{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"MD\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-applauds-federal-support-to-garrett-county-health-center", "Delaney Applauds Federal Support for Garrett County Health Center", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) applauds the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for its strong recent support for the Mountain Laurel Medical Center in Oakland and thanks the staff and volunteers at Mountain Laurel for their work to provide health care to underserved communities in Garrett County. Recent federal support will help Mountain Laurel open a new facility in Grantsville as well as hire new staff and provide health care to all persons, regardless of insurance status.\n\u201cMountain Laurel Medical Center is making a difference for the people of Garrett and Allegany County,\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cMs. Little Terry and her dedicated staff are working hard to provide care to everyone who walks in the door. I am honored to congratulate the Mountain Laurel Medical Center on the recognition and support they\u2019ve received. Community Health Centers like Mountain Laurel are incredibly important and the impact these grants will have is tangible. By expanding their operations into Grantsville, helping rural and underserved communities, and helping more Marylanders receive coverage, Mountain Laurel is an example of how partnerships can provide positive local outcomes. I\u2019m proud to represent Western Maryland and will make sure Garrett County has a voice in Washington.\u201d\nIn December 2013 Mountain Laurel received approval for continuation funding as a Section 330 Health Center grantee.\u00a0 This was a competitive application that allows Mountain Laurel to continue to provide high quality health care to all persons. In July and December 2013 HRSA provided funds to health centers to be able to hire staff to conduct outreach and enrollment efforts to assist the uninsured to obtain health insurance and to expand existing outreach. These awards build upon the efforts of health centers across the country as uninsured Americans gain health insurance coverage.\u00a0 Mountain Laurel received $68,592 for FY 2013 and recently received $25,000 for FY 2014.\nAdditionally, in October 2013 Mountain Laurel Medical Center received an award of $233,333 for FY 2013 in response to an application for New Access Point funding. The purpose of the HRSA Health Center Program New Access Point (NAP) funding opportunity is to improve the health of the America\u2019s underserved communities. Mountain Laurel submitted the request in May 2013 to open a satellite office in Grantsville, MD.\u00a0 The application submission was in direct response to the overwhelming requests and needs expressed by the Grantsville community. Mountain Laurel is expecting to open the satellite office in the spring of 2014.\nBeth Little-Terry, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Laurel issues the following statement:\n\u201cMountain Laurel was funded initially as a 330 HRSA health center grantee and a new start up business in 2006 as a Community Health Center. The support to expand our services into the Grantsville community is an opportunity we have been hoping for from a strategic perspective providing an unmet need in the community. We continue to receive overwhelming support from Grantsville and surrounding communities.\u00a0 It is so exciting to be able to continue to promote our mission and our services.\u00a0 The additional funds received for outreach and enrollment support the ongoing efforts Mountain Laurel has already invested in to inform, educate and enroll the uninsured into the Marketplace.\u00a0 We are the experts at assisting consumers with their medical needs, including providing guidance through an often complex pathway to health insurance coverage and benefits.\u00a0\n\u201cMountain Laurel was recently awarded NCQA Level III the highest level recognition as a Patient Centered Medical Home demonstrating our commitment to quality of care and consumer service.\u00a0 All of these efforts and the very hard work of the excellent staff have afforded Mountain Laurel the privilege to support the economy of the communities by adding jobs.\u00a0 From our humble beginnings in 2006 Mountain Laurel has continued to grow to meet the needs of our community.\u00a0 Heading into 2014 Mountain Laurel remains proud and excited to have the opportunity to continue to provide great service. We are poised to rise to meet the demands of the changing healthcare landscape, ensuring consumers are prepared and gain access to affordable health care.\u201d\nHRSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-release-of-mikhail-khordorkovsky", "Cardin Statement on the Release of Mikhail Khordorkovsky", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement on the Release of Mikhail Khordorkovsky \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, released the following statement:\r\n\"Freeing political prisoners is always a good thing and necessary step. Releasing Mikhail Khodorkovsky and others brings Russia closer to where it should be as a modern European state. It is too early to tell if this could lead to broader reform. For now, I share the joyful anticipation of those who may get to greet 2014 in freedom and the company of loved ones.\"\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-says-bipartisan-defense-authorization-bill-will-improve-the-quality-of-life-for-two-million-men-and-women-of-our-all-volunteer-force-and-their-families", "Cardin Says Bipartisan Defense Authorization Bill Will Improve The Quality Of Life For Two Million Men And Women Of Our All-Volunteer Force And Their Families", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Says Bipartisan Defense Authorization Bill Will Improve The Quality Of Life For Two Million Men And Women Of Our All-Volunteer Force And Their Families \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today praised the Senate for its work on a bipartisan defense authorization bill in the midst of much gridlock on other issues. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 was approved by the Senate Thursday evening.\r\n\r\nI commend my colleagues for coming together before the end of the year to ensure that the men and women who so honorably defend our nation have the tools and the support they need to carry out their mission. Maryland is home to over 40 thousand active and reserve service members. These men and women have volunteered to defend our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. This bill will improve the quality of life of more than two million men and women of the all-volunteer force and their families through fair compensation, policies and benefits, including first rate health care, and addresses the needs of the wounded, ill, and injured service members.\r\n\r\nI am pleased that we were able to include my amendment on Service Contract Spending, which is crucial as it will extend the current cap on DoD service contract spending, which expired at the end of FY13.I am also pleased that my amendment on urotrauma was adopted. This amendment directs DoD to address the prevention, care coordination, and research of urotrauma. More than 10% of blast injuries in Operation Enduring Freedom have resulted in some degree of urotrauma. This amendment is a critical step to improving care for some of our most gravely injured troops.\r\n\r\nAny bipartisan bill that comes forward always requires compromise. In this case, there was insufficient time to consider worthy amendments, including many of my own. I will be looking for future opportunities to bring forward these items and others:\r\n\r\n \r\nAsia-Pacific Maritime Security. In light of recent Chinese actions regarding air space, my measure would have reinforced the need for universal application of international law. It would have encouraged cooperative arrangements for the responsible exploitation of energy and fish resources and stipulated that these should not impinge on sovereignty claims and should be negotiated in a mutually agreeable manner.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nGlobal Magnitsky. My language would have expanded the Russia-specific sanctions for gross violators of human rights under the Magnitsky Act. \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nVietnam Education Project. Working with Senators McCain and Whitehouse, we sought to authorize the Secretary of State to award grants to support the establishment of an independent not-for-profit higher education institution in Vietnam. It would have expanded undergraduate and graduate level teaching and research programs in a range of fields including but limited to public policy, management, and engineering.\r\n \r\n\r\nNDAA that is not a Democratic bill or a Republican bill, but bipartisan legislation to provide defense for our nation. The NDAA is the key mechanism to provide necessary authorities and funding for America's military.\r\n\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-benefits-gained-marylanders-under-affordable-care-act", "Cummings Issues Statement on Benefits Gained by Marylanders Under Affordable Care Act", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BALTIMORE, MD (Dec. 19, 2013) \u2014 Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) issued the following statement on the release of\u00a0a White House report detailing the benefits of the Affordable Care Act in Maryland:\u00a0\n\u201cRepublicans continue to advocate for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, despite the many benefits it offers to people in my district, and across the country,\u201d said Cummings. \u00a0\u201cRepealing the law would raise premiums, allow discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, force women to pay for preventive services, and give the keys back to insurance companies. \u00a0Republicans need to work with us to improve this law \u2014 not prevent my constituents and millions of Americans from accessing quality, affordable health insurance, some for the first time.\u201d\nAmong the benefits to Marylanders included in the report:\n More than 1.5 million individuals on private insurance have gained coverage for at least one free preventive health care service, such as a mammogram, birth control, or an immunization in 2011 and 2012, and an additional 547,600 people with Medicare in Maryland have received at least one free preventive service at no out-of-pocket cost.\n  An estimated 2.5 million residents in Maryland with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, cancer or diabetes \u2013 including up to 320,000 children \u2013 will no longer have to worry about being denied coverage or charged higher prices because of their health status or history.\n  Approximately 981,000 Marylanders have gained expanded mental health and substance use disorder benefits and/or federal parity protections.\n  In the past year insurance companies have sent rebates totaling $143 per family to approximately 150,000 consumers. This comes as a result of new policies that make sure premium dollars work for the consumer, not just the insurer.\n  In the first ten months of 2013, 45,900 seniors and people with disabilities have saved an average of $916 on prescription medications as the health care law closes Medicare\u2019s so-called \u201cdonut hole.\u201d\n  46,000 young adults in Maryland have gained health insurance because they can now stay on their parents\u2019 health plans until age 26.\n  Individuals no longer have to worry about having their health benefits cut off after they reach a lifetime limit on benefits, and starting in January, more than 2.2 million Marylanders will no longer have to worry about annual limits.\n  Community Health Centers in Maryland have received $59,662,000 to provide primary care, establish new sites, and renovate existing centers to expand access to quality health care.\u00a0 Maryland has approximately 140 Community Health Center sites, which served about 292,000 individuals in 2012.\n Click here for the White House\u2019s national report.\nClick here for the White House\u2019s state-by-state report.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-o%E2%80%99malley-and-maryland-democrats-support-mortgage-forgiveness-tax-relief-act", "Cummings, O\u2019Malley, and Maryland Democrats Support the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nBaltimore, MD (December 19, 2013)\u00a0 \u2015 Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) was joined by Governor Martin O\u2019Malley, and Congressmembers Steny Hoyer, Chris Van Hollen, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Donna Edwards, John Sarbanes, and John Delaney on a letter to the leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee expressing support for the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act (S.1187; H.R.2788; H.R.2994).\u00a0 These bills would extend protections set to expire on January 1 that enable homeowners to negotiate a resolution with their lenders on their underwater mortgage loans without the threat of a large tax bill.\n\u201cCongress should be doing everything in its power to help hardworking families still struggling to make ends meet as we recover from the recession,\u201d said Congressman Cummings. \u201cThe Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act would renew existing protections that ensure struggling homeowners who receive the mortgage modifications they so desperately need are not taxed for these modifications. Renewal of these protections is absolutely critical.\u201d\n\"Extending the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act will go a long way toward mitigating the long-term effects of foreclosure on hardworking families,\u201d said Governor O\u2019Malley. \u201cWhile Maryland has passed what the Washington Post called some of the most \u2018sweeping\u2019 foreclosure reforms in America, we still have much more work to do to protect the dignity of every home. That's why we must exercise every possible option we have to help families get back on their feet again and foster strong, growing communities in Maryland and across the nation.\"\n\u00a0\u201cThe housing market in Maryland was hit hard by the economic recession, especially in Prince George\u2019s County,\u201d stated Congressman Hoyer. \u201cWe ought to do everything we can to assist struggling homeowners as our economy continues to recover, and extending these homeowner protections beyond January 1 would provide important relief to families here in Maryland and across the country.\u201d\n\"While our economy is improving, millions of Americans are still struggling to make ends meet,\" said Van Hollen. \"We should be helping people get on track with their mortgages, not whacking them with a huge tax bill when they're down. Renewing these protections will go a long way to help families who are working to keep their homes.\"\n\u201cStruggling homeowners should not be penalized for doing the right thing by seeking a resolution with their lender before they reach foreclosure,\u201d Congressman Ruppersberger said. \u201cWe must do everything we can to help families stay in their homes and off the streets and renewing these protections will go a long way toward that goal.\u201d\n\u201cThere are many homeowners in my district and across the country who continue to struggle with underwater mortgages,\u201d said Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards.\u00a0 \u201cIt is critical that Congress extend the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act to ensure that they don\u2019t face the additional financial burden of a large tax bill as a result of a loan modification.\u201d\n\u201cMiddle class families who are struggling to stay in their homes shouldn\u2019t have to shoulder the added financial burden of a hefty tax bill,\u201d said Congressman Sarbanes. \u201cIt makes no sense to pursue mortgage modification policies and then tax homeowners because they have successfully reached a mutually beneficial agreement with their bank.\"\n\u201cWe all understand that the progress of the economic recovery has been too slow and the results uneven,\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s so essential that we do everything we can to allow more middle class Marylanders to maintain their hold on the American Dream.\u00a0 I thank Congressman Cummings for his leadership on this issue and his work to help struggling homeowners.\u201d\n\u201cStrong communities are built on the foundation of ensuring that everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home, and the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act would continue to give us the tools we need to help families who are struggling as we recover from this recession,\u201d said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. \u201cWe\u2019re always going to stand with Marylanders who are facing tough economic challenges, and never stop fighting for a better Maryland where neighbors continue to help neighbors, especially in their time of need. Our Congressional delegation are great partners in this effort, and I know that with their efforts and advocacy, we can make this legislation a reality.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-hails-senate-passage-of-budget-as-a-return-to-bipartisanship-but-seeks-a-long-term-end-to-sequestration-and-targeting-of-federal-workers", "Cardin Hails Senate Passage Of Budget As A Return To Bipartisanship But Seeks A Long-Term End To Sequestration And Targeting Of Federal Workers", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Hails Senate Passage Of Budget As A Return To Bipartisanship But Seeks A Long-Term End To Sequestration And Targeting Of Federal Workers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, lauded passage today of the Bipartisan Budget Act. The measure has already passed the House of Representatives and will eliminate the possibility of a government shutdown in the near future. His remarks on the floor of the Senate can be found here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe American people want both parties in Congress to work together to get done the business of our nation. This budget, while not the budget I would have written, is a sign that Democrats and Republicans can actually work together. It is truly bipartisan and represents real compromise, which should be encouraging.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI strongly support this budget agreement, but I do so with some concerns about what is included and what is left out. I would have liked to see a long-term agreement or so-called grand bargain.\u00a0 Two years is longer than we\u2019ve had recently. But I am disappointed that it is only a two-year agreement and does not completely remove sequestration. Sequestration equates to mindless, across-the-board cuts that have hurt our economy and cost us jobs in Maryland and nationally.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt is regrettable that this agreement adds a 1.3 percent increase in the retirement contributions for new hires to federal service and that it cuts the COLA for military veterans. After a three-year pay freeze, sequestration-related furloughs and other cuts, federal workers have contributed more than $120 billion toward deficit reduction. Congress should be asking what we need to ensure we have a federal workforce with the necessary skills to execute the responsibilities with maximum effect at a reasonable cost. We should not be asking them to ante up even more.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am also disappointed that we are recessing without extending unemployment insurance for 1.3 million workers who are in danger of losing benefits on January 1. Unemployment rates are getting lower and we're all working to make sure they get as low as we can, but if you're unemployed and you're looking for work, it's tough out there. The right thing for us to do is to continue these insurance benefits \u2026The money is there. We need to make sure those benefits are continued. It will help millions of Americans who are trying to keep their families together during these very challenging times.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-sponsors-bill-to-keep-iran-accountable", "Cardin Sponsors Bill To Keep Iran Accountable", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Sponsors Bill To Keep Iran Accountable \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013 Proposes Prospective Sanctions on Iran if the regime breaches the Joint Plan of Action or fails to conclude a final agreement, Provides Flexibility to Pursue a Diplomatic Track  Senators Call for a Final Agreement that Verifiably Results in the Termination of Iran\u2019s Nuclear Weapons Program\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senator Foreign Relations Committee, and 25 of his colleagues today introduced the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act, bipartisan legislation proposing prospective sanctions on Iran should the regime violate the interim Joint Plan of Action agreed to in Geneva or should Iran fail to reach a final agreement. The legislation is consistent with President Obama\u2019s commitments that no new sanctions would go into effect as long as Iran is in compliance.\r\n\"We want to give diplomacy a chance to take root. Both Congress and the Administration share a common resolve that the preferred way to get Iran to give up its nuclear weapons program is through diplomacy. But we must be prepared to test Iran's sincerity to comply with these latest efforts to keep them from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities. Iran's track record gives us good reason to have new and stronger sanctions at the ready,\" said Senator Cardin.