/raskin-panetta-mcgovern-proposal-providing-tax-relief-for-scam-disaster-victims-passes-house", "Raskin, Panetta, McGovern Proposal Providing Tax Relief for Scam, Disaster Victims Passes House", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed key provisions of abill led by Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Jim McGovern (MA-02) to provide tax relief to Americans who fall victim to financial scams or natural disasters. The provisions were passed as part of legislation led by Representative Tom Suozzi (NY-03).\n\nThe proposal eliminates the \u201cscam tax\u201d which taxes Americans on income or assets stolen from them, even if they no longer possess those funds, by reinstating the Nonbusiness Casualty and Theft Loss Deduction for 2026. Crucially, the lawmakers also secured retroactive relief for victims scammed between 2021 and 2025.\n\n\u201cI first introduced this bill when my constituent was scammed out of her retirement savings, only to be hit with a massive federal tax penalty on that stolen money. When scammers, hucksters and fraudsters cheat our people out of their hard-earned savings, the federal government shouldn\u2019t re-victimize survivors with taxes that only add to the financial and psychological burdens they carry,\u201dsaid Rep. Raskin.\u201cOur proposal reinstates critical financial relief to Americans like my constituent, and there are huge numbers of people in her situation.\u201d\n\n\u201cVictims of scams and fraud should not be forced to pay federal taxes on money that was stolen from them,\u201dsaid Rep. Panetta.\u201cBy passing this bipartisan legislation, the House took an important step toward correcting that injustice and restoring a key tax deduction so victims aren\u2019t punished twice and can focus on rebuilding their lives. I\u2019m proud to have helped secure the inclusion of provisions from our Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act that would extend this relief retroactively to Americans who have already suffered financial losses.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s outrageous that victims of scams, fraud, or disaster are being punished by the IRS for something that wasn\u2019t their fault,\u201dsaid Rep. McGovern. \u201cWhether it\u2019s a family in Massachusetts whose home is falling apart due to a defective, crumbling foundation, or a senior who lost their hard-earned savings to a scammer, they\u2019ve suffered enough. They deserve relief\u2014not a tax bill. Housing and affordability are a major focus for my district. That's why this bill is about fairness as it restores a commonsense tax deduction that will provide my constituents the relief they not only need but deserve, and help so many recover, rebuild, and move forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cMany victims of fraud are shocked to learn they owe the IRS on the money they lost,\u201d said Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP. \"Your legislation will do so much to help prevent victims of fraud from feeling re-victimized again by the IRS on the losses they experienced.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers\u2019 proposal reinstates the Nonbusiness Casualty and Theft Loss Deduction, which was eliminated in 2018, allowing survivors of scams and natural disasters to deduct financial losses from their taxes\n\nSince the inception of formal federal income tax in 1913, the federal government has abided by the principle that victims of crimes or disasters should not be revictimized by the tax code on income they no longer possess.\n\nThe lawmakers initiated this proposal as part oflegislation they introduced in the 118th and 119th Congresses, after hearing from constituents who were forced to pay thousands of dollars in taxes after falling victim to a financial scam or natural disaster. The proposal will also provide relief to survivors of non-federally declared disasters.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-48-million-improve-ada", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce $48 Million to Improve ADA Accessibility at Metropolitan Grove, Martin State Airport MARC Stations", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives and Johnny Olszewski, Jamie Raskin, and April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced $48,064,000 in federal funding to deliver critical accessibility upgrades at two legacy Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) stations \u2013 Martin State Airport Station on the Penn Line and the Metropolitan Grove Station on the Brunswick Line. Both stations predate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and lack the infrastructure necessary to serve all passengers safely and reliably. These upgrades will bring them into full ADA compliance.\n\n\u201cEvery Marylander deserves safe, reliable access to public transit,\u201d said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). \u201cThese stations have gone decades without the accessibility upgrades our neighbors with disabilities, seniors, and families deserve. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to help deliver this important federal investment so that Martin State Airport and Metropolitan Grove stations finally meet the standard every rider should be able to count on.\u201d\n\n\u201cThousands of Marylanders rely on MARC every day to get where they need to go. We fought to pass the infrastructure modernization law to upgrade our state\u2019s transportation systems, and this significant federal investment will help ensure the Martin State and Metropolitan Grove Stations are safer and more accessible for all users, including individuals with disabilities, families with strollers, and older adults,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Americans with Disabilities Act changed our nation for the better\u2013not only making our infrastructure more accessible, but also making our country more inclusive. I am proud to have partnered with my colleagues to secure over $48 million in federal funding to bring two of our MARC stations into full ADA compliance,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Free State and the nation continue to feel the transformative effects of Democrats\u2019 Infrastructure Law,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08). \u201cTeam Maryland fought for and secured an investment of more than $48 million in federal funding to make the MARC more accessible and fully ADA compliant, so everyone can safely get where they need to go. This is a critical win that will make life easier for our people, including those with disabilities, seniors and families with small children.\u201d\n\n\u201cPublic transportation should work for everyone. Thanks to the hard work of Team Maryland, our congressional offices secured more than $48 million to make MARC stations safer, more affordable, and more accessible. These investments will bring Metropolitan Grove and Martin State Airport stations into full ADA compliance because no Marylander should face barriers to safe, reliable transportation,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\nAt the Martin State Airport Station in Baltimore County, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will replace existing at-grade crossings with accessible, grade-separated connections, including high-level platforms and a pedestrian bridge. These improvements will enhance safety and eliminate the need for passengers to traverse active rail tracks used by MARC, Amtrak, and freight service. At the Metropolitan Grove Station in Montgomery County, the MTA will reconstruct the platform, improve parking accessibility, update signage, and install wheelchair lifts and enclosures.\n\n\u201cThis award from the Federal Transit Administration supports the Moore-Miller Administration\u2019s priority to ensure customers can safely access our state\u2019s transportation services to get to work, school and life\u2019s opportunities, furthering our goal of creating a transportation system that works for everyone and Leaves No One Behind,\u201d said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. \u201cThank you to Maryland\u2019s federal delegation for their work to secure the grant and their partnership in improving transit infrastructure across the state.\u201d\n\nThe federal investment comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s All Stations Accessibility Program, which members of Federal Team Maryland helped create and fund at $1.75 billion through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. On May 12, 2026, the lawmakers also wrote to Jamie Pfister, Acting Executive Director of the Federal Transit Administration, in support of the Maryland Department of Transportation\u2019s application for this funding.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-scott-wittman-kiggans-celebrate-house-passage-chesapeake-bay-waters", "Elfreth, Scott, Wittman, Kiggans Celebrate House Passage of Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) and Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Rob Wittman (VA-01), and Jennifer Kiggans (VA-02) secured House of passage of H.R. 6893, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act. This legislation reauthorizes key programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office (CBO). Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\nNOAA\u2019s CBO provides a variety of services that advance the restoration of the Bay and support local businesses, schools, and coastal resilience. CBO manages the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System which collects water quality, meteorological, and oceanographic data used by scientists, fisherman and those recreating on the Bay. CBO also oversees the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program, a competitive grant program for environmental education projects that connect students throughout the watershed with the Bay. The Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act authorizes the Chesapeake Bay B-WET program for the first time in the program\u2019s history.\n\n\u201cI am incredibly proud to represent the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, which conducts critical scientific research and programming to restore the health and habitat of the whole Chesapeake Bay watershed. I was thrilled to see my colleagues come together on the House floor today to pass the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act to ensure this office is properly resourced and \u2013 for the first time ever \u2013 authorize the Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program to support hands-on outdoor learning for students,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth. \u201cIf you talk to folks back in Annapolis, they will describe the Bay as \u2018transcending politics\u2019 and that it\u2019s \u2018like a religion.\u2019 I couldn\u2019t agree more. That is why I will continue to work collaboratively with our partners \u2013 Democrat and Republican alike \u2013 to ensure the Bay can be enjoyed for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and a critical resource for the millions of Americans that live within its watershed,\u201d said Congressman Scott. \u201cNOAA\u2019s Chesapeake Bay Office is essential to ensuring that government, industry, and nonprofits have the technical and scientific information necessary to improve the health of the Bay. This office also oversees the successful Chesapeake B-WET Program that has connected countless students to hands-on, environmental education programming throughout the watershed. Today\u2019s passage of the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act is a major step towards ensuring that this office can continue supporting the restoration of the Bay and connecting future generations with the environment around them.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a lifelong outdoorsman, vice chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, and co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I am proud to have co-led this bipartisan effort to protect the Chesapeake Bay,\u201d said Congressman Wittman. \u201cThe Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act would ensure that the Chesapeake Bay remains healthy for generations to come \u2014 protecting our coastal economies and preserving a national treasure. I will continue to advocate for this legislation as it moves to the Senate.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is vital to the coastal communities, local economies, and natural resources we are fortunate to have in Virginia,\u201d said Congresswoman Kiggans. \u201cThe Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act ensures NOAA can continue providing the research, restoration support, and educational opportunities needed to keep the Bay healthy and thriving. I\u2019m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this legislation through the House, and I\u2019ll continue working to see it signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cNOAA\u2019s Chesapeake Bay Office is central to the Bay restoration effort, from providing essential water quality monitoring data, to supporting our understanding and management of our fisheries, to fostering a greater appreciation of the Bay through environmental education,\u201d said Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. \u201cPassing the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act will ensure these critical functions continue and uphold a strong, science-based foundation for the work of the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership.\u201d\n\n\u201cA healthier Chesapeake Bay starts with science, restoration, and education. This legislation does all three by supporting NOAA\u2019s Chesapeake Bay Office and Bay Watershed Education and Training program,\u201d said Keisha Sedlacek, Senior Policy Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. \u201cThese programs lead research and restoration work that create cleaner waterways, support fisheries and local economies, and build resiliency to climate change. Education grants allow thousands of kids to learn hands-on outside, building future leaders. We applaud the House and the leadership of Reps. Bobby Scott, Sarah Elfreth, Jen Kiggans, and Rob Wittman for advancing the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act. We urge swift action from the Senate.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Choose Clean Water Coalition wholeheartedly endorses the Chesapeake WATERS Act, which reauthorizes NOAA\u2019s Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO),\u201d said Kristin Reilly, Director of the Choose Clean Water Coalition. \u201cMany federal agencies play a critical role in restoring the Chesapeake Bay, and NCBO plays a critical role. They are a leader in restoring the Bay\u2019s oyster population, protecting striped bass and other native species from the onslaught of invasive blue catfish, and helping steward the next generation through outdoor education experiences. It is vital they receive continued support as we enter the next chapter of the Bay restoration effort.\u201d\n\nFull text of the bill can be found by CLICKING HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-hosts-second-constituent-resource-fair-anne-arundel-county", "Elfreth Hosts Second Constituent Resource Fair in Anne Arundel County", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nANNAPOLIS, MD \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) hosted a second Maryland Third Congressional District Constituent Resource Fair in Anne Arundel County. The first Resource Fair was held in Howard County this past May and featured representatives from 19 agencies. Elfreth and her team were joined by 26 federal, state, local, business, and nonprofit partners, covering a range of services from workforce development to health care, veterans affairs, and more.\n\n\u201cFirst and foremost, my team and I are here to help our neighbors with any issue they face at any level of government, and these resource fairs are just one way we can connect them to the services they need. From our first resource fair to the thousands of cases that my team handles day in and day out \u2013 the need for community services and support is clear, especially as we grapple with the aftermath of DOGE, the weaponization of ICE, skyrocketing costs, and so much more,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. \u201cI want to extend a sincere thank you to all of our partners who joined us and for their continued commitment to serving our community on their hardest days. This work is never done alone.\u201d\n\nElfreth and her team have also provided casework assistance to constituents on a range of issues with federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security, immigration agencies, and the IRS. To date, Congresswoman Elfreth\u2019s team has closed over 3,000 constituent cases and returned over $4 million directly to constituents.\n\nThe second Constituent Resource Fair included representatives from Senator Shaneka Henson\u2019s Office, the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland, the Maryland Insurance Administration, the Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families, the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development, the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, the American Kidney Foundation, Comcast, the City of Annapolis - No Harm, the City of Annapolis - Hispanic Community Services, the City of Annapolis - Naptown Anti-dope Move(meant), BGE, Chamber of Mothers, the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County, American Red Cross, the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency/Crisis Response System, the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities, the Anne Arundel County Office of Community Engagement & Constituent Services, the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works, the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks, HealthCare Access Maryland, Anne Arundel County\u2019s Sheriff Office, the Chief Administrative Office - Office of Talent and Development, and the Chesapeake Children\u2019s Museum.\n\n\u201cGood governance is about solving problems regardless of which agency's logo is on the door,\u201d said Mayor Jared Littmann. \u201cWe're pleased to work with Congresswoman Elfreth to deliver results and one-stop shopping for resources across local, state, and federal agencies.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo often, the biggest barrier between someone and the help they need isn\u2019t a lack of resources-it\u2019s a lack of information. That\u2019s why community collaboration matters so much. My office cannot reach every family on our own. We need neighbors, nonprofits, and local organizations partnering with us to spread the word,\u201d said Senator Shaneka Henson, D30, Annapolis.\n\n\u201cWhen Marylanders have questions about home loans, student loans, or banking (including online banking apps), they deserve answers,\u201d says Antonio P. Salazar, Commissioner of Financial Regulation in the Maryland Department of Labor. \"Our office helps consumers know their rights, avoid scams, file complaints, and find the right resources. We are pleased to join community partners at events like this to help Marylanders access the support and information they need.\"\n\n\u201cAs the nation's leading nonprofit fighting kidney disease, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) works across the country to engage communities and raise awareness about kidney disease, and we are thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of Rep. Elfreth's community resource fair,\u201d said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. \u201cWith 1 in 7 American adults living with kidney disease and millions more at risk of developing this life-altering condition, events like this are important to our efforts to connect members of the community with valuable resources and ensure people have the knowledge they need to prevent and manage kidney disease.\u201d\n\n\u201cChamber of Mothers is proud to participate in Congresswoman Elfreth\u2019s Constituent Resource Fair,\u201d said Kelsey McCarthy, Co-Facilitator and Volunteer with the Maryland Chapter of Chamber of Mothers. \u201cMothers are navigating complex challenges every day, from finding affordable childcare to accessing quality health care and other essential resources. Strong communities are built when we work together to ensure mothers know where they can turn for support. We\u2019re grateful to Congresswoman Elfreth and her team for creating opportunities like this to connect mothers with organizations that are ready to help and to strengthen the community partnerships that make that support possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cAAEDC is grateful to Congresswoman Elfreth for bringing this Resource Fair to Annapolis. Having federal and local resources together in one place makes it easier for residents and businesses to find the support they need. For AAEDC, it is also an important opportunity to hear directly from businesses about the challenges they are facing and connect them with capital, technical assistance, government resources, and other tools that can help them succeed,\u201d said AAEDC President and CEO, Amy Gowan.\n\n\"The Anne Arundel County Sheriff\u2019s Office was honored to participate in Maryland\u2019s Third District Constituent Resource Fair, hosted by Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. The Sheriff\u2019s Office values the chance to connect with citizens by sharing resources and information about the services we provide.\" Anne Arundel County Sheriff Everett Sesker stated, \u201cOur participation in events like this allows us to build positive connections with community members and strengthen our relationship with them. Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth is a dedicated partner to public safety, and we appreciate her efforts to offer resources to the community.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-25th-anniversary-911", "Hoyer Statement on 25th Anniversary of 9/11", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today commemorating the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001:\n\n\u201cSeptember 11, 2001, was a day of tragedy and created a new sense of vulnerability. But it also was followed by a unity of purpose and conviction that the terrorists would not prevail.\n\n\u201cI will never forget standing on the steps of the U.S. Capitol that evening, rallying with colleagues, staff, and fellow citizens who had gathered to show our solidarity with those who had lost loved ones, who were still searching for the missing, and who were working to restore safety. Moved by that moment, we began to sing 'God Bless America,' and soon everyone was joining in. It was a powerful expression of our unity and resolve. It was, too, a reminder that we are, despite our differences and the often-heated rhetoric in our politics, one nation with a common purpose and a shared hope for peace, justice, and the triumph of good over evil.\n\n\u201cThe magnitude of this tragedy created great unity. But as it fades from memory, the realization of that unity becomes more difficult to sustain. We must nevertheless strive to recapture it.\n\n\u201cGround Zero, the west side of the Pentagon, and the hallowed field in Shanksville are now quiet places of peace. Today, bells will be rung, names will be read, and hymns will be sung. But nothing we do today can honor the dead and injured more than to carry on tomorrow, as we have now done for a quarter century, and continue the difficult task of building the America that terrorists tried in vain to dismantle. An America united. An America filled with optimism in devotion its purpose. An America of big hearts and open arms. An America guided by its highest ideals and committed to ensuring equal justice and opportunity for all.\n\n\u201cLet us rededicate ourselves to seeking that unity of purpose today. May the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001, inspire us to that work now and forever.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/university-marylands-terp-magazine-steny-hoyer-yields-floor", "University of Maryland\u2019s Terp Magazine: Steny Hoyer Yields the Floor", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) was featured in the University of Maryland's (UMD) Terp Magazine Fall 2026 edition. Click here to read the story or see below:\n\nSTENY HOYER YIELDS THE FLOOR\n\nBy John Tucker\n\nSeptember 4, 2026\n\nSipping a Beer at a Capitol Hill soir\u00e9e in 1988, John Berry \u201980 overheard a congressional staffer mention that a Virginia university was lobbying the National Archives to build a huge facility on its campus to house millions of its documents. The next morning Berry tipped off his boss, U.S. Rep. Steny H. Hoyer \u201963, that the prized repository was in play.\n\nWithin days, Hoyer and University System of Maryland Chancellor John S. Toll were leading the archivist of the United States on a tour of UMD\u2019s campus; a couple of weeks later, Hoyer added an earmark to an appropriations bill establishing UMD as the site of the eventual 1.8 million-square-foot building. A befuddled Virginia staffer who later ran into Berry said, \u201cI\u2019ve never been so thoroughly sideswiped. Hoyer outsmarted us.\u201d\n\nHoyer recalls the coup jubilantly: \u201cNow it\u2019s probably the premier archival institution in the world,\u201d he says. \u201cWe brought some fantastic researchers to the campus.\u201d\n\nIt was a classic move by Hoyer, who will retire from a 45-year career in Congress when his term ends in January. The longest-serving member of either chamber to represent Maryland, Hoyer shaped the influential 5th District abutting Washington into a research powerhouse, helping pump billions of dollars into behemoths like NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center, Patuxent River Naval Air Station and NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, many of them tightly aligned with the University of Maryland.\n\n\u201cSteny\u2019s leadership resulted in the modern federal research presence in the state of Maryland,\u201d says emeritus UMD trustee Tim Maloney, a former state delegate whose district overlapped with Hoyer\u2019s. \u201cHe did it quietly and without recognition. He was just interested in seeing results.\u201d\n\nThe No. 2 member of the Democratic caucus for two decades\u2014second only to Rep. Nancy Pelosi, an ally and frequent sparring partner\u2014Hoyer played the role of happy warrior and shrewd tactician, a consensus-building centrist who complemented her street-fighting progressivism. The 87-year-old has spent nearly his entire career in public office; Hoyer was elected in 1966 to the Maryland Senate and joined the U.S. House of Representatives in 1981.\n\n\"[Hoyer] is one of the most underrated giants of U.S. legislative history.\" John Berry '80 Former Staffer and Ambassador to Australia\n\nStill popular\u2014he won 72% of the vote in his district in the 2024 primary\u2014Hoyer walks away as the only Marylander to serve as majority leader. A throwback to an era when members of both major parties respected each other, he helped steer the passage of bipartisan landmark legislation including the 1990 American with Disabilities Act and the 2002 Help Americas Vote Act in response to the contested 2000 presidential election, the most sweeping election reform since the Voting Rights Act.\n\n\u201cHe is one of the most underrated giants of U.S. legislative history,\u201d says Berry, who after working for Hoyer ran President Obama\u2019s Office of Personnel Management and served as ambassador to Australia.\n\nFollowing retirement, Hoyer will donate his official papers to UMD Libraries, a collection that contains everything from personal notes, speeches, photos, campaign materials and correspondences with constituents and colleagues.\n\n\u201cFrom the very beginning, the University of Maryland has been a big part of my life, and I\u2019m very proud of it,\u201d he says.\n\nBorn in New York, Hoyer moved to District Heights, Md., as a child and enrolled in UMD in 1957 (tuition: $178). After posting 1.7 and 1.0 GPAs his freshman year, he took a semester off, then reenrolled, still without direction.\n\nOne day that spring, he was set to leave campus when a Pontiac convertible cruised by, carrying the guest speaker to the annual convocation ceremony. Hoyer thought the car looked cool and decided to follow it.\n\nThe teenager sat in awe as the handsome young U.S. senator talked passionately about politics and implored graduates to serve their communities and country. Immediately drawn to public service, Hoyer now calls his walk to the field house to hear John F. Kennedy \u201cmy road to Damascus.\u201d\n\nHe changed his major from business to government and politics and was elected student government vice president. After marrying his high school sweetheart and graduating with high honors, Hoyer enrolled in Georgetown law school and joined the campaign team of U.S. Rep. Daniel Brewster of Maryland; there, he met a young staffer from Baltimore named Nancy D\u2019Alesandro, who the following year became Nancy Pelosi. After he was elected president of the Maryland Young Democrats, anointed by The Washington Post as \u201ca man to watch\u201d and remained on staff when Brewster became a U.S. senator, he made his first run for elected office, distinguishing himself in a crowded field vying for a state Senate seat with a platform on fair housing.\n\nThe newly drawn district had backed segregationist candidate George Wallace in the 1964 presidential election, but Hoyer focused on a concentration of Black constituents, knocking on doors till his knuckles hurt. \u201cPeople saw a skinny white kid looking younger than my 26 years, and said, \u2018What are you doing here?\u2019\u201d he recalls. He won Black voters\u2019 support nearly 7-to-1 and claimed the seat by 300 votes. In Annapolis, he cast one of his first votes to end the ban on interracial marriage.\n\nAt 35, he became Maryland\u2019s youngest-ever Senate president, championing a district growing increasingly Black, educated, affluent and attractive to federal government workers. In 1981 he won a special election to represent the U.S. House\u2019s 5th District, earning the nickname Boy Wonder.\n\n\u201cThere was a certain way Steny Hoyer\u2019s heels click-clicked along the marble halls of the State House that set him apart from the others. He had the sharpest, most urgent click-click in Annapolis,\u201d the Post wrote upon his departure from the legislature.\n\nAmong his new constituents was Yvette Lewis, a Prince George\u2019s County music teacher who dreamed of singing professionally\u2014if only she could get her foot in the door at the Kennedy Center. Her husband suggested she call her congressman; maybe she could speak with a staffer. With surprising ease, she secured a meeting with Hoyer. She left with a smile and no expectations, but two weeks later received a letter from the Kennedy Center offering an interview.\n\nLewis landed a Kennedy Center teaching job, then a Washington Opera audition, then a resident understudy position. Following the contentious 2000 presidential election, she became politically active and ultimately served as chair of the Maryland Democratic Party for eight years. \u201cSteny Hoyer changed my life,\u201d she says.\n\nHoyer didn\u2019t remember their original meeting when they first bumped into each other in political circles years later, but that didn\u2019t surprise her.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m not unique,\u201d says Lewis, now a close friend who sits on the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. \u201cI\u2019m one of a million Hoyer stories.\u201d\n\nHoyer gradually built his influence in Congress, chairing the Helsinki Commission on U.S.-European security, earning a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and traveling to Darfur and South Sudan to raise awareness of genocide. He became Pelosi\u2019s chief lieutenant in 2003 and House majority leader in 2007, charged with scheduling floor business and mobilizing the party vote on important legislation.\n\nWith increased clout, he directed millions of dollars into UMD programs through federal agency appropriations. A savvy analyst, he identified potential research partnerships, joint faculty appointments and student pipelines connecting UMD to the government, then brokered behind-the-scenes deals.\n\n\u201cHe might tell his colleagues in the House, \u2018Hey, the engineering school\u2019s developing a remote sensing program that would be great for NASA Goddard,\u2019\u201d says Brian Darmody, chief strategy officer for the Association of University Research Parks. Formerly UMD\u2019s assistant vice president for research and economic development, he worked closely with Hoyer in the 2000s to establish M Square, a public-private research hub that has since grown into UMD\u2019s Discovery District Maryland.\n\nHoyer also secured funds from the Department of Defense for a UMD center now known as the Applied Research Lab for Intelligence and Security; from the Department of Agriculture for the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, where more than two dozen UMD faculty work; and from the Food and Drug Administration for its Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, which has a research partnership with UMD in College Park. On campus, Hoyer also helped net construction money for the Physical Sciences Complex and The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.\n\nMeanwhile, he continued preaching in support of civil rights. In 2010, when a bill to end the \u201cDon\u2019t Ask, Don\u2019t Tell\u201d policy banning gay Americans from serving openly in the military died in committee, Hoyer sidestepped the blockade by orchestrating a second Senate vote at the eleventh hour of the session, a \u201cpolitical miracle,\u201d says Berry, his former staffer.