\r\nThe legislation was co-sponsored by 26 senators, including: Senators Cardin, Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-majority-calls-on-opm-to-allow-rollovers-for-health-fsa-accounts", "Senate Majority Calls On OPM To Allow Rollovers For Health FSA Accounts", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Senate Majority Calls On OPM To Allow Rollovers For Health FSA Accounts \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and his National Capital Region colleagues Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-Va.), led a majority of the Senate this week, including all 53 Democrats and 2 Independents, in a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kathleen Archuleta urging her to allow the federal workforce to take advantage of the new Treasury/IRS rule allowing a $500 rollover of unused health Flexible Savings Account (FSA) funds.\u00a0OPM has still not made a determination after the recent rule change by the Department of Treasury that would give employers the ability to choose whether their employees could roll over up to $500 of their FSA fund to the following year, or provide a grace period to use available funds in the following year. This is a notable change that helps keep families and consumers in control of their health care decisions.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt is unreasonable to expect health FSA participants to accurately forecast their out-of-pocket medical expenses a year in advance, and it is unfair to penalize them at the end of the plan year should their estimates prove to be inaccurate,\u201d the Senators wrote in their letter.\u00a0 According to OPM\u2019s own data, in 2012, 30,940 federal employees \u2013 nearly 10 percent of participating employees -- forfeited an average of $392 each in contributions because of the \u201cuse-or-lose\u201d rule.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Senators noted that the U.S. Treasury and IRS have recognized the value of providing a rollover option for employees nationwide. \u201cWe urge you to provide this benefit to federal employees without delay,\u201d they added.\r\n\u00a0\r\nA copy of the letter can be found here and below.\r\n\u00a0\r\nDirector Katherine Archuleta\r\nU.S. Office of Personnel Management\r\n1900 E Street, N.W.\r\nWashington, DC 20415\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Director Archuleta:\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe write to urge you to modify the \u201cuse-or-lose\u201d rule for Health Flexible Spending Arrangements available to federal employees through the FSAFEDS program to allow an annual rollover of up to $500 in unspent funds.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe health FSA is an important financial tool that permits workers to set aside up to $2,500 annually in tax-preferred accounts to pay for unreimbursed health expenses, such as copayments for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and medical supplies. Surveys of eligible participants indicate the primary reason for declining to enroll or for underfunding their accounts I concern about the \u201cuse-or-lose\u201d rule, which requires participants to spend their entire contribution before the end of their plan year or forfeit the unused funds back to their employer.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAccording to OPM data, in 2012, approximately 322,700 federal workers held health FSAs, and the average election amount was $2,050. That year, 30,940 federal employees forfeited an average of $392 each in contributions because of the \u201cuse-or-lose\u201d rule. It is unreasonable to expect health FSA participants to accurately forecast their out-of-pocket medical expenses a year in advance, and it is unfair to penalize them at the end of the plan year should their estimates prove to be inaccurate.\r\nFortunately, on October 31, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issues a notice modifying the \u201cuse-or-lose\u201d rule for health FSAs, permitting employers to allow participants to carry over up to $500 of their unused balances remaining at the end of a plan year. Some plan sponsors have chosen to adopt the carryover provisions for 2013, but federal employees may only benefit from the Treasury/IRS ruling if your agency takes action. We are told that, as of last week, OPM had not yet decided whether to extend the carryover option to the federal workforce.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe urge you to provide this benefit to federal employees without delay.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\n\u00a0\r\nBen Cardin\r\nBarbara Mikulski\r\nMark Warner\r\nTim Kaine\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nTammy Baldwin\r\nMax Baucus\r\nMark Begich\r\nMichael Bennet\r\nRichard Blumenthal\r\nCory Booker\r\nBarbara Boxer\r\nSherrod Brown\r\nMaria Cantwell\r\nTom Carper\r\nRobert Casey\r\nChris Coons\r\nJoe Donnelly\r\nRichard Durbin\r\nDianne Feinstein\r\nAl Franken\r\nKirsten Gillibrand\r\nKay Hagan\r\nTom Harkin\r\nHeidi Heitkamp\r\nMartin Heinrich\r\nMazie Hirono\r\nTim Johnson\r\nAngus King\r\nAmy Klobuchar\r\nMary Landrieu\r\nPatrick Leahy\r\nCarl Levin\r\nJoe Manchin\r\nClaire McCaskill\r\nEd Markey\r\nRobert Menendez\r\nJeff Merkley\r\nChris Murphy\r\nPatty Murray\r\nBill Nelson\r\nMark Pryor\r\nJack Reed\r\nHarry Reid\r\nJohn Rockefeller\r\nBernie Sanders\r\nCharles Schumer\r\nBrian Schatz\r\nJeanne Shaheen\r\nDebbie Stabenow\r\nJon Tester\r\nMark Udall\r\nTom Udall\r\nElizabeth Warren\r\nSheldon Whitehouse\r\nRon Wyden\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003945/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365057", "Van Hollen, O\u2019Malley, and Maryland Democrats Support the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-08) was joined by Governor Martin O\u2019Malley, and Congressmembers Steny Hoyer, Elijah E. Cummings, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Donna Edwards, John Sarbanes, and John Delaney on a letter to the leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee expressing support for the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act (S.1187; H.R.2788; H.R.2994).\u00a0 These bills would extend protections set to expire on January 1 that enable homeowners to negotiate a resolution with their lenders on their underwater mortgage loans without the threat of a large tax bill.\n\"While our economy is improving, millions of Americans are still struggling to make ends meet,\" said Congressman Van Hollen. \"We should be helping people get on track with their mortgages, not whacking them with a huge tax bill when they're down. Renewing these protections will go a long way to help families who are working to keep their homes.\"\n\u201cCongress should be doing everything in its power to help hardworking families still struggling to make ends meet as we recover from the recession,\u201d said Congressman Cummings. \u201cThe Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act would renew existing protections that ensure struggling homeowners who receive the mortgage modifications they so desperately need are not taxed for these modifications. Renewal of these protections is absolutely critical.\u201d\n\"Extending the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act will go a long way toward mitigating the long-term effects of foreclosure on hardworking families,\u201d said Governor O\u2019Malley. \u201cWhile Maryland has passed what the Washington Post called some of the most \u2018sweeping\u2019 foreclosure reforms in America, we still have much more work to do to protect the dignity of every home. That's why we must exercise every possible option we have to help families get back on their feet again and foster strong, growing communities in Maryland and across the nation.\"\n\u00a0\u201cThe housing market in Maryland was hit hard by the economic recession, especially in Prince George\u2019s County,\u201d stated Congressman Hoyer. \u201cWe ought to do everything we can to assist struggling homeowners as our economy continues to recover, and extending these homeowner protections beyond January 1 would provide important relief to families here in Maryland and across the country.\u201d\n\u00a0\u201cStruggling homeowners should not be penalized for doing the right thing by seeking a resolution with their lender before they reach foreclosure,\u201d Congressman Ruppersberger said. \u201cWe must do everything we can to help families stay in their homes and off the streets and renewing these protections will go a long way toward that goal.\u201d\n\u201cThere are many homeowners in my district and across the country who continue to struggle with underwater mortgages,\u201d said Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards.\u00a0 \u201cIt is critical that Congress extend the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act to ensure that they don\u2019t face the additional financial burden of a large tax bill as a result of a loan modification.\u201d\n\u201cMiddle class families who are struggling to stay in their homes shouldn\u2019t have to shoulder the added financial burden of a hefty tax bill,\u201d said Congressman Sarbanes. \u201cIt makes no sense to pursue mortgage modification policies and then tax homeowners because they have successfully reached a mutually beneficial agreement with their bank.\"\n\u201cWe all understand that the progress of the economic recovery has been too slow and the results uneven,\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s so essential that we do everything we can to allow more middle class Marylanders to maintain their hold on the American Dream.\u00a0 I thank Congressman Cummings for his leadership on this issue and his work to help struggling homeowners.\u201d\n\u201cStrong communities are built on the foundation of ensuring that everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home, and the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act would continue to give us the tools we need to help families who are struggling as we recover from this recession,\u201d said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. \u201cWe\u2019re always going to stand with Marylanders who are facing tough economic challenges, and never stop fighting for a better Maryland where neighbors continue to help neighbors, especially in their time of need. Our Congressional delegation are great partners in this effort, and I know that with their efforts and advocacy, we can make this legislation a reality.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301140904/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-tours-manna-food-center-and-judith-p-hoyer-child-care-and-family", "Delaney Tours Manna Food Center and Judith P. Hoyer Child Care and Family Education Center in Gaithersburg", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "GAITHERSBURG \u2013 Wednesday, Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) toured two institutions vital to Gaithersburg and Montgomery County. Delaney visited the Manna Food Center and the Montgomery County Public Schools Gaithersburg Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Family Education Center. The Manna Food Center is the primary food bank for area non-profits and feeds over 3,000 families per month. There are 25 Judy Centers across Maryland. The Judy Centers were established to honor the memory of Judith P. Hoyer, an early childhood advocate and the late wife of Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. Judy Centers are early childhood and family learning centers which provide comprehensive services for children five and under.\n\u201cIt was a privilege to visit and tour the Manna Food Center and the MCPS Gaithersburg Judy Center at Summit Hall Elementary School. The work done at Manna Food Center and our Judy Centers is truly admirable\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cThis visit highlighted two issues that are very important to me: helping the less fortunate and investing in early childhood education. My commitment to these priorities is even stronger after hearing about the good work done here locally and I will take the perspective I gained here back to my colleagues in Washington. I believe that every one of our kids should be given a chance to live the American Dream and food on the table and early education are essential to that goal.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased Congressman Delaney visited the Gaithersburg Judy Center to see firsthand how Judy Centers are making a difference in the lives of the children and families they serve,\u201d stated Congressman Hoyer. \u201cBy integrating early childhood education with health and social service delivery, Judy Centers help students become fully ready for kindergarten and help ensure their parents are prepared to support their children\u2019s education and development. Judy Centers play a crucial role in helping to close the achievement gap here in Maryland, and I thank Congressman Delaney for highlighting their important role in our communities.\u201d \u00a0\nDelaney is a cosponsor of the Strong Start for America\u2019s Children Act (H.R. 3461) which would provide federal funding for full-day pre-kindergarten for four-year old children from low-income families.\nAt Summit Hall Elementary, Delaney met with Principal Keith Jones, and Judy Center Program Director Jody Burkhardt.\nAt Manna Food Center, Delaney toured the Gaithersburg distribution center and met with Executive Director Jackie DeCarlo, Director of Operations Kevin Trostle, and Director of Development Mark Foraker to discuss the day-to-day operations of the facility.\u00a0 Daily, the food center provides 16,000 lbs. of food daily to families in need.\u00a0 Most of the work is done by volunteers.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221102922/http://sarbanes.house.gov/release_details.asp?id=456", "Sarbanes Encouraged by Expansion of Telework at Federal Agencies", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Sarbanes", "S001168", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Sarbanes Encouraged by Expansion of Telework at Federal Agencies  Implementation of Sarbanes\u2019 Telework Enhancement Act is improving government efficiency and flexibility for federal workers  TOWSON \u2013 U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes applauded a report released today by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that shows substantial progress has been made in implementing the Telework Enhancement Act, a bill he authored and was signed into law three years ago. \u201cTelework provides common-sense workplace flexibility that benefits federal workers, improves traffic congestion in our region, and enhances continuity of operation for our federal government,\u201d said Congressman Sarbanes. \u201cOPM\u2019s new report shows that federal agencies are making good progress in the development of strong telework programs that will increase productivity and efficiency.\u201d The report, available here, details how federal agencies have put comprehensive telework policies in place and increased overall telework eligibility by nearly 50 percent. The number of employees with standing telework agreements has increased by more than 80 percent. By standing up a framework of best telework practices, OPM is coordinating an agency-wide effort to create a productive government and address other pressing issues like traffic congestion and quality of life for federal workers.  This month marks the third anniversary of the Telework Enhancement Act. The law has expanded telework opportunities for federal workers, allowing employees to perform their duties and responsibilities from home or at another work site removed from their regular place of employment \u2013 saving the federal government money and improving the efficiency and productivity of our federal workforce. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221194150/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/media/ryan-murray-budget-a-return-to-regular-order-", "Ryan-Murray Budget: A Return To Regular Order", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t\t\n        \n                \n                    \n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n                     \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                \n        \n                \n        \n                \n                    \n                    Senator Cardin discusses the Ryan-Murray Budget part 1/2", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221194200/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/media/ryan-murray-budget-congress-still-has-work-to-do-", "Ryan-Murray Budget: Congress Still Has Work To Do", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t\t\n        \n                \n                    \n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n                     \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                \n        \n                \n        \n                \n                    \n                    Senator Cardin discusses the Ryan-Murray Budget part 2/2", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221194214/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/media/defending-our-federal-workforce-", "Defending Our Federal Workforce", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t\t\n        \n                \n                    \n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n                     \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                \n        \n                \n        \n                \n                    \n                    No other group of predominantly middle class Americans has contributed to deficit reduction the way federal workers have", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-hoyer-edwards-stand-united-behind-proposed-greenbelt-site-as-the-best-location-for-a-new-fbi-headquarters", "Cardin, Mikulski, Hoyer, Edwards Stand United Behind Proposed Greenbelt Site As The Best Location For A New FBI Headquarters", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin, Mikulski, Hoyer, Edwards Stand United Behind Proposed Greenbelt Site As The Best Location For A New FBI Headquarters \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin \u00a0and Barbara A. Mikulski along with Representatives Steny Hoyer and Donna F. Edwards (all D-Md.) today voiced their continued strong support for a proposed site in Greenbelt, Maryland to serve as the future home of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).\u00a0 As a leading candidate for the new location for the FBI headquarters, Prince George\u2019s County Executive Rushern Baker today submitted a proposal to meet the GSA\u2019s December 17 deadline.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe stand firmly behind Prince George\u2019s County as the right choice for the new headquarters of the FBI and support County Executive Baker\u2019s proposal for the Greenbelt site. Prince George\u2019s County has the ability to donate, at no cost to the federal government, the proposed location that meets the size requirements and is located directly adjacent to a Metro station,\u201d Team Maryland said. \u201cAn honest analysis of the cost of operations, security, convenience of location for staff, transportation options, and the promotion of regional equity in federal facility distribution should make the proposed Greenbelt, Maryland site the choice location for FBI. This project would bring thousands of jobs to the County, boost our local economy and generate additional revenues for our community. As GSA continues to move forward with the process of selecting a site, we will be working closely together to advocate for bringing this project, and the new economic opportunities that will accompany it, to Prince George's County.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nEarlier this year, Senators Cardin and Mikulski along with the entire Maryland Congressional delegation, including Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah E. Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards, Andy Harris and John Delaney, sent a letter to the heads of the FBI and GSA that strongly support a site in Prince George\u2019s County, Maryland, for the future home of the FBI. Their letter notes a Maryland state report that found 43 percent of FBI employees call Maryland home, more than any other jurisdiction. A copy of that letter is available here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/video/cummings-talks-budget-priorities-msnbcs-morning-joe", "Cummings Talks Budget Priorities on MSNBC's Morning Joe", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Cummings visits MSNBC's Morning Joe to discuss the most Recent budget deal, budget priorities, and growing inequality in the U.S. (12/16/13).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/video/rep-cummings-talks-inequality-msnbcs-disrupt", "Rep. Cummings Talks Inequality on MSNBC's Disrupt", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Cummings talks about income inequality with Karen Finney on MSNBC's Disrupt (12/14/13).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011921/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364556", "Rep. Van Hollen Statement on H.Res. 441 \u2013 the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2014", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker \u2013\nI rise today in support of final passage of the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act. I commend Chairman McKeon, Chairman Levin, Ranking Member Smith, and Ranking Member Inhofe for crafting a bipartisan bill that both strengthens the security of our nation and provides for vital programs that benefit our men and women in uniform and their civilian colleagues.\nWhile not perfect, today\u2019s compromise legislation makes many key improvements over the Defense Authorization bill that the House voted on earlier this year. I am particularly encouraged that the final agreement we voted on today includes $80.7 billion in funding for overseas contingency operations (OCO), which is in line with the Pentagon\u2019s request. This is an important change from the $85.8 billion that was included in the House-passed authorization in June.\u00a0 Today\u2019s bill provides sufficient funds to fully meet the President\u2019s FY 2014 request for the war in Afghanistan while ensuring that the overseas contingency operations account will not become a slush fund for unrequested defense spending.\u00a0\nThe final agreement also eases restrictions on the ability of DoD to transfer Guantanamo detainees and takes an important step in addressing our indefinite detention policy there.\u00a0 In particular, I am pleased that this bill drops a provision that would have barred the use of funds to transfer prisoners to Yemen and authorizes the Pentagon to transfer detainees to other foreign countries under certain conditions. More needs to be done when addressing our indefinite detention policy, but provisions such as these represent significant progress.\u00a0\nI am also encouraged by the changes this bill makes with regards to how the military responds to sexual assault cases.\u00a0 It adopts Senate language to bar individuals from joining the military if they have been convicted of a sex-related offense; it imposes a minimum sentence of dishonorable discharge or dismissal on those found guilty; and it prohibits commanders from dismissing a court martial finding or reducing the offense level of guilty findings.\nFinally, the compromise bill does make some progress on allowing the Department of Defense to execute the New START Treaty.\u00a0 Specifically, it allows DoD to begin planning and preparation for implementing the force structure to meet the required limits of the New START Treaty. However, it still goes too far in limiting the President\u2019s ability to fully implement the treaty and set the country\u2019s nuclear policy.\u00a0\nI am also disappointed that this legislation authorizes the establishment of a missile defense site on the East Coast that the Pentagon continues to say is unnecessary. This provision disregards the advice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and seeks to tie the President\u2019s hands in determining military requirements in other parts of the world.\u00a0 This bill also contains provisions which ignore DoD recommendations and continues to fund unrequested weapons systems and military aircraft, including the M1A2 Abrams tank, the C-130 AMP, and the UH-72A Light Utility Helicopter.\nDespite these reservations, this compromise legislation is a marked improvement over the bill the House passed earlier this year.\u00a0 It contains many important provisions that will strengthen our national security while also providing for our troops and their families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140223091928/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-calls-for-five-year-farm-bill-after-house-passes-emergency", "Delaney Calls for Five Year Farm Bill After House Passes Emergency Extension", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed an emergency extension of the farm bill by voice vote.\u00a0 The bill extends the current farm bill through January 31st, as a means to allow further deliberations on a conference version of the House and Senate bills. Sunday, Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) authored an op-ed in the Frederick News-Post calling for a full five year farm bill.\nDelaney issues the following statement:\n\u201cThe farm bill is absolutely fundamental to insuring that we have a stable, sustainable, and affordable food supply for our country. It doesn\u2019t get more important than that. While I support this brief extension, the debate on the farm bill is not over.\u00a0 Over 350,000 Marylanders are employed in the agricultural sector and agriculture is our largest commercial industry. Maryland farmers have made it very clear to me: they need a long-term farm bill so they can make prudent financial decisions that reflect the rules of the road.\u00a0\n\u201cAs we approach the prospect of doing serious damage to our economy and harming real people, we have to find a solution. We can\u2019t let the pursuit of extreme cuts to our nutritional assistance programs, which provide needed aid to our least fortunate hold up a compromise. Last night, in passing a budget with broad bipartisan support, members of the House showed that they are ready for compromise and cooperation, let\u2019s carry that spirit forward in January and pass a five year farm bill.\u201d\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010503/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364388", "Van Hollen Special Order Speech  Honoring the Life of Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "I want to thank my friend, Mr. Fattah; my friend, Ms. Fudge; and the entire CBC for organizing this time to honor the life of Nelson Mandela.\nNelson Mandela was a man who stood up so bravely to injustice. The power of his beautiful example inspired people around the world, stirred our hearts and stirred our conscience.\nIt was Nelson Mandela and the injustice of apartheid that first moved me to political activism. At the time, I was a student at Swarthmore College in the State of Pennsylvania. I joined the Swarthmore Antiapartheid Committee to urge and petition Swarthmore College to divest from South Africa. Young people at colleges around the country were moved to action.\nI watched there as members of the Congressional Black Caucus here in the United States Congress worked to make sure that the United States stood up to the meaning that is our founding creed that all people will be created equal. They were people like Congressman Gray and others, and Members who are members today of the CBC that are standing up.\nAnd then, in 1985, I had the privilege of going to work as one of the foreign policy advisers to a great Maryland Senator by the name of Mac Mathias, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was one of the sponsors of the legislation to impose economic sanctions against South Africa because of the evil of apartheid.\nIt was Senator Mathias, Senator Kennedy, and Senator Lugar, the Republican Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, working in the Senate along with CBC in the House of Representatives and others who said the United States cannot stand by while the evil of apartheid is in place. We must answer the call of Nelson Mandela.\nCertainly, my proudest moment as a staff member to Senator Mathias on those days on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was, first, when the United States Congress passed the legislation and then on a bipartisan basis overrode the veto of then-President Reagan, showing how the democratic process in this country would work to stand up for justice.\u00a0\nAs we confront issues here at home and around the world, we would do well by remembering the example of Nelson Mandela as we confront other issues of justice and peaceful reconciliation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301141116/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-delaney-speaks-on-climate-change-during-financial-services", "Congressman Delaney Speaks on Climate Change During Financial Services Hearing with Treasury Secretary Jack Lew", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 At today\u2019s Financial Services Committee hearing with Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) discussed the issue of climate change and questioned the Secretary on his views on a revenue-neutral market-driven carbon tax. The Treasury advises the president on financial, monetary, economic, trade, and tax policy.\nThe exchange is below:\nRep. Delaney: Thank you Secretary for joining us here today. I was going to frame my question around the issue of asset managers being systemically important which I don't think they should be deemed systemically important, but my good friend and colleague from Kentucky made me think about another question I want to ask you, kind of a follow up to what you were talking about and I\u2019d just be interested in your opinion on this topic.\nIf you were confronted with the following kind of policy question that was being posed to the president which is that we would implement some form of market-driven and market-based carbon tax and if the revenues produced from that form of a carbon tax were used entirely to provide a variety of tax breaks to individuals and businesses, so that it was a revenue neutral proposal but we actually had a true market-based carbon tax, which is something I am in favor of, but that the revenue is generated from something like that were entirely given back to the American population either through individual tax breaks or through corporate tax breaks. How would you advise the president to think about something like that, what would be your directional view on a step like that?\nSecretary Lew: Congressman, this has obviously been debated over many decades and I was part of an administration that proposed a BTU tax and was unsuccessful because it had such resistance in the 1990s, I think those are questions we have to look at in the right context in terms of comprehensive tax reform, looking overall at our tax system and how to make it more conducive to a growing efficient economy and the administration has not made any proposals yet.\nRep. Delaney: I agree with you, obviously, the best way to do tax reform is on a comprehensive manner, both individual and corporate, but and I say this respectfully, I\u2019m not trying to pin you down,\u00a0 if you were just presented with the option that I described, just directionally, I'm trying to get a sense on how you weigh these things because politically, when we think about a market-based carbon tax which allows the private markets to do what we, often times, try to have regulators do too much of, I'd much rather see the private market adjust behavior in a way that I think is in the best interest\u00a0 of us across the long-term, as oppose to try and regulate that behavior.\u00a0 But if we were to have a real market-driven carbon- tax and the only way that can be done politically was by taking tax revenues and giving them back to individuals and corporations through a variety of tax reductions. Do you think directionally that is something you would be supportive of or are you not at a point where you could comment on it.\nSecretary Lew:\u00a0 Congressman, I\u2019m really not at a point to comment on it.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t looked closely on this matter in recent years.\u00a0 I think that it would be a good thing to get deeply into the debate over broad tax reform in a context that helps deal with our long-term fiscal challenges.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t enough to be revenue-neutral, it has to help solve the federal challenges we face, and we haven't gotten as deeply into that discussion as I would have liked.\nRep. Delaney:\u00a0 But if it were just revenue-neutral, do you think its compelling enough to take this step towards behavior, that in my opinion, would change climate change.\nSecretary Lew:\u00a0 I appreciate you asking me a question for the third time, but I'm just going to have to say that I will have to look at it and get back to you.\nRep. Delaney: Do you think climate change is a big economic risk to the United States?\nSecretary Lew:\u00a0 I do.\nRep. Delaney: Do you think corporate tax rates are too high?\nSecretary Lew:\u00a0 I think that, as we've made clear, we think that it's important that we do business tax reforms, we lower the statutory rate and be more competitive, and flatten out some of the systems so it doesn\u2019t distort economic decision making.\nRep. Delaney: Ok, Thank you sir.\u00a0 I yield back.\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301141743/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-bipartisan-budget-deal", "Delaney Statement on Bipartisan Budget Deal", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Thursday, December 12, 2013 the House voted to approve the bipartisan, bicameral budget compromise brokered by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray. The agreement authorizes funding for federal agencies through the fall of 2015, avoiding a government shutdown for the next two years. Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) voted for the agreement.\nDelaney issues the following statement:\n\u201cThis budget agreement and today\u2019s bipartisan vote was a small step forward, a small step towards a better functioning Congress. Coming from the private sector, I am of the fundamental belief that good policy comes at the intersection of principle and compromise. I believe that it is vitally important to encourage further agreements by supporting this deal.\n\u201cWe saw this fall what happens when we fail to find common ground: we shut down the government for sixteen days. This was incredibly damaging to the country and was singularly harmful to my district, which is home to thousands of dedicated federal civil servants. This agreement lets our federal workers and our country know that we\u2019re not going to have another shutdown anytime soon.\n\u201cThis budget doesn\u2019t have everything I believe is in the best interest of the country, including additional job-creating investments in infrastructure, extending unemployment insurance, and providing truly world-class support for science, research, and education so we can stay competitive. We also need comprehensive tax reform, including fixing our broken international corporate tax system. I will continue to fight for these priorities and continue to stand up for our federal workers. However, this deal was better than the alternative, which was more chaos, more uncertainty, and continued inability to focus on the real problems facing the country.\n\u201cThis bipartisan agreement keeps the government open, meets our national security needs, and positions us to better invest in our future. We still have much to do make our country competitive in a twenty-first century economy, so let\u2019s get to work.\u201d\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-calls-for-a-balanced-approach-to-reforming-the-renewable-fuel-standard", "Cardin Calls For A Balanced Approach To Reforming The Renewable Fuel Standard", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Calls For A Balanced Approach To Reforming The Renewable Fuel Standard \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, used today\u2019s committee hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to call for balanced reforms that consider the concerns of a stakeholders and consumers caught up in the economic and environmental repercussions of this policy.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe RFS is an important policy that has helped foster domestic production of renewable biofuels, but the current policy is in desperate need of reform. The last changes to the RFS seven years ago were based on critical economic assumptions, like rising gasoline consumption, sufficient availability of corn for fuel and food production, and industry\u2019s ability to rapidly developed truly advanced biofuels that turned out to be false. The status quo is unsustainable, yet full repeal of the RFS would set back years of progress and the promise of a clean energy future and destroy thousands of sustainable jobs in a technology sector that has tremendous promise for our nation.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn Maryland, the people I hear from the most are the stakeholders caught in the crossfire of policies like the Renewable Fuel Standard. These are people like, boaters and watermen, poultry farmers, fuel retailers, and others whose voices were not heard during the development of these policies. Maryland\u2019s large poultry industry has concerns with the RFS and how the diversion of 40% of our annual domestic corn crop is being turned into fuel. Corn is essential to raising chickens, because unlike hogs or cattle, there is very little else a farmer can feed to chickens to raise them to market weight. The RFS creates imbalance in the market place for corn. Ethanol producers have a guaranteed market for their corn ethanol, yet poultry has to compete with beef, pork or meatless meals for a place on the American dinner table.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe reforms that I have been working on for the last several months, with Democrats and Republicans, represent a middle ground approach that mitigates the harm the program is having on traditional corn users, protects the interest of consumers, and assures steady growth and opportunity for truly advanced biofuels from feedstocks that don\u2019t compromise our food security.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe cannot wait eight years to implement the changes to the RFS program that are needed now. I appreciate the willingness to start this discussion and I hope that will continue to have this debate and perhaps have more opportunities to hear a broader set of perspectives on this issue in the coming months.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221102929/http://sarbanes.house.gov/release_details.asp?id=455", "Sarbanes Announces $50,000 for Community Health Centers in Baltimore", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Sarbanes", "S001168", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Sarbanes Announces $50,000 for Community Health Centers in Baltimore  Funding will help uninsured enroll in affordable and reliable health care coverage  WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $50,000 to community health centers in Baltimore to provide enrollment assistance for people seeking new health coverage made available by the health care reform law. \u201cThe health care reform law is expanding coverage to thousands of uninsured Marylanders, making it possible for them to get to the doctor when they need one,\u201d said Congressman Sarbanes. \u201cBut many of these people need help learning about their eligibility for benefits and how to enroll. Community health centers are bridging this gap so people in Baltimore and throughout Maryland have access to the care they deserve.\u201d Baltimore Medical System and Health Care for the Homeless will each receive $25,000 to expand outreach and enrollment efforts that assist uninsured Marylanders access affordable health insurance coverage made possible through the health care reform law.  Last year, Maryland\u2019s 16 community health centers served nearly 300,000 patients. More than a quarter of those patients were uninsured. With this funding from HHS, the state\u2019s health centers will be able to assist more than 40,000 people with enrollment in affordable coverage. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221170933/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-lauds-affordable-care-act-investments-in-marylands-community-health-centers-", "Cardin Lauds Affordable Care Act Investments in Maryland’s Community Health Centers", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Cardin Lauds Affordable Care Act Investments in Maryland\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Community Health Centers  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWednesday, December 11, 2013\n\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today highlighted how federal investments in Community Health Centers in Maryland, provided under the Affordable Care Act, are helping deliver higher-quality health care to 292,000 Marylanders.\u00a0 Already, community health centers in Maryland have received nearly $60 million in Affordable Care Act funding to expand capacity in our state.\n\u00a0\n\u201cFederal investment in health centers is a game changer. Greater access to primary and preventive services reduces health disparities for low-income individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, rural communities and other underserved populations. Community health centers are the backbone to providing quality health care for hundreds of thousands of Marylanders,\u201d said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Committee Health Care Subcommittee. \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cFederally qualified health centers are leading the way in developing best practices to overcoming geographic, cultural, linguistic, and other barriers. Their efficiency is based on a team approach to care, including physicians, nurses, dental providers, social workers, and many others. I am proud that the Affordable Care Act is working to directly improve the lives of millions of Americans through the innovative use of community health centers.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe Affordable Care Act been crucial for America\u2019s community health centers.\u00a0 The law provides $11 billion in funding over five years to build new health care centers and expand existing ones, effectively doubling their capacity to more than 40 million patients by 2015. By that date, it is estimated that community health care centers will provide affordable health care to two-thirds of low-income Americans.