\n\nHoyer was the first person whom Berry came out to as gay, after his parents. When Berry\u2019s partner died of AIDS, Hoyer pulled over on Route 50 and listened to him weep on the phone for 30 minutes.\n\n\u201cHe\u2019s not only the best boss I\u2019ve ever had, but a mentor, a second father, a true saint,\u201d says Berry.\n\nHoyer looks younger han his 87 years, and he knows it. \u201cGod\u2019s been good,\u201d he says, after practically bounding into his office on the top floor of the Longworth building in crisp shirtsleeves and a yellow tie. Mentally sharp, though unsure whether he could deliver at 89, he is retiring somewhat reluctantly. Pelosi, his longtime colleague, is also stepping down at age 86.\n\nOne corner of Hoyer\u2019s office is dedicated to the late Rep. John Lewis, one of his closest friends in Congress, with whom he marched 15 times across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., to make good trouble. In an opposite corner is the flag of Denmark (the self-described \u201cproud Dane\u201d in 2009 was honored as a Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog).\n\nAfter retirement, he\u2019ll remain active in Democratic politics and spend more time in his St. Mary\u2019s County home. A rabid UMD football and basketball fan, he intends to keep shouting at nearly every home game alongside his wife, Elaine Kamarck, a director at a public policy nonprofit whom he married in 2023. (Hoyer\u2019s first wife, the educator Judy Pickett Hoyer, died in 1997, leading Hoyer to create early-childhood programs across Maryland in her name.)\n\nHe\u2019ll leave the House having shaped the careers of hundreds of staffers, including Jazz Lewis \u201911, MPP \u201914, who met Hoyer as a graduate student intending to become a community organizer. Instead, he agreed to lead his reelection campaign the day after commencement.\n\n\u201cHis approach to public service was kindness, thoughtfulness and always following up. Every function was super long because he listened to everyone\u2014it didn\u2019t matter if they were a mechanic or someone\u2019s granny,\u201d says Lewis, who became Hoyer\u2019s senior policy adviser and is now UMD\u2019s director of state government relations.\n\nHoyer\u2019s seat will almost certainly be inherited by another recent campaign manager, 32-year-old state Del. Adrian Boafo, who in June won the Democratic primary.\n\nEver congenial, the lion of the House laments that American politics has devolved into pettiness and divisiveness over the last decade. Still, he\u2019s an optimist, easily quoting from Kennedy\u2019s 1961 inaugural address: \u201cThe torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans ... unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed.\u201d\n\nTwelve presidential administrations later, in an emotional January speech on the House floor to announce his retirement, Hoyer passed his own torch, urging his colleagues to examine their conscience and renew their courage: \u201cWe must remember that we are not great or unique because we say we\u2019re great, but because we are just, generous and fair.\u201d\n\n\"I believe in democracy. I believe that over time, people mostly do the right thing.\" Steny Hoyer '63", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/over-250-current-former-members-congress-urge-supreme-court-block-trumps", "Over 250 Current & Former Members of Congress Urge Supreme Court to Block Trump\u2019s Executive Order Limiting Mail Voting", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Current and former Members of Congress mobilized in a court filing challenging the legality of President Donald Trump\u2019s Executive Order seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The effort was led by House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle; Assistant House Minority Leader Joe Neguse, who leads the House Democrats\u2019 Litigation Task Force; and Task Force Co-Chairs Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. In the Senate, the brief was championed by Rules Committee Ranking Member Alex Padilla; Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer; Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin; and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters.\n\nThe group, made up of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers, filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in the matter of United States Postal Service, et al., v. State of California, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the U.S. Postal Service. The court case challenges a Final Rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump\u2019s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a \u201ccitizenship verification list\u201d and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail.\n\nOne-third of Americans are expected to vote by mail in the upcoming midterm elections\u2014a voting practice Donald Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when the president voted in Florida\u2019s Republican primary.\n\nIn the court filing, the amici curiae argue that Trump\u2019s Executive Order 14399, \u201cEnsuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,\u201d violates the separation of powers and usurps congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the states and Congress exclusive authority over election administration.\n\n\u201cAs current and former legislators, amici took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States\u2014including its guarantee of the separation of powers. Amici have a particular interest in defending the institutional role of the Legislative Branch under Article I of the Constitution and in vindicating the long-settled principle that the Constitution commits ultimate regulatory authority over federal elections to Congress. The Constitution does not contemplate the Executive Branch acting unilaterally to assert power over federal elections. Yet that is what the Order and Final Rule do,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe amici also pointed to a recent federal court ruling blocking the USPS from implementing its newly finalized mail ballot rule for the midterm elections, saying the agency lacked the authority to implement the rule and that its actions are \u201csubstantively unconstitutional and contrary to law.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe district court correctly concluded that Appellees are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims that USPS lacked authority to issue the Final Rule, that the Final Rule unconstitutionally imposes mail-ballot requirements on the States, and that the Final Rule unconstitutionally bars non-compliant State and local election officials from using the USPS to mail ballots at all.\u201d\n\nThe group concluded by asserting States\u2019 power to administer elections and Congress\u2019s power to make or alter rules regulating elections, which the Supreme Court itself has described as an \u201coverride\u201d authority. The president\u2019s illegal incursion on this authority is an attempt to disenfranchise people who depend on mail-in ballots to vote.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded: \u201cThe integrity of our constitutional system depends on each branch keeping to its assigned role. The Framers set up a two-part system that gave the States default authority to regulate federal elections subject to Congress\u2019s authority to override the States. The Framers did not provide the President with any authority to interfere in that system, nor has Congress imbued the Executive Branch with any such authority by statute.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-statement-on-the-retirement-of-smithsonian-secretary-lonnie-bunch", "Congressman Mfume Statement on the Retirement of Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, in response to the retirement of Smithsonian Secretary Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) released the following statement:\n\n\"Lonnie Bunch has devoted nearly four decades to ensuring that America tells its whole, unvarnished story. He understood that our history, in all its complexity and consequence, deserves to be preserved, taught, and understood. His extraordinary work bringing the National Museum of African American History and Culture to life changed the National Mall and changed the way current and future generations of Americans understand our nation and themselves.\"\n\n\"Shame again on Donald Trump, who wants to impose his own brand of history and facts on the American public. Kudos to Dr. Lonnie Bunch for a fight well fought. Scholarship is more important than presidential gamesmanship.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-retirement-smithsonian-secretary-lonnie-g-bunch-iii", "Hoyer Statement on the Retirement of Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) issued the following statement after Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie G. Bunch III announced his plans to retire:\n\n\u201cFor the past seven years, Lonnie Bunch has led the Smithsonian with a deft hand and a passion for its mission. He has skillfully navigated challenges to the institution\u2019s independence and academic integrity, and the Smithsonian has benefited from his strong leadership and unique cascade of talents.\n\n\u201cEarlier, as the founding Director and principal architect who collaborated with John Lewis and other major African-American leaders, including from the Congressional Black Caucus, Secretary Bunch created one of the premier institutions teaching and preserving African-American history and culture.\n\n\u201cI am extremely disappointed that a world-class institution is losing a world-class leader. The next leader of the Smithsonian must be someone like Secretary Bunch who will fight to preserve its independence. We must not allow political interference to shape how visitors experience the art, history, and science presented at Smithsonian facilities. They must be based on facts and on expert interpretation by respected scholars, not based on ideology.\n\n\u201cSadly, Secretary Bunch is the latest casualty of this Administration\u2019s war on intellectual honesty and the complex facts of our history. This President and his advisors have no shame or regard for the truth, ordering messages to be posted in front of the Smithsonian Museum of American History and other places promoting revisionist, partisan interpretations of our past.\n\n\u201cI look forward to engaging with the Board of Regents and with key Congressional colleagues to ensure that the process to select the fifteenth Secretary of the Smithsonian is fair, open, and unblemished by political interference.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-submits-items-congressional-time-capsule-celebration", "Maryland Delegation Submits Items for Congressional Time Capsule in Celebration of America\u2019s 250th Anniversary", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In honor of America\u2019s 250th anniversary, this summer, the full Maryland Congressional Delegation \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) \u2013 submitted a Fort McHenry Flag and a Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad Centenary Souvenir Medal to the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. Sealed and buried by the Architect of the Capitol, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule contains a joint letter and items of significance from every state and territory reflecting the history and culture of our country. It will be opened by the 224th Congress in celebration of our nation's 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276.\n\nThe items selected by the Maryland delegation represent Maryland\u2019s critical role in the history of America:\n\nFort McHenry Flag: This 15-Star Flag, also known as a Fort McHenry Flag, is a replica of the one that flew above Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the United States national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, in 1814. The flag that was flying at Fort McHenry that day was sewn at 844 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore by Mary Pickersgill, members of her family, and indentured and enslaved African-American women \u2013 it is now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The Fort McHenry Flag has 15 stars and 15 stripes to account for Vermont and Kentucky becoming the 14th and 15th states, and was the official flag of the United States from 1795-1818. The Fort McHenry Flag included in the Congressional Time Capsule was flown over 844 E. Pratt Street, now known as the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, on July 4, 2026, on the occasion of America\u2019s 250th anniversary.\n\nB&O Railroad Centenary Souvenir Medal: This commemorative coin was crafted in honor of the B&O Railroad\u2019s 100th anniversary in 1927. The B&O Souvenir Medal was selected for the Congressional Time Capsule because of the B&O Railroad\u2019s significant impact on both the state of Maryland and the country \u2013 chartered on February 28, 1827, it was the first-ever railroad to carry both passengers and freight for a toll. It pioneered railway engineering and spurred industrial opportunity for the United States. Notably, construction of the B&O Railroad began on July 4, 1828, with a groundbreaking event in Baltimore that featured Marylander Charles Carroll, the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Souvenir Medal was donated to this time capsule by the National Museum of Railroad History and Innovation located in Baltimore.\n\n\u201cMarylanders have always played a central role in American history \u2013 from the Maryland 400 holding strong against the British Army in 1776, to Baltimore\u2019s own Thurgood Marshall expanding justice under the law, to the countless scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs pushing our nation forward every day. Inspired by the legacy of these great Marylanders and those still to come, we will continue working to build a nation that lives up to the American promise of equal justice, equal rights, and equal opportunity for all. As we celebrate America\u2019s 250th anniversary, the items Team Maryland chose for this Congressional Time Capsule showcase the resilience and innovation woven into the histories of both our great state and nation. This time capsule is a reflection on the work our nation has done over the past 250 years to live up to our founding ideals, and a statement of belief that 250 years from now our democracy will be even stronger,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cIt was an honor to celebrate America\u2019s 250th Anniversary by looking back at Maryland\u2019s contributions to technology, science, and culture that have transformed our nation forever. And when this time capsule is opened on July 4, 2276, I hope Marylanders will look back at the mark we are leaving now \u2013 how we stood for justice, worked hard to advance society, cured diseases, found solutions to complex problems, and did it all with joy and love for each other,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cIt can be difficult to imagine America at 500. What technologies will define the way we live and work? What will our nation celebrate and mourn from its history? How will our people build community and understand the bonds that keep us together? The America 250 Congressional Time Capsule will offer them a window into our nation and our moment in history. I\u2019m proud to join Team Maryland in offering future Marylanders a reminder of what we cherish and how we celebrate our state\u2019s place in American history,\u201d said Congressman Hoyer.\n\n\"The United States of America's 250th Birthday is a momentous occasion, and with the selection of these items for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, we ensure that Maryland's contributions to American history will be preserved for our nation's Quincentennial,\" said Congressman Mfume. \"The resilience and fortitude represented by this 15-star flag \u2013 the same design as flew over Fort McHenry while Francis Scott Key penned our National Anthem \u2013 as well as the pioneering spirit and ingenuity embodied by the commemorative B&O Railroad coin, are traits that have characterized Marylanders for generations. Let this capsule carry them forward to those Americans who open it next.\"\n\n\u201cMaryland\u2019s contributions to our country stretch back to the earliest days of our nation. More than two centuries later, that legacy continues across the Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay, where farmers and watermen remain an important part of American agriculture and seafood production, and through the Port of Baltimore, which connects our state to commerce around the world. The items selected by the Maryland delegation capture two defining moments in that history and will carry a piece of Maryland\u2019s past forward as America celebrates its 250th anniversary,\u201d said Congressman Harris.\n\n\u201cFrom Frederick Douglass to Harriet Tubman to Rachel Carson to Thurgood Marshall, Marylanders have been devoted patriots and fighters for our land, our democracy and our freedom,\u201d said Congressman Raskin. \u201cWhen this time capsule is opened, future Americans will be reminded of the Free State\u2019s many enduring cultural, scientific and political contributions to our nation\u2019s history and our shared work to build a more perfect union.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaryland has always been at the heart of America\u2019s story, and our contributions to this country extend far beyond the moments we typically see in the history books. The flag that inspired our national anthem was sewn in Baltimore by Mary Pickersgill, her family, and Black women whose contributions were essential to our nation\u2019s history. The B&O Railroad helped launch America\u2019s industrial future from right here in Maryland. As we celebrate 250 years of our nation, these artifacts remind us that America\u2019s story has always been shaped by the people, ingenuity, and perseverance of Marylanders. I\u2019m proud to help preserve that story for Americans 250 years from now,\u201d said Congressman Ivey.\n\n\u201cHome to the oldest State Capitol to remain in use and the only State House to have served as the nation\u2019s Capitol; the place where our Founders met in 1786 and decided we needed a new system of government that led to the Constitution we have today; and the state where our flag flew high after the Battle of Fort McHenry, inspiring our national anthem \u2014 Maryland\u2019s role in our nation\u2019s history is undeniable,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth. \u201cThe artifacts we preserved today tell crucial pieces of Maryland\u2019s story in the last 250 years of our nation\u2019s history, and Team Maryland is committed to preserving this legacy for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cPeople call Maryland America in miniature. That started as a line about our climate and geography, but I think it says something truer about us: for more than 250 years, Maryland has helped build this country. What our delegation put in this time capsule shows exactly that,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cMaryland has always punched above its weight in shaping the story of America. From the flag that inspired our national anthem to the railroad that helped connect a growing nation, these artifacts help tell the story of Maryland\u2019s role in defending our freedom and creating opportunity,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski. \u201cNow, 250 years later, the fight for these ideals continues in different ways. It is with a spirit of hope that we look to the future -- that generations of Americans will continue our march toward a more perfect union.\"", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaney-calls-answers-following-federal-enforcement-activity-frederick", "McClain Delaney Calls for Answers Following Federal Enforcement Activity in Frederick", "2026-09-07", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. - What we have seen in Frederick over the past several days is deeply concerning. No family should be afraid to leave their home or feel unsafe in their own neighborhood. The safety and well-being of our residents must come first.\n\nMy office has been closely monitoring the situation, and I have been in direct contact with local elected officials and community leaders to hear about what occurred and the concerns residents have raised. also been in communication with Frederick\u2019s mayor and public safety officials to discuss the situation and determine what additional steps are needed.\n\nI am especially disturbed by reports that ICE agents used force against Frederick residents. These allegations demand immediate answers and a full, transparent investigation.\n\nFederal law enforcement has a responsibility to carry out its duties lawfully and safely\u2014and the Frederick community deserves transparency and answers.\n\nI will continue working proactively with local leaders, law enforcement, and community organizations to get those answers and ensure the safety of Frederick residents remains our top priority.", 1, "2026-09-08T09:24:24Z", "2026-09-08T09:26:10Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-august-jobs-report-2", "Hoyer Statement on August Jobs Report", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the August jobs report:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s jobs report continues to demonstrate the urgency with which the current Administration must address the affordability crisis. While our economy saw an increase of 162,000 jobs in August, inflation is rising faster than average household earnings. In fact, wage gains are rising at the slowest pace since the pandemic, leaving families with fewer resources to pay for gas, groceries, and medical care. For months, Americans have faced rising prices, and now, as a result of President Trump\u2019s trade war against Canada, costs will only continue to soar.\n\n\u201cAmericans know all too well where the blame lies. President Trump\u2019s approval rating has reached a record low as workers and their families continue to worry about affordability; meanwhile, the majority of Americans disapprove of his handling of the economy and his endless war of choice in Iran, which is driving up gas prices. But rather than actually addressing the concerns of the public, the President has continued to focus on advantaging himself and his billionaire associates and on expensive vanity projects like the White House ballroom.\n\n\"President Trump and Republicans in Congress are doing everything they can to distract attention from the real issues facing Americans. While President Trump has said, absurdly, that the current economy is \u2018the greatest economy we've ever had, by far,\u2019 Americans know the truth: his claims are nothing but tall tales spun from his gilded halls of Mar-a-Lago. Americans deserve better, and House Democrats are ready to address the affordability crisis from day one if returned to the Majority.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaney-statement-reports-ongoing-ice-presence-across-frederick", "McClain Delaney Statement on Reports of Ongoing ICE Presence Across Frederick Communities", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) today issued the following statement in response to reports of a heavy and ongoing presence of federal immigration agents across several Frederick communities:\n\n\u201cI am closely monitoring reports that ICE agents and multiple vehicles have maintained a sustained presence across residential neighborhoods in Frederick for more than 30 hours. According to community members, residents have consistently observed between two and eight vehicles in the area since this activity began.\n\n\u201cFamilies\u2014including many with lawful immigration status\u2014are staying inside and scared to come out. No family should feel unsafe simply living in their own neighborhood.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve reached out to local officials for a full accounting of what\u2019s happening on the ground, and I\u2019ll have more to say once I know the facts. In the meantime, my office is available to any constituent who needs help or has questions about their rights.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-submits-items-for-congressional-time-capsule-in-celebration-of-america-s-250th-anniversary", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Submits Items for Congressional Time Capsule in Celebration of America\u2019s 250th Anniversary", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 In honor of America\u2019s 250th anniversary, this summer, the full Maryland Congressional Delegation \u2013 Congressman Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all MD) \u2013 submitted a Fort McHenry Flag and a Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad Centenary Souvenir Medal to the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. Sealed and buried by the Architect of the Capitol, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule contains a joint letter and items of significance from every state and territory reflecting the history and culture of our country. It will be opened by the 224th Congress in celebration of our nation's 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276.\n\nThe items selected by the Maryland delegation represent Maryland\u2019s critical role in the history of America:\n\nFort McHenry Flag: This 15-Star Flag, also known as a Fort McHenry Flag, is a replica of the one that flew above Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the United States national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, in 1814. The flag that was flying at Fort McHenry that day was sewn at 844 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore by Mary Pickersgill, members of her family, and indentured and enslaved African-American women \u2013 it is now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The Fort McHenry Flag has 15 stars and 15 stripes to account for Vermont and Kentucky becoming the 14th and 15th states, and was the official flag of the United States from 1795-1818. The Fort McHenry Flag included in the Congressional Time Capsule was flown over 844 E. Pratt Street, now known as the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, on July 4, 2026, on the occasion of America\u2019s 250th anniversary.\n\nB&O Railroad Centenary Souvenir Medal: This commemorative coin was crafted in honor of the B&O Railroad\u2019s 100th anniversary in 1927. The B&O Souvenir Medal was selected for the Congressional Time Capsule because of the B&O Railroad\u2019s significant impact on both the state of Maryland and the country \u2013 chartered on February 28, 1827, it was the first-ever railroad to carry both passengers and freight for a toll. It pioneered railway engineering and spurred industrial opportunity for the United States. Notably, construction of the B&O Railroad began on July 4, 1828, with a groundbreaking event in Baltimore that featured Marylander Charles Carroll, the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Souvenir Medal was donated to this time capsule by the National Museum of Railroad History and Innovation located in Baltimore.\n\n\"The United States of America's 250th Birthday is a momentous occasion, and with the selection of these items for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, we ensure that Maryland's contributions to American history will be preserved for our nation's Quincentennial,\" said Congressman Mfume. \"The resilience and fortitude represented by this 15-star flag \u2013 the same design as flew over Fort McHenry while Francis Scott Key penned our National Anthem \u2013 as well as the pioneering spirit and ingenuity embodied by the commemorative B&O Railroad coin, are traits that have characterized Marylanders for generations. Let this capsule carry them forward to those Americans who open it next.\"\n\n\u201cMarylanders have always played a central role in American history \u2013 from the Maryland 400 holding strong against the British Army in 1776, to Baltimore\u2019s own Thurgood Marshall expanding justice under the law, to the countless scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs pushing our nation forward every day. Inspired by the legacy of these great Marylanders and those still to come, we will continue working to build a nation that lives up to the American promise of equal justice, equal rights, and equal opportunity for all. As we celebrate America\u2019s 250th anniversary, the items Team Maryland chose for this Congressional Time Capsule showcase the resilience and innovation woven into the histories of both our great state and nation. This time capsule is a reflection on the work our nation has done over the past 250 years to live up to our founding ideals, and a statement of belief that 250 years from now our democracy will be even stronger,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cIt was an honor to celebrate America\u2019s 250th Anniversary by looking back at Maryland\u2019s contributions to technology, science, and culture that have transformed our nation forever. And when this time capsule is opened on July 4, 2276, I hope Marylanders will look back at the mark we are leaving now \u2013 how we stood for justice, worked hard to advance society, cured diseases, found solutions to complex problems, and did it all with joy and love for each other,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cIt can be difficult to imagine America at 500. What technologies will define the way we live and work? What will our nation celebrate and mourn from its history? How will our people build community and understand the bonds that keep us together? The America 250 Congressional Time Capsule will offer them a window into our nation and our moment in history. I\u2019m proud to join Team Maryland in offering future Marylanders a reminder of what we cherish and how we celebrate our state\u2019s place in American history,\u201d said Congressman Hoyer.\n\n\u201cMaryland\u2019s contributions to our country stretch back to the earliest days of our nation. More than two centuries later, that legacy continues across the Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay, where farmers and watermen remain an important part of American agriculture and seafood production, and through the Port of Baltimore, which connects our state to commerce around the world. The items selected by the Maryland delegation capture two defining moments in that history and will carry a piece of Maryland\u2019s past forward as America celebrates its 250th anniversary,\u201d said Congressman Harris.\n\n\u201cFrom Frederick Douglass to Harriet Tubman to Rachel Carson to Thurgood Marshall, Marylanders have been devoted patriots and fighters for our land, our democracy and our freedom,\u201d said Congressman Raskin. \u201cWhen this time capsule is opened, future Americans will be reminded of the Free State\u2019s many enduring cultural, scientific and political contributions to our nation\u2019s history and our shared work to build a more perfect union.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaryland has always been at the heart of America\u2019s story, and our contributions to this country extend far beyond the moments we typically see in the history books. The flag that inspired our national anthem was sewn in Baltimore by Mary Pickersgill, her family, and Black women whose contributions were essential to our nation\u2019s history. The B&O Railroad helped launch America\u2019s industrial future from right here in Maryland. As we celebrate 250 years of our nation, these artifacts remind us that America\u2019s story has always been shaped by the people, ingenuity, and perseverance of Marylanders. I\u2019m proud to help preserve that story for Americans 250 years from now,\u201d said Congressman Ivey.\n\n\u201cHome to the oldest State Capitol to remain in use and the only State House to have served as the nation\u2019s Capitol; the place where our Founders met in 1786 and decided we needed a new system of government that led to the Constitution we have today; and the state where our flag flew high after the Battle of Fort McHenry, inspiring our national anthem \u2014 Maryland\u2019s role in our nation\u2019s history is undeniable,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth. \u201cThe artifacts we preserved today tell crucial pieces of Maryland\u2019s story in the last 250 years of our nation\u2019s history, and Team Maryland is committed to preserving this legacy for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cPeople call Maryland America in miniature. That started as a line about our climate and geography, but I think it says something truer about us: for more than 250 years, Maryland has helped build this country. What our delegation put in this time capsule shows exactly that,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-submits-items-congressional-time-capsule-celebration", "Maryland Delegation Submits Items for Congressional Time Capsule in Celebration of America\u2019s 250th Anniversary", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 This summer, in honor of America\u2019s 250th anniversary, the full Maryland Congressional Delegation \u2013 Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all MD) \u2013 submitted a Fort McHenry Flag and a Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad Centenary Souvenir Medal to the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. Sealed and buried by the Architect of the Capitol, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule contains a joint letter and items of significance from every state and territory reflecting the history and culture of our country. It will be opened by the 224th Congress in celebration of our nation's 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276.