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nHealth centers are an integral source of local employment and economic growth in many communities. Health centers employ more than 148,000 workers nationwide and added more than 35,000 jobs over the last four years. Currently, about 1,200 health centers operate more than 9,000 service delivery sites that provide care to over 21 million patients across the country.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-lauds-affordable-care-act-investments-in-marylands-community-health-centers", "Cardin Lauds Affordable Care Act Investments in Marylands Community Health Centers", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Lauds Affordable Care Act Investments in Maryland's Community Health Centers  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today highlighted how federal investments in Community Health Centers in Maryland, provided under the Affordable Care Act, are helping deliver higher-quality health care to 292,000 Marylanders. Already, community health centers in Maryland have received nearly $60 million in Affordable Care Act funding to expand capacity in our state.\r\n\r\nFederal investment in health centers is a game changer. Greater access to primary and preventive services reduces health disparities for low-income individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, rural communities and other underserved populations. Community health centers are the backbone to providing quality health care for hundreds of thousands of Marylanders, said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Committee Health Care Subcommittee. \r\n\r\nFederally qualified health centers are leading the way in developing best practices to overcoming geographic, cultural, linguistic, and other barriers. Their efficiency is based on a team approach to care, including physicians, nurses, dental providers, social workers, and many others. I am proud that the Affordable Care Act is working to directly improve the lives of millions of Americans through the innovative use of community health centers.\r\n\r\nThe Affordable Care Act been crucial for America's community health centers. The law provides $11 billion in funding over five years to build new health care centers and expand existing ones, effectively doubling their capacity to more than 40 million patients by 2015. By that date, it is estimated that community health care centers will provide affordable health care to two-thirds of low-income Americans.\r\n\r\nHealth centers are an integral source of local employment and economic growth in many communities. Health centers employ more than 148,000 workers nationwide and added more than 35,000 jobs over the last four years. Currently, about 1,200 health centers operate more than 9,000 service delivery sites that provide care to over 21 million patients across the country.\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/international-human-rights-day", "International Human Rights Day", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2013\n\t\t\t International Human Rights Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of International Human Rights Day. Sixty-five years ago, on December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which serves as a foundation for human rights initiatives internationally, and is an enduring guide for human rights advocates around the globe.\r\n On this annual celebration of International Human Rights Day we all mourn with heavy hearts the loss of Nelson Mandela, a man who devoted his life to promoting human rights, freedom, and harmony. \r\n Humanity has lost one of its greatest leaders with the passing of Madiba, or father', as he was lovingly called. My prayers go out to his family and all the people of South Africa. He was a personal hero of mine, and of those who work to uphold human rights around the world. He led his nation not only in overcoming the divisions of racism, but in reconciling and healing. Throughout his life Nelson Mandela never stopped fighting for the oppressed, speaking out for the voiceless, and given hope to the hopeless. One of the greatest leaders may have left this world but the lessons he taught us about human dignity, sacrifice, perseverance, and perhaps the most powerful lesson of allforgiveness will live on forever.\r\n In 1964, Nelson Mandela was convicted of treason and sentenced to life in prison for his part in the fight for racial equality in apartheid South Africa. At his trial Mandela said, I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. Thankfully Mandela did not die during his 30 year imprisonment, and instead after enduring the unthinkable with grace and dignity, he emerged to lead a country to self determination, reconciliation, and forgiveness.\r\n In 1990, when Nelson Mandela was finally released after ten thousand days of imprisonment, his spirit was stronger than ever. Ten thousand days in prison were not enough to break his spirit and his devotion to the freedom of all people. In his autobiography, Mandela wrote to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.\r\n And that he did. His democratic ideals were unwavering. He led by example, living a relatively modest life, refusing to reside in the presidential mansion, and serving only one term as South Africa's first black president.\r\n Mandela's influence on the continent, and indeed around the world, does not end with his passing. His story and moral courage has changed countless lives forever. As he once said, the true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.' State and federal lawmakers across the U.S. looked to Mandela as an inspiration when crafting laws that mandated divestment from South Africa's cruel Apartheid regime. I had the privilege of serving as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates when we passed such legislation. Years later, our Nation is still striving to follow in Mandela's footsteps and fully realize his dream of peace and equality for all of mankind.\r\n As President Obama said, Mandela took history in his hands, and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice. And so on this International Human Rights Day, we pay tribute to the great Madiba, the father of a free and peaceful South Africa, a legendary African, and a shining example for future generations of change-makers who have inherited a better world because of his great deeds.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-applauds-obama-administration-initiative-to-support-aging-holocaust-survivors-in-the-us", "Cardin Applauds Obama Administration Initiative To Support Aging Holocaust Survivors In The U.S.", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Applauds Obama Administration Initiative To Support Aging Holocaust Survivors In The U.S. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) lauded the announcement by Vice President Joe Biden that the Obama Administration will take steps to help Holocaust survivors living in the United States access needed services, such as health care and nutritional services, without having to live in a nursing home or assisted living facility. The Holocaust Survivor Assistance Initiative announced today complements bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Cardin and Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)  S.999, the Responding to Urgent Needs of Survivors of the Holocaust Act or the RUSH Act  which would create a point person within the Administration for connecting nonprofit and community partners with Holocaust survivors in need. S. 999 would also add Holocaust survivors to the list of groups receiving priority for social services through the Older Americans Act (OAA. In October 2013, the HELP Committee approved legislation reauthorizing the OAA that includes Cardin-Kirk language providing for greater Administration focus on the needs of the survivor community.\r\n\r\nAs survivors of terror and torture, these victims of the Holocaust came to our country seeking the American Dream, and they have enriched our nation. Now they need additional social services that will allow them to age in place, said Senator Cardin. Time is running short for this community. The Administration has taken meaningful steps to fulfill our obligation to provide them with community supports.\r\n\r\nApproximately 120,000 Holocaust survivors live in the United States, with an average age of 80. Nearly one-quarter are age 85 or older and three-in-five are women. Two-thirds of Holocaust survivors live alone, placing them at greater risk of institutionalization. In addition, more than half of all Holocaust survivors who immigrated to the United States after 1965 live below the federal poverty level and have few resources.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-urges-majority-leader-reid-to-leave-feds-alone-in-budget-deal-to-end-sequestration", "Cardin Urges Majority Leader Reid To Leave Feds Alone In Budget Deal To End Sequestration", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Urges Majority Leader Reid To Leave Feds Alone In Budget Deal To End Sequestration \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t \u201cNo other group of predominantly middle class Americans has contributed to deficit reduction the way federal workers have.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n WASHINGTON \u2013 Saying clearly that \u201cfederal workers have sacrificed enough,\u201d U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) urging him to abide by budget agreements made last year that \u201cfederal workers would not serve as a \u2018piggybank\u2019 again, especially for shorter term budget deals.\u201d\r\nSenator Cardin, who has been tasked by Majority Leader Reid to keep the Democratic Caucus apprised of matters concerning the federal workforce, was specific in his request: \u201c\u2026 in any budget agreement, there should be no further erosion in federal workers\u2019 compensation or benefits, even in exchange for a limited respite from sequestration, however desirable that goal is.\u201d\r\nTotally more than $115 billion, federal workers have contributed enough to end our fiscal crisis through multi-year pay freezes, furloughs and budget cuts, Senator Cardin said. \u201cNo other group of predominantly middle class Americans has contributed to deficit reduction the way federal workers have.\u00a0 This relentless attack isn\u2019t just devastating to morale; it\u2019s hurting our country and the economy,\u201d he warned in his letter. The impact goes well beyond the National Capital Region.\u00a0\r\nThe full text of the letter follows and is available at this link. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) report is available here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-november-jobs-numbers-0", "Cummings Issues Statement on November Jobs Numbers", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nWashington, D.C. (December 6, 2013) \u2013 Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and a member of the Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement today in response to the Bureau of Labor Statistics\u2019 report that the U.S. economy added 203,000 jobs in November and the unemployment rate decreased to 7.0 percent:\n\u201cThis morning\u2019s jobs numbers demonstrate the resilience of the American economy in the face of legislative gridlock. Republicans have largely abandoned efforts to pass responsible bipartisan legislation, instead staking out extremist positions and blocking every commonsense effort to reform things like our immigration system and our tax code, leaving Congress crippled.\u00a0\n\u201cWith another budget deadline approaching, it is time to stop fighting and instead adopt a pro-growth agenda that will help strengthen of our country, including extending unemployment benefits that are set to expire at the end of this year.\u00a0 Too many Americans are struggling to earn a decent wage or have failed to find meaningful employment and are not benefiting from the economic gains of the last year.\u00a0 A nation as great as ours cannot turn its back on the working and middle class. We can and must do better.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-statement-passing-nelson-mandela", "Cummings Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nBALTIMORE, MD (December 5, 2013) \u2013Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) released the following statement on the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela:\n\u201cAround the world, Nelson Mandela served as a symbol for peace, progress, and unity in the face of hate and discrimination. He sacrificed 27 years of his life behind bars, harnessing immense personal and spiritual strength, to bring his country through the oppression of Apartheid. Above all, he refused to resort to violence, and never returned the vicious and hateful assaults of which he was so often a victim.\n\u201cWith Mandela\u2019s passing, we have all lost an exemplary model of the kind of person we should all aspire to be \u2013 selfless, loving, and dedicated to justice for every man and woman. The legacy he leaves behind is not just the liberation of South Africa, nor the impression made during his time as President, but freedom and opportunity for all. My heart and prayers are with his family during this time of loss.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-boxer-casey-leahy-shaheen-blumenthal-and-ayotte-urge-president-hamid-karzai-to-protect-women-in-the-afghan-national-police", "Cardin, Boxer, Casey, Leahy, Shaheen, Blumenthal And Ayotte Urge President Hamid Karzai To Protect Women In The Afghan National Police", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin, Boxer, Casey, Leahy, Shaheen, Blumenthal And Ayotte Urge President Hamid Karzai To Protect Women In The Afghan National Police \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t An Alarming 70 Percent of Afghan Policewomen Report Experiencing Sexual Harassment or Sexual Violence\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) today sent a letter to Afghan President Hamid Karzai urging him to take immediate action to protect women within the Afghan National Police (ANP).\r\n   \u201cWe are deeply concerned by recent reports of endemic sexual violence and harassment of Afghan policewomen by their male counterparts,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cThese brave women deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.\u201d\r\nA recent United Nations report found that 90 percent of Afghan police women viewed sexual harassment and sexual violence as a serious problem and that 70 percent had personally experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence.\r\n   In the bipartisan letter, the Senators praised the steps the Afghan government has already taken to protect and support women in the ANP, but urged President Karzai to expand efforts to recruit, retain and promote qualified women, who currently make up less than one percent of the ANP force.\r\n   \u201cAs Afghan policewomen work to build a better future for their communities, we hope you agree they deserve nothing less than to know their government will do everything it can to protect them in return,\u201d the Senators wrote.\r\nThe full text of the letter follows:  December 6, 2013  His Excellency Hamid Karzai   President, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan  Dear President Karzai:\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe write to urge you to take immediate and concrete action to improve the situation of women within the Afghan National Police (ANP). We are deeply concerned by recent reports of endemic sexual violence and harassment of Afghan policewomen by their male counterparts. These brave women deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAccording to available information, a recent unpublished United Nations report found that 90 percent of Afghan policewomen viewed sexual harassment and sexual violence as a serious problem and that 70 percent had personally experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence. In addition, a report released in September by Oxfam International describes further challenges facing Afghan policewomen including resistance to women in the ANP and a lack of female-specific facilities such as private, locked female restrooms.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nUnfortunately, many Afghan policewomen are afraid to report or even complain about these problems out of fear that they will be fired, demoted, or even forced to serve far away from their homes and families. They are also deterred from reporting problems by the fact that there appear to have been no successful prosecutions in these cases, and in the extremely rare situations in which there have been prosecutions, the government\u2019s failure to provide any type of protection to complainants has typically lead to them recanting after threats. The situation is made more precarious by the fact that women make up less than one percent of the ANP\u2019s 157,000 members.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe appreciate the steps your government has taken to protect and support women in the ANP\u2014including the increased recruitment of female officers, the construction of female facilities at several police training centers, and the implementation of gender training for all police officers. We also welcome your Ten Year Vision for the Afghan National Police, which includes a commitment to 10 percent female participation rates by 2024.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe urge you to continue and expand these types of efforts to encourage recruitment and retention of qualified women in the ANP. We also urge you to expand opportunities for the advancement of women in the ANP so that they are represented at the highest levels. In order to effectively tackle these issues and meet the commitment outlined in the Ten Year Vision, we encourage your government to develop and implement a large-scale recruitment and information campaign regarding women in the police.\u00a0We stand ready to assist you in these endeavors.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe believe Afghan policewomen have an essential role in promoting security and stability in Afghanistan. For example, your Ministry of Interior has estimated that 12,000 women will be needed to ensure women\u2019s participation in the upcoming April, 2014 elections.\u00a0Therefore, Afghan policewomen could play a crucial role in searching women at checkpoints on their way to polling stations and by working in the polling stations.\u00a0This will not only help in promoting security but ensuring Afghan women will be able to vote.\u00a0\r\nAfghan women choose to serve their country in the ANP at great personal risk. The recent tragic assassinations of Second Lieutenant Nigara and Lieutenant Islam Bibi in Helmand province are a stark reminder of the very real threats these women face each and every day. As Afghan policewomen work to build a better future for their communities, we hope you agree they deserve nothing less than to know their government will do everything it can to protect them in return.\u00a0\r\nThank you for your consideration.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\n\u00a0\r\nBenjamin L. Cardin\r\nUnited States Senator\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nBarbara Boxer\u00a0\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\u00a0\r\nRobert P. Casey, Jr.\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\u00a0\r\nPatrick J. Leahy\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\u00a0\r\nJeanne Shaheen\r\nUnited States Senator\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nRichard Blumenthal\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\u00a0\r\nKelly Ayotte\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\u00a0\r\n   ###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-nelson-mandela", "Cardin Statement On Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement On Nelson Mandela \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a senior member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a member of its Subcommittee on African Affairs, and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, released the following statement on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cHumanity has lost one of its greatest leaders with the passing of Nelson Mandela.\u00a0 My prayers go out to his family and all the people of South Africa. He was a personal hero of mine, and of those who work to uphold human rights around the world.\u00a0 Ten thousand days in prison were not enough to break Mandela\u2019s spirit and his devotion to the freedom of all people.\u00a0 He led his nation not only in overcoming the divisions of racism, but in reconciling and healing.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cMandela\u2019s influence does not end with his passing.\u00a0 His story and moral courage has changed countless lives forever. As he once said, \u2018the true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.\u2019\u00a0 State and federal lawmakers across the U.S. looked to Mandela as an inspiration when crafting laws that mandated divestment from South Africa\u2019s cruel Apartheid regime.\u00a0 I had the privilege of serving as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates when we passed such legislation.\u00a0 Years later, our Nation is still striving to follow in Mandela\u2019s footsteps and fully realize his dream of peace and equality for all of mankind.