\n\nThe items selected by the Maryland delegation represent Maryland\u2019s critical role in the history of America:\n\nFort McHenry Flag: This 15-Star Flag, also known as a Fort McHenry Flag, is a replica of the one that flew above Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the United States national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, in 1814. The flag that was flying at Fort McHenry that day was sewn at 844 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore by Mary Pickersgill, members of her family, and indentured and enslaved African-American women \u2013 it is now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The Fort McHenry Flag has 15 stars and 15 stripes to account for Vermont and Kentucky becoming the 14th and 15th states, and was the official flag of the United States from 1795-1818. The Fort McHenry Flag included in the Congressional Time Capsule was flown over 844 E. Pratt Street, now known as the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, on July 4, 2026, on the occasion of America\u2019s 250th anniversary.\n\nB&O Railroad Centenary Souvenir Medal: This commemorative coin was crafted in honor of the B&O Railroad\u2019s 100th anniversary in 1927. The B&O Souvenir Medal was selected for the Congressional Time Capsule because of the B&O Railroad\u2019s significant impact on both the state of Maryland and the country \u2013 chartered on February 28, 1827, it was the first-ever railroad to carry both passengers and freight for a toll. It pioneered railway engineering and spurred industrial opportunity for the United States. Notably, construction of the B&O Railroad began on July 4, 1828, with a groundbreaking event in Baltimore that featured Marylander Charles Carroll, the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Souvenir Medal was donated to this time capsule by the National Museum of Railroad History and Innovation located in Baltimore.\n\n\u201cHome to the oldest State Capitol to remain in use and the only State House to have served as the nation\u2019s Capitol; the place where our Founders met in 1786 and decided we needed a new system of government that led to the Constitution we have today; and the state where our flag flew high after the Battle of Fort McHenry, inspiring our national anthem \u2014 Maryland\u2019s role in our nation\u2019s history is undeniable,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth. \u201cThe artifacts we preserved today tell crucial pieces of Maryland\u2019s story in the last 250 years of our nation\u2019s history, and Team Maryland is committed to preserving this legacy for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarylanders have always played a central role in American history \u2013 from the Maryland 400 holding strong against the British Army in 1776, to Baltimore\u2019s own Thurgood Marshall expanding justice under the law, to the countless scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs pushing our nation forward every day. Inspired by the legacy of these great Marylanders and those still to come, we will continue working to build a nation that lives up to the American promise of equal justice, equal rights, and equal opportunity for all. As we celebrate America\u2019s 250th anniversary, the items Team Maryland chose for this Congressional Time Capsule showcase the resilience and innovation woven into the histories of both our great state and nation. This time capsule is a reflection on the work our nation has done over the past 250 years to live up to our founding ideals, and a statement of belief that 250 years from now our democracy will be even stronger,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cIt was an honor to celebrate America\u2019s 250th Anniversary by looking back at Maryland\u2019s contributions to technology, science, and culture that have transformed our nation forever. And when this time capsule is opened on July 4, 2276, I hope Marylanders will look back at the mark we are leaving now \u2013 how we stood for justice, worked hard to advance society, cured diseases, found solutions to complex problems, and did it all with joy and love for each other,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cIt can be difficult to imagine America at 500. What technologies will define the way we live and work? What will our nation celebrate and mourn from its history? How will our people build community and understand the bonds that keep us together? The America 250 Congressional Time Capsule will offer them a window into our nation and our moment in history. I\u2019m proud to join Team Maryland in offering future Marylanders a reminder of what we cherish and how we celebrate our state\u2019s place in American history,\u201d said Congressman Hoyer.\n\n\"The United States of America's 250th Birthday is a momentous occasion, and with the selection of these items for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, we ensure that Maryland's contributions to American history will be preserved for our nation's Quincentennial,\" said Congressman Mfume. \"The resilience and fortitude represented by this 15-star flag \u2013 the same design as flew over Fort McHenry while Francis Scott Key penned our National Anthem \u2013 as well as the pioneering spirit and ingenuity embodied by the commemorative B&O Railroad coin, are traits that have characterized Marylanders for generations. Let this capsule carry them forward to those Americans who open it next.\"\n\n\u201cMaryland\u2019s contributions to our country stretch back to the earliest days of our nation. More than two centuries later, that legacy continues across the Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay, where farmers and watermen remain an important part of American agriculture and seafood production, and through the Port of Baltimore, which connects our state to commerce around the world. The items selected by the Maryland delegation capture two defining moments in that history and will carry a piece of Maryland\u2019s past forward as America celebrates its 250th anniversary,\u201d said Congressman Harris.\n\n\u201cFrom Frederick Douglass to Harriet Tubman to Rachel Carson to Thurgood Marshall, Marylanders have been devoted patriots and fighters for our land, our democracy and our freedom,\u201d said Congressman Raskin. \u201cWhen this time capsule is opened, future Americans will be reminded of the Free State\u2019s many enduring cultural, scientific and political contributions to our nation\u2019s history and our shared work to build a more perfect union.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaryland has always been at the heart of America\u2019s story, and our contributions to this country extend far beyond the moments we typically see in the history books. The flag that inspired our national anthem was sewn in Baltimore by Mary Pickersgill, her family, and Black women whose contributions were essential to our nation\u2019s history. The B&O Railroad helped launch America\u2019s industrial future from right here in Maryland. As we celebrate 250 years of our nation, these artifacts remind us that America\u2019s story has always been shaped by the people, ingenuity, and perseverance of Marylanders. I\u2019m proud to help preserve that story for Americans 250 years from now,\u201d said Congressman Ivey.\n\n\u201cPeople call Maryland America in miniature. That started as a line about our climate and geography, but I think it says something truer about us: for more than 250 years, Maryland has helped build this country. What our delegation put in this time capsule shows exactly that,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cMaryland has always punched above its weight in shaping the story of America. From the flag that inspired our national anthem to the railroad that helped connect a growing nation, these artifacts help tell the story of Maryland\u2019s role in defending our freedom and creating opportunity,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski. \u201cNow, 250 years later, the fight for these ideals continues in different ways. It is with a spirit of hope that we look to the future -- that generations of Americans will continue our march toward a more perfect union.\"\n\nAn electronic version of Maryland\u2019s submission to the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-submits-items-congressional-time-capsule-celebration", "Maryland Delegation Submits Items for Congressional Time Capsule in Celebration of America\u2019s 250th Anniversary", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In honor of America\u2019s 250th anniversary, this summer, the full Maryland Congressional Delegation \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Andy Harris (MD-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) \u2013 submitted a Fort McHenry Flag and a Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad Centenary Souvenir Medal to the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. Sealed and buried by the Architect of the Capitol, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule contains a joint letter and items of significance from every state and territory reflecting the history and culture of our country. It will be opened by the 224th Congress in celebration of our nation's 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276.\n\nThe items selected by the Maryland delegation represent Maryland\u2019s critical role in the history of America:\n\nFort McHenry Flag: This 15-Star Flag, also known as a Fort McHenry Flag, is a replica of the one that flew above Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the United States national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, in 1814. The flag that was flying at Fort McHenry that day was sewn at 844 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore by Mary Pickersgill, members of her family, and indentured and enslaved African-American women \u2013 it is now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The Fort McHenry Flag has 15 stars and 15 stripes to account for Vermont and Kentucky becoming the 14th and 15th states, and was the official flag of the United States from 1795-1818. The Fort McHenry Flag included in the Congressional Time Capsule was flown over 844 E. Pratt Street, now known as the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, on July 4, 2026, on the occasion of America\u2019s 250th anniversary.\n\nB&O Railroad Centenary Souvenir Medal: This commemorative coin was crafted in honor of the B&O Railroad\u2019s 100th anniversary in 1927. The B&O Souvenir Medal was selected for the Congressional Time Capsule because of the B&O Railroad\u2019s significant impact on both the state of Maryland and the country \u2013 chartered on February 28, 1827, it was the first-ever railroad to carry both passengers and freight for a toll. It pioneered railway engineering and spurred industrial opportunity for the United States. Notably, construction of the B&O Railroad began on July 4, 1828, with a groundbreaking event in Baltimore that featured Marylander Charles Carroll, the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Souvenir Medal was donated to this timecapsule by the National Museum of Railroad History and Innovation located in Baltimore.\n\n\u201cIt can be difficult to imagine America at 500. What technologies will define the way we live and work? What will our nation celebrate and mourn from its history? How will our people build community and understand the bonds that keep us together? The America 250 Congressional Time Capsule will offer them a window into our nation and our moment in history. I\u2019m proud to join Team Maryland in offering future Marylanders a reminder of what we cherish and how we celebrate our state\u2019s place in American history,\u201d said Congressman Hoyer.\n\n\u201cMarylanders have always played a central role in American history \u2013 from the Maryland 400 holding strong against the British Army in 1776, to Baltimore\u2019s own Thurgood Marshall expanding justice under the law, to the countless scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs pushing our nation forward every day. Inspired by the legacy of these great Marylanders and those still to come, we will continue working to build a nation that lives up to the American promise of equal justice, equal rights, and equal opportunity for all. As we celebrate America\u2019s 250th anniversary, the items Team Maryland chose for this Congressional Time Capsule showcase the resilience and innovation woven into the histories of both our great state and nation. This time capsule is a reflection on the work our nation has done over the past 250 years to live up to our founding ideals, and a statement of belief that 250 years from now our democracy will be even stronger,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cIt was an honor to celebrate America\u2019s 250th Anniversary by looking back at Maryland\u2019s contributions to technology, science, and culture that have transformed our nation forever. And when this timecapsule is opened on July 4, 2276, I hope Marylanders will look back at the mark we are leaving now \u2013 how we stood for justice, worked hard to advance society, cured diseases, found solutions to complex problems, and did it all with joy and love for each other,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\"The United States of America's 250th Birthday is a momentous occasion, and with the selection of these items for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, we ensure that Maryland's contributions to American history will be preserved for our nation's Quincentennial,\" said Congressman Mfume. \"The resilience and fortitude represented by this 15-star flag \u2013 the same design as flew over Fort McHenry while Francis Scott Key penned our National Anthem \u2013 as well as the pioneering spirit and ingenuity embodied by the commemorative B&O Railroad coin, are traits that have characterized Marylanders for generations. Let this capsule carry them forward to those Americans who open it next.\"\n\n\u201cMaryland\u2019s contributions to our country stretch back to the earliest days of our nation. More than two centuries later, that legacy continues across the Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay, where farmers and watermen remain an important part of American agriculture and seafood production, and through the Port of Baltimore, which connects our state to commerce around the world. The items selected by the Maryland delegation capture two defining moments in that history and will carry a piece of Maryland\u2019s past forward as America celebrates its 250th anniversary,\u201d said Congressman Harris.\n\n\u201cFrom Frederick Douglass to Harriet Tubman to Rachel Carson to Thurgood Marshall, Marylanders have been devoted patriots and fighters for our land, our democracy and our freedom,\u201d said Congressman Raskin. \u201cWhen this time capsule is opened, future Americans will be reminded of the Free State\u2019s many enduring cultural, scientific and political contributions to our nation\u2019s history and our shared work to build a more perfect union.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaryland has always been at the heart of America\u2019s story, and our contributions to this country extend far beyond the moments we typically see in the history books. The flag that inspired our national anthem was sewn in Baltimore by Mary Pickersgill, her family, and Black women whose contributions were essential to our nation\u2019s history. The B&O Railroad helped launch America\u2019s industrial future from right here in Maryland. As we celebrate 250 years of our nation, these artifacts remind us that America\u2019s story has always been shaped by the people, ingenuity, and perseverance of Marylanders. I\u2019m proud to help preserve that story for Americans 250 years from now,\u201d said Congressman Ivey.\n\n\u201cHome to the oldest State Capitol to remain in use and the only State House to have served as the nation\u2019s Capitol; the place where our Founders met in 1786 and decided we needed a new system of government that led to the Constitution we have today; and the state where our flag flew high after the Battle of Fort McHenry, inspiring our national anthem \u2014 Maryland\u2019s role in our nation\u2019s history is undeniable,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth. \u201cThe artifacts we preserved today tell crucial pieces of Maryland\u2019s story in the last 250 years of our nation\u2019s history, and Team Maryland is committed to preserving this legacy for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cPeople call Maryland America in miniature. That started as a line about our climate and geography, but I think it says something truer about us: for more than 250 years, Maryland has helped build this country. What our delegation put in this time capsule shows exactly that,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cMaryland has always punched above its weight in shaping the story of America. From the flag that inspired our national anthem to the railroad that helped connect a growing nation, these artifacts help tell the story of Maryland\u2019s role in defending our freedom and creating opportunity,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski. \u201cNow, 250 years later, the fight for these ideals continues in different ways. It is with a spirit of hope that we look to the future -- that generations of Americans will continue our march toward a more perfect union.\"", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaney-van-hollen-visit-allegany-garrett-counties-highlight-over-5", "McClain Delaney, Van Hollen Visit Allegany & Garrett Counties to Highlight Over $5 Million in Federal Funding for Western Maryland Communities", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On August 20, U.S. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and Senator Chris Van Hollen(both D-Md.) were in Allegany and Garrett Counties to highlight $5.5 million that they, along with Senator Angela Alsobrooks, secured in Congress for Western Maryland communities. The lawmakers visited Frostburg State University, Potomac Fire Company No. 2 in Westernport, Garrett Regional Medical Center, and Oakland Town Hall in Oakland. This funding is part of the $10,484,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending that the Senators fought to deliver for Allegany and Garrett Counties.\n\n\u201cBringing $5.5 million in federal investments home to Western and Mountain Maryland means investing directly in the people and communities that make our state strong,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \u201cThese investments will strengthen health care access, equip our first responders, improve critical infrastructure, and expand STEM opportunities for students. I\u2019m proud to work alongside Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to deliver for Western and Mountain Maryland and ensure every community has the resources and opportunities to thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cLocal partnerships help us identify the priorities that matter most to our communities, and through those partnerships, Team Maryland works to deliver federal investments needed to move those projects forward \u2013 just like these across the region. From expanding educational opportunities and medical services to supporting first responders and infrastructure upgrades, these federal dollars are being put to work where they can make a real difference for Western Maryland residents and communities and have the greatest impact,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cWhat I\u2019ve seen and heard as I\u2019ve gone around the state \u2013 including while I was in Western and Mountain Maryland \u2013 is that residents everywhere want the same things. We all want affordable health care, the ability to buy a home, groceries we can actually afford, gas that isn\u2019t skyrocketing out of control every single day, and the opportunity to actually create generational wealth. And while we\u2019re currently dealing with an administration that doesn\u2019t care about solving these issues, my focus since day one has been to deliver for Marylanders. That\u2019s why I was so proud to partner with Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman McClain Delaney to secure $5.5 million in federal investment for Western Maryland communities, including for Frostburg State University, Potomac Fire Company No. 2 in Westernport, and the Garrett Regional Medical Center and Oakland Town Hall in Oakland,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nThe lawmakers first visited Frostburg State University\u2019s Planetarium, where they highlighted $2.8 million in direct federal funding they secured in Congress to purchase new equipment for the Planetarium and provide more STEM education opportunities for students. The investment is in addition to $750,000 in FY23 Congressionally Directed Spending that Senator Van Hollen helped secure for this initiative.\n\n\u201cThis investment allows us to build on the tremendous momentum generated by the Planetarium\u2019s reopening and significantly expand its educational impact,\u201d said Frostburg State University President Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson. \u201cThe Planetarium is more than a place to observe the night sky. It is a gateway to discovery that will connect students and community members to science, technology and exploration through innovative, interactive experiences.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers then visited Potomac Fire Company No. 2, where they highlighted a $675,000 federal investment they secured in Congress to replace the Company\u2019s 35-year-old fire engine.\n\n\u201cWe extend our sincere thanks to U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks, and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney for their unwavering support in helping secure the funding needed to replace our 35-year-old engine. This engine has proudly served the Town of Westernport and surrounding communities for decades, but is now in desperate need of replacement. This investment will ensure our firefighters have the reliable equipment they need to continue providing lifesaving emergency services for years to come. We are incredibly grateful for their support and look forward to putting a new engine in service for generations to come,\u201d said Bill Kight, President, Potomac Fire Company No. 2.\n\nThe lawmakers next visited Garrett Regional Medical Center, where they highlighted a $1 million federal investment they secured in Congress to help plan and design the new radiation department, which will provide on-site radiation treatment services for patients across the region.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Board, staff, patients, and community, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the support from Senator Van Hollen, Senator Alsobrooks, and Congresswoman Delaney. Their support will help ensure access to care for radiation oncology services in Garrett County so our citizens will no longer have to travel long distances to receive care. The entire community is grateful for their leadership and true compassion and caring for the patients we serve,\u201d said Mark Boucot, President and CEO of Garrett Regional Medical Center.\n\nLastly, the lawmakers joined Oakland\u2019s Mayor and Town Council at the Oakland Town Hall, where they highlighted $1 million in direct federal funding they secured in Congress to replace the town\u2019s aging water infrastructure. This project will correct critical distribution failures, including low pressure and volume issues, and ensure compliance with the International Fire Code. This investment is in addition to $364,632 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission that the lawmakers helped secure last year to support upgrades to the town\u2019s water system.\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly thankful to Senator Van Hollen, Senator Alsobrooks, and Congresswoman McClain Delaney for securing this investment to upgrade our water system. The improvements will fix low pressure and volume issues on the west side of town, ensuring that residents have sufficient water and that fire emergency personnel have the flow required to protect our community. This $1 million in federal funding represents over half of our annual water and sewer budget, highlighting that a town of our size cannot tackle infrastructure projects of this scale alone. Beyond public safety, this water infrastructure will also enable residential growth. A planned residential development featuring affordable rentals, market-rate rentals, and single-family homes is ready to move forward as soon as we can supply it with water. Thanks to the Appalachian Regional Commission funding that has also been secured, the planning and engineering phase is now underway. This Congressionally Directed Spending ensures we can see the future phases of this project through to completion,\u201d said Mayor Andrew Sauder, Town of Oakland.\n\nThe total FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending secured for Allegany County is as follows:\n\nProject Name: Planetarium Equipment\n\nApplicant: Frostburg State University\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to purchase new equipment for Frostburg State University's Planetarium to support STEM education in Western Maryland.\n\nAmount Included: $2,808,000\n\nProject Name: UPMC Western Maryland Health Access\n\nApplicant: UPMC Western Maryland Corporation\n\nProject Description: Funds will support UPMC Western Maryland Schwab Family Cancer Center's comprehensive radiation therapy services and expand treatment services to include intracranial radiation for patients.\n\nAmount Included: $2,750,000\n\nProject Name: Potomac Fire Company Engine Replacement\n\nApplicant: Potomac Fire Company No.2 Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to replace a 35-year-old fire engine to better serve and protect the Town of Westernport.\n\nAmount Included: $675,000\n\nProject Name: Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority for Sediment Testing and Remediation\n\nApplicant: Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to test and remove contaminants from sediment around the Industrial Dam on the Potomac River in Cumberland, MD, and to develop methods to more efficiently remove sediment to improve water quality.\n\nAmount Included: $500,000\n\nThe total FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending secured for Garrett County is as follows:\n\nProject Name: Garrett County Sanitary District for Gorman Water Source Project\n\nApplicant: Garrett County Sanitary District, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to provide water source redundancy by drilling a new production well to replace the previous production well that collapsed.\n\nAmount Included: $1,659,000\n\nProject Name: Town of Oakland for Water System Improvements\n\nApplicant: Town of Oakland\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to replace Oakland\u2019s antiquated water system infrastructure. The proposed project is necessary to correct critical distribution failures, including low pressure and volume issues, and ensure compliance with the International Fire Code.\n\nAmount Included: $1,092,000\n\nProject Name: Garrett Regional Medical Center Radiology Department Planning and Design\n\nApplicant: Garrett Regional Medical Center\n\nProject Purpose: Funds will be used for a comprehensive radiation department and on-site radiation treatment services for cancer patients in Garrett County, MD, and surrounding communities that currently lack convenient access to this care.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ivey-leads-bipartisan-codel-witness-successful-launch-nancy-grace-roman", "REP. IVEY LEADS BIPARTISAN CODEL TO WITNESS SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF NANCY GRACE ROMAN SPACE TELESCOPE", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) led a bipartisan delegation of Members of Congress to Cape Canaveral, Florida, from Saturday, August 29 through Monday, August 31, in partnership with the U.S. Space Force and NASA, to witness the successful launch of NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.\n\nThe Roman Space Telescope lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket at 7:26 a.m. EDT on Sunday, August 30, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and reached orbit roughly 10 minutes later. The delegation observed the launch in person and met with Space Force and NASA leadership to discuss the future of the U.S. space and space science enterprise.\n\n\u201cThe successful launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a tremendous achievement for NASA and a proud moment for Maryland. I congratulate the exceptional NASA Goddard workforce and every partner whose expertise and dedication made this mission possible\u2014especially nine months ahead of schedule and under budget. This observatory will reveal to us distant worlds, helping us understand dark matter and dark energy, and inspire the imagination of the next generation. Goddard\u2019s critical scientific missions continue to reaffirm America\u2019s global leadership in space science and will now advance discovery for years to come,\u201d said Congressman Ivey, representative of Maryland\u2019s Fourth District.\n\nThe delegation included Representatives George Whitesides (D-CA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), and Mike Haridopolos (R-FL). Science communicator Bill Nye the Science Guy also joined the delegation for part of the trip.\n\nABOUT THE MISSION\n\nNamed for NASA's first chief astronomer, known as the \u201cmother of Hubble,\u201d the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is NASA's next flagship observatory and its most significant astrophysics mission since the James Webb Space Telescope. Roman carries a primary mirror with a field of view at least 100 times larger than Hubble's, enabling it to survey wide swaths of the sky to study dark energy and dark matter, search for exoplanets, and advance infrared astrophysics. The observatory launched roughly nine months ahead of its required launch readiness date and is now on a three-month journey to join Webb at the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L2), where it will operate collaboratively with Hubble and Webb to give humanity an unprecedented view of the universe, paving the way for future observatories in the search for signs of life beyond our solar system.\n\nPARTNERS\n\nRoman is a worldwide collaborative effort, featuring a network of 85 national partners across 17 states and 13 international partners across 9 countries. More information about the global network of partners contributing to this mission can be found at: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/roman-space-telescope/partners/\n\nABOUT CONGRESSMAN IVEY", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaney-van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-250000-rehabilitate-boonsboros", "McClain Delaney, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce $250,000 to Rehabilitate Boonsboro\u2019s Wastewater System", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced $250,000 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the Town of Boonsboro to rehabilitate its wastewater system. The project includes inspecting 20,000 linear feet of sewer mains to identify infiltration sources and installing cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining in deteriorated sections. This work will prevent overflows during rain events, reduce treatment costs, and improve wastewater service to 42 businesses and 475 households.\n\n\u201cStrong rural communities depend on strong, reliable infrastructure,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \u201cThis $250,000 federal investment will help Boonsboro modernize its wastewater system, lower long-term costs, and deliver more reliable service for hundreds of families and local businesses. I\u2019m proud to work with Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to bring federal resources home and make sure our rural communities have the infrastructure they need to grow and thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cUpgrading aging sewage infrastructure is essential to the health and well-being of our communities and the local economy. This federal funding will support these much-needed improvements in Boonsboro, help prevent costly problems in the future, and ensure the town\u2019s wastewater system is well-equipped to serve the needs of the residents and businesses for years to come,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) makes critical investments in Western Maryland and across the Appalachian region, and that is why I am fighting so hard to protect it against cuts. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I oversee ARC and know its critical work is not just a priority for Marylanders but also to the 12 other qualified states. I am proud to partner with Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman McClain Delaney in announcing that ARC is investing $250,000 in federal investment for the Town of Boonsboro to upgrade its wastewater system. Critical investments in aging infrastructure like this one help fuel our economy and keep us healthy and safe,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cMunicipalities have tight budgets, so large-scale improvements like this often depend on grant funding. Boonsboro is extremely grateful to the Appalachian Regional Commission for the financial support to make this project happen,\u201d said Mayor Howard Long, Town of Boonsboro.\n\nThis investment is provided through the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. Senator Van Hollen secured $1 billion in federal funding over five years for the ARC through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The lawmakers worked to fund the ARC at an additional $200 million through the FY26 Energy & Water Development appropriations bill and have worked to prevent cuts to the program from the Trump Administration.\n\nThis funding builds on the $1,426,613 in federal funding Senator Van Hollen has worked to secure in recent years through Fiscal Year 2022 Congressionally Directed Spending and the Appalachian Regional Commission to support Boonsboro\u2019s work to modernize their wastewater and sewage systems.