\u00a0 \u201d\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140102224754/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363838", "Van Hollen: IRS Lawsuit Unnecessary with New 501(c)4 Regulations", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement to announce that his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is no longer necessary in light of the IRS\u2019 new regulations on 501(c)4 organizations:\n\u201cThe IRS should have never been in the business of determining how much political activity 501(c)4 organizations could engage in \u2013 the plain reading of the law says that these groups should operate \u2018exclusively\u2019 social welfare activities. Our lawsuit against the IRS was designed to compel it to develop new regulations on this question, and today we are moving to dismiss this lawsuit in light of the Administration\u2019s willingness to address the rules that govern these organizations.\u00a0\n\u201cLast election cycle, 501(c)4 organizations were exploited to funnel millions of dollars of secret money into campaigns.\u00a0 We must put an end to the flow of this secret money, and I will closely monitor the progress of the Treasury Department and the IRS to ensure they establish clear rules that are consistent with the law.\u00a0 The public has a right to know who is spending millions to influence the outcome of our elections.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140102230639/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363584", "Van Hollen Offers House Democratic Budget Plan", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, offered a budget plan that reflects the priorities of House Democrats:\n\u201cThese budget conference negotiations have dragged on for too long and left important priorities at risk. That is why our plan focuses on growing jobs and the economy, replacing the sequester in a balanced way, and extending unemployment compensation for Americans who are out of work through no fault of their own.\u00a0 House Democrats believe we must reduce the deficit, but we cannot ask working families to shoulder that burden alone. We will continue to fight for these key provisions as part of the budget negotiations.\u201d\nTo read a summary of this plan, click\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-lauds-new-protections-for-adults-with-pre-existing-conditions-that-begin-january-1", "Cardin Lauds New Protections For Adults With Pre-Existing Conditions That Begin January 1", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Lauds New Protections For Adults With Pre-Existing Conditions That Begin January 1 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today released figures highlighting the more than 2.5 million consumers in Maryland with pre-existing conditions who, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), will be protected from discrimination by insurance companies based on their health status.\u00a0 Beginning January 1, 2014, because of the health care law, insurance companies will be prohibited from denying health coverage for the up to 129 million Americans \u2013 including up to 2,543,000 1 in Maryland \u2013 with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, asthma, diabetes, or seemingly minor issues like back problems or allergies. Insurance companies also will no longer be able to charge higher premiums based on health status or history. Since 2010, the Affordable Care Act has prohibited insurance companies from denying coverage to the up to 17 million children with pre-existing conditions \u2013 including up to 320,000 in Maryland.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cBetter, more affordable coverage is finally going to be available to the million Americans with pre-existing conditions. For years, constituents have complained to me that they have been blocked from taking better jobs or trapped in subpar policies because they feared a minor pre-existing condition would keep them from getting new coverage. No longer will they be at the mercy of insurance companies that care more about profits than people,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cThe fundamentals of the Affordable Care Act continue to pay dividends for Marylanders, including providing access to preventive and lifesaving health services that will help them stay healthy and avoid more serious medical complications.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe ACA contains several patient-friendly protections that Senator Cardin championed, including: universal dental coverage for children; a guarantee of patients\u2019 rights, including access to emergency medical services; patient choice of primary care providers and pediatricians; and direct access to ob/gyns for women.\u00a0 He also fought for the elimination of copays and deductibles for Medicare preventive services and secured the establishment of the HHS Offices of Minority Health and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health.\r\n\u00a0\r\n1Source: http://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Forms-Reports-and-Other-Resources/index.html#Patient%E2%80%99s%20Bill%20of%20Rights\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003959/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364555", "Statement of Rep. Van Hollen Regarding the Innovation Act (H.R. 3309)", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker\u2014\nI rise in support of the Innovation Act (H.R. 3309).\u00a0 While this legislation is not perfect, it represents an important step in our efforts to prevent patent assertion entities (PAE), commonly referred to as patent trolls, from extracting unfair and exorbitant settlements from innocent businesses through the threat of frivolous and expensive \u00a0patent litigation.\nThis legislation ensures that when alleging infringement in a lawsuit, a party must at least identify what patents and claims are being infringed upon, and provide specificity as to how they are being infringed.\u00a0 This will provide more clarity and integrity to patent infringement claims, shining a light on the disingenuous claims from patent trolls.\nAdditionally, this legislation will help to protect the small businesses that have been accused of patent infringement for purchasing ubiquitous products and who are clearly not involved in the alleged infringement in a patent lawsuit.\u00a0 H.R. 3309 will allow for the action against the downstream customers to be stayed as the manufacturer of the product litigates the lawsuit.\u00a0 This is done so those with the knowledge of the production process, and not the innocent consumer, can argue the case\u2014and it is only allowed if the customer agrees to be bound by the final judgment of the court.\nI do, however, continue to have reservations with several provisions in this bill.\u00a0 Primarily, I oppose the provision that allows in some cases for the shifting of court and legal fees from the prevailing parties.\u00a0 I believe this provision has the potential to discourage legitimate patent infringement lawsuits by inventors and owners of intellectual property that may not be deep pocketed.\u00a0 I am also worried about the precedent that this reform could set with respect to protecting access to the courts for all Americans. \u00a0I voted for the substitute amendment proposed by Ranking Member Conyers and Congressman Watt, which I believe strikes a more equitable balance than this legislation and which did not contain any fee shifting provisions.\u00a0 I look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues in the Senate to produce an ultimate agreement that stops patent trolls and continues to protect the pursuit of legitimate patent infringement claims.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221102932/http://sarbanes.house.gov/release_details.asp?id=453", "Sarbanes Statement on Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Sarbanes", "S001168", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Sarbanes Statement on Nelson MandelaWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes today released the following statement on Nelson Mandela:\u201cNelson Mandela is a hero whose life will be an inspiration for generations far beyond his own. From his prison cell to his country\u2019s highest office, Mr. Mandela never faltered in his determination to lift South Africa out from under the tyranny of apartheid. We honor his legacy by recommitting ourselves every day to the struggle for peace and reconciliation.\u201d###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301142547/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-applauds-house-bill-to-extend-ban-on-undetectable-firearms", "Delaney Applauds House Bill to Extend Ban on Undetectable Firearms", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today the House passed H.R. 3626, extending the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 for 10 years. The law prohibits the manufacture or possession of firearms undetectable to X-ray machines and metal detectors. The bill, which passed the House by a voice vote, comes on the heels of reports that lethal plastic weapons, invisible to metal detectors, may be manufactured at home using 3-dimensional printing technologies.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe did the right thing today, acting in a responsible manner to maintain public safety standards. Ensuring that all families have safe access to airports and other public spaces is an obligation we all share,\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cAdvancements in technology have created new challenges for law enforcement and serious public safety concerns. This commonsense legislation helps to support the men and women working to keep our communities safe by banning lethal firearms that can slip past metal detectors.\u201d\n\u00a0\nIn November of 2013, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) published a study detailing the increasing threat of undetectable firearms. In the study, the ATF created a lethal plastic handgun using a 3-D printer and firearm designs available online. H.R. 3626 would outlaw the manufacture or possession of plastic firearms and other guns made from undetectable materials. This legislation now heads to the Senate.\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301142610/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-attends-vigil-for-alan-gross-calls-for-maryland-native-s-release", "Delaney Attends Vigil for Alan Gross, Calls for Maryland Native\u2019s Release from Cuban Prison", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release: December 3, 2013  \n\tContact: Will McDonald, 202-225-2721\n\u00a0\nDelaney Attends Vigil for Alan Gross, Calls for Maryland Native\u2019s Release from Cuban Prison\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) attended a vigil for Montgomery County native Alan Gross and called for his release. \u00a0Gross, sent to Cuba as a contractor for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has been captive since 2009. The vigil, held on the fourth anniversary of Gross\u2019s imprisonment, was organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and took place at Lafayette Park, adjacent to the White House. The vigil included elected officials and local Jewish community leaders.\n\u201cOur message today is clear: Alan, you are not forgotten and you are not alone,\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cAlan Gross is an American who was sent by his country overseas and it is our government\u2019s obligation to do everything we can to bring him home. Alan\u2019s imprisonment is unjust and the hardship suffered by Alan and his family is extreme. Each day that Alan spends locked in a Cuban cell is an affront to our values of a free society. It\u2019s time to bring Alan home.\u201d \u00a0\nGross was sent to Cuba in 2009 as a USAID contractor to assist the Jewish community in Cuba. Following his 2009 arrest, Gross was convicted by Cuba of crimes against the state in 2011 and sentenced to 15 years. In November, 66 Senators wrote to President Obama urging the Administration to prioritize Gross\u2019s release as \u201ca matter of grave urgency.\u201d\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-world-aids-day", "Cummings Issues Statement on World AIDS Day", "2013-12-02", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nBALTIMORE, MD (December 2, 2013) \u2013Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) released the following statement commemorating World Aids Day on December 1:\n\u201cAround the world, 33.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. \u00a0More than 25 million have died since 1981 due this disease, and every year 50,000 more men, women, and children are infected. Baltimore ranks sixth among metropolitan areas for rates of infection. \u00a0Each year, World Aids Day brings attention to this important cause.\n\u201cWe have the tools to prevent further infections, and treat those with the virus, allowing them to live normal lives.\u00a0 We must work together to halt HIV/AIDS in its tracks by supporting NIH studies, appropriating the highest levels of funding for disease research, and ensuring that HIV/AIDS medicine remains affordable and easy to access for those here at home, and abroad. \u00a0We can ensure that in the next 20 years, no one dies from HIV/AIDS.\n\u201cI urge everyone to get tested, know their status, and know that there are options to handle infection. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress, and partners in the advocacy community to achieve the goal of an AIDS-free world.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140103002113/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363146", "Van Hollen on MSNBC: The House Has Become a Totally Dysfunctional Place When It Comes to Doing the Business of the American People", "2013-12-02", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, appeared on MSNBC with Andrea Mitchell to discuss the latest on the Affordable Care Act, GOP obstruction in the House, and Iran. Below is a transcript of the interview, and the video is available\u00a0here.\nANDREA MITCHELL, MSNBC:\u00a0And\u00a0as you just heard the Obama Administration is touting its success today for meeting its self-imposed deadlines to improve HealthCare.gov. How is it viewed in Congress and the rest of the country? Joining me now from Capitol Hill is Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee. Thanks so much for being with us, Congressman.\nREP. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Good to be with you, Andrea.\nMITCHELL:\u00a0Now, I know you've all been pressing for improvements. You're a member of the President's own party, but what \u2013 what do you say about the \u2013 the progress so far of improving the website and the overall experience of getting this thing going?\nVAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Well, Andrea, this was a very important step forward. The administration did hit the benchmarks that it set out, the \u2013 the main ones, the 50,000 consumers at one time and 800,000 per day.\nMITCHELL:\u00a0It's a pretty low benchmark, though. I mean, they were -- they were not setting the bar very high for themselves.\u00a0\nVAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Well, it was \u2013 you're right to the extent that this was supposed to be the way the system operated on day one, and so obviously, we had a very bumpy roll-out. And to your question, look, the work can't stop by yesterday. I mean, they're going to have to be working 24/7 to work on some of the issues at the \u2013 at the back end.\nWe know that there are currently going to be some issues with the relay of information to the insurance companies to make sure that people are signed up. So this is not an end point, this is not, as they've said, a magic moment.\nBut it is good news for consumers, and now they just have got to make sure they keep their foot on the accelerator in terms of fixing the website. Because what we do know, Andrea, is in those states like California and New York and Kentucky, where the websites \u2013 where the websites were operating smoothly, people are able to buy these products. And they're liking what they see.\nMITCHELL:\u00a0Congressman, I know you're not a member of the Republican Majority in the House, but that said, you have colleagues in the Senate. Right now, Congress has enacted 60 laws, compared to what it normally does during this period. And the House is not even scheduled to be in session at the same time as the Senate for more than four days coming up before the \u2013 before the end of the year. How does Congress justify what it has done?\nVAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Andrea, I don't think there is any justification. I think the House especially has become a totally dysfunctional place when it comes to doing the business of the American people.\nJust look at what has come out of the Senate that is sitting in the House, that would pass if we were able to vote on it.\nNumber one, a comprehensive immigration bill, huge piece of needed business for the country. Number two, there was a bipartisan farm bill that would have passed in the House but instead the House decided to go to conference with a bill that cut $40 billion from food and nutrition programs. Third, there's legislation to make sure that we end discrimination in the work place with respect to people who are gay.\nThose are three measures that are sitting here in the House, all of which would -- would pass, if we were allowed to vote on them. And that doesn't even go to the issues of the budget, where it's really important that we come up with a solution within \u2013 within days, I believe, but certainly by December 13th.\u00a0\nMITCHELL:\u00a0Now, I was going to ask you about that, because you're a member of the committee, and Patty Murray and Paul Ryan are supposed to be meeting, there is a conference committee, you're on it. What progress has there been over the holidays?\nVAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Not nearly enough, Andrea. I've \u2013 I've been here in Washington ready to get to work with my colleagues, but there has been very little progress over the break.\nLook, the only good news here is we have agreed to narrow the scope of the objective here. We're trying to replace the sequester which has created a drag on the economy. We're trying to replace that at least in part, hopefully for up to two years. That's a pretty narrow, small target. But even that, right now, has not yet been reached.\nAgain, we've put forward proposals, one of which I've tried to get a vote on seven times in the House of Representatives, which would replace that sequester with a targeted mix of cuts, but also cuts to special interest tax breaks. And we've been denied the opportunity to have a vote on that, just like we've been denied an opportunity to vote on the comprehensive immigration bill.\u00a0\nMITCHELL:\u00a0And Congressman, what about Iran? President Rouhani gave an interview over the weekend, basically saying that Iran now has the right and will have the right to enrich uranium. He's pocketing that as something achieved from the negotiations, not something to be decided in the final agreement six months from now. What about Congress now pushing \u2013\u00a0certainly in the Senate, there is bipartisan push led by Senator Menendez of the council \u2013 the Committee on Foreign Relations, to impose sanctions, or at least the threat of sanctions. Where do you stand on that? The President, obviously, is fighting it tooth and nail.\nVAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Yes, Andrea, two things. First, of all, as you know, the expression \u201cright to enrich\u201d is not in the agreement. It says you have to have a mutually agreeable program. I think, both of us would agree, that if I said you have the right to free speech, but it was conditioned on me being able to veto anything you said, you would not think that was a right to free speech.\nWith respect to additional sanctions, we should be very careful, we need to tread very carefully here because the reason Iran is at the table, the reason they're engaged in serious discussions, is because we've been successful at unifying the international community behind these sanctions. They've been effective. If our partners in the international community perceive the United States to be short-circuiting the diplomatic process, our ability to continue those effective sanctions will be undermined. It would also strengthen the hard liners in Tehran who do not want any kind of agreement.\nAnd finally, we can always impose additional sanctions and do it very quickly. So I think it's very, very dangerous to try to upset the process at this point in time, especially when the folks who are trying to do that do not have an alternative \u2013 unless they want to skip the diplomatic process altogether and go the military route, which has always been on the table, but we're trying to resolve this diplomatically.\nMITCHELL:\u00a0Chris Van Hollen. Thanks very much, Congressman.\nVAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Thank you, Andrea.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301141145/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/blogs/on-the-house-floor-this-week-12213", "On the House Floor This Week - 12/2/13", "2013-12-02", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Here is the tentative legislative calendar for the week of December 2: the House will be in session Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.\nEach week the House is in session the schedule is set by the Speaker of the House, John Boehner.\nIf you have feedback or questions on any of the legislation we\u2019re voting on this week, please contact my office.\u00a0To look up additional information on any specific bill, you can visit beta.Congress.gov.\n\u00a0\nMONDAY, DECEMBER 2  \n\t\u00a0\nOn Monday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.\nLegislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules (suspension bills require a two-thirds majority to pass):\n1) H.R. 3547 - The Space Launch Liability Indemnification Extension Act (Sponsored by Rep. Smith / Science, Space, and Technology Committee) 2) H.R. ___ - To extend the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 for 10 years (Sponsored by Rep. Coble / Judiciary Committee) 3) H.R. 3588 - To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt fire hydrants from the prohibition on the use of lead pipes, fittings, fixtures, solder, and flux (Sponsored by Rep. Johnson / Energy and Commerce Committee)\nTUESDAY, DECEMBER 3  \n\t\u00a0\nOn Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.\nLegislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:\n H.R. 1095 - TSA Loose Change Act (Sponsored by Rep. Miller / Homeland Security Committee)\n\tH.R. 2719 - The Transportation Acquisition Security Reform Act (Sponsored by Rep. Hudson / Homeland Security Committee)\n\tH.R. 1204 - The Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Thompson / Homeland Security Committee)\n\tH.R. 255 - To amend certain definitions contained in the Provo River Project Transfer Act for purposes of clarifying certain property descriptions (Sponsored by Rep. Chaffetz / Natural Resources Committee)\n\tH.R. 2388 - To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to take certain Federal lands located in El Dorado County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (Sponsored by Rep. McClintock / Natural Resources Committee)\n\tH.R. 1963 - Bureau of Reclamation Conduit Hydropower Development Equity and Jobs Act, as amended (Rep. Daines / Natural Resources Committee)\n\tH.R. 1241 - To facilitate a land exchange involving certain National Forest System lands in the Inyo National Forest (Rep. Cook / Natural Resources Committee)\n\tH.R. 1846 - To amend the Act establishing the Lower East Side Tenement National Historic Site (Rep. Velazquez / Natural Resources Committee)\n\tH.R. 2650 - Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Non\u2013Intercourse Act (Rep. Nolan / Natural Resources Committee)\n WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, AND THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5  \n\t\u00a0\nOn Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business with votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.\nLegislation Under Consideration Subject to a Rule:\n H.R. 1105 - Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Hurt / Financial Services Committee)\n\tPossible Consideration of H.R. 3309 - Innovation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Goodlatte / Judiciary Committee)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-thanksgiving-holiday", "Cummings Issues Statement on Thanksgiving Holiday", "2013-11-27", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE\nWashington, DC (Nov. 28, 2013)\u2013Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07), issued the following statement on the Thanksgiving Holiday.\n\u201cThanksgiving signals the start of the holiday season, a time to gather with family and friends. On this day each year, Americans across the country will sit down to a meal, give thanks for the people and things that matter most, and reflect on the history of our nation. That history is one of compassion, progress, and equality. Yet for too many Americans, a Thanksgiving meal is just out of reach, the result of a slow economic recovery or other hardship. They are veterans still seeking work, parents with part-time jobs, and children who will shape our future. We will never reach our true potential without reaching back to support them.\n\u201cWhile we give thanks and reflect, we must also ensure that we strive to embody the values that built this country. I am thankful every day to live in the greatest nation on earth, and proud to proud to continue the fight to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve the American dream.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-mikulski-sarbanes-call-support-snap-farm-bill", "Cummings, Mikulski, Sarbanes Call for Support of SNAP in the Farm Bill", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nBaltimore, MD (November 25, 2013) \u2015 Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) was joined by Sen. Barbara Mikulski and Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-03) in a call for support of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at a press conference at the Maryland Food Bank.\u00a0 The approach of the holiday season highlights the importance of the program, which could face cuts up to $40 billion if the House and Senate Farm Bill Conference Committee adopts Republican authored changes to SNAP.\n\u201cToday, we heard firsthand accounts of hunger in our community \u2013 families who have found themselves in circumstances outside of their control, struggling to ensure they can put meals on the table,\u201d Congressman Cummings said.\u00a0 \u201cAs the richest nation in the world, there is no reason we can\u2019t feed every child \u2013 and SNAP is one way we can do that.\u00a0 The immense cuts proposed to programs like this take food out of the mouths of those in need.\u00a0 As a country, we can do better.\u201d\n\u201cAs Maryland families prepare their tables to celebrate Thanksgiving, our most vulnerable need a government on their side so they won\u2019t have to go to bed hungry. I want families to know I\u2019m on their side,\u201d Senator Mikulski said. \u201cAs a former social worker, I know the importance of nutrition assistance to those who need it most. I\u2019m a fighter and a reformer. I\u2019m fighting for smart federal investments that reflect our American values of protecting our country and neighbor helping neighbor. The Maryland Food Bank plays a critical role in delivering food to families who need it most. I will continue to fight for the thousands of Marylanders in need while making common-sense reforms and supporting our agricultural economy.\u201d\n\u201cFor families who struggle to put food on their tables, the holiday season can be one of the hardest times of the year,\u201d said Congressman Sarbanes.\u00a0 \u201cMisguided cuts to food stamp benefits and other nutrition programs for the neediest among us make a bad situation worse.\u00a0 I will continue fighting against these devastating cuts and support policies that promote opportunity for all.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-announce-3-million-federal-grant-to-support-effective-life-skills-through-casa-de-maryland", "Cardin, Mikulski Announce $3 Million Federal Grant to Support Effective Life Skills through CASA de Maryland", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 25, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin, Mikulski Announce $3 Million Federal Grant to Support Effective Life Skills through CASA de Maryland \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today congratulated CASA de Maryland for being awarded a $3 million through the Department of Education\u2019s Investing in Innovation Fund (i3). The grant will be used to fund the Learning Together Project, a multi-tier, multigenerational program designed to give immigrant families the tools they need in order to navigate themselves and their children through the American educational system.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am proud that the Department of Education is partnering with CASA de Maryland to develop best practices for strengthening families and communities that will be used nationwide. CASA de Maryland is on the forefront of developing innovative ways to provide immigrant families with critical services,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cThe federal dollars going into Langley Park will go far in strengthening our entire county by promoting education as the great equalizer.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cEducation is the opportunity ladder of this nation,\u201d said Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. \u201cCASA de Maryland is an important part of that ladder for the Latino community in Maryland, providing job training and classes in English, computers and financial literacy. Immigrants have and always will be a part of our nation\u2019s fabric. These federal dollars will help CASA de Maryland provide families with the tools they need to obtain a quality education.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe i3 grants are highly competitive and only the highest-rated applications (HRA\u2019s) are considered. CASA\u2019s Learning Together was the only applicant from Maryland, and the highest rated applicant in its class. Learning Together is collaboration between Casa De Maryland, Prince Georges Public Schools and the Family School Working Group at the University of Maryland\u2019s College of Education (UMD). The program is a multi-partner, community based initiative designed to build the skill and confidence needed to strengthen families and entire communities.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Investing in Innovation Fund provides funding to support local educational agencies (LEAs), and nonprofit organizations in partnership with one or more LEAs or a consortium of schools. The purpose of i3 is to provide competitive grants to groups who have an established track record of success in improving achievement and attainment though innovative practices. CASA de Maryland will have to secure funding to match the federal investment to earn the full amount.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011930/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362811", "Van Hollen Statement on Iran Nuclear Agreement", "2013-11-24", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Van Hollen Statement on Iran Nuclear Agreement \n   \n    \n       \n      \n  \n    \n      f \n      t \n      #\n      e\n      \n      \n    \n    \n      \n        Washington,\n        Nov 24, 2013\n      \n       \n    \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n    \n      \n      \n      Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement on the first step agreement on Iran\u2019s nuclear program:\n\u201cThis is a very important first step toward the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. It is essential that we test this diplomatic approach to achieving this goal without a rush to war.\n\u201cPresident Obama deserves credit for unifying the international community around the stiff sanctions that brought Iran to the negotiating table. Under this interim agreement, Iran must halt or scale back parts of its nuclear program while we pursue a comprehensive deal. If Iran cheats, it will face even stiffer sanctions. Don\u2019t trust, but verify again and again.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/portman-cardin-urge-treasury-sec-lew-to-fix-a-regulatory-flaw-that-threatens-the-retirement-security-of-american-workers", "Portman, Cardin Urge Treasury Sec. Lew to Fix A Regulatory Flaw that Threatens the Retirement Security of American Workers", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 22, 2013\n\t\t\t Portman, Cardin Urge Treasury Sec. Lew to Fix A Regulatory Flaw that Threatens the Retirement Security of American Workers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew expressing concern with a regulation that could unintentionally weaken the retirement security of many American workers.\u00a0 This flaw undermines and runs counter to the original intent of the Treasury regulation\u2014strengthening retirement security. Fortunately, Secretary Lew has the power to prevent the unintended consequences of this regulation without new legislation.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn the letter, Cardin and Portman, both members of the Senate Finance Committee, warn that this technical glitch might inadvertently incentivize companies to hard-freeze the defined benefit pension plan of long-time employees and urge Lew to fix it, stating, \u201cThis is clearly not the intended effect of the nondiscrimination rules, which were written to strengthen retirement security, rather than to force many older employees into new pension plans that may not provide enough time to accumulate sufficient benefits before retirement.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe full text of the letter is below.\u00a0 Read a signed copy here.\r\n\u00a0\r\nNovember 21, 2013\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Jacob J. Lew\r\nSecretary of the Treasury\r\nMain Treasury Building, Room 3330\r\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\r\nWashington, D.C. 20220\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Secretary Lew:\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe write to request action concerning a Treasury regulation that could unintentionally weaken the retirement security of many American workers. The regulation in question was created in order to strengthen retirement security, so repairing this flaw would support the Treasury\u2019s original intent. It\u2019s a regulation that can be improved without new legislation.\r\n\u00a0\r\nOver the past several years, many companies have transitioned from defined benefit to defined contribution retirement plans. In doing so, many have elected to grandfather existing employees into the defined benefit plans in order to avoid disruptions and save them from having to build retirement savings in a new pension model mid-career. After \u201csoft freezing\u201d the existing pension plan, the company places new hires within a new defined contribution pension system.\r\n\u00a0\r\nOver time, the existing employees grandfathered into the old system typically build seniority and become more highly-compensated than the younger, newer employees who also are more likely to have greater job turnover. This widens the income gap between the two pension groups.\r\n\u00a0\r\nUnfortunately, soft freezes may cause plans to inadvertently violate a Treasury rule that requires qualified plans to meet certain nondiscrimination testing requirements.\u00a0 These requirements are intended to enforce a degree of pension benefit parity between higher- and lower-compensated employees. The split between having mostly higher-compensated employees in a defined benefit plan and mostly lower-paid employees in a defined contribution plan may trigger the nondiscrimination rules even if the level of pension benefits between the two groups is comparable. This is because current nondiscrimination rules do not adequately allow for the comparison between defined benefit and defined contribution benefits in these circumstances.\r\n\u00a0\r\nCompanies failing their nondiscrimination tests risk losing their pensions\u2019 qualified status, resulting in immediate taxation of their employees\u2019 pension benefits. To avoid this expensive outcome, many companies feel compelled to instead implement a \u201chard freeze\u201d that completely closes the defined benefit plan and forces all employees into the new plan.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThis is clearly not the intended effect of the nondiscrimination rules, which were written to strengthen retirement security, rather than to force many older employees into new pension plans that may not provide enough time to accumulate sufficient benefits before retirement.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSome companies are already facing the prospect of triggering the nondiscrimination rules, and nearly every company that wishes to soft freeze its defined benefit plan will face this problem over the next several years. The sooner Treasury can implement a practical, non-regulatory solution to this issue, the sooner companies can avoid having to hard freeze their pensions when they would prefer a soft freeze.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe greatly appreciate your attention to this matter.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301035138/http://cummings.house.gov/video/cummings-joins-host-ed-schultz-discuss-aca", "Cummings joins Host Ed Schultz to discuss the ACA", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Contact Congressman Cummings \nWelcome to the on-line office for Congressman Elijah Cummings. If you are a constituent of Maryland's 7th Congressional District, please visit the Contact Me page to contact the Congressman electronically or click on the office location nearest you for details.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301140926/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-delaney-washington-post-op-ed-driving-the-economy-forward-with", "ICYMI: Delaney Washington Post Op-Ed \u2013 \u201cDriving the Economy Forward with Infrastructure Investment\u201d", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Friday\u2019s Washington Post features an op-ed by Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) calling on the budget conference to focus on rebuilding America\u2019s infrastructure.\nDelaney is the only former CEO of a publicly traded company serving in Congress.\nThe op-ed can be read below or online here.\u00a0\nDriving the economy forward with infrastructure investment  By John Delaney\n\tWashington Post, 11/21/13\nJohn Delaney, a Democrat, represents Maryland\u2019s 6th District in the U.S. House.\nWashington has gotten so used to political theater that many here have lost the ability to spot real chances to do the right thing. The budget conference is an opportunity for Congress to craft a bipartisan compromise that serves the common good. Despite low expectations, the conference should be taken seriously.\nThe facts before the conferees are clear: Millions of Americans are out of work, growth remains stagnant, our long-term fiscal trajectory is unsustainable and the American people have said, loudly, that Washington is broken. Policy and political needs are aligned: Washington and the country desperately need a bipartisan, pro-growth compromise.\nThe conferees ought to consider a bipartisan solution that would create jobs in the short term, improve long-term economic growth and lower barriers for private-sector investment. The Partnership to Build America Act (H.R. 2084) is such a solution. The bill has 25 Republican and 25 Democratic co-sponsors, which may make it the most significant piece of unfinished bipartisan economic-oriented legislation in the House.\nRight now, the loudest voices in the room are also the most partisan. We need to encourage real compromise. I came to Congress after having started and run large publicly traded companies. In my experience, the best deals in business are achieved when both sides feel like they gave up something. Effective process is about compromise and negotiations and being respectful toward your neighbors. That\u2019s the way to get things done.\nMy bill would create an American Infrastructure Fund (AIF), a large-scale financing capability that could act like a bond insurer or bank for state and local governments to build transportation, energy, water, communication and educational infrastructure. The fund would be capitalized with $50\u2009billion that could be leveraged 15 to 1 to create a $750\u2009billion infrastructure financing capability. Over 50 years, the AIF could finance $2\u2009trillion worth of infrastructure and create more than 3\u2009million jobs.\nThe $50\u2009billion of capital would be funded not by government but by private companies that purchase 50-year bonds at 1\u2009percent interest that are not government-guaranteed. No taxpayer money would support the American Infrastructure Fund. As an incentive to purchase these below-market bonds, buyers would be allowed to repatriate a certain amount of overseas earnings tax-free. The specific ratio would be established by auction, which would encourage interested companies to bid against one another, guaranteeing a fair deal for the government. The winners of the auction would be the companies that bid the lowest exchange ratio. I expect the winning ratio to be in the neighborhood of 4 to 1, based on what companies would be willing to pay as an effective tax. This means that if Company X purchases $1\u2009billion in infrastructure bonds, it would be able to bring back $4\u2009billion in overseas earnings tax-free. If the bonds are worth 20\u2009cents on the dollar to the company, then the cost to Company X is the equivalent of a 13\u2009percent tax.\nThis would help private and public sectors. Almost $2\u2009trillion of corporate cash is sitting overseas. Many large companies would like to bring home some of this money and reinvest it. By tying that repatriation to infrastructure, we guarantee that jobs would be created.\nGood economic policy is crafted at the intersection of principle and compromise. This legislation addresses tax policy concerns that Republicans have voiced for decades while increasing infrastructure investment, which Democrats have pushed since the 1990s.\nThis measure also would get our economy moving and make our country more competitive.\nIf U.S. ports can\u2019t meet the demands of global commerce, jobs will leave our shores. If U.S.\u2009schools fall apart, American students will fall further behind. And if U.S.\u2009roads remain in disrepair, commutes will grow longer. Infrastructure is a good investment; for every $1 spent on infrastructure, the economy receives $1.92 in benefit.\nPro-growth economic policy helps address our national debt in a politically feasible manner. Under current trajectories, we will face extremely tough choices after 2020, when interest on the debt and unreformed entitlement programs will threaten to crowd out our ability to pay for anything else. Economic growth, coupled with additional reforms, would lead to fiscal stability and ensure that the next generation has a chance to live the American dream.