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-president-trumps-proposed-pay-freeze-civilian-federal", "Hoyer Statement on President Trump\u2019s Proposed Pay Freeze for Civilian Federal Employees", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump's proposal to issue a civilian federal pay freeze in 2027:\n\n\u201cOnce again, this Administration is trying to drive hardworking public servants out of government, delivering the 'trauma' that OMB Director Russ Vought promised to inflict. Last week\u2019s announcement that civilian federal workers will not be receiving an annual cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 - even while military and law-enforcement personnel are given as high as a 7% raise - will only further reduce morale and retention at agencies and make it harder to recruit the best and brightest to serve. I\u2019m proud to represent more than 75,000 civilian federal employees in Maryland\u2019s Fifth District, and I will continue to fight this Administration\u2019s efforts to denigrate them and deny them the pay and benefits they are due. If we want a government that reflects the best of America and can deliver for the safety, health, and opportunity of our people, we must invest in our federal workforce.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mfume-bell-strickland-lead-70-congresspeople-in-efforts-to-stop-navy-from-renaming-ship-honoring-war-hero-to-instead-honor-donald-trump", "Reps. Mfume, Bell, Strickland Lead 70+ Congresspeople in Efforts to Stop Navy from Renaming Ship Honoring War Hero to instead Honor Donald Trump", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Last week, Representatives Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), led over 70 of their Democratic House colleagues in an effort pressing Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to keep the name of the USS Doris Miller as is.\n\nThe letter follows recent reporting that the U.S. Navy is considering renaming the USS Doris Miller in honor of President Trump. Doris Miller was a sailor aboard the USS West Virginia when Japan began its attack on Pearl Harbor who placed himself in harm's way to help save his fellow sailors.\n\n\u201cRenaming this ship after a sitting President would be unprecedented and break longstanding tradition,\u201d wrote the Representatives. \u201cMost importantly, this would diminish the recognition of one of our country\u2019s greatest military heroes. It was during President Trump\u2019s first term that the Navy announced CVN-81 would bear Doris Miller\u2019s name. Reversing that decision now would be a significant step backward in honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country.\u201d\n\nNews broke last week about the Navy potentially renaming its ship, CVN-81, to honor Trump. During the president\u2019s first term, the Navy had announced that CVN-81 would bear Doris Miller\u2019s name, making it the first aircraft carrier to be named for an African American, as well as the first named in honor of an enlisted sailor.\n\nDoris \u2018Dorie\u2019 Miller was serving aboard the USS West Virginia on December 7, 1941, when Japan began its attack. At the time, Miller was a Mess Attendant Third Class, and after his station came under fire, he took control of an anti-aircraft gun and fired at incoming aircraft. Even as the ship sank, he kept fighting until he ran out of ammunition, and assisted his fellow wounded sailors to reach safety.\n\n\u201cDoris Miller\u2019s story is one of extraordinary bravery, service, and pure patriotism,\u201d the Representatives continued. \u201cWhen he served, segregation restricted the roles available to Black sailors and servicemembers. Yet, when his country came under attack, Miller did not hesitate to put himself in harms\u2019 way to defend his fellow sailors and his nation. This story embodies the finest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere has never been a time when we have named a warship after a sitting president. Changing course and now to satisfy a sitting President\u2019s ego, especially one who dodged service to his country, would be shamefully wrong. We urge you to reject this plan and ensure that CVN-81 bears the name USS Doris Miller. Our Navy must continue honoring the courage of those that answered their country\u2019s call to service,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn addition to co-leading this letter, Congressman Mfume has long led the congressional effort to secure federal recognition for Doris Miller. On March 25, 2025, National Medal of Honor Day, he introduced a pair of bills to honor Miller's heroism at Pearl Harbor:\n\nH.R. 2335, which authorizes the President to award Doris Miller the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of valor while serving in the Navy during World War II. The bill has 12 cosponsors and was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.\n\nThe Doris Miller Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R. 2336), which would posthumously award Miller the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress. If enacted, Miller's family would receive the medal and it would be displayed at the Smithsonian. The bill was referred to the Committees on Financial Services and House Administration.\n\nIn introducing the bills, Congressman Mfume continued the work of the late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, who fought since 2001 to see Miller awarded the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor legislation is endorsed by the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETs) and the Dorie Miller Medal of Honor Committee.\n\nCongressman Mfume represents Maryland's Seventh Congressional District and serves as Ranking Member of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations.\n\nThe letter was signed by: Reps. Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Joyce Beatty, Julia Brownley, Nikki Budzinski, Salud Carbajal, Andr\u00e9 Carson, Troy Carter, Ed Case, Joaquin Castro, Gilbert Cisneros, Emanuel Cleaver, Steve Cohen, Herb Conaway, Joe Courtney, Jason Crow, Diana DeGette, Christopher Deluzio, Mark DeSaulnier, Debbie Dingell, Sarah Elfreth, Dwight Evans, Shomari Figures, John Garamendi, Daniel Goldman, Maggie Goodlander, Josh Gottheimer, Steven Horsford, Chrissy Houlahan, Glenn Ivey, Sara Jacobs, Jonathan Jackson, William Keating, Timothy Kennedy, Ro Khanna, Greg Landsman, Stephen Lynch, April McClain Delaney, Jennifer McClellan, Christian Menefee, Dave Min, Gwen Moore, Seth Moulton, Jerrold Nadler, Donald Norcross, Eleanor Norton, Frank Pallone, Scott Peters, Brittany Pettersen, Mike Quigley, Patrick Ryan, Bradley Schneider, Robert Scott, Terri Sewell, Adam Smith, Eric Sorensen, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Bennie Thompson, Dina Titus, Jill Tokuda, Ritchie Torres, Derek Tran, Gabe Vasquez, Marc Veasey, Eugene Vindman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Maxine Waters, George Whitesides, Frederica Wilson.\n\nText of the letter can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/ahead-labor-day-elfreth-reconvenes-local-labor-leaders", "Ahead of Labor Day, Elfreth Reconvenes Local Labor Leaders", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ANNAPOLIS, MD \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the Labor Caucus, hosted her annual roundtable discussion with labor leaders in Maryland\u2019s Third District at the Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO. This was the second annual convening since the Congresswoman first took office last year.\n\n\u201cAs a proud member of the Labor Caucus and daughter of a union rail worker, I know firsthand the hard-fought protections, rights, and dignity that unions have secured for working families across this country,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. \u201cI reconvened this roundtable to hear directly from our Third District union leaders as to how we can best support their members and workers across Maryland. Especially as this Administration deepens the affordability crisis, attacks collective bargaining rights, and strips back commonsense worker safety regulations, it is all the more important to stand with our brothers and sisters in organized labor in the fight for workers\u2019 rights on the job.\u201d\n\nAt the roundtable, Elfreth delivered an update from Congress, including progress on NDAA amendments and other legislative initiatives to restore the collective bargaining rights of hardworking federal employees and expedite the process of securing labor contracts. The roundtable was an opportunity to hear directly from the representatives of the over 340,000 union workers across the state and 45,000 federal employees in the District. In addition to collective bargaining, the conversation focused on federal funding cuts, healthcare, affordability, and workplace safety for rail, maritime, and emergency responders.\n\nElfreth was joined by various labor unions from across Maryland\u2019s Third District, including the Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO, Maryland State Education Association (MSEA), Carroll County Education Association (CCEA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 and 32BJ, Howard County International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2000, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 24 and Local 26, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 487, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1300, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) DC51, the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MISTAG), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Maryland Council 3, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 1734, Laborers\u2019 International Union of North America, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Maritime Officers, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen - B&O, and the Baltimore-DC Building Trades Council.\n\n\u201cSEIU Local 500 is eager to join Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth alongside our labor partners to discuss the real issues facing Maryland workers. As a state legislator, she was a labor champion. In the face of rising costs and attacks on labor rights by the current administration, we are glad to have her in the United States Congress championing the needs of working people,\u201d said Christopher Cano, Director of Political & Legislative Affairs, SEIU Local 500.\n\n\u201cAs an association dedicated to federal workers and retirees, NARFE appreciates Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth\u2019s work to protect the merit-based civil service system and our earned benefits. We pledge to stand with her to fight ongoing threats to public health, food safety, worker rights, and the myriad ways in which the federal workforce protects and enhances the lives of all Americans,\u201d said Teresa Baker, First Vice President, NARFE Maryland Federation.\n\n\u201cIATSE Local 487 is proud to attend this AFL CIO roundtable discussion with Congresswoman Elfreth. Being given the opportunity to discuss the state of the film & television industry in the US, and more specifically the Mid-Atlantic region, allows our skilled craftworkers a voice in how we can bring back the work that supports our families and local industries in Maryland. Our hope is that this conversation highlights the vital importance of a national tax incentive and legislative support for the I.A.T.S.E. workforce\u2014the skilled craftworkers whose labor powers the entertainment industry,\u201d said Vice President Steve Saada, IATSE Local 487.\n\n\u201cCongresswoman Elfreth has been a longtime advocate for Maryland\u2019s firefighters. Her accessibility and commitment to our members are unmatched, whether making time to meet with our leaders in her office on Capitol Hill or visiting local fire stations. Most recently, she co-sponsored H.R. 1269, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, which extends federal Public Safety Officers\u2019 Benefits to the families of firefighters who die from occupational cancer,\u201d said Adam Nolder, Vice President of IAFF Local 2000.\n\n\u201cThe issues that are top of mind for our union today include the Administration\u2019s Jones Act waiver, which is giving American maritime jobs to foreign seafarers while doing nothing to lower gas prices,\u201d said MM&P President Captain Don Josberger. \u201cWe are also advocating strongly on Capitol Hill for passage of the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would ensure that unscrupulous companies cannot indefinitely hinder workers\u2019 legal right to form a union.\u201d\n\n\u201cPublic services from our state and local governments, and the public service workers who make them happen, are more important now than ever. Right now, workers face significant challenges on the job, and our union appreciates the partnership and collaboration with Congresswoman Elfreth to ensure public service workers have a voice in Congress fighting for them,\u201d said President Jack Hughes, AFSCME Maryland Council 3.\n\nAs the daughter of two civil servants and the representative of over 45,000 federal employees, Congresswoman Elfreth has been laser-focused on protecting and advancing the rights of workers and civil servants. Elfreth has voted in favor of numerous bills to ensure workers receive the benefits they deserve, including the Faster Labor Contracts Act to speed up the process for workers to secure labor contracts and the Protect America\u2019s Workforce Act (PAWA) to repeal a presidential executive order that stripped union rights from 1.5 million federal workers. She has also spoken out in support of legislation like theRailroad Retirement Fairness Act to eliminate provisions that unfairly reduce retirement payments for certain railroad retirees and spouses. On the House Armed Services Committee, Elfreth has fought for civilian DoD civil servants and proudly supported Congressman Donald Norcross\u2019 amendment in each year\u2019s annual defense bill to restore the collective bargaining rights that the President\u2019s executive order stripped.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaney-van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-over-3-million-federal-funding", "McClain Delaney, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $3 Million in Federal Funding to Improve Water Infrastructure in Western Maryland", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced $3,340,000 in federal funding to improve water and wastewater infrastructure across Western Maryland. This investment, comprising a $2,779,000 loan for the Town of Emmitsburg to replace a critical Main Street water line, a $465,000 grant for the Town of Luke\u2019s replacement of its sewer collection system, and a $96,000 grant for Garrett County\u2019s planning costs for the Friendsville and Crellin wastewater treatment upgrades, will help Western Maryland communities upgrade critical infrastructure.\n\n\u201cEvery rural community deserves reliable water and wastewater infrastructure, no matter its size or ZIP code,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \u201cThis more than $3 million federal investment will help replace aging water and sewer systems and lay the groundwork for critical upgrades across Frederick, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. I\u2019m proud to work alongside Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to bring federal resources home and ensure our rural communities have the infrastructure they need to grow and thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cAging water systems put the health and safety of communities at risk. That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential we invest in modernizing community water and sewer infrastructure. This federal funding will support these much-needed improvements across Western Maryland and help prevent costly problems for communities, businesses, and residents in the future,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cFrom Mountain Maryland to the Eastern Shore, I will always work to ensure Marylanders across our state have access to clean and safe drinking water. Investing in clean water \u2013 as we are in Frederick, Allegany, and Garrett Counties with this over $3 million federal investment \u2013 protects public health, helps us meet our environmental goals, and ensures our infrastructure is modern and resilient,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nThe federal funding has been awarded as follows:\n\n$2,779,000 loan to the Town of Emmitsburg in Frederick County to replace a water line along Main Street.\n\n$465,000 grant to the Town of Luke in Allegany County to replace its sewer collection system.\n\n$96,000 grant to the Garrett County Sanitary District to conduct Preliminary Engineering and Environmental reports for the Friendsville and Crellin wastewater treatment plants.\n\nThis federal funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program, which the lawmakers worked to fund at $140 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaney-van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-240000-frederick-municipal", "McClain Delaney, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce $240,000 for Frederick Municipal Airport\u2019s Air Traffic Control Tower", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney alongside U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced $240,000 in federal funding for infrastructure upgrades at Frederick Municipal Airport\u2019s air traffic control tower. The investment will fund the rehabilitation of the tower\u2019s HVAC system. This funding is in addition to $1.6 million in federal support that the lawmakers have secured for other infrastructure projects at Frederick Municipal Airport, which serves as a reliever airport for Baltimore Washington International Airport and supports local business and a range of community-related operations, including emergency medical needs.\n\n\"As Frederick County continues to grow, we need infrastructure that grows with it,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \u201cThis $240,000 federal investment will modernize Frederick Municipal Airport\u2019s air traffic control tower, strengthen safety and reliability, and support an airport that is critical to our local economy. I\u2019m proud to work with Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to bring federal dollars home and deliver for Frederick County.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Maryland\u2019s second busiest airport, Frederick Municipal Airport serves as a local economic hub, driving regional businesses, bringing visitors to Maryland, and supporting the surrounding community with a broad array of services. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve worked to support the airport\u2019s modernization and deliver federal investments to upgrade its infrastructure. This investment will help ensure the airport\u2019s control tower has the infrastructure it needs to continue providing safe and efficient service to all travelers,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThis $1.6 million in critical federal funding will enable the Frederick Municipal Airport to continue serving Maryland\u2014supporting small businesses, moving goods, and strengthening our health care response. This investment will improve our infrastructure, strengthen our economy, and help keep Marylanders safe,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nThis investment is provided through the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program, which was created and funded at $100 million over five years through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-over-10-million-to-upgrade-baltimore-s-harbor-connector", "Mfume, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $10 Million to Upgrade Baltimore's Harbor Connector", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (All D-MD) announced $10,935,000 in federal funding for the Harbor Connector, Baltimore City\u2019s fare-free ferry service that transports riders across the harbor around waterfront neighborhoods like Locust Point, Canton, and Fells Point. The federal funding will allow the Baltimore City Department of Transportation to replace the fleet\u2019s three diesel ferries with new hybrid vessels and support the purchase of a fourth hybrid vessel. The new ferries will have deck heights that match the landings\u2019 freeboard, so riders with wheelchairs and mobility devices can access the boats more easily.\n\n\u201cThe Harbor Connector is an invaluable part of Baltimore\u2019s transportation network, and I\u2019m proud to have played a part in bringing these funds home to modernize the ferry fleet and ensure that the Connector is accessible to all Marylanders,\u201d said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \u201cThe Harbor Connector allows residents of Baltimore\u2019s waterfront communities to get where they need to go more easily, and now, they will be able to do so on modern, efficient, and environmentally conscious hybrid ferries. Team Maryland will never, ever stop working to bring resources like these back home to the communities that need them.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Harbor Connector brings thousands of riders a year to the businesses and activities around the Baltimore Harbor. We fought to pass the infrastructure modernization law to upgrade our transportation, and this investment is an example of those federal dollars at work. This upgrade will bring more sustainable and accessible transportation options to the city and provide more opportunities for Baltimore residents and visitors to enjoy all it has to offer,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Harbor Connector efficiently connects Baltimoreans to where they need to be \u2014 whether for school, work, or recreation \u2014 and keeps our entire community connected. I am so proud to have worked with Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Mfume to secure over $10 million to ensure more Baltimoreans can travel safely, while helping to achieve our environmental goals,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Harbor Connector is a key part of our transportation network, especially for our waterfront neighborhoods,\u201d said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. \u201cAs we continue to see record ridership, this award will help us make the fleet even more efficient, sustainable, and accessible for all of our residents and visitors. I want to thank the best federal delegation in the country for their work to secure this funding, and I look forward to seeing the new hybrid ferries in action.\u201d\n\nThe Harbor Connector carried nearly 350,000 passengers in the city\u2019s Fiscal Year 2026, marking the highest ridership on the service since 2017. Throughout the year, the service helped reduce single-occupancy vehicle travel by 500,000 miles and serves as an important tool to help Baltimore reach its sustainability and congestion-reduction goals.\n\nThis investment comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program, which was created and funded at $250 million over five years through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, legislation that Congressman Mfume and Senator Van Hollen fought to pass in 2021.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-statement-states-victory-lawsuit-restore-greenbelt", "Maryland Delegation Members\u2019 Statement on State\u2019s Victory in Lawsuit to Restore Greenbelt FBI Headquarters", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "For Immediate Release\n\nAugust 17, 2026\n\nContact: Aaron Harawa / Justice Battle\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Representatives Steny Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.), released the following statement regarding the State of Maryland\u2019s victory in its lawsuit to restore the FBI headquarters project to Greenbelt, Maryland:\n\n\u201cFor years, Team Maryland has fought to bring the men and women of the FBI a headquarters that meets their mission and their needs. After a years-long, competitive, and transparent process, Greenbelt, Maryland, was selected as the site for that new headquarters, based on its merits \u2013 including its ability to provide a secure space for the Bureau while ensuring the cost-effective use of taxpayer dollars. The Trump Administration had no grounds to ignore this selection, or redirect even one penny that Congress specifically appropriated for construction of the competitively selected site. We\u2019re glad to see the Court acknowledge this fact, ruling that the Trump Administration\u2019s actions are unlawful and void. This is an important step forward for the rule of law. This process began in 2009, and it\u2019s past time it was concluded. Hopefully, the Trump Administration will agree with the conclusion that the Congress, the General Services Administration, and the District Court have all found, which is that Greenbelt is the proper home of the FBI. We will not stop fighting to fulfill our promise to the men and women of the Bureau to deliver a new, secure headquarters in Maryland so they can do their work without compromising their safety or our national security.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-statement-states-victory-lawsuit-restore-greenbelt", "Maryland Delegation Members\u2019 Statement on State\u2019s Victory in Lawsuit to Restore Greenbelt FBI Headquarters", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) and U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), released the following statement regarding the State of Maryland\u2019s victory in its lawsuit to restore the FBI headquarters project to Greenbelt, Maryland:\n\n\u201cFor years, Team Maryland has fought to bring the men and women of the FBI a headquarters that meets their mission and their needs. After a years-long, competitive, and transparent process, Greenbelt, Maryland, was selected as the site for that new headquarters, based on its merits \u2013 including its ability to provide a secure space for the Bureau while ensuring the cost-effective use of taxpayer dollars. The Trump Administration had no grounds to ignore this selection, or redirect even one penny that Congress specifically appropriated for construction of the competitively selected site. We\u2019re glad to see the Court acknowledge this fact, ruling that the Trump Administration\u2019s actions are unlawful and void. This is an important step forward for the rule of law. This process began in 2009, and it\u2019s past time it was concluded. Hopefully, the Trump Administration will agree with the conclusion that the Congress, the General Services Administration, and the District Court have all found, which is that Greenbelt is the proper home of the FBI. We will not stop fighting to fulfill our promise to the men and women of the Bureau to deliver a new, secure headquarters in Maryland so they can do their work without compromising their safety or our national security.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-delegations-statement-states-victory-lawsuit-restore-greenbelt-fbi", "Maryland Delegation\u2019s Statement on State\u2019s Victory in Lawsuit to Restore Greenbelt FBI Headquarters", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) and Members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) and U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), released the following statement regarding the State of Maryland\u2019s victory in its lawsuit to restore the FBI headquarters project to Greenbelt, Maryland:\n\n\u201cFor years, Team Maryland has fought to bring the men and women of the FBI a headquarters that meets their mission and their needs. After a years-long, competitive, and transparent process, Greenbelt, Maryland, was selected as the site for that new headquarters, based on its merits \u2013 including its ability to provide a secure space for the Bureau while ensuring the cost-effective use of taxpayer dollars. The Trump Administration had no grounds to ignore this selection, or redirect even one penny that Congress specifically appropriated for construction of the competitively selected site. We\u2019re glad to see the Court acknowledge this fact, ruling that the Trump Administration\u2019s actions are unlawful and void. This is an important step forward for the rule of law. This process began in 2009, and it\u2019s past time it was concluded. Hopefully, the Trump Administration will agree with the conclusion that the Congress, the General Services Administration, and the District Court have all found, which is that Greenbelt is the proper home of the FBI. We will not stop fighting to fulfill our promise to the men and women of the Bureau to deliver a new, secure headquarters in Maryland so they can do their work without compromising their safety or our national security.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-recent-legislation-support-ukraine-impose-sanctions-russia", "Hoyer Statement on Recent Legislation to  Support Ukraine, Impose Sanctions on Russia", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement regarding the legislative vehicles to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, the Ukraine Support Act and the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026:\n\n\u201cRight now, Ukrainians are fighting bravely on the front lines of a war not only for the survival of their independent nation but for the future of democracy and respect for international law.\n\n\u201cAt present, there are two main legislative vehicles for continuing to deliver American support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and self determination. One is the Ukraine Support Act, cosponsored by Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks, and myself. That bill was discharged from the Foreign Affairs Committee and passed with bipartisan support through the House.\n\n\u201cThe second bill is the Graham-Blumenthal sanctions package in the Senate. That bill has now passed the Senate, and former Chairman McCaul and I and others have cosponsored a companion to the Senate-passed bill. I would support an amendment to our bill consistent with the views of Ranking Member Meeks and Ranking Member Neal, which would make it clear that the President\u2019s tariff authority is limited to the nations currently deemed to be affected by the Senate formula.", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcclain-delaney-and-lieu-introduce-congressional-authorization-federal", "Reps McClain Delaney and Lieu Introduce The Congressional Authorization for Federal Building Names Act", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "In September 2025, Trump ordered the Department of Defense to be renamed the \u201cDepartment of War.\u201d However, FY27 appropriations requests and bills continue to refer to the agency as the Department of Defense because the change has not been enacted in statute. This renaming attempt could cost taxpayers up to $125 million. Later in December, Trump ordered the John F. Kennedy Center to be renamed the \u201cDonald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,\u201d and directed the U.S. Institute of Peace to be renamed the \u201cDonald J. Trump Institute of Peace.\u201d The Administration has physically changed the names of these buildings, effectively defacing them.\n\n\u201cThe names on our federal buildings are not any President\u2019s to give away. They belong to the American people, and only Congress can change them. This bill puts that in statute \u2014 with real penalties for appointees who ignore it,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cPresidents should not be able to unilaterally put their own name on federal property,\u201d said Congressman Lieu. \u201cNot only is this practice self-centered, it also carries a large price tag for the American people. Renaming federal property should respect the history, spirit, and purpose of the property as opposed to catering to the ego of the president.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2026/8/raskin-beyer-degette-led-68-colleagues-demanding-ahrq-reverse-cancellation-of-more-than-200-million-in-health-care-research-grants", "Raskin, Beyer, DeGette Led 68 Colleagues Demanding AHRQ Reverse Cancellation of More Than $200 Million in Health Care Research Grants", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Don Beyer (D-VA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) led 68 House Democrats in demanding that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) immediately reverse the cancellation of more than 150 grants supporting over $200 million in critical health care research. Among the research projects affected by the cancellations are efforts to integrate behavioral health services into routine pediatric care; use telehealth to expand access to care and reduce costs, including in rural communities; improve postpartum care for patients with chronic medical conditions; and reduce the overuse of antibiotics following hospital discharge to combat antimicrobial resistance.\n\nIn a letter to AHRQ Director Roger Klein, the lawmakers noted that Congress provided AHRQ with $345.38 million in funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, reflecting bipartisan support for the agency\u2019s work to improve health care access, affordability, and quality. The lawmakers warned that the mass cancellation of grants may constitute an illegal impoundment of Congressionally authorized and appropriated funding and raised concerns that the agency failed to follow federal regulations governing the termination of awards.