\nBipartisan compromise is possible, but it won\u2019t happen simply by wishing that the other side will change its mind and address your party\u2019s agenda. In working on this legislation, I had more than 100 one-on-one meetings with Republicans. Working with my colleagues in good faith, we found a way forward.\nBoth parties have long called for a budget conference. Now that we have one, we should seize the opportunity to strengthen the economy. Congress has staged enough tragedies this year. Let\u2019s come together and give the American people an ending worthy of our audience.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-calls-rules-change-a-necessary-step-to-fulfilling-the-senates-constitutional-responsibilities", "Cardin Calls Rules Change A Necessary Step To Fulfilling The Senate’s Constitutional Responsibilities", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Calls Rules Change A Necessary Step To Fulfilling The Senate\u2019s Constitutional Responsibilities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement following votes in the Senate regarding cloture votes on nominations:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Senate is supposed to be the world\u2019s greatest deliberative body.\u00a0 We are supposed to be able to debate issues but then come together to find a compromise that moves our country forward. The Senate is broken. Our rules of consensus and comity have been abused.\u00a0 Respecting the Senate\u2019s Constitutional duty of Advise and Consent with respect to the President\u2019s nominees doesn\u2019t mean automatic confirmation, but it does mean that we should respect the process, the presidency, and these individuals enough to routinely give them an up-or-down vote. \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI have been in the Congress sufficient years to have served in the majority and the minority. I understand the consequences of changing the rules, but what we are doing is returning to where the Senate can actually fulfill its Constitutional responsibilities.\u201d\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140202160158/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362509", "Van Hollen Statement on HR 1900", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to HR 1900, which would place new, arbitrary deadlines on the pipeline permitting process at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and related agencies.\n\u00a0\nHR 1900 attempts to solve a problem that simply doesn\u2019t exist. The Government Accountability Office has given FERC\u2019s permitting process good marks, saying that it is predictable and consistent for applicants. Under this bill, FERC would have a year to consider any project, no matter how many miles it may cover or how complex it may be. Other agencies, like the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Fish and Wildlife Service, would have to issue decisions on licenses or permits related to the project within 90 days of FERC\u2019s issuance of its final environmental document, even if the project applicant does not actually apply for a permit or submit the required information within that time frame. If the agency failed to meet this deadline, the permit or license would be \u201cdeemed approved\u201d and FERC would be permitted to overrule any conditions the agency requests.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nBy needlessly short-circuiting the review process, this bill jeopardizes the environment and public health. While we all support timely review, we should provide adequate time for analysis of complex projects. A one-size-fits-all process with arbitrary deadlines prevents federal agencies from doing their job to protect taxpayers and communities. I urge a no vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221102936/http://sarbanes.house.gov/release_details.asp?id=452", "Sarbanes Applauds President's Recognition of Baltimore County Schools Chief", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Sarbanes", "S001168", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Sarbanes Applauds President's Recognition of Baltimore County Schools Chief  S. Dallas Dance recognized by President Obama as \"Champion of Change\"  WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today released the following statement on President Obama\u2019s recognition of S. Dallas Dance, Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, as a \"Champion of Change\" at the White House:\u201cCongratulations to Superintendent Dance for being honored by President Obama as a 'Champion of Change.' Our kids are growing up in a fast-paced, digital world that requires new skills and the ability to use technology in every medium. Giving them the opportunity to succeed as tomorrow\u2019s fresh crop of inventors, engineers, and researchers must be a top priority in all Maryland schools. \u201cWe know the best economic investments are the ones we make in the next generation of our workforce. Mr. Dance has dedicated himself to doing just that and I applaud the excellent work he\u2019s doing.\u201d The \u201cChampions of Change\u201d program highlights individuals, businesses, and organizations doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. Mr. Dance was chosen by President Obama as one of 10 educators from around the country who are taking creative approaches in using technology to enhance learning in America\u2019s schools. To learn more about the White House\u2019s \u201cChampions of Change\u201d program or to nominate a Champion for a future event, please visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-menendez-colleagues-call-on-administration-to-grant-temporary-protected-status-to-filipinos-in-wake-of-devastating-typhoon", "Cardin, Menendez, Colleagues Call on Administration to Grant Temporary Protected Status to Filipinos in Wake of Devastating Typhoon", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin, Menendez, Colleagues Call on Administration to Grant Temporary Protected Status to Filipinos in Wake of Devastating Typhoon \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWashington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Following the devastation and humanitarian disaster suffered by the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan, Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the SFRC Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the SFRC, were joined by colleagues in calling on President Obama\u2019s administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Filipino nationals currently residing in the United States and to consider additional avenues of relief for certain Filipinos with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members in the U.S.\u00a0 TPS is granted to foreign nationals who cannot safely return to their native country.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cTyphoon Haiyan has wrought unparalleled destruction and tragic loss of life in the Philippines,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cVictims of Typhoon Haiyan clearly meet the eligibility requirements for TPS, and we urge you to extend this designation as soon as possible. The United States has demonstrated its commitment to assisting the Philippines with the recovery effort through foreign aid, military assistance and relief supplies, but we must also assist the victims\u2019 families in whatever way possible.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nA complete copy of the letter is available here.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), John McCain (R-AZ), Harry Reid (D-NV), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL),\u00a0Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY),Chris Coons (D-DL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Dean Heller (R-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ).\r\n\r\nCurrently, the United States grants Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, and Syria. As the program is designed, TPS would only be available to Filipinos already living in the United States who pass a background check and meet related eligibility requirements.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nBelow is the full letter.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Rand Beers\r\n\r\nActing Secretary\r\n\r\nDepartment of Homeland Security\r\n\r\n3801 Nebraska Ave, NW\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. 20528\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nActing Secretary Beers:\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nIn light of the tremendous devastation suffered by the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan, we write to express our deep concern about the impact of this tragedy on Filipinos in the United States. We ask that you consider granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible Filipino nationals within the United States and additional avenues of relief for certain Filipinos with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members in the U.S.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAs you know, Typhoon Haiyan has wrought unparalleled destruction and tragic loss of life in the Philippines. The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center estimated the storm\u2019s sustained winds at 195 miles per hour at landfall, which if confirmed would make Haiyan one of the most powerful storms in recorded history. Hundreds of thousands of people are displaced with no shelter or clean water and millions face food shortages.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe United States has granted TPS to other nationals after similarly traumatic events. Following Hurricane Mitch in 1999, the United States granted TPS to Honduran and Nicaraguan nationals; following several earthquakes in Central America in 2001, the United States granted TPS to Salvadorans; and following the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the United States granted TPS to Haitians. Victims of Typhoon Haiyan clearly meet the eligibility requirements for TPS, and we urge you to extend this designation as soon as possible. Providing TPS is critical to humanitarian relief efforts as it both protects individuals who would be endangered by returning to their country of origin and it allows the home country more time to recover before accepting returnees.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nIt is important to note that granting TPS to Filipino nationals will not endanger our security.\u00a0 An alien is ineligible for TPS if he has a criminal background or poses a threat to national security.\u00a0 The decision to deny, withdraw or terminate TPS is in the sole discretion of the government; there is no judicial review of such a determination.\u00a0 Moreover, TPS is not a backdoor to U.S. citizenship.\u00a0 TPS does not make a beneficiary eligible for legal permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship. When the TPS designation of a country is terminated, beneficiaries revert to the same immigration status they maintained before the designation.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nWe also ask that you consider humanitarian parole and expedited visa processing for Filipinos who have U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relatives in the U.S. and approved or pending family petitions, especially Filipinos who have been orphaned, lost relatives in the storm or suffer other serious hardships. We also ask that you consider an automatic extension of visas, in categories where an extension is feasible, for Filipinos currently present in the U.S. Lastly, we ask that you consider temporarily suspending deportations to the Philippines and utilizing alternatives to detention in appropriate cases.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe United States has demonstrated its commitment to assisting the Philippines with the recovery effort through foreign aid, military assistance and relief supplies, but we must also assist the victims\u2019 families in whatever way possible. Therefore, we respectfully request that you extend TPS to Filipino nationals residing in the United States and support the reunification of U.S. citizens and their Filipino family members.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThank you for your consideration.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/healthcare-professionals-donate-15-million-hotel-reward-points-to-wounded-warriors", "Healthcare Professionals Donate 1.5 Million Hotel Reward Points to Wounded Warriors", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2013\n\t\t\t Healthcare Professionals Donate 1.5 Million Hotel Reward Points to Wounded Warriors \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n(Washington, DC) \u2013Members of a nonprofit organization representing federal health professionals have donated more than 1.5 million hotel reward points to a program that helps defray the travel costs of wounded warriors. \u201cHotels for Heroes,\u201d which was created by bipartisan legislation passed by Congress, enables patriotic Americans to donate their hotel reward points to troops receiving care through the military health system as well as their families.\r\nSustaining Members of AMSUS, The Society of Federal Health Professionals, have donated 1,579,300 reward points from their personal accounts since February, enough to provide about 105 nights of free lodging. The organization was inspired to launch a donation drive after its past chairman saw Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger discussing the program on cable television, its leadership said.\r\n\u201cWe all want what is best for our wounded warriors and now the incredible professionals of AMSUS have provided a generous gift that will help ensure support is available to more of our troops and their families in times of need,\u201d said Senator Cardin.\u00a0 \u201cThe success of the \u2018Hotels for Heroes\u2019 program continues to be in the great partnerships that allow Americans to help those who have served our country so bravely.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cHotels for Heroes,\u201d which was authored by Senator Ben Cardin and Senator Congressman Ruppersberger in 2012, is currently available to rewards customers of Marriott, Wyndham, AmericInn and Best Western hotels. The program is modeled off the national \u201cHero Miles\u201d program, which was created by Congressman Ruppersberger and enables the American public to donate their frequent flyer miles to wounded warriors and their families.\r\n\u201cThis is a great demonstration of the dedication and commitment of the AMSUS sustaining members on behalf of our fighting forces,\u201d said Vice Admiral Michael Cowan, executive director of AMSUS. \u201cI express our deep gratitude to the individual SM Members who gave so generously and made this possible.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis is yet one more example of the patriotic and generous spirit of hard-working Americans,\u201d Congressman Ruppersberger said. \u201cThe AMSUS contribution to this program \u2013 which often brings family and friends to the bedsides of recovering wounded warriors \u2013 is inspiring. I commend all members who donated to this worthy cause.\u201d\r\n\u201cHotels for Heroes\u201d is administered by the Fisher House, a non-profit organization that opens its homes to military families visiting their injured loved ones at hospitals across the country. So far, the program has provided nearly 3,000 free nights to military families.\r\n\u201cThanks to generous donations like this, \u2018Hotels for Heroes\u2019 has already saved families over $400,000 in lodging costs, and served nearly 700 families,\u201d said Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. \u201cWe thank AMSUS and all their members for their generous donations.\u201d\r\nAMSUS represents nearly 8,000 members in all healthcare disciplines and serve in the Active and Reserve Components of all of the uniformed services as well as the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. AMSUS created the Sustaining Members Section in 1953 to bring together private healthcare industry representatives with key Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Public Health Service decision-makers. \r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010352/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362453", "Van Hollen Statement on GOP\u2019s New Proposal to Roll Back ACA Medicaid Expansion", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement on reports that House Republicans want to reduce the Medicaid expansion funding in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to replace the sequester cuts to defense:\n\u201cFirst, House Republicans shut down the government in an effort to stop the Affordable Care Act and roll back patient protections and important benefits.\u00a0 Now, instead of closing special interest tax breaks to prevent defense cuts, they want to snatch health care back from kids and families working to make ends meet. This is just more tea party brinksmanship that will result in another government shutdown.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-welcomes-sarah-bloom-raskin-to-the-senate-at-her-conformation-to-be-deputy-secretary-of-the-treasury", "Cardin Welcomes Sarah Bloom Raskin To The Senate At Her Conformation To Be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Welcomes Sarah Bloom Raskin To The Senate At Her Conformation To Be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee was honored today to introduce Sarah Bloom Raskin to his colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee. Bloom Raskin has been nominated by President Obama to become the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.\r\nI am pleased to say that this is not the first time I have introduced Sarah in connection with her nomination to an important position in public service. In 2010, I spoke at Sarah's nomination hearing for her current position on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Sarah's deep financial and regulatory knowledge and sound judgment have made her an essential asset during her tenure the Federal Reserve. During a time of great economic unease, her dedication to strong consumer protections has been especially valuable.\r\nI have no doubt that Sarah's extensive public service experience, her dedication, and her work ethic will serve her well in the Treasury -- incidentally, as the highest-ranking woman in the history of the agency. It gives me great confidence to know that Sarah will be handling the many responsibilities demanded of the Deputy Secretary. And it gives me great pride that a fellow Marylander will continue to be among the financial leaders that guide our economy towards future growth and stability.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-urge-hhs-secretary-sebelius-to-expand-access-to-aca-health-plans-and-tax-credits-by-all-available-means", "Cardin, Mikulski Urge HHS Secretary Sebelius to Expand Access to ACA Health Plans and Tax Credits “By All Available Means”", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin, Mikulski Urge HHS Secretary Sebelius to Expand Access to ACA Health Plans and Tax Credits \u201cBy All Available Means\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Detailing the existing authority available under the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (Both D-Md.) have urged Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to immediately expand and publicize alternate methods for eligible Americans to enroll in health plans. \u00a0The Senators expressed their concern that while healthcare.gov is improving daily, the delays may cause many uninsured Americans to stop trying to shop for affordable plans.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 work to repair the healthcare.gov website continues, we urge you to ensure that uninsured Americans are able to enroll in health plans through all available means \u2026We are concerned that while the web site\u2019s troubles remain unresolved, healthy individuals will abandon attempts to apply on line, and we want to ensure that they can learn about plans and apply for coverage,\u201d they wrote in the letter.\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nSenators Cardin and Mikulski also asked Secretary Sebelius to streamline how subsidies are made available to all who qualify, however they enroll. Section 1411 of the ACA provides the Secretary the necessary flexibility to allow direct enrollment with health insurance companies, while remaining eligible for subsidies if applicable. The letter also encouraged expanded access to detailed plan information to allow navigators and community health centers help individuals shop for coverage before applying online, by phone or by paper application.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe full text of the letter follows and is available at this link:\r\n\u00a0\r\nNovember 18, 2013\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Kathleen Sebelius\r\nSecretary\u00a0 \r\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services\r\n200 Independence Avenue, S.W.\r\nWashington, DC\u00a0 20201\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Secretary Sebelius:\r\nAs proponents of universal health care coverage and supporters of the Affordable Care Act, we appreciate your ongoing focused efforts to implement the law.\u00a0\u00a0 As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 work to repair the healthcare.gov website continues, we urge you to ensure that uninsured Americans are able to enroll in health plans through all available means.