\n\n\u201cGiven the disastrous impact of these notices, the potential procedural defects in issuing them, and our concerns surrounding AHRQ\u2019s use of Congressionally-appropriated funds, we ask that you immediately withdraw these notices and fully fund the grantees that have waited for committed funds for over a year,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cAdditionally, we ask that you provide Congress with a comprehensive list of all awards for which notices referenced above have been issued and, for each of the canceled grants, list grant-specific information regarding the grantee\u2019s progress, management practices, and other factors considered before issuing the notice.\u201d\n\nThe letter is also signed by Representatives Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Troy Carter (LA-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jacon Crow (CO-06), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jes\u00fas \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Van Hoyle (OR-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerry Nadler (NJ-12), Richard Neal (MA-01), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Mark Takano (CA-39), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Frederica Wilson (FL-24) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL).\n\nFull text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.\n\nDear Director Klein:\n\nWe write to request the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Grants Management Office immediately reverse the mass cancellation of grants issued July 15, 2026. AHRQ has a statutory responsibility to support research to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services for the American people. The cancellation of more than 150 meritorious grants violates this duty and is likely an illegal impoundment of Congressionally-authorized and appropriated funds. The Grants Management Office also failed to follow federal regulations governing the termination of awards. We urge you to realign your Agency with federal law and the best interests of the American people and reverse these grant cancellations.\n\nOn July 15, 2026, AHRQ reportedly sent an estimated 150 cancellation notices to grant recipients. This action is expected to eliminate more than $200 million in lifesaving healthcare research that AHRQ funds as the lead federal agency directing studies into delivering care efficiently, effectively, and safely. At a time when the United States spends $5.3 trillion on healthcare annually, accounting for 18% of national gross domestic product, it is shocking that AHRQ would choose to end its support of that critical research.\n\nCongress consistently authorizes and appropriates federal dollars to AHRQ, and most recently received $345.38 million in the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act, demonstrating bipartisan support for improving healthcare access, affordability, and quality, including in areas of priority for AHRQ like rural healthcare, artificial intelligence, and the prevention of healthcare associated infections. Examples of canceled research grants include programs to:\n\nThe above list is a small sample of the myriad topics addressed through canceled AHRQ grants that would improve healthcare quality, safety, and cost for the American people.\n\nWithholding federal dollars from grant recipients across nearly 30 states without seeking Congressional approval under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 is likely illegal and continues what is now a multi-year violation of federal law. The cancellation notices issued on July 15 fail to meet basic standards for grant cancellation notices. The notices cite 42 C.F.R. \u00a7 67.17(d) and 42 C.F.R. \u00a7 67.17(e), styling the notices as \u201cnon-awards\u201d of future funding, rather than cancellations of ongoing research. However, the notices then assign recipients specific obligations under 2 C.F.R. \u00a7 200.344, which only applies when grants are canceled. The authorities to cancel ongoing grants provided under 42 C.F.R. \u00a7 67.17 require that specific factors are taken into account to cancel individual awards, including \u201cthe grantee's progress and management practices and the availability of funds.\u201d Applying blanket language across up to 150 grants covering more than $200 million in awards is not consistent with careful consideration of individual grantees\u2019 progress or performance.\n\nGiven the disastrous impact of these notices, the potential procedural defects in issuing them, and our concerns surrounding AHRQ\u2019s use of Congressionally-appropriated funds, we ask that you immediately withdraw these notices and fully fund the grantees that have waited for committed funds for over a year. Additionally, we ask that you provide Congress with a comprehensive list of all awards for which notices referenced above have been issued and, for each of the canceled grants, list grant-specific information regarding the grantee\u2019s progress, management practices, and other factors considered before issuing the notice. We request an update on AHRQ\u2019s plans to withdraw these notices, as well as the full list of requested grantee information, no later than August 21, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-mccaul-colleagues-introduce-lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia-and-iran", "Hoyer, McCaul, Colleagues Introduce the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) introduced the bipartisanLindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026alongside 16 of their colleagues. This legislation \u2014 which honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who worked on the bill for more than a year and secured the White House\u2019s support \u2014 will hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran\u2019s energy and weapons sectors.\n\n\u201cDemocracy is presently under threat from despotism, and Congress must act to defend democracy and help Ukraine defeat Vladimir Putin\u2019s effort to extinguish its liberty and sovereignty. Our legislation goes after multiple sources of Russian war funding, including its oil and gas sectors, shadow fleet, and financial institutions. I\u2019m encouraged that the Senate passed the companion legislation last week with overwhelming support, and I thank former Chairman McCaul for partnering with me to facilitate action by the House. This action has been delayed too long and will, hopefully, accelerate Ukraine\u2019s success and the ending of this war, one that was initiated illegally by Putin and that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths of Russians and Ukrainians. I hope that we can secure bipartisan consensus in the House and enact a sanctions package that will stem the flow of money to Russia\u2019s war machine and contribute to a Ukrainian victory,\" said Congressman Hoyer (MD-05).\n\n\u201cSenator Graham was a national security giant, a statesman of unmatched conviction, and a personal friend and mentor. We shared a fundamental worldview: America is strongest at home when it projects strength abroad. That\u2019s why he fought so hard for this bill, which I promised him months ago I would introduce in the House,\u201d said Congressman McCaul (TX-10). \u201cAs President Zelensky told me last month when I visited Ukraine, he is ready for a ceasefire \u2014 ready to negotiate, as he has been for years. Putin, on the other hand, consistently defies President Trump and the international community by refusing to come to the table. I can think of no better way to honor Senator Graham\u2019s life and legacy than by passing these tough sanctions, which will help force Putin into negotiations and bring us closer to securing Lindsey\u2019s vision of enduring peace in two critical regions of the world.\u201d\n\nEarlier this month, an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to pass companion legislation, by a vote of 86-11, led by Sens. Darline Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT.), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-ID). The text of the House bill is identical to the text that passed the Senate.\n\n\u201cThis legislation was deeply important to my brother, Lindsey, and I\u2019m grateful that it has achieved such a wide coalition of support. Lindsey was committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to this war, and I\u2019m confident that these sanctions will pave the way,\u201d said Senator Darline Graham (R-SC). \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Rep. McCaul for leading this effort in the House. The Senate came together in a strong, bipartisan fashion to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, and I hope the House of Representatives will do the same. Russia has waged war against Ukraine for far too long, and this bill assists President Trump in his noble efforts to bring it to a close.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepresentatives McCaul, Hoyer, Wilson, Kaptur, and Fitzpatrick are longtime champions of Ukraine\u2019s cause and I am glad to have them leading our legislation in the House of Representatives. After a massive bipartisan vote in the Senate, we are eager to turn to the House as we fight to get this legislation across the finish line. There is immense urgency in getting this done \u2013 July set a record for Russia\u2019s use of ballistic missiles, killing and wounding dozens of Ukrainians, including many children. Cutting off the source of funding \u2013 profits from oil and gas \u2013 for these deadly weapons and Russia\u2019s war machine is essential to ending the bloodshed,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal (D-CT).\n\nJoining Hoyer and McCaul as original cosponsors are Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Joe Wilson (SC-02); Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Marcy Kaptur (OH-09); Co-Chair of the House Baltic Caucus Don Bacon (NE-02); Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03), Representatives Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Mike Turner (OH-10), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Andy Barr (KY-06), and Ed Case (HI-01); Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01); and Representatives Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06).\n\n\"Senator Lindsey Graham and I shared the belief that opposing dictators in defense of freedom and liberty is always the right thing to do. War criminal Putin is losing his invasion of sovereign Ukraine and the threat to humanity posed by the Iranian regime is dire. It is time for Congress to give President Trump the strongest tools available to choke off Russia's war machine for the good of mankind and cripple the ability of Tehran to continue sowing chaos in the region and beyond. My friend and colleague worked tirelessly in championing these critical initiatives, and I am grateful to help advance them across the finish line in the House,\u201d said Congressman Wilson (SC-02).\n\n\u201cDictator Vladimir Putin\u2019s illegal invasion of Ukraine is failing\u2014Ukraine is battering Russian war infrastructure and the Kremlin is losing tens of thousands of troops each month. Now is the time to intensify pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions while surging support for our Ukrainian allies,\u201d said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cPutin will not make peace until he is forced to. I have been a supporter of every bipartisan sanctions bill on the table to pressure Russia to end its illegal full-scale invasion, and I am confident that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 will accomplish that mission. Designed to protect our allies who aid Ukraine while squeezing Putin and the countries that enable his invasion, the sweeping sanctions and targeted tariffs in this bill are the best chance we have to get bipartisan legislation signed into law to hold Russia accountable and achieve peace.\u201d\n\n\u201cPutin\u2019s illegal war is failing, but he will not choose peace until the cost becomes too high for Russia and those helping fund his brutality,\u201d said Congressman Bacon (NE-02). \u201cSenator Lindsey Graham was one of Congress\u2019s clearest voices for Ukraine, understood that Putin only responds to strength, and worked until his final days to advance the toughest sanctions package yet against Russia\u2019s war machine. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act would impose crippling pressure on Russia and those enabling Putin\u2019s aggression, honor Sen. Graham\u2019s commitment to Ukraine\u2019s fight for freedom, and make clear that America stands with Ukraine.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince 2022, I have called on both Biden and Trump to empower Ukraine to win this war through both strikes and sanctions on Russian oil infrastructure. The strikes are finally happening, and with this bill the sanctions are coming,\u201dsaid Congressman Auchincloss (MA-04).\n\n\"I am proud to join in introducing this legislation to sanction Vladimir Putin and his thugs as well as the Iran and its terrorist regime,\u201d said Congressman Rogers (AL-03).\u201cEvery dollar denied to Vladimir Putin weakens his war machine. By choking off the oil and gas revenue fueling Russia's aggression, this legislation gives President Trump powerful leverage to force Putin into serious negotiations that deliver a truly lasting peace. Including additional sanctions on Iran is equally critical given the terrorist regime\u2019s continued threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its role in enabling Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine. This legislation strengthens America\u2019s hand against adversaries who threaten American security, our allies, and global stability.\u201d\n\n\"It is long past time for Congress to impose tougher consequences on Russia and those financing its illegal war against Ukraine. I'm proud to support this updated legislation, which targets major purchasers of Russian oil and gas that continue to fund the Kremlin's aggression. This war has resulted in an estimated 2 million casualties, including more than half a million deaths. The United States must continue standing with the Ukrainian people and keep the pressure on Russia to agree to a just and lasting peace that preserves a free, sovereign, and independent Ukraine,\u201d said Congresswoman Tokuda (HI-02).\n\n\u201cFor more than four years, the Ukrainian people have fought courageously to defend their sovereignty, and their resolve is paying off. Lindsey Graham understood that standing with nations fighting for freedom strengthens America\u2019s own security, and until his final days, he was pressing for stronger sanctions against Russia,\u201d said Congressman Turner (OH-10). \u201cThis legislation honors that legacy, sends a clear message to Vladimir Putin that he cannot outlast Ukraine or the free world, and gives President Trump another powerful tool to pressure Russia, bring Putin to the negotiating table, and help restore peace to the region.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo end Russia\u2019s unprovoked and deadly invasion of Ukraine, we must enact maximum financial pain on Vladimir Putin and his cronies. I will not stand idly by while countless people are killed due to Putin\u2019s doomed quest to reconstitute the Soviet Union. I am beyond proud to join my colleagues in introducing this sweeping sanctions legislation that will enact severe financial penalties against Putin, his allies, and those who choose to do business with him. The largest war in Europe since World War II must come to an end, and I am confident these measures will accelerate that process. I am also pleased this bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act to ensure all available measures are available to cripple the terrorist Iranian regime. These necessary sanctions are a fitting legacy to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a friend and colleague who continually fought for freedom, democracy, and against tyrannical regimes like Russia and Iran,\u201d said Congressman Wagner (MO-02).\n\n\"Vladimir Putin and the regime in Tehran are two of the gravest threats to America and our allies. For far too long, they've bankrolled their aggression by selling oil and gas to whoever will buy it,\u201d said Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-05). \"This bipartisan legislation cuts off those funding streams: holding accountable anyone who fills Putin's war chest as he wages his brutal, illegal war against Ukraine, and choking off the money that fuels Iran's weapons programs and its terror proxies. I was proud to see the Senate pass this bill with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority, and now it's on the House to finish the job. I can think of no better tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham \u2014 a national security champion \u2014 than enacting the tough sanctions he fought so hard for. Standing up to tyrants isn't a Democratic or Republican issue; it's an American one.\"\n\n\u201cBy targeting the energy revenues and financial networks that fuel Putin\u2019s war machine and enable the Iranian regime\u2019s terrorist activities, this bipartisan legislation strengthens America\u2019s ability to impose real economic consequences on our adversaries,\u201d said Congressman Barr (KY-06). \u201cSenator Graham understood that harnessing America\u2019s full strength from our financial system to our military is essential to deterring aggression, defending our allies, and advancing peace. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues to help carry forward that legacy.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Graham believed, as I do, that American strength remains the surest guardian of peace,\u201d said Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-01). \u201cThat conviction guided our work together on this legislation. Putin\u2019s war machine runs on oil, money, and the willingness of others to look the other way\u2014and the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 attacks all three. It isolates Russia\u2019s banks, shuts down the networks financing its aggression, and forces every government and company enabling this war to make a choice. By increasing the cost of Putin\u2019s war and reducing his ability to sustain it, this legislation strengthens the path to a just and lasting peace\u2014one determined by Ukraine, not imposed by Moscow. The most fitting tribute Congress can offer Lindsey is to finish the work he began, carry forward the cause of freedom he championed, and make clear that America\u2019s resolve will endure until that peace is secured.\n\n\u201cSupporting a strong, free Ukraine is imperative for the national security of our communities here at home. Sanctioning Russia and Putin sends a direct message to the world: the United States will not sit by while brutal regimes bankroll aggression against democratic nations,\u201d said Congressman Vindman (VA-07). \u201cI am proud to be a co-sponsor of this essential legislation. We must continue to escalate the economic pressure on the Kremlin and strengthen our resolve for the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom, sovereignty, and security.\u201d\n\n\"Russia is perpetrating a war of aggression, and we must keep the pressure on Vladimir Putin. This action is long overdue, but we are finally moving forward with the resolve this moment demands. These sanctions will erode Russia's war machine by cutting off the revenue that funds it. We must hold those who are fueling this war accountable. These sanctions focus on Russia but will also target dangerous Chinese entities which support the Russian defense industrial base. Peace is the goal, and these mechanisms give the President the tools to achieve that goal,\u201d said Congressman Moran (TX-01).\n\n\u201cFor more than four years, Ukrainians have courageously defended their freedom against Putin\u2019s brutal invasion. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act would increase pressure on the Kremlin, hold those supporting its war accountable, and strengthen Ukraine\u2019s position in pursuit of a just peace,\" said Congresswoman Houlahan (PA-06). \u201cThe bill also extends longstanding sanctions against Iran. Sanctions cannot replace a clear strategy or the President\u2019s obligation to seek congressional authorization for war, but they remain an important diplomatic tool. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation.", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-after-introducing-bipartisan-russia-sanctions-bill-us-house", "Hoyer Statement After Introducing Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after joining Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) to introduce the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in the U.S. House of Representatives, which requires a package of sanctions and financial restrictions that would cut off support for Russia\u2019s war machine and restrict funding for Iran\u2019s energy and weapons sectors:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join former Chairman McCaul to introduce this legislation in the House, a companion to the Sanctioning Russia Act, which the late Sen. Lindsey Graham negotiated in his final days, along with Sen. Blumenthal, Ranking Member Shaheen, and other Democratic and Republican senators, and which recently passed with bipartisan support in the Senate. For more than four years, Ukrainians have courageously defended their free democracy against Russia\u2019s determined effort to stamp it out and impose despotism on its people. Every day Ukraine fights on is a win for liberty as well as for American values and security.\n\n\u201cIt has been an honor to help lead this fight in Congress, including working to discharge the Ukraine Support Act from committee and partnering with former Chairman McCaul, Ranking Member Meeks, and others to pass it through the House in June \u2013 a strong signal of support for Ukraine and for NATO and our Baltic allies. We must ensure that Ukrainians have every tool needed to see this war to victory. In doing so, we keep the faith with Ukraine and with international law.\n\n\u201cThis bill would impose the toughest sanctions we can on Putin\u2019s inner circle, Russia\u2019s oil and gas oligarchs, its shadow fleet of oil tankers, and its financial sector \u2013 all of which have sustained Russia\u2019s war machine. It reflects a bipartisan consensus on key issues, and I believe we can continue coming together on final details as this bill moves through the legislative process, including limiting presidential authority on tariffs to eight specific nations whose imports are funding Russia\u2019s ongoing operations. While this sanctions bill would be a major positive step, its missing key provisions of the Ukraine Support Act, including $8 billion in military and reconstruction assistance as well as sanctions relating to the kidnapping of Ukrainian children. These must remain priorities for Congress in the months ahead.\n\n\u201cI look forward to working with my colleagues to reach agreement and pass robust and bipartisan sanctions legislation. We must send the strongest possible message of American support as Ukraine defends democracy against despotism.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-senate-committee-vote-hold-dr-anthony-fauci-contempt-congress", "Hoyer Statement on Senate Committee Vote to Hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in Contempt of Congress", "2026-08-08", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 This week, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress:\n\n\u201cI have known Dr. Anthony Fauci for forty years, and there are fewer individuals who have had such an enormous positive impact on our public health and our understanding of infectious diseases as he has. He is an individual of tremendous character, thoughtfulness, and wisdom. He has spent his life in service to Americans, and he helped lead our nation through the darkest days of a deadly global pandemic. Senate Republicans\u2019 vote in the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to hold him in contempt of Congress is nothing short of a witch-hunt instigated by President Trump and whose purpose is to achieve Republicans\u2019 goal of focusing attention backwards. That\u2019s because they lack any serious plans to deal with the challenges of the present or to offer a vision for the future. Americans deserve to have Congress focus on the issues that matter, not litigating conspiracy theories from the pandemic. Dr. Fauci deserves better too - and he ought to know that he has the respect and admiration of most Americans.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-09T05:47:57Z", "2026-08-09T05:49:40Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-hosts-virtual-know-your-rights-workshop", "Elfreth Hosts Virtual \u2018Know Your Rights\u2019 Workshop", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ANNAPOLIS, MD \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) hosted a virtual \u2018Know Your Rights\u2019 workshop for constituents to know the resources available to them should they or a loved one be stopped or detained by ICE. The workshop covered practical steps families can take now to prepare for unexpected situations, including emergency planning, safeguarding important documents, and identifying support networks. The session was available in both English and Spanish.\n\n\u201cAs President Trump continues his weaponization of ICE against our neighbors, one of the most frequent questions my office receives is \u2018What can I do?\u2019 One simple, but very important step you can take today is to know your rights, which is why I was proud to partner with CARECEN to host this workshop and make sure all of our neighbors know the resources available to them,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth.\n\nThe workshop was hosted with the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), a local nonprofit dedicated to fostering the comprehensive development of the Latino population by providing direct services while promoting grassroots empowerment, civic engagement, and human rights advocacy.\n\n\u201cKnowledge is power, especially in moments of uncertainty. Every family deserves access to accurate information about their rights so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones. We thank Congresswoman Elfreth for her partnership and her commitment to serving all members of her community. As immigrant families continue to face fear and disruption as a result of the current administration's misguided and cruel immigration enforcement actions, we remain united with Congresswoman Elfreth and her team in providing trusted information, legal resources, and support. We will continue standing with our immigrant neighbors and advocating for policies that uphold their dignity, safety, and rights,\u201d said Abel N\u00fa\u00f1ez, Executive Director of CARECEN.\n\nElfreth\u2019s office regularly assists constituents in navigating federal immigration agencies such as United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Control (CBP), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Caseworkers are able to submit case status inquiries, request expedited case processing, and flag applications outside normal processing times. To date, Congresswoman Elfreth\u2019s team has assisted nearly 1,000 constituents on immigration-related matters.\n\nIf you or a loved one is detained by ICE or needs assistance with any federal agency, you can speak to a member of Elfreth\u2019s casework team at (410) 832-8890. Pursuant to federal law, the office of Congresswoman Elfreth asks constituents to fill out this privacy release form to assist with immigration casework. The Congresswoman\u2019s office has a Know Your Rights Fact Sheet available HERE as well as a webpage with resources for Marylanders affected by Trump Administration policies available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-july-jobs-report-2", "Hoyer Statement on July Jobs Report", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the July jobs report:\n\n\u201cThe July jobs report continues to capture a feeling that many Americans know all too well \u2014 uncertainty. We saw a loss of 23,000 jobs, and there are 1.8 million individuals still facing long-term unemployment. Rather than fulfilling his oath to promote the general welfare of Americans, Trump continues to dedicate taxpayer resources to his war of choice with Iran, and the MAGA majority in Congress simply acts in lockstep with his reckless agenda while failing to address the real issues on the minds of the American people.\n\n\u201cEvery day, I hear from constituents who are struggling to afford basic necessities under an administration that prioritizes the President\u2019s billionaire friends over hardworking families. The White House enjoys gloating about \u2018The Trump Effect,\u2019 but, in reality, we are seeing fewer jobs, skyrocketing gas prices, and higher inflation for the American people. It is a disastrous effect, indeed.\n\n\u201cInstead of tackling the growing affordability crisis plaguing our nation, President Trump has created an elaborate distraction campaign by instigating foreign conflicts and obsessing over birthright citizenship. However, this month\u2019s job report is another reminder that, while this President keeps trying to change the subject, the numbers tell the same devastating story.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-democrats-urge-ferc-protect-marylanders-rising-electricity-costs-due", "Maryland Democrats Urge FERC to Protect Marylanders from Rising Electricity Costs Due to Out-of-State Data Centers", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Maryland Congressional Delegation members \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) \u2013 are calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to take action to ensure Marylanders are not forced to bear skyrocketing electricity costs due to increasing energy demand from data centers located outside of the state. The lawmakers urged FERC to require PJM Interconnection (PJM) to implement strong protections that would ensure fair energy costs for Marylanders after PJM, the grid operator responsible for coordinating electricity transmission in the region, assigned roughly $2 billion in costs to Maryland ratepayers for infrastructure that is needed primarily to serve out-of-state data centers. The lawmakers\u2019 letter supports a complaint at FERC filed by the Maryland Office of People\u2019s Counsel challenging PJM\u2019s existing transmission cost allocation rules.\n\n\u201cAs members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write regarding a pressing matter that has the potential to significantly raise energy costs for our constituents. PJM Interconnection LLC\u2019s (PJM) existing transmission cost allocation rules result in the unjust assignment of billions of dollars in costs to Marylanders, contributing to unaffordable electricity bills,\u201d the lawmakers begin.\n\nOn the rising costs of electricity due to data centers outside of Maryland, the lawmakers write, \u201cData centers being built outside of Maryland are driving one of the largest transmission expansions in PJM\u2019s history. Across its three most recent regional transmission planning rounds, PJM has advanced $22 billion in projects needed principally to serve data centers. Under PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, roughly $2 billion of those costs have been assigned to Maryland ratepayers rather than the data centers that are driving the demand.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarylanders are already shouldering the immense burden of skyrocketing electricity costs, and it is unjust and unreasonable to force our constituents to subsidize the energy infrastructure needs of the wealthiest companies in the world. Unless the Commission acts, our constituents will pay an estimated $1.6 billion on their electric bills over the next ten years for these projects alone, and $823 million of that total cost will fall on residential customers, which equates to roughly $345 for the average customer,\u201d the lawmakers continue.\n\nOn PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, the Maryland lawmakers note, \u201cPJM\u2019s cost allocation rules have not kept pace with the build out of hyperscale data centers, just one of which can equal the electricity demand of a small city. PJM\u2019s current rules spread costs broadly across the region regardless of where, and for whom, the underlying projects are actually needed. Maryland regulators have no ability to assign such costs to data centers located in other states, and with tens of thousands of megawatts of additional data center demand growth projected across PJM over the next two decades, our constituents face billions of dollars in further charges absent Commission action to address this unjust and unreasonable cost allocation. Furthermore, because much of the forecasted growth in data center energy demand is speculative, our constituents bear the unacceptable risk of paying for projects built to serve potential data centers that are never built due to any number of external reasons.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaney-van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-over-560000-workforce", "McClain Delaney, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $560,000 for Workforce Development, Supportive Housing in Western Maryland", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced $562,851 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for education, workforce development, and supportive housing for adults recovering from mental illness or with developmental disabilities in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties.\n\n\u201cWestern Maryland is full of talent and potential, and these federal investments will help turn that potential into opportunity,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \u201cThis funding will expand research and student training at Frostburg\u2019s Appalachian Lab, prepare Garrett College students for good-paying welding jobs, and provide stable housing and employment support through Archway Station. I\u2019ll keep fighting to bring home resources that strengthen our rural communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen we invest in opportunities for education, workforce training, and supportive housing, we invest in the long-term success of our communities. These federal dollars from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help create educational opportunities, open pathways to good-paying jobs, and strengthen the financial stability of Marylanders,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cWhen we invest in Western Maryland, our entire state benefits. This federal investment will support research at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science\u2019s Appalachian Lab in Frostburg, create more opportunities for Marylanders developing their careers at Garrett College\u2019s Career Technology Training Center, and renovate critical housing for adults recovering from mental illness or developmental disabilities. This isn\u2019t just an investment in Marylanders; it\u2019s an investment in our economy and our future,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nThe federal grants have been awarded as follows:\n\n$312,851 to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science\u2019s Appalachian Lab in Frostburg to acquire advanced scientific equipment and computing infrastructure, including atmospheric gas analyzers, upgrades to a high-capacity computing cluster, a dilution system for laboratory analysis, and more. The funds will expand the Appalachian Lab\u2019s ability to conduct high-precision environmental and agricultural research, improve data processing and artificial intelligence capabilities, and support workforce training opportunities for students and participants.\n\n$200,000 to Archway Station, Inc., to renovate seven apartments to support up to 18 participants in the Archway Recovery Program. Participants will receive temporary supportive housing, assistance with securing permanent housing, obtaining and retaining jobs, and advancing financial stability.\n\n$50,000 to Garrett College to upgrade equipment in the existing welding lab at the Career Technology Training Center. The funds will support the purchase of 11 multi-process welders and one band saw and are anticipated to support 135 students over the course of three years.\n\nThese investments are provided through the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. Senator Van Hollen secured $200 million in federal funding for the ARC through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, and the lawmakers have since worked to prevent cuts to the program from the Trump Administration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcclain-delaney-whitesides-and-salinas-introduce-bill-help-study-impact", "Reps. McClain-Delaney, Whitesides, and Salinas Introduce Bill to Help Study Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reps. April McClain-Delaney (MD-06), George Whitesides (CA-27), and Andrea Salinas (OR-06) introduced the Understanding AI in the Classroom Act. The use of artificial intelligence in the classroom has expanded greatly, yet very little research is being done to understand the real effects it has on students. As teachers and administrators evaluate if and how to permanently integrate AI into their classrooms, more data is needed to understand how it could affect students and their learning. The Understanding AI in the Classroom Act directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to examine our knowledge of AI's impact on the classroom and determine what gaps in our understanding need further research.\n\n\"As a mom of four and a longtime advocate for children\u2019s online safety and well-being, it\u2019s vital we study how artificial intelligence can impact our kids\u2019 learning and development before it becomes embedded in their classrooms,\u201d said Rep. McClain-Delaney. \u201cWhile AI holds great potential, it also poses risks when its impact is not well vetted or understood. Our country owes it to our children to study how integrating AI in schools impacts them cognitively, socio-emotionally, and physically. A few years ago, the Children and Media Research Act (CAMRA) authorized NIH to study the impacts of social media on our kids, and I'm proud to co-lead this similar effort with Rep. Whitesides to ensure innovation in the classroom is guided by science and accountability.\u201d\n\n\u201cArtificial intelligence is already reshaping the way students learn, but without concrete data, it is nearly impossible to create sustainable policies that protect students\u2019 development,\u201d said Rep. Whitesides. \u201cThis bill is a step towards increasing our ability to research and understand AI\u2019s role in our children\u2019s education, and what measures we need to implement to make sure schools are deploying technology responsibly.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI is already changing how students learn, but we still have serious questions about how it affects their attention, development, and reliance on technology,\u201d said Rep. Salinas. \u201cParents and teachers deserve clear, evidence-based answers before these tools become even more common in classrooms. The Understanding AI in the Classroom Act takes a practical first step by bringing experts together to identify gaps in the research, without imposing new mandates on schools. We need to understand how AI affects children of different ages and needs so educators can make informed choices that help every student succeed.\u201d\n\nThe Understanding AI in the Classroom Act specifically creates a pathway for NSF to convene experts that can help us to understand what research needs to be done on AI in the classroom, and how it could impact students. It directs NSF to study childrens\u2019:", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2026/7/raskin-delauro-casten-jacobs-and-111-colleagues-demand-netanyahu-remove-barbed-wire-fence-blocking-students-path-from-west-bank-village-umm-al-kheir-to-school", "Raskin, DeLauro, Casten, Jacobs and 111 Colleagues Demand Netanyahu Remove Barbed-Wire Fence Blocking Students\u2019 Path from West Bank Village Umm Al-Kheir to School", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Sean Casten (IL-06) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) led 111 Members in demanding Israeli Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahuremove barbed-wire fencing erected by settlers that is blocking students in the West Bank village of Umm Al-Kheir from traveling to their school. In a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the lawmakers called for an end to settler violence and intimidation in violation of international human rights law.\n\n\u201cFor over three months, extremists from the nearby settlement of Carmel have maintained a barbed wire fence blocking the path that the children of Umm Al-Kheir use to travel to their school,\u201dthe lawmakers wrote. \u201cThis action, which has benefited from the protection of Israeli soldiers, is a violation of the fundamental right to an education.\u201d\n\nUmm Al-Kheir, a Bedouin shepherding community, has faced extremist attacks for years as Israeli settlements have encroached on the village. Across the West Bank, these attacks have intensified as the Israeli military increasingly provides protection to the perpetrators.\n\nIn April, children from Umm Al-Kheir first found their path to school blocked by the fencing. Adults from the village called for assistance from the Israeli military, who ultimately shot tear gas towards the students following their arrival. One of the victims was the five-year-old son of Awdah Hathaleen, who was killed by a settler during a July 2025 attack on Umm Al-Kheir. Hathaleen was a major contributor to the internationally acclaimed filmNo Other Land.\n\n\u201cIsraeli soldiers\u2019 actions exposed over two dozen children to tear gas, raising serious questions about how the Israeli military is abetting extremist violence against Umm Al-Kheir,\u201dthe lawmakers continued. \u201cRather than intervening in defense of vulnerable students\u2019 basic right to go to school, Israeli military personnel have reportedly been standing along the fence, seemingly granting settlers permission to continue obstructing the road to the school.\u201d\n\nWhile the Israeli military has tried to suggest a longer alternative route for children from Umm Al-Kheir to reach their school, it comes with significant security risks. The alternative route roughly doubles the distance that students need to travel and forces them to pass Carmel, creating even more daily opportunities for negative and traumatizing interactions with settlers.\n\nRep. Raskin previously led a letter signed by 100 of his colleaguesurging Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately halt plans to demolish buildings, including private homes and a community center, in Umm Al-Kheir.\n\nThe letter is also signed by Reps. Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Bill Foster (IL-11), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jes\u00fas Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), James Himes (CT-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), James McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Emily Randall (WA-06), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janice Schakowsky (IL-09), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Derek Tran (CA-45), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Judy Chu (CA-28), Alma Adams (NC-12), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Bobby Scott (VA-03), John Larson (CT-01), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Grace Meng (NY-06), Mike Thompson (CA-04), George Whitesides (CA-27), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), and Doris Matsui (CA-07).\n\nThe letter is endorsed by J Street, New Jewish Narrative, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) and Center for International Policy Advocacy.\n\nRead the full text of the letterhere and below.\n\nDear Prime Minister Netanyahu,\n\nAs Congressional supporters of human rights and democracy all over the world, we write to vigorously condemn the settler violence and intimidation afflicting the West Bank village of Umm Al-Kheir. For over three months, extremists from the nearby settlement of Carmel have maintained a barbed wire fence blocking the path that the children of Umm Al-Kheir use to travel to their school. This action, which has benefited from the protection of Israeli soldiers, is a violation of the fundamental right to an education. Particularly at a time when the American public is increasingly skeptical of Israel\u2019s commitment to peace, it is vital that your government take immediate steps to remove the fence and restore educational access in Umm Al-Kheir.\n\nOn April 13, 2026, students in Umm Al-Kheir found their path to school blocked by a barbed wire fence erected by settlers from the adjacent settlement of Carmel. Adults from the village called the Israeli police for assistance, but instead, soldiers arrived and shot tear gas toward the children. One of the victims was the five-year-old son of Awdah Hathaleen, who taught at the school in Umm Al-Kheir before a settler killed him during a July 2025 attack on the village. The fact that Hathaleen, who was a major contributor to the internationally acclaimed film No Other Land, and his young son were subject to state and settler violence not a year apart from one another is a terrible stain on your government and testament to the intergenerational harm Umm Al-Kheir has endured.\n\nIsraeli soldiers\u2019 actions exposed over two dozen children to tear gas, raising serious questions about how the Israeli military is abetting extremist violence against Umm Al-Kheir. Rather than intervening in defense of vulnerable students\u2019 basic right to go to school, Israeli military personnel have reportedly been standing along the fence, seemingly granting settlers permission to continue obstructing the road to the school. In recent months, Israeli forces have faced growing criticism for enabling settlers\u2019 harassment of communities in the West Bank. We are concerned that this dynamic is affecting Umm-Al Kheir, whose residents report sustained attacks and threats by settlers. As recently as June 4, 2026, Yosef Haddad, who is a known instigator of violence whom Israeli police have previously arrested, publicly mocked and threatened villagers by the fence, warning that they \u201chaven\u2019t seen anything yet.\u201d\n\nWe understand that the Israeli military has suggested an alternative route for students to reach their school. However, this route is associated with significant security risks, and many parents have understandably decided to keep their children at home. The alternative route roughly doubles the distance that students need to travel and forces them to pass Carmel, creating more risks for negative and traumatizing interactions with settlers. Its use will only escalate violence in the community.\n\nAcross the West Bank, extremist attacks have intensified as the Israeli military increasingly provides protection to the perpetrators. Your government\u2019s dramatic acceleration of settlement construction\u2014in violation of international law\u2014has sent a similar signal of license to the settlers. Such actions imperil prospects for peace in the region, undermine Israeli security interests and place villages like Umm Al-Kheir at great risk.\n\nAt this critical juncture, continuing down the path of settler extremism will further degrade Israel\u2019s international standing and relationship with the United States. You can begin to reverse this dangerous and isolating approach by ordering your soldiers to remove the barbed wire fence in Umm Al-Kheir and to safeguard every child\u2019s right to an education.\n\nWe urge you to respect the basic premise that every child deserves to learn in peace.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mfume-smith-form-new-frederick-douglass-trafficking-victims-protection-and-prevention-caucus-in-the-house-of-representatives", "Reps. Mfume, Smith form new Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus in the House of Representatives", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Reps. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) announced that they will be co-chairing the new, bipartisan Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nReps. Mfume and Smith also noted that they will be working alongside Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who plans to form a complimentary Caucus in the U.S. Senate.\n\nThe Caucus\u2014named in honor of famed abolitionist and statesman Frederick Douglass\u2014will serve as a bicameral effort and the principal forum in Congress dedicated to advancing legislation that prevents human trafficking, protects victims and survivors, prosecutes traffickers, and strengthens partnerships with survivors across government, civil society, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and the private sector.\n\n\u201cToday, on the annual World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I am proud to stand alongside Representative Chris Smith as we form this bipartisan Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus,\u201d said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.\n\n\u201cHuman trafficking is modern-day slavery and a scourge on our collective humanity. Nearly 27 million people worldwide are trapped in forms of forced labor and human bondage, and Americans in all 50 states have been victimized as well. We owe it to every survivor and victim to pass comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation out of the Congress and send it to the President\u2019s desk. This Caucus and anti-trafficking organizations across the country represent proof of our collective intention to get that done, no matter how long it takes,\u201d he continued.\n\n\u201cI am honored to announce the formation of the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Caucus alongside my Co-Chair, Rep. Mfume, who is fiercely committed to ending the modern-day slavery that is human trafficking,\u201d said Rep. Chris Smith.\n\n\u201cHuman trafficking is an ever-evolving crime, as traffickers are constantly finding new ways\u2014both in-person and virtually\u2014to exploit, manipulate, and abuse victims. To meet these changing and challenging demands, this Caucus will work tirelessly to advance new anti-trafficking legislation\u2014especially and including the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act of 2025 (HR 1144), which Rep. Mfume and I introduced earlier this Congress\u2014that uplifts and empowers survivors and raises awareness of this global problem,\" he concluded.\n\nIn addition to announcing the formation of the Caucus, Reps. Smith and Mfume urged the U.S. House of Representatives to quickly take up HR 1144 for debate and a vote.\n\n\u201cThe House passage of the Frederick Douglass TVPRA will bring us one step closer to finally eradicating this modern-day slavery,\u201d said the two lawmakers. \u201cDelay means denial for the millions of men, women, and children currently trapped in trafficking situations. We are working every single day\u2014especially and including World Day Against Trafficking in Persons\u2014to get this critical legislation over the finish line to protect critical funding and programs.\u201d\n\nHR 1144, developed in close collaboration with several survivor-leaders, upgrades and expands the U.S. government\u2019s toolkit for fighting human trafficking by authorizing more than $1.2 billion in federal funding over the next five years.\n\nOnce enacted, the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Act of 2025 will:\n\nReauthorize and bolster anti-human trafficking programs across numerous federal agencies, including the State Department, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services;\n\nEnsure robust prosecutions for human trafficking crimes, along with thorough investigations and jail time commensurate with the crime;\n\nAuthorize the first-ever housing program for survivors, ensuring wrap-around case management, including education, life skills training, mental health services, and employment assistance;\n\nReauthorize International Megan's Law through FY2029 which, among other things, requires sex offenders to provide certain information about their intended travel outside of the United States;\n\nTrain instructors and students within elementary and secondary schools, in an age-appropriate manner, on building situational awareness, self-esteem, and resources to prevent, identify, and respond to human trafficking; and\n\nStrengthen partnerships among federal, state, and local authorities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2026/7/raskin-beyer-norton-ivey-oppose-trump-administration-s-rushed-redevelopment-of-historic-east-potomac-park", "Raskin, Beyer, Norton, Ivey Oppose Trump Administration\u2019s Rushed \u201cRedevelopment\u201d of Historic East Potomac Park", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Don Beyer (VA-08) and Glenn Ivey (MD-04), along with 43 of their colleagues,demanded transparency about the Trump Administration\u2019s new vanity project, the proposed redevelopment of East Potomac Park designed by President Trump\u2019s handpicked architect, Tom Fazio. The letter, written to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Acting Director of the National Park Service Jessica Bowron, called on the Administration to preserve the park\u2019s historical features and affordability.\n\nIn this latest letter, the lawmakers are demanding the administration disclose the cost of the golf course\u2019s redevelopment and how any changes would affect bike and walking paths. They also demanded the administration comply with historic preservation laws and disclose how the golf course\u2019s pricing may change.\n\n\u201cWe write with strong objections to your rushed \u2018redevelopment\u2019 of East Potomac Park, as well as the lack of clear public communication as to the changes planned for a beloved historic and recreation site,\u201dthe lawmakers wrote.\u201cAny significant construction\u2026 requires compliance with bedrock environmental and historic preservation laws, robust public consultation and review, and protection of the existing uses of the site.\u201d\n\nEast Potomac Park, which includes East Potomac Golf Links, lies on federal land in Washington, D.C. The existing golf courses are well-used and popular, and hosted 130,000 rounds of golf in 2025. The courses are known for both their affordability\u2014a tee time costs as little as $17\u2014and their rich history and accessibility for players of all skill levels. In addition to the golf courses, East Potomac Park is also a beloved recreation site for thousands of residents in D.C., Maryland and Virginia who use the park\u2019s biking and walking paths and picnic on scenic Hains Point. In the spring, the park hosts visitors who travel to see D.C.\u2019s oldest stand of cherry blossoms.\n\nThe courses became a core part of the nation\u2019s civil rights history in 1941 when three Black golf players insisted on playing a round of golf, making East Potomac Golf Links one of the first desegregated public golf courses in the country.\n\nIn addition to public access considerations, the lawmakers raised transparency concerns surrounding the redevelopment project\u2019s financing.\n\n\u201cA private entity called the National Garden of American Heroes Foundation has sent brochures of the redesign to prospective donors and advertised the option for these donors to remain anonymous,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cThe only information available about this shadowy foundation is that interested donors can contact President Trump\u2019s 2024 presidential campaign finance director if they have any questions.\"\n\nThe lawmakers firstsounded the alarm on threats to East Potomac Park in response to the 35,000 cubic yards of toxic debris that the Trump Administration dumped on the golf courses following the illegal demolition of the White House\u2019s East Wing. The proposed East Potomac Park redevelopment follows the Trump Administration\u2019s pattern of unauthorized demolition and construction projects. Following the personal involvement of President Trump, the Administration has defaced other cultural and recreational spaces in the Nation's Capital, including the East Wing of the White House, the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.\n\nThe letter is also signed by Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07), Sean Casten (IL-06), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry \u201cHank\u201d Johnson (GA-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James McGovern (MA-02), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Dave Min (CA-04), Jerry Nadler (NY-17), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Emily Randall (WA-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Robert \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).\n\nRead the full text of the letter here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Burgum and Acting Director Bowron:\n\nWe write with strong objections to your rushed \u201credevelopment\u201d of East Potomac Park, as well as the lack of clear public communication as to the changes planned for a beloved historic and recreation site. Any significant construction at East Potomac Park, which was expressly created by Congress in 1897 to be \u201cforever held and used as a park for the recreation and pleasure of the people,\u201d requires compliance with bedrock environmental and historic preservation laws, robust public consultation and review, and protection of the existing uses of the site. Removing or diminishing any of those uses, including the existing affordable public golf course, the biking and running trails around the course, and the historic grove of cherry trees along Hains Point, is unacceptable and potentially illegal. We urge you to immediately abandon those efforts and protect this essential site for generations present and future.\n\nEast Potomac Golf Links has been an indispensable public asset since 1921. The National Park Service (NPS) responded to popular demand that year to create one of the country\u2019s first public golf courses. The three courses\u2014Red, White and Blue\u2014were designed or inspired by the designs of Walter Travis, who rejected Victorian-style designs favored by the rich and powerful to create links-style courses that all players could enjoy. The courses opened with rounds of golf priced at just 25 cents. This legacy of inclusive pricing continues to this day. Visitors can book a child\u2019s tee time for just $9 and enjoy a hamburger at the Potomac Grille for under $10\u2014an enjoyable afternoon that won\u2019t break the bank. The courses became a core part of our national civil rights history in 1941 when three Black golf players insisted on playing a round of golf, making East Potomac Golf Links one of the first desegregated golf courses in the country. For 85 years, residents of all backgrounds in the District of Columbia and the surrounding area have enjoyed the golf course and the biking and running trails that surround it.\n\nThis all changed on August 1, 2025, when you met with President Trump to discuss destroying the Red, White, and Blue courses and replacing them with a single \u201cchampionship- style\u201d layout designed to host professional tournaments. This recently released \u201cWashington National Plan,\u201d credited to Tom Fazio\u2014who has previously designed golf courses for President Trump\u2014would be a wholesale redevelopment of a property that has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. To make this design a reality, the existing 36 holes, split across the Red, White and Blue courses, would need to be destroyed, trees would be cut down, and an entirely new clubhouse would likely be constructed. All of this would yield just one large course, an 18-hole course designed for professionals, and one 9-hole pitch and putt course, leaving little room for the cycling, running and picnicking activities that are equally important to the park\u2019s character.\n\nOn June 28, this already expansive redesign became catastrophic when President Trump toured East Potomac Golf Links and examined new renderings of a far more expansive redesign proposal than what you disclosed on social media. If the high-resolution photos of the plan clutched by the President during the tour reflect the Administration\u2019s real intentions, the redesign would create just one 18-hole course for professionals, provide no 9-hole pitch and putt course, and completely eliminate Hains Point and the walking and biking trails surrounding the park. The Administration has not publicly released cost projections for this massive undertaking. The limited information shared about public access after the redesign includes estimates that the weekend price for local golfers could nearlydouble as a result of this complete transformation, even as the number of available courses to play on is cut by a third. This undermines the longstanding principles of affordability and public access which have driven East Potomac Golf Links since its founding.\n\nWhile the courses are certainly in need of significant maintenance and repair following decades of underinvestment, this work must be accomplished in compliance with the law and with respect for the historic nature of this beloved public resource. NPS itself has performed a Cultural Landscape Report on East Potomac Golf Links, determining in 2019 that the Red, White and Blue courses are \u201cessential\u201d to the \u201cdesign integrity at East Potomac\u201d and that the historic design reflects \u201can egalitarian institution within the city of Washington, D.C., as originally intended.\u201d Furthermore, the biking and running trails circumnavigating East Potomac Park\u2014in addition to providing crucial public access to the waterfront\u2014are core components of the park. Hains Point is a beloved and scenic picnic area that is also critical to residents and visitors alike, who come each spring to enjoy Washington, D.C.\u2019s cherry blossom season.\n\nTo raise funds for the Washington National Plan, a private entity called the National Garden of American Heroes Foundation has sent brochures of the redesign to prospective donors and advertised the option for these donors to remain anonymous. The only information available about this shadowy foundation is that interested donors can contact President Trump\u2019s 2024 presidential campaign finance director if they have any questions. We have seen this hollow promise before. Previous construction efforts that President Trump has touted as privately funded have both ballooned in cost and in fact been paid for by taxpayers.\n\nSection 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires federal agencies to assess the effects of any proposed project on \u201chistoric federal properties.\u201d It also requires federal agencies to publicly release development plans of this level of significance and incorporate sufficient time for public comment. Instead of engaging with the public about this design as required by law, the Administration began setting plans in motion to close the existing golf courses and clear stands of trees within them in May 2026. The trees have only been spared and the course only remains open due to pending litigation.\n\nTo learn more about your plans to redevelop the park, and how you will address our concerns about the redevelopment and its negative impact on multi-purpose recreation access, we request written answers to the following questions by no later than August 14, 2026:\n\nWhat is the cost of redeveloping East Potomac Golf Links?\n\nWill the beloved and heavily-used walking and biking paths and lanes through the Park be preserved? If so, will any changes be made to those paths and lanes?\n\nWill the similarly beloved and heavily-visited cherry trees within the Park be preserved? If so, are there anticipated impacts on health or access to those trees?\n\nHow much more will it cost for the public to play golf at East Potomac Golf Links under the \u201cWashington National Plan\u201d? The similar courses that you have cited as cost models in your redesign proposal feature prices that are as much as double the current East Potomac Golf Links prices. What justifies this increase?\n\nWhat is the relationship between the National Garden of American Heroes Foundation and members of the Trump Administration and specifically President Trump?\n\nWhat are the Department\u2019s plans to assess project compliance under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for the wholesale redevelopment of East Potomac Golf Links?\n\nIf these plans move forward, what is the Department\u2019s anticipated public comment schedule?", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-democrats-urge-ferc-protect-marylanders-rising-electricity-costs-due", "Maryland Democrats Urge FERC to Protect Marylanders from Rising Electricity Costs Due to Out-of-State Data Centers", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Maryland Congressional Delegation members \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD)< and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) \u2013 are calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to take action to ensure Marylanders are not forced to bear skyrocketing electricity costs due to increasing energy demand from data centers located outside of the state. The lawmakers urged FERC to require PJM Interconnection (PJM) to implement strong protections that would ensure fair energy costs for Marylanders after PJM, the grid operator responsible for coordinating electricity transmission in the region, assigned roughly $2 billion in costs to Maryland ratepayers for infrastructure that is needed primarily to serve out-of-state data centers. The lawmakers\u2019 letter supports a complaint at FERC filed by the Maryland Office of People\u2019s Counsel challenging PJM\u2019s existing transmission cost allocation rules.\n\n\u201cAs members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write regarding a pressing matter that has the potential to significantly raise energy costs for our constituents. PJM Interconnection LLC\u2019s (PJM) existing transmission cost allocation rules result in the unjust assignment of billions of dollars in costs to Marylanders, contributing to unaffordable electricity bills,\u201d the lawmakers begin.\n\nOn the rising costs of electricity due to data centers outside of Maryland, the lawmakers write, \u201cData centers being built outside of Maryland are driving one of the largest transmission expansions in PJM\u2019s history. Across its three most recent regional transmission planning rounds, PJM has advanced $22 billion in projects needed principally to serve data centers. Under PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, roughly $2 billion of those costs have been assigned to Maryland ratepayers rather than the data centers that are driving the demand.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarylanders are already shouldering the immense burden of skyrocketing electricity costs, and it is unjust and unreasonable to force our constituents to subsidize the energy infrastructure needs of the wealthiest companies in the world. Unless the Commission acts, our constituents will pay an estimated $1.6 billion on their electric bills over the next ten years for these projects alone, and $823 million of that total cost will fall on residential customers, which equates to roughly $345 for the average customer,\u201d the lawmakers continue.\n\nOn PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, the Maryland lawmakers note, \u201cPJM\u2019s cost allocation rules have not kept pace with the build out of hyperscale data centers, just one of which can equal the electricity demand of a small city. PJM\u2019s current rules spread costs broadly across the region regardless of where, and for whom, the underlying projects are actually needed. Maryland regulators have no ability to assign such costs to data centers located in other states, and with tens of thousands of megawatts of additional data center demand growth projected across PJM over the next two decades, our constituents face billions of dollars in further charges absent Commission action to address this unjust and unreasonable cost allocation. Furthermore, because much of the forecasted growth in data center energy demand is speculative, our constituents bear the unacceptable risk of paying for projects built to serve potential data centers that are never built due to any number of external reasons.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe urge the Commission to act expeditiously to provide relief from these costs for Maryland ratepayers, including as requested in OPC\u2019s complaint. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue that is essential to ensuring just and reasonable energy costs for our constituents,\u201d the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Chairman Swett,\n\nAs members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write regarding a pressing matter that has the potential to significantly raise energy costs for our constituents. PJM Interconnection LLC\u2019s (PJM) existing transmission cost allocation rules result in the unjust assignment of billions of dollars in costs to Marylanders, contributing to unaffordable electricity bills. This matter has been brought before the Commission by the Maryland Office of People's Counsel (OPC) (Docket: EL26-63), and the basic principle underpinning this issue is simple: our constituents should not be forced to pay for transmission projects that they did not cause and from which they will not meaningfully benefit.\n\nData centers being built outside of Maryland are driving one of the largest transmission expansions in PJM\u2019s history. Across its three most recent regional transmission planning rounds, PJM has advanced $22 billion in projects needed principally to serve data centers. Under PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, roughly $2 billion of those costs have been assigned to Maryland ratepayers rather than the data centers that are driving the demand.\n\nMarylanders are already shouldering the immense burden of skyrocketing electricity costs, and it is unjust and unreasonable to force our constituents to subsidize the energy infrastructure needs of the wealthiest companies in the world. Unless the Commission acts, our constituents will pay an estimated $1.6 billion on their electric bills over the next ten years for these projects alone, and $823 million of that total cost will fall on residential customers, which equates to roughly $345 for the average customer.\n\nPJM\u2019s cost allocation rules have not kept pace with the build out of hyperscale data centers, just one of which can equal the electricity demand of a small city. PJM\u2019s current rules spread costs broadly across the region regardless of where, and for whom, the underlying projects are actually needed. Maryland regulators have no ability to assign such costs to data centers located in other states, and with tens of thousands of megawatts of additional data center demand growth projected across PJM over the next two decades, our constituents face billions of dollars in further charges absent Commission action to address this unjust and unreasonable cost allocation. Furthermore, because much of the forecasted growth in data center energy demand is speculative, our constituents bear the unacceptable risk of paying for projects built to serve potential data centers that are never built due to any number of external reasons.\n\nWe were encouraged by the Commission\u2019s June 18, 2026 orders directing PJM and five other grid operators to justify or reform how they assign the costs of serving large loads, which advance the essential goal of protecting ordinary consumers. Those orders, however, are forward-looking. We also seek to obtain relief for our constituents from the billions in costs PJM has already assigned, and because most of those costs have not yet appeared on customer bills, timely Commission action can prevent much of this harm before it occurs.\n\nWe urge the Commission to act expeditiously to provide relief from these costs for Maryland ratepayers, including as requested in OPC\u2019s complaint. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue that is essential to ensuring just and reasonable energy costs for our constituents.", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-democrats-urge-ferc-protect-marylanders-rising-electricity-costs-due", "Maryland Democrats Urge FERC to Protect Marylanders from Rising Electricity Costs Due to Out-of-State Data Centers", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congresswoman April McClain Delaney joins Maryland Congressional Delegation members \u2013 U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) \u2013 in calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to take action to ensure Marylanders are not forced to bear skyrocketing electricity costs due to increasing energy demand from data centers located outside of the state. The lawmakers urged FERC to require PJM Interconnection (PJM) to implement strong protections that would ensure fair energy costs for Marylanders after PJM, the grid operator responsible for coordinating electricity transmission in the region, assigned roughly $2 billion in costs to Maryland ratepayers for infrastructure that is needed primarily to serve out-of-state data centers. The lawmakers\u2019 letter supports acomplaint at FERC filed by the Maryland Office of People\u2019s Counsel challenging PJM\u2019s existing transmission cost allocation rules.\n\n\u201cAs members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write regarding a pressing matter that has the potential to significantly raise energy costs for our constituents. PJM Interconnection LLC\u2019s (PJM) existing transmission cost allocation rules result in the unjust assignment of billions of dollars in costs to Marylanders, contributing to unaffordable electricity bills,\u201d the lawmakers begin.\n\nOn the rising costs of electricity due to data centers outside of Maryland, the lawmakers write, \u201cData centers being built outside of Maryland are driving one of the largest transmission expansions in PJM\u2019s history. Across its three most recent regional transmission planning rounds, PJM has advanced $22 billion in projects needed principally to serve data centers. Under PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, roughly $2 billion of those costs have been assigned to Maryland ratepayers rather than the data centers that are driving the demand.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarylanders are already shouldering the immense burden of skyrocketing electricity costs, and it is unjust and unreasonable to force our constituents to subsidize the energy infrastructure needs of the wealthiest companies in the world. Unless the Commission acts, our constituents will pay an estimated $1.6 billion on their electric bills over the next ten years for these projects alone, and $823 million of that total cost will fall on residential customers, which equates to roughly $345 for the average customer,\u201d the lawmakers continue.\n\nOn PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, the Maryland lawmakers note, \u201cPJM\u2019s cost allocation rules have not kept pace with the build out of hyperscale data centers, just one of which can equal the electricity demand of a small city. PJM\u2019s current rules spread costs broadly across the region regardless of where, and for whom, the underlying projects are actually needed. Maryland regulators have no ability to assign such costs to data centers located in other states, and with tens of thousands of megawatts of additional data center demand growth projected across PJM over the next two decades, our constituents face billions of dollars in further charges absent Commission action to address this unjust and unreasonable cost allocation. Furthermore, because much of the forecasted growth in data center energy demand is speculative, our constituents bear the unacceptable risk of paying for projects built to serve potential data centers that are never built due to any number of external reasons.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe urge the Commission to act expeditiously to provide relief from these costs for Maryland ratepayers, including as requested in OPC\u2019s complaint. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue that is essential to ensuring just and reasonable energy costs for our constituents,\u201d the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Chairman Swett,\n\nAs members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write regarding a pressing matter that has the potential to significantly raise energy costs for our constituents. PJM Interconnection LLC\u2019s (PJM) existing transmission cost allocation rules result in the unjust assignment of billions of dollars in costs to Marylanders, contributing to unaffordable electricity bills. This matter has been brought before the Commission by the Maryland Office of People's Counsel (OPC) (Docket: EL26-63), and the basic principle underpinning this issue is simple: our constituents should not be forced to pay for transmission projects that they did not cause and from which they will not meaningfully benefit.\n\nData centers being built outside of Maryland are driving one of the largest transmission expansions in PJM\u2019s history. Across its three most recent regional transmission planning rounds, PJM has advanced $22 billion in projects needed principally to serve data centers. Under PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, roughly $2 billion of those costs have been assigned to Maryland ratepayers rather than the data centers that are driving the demand.\n\nMarylanders are already shouldering the immense burden of skyrocketing electricity costs, and it is unjust and unreasonable to force our constituents to subsidize the energy infrastructure needs of the wealthiest companies in the world. Unless the Commission acts, our constituents will pay an estimated $1.6 billion on their electric bills over the next ten years for these projects alone, and $823 million of that total cost will fall on residential customers, which equates to roughly $345 for the average customer.\n\nPJM\u2019s cost allocation rules have not kept pace with the build out of hyperscale data centers, just one of which can equal the electricity demand of a small city. PJM\u2019s current rules spread costs broadly across the region regardless of where, and for whom, the underlying projects are actually needed. Maryland regulators have no ability to assign such costs to data centers located in other states, and with tens of thousands of megawatts of additional data center demand growth projected across PJM over the next two decades, our constituents face billions of dollars in further charges absent Commission action to address this unjust and unreasonable cost allocation. Furthermore, because much of the forecasted growth in data center energy demand is speculative, our constituents bear the unacceptable risk of paying for projects built to serve potential data centers that are never built due to any number of external reasons.\n\nWe were encouraged by the Commission\u2019s June 18, 2026 orders directing PJM and five other grid operators to justify or reform how they assign the costs of serving large loads, which advance the essential goal of protecting ordinary consumers. Those orders, however, are forward-looking. We also seek to obtain relief for our constituents from the billions in costs PJM has already assigned, and because most of those costs have not yet appeared on customer bills, timely Commission action can prevent much of this harm before it occurs.\n\nWe urge the Commission to act expeditiously to provide relief from these costs for Maryland ratepayers, including as requested in OPC\u2019s complaint. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue that is essential to ensuring just and reasonable energy costs for our constituents.", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcclain-delaney-obernolte-led-bipartisan-letter-department-state", "Reps. McClain Delaney & Obernolte, Led Bipartisan Letter to the Department of State, Department of Commerce, and Federal Communications Commission Requesting Update on U.S. Strategy for the World Radio Conference 2027", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, Representatives April McClain Delaney (MD-06) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23) led a bipartisan letter, joined by 17 House colleagues, requesting that the Department of State, Department of Commerce, and Federal Communications Commission provide Congress with a written update on U.S. strategy for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), including how agencies are coordinating, structuring leadership, and engaging internationally to protect U.S. spectrum priorities.\n\nThe letter, sent to Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg, NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth, and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, highlights the significance of the decisions that will be made at WRC-27, which will be hosted in Shanghai, China. It underscores the importance of preserving global momentum for unlicensed 6 GHz access, a critical driver of U.S. innovation, Wi-Fi leadership, and long-term economic competitiveness, as the PRC and aligned countries push to redefine global spectrum standards.\n\n\"As other nations, including the People's Republic of China, work to shape global spectrum policy, the United States must lead\u2014not react. Strong coordination across our federal agencies and close collaboration with our allies are essential to protecting American innovation, strengthening our economic competitiveness, and ensuring the technologies that power our homes, businesses, and communities continue to be built on U.S. leadership,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cWe applaud the House members, led by Reps. Delaney and Obernolte, for reaffirming the importance of preserving U.S. leadership in Wi-Fi and supporting continued access to the full 6 GHz band as preparations for WRC-27 move forward. Their leadership underscores the critical role that 6 GHz plays in powering next-generation Wi-Fi, driving innovation, and ensuring American consumers and businesses continue to benefit from world-leading broadband connectivity,\u201d said NCTA -The Internet & Television Association.\n\nThe letter was also co-signed by Reps. Bacon (NE-02), Castor (FL-14), Dingell (MI-06), Elfreth (MD-03), Gottheimer (NJ-05), Houlahan (PA-06), J. Johnson (TX-32), Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), LaHood (IL-16), Moran (TX-01), Morelle (NY-25), Mullin (CA-15), Olszewski (MD-02), Quigley (IL-05), Sorensen (IL-17), and Walberg (MI-05).", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-democrats-urge-ferc-protect-marylanders-rising-electricity-costs-due", "Maryland Democrats Urge FERC to Protect Marylanders from Rising Electricity Costs Due to Out-of-State Data Centers", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) in calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to take action to ensure Marylanders are not forced to bear skyrocketing electricity costs due to increasing energy demand from data centers located outside of the state. The lawmakers urged FERC to require PJM Interconnection (PJM) to implement strong protections that would ensure fair energy costs for Marylanders after PJM, the grid operator responsible for coordinating electricity transmission in the region, assigned roughly $2 billion in costs to Maryland ratepayers for infrastructure that is needed primarily to serve out-of-state data centers. The lawmakers\u2019 letter supports a complaint at FERC filed by the Maryland Office of People\u2019s Counsel challenging PJM\u2019s existing transmission cost allocation rules.\n\n\u201cAs members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write regarding a pressing matter that has the potential to significantly raise energy costs for our constituents. PJM Interconnection LLC\u2019s (PJM) existing transmission cost allocation rules result in the unjust assignment of billions of dollars in costs to Marylanders, contributing to unaffordable electricity bills,\u201d the lawmakers begin.\n\nOn the rising costs of electricity due to data centers outside of Maryland, the lawmakers write, \u201cData centers being built outside of Maryland are driving one of the largest transmission expansions in PJM\u2019s history. Across its three most recent regional transmission planning rounds, PJM has advanced $22 billion in projects needed principally to serve data centers. Under PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, roughly $2 billion of those costs have been assigned to Maryland ratepayers rather than the data centers that are driving the demand.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarylanders are already shouldering the immense burden of skyrocketing electricity costs, and it is unjust and unreasonable to force our constituents to subsidize the energy infrastructure needs of the wealthiest companies in the world. Unless the Commission acts, our constituents will pay an estimated $1.6 billion on their electric bills over the next ten years for these projects alone, and $823 million of that total cost will fall on residential customers, which equates to roughly $345 for the average customer,\u201d the lawmakers continue.\n\nOn PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, the Maryland lawmakers note, \u201cPJM\u2019s cost allocation rules have not kept pace with the build out of hyperscale data centers, just one of which can equal the electricity demand of a small city. PJM\u2019s current rules spread costs broadly across the region regardless of where, and for whom, the underlying projects are actually needed. Maryland regulators have no ability to assign such costs to data centers located in other states, and with tens of thousands of megawatts of additional data center demand growth projected across PJM over the next two decades, our constituents face billions of dollars in further charges absent Commission action to address this unjust and unreasonable cost allocation. Furthermore, because much of the forecasted growth in data center energy demand is speculative, our constituents bear the unacceptable risk of paying for projects built to serve potential data centers that are never built due to any number of external reasons.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe urge the Commission to act expeditiously to provide relief from these costs for Maryland ratepayers, including as requested in OPC\u2019s complaint. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue that is essential to ensuring just and reasonable energy costs for our constituents,\u201d the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-democrats-urge-ferc-protect-marylanders-rising-electricity-costs-due", "Maryland Democrats Urge FERC to Protect Marylanders from Rising Electricity Costs Due to Out-of-State Data Centers", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Maryland Congressional Delegation members \u2013 U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and (all D-Md.) \u2013 are calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to take action to ensure Marylanders are not forced to bear skyrocketing electricity costs due to increasing energy demand from data centers located outside of the state. The lawmakers urged FERC to require PJM Interconnection (PJM) to implement strong protections that would ensure fair energy costs for Marylanders after PJM, the grid operator responsible for coordinating electricity transmission in the region, assigned roughly $2 billion in costs to Maryland ratepayers for infrastructure that is needed primarily to serve out-of-state data centers. The lawmakers\u2019 letter supports a complaint at FERC filed by the Maryland Office of People\u2019s Counsel challenging PJM\u2019s existing transmission cost allocation rules.\n\n\u201cAs members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write regarding a pressing matter that has the potential to significantly raise energy costs for our constituents. PJM Interconnection LLC\u2019s (PJM) existing transmission cost allocation rules result in the unjust assignment of billions of dollars in costs to Marylanders, contributing to unaffordable electricity bills,\u201d the lawmakers begin.\n\nOn the rising costs of electricity due to data centers outside of Maryland, the lawmakers write, \u201cData centers being built outside of Maryland are driving one of the largest transmission expansions in PJM\u2019s history. Across its three most recent regional transmission planning rounds, PJM has advanced $22 billion in projects needed principally to serve data centers. Under PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, roughly $2 billion of those costs have been assigned to Maryland ratepayers rather than the data centers that are driving the demand.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarylanders are already shouldering the immense burden of skyrocketing electricity costs, and it is unjust and unreasonable to force our constituents to subsidize the energy infrastructure needs of the wealthiest companies in the world. Unless the Commission acts, our constituents will pay an estimated $1.6 billion on their electric bills over the next ten years for these projects alone, and $823 million of that total cost will fall on residential customers, which equates to roughly $345 for the average customer,\u201d the lawmakers continue.\n\nOn PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, the Maryland lawmakers note, \u201cPJM\u2019s cost allocation rules have not kept pace with the build out of hyperscale data centers, just one of which can equal the electricity demand of a small city. PJM\u2019s current rules spread costs broadly across the region regardless of where, and for whom, the underlying projects are actually needed. Maryland regulators have no ability to assign such costs to data centers located in other states, and with tens of thousands of megawatts of additional data center demand growth projected across PJM over the next two decades, our constituents face billions of dollars in further charges absent Commission action to address this unjust and unreasonable cost allocation. Furthermore, because much of the forecasted growth in data center energy demand is speculative, our constituents bear the unacceptable risk of paying for projects built to serve potential data centers that are never built due to any number of external reasons.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe urge the Commission to act expeditiously to provide relief from these costs for Maryland ratepayers, including as requested in OPC\u2019s complaint. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue that is essential to ensuring just and reasonable energy costs for our constituents,\u201d the lawmakers conclude.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Chairman Swett,\n\nAs members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write regarding a pressing matter that has the potential to significantly raise energy costs for our constituents. PJM Interconnection LLC\u2019s (PJM) existing transmission cost allocation rules result in the unjust assignment of billions of dollars in costs to Marylanders, contributing to unaffordable electricity bills. This matter has been brought before the Commission by the Maryland Office of People's Counsel (OPC) (Docket: EL26-63), and the basic principle underpinning this issue is simple: our constituents should not be forced to pay for transmission projects that they did not cause and from which they will not meaningfully benefit.\n\nData centers being built outside of Maryland are driving one of the largest transmission expansions in PJM\u2019s history. Across its three most recent regional transmission planning rounds, PJM has advanced $22 billion in projects needed principally to serve data centers. Under PJM\u2019s current cost allocation rules, roughly $2 billion of those costs have been assigned to Maryland ratepayers rather than the data centers that are driving the demand.\n\nMarylanders are already shouldering the immense burden of skyrocketing electricity costs, and it is unjust and unreasonable to force our constituents to subsidize the energy infrastructure needs of the wealthiest companies in the world. Unless the Commission acts, our constituents will pay an estimated $1.6 billion on their electric bills over the next ten years for these projects alone, and $823 million of that total cost will fall on residential customers, which equates to roughly $345 for the average customer.\n\nPJM\u2019s cost allocation rules have not kept pace with the build out of hyperscale data centers, just one of which can equal the electricity demand of a small city. PJM\u2019s current rules spread costs broadly across the region regardless of where, and for whom, the underlying projects are actually needed. Maryland regulators have no ability to assign such costs to data centers located in other states, and with tens of thousands of megawatts of additional data center demand growth projected across PJM over the next two decades, our constituents face billions of dollars in further charges absent Commission action to address this unjust and unreasonable cost allocation. Furthermore, because much of the forecasted growth in data center energy demand is speculative, our constituents bear the unacceptable risk of paying for projects built to serve potential data centers that are never built due to any number of external reasons.\n\nWe were encouraged by the Commission\u2019s June 18, 2026 orders directing PJM and five other grid operators to justify or reform how they assign the costs of serving large loads, which advance the essential goal of protecting ordinary consumers. Those orders, however, are forward-looking. We also seek to obtain relief for our constituents from the billions in costs PJM has already assigned, and because most of those costs have not yet appeared on customer bills, timely Commission action can prevent much of this harm before it occurs.\n\nWe urge the Commission to act expeditiously to provide relief from these costs for Maryland ratepayers, including as requested in OPC\u2019s complaint. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue that is essential to ensuring just and reasonable energy costs for our constituents.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-36th-anniversary-americans-disabilities-act", "Hoyer Statement on the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act", "2026-07-26", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today recognizing the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):\n\n\u201cToday, I join in celebrating the thirty-sixth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) \u2013 pivotal legislation that reshaped the lives of millions of Americans living with disabilities, guaranteeing them equal access and equal opportunity.\n\n\u201cChampioning the ADA in the House was one of the proudest moments in my career. Over the past thirty-six years, we have continued to strengthen this progress through the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and seen it advanced through the 1999 Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C., which reaffirmed our original intent to secure full inclusion and equality for all.\n\n\u201cAs we reflect on these accomplishments, we are reminded that the fight is not over. We must acknowledge the dangers of this moment as the Trump Administration undermines the progress we have achieved, seeking to erode opportunities for Americans with disabilities and overturn Congress\u2019s clear intent as recognized by Olmstead. So, our work continues, and we will keep fighting diligently so that every American may enjoy the promises upon which our nation was founded \u2013 liberty and justice for all.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-27T08:26:39Z", "2026-07-27T08:27:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2026/7/raskin-bacon-dexter-celebrate-house-passage-of-bipartisan-legislation-protecting-pension-payments-for-noaa-corps-u-s-public-health-service-commissioned-corps", "Raskin, Bacon, Dexter Celebrate House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation Protecting Pension Payments for NOAA Corps, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Don Bacon (NE-02) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) celebrated the House passage of theirbipartisan legislation safeguarding pension payments for an estimated 8,000 retired uniformed servicemembers.\n\nThe Pensions for Retired Uniformed Servicemembers Actwould secure parity between retired members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps and the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps and all other federal retirees, ensuring they continue receiving pension payments during a government shutdown. The bill\u2019s passage was also supported by Representatives Don Davis (NC-01), Nick LaLota (NY-01) and August Pfluger (TX-11).\n\n\u201cA government shutdown shouldn\u2019t prevent retired NOAA and USPHS officers from paying rent or putting food on the table,\u201dsaid Rep. Raskin.\"Our bipartisan bill honors their years of public service defending the health and safety of our people. Once the Senate passes this legislation and it becomes law, these patriots will always receive the benefits they earned on time, even if government funding lapses.\u201d\n\n\u201cLegislating in a Republican-controlled House has not stopped me from getting things done,\u201dsaid Rep. Dexter.\u201cI\u2019m proud to secure this win for every retired public servant who has endured the struggle of going without a paycheck during a government shutdown and for the constituent who reached out to my office and made us aware of this egregious gap in our system. I am honored to have the opportunity to definitively address concerns my community elevates and help thousands of Americans in the process.\u201d\n\n\u201cNOAA Corps and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers serve our nation in moments of crisis, from hurricane response and environmental disasters to disease outbreaks at home and overseas,\u201dsaid Rep. Bacon. \u201cThese uniformed officers have answered the call in national emergencies and times of war, and they deserve a retirement structure that recognizes that service. I\u2019m pleased the House passed this bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get it across the finish line and to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n\"The Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service applauds the effort to place the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps in the Military Retirement Fund. This bipartisan achievement will ensure that retired officers of both uniformed services continue to receive the retirement benefits they have earned without interruption during a government shutdown,\"said CAPT. Jacqueline Rychnovsky, USPHS (Ret.), Executive Director of the Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service.\"The Association congratulates Representatives Jamie Raskin, Don Bacon, Maxine Dexter, Donald Davis, Nick LaLota, and August Pfluger for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this important amendment and helping safeguard the retirement security of those who have dedicated their careers to serving our nation.\"\n\n\u201cUSPHS and NOAA Corps retirees served and sacrificed during a career in uniform. They stepped up for our nation and its citizens in times of crisis. They earned the benefit of knowing their retirement checks will always arrive and always arrive on time,\u201d said Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), president and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). \u201cMOAA thanks Reps. Raskin, Bacon, and Dexter for their work on this issue, and we look forward to solidifying this important step toward retirement pay parity across all services.\u201d\n\nCurrently, USPHS Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Corps retirees are paid out of funds held in the Coast Guard Pay & Personnel Center. This Center shuts down during shutdowns. As a result, retirees did not receive their pension payments for more than 43 days during the October shutdown. Rep. Raskin learned about this problem by listening to concerns from his constituents in Maryland\u2019s Eighth Congressional District who depend on their pension payments and feared for their ability to make ends meet during last year\u2019s government shutdown. This legislation, now one step closer to becoming law, would protect the pensions of more than 1,166 Maryland residents and more than 7,500 people across the country.\n\nEstablished upon the outbreak of World War I, NOAA Corps Officers command ships and aircraft and support emergency response efforts, including hurricane response and oil spill mitigation. They lead a fleet of vessels and aircraft used for everything from deep ocean research to flying into hurricanes, and they can be brought into the armed services whenever the President requires their expertise.\n\nThe U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps was established in 1889 to root out smallpox and yellow fever and is now the largest public health program in the world. Driven by a passion for public service, the Commissioned Corps officers respond to public health crises and national emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and terrorist attacks, both at home and overseas.\n\nThe lawmakersintroduced their bipartisan legislation in May 2026. It was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.\n\nThePensions for Retired?Uniformed Servicemembers Act is endorsed by the Commissioned Officers Association of the United States Public Health Service, Military Officers Association of America, Navy League, National Military Family Association, AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, Blue Star Families, Fleet Reserve Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Jewish War Veterans, Military Chaplains Association, Military Family Advisory Network, National Defense Committee, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, Reserve Organization of America, Service Women\u2019s Action Network, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, United States Army Warrant Officers Association, USCG Chief Petty Officers Association, Vietnam Veterans of America and With Honor Action.", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-political-will-answer-not-weakening-congress-united-states", "Hoyer: Political Will is the Answer, Not Weakening the Congress of the United States", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, questioned U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK), U.S. Representative Tom McClintock (CA-05), and Former Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young during the House Appropriations Full Committee Hearing on funding lapses and government shutdown reform. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:\n\nClick here to watch a video of his remarks.\n\nHOYER: \u201cThank you very much, Mr. Chairman. First, let me say I think we have two thoughtful Members of the Congress of the United States presenting these proposals. Senator Lankford has represented that in the House and now represents [that] in the Senate. And as I've told Mr. McClintock, I always enjoy hearing him speak because I think he speaks [the] truth and with good analysis. However, I disagree with both of you strongly. Mr. McClintock \u2013 Congressman McClintock, you just said what I think is the real issue, and you said that no legislation or rule can replace political will.\"", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-fy2027-national-defense-authorization-act", "Hoyer Statement on FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027:\n\n\u201cHardworking civilian federal employees at the Defense Department are no less deserving of an annual raise than their compatriots in uniform. Oftentimes, civilian and military personnel work side by side doing similar work at the Pentagon and on bases across the world, yet this National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) gives military personnel as much as a 7% raise while leaving civilian employees behind. That disparity is wrong, and it\u2019s why I did not support this bill, which balloons the defense budget by over 28% and will cost more than a trillion dollars but cannot find enough funds to ensure parity in raises between civilian and military personnel. The Trump Administration should be ashamed of itself for proposing this pay disparity, and I urge the Senate to address it and insist on parity. All those who serve ought to receive our gratitude and respect.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-april-mcclain-delaney-statement-her-present-vote-main-street", "Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Statement on Her Present Vote on the Main Street Capital Access Act", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released the following statement after voting present on the Main Street Capital Access Act:\n\n\"Out of an abundance of caution, I voted \u201cpresent\u201d last night on the Main Street Capital Access Act in order to recuse myself given a personal conflict of interest. At a time when the Trump Administration has repeatedly blurred ethical lines and eroded public trust, Members of Congress have a responsibility to hold themselves to a higher standard. I entered public service to serve my constituents and not for self-gain. I remain ever committed to expanding access to capital \u2013 particularly in our rural areas to benefit our farmers and small businesses - through the support of our local community banks and to create more opportunity, protections and economic development for the working families of Maryland.\"", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2026/7/raskin-whitehouse-introduce-legislation-to-safeguard-elections-close-major-campaign-finance-loophole-as-foreign-ownership-of-american-corporations-skyrockets", "Raskin, Whitehouse Introduce Legislation to Safeguard Elections, Close Major Campaign Finance Loophole as Foreign Ownership of American Corporations Skyrockets", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced bicameral legislation that would crack down on the corrupt influence of foreign money in American elections. As foreign ownership in American companies soars, the Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act seeks to close a major campaign finance loophole that has allowed U.S. companies appreciably owned by foreign entities to pour unlimited sums of money into our elections.\n\n\u201cThe Roberts Court\u2019s outrageous decision in Citizens United continues to spell disaster for American democracy, as it allows oligarchs and autocrats from around the world to wield their influence over our elections through corporate ownership and political interference,\u201dsaid Rep. Raskin. \u201cI\u2019m introducing the Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act with Senator Whitehouse to root out foreign corporate corruption of our politics and make sure our elections are going to be decided by the American people and not overseas oligarchs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to the disastrous Citizens United decision, foreign actors can exploit the same corrupting dark money channels that allow unlimited corporate spending,\u201d said Sen. Whitehouse.\u201cWe should get rid of the damned stuff entirely, but this bill would at least safeguard our democracy from foreign adversaries influencing American elections from the shadows.\u201d\n\nForeign nationals are buying stock in American companies at record rates. From 1986 to 2020, foreign ownership of American stocks increasedtenfold from 4 percent to 40 percent. As foreign ownership of American corporations grows ever larger, we must legislate to make certain that foreign money is not entering our politics and buying our politicians.\n\nWhile current law bars individual foreign nationals from personally spending in U.S. elections, the Roberts Court\u2019s 2010 Citizens United v. FEC decision enabled corporations to engage in unlimited political spending. This created a loophole that allows unlimited political spending by American-registered corporations\u2014including major multinationals\u2014that are foreign-owned, foreign-controlled or foreign-influenced. This bill rejects spending in American politics by foreign-owned, foreign-controlled and foreign-influenced corporations (using well-supported foreign ownership thresholds to determine when U.S. corporations should be prohibited from spending). It does not prevent individual permanent residents living in the United States from exercising their constitutional right to contribute to candidates.\n\nRep. Raskin and Sen. Whitehouse have long led the fight to protect the integrity of American elections. In May, Rep. Raskinintroduced theProtecting Our Democracy Act (PODA). PODA would require presidential candidates to submit their tax returns to the Federal Election Commission and strengthen disclosure requirements for online political advertisements. In December, Rep. Raskin introduced the Ranked Choice Voting Act which wouldallow voters to express their ranked support for multiple candidates in all congressional races, making our elections fairer and more representative.\n\nTheGet Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act is cosponsored by Reps. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jared Golden (ME-02), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Andriano Espaillat (NY-13), Greg Casar (TX-35), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Jason Crow (CO-06), Andre Carson (IN-07), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Mike Levin (CA-49), Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Angie Craig (MN-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Danny Davis (IL-07), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Ed Case (HI-01), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Josh Riley (NY-19), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Pablo Hernandez (PR-AL), Al Green (TX-09), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Troy Carter (LA-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jill Tokuda (HI-02) and Val Hoyle (OR-04). In the Senate, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Court Accountability; Center for American Progress (CAP); Citizens For Responsibility & Ethics in Washington (CREW); End Citizens United / Let America Vote Action Fund; Common Cause; Public Citizen; Free Speech For People; Alliance For Democracy; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Blue Haven Initiative; Citizen Action of New York; Clean Elections Texas; Communication Workers of America; DAWN; Fix Democracy First; Greenpeace USA; Indivisible Santa Fe; MarchOnHarrisburg; Michiganders for Fair & Transparent Elections; Money Out Voters In; National Voter Corps; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; Our Revolution; People For the American Way; People Power United; Represent Us San Diego; Secure Elections Network; Transparency International U.S.; United Church of Christ and Voices For Progress.\n\nRead what supporters of the bill are sayinghere.\n\nRead the full bill texthere.", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-votes-no-annual-defense-authorization-bill", "Elfreth Votes No on Annual Defense Authorization Bill", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted against the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on the House floor. Elfreth also voted against the legislation in Committee last month. The legislation ultimately passed 216-212.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have a great appreciation for the tireless bipartisan effort that goes into crafting the National Defense Authorization Act and the impact it has on our men and women in uniform. I have spent much of my first term in Congress finding avenues in this bill to strengthen installation readiness, lower costs for servicemembers, support our military families, advance health care and medical research, invest in the shipbuilding industry, modernize our cybersecurity, and so much more,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth. \u201cDespite the advancements we secured in this legislation, we cannot ignore the larger context of this bill and this moment. I could not vote to authorize $1.15 trillion for the Department of Defense as this Administration wages an unjustified, unconstitutional war with Iran with no end in sight. I could not vote in support of the hateful culture wars that House Republicans inserted into this traditionally bipartisan legislation. I could not vote on a bill that places virtually no checks on an Administration and Department of Defense that continues to put our servicemembers in harm's way and spends untold and unchecked billions of taxpayer dollars. That is why I once again voted no on this year's defense authorization bill.\u201d\n\nElfreth worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen the legislation in support of our servicemembers. In all, 23 of Elfreth\u2019s provisions were included in the base text of the NDAA, and Elfreth successfully introduced 20 provisions as amendments, including two floor amendments to study reserve child care programs and to develop a domestic critical mineral workforce. Elfreth also landed $86 million to protect the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis from the impacts of flooding and sea-level rise \u2013 a larger earmark than any other freshman lawmaker.\n\nElfreth spoke on the House floor against two amendments that would block international students from attending U.S. Service Academies and prohibit the use of funds for Ukraine security assistance. You can view her remarks by CLICKING HERE and HERE.\n\nElfreth-led priorities in the NDAA and her first statement on voting no on the legislation in Committee can be referenced HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-we-cannot-turn-clock-back-time-ada", "Hoyer: We Cannot Turn the Clock Back to the Time Before the ADA", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor ahead of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Sunday, July 26th, 2026. Below are a video and transcription of his remarks:\n\nClick here to watch a video of his remarks.", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaneys-bipartisan-scale-biology-act-advances-out-house-science-space", "McClain Delaney's Bipartisan SCALE Biology Act Advances Out of House Science, Space, and Technology Committee", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman April McClain Delaney's (D-MD-06) bipartisan Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology (SCALE Biology) Act advanced this week out of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, marking a significant step forward in strengthening U.S. leadership in biotechnology.\n\nThe SCALE Biology Act would establish a dedicated biometrology research program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Biometrology\u2014the science of measurement applied to engineering biology\u2014is essential to advancing healthcare, domestic biomanufacturing, agricultural innovation, public health, and national security.\n\nAs the bioeconomy continues to grow, researchers, regulators, and industry need a common framework for measuring and evaluating biological systems. The SCALE Biology Act would direct NIST to develop standardized measurements, methodologies, guidelines, and best practices, creating a shared foundation that accelerates innovation and strengthens America's global competitiveness.\n\n\"The global race for biotechnology leadership isn't slowing down, and neither can we,\" said Rep. McClain Delaney. \"The United States has the talent and the innovation to lead, including the expert researchers at NIST who call Maryland\u2019s Sixth District home, but we need the standards that allow groundbreaking discoveries to move from the lab to the marketplace. The SCALE Biology Act will help establish those standards and ensure America remains the global leader in biotechnology.\"\n\nMaryland's Sixth District is home to one of the nation's premier biotechnology ecosystems, including the I-270 Technology Corridor\u2014often referred to as \"DNA Valley\"\u2014as well as world-renowned federal research institutions such as NIST, NIH, and the National Biodefense and Countermeasures Center, National Interagency Confederation for Biological Research at Fort Detrick. Advancing the SCALE Biology Act reinforces the region's leadership in biotechnology while strengthening America's innovation, competitiveness, health and well-being.", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-s-remarks-at-doge-subcommittee-hearing-on-american-history-and-the-smithsonian", "Congressman Mfume\u2019s Remarks at DOGE Subcommittee Hearing on American History and the Smithsonian", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Rep. Kweisi Mfume spoke out against the Trump administration's attacks on Black history and on the Smithsonian Institution during a hearing on the House Oversight Committee's DOGE Subcommittee.\n\nIn 2026, Congressman Mfume has consistently pushed back on the Trump administration's attempts to reshape the presentation of American history at federal museums, parks, and cultural institutions, as well as their efforts to deny, denigrate, and obfuscate African American contributions to our nation's history. Most recently, the Trump administration published a report on July 4th falsely accusing the museum of \"extreme political activism.\"\n\n\"Black people across this country are outraged at what is happening now with these efforts to do away with the African American museum and all of the Smithsonian,\" Congressman Mfume declared. \"They are outraged because they have lived too many years, been through too many struggles, suffered too many bruises, and clearly have very, very, very little to show for that sojourn here in this country.\"\n\n\"I want to be real clear about this: If you erase it, we will replace it,\" he continued. \"It is that damn simple. We don't seem to learn \u2013 if anything we should be looking at history to learn, and to make sure that we are taking advantage of what we do learn.\"\n\nClick here to watch Congressman Mfume's full remarks.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-governor-moore-tour-francis-scott-key-bridge-progress", "Hoyer, Governor Moore Tour Francis Scott Key Bridge Progress", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Governor Wes Moore to tour the progress being made on the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild with Members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation and other congressional leaders to highlight the critical importance of the bridge both to the state and to the entire nation. They were joined by Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee U.S. Representative Steve Womack (AR-03), as well as U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), and Former U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD).\n\n\u201cFrom day one, Team Maryland has worked together closely to ensure that the Key Bridge is rebuilt as safely, quickly, and cost-effectively as possible,\u201d said Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05). \u201cI thank Governor Moore and my colleagues for their efforts to ensure proper Congressional oversight for this critical project for Maryland and the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital economic engine and our commitment to rebuilding it is crucial to the continued prosperity of our nation,\u201d said Governor Moore. \u201cTogether with our federal and regional partners, we will rebuild this bridge as quickly, safely, and cost efficiently as possible to ensure that this vital corridor bounces back stronger for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am grateful to Governor Moore and his administration for their transparency about the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and for inviting me to tour the site in-person today,\u201d said Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). \u201cAs Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I look forward to continuing to partner with Governor Moore and the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure that congressional funding is used effectively to reopen this critical pathway for people and goods across the region.\u201d\n\n\u201cProper oversight of the American taxpayer dollars being used to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a responsibility I do not take lightly,\u201d said Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee U.S. Representative Steve Womack (AR-03). \u201cThis bridge is a vital artery for the movement of people and goods, and its success unlocks the full potential of commerce along our Eastern seaboard. As Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, I am committed to working with President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore to ensure this project receives the necessary resources for a safe and efficient rebuild that will prevent a future catastrophe.\u201d\n\n\"We\u2019ve always known Team Maryland will fight to rebuild our Francis Scott Key Bridge, and we won\u2019t rest until it\u2019s done. We won\u2019t rest because we\u2019re doing it for all of Maryland: the six Marylanders that lost their lives that day, the brave Marylanders that dove into the frigid water during the rescue operation, and the strong Marylanders whose businesses and livelihoods were impacted by the collapse,\u201d said U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). \u201cWe\u2019re also doing it for our regional and national economy and everyone who depends upon the Port of Baltimore, which supports our national agriculture and auto industries among many others. It is so exciting to see construction actively underway today. This project highlights what strong federal partnership can accomplish as we remain focused on ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly while delivering a safe, sustainable bridge.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge represents what can be accomplished when leaders at every level of government come together with a shared purpose,\u201d said U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). \u201cI am thankful for Governor Moore\u2019s partnership and the unwavering commitment of our federal delegation to restore this critical transportation corridor as safely and as quickly as possible. This project is about restoring economic opportunity, strengthening our supply chain, and reaffirming our commitment to the workers, families, businesses, and communities that depend on the Port of Baltimore. Together, we are delivering on our promise to rebuild stronger than before.\u201d\n\n\"Today's tour underscored what we've known from the beginning: rebuilding the Key Bridge is not just a Maryland priority \u2014 it's a national and bipartisan imperative,\" said U.S. Representative Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). \"We have to keep the momentum going and do everything possible to rebuild it as quickly, safely and cost-effectively as we can.\"\n\n\"The progress being made on the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a testament to what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local partners work together,\u201d said U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (MD-04). \u201cAs Congress continues to support this effort, we have a responsibility to work with Governor Moore to ensure taxpayer dollars are invested wisely and that this project moves forward safely, efficiently, and without delay. I look forward to continuing our partnership to rebuild this bridge and restore the critical connection that supports Maryland families, businesses, the Port of Baltimore, and our nation's economy.\"\n\n\u201cThanks to Governor Moore\u2019s leadership, Maryland is working around the clock to rebuild the Key Bridge,\u201d said Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. \u201cWe appreciated the opportunity to show our congressional partners the significant progress our teams are making as we continue to work together on this nationally significant project.\"\n\n\"It was a pleasure to show our federal partners the ongoing construction of the bridge as we serve as good stewards of both federal funding and the settlement secured by the State through Attorney General Anthony Brown,\u201d said Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Bruce Gartner. \u201cThe tour highlighted the tremendous scale of work underway across the Key Bridge Rebuild project, and our crews are making strong progress as we work to safely and efficiently reconnect our communities.\u201d\n\nThe Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital economic and transportation artery for the region, connecting thousands of Maryland commuters and commercial vehicles daily. Its critical function supported the Port of Baltimore, which generates an annual economic impact of more than $70 billion and links more than 273,000 jobs to its activities.\n\nImmediately following the collapse of the bridge, state, local, and federal partners worked tirelessly to advance recovery operations. In only 78 days, the Unified Command removed more than 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River to restore the Fort McHenry Federal Channel, welcoming back global shipping businesses and cruises and getting Marylanders back to work.\n\nThe recovery mission included the distribution of more than $42 million in emergency funding from State agencies to keep impacted businesses open and support affected workers in surrounding communities. The rapid response to the crisis\u2014driven by more than 1,500 people from federal, state, and local agencies\u2014allowed the rebuilding to start quickly, while jumpstarting the Port of Baltimore\u2019s recovery.\n\nPre-construction activities for the rebuild began in January 2025, including detailed engineering tests that provided vital data points to inform design and construction decisions. The project\u2019s test pile program\u2014a critical process to ensure a sound foundation design\u2014began in the fall of 2025 and reached completion ahead of schedule last month. January of this year marked the beginning of platform construction, which will allow supplies, construction personnel, and equipment to reach the pier sites more efficiently to accelerate the construction process.", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-delivers-keynote-address-faith-and-politics-institutes-redeeming-souls", "Hoyer Delivers Keynote Address at Faith and Politics Institute's \"Redeeming the Souls of Our Nation\" Dinner", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 This week, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered the keynote address at The Faith and Politics Institute's \"Redeeming the Souls of Our Nation\" Dinner ahead of the sixth anniversary of the passing of Congressman John R. Lewis (GA-05) on Friday, July 17th, 2026. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\n\"Thank you, Shana. I want to congratulate you and your eleven colleagues from Cohort Five on completing your fellowship. Each of you has taken it upon yourself to carry the banner for which John Lewis stood and taught throughout his life. He would be so proud of this group \u2013 and excited to meet Cohort Six, which is beginning its fellowship year.\n\n\"John Lewis was more than my friend. He was an inspiration, my colleague, and \u2013 most importantly \u2013 my brother. When John came to Congress in 1987, I sought him out. I had been serving in the House for six years, but John was already a hero of mine when he first stepped onto the Floor as a freshman. He and I both had our formative political experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. John, of course, was a student leader of that movement. He marched, he sat in, he was jailed and beaten. He organized Freedom Rides. When he 'walked with the wind' across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 1965, John became an icon at just twenty-five years old. The following year, I was a young lawyer and Congressional staffer running for State Senate in Maryland. I ran on a desegregation and fair-housing platform. I won because I went door to door in the African American community and worked to register and turn out the Black vote in a district that George Wallace had carried in 1964 and where many Black voters told me no one had ever asked them to cast a vote before, let alone some skinny white kid who had just finished law school. After I was elected, one of the first votes I cast in 1967 was to repeal Maryland\u2019s 300-year-old law banning interracial marriage. I was twenty-seven. Not much older than you are now. Never underestimate the impact young people can have on our democracy, on our communities, and on shaping the direction of this country. We saw it with great Americans like Alexander Hamilton, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Dolores Huerta \u2013 and we see that same determination today in young people like you.\n\n\"Many of you today remember John in his older years. But for those of us who knew him over the decades, John always carried the same youthful spirit that first led him organize fellow students in the 1960\u2019s. In 1960, he sat in against segregation in Nashville. In 2016, he sat in against gun violence on the Floor of the House of Representatives. In 1963, he spoke before Dr. King at the March on Washington and challenged this nation to do something about police violence. In 2020, in his final weeks, he called on us not to give up in seeking justice after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. By 1966, John had already been arrested forty times for protesting segregation and voter suppression. In the twenty-first century, he was arrested for protesting against genocide in Darfur and for the rights of immigrants. Dr. King called him 'the boy from Troy.' Even until his last days, John held on to the restlessness and fearlessness of a young man. He dared to dream and never let it go. I have referred to him as 'Saint John.' The most Christ-like individual I have met over the course of my life \u2013 a man who lived his faith, suffered for what he believed to be right, and challenged all of us to take risks for change. The Beloved Community of which he spoke often was as much a hopeful vision as it was sacred challenge. It calls on us to imagine an America where change stems from nonviolence, where progress springs from kindness, and where unity comes from mutual respect.\n\n\"For the young people here tonight \u2013 the Fellows and the Scholars \u2013 who are emerging leaders in the movement for equality, justice, and opportunity, I urge you to do what John did: never stop dreaming of what could be and never stop fighting to make it so. As John demonstrated, the passion and determination you have now need never diminish as the years progress. We may grow older and grayer but hope and faith and conviction must never age. When I walked beside John over the bridge in Selma, year after year at the annual pilgrimage, I could see on his face something timeless, something steady. It was, I now understand, the face of a twenty-five-year-old who dreamed, who yearned, who believed in what others said was impossible. Now, I look upon your faces. I see the same idealism and impatience. Embrace it. Harness it. Never let it go.\n\n\"In his final message to his fellow Americans, published after he died, John described it as 'the highest calling of your heart.' This calling gives you purpose. Surely, it will be the instrument of a better future for us all. One of John\u2019s heroes was Senator Robert Kennedy. Kennedy, speaking to students in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1966, said: 'Everyone here will ultimately be judged \u2013 will ultimately judge himself \u2013 on the effort he has contributed to building a new world society and the extent to which his ideals and goals have shaped that effort.' By that standard, John Robert Lewis\u2019s actions and life were testament to his fidelity to his ideals and goals. Dr. King, Gandhi, and Mandela \u2013 I\u2019m sure \u2013 all said upon receiving John into their company: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' Like two of the three servants in Jesus\u2019s Parable of the Talents, John multiplied the message he had received, and the community was more beloved because of it. May God bless and keep the memory of my friend John Lewis. And may his legacy continue to be honored and exalted in your work.\"", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-iveys-statement-voting-yes-massie-amendment-state-department", "REP. IVEY\u2019S STATEMENT ON VOTING YES ON THE MASSIE AMENDMENT TO STATE DEPARTMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cHouse Republicans passed a foreign aid budget that guts American diplomacy, slashes humanitarian assistance when it is needed most, and weakens the tools we rely on to compete and lead in the world. In this funding bill, Republicans have chosen to offer an overly broad amendment by Rep. Massie that blocks all foreign aid to Israel, including humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees and civilians in Gaza.\n\n\u201cAlthough I have serious reservations about Rep. Massie\u2019s amendment, the status quo of supporting the Netanyahu government cannot continue. The U.S.-Israel relationship is important, but it must be reset around accountability, defensive cooperation, respect for international law and a credible path to two states. Despite the amendment\u2019s flaws, voting Yes sent a clear signal that Congress cannot continue treating the current aid relationship as automatic and that American policy must change.\n\n\u201cDuring the administration of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, I have consistently voted against additional funding for the Pentagon and the President\u2019s unauthorized military operations. In particular, I have voted on the floor and in committee against supplemental funding for the Iranian War. President Trump and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu have dragged our countries into their war of choice with Iran, and I will not support it with American taxpayer dollars.\n\n\u201cI cannot oppose further funding for unauthorized U.S. military operations in the region while continuing to treat military funds for the Netanyahu government as automatic, particularly when those operations are increasingly intertwined.\n\n\u201cIn a 2024 C-Span interview on the Israel-Hamas war, I laid out my thoughts about what needs to happen in the Middle East to secure peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I firmly believe that beyond this vote on the Massie amendment, which would not eliminate funding for Iron Dome and other defensive systems, it is critical for the United States to take the following affirmative steps to improve the situation on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank:\n\n1. supporting a surge in humanitarian aid, especially in Gaza, to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians;\n\n2. opposing settler violence and land incursions in the West Bank, and supporting the criminal prosecution of anyone committing violent acts;\n\n3. continuing to support a secure state for both Israelis and Palestinians, assisted by the United States, Arab states and European allies; and\n\n4. supporting an extended effort to rebuild Gaza in coordination with our Arab partners and European allies \u2014 essentially a Marshall Plan 2.0, adapted to the current realities in the region.", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 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