\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nAlthough we received repeated assurances from the Administration in the weeks before and since the healthcare.gov web site opened, previous targets set by the Administration for full operability of the web site have not been met.\u00a0\u00a0 We are concerned that while the web site\u2019s troubles remain unresolved, healthy individuals will abandon attempts to apply on line, and we want to ensure that they can learn about plans and apply for coverage. Further, if and when additional glitches in the web site arise, Americans should have additional easy-to navigate avenues to apply for coverage. \r\n\u00a0\r\nWe were encouraged to hear the President say that the Administration is working to streamline the paper application form and dedicate additional resources to help uninsured people evaluate their plan options and select coverage. \r\n\u00a0\r\nSection 1411 of the ACA provides you the flexibility to \u201cmodify the methods used under the program established by this section for the Exchange and verification of information if the Secretary determines such modifications would reduce the Administrative costs and burdens on the applicant, including allowing an applicant to request the Secretary of the Treasury to provide the information described in paragraph (3) [household income and family size] directly to the Exchange or to the Secretary.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nWe urge you to use this authority immediately to implement and publicize alternative methods for enrolling, including:\r\n(1)\u00a0\u00a0 Informing the public that individuals and families who do not qualify for tax credits can apply for coverage directly with participating insurance companies where they will receive the same comprehensive coverage and prices listed on the healthcare.gov web site;\r\n\u00a0\r\n(2)\u00a0\u00a0 Creating a mechanism through which individuals and families who qualify for tax credits can apply for coverage directly to insurance companies and authorize the companies to directly interface with the hub to verify income, family size, and citizenship;\r\n\u00a0\r\n(3)\u00a0\u00a0 Enabling navigators on the HHS toll-free line and in communities to access health plan information without having to rely on the healthcare.gov web site;\r\n\u00a0\r\n(4)\u00a0\u00a0 Making paper application forms and detailed information about coverage options widely available through a web page that is independent of the healthcare.gov web site;\r\n\u00a0\r\n(5)\u00a0\u00a0 Enabling individuals to complete the application form on line as taxpayers can file their income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service; and\r\n\u00a0\r\n(6)\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring that paper application forms and information about coverage options are available to the public at community health centers, hospitals, public libraries and other locations.\r\nThank you for your continued efforts to implement the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0 We look forward to your response.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-pushes-for-nih-medical-research-funding-that-saves-lives-creates-jobs-and-boosts-economic-growth", "Cardin Pushes for NIH Medical Research Funding that Saves Lives, Creates Jobs and Boosts Economic Growth", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Pushes for NIH Medical Research Funding that Saves Lives, Creates Jobs and Boosts Economic Growth \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) has joined 34 of his colleagues in a letter to budget negotiators, urging robust federal funding for medical research. \u00a0The bipartisan letter cites the critical role that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) plays in making lifesaving medical discoveries and increasing economic activity across the nation. \u00a0In the legislation that ended the federal government shutdown, Congressional budget negotiators, were tasked with reaching a compromise by mid-December. Absent an agreement, NIH will face another round of sequestration cuts in January 2014. \u00a0During the first round of sequester cuts NIH\u2019s budget was \u00a0cut by $1.55 billion, resulting in about 700 fewer research projects being funded.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe following Senators signed the letter: Begich, Blumenthal, Boxer, Brown, Burr, Cantwell, Cardin, Casey, Coburn, Collins, Donnelly, Feinstein, Franken, Gillibrand, Hagan, Heinrich, Heitkamp, Hirono, Tim Johnson, Kirk, Klobuchar, Landrieu, Levin, Manchin, Markey, Menendez, Moran, Murphy, Pryor, Reed, Rockefeller, Schatz, Schumer, Shaheen, and Warren.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe investments we make in the National Institutes of Health go directly to saving lives and creating jobs,\u201d Senator Cardin said. \u201cWe cannot afford further cuts to NIH that will impede the progress we have made in combating debilitating and deadly diseases. \u00a0\u00a0More than one-third of the United States Senate has come together to make a common sense, bipartisan plea for investment in the health of the American people and of our economy. \u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe full text of the letter can be seen below: \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Patty Murray\r\nChairman\r\nSenate Committee on Budget\r\n624 Dirksen\r\nUnited States Senate\r\nWashington, D.C. 20510\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Jeff Sessions\r\nRanking Member\r\nSenate Committee on Budget\r\n624 Dirksen\r\nUnited States Senate\r\nWashington, D.C. 20510\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Chairman Murray and Ranking Member Sessions:\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs you begin the budget conference with your House counterparts, we ask that you maintain a strong commitment to funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).\u00a0 The NIH plays an important role in advancing our understanding of human health, supporting innovation, and investing in the field of biomedical research.\u00a0 It is vitally important to ensure that our Nation remains at the forefront of medical research by continuing to support the NIH\u2019s work.\u00a0 As evidenced by the bipartisan letter to the Committee on Appropriations that we authored earlier this year, which was signed by more than half of our colleagues, there is broad support for medical research, and particularly for the NIH, in the Senate.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe NIH offers our best hope for treating or curing debilitating diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and so many other illnesses that American families battle every day.\u00a0 The NIH supports research in all fifty states, through nearly 50,000 competitive grants that support hundreds of thousands of researchers across the Nation.\u00a0 NIH-funded research has contributed to an increase in lifespan over the last century of nearly 30 years and according to the NIH, has added an estimated $3.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy since 1970.\u00a0 Cancer deaths are falling about one percent each year, with each percentage point decline saving the U.S. approximately $500 billion a year.\u00a0 According to the NIH, it is estimated that each dollar invested in the NIH generates $2.21 in local economic growth.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nOur investment in the NIH has yielded an unprecedented number of scientific advances that have improved health outcomes and contributed significantly to the Nation\u2019s economic growth. Unfortunately, America is losing ground as the world leader in research and development and researchers are struggling to secure funding. As NIH grants get more competitive, researchers can easily spend half their careers working before receiving a grant, resulting in promising, talented young researchers being discouraged from the field of biomedical research and some investigators deciding to abandon scientific research altogether or to conduct their research outside the United States.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIf we are to improve the health of Americans and the quality of their lives, we must continue to invest in areas like biomedical research that have the potential to save money in the future, improve the lives of Americans, and offer an economic return for our Nation.\u00a0 We urge you to consider the tremendous benefits of a sustained investment in the NIH, and ask you to remember our Nation\u2019s role as a world leader in biomedical research and the impact this research has on patients as the conference committee begins its work.\u00a0 Investing in research today will yield cures and therapies for patients tomorrow.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-visits-kohlscom-distribution-center-as-they-gear-up-for-the-holiday-shopping-season", "Cardin Visits Kohls.Com Distribution Center As They Gear Up For The Holiday Shopping Season", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Visits Kohls.Com Distribution Center As They Gear Up For The Holiday Shopping Season \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nEdgewood, MD \u2013 Less than two weeks before Black Friday and the start of the heaviest shopping season of the year, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin visited the Kohl\u2019s E-Commerce Distribution Center in Edgewood, the largest of their four fulfillment centers across the country. During his visit Monday, Senator Cardin toured the 1 million-square-foot LEED Gold-certified facility and greeted employees. The facility employs 1,500 workers year round, and another 1,500 during the holiday season when they operate 24/7. \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe want everyone to know that Maryland is open for business and we are trying to expand job opportunities for people in our state. I\u2019ve been proud to shine a spotlight on companies that have been making investments in their people and their products. Kohl\u2019s is making a difference in our community,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cThanks to the convenience and array of products, e-commerce continues to grow and the Marketplace Fairness Act will level the playing field between traditional brick-and-mortar retailers and online retailers like kohls.com.\u201d \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\"We appreciate Senator Cardin taking the time to tour our e-commerce fulfillment center,\u201d said Dan Mueller, VP, E-Commerce Distribution, Kohl's, who accompanied Senator Cardin on his tour. \u201cWe hope he enjoyed spending time with our associates while learning more about our operations and the positive economic impact the facility has in the area, including a significant number of jobs. We are proud to be part of this community, and on behalf of Kohl\u2019s and our associates, we thank Senator Cardin\u00a0for visiting.\"\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Marketplace Fairness Act, which has passed the Senate, streamlines the sales tax collection process for each participating state and would not require a single penny in additional taxes to be paid that is not already owed. For Maryland, it would mean hundreds of millions of dollars of uncollected sales tax.\u00a0 It would require states to simplify their sales and use tax systems. It also would not harm small businesses, by exempting businesses with less than $1 million in remote sales.\r\nDOWNLOAD PHOTOS HERE and HERE\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/the-sesquicentennial-of-the-gettysburg-address", "The Sesquicentennial Of The Gettysburg Address", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2013\n\t\t\t The Sesquicentennial Of The Gettysburg Address \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Statement Of The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n Mr. CARDIN.\u00a0 Mr. President, 150 years ago today, President Abraham Lincoln gave one of the greatest speeches not just in U.S. history, but in human history.\u00a0 In under three minutes and using just 10 sentences, President Lincoln spanned the past, present, and future of the American experiment and spoke to the aspirations, rights, and responsibilities not just of Americans, but of humankind.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIt\u2019s astounding for us to realize that President Lincoln was invited to the dedication of the Nation\u2019s first national military cemetery almost as an afterthought.\u00a0 The event was organized around the schedule of former Harvard president Edward Everett, who was thought to be one of the Nation\u2019s greatest orators of the time.\u00a0 Everett was the featured speaker and, in the custom of that era, addressed the crowd for over two hours.\u00a0 President Lincoln, who had been invited to say \u201ca few appropriate words,\u201d followed Everett.\r\n\u00a0\r\nPresident Lincoln wrote for the ear; he recited words and phrases as he committed them to paper.\u00a0 When he gave speeches, he spoke deliberately.\u00a0 His great speeches, including the Gettysburg Address, were as much theological in nature as they were political arguments.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFour score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.\r\nPresident Lincoln borrowed a method of referring to time from the Psalms of the King James Bible (Psalm 90:10).\u00a0 It seems idiosyncratic to our ears today, but his listeners would have immediately grasped that he was going back not to 1789, when the first Congress convened in New York City and George Washington was inaugurated as our Nation\u2019s first president.\u00a0 He was not going back to 1788 when the Constitution was ratified, or back to 1787 when the Constitutional Convention met.\u00a0 He was going back 87 years, to 1776 and the Declaration of Independence, citing the proclamation of our Founding Fathers \u2013 who were from the North and South alike \u2013 of the universal truth \u201cthat all men are created equal\u201d.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn the very next sentence, President Lincoln pivoted to the present and proceeded to explain the purpose of the Civil War: to determine whether the United States of America or any other nation \u201cconceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal\u201d could succeed and last:\r\n\u00a0\r\nNow we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.\u00a0 We are met on a great battlefield of that war.\u00a0 We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.\u00a0 It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAnd then President Lincoln, with characteristic humility, paid homage to those who had fought and died at Gettysburg before pivoting again, to the future, and to laying out the responsibilities of his and future generations of Americans:\r\n\u00a0\r\nBut, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.\u00a0 The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.\u00a0 The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.\u00a0 It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.\u00a0 It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us \u2013 that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion \u2013 that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain \u2013 that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom \u2013 and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs historian Ronald C. White, Jr., has written, \u201cLincoln was finished.\u00a0 He had not spoken the word \u2018I\u2019 even once.\u00a0 It was as if Lincoln disappeared so Americans could focus unhindered upon his transcendent truths.\u201d\u00a0 Those \u201ctranscendent truths\u201d are apparent to us today but things weren\u2019t so clear 150 years ago, in the midst of the horrific brutality and death of the Civil War.\u00a0 On November 20, 1863, the New York Times reported that President Lincoln\u2019s address was interrupted by applause five times and followed by sustained applause but historian Shelby Foote said that the reaction to the speech was delayed and \u201cbarely polite\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0 On November 23, 1863, the Chicago Times \u2013 an anti-Lincoln paper \u2013 editorialized that President Lincoln\u2019s address \u201cwas an offensive exhibition of boorishness and vulgarity\u201d and \u201ca perversion of history so flagrant that the most extended charity cannot regard it as otherwise than willful.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nInitially, President Lincoln believed that the Civil War was being fought simply to preserve the Union.\u00a0 But his thinking evolved to the point where the war was about the abolition of slavery.\u00a0 It became the testing ground of whether the United States of America \u2013 or any other nation dedicated to human liberty and equality \u2013 could endure.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThere is a popular legend that President Lincoln jotted down a few notes on his way to Gettysburg, or that he spoke extemporaneously.\u00a0 That isn\u2019t true.\u00a0 He prepared the speech beforehand and there was one improvisation only: he added the words \u201cunder God\u201d.\u00a0 As White noted, \u201c\u2018Under God\u2019 pointed backward and forward: back to \u2018this nation,\u2019 which drew its breath from both political and religious sources, but also forward to a \u2018new birth.\u2019\u00a0 Lincoln had come to see the Civil War as a ritual of purification.\u00a0 The old Union had to die. . . Death became a transition to a new Union and a new humanity.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nAnd so President Lincoln \u2013 in theological as well as constitutional language \u2013 laid out for his listeners, for us, and for our grandchildren \u201cthe unfinished work\u201d and \u201cthe great task remaining\u201d: namely, to promote \u201ca new birth of freedom\u201d.\u00a0 As the American poet Archibald MacLeish wrote, \u201cThere are those who will say that the liberation of humanity, the freedom of man and mind, is nothing but a dream.\u00a0 They are right.\u00a0 It is the American dream.\u201d\u00a0 We Americans are singularly fortunate and privileged to hail from the first nation in history \u201cconceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal\u201d.\u00a0 It is our solemn responsibility not only to protect and expand freedom here, but to promote and nurture it abroad so that \u201cgovernment of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.\u201d\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140202162241/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362508", "Congressman Van Hollen\u2019s Statement on HR 1965", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to HR 1965, a bill that would unnecessarily and irresponsibly give away public lands to Big Oil, even as U.S. oil production is at a 24-year high and the oil industry receives billions of dollars in tax breaks per year.\u00a0\nHR 1965 would remove the safeguards that protect taxpayers and public lands by requiring the Interior Department to grant leases on 25 percent of the land requested by oil companies every year and imposing strict deadlines on application review, automatically approving leases after just 60 days even if safety and environmental reviews are not yet complete. It would also enact barriers to public review \u2013 if a community wanted to challenge a leasing decision, it would have to pay a $5,000 fee to be heard. If a case took more than 60 days to adjudicate, it would be automatically denied.\u00a0\nMr. Speaker, under this Administration, domestic oil production has increased by 35 percent on Western public and Indian lands. Oil and gas companies are currently only developing about a third of the public lands they already lease. This bill, which would prioritize energy production over hunting, fishing, grazing, conservation, and every other use of public lands, will not reduce energy prices or increase energy security. It would simply cede control of natural resources held in public trust to already-profitable big oil companies. \u00a0I urge a no vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-on-nomination-of-robert-leon-wilkins-to-be-united-states-circuit-judge-for-the-district-of-columbia-circuit", "Floor Speech On Nomination Of  Robert Leon Wilkins To Be United States Circuit Judge  For The District Of Columbia Circuit", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2013\n\t\t\t Floor Speech On Nomination Of  Robert Leon Wilkins To Be United States Circuit Judge  For The District Of Columbia Circuit  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will proceed to executive session to consider the nomination of Robert Leon Wilkins to be United States Circuit Judge.\r\n\r\nThe assistant legislative clerk read the nomination of Robert Leon Wilkins, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District Of Columbia Circuit.\r\n\r\nThe PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the time until 5:30 p.m. will be equally divided and controlled in the usual form.\r\n\r\nThe Senator from Maryland.\r\n\r\nMr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of the nomination of Judge Robert L. Wilkins to be a circuit judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. I was pleased to introduce Judge Wilkins to the Judiciary Committee in September, and the committee favorably reported his nomination in October.\r\n\r\nJudge Wilkins currently serves as Federal District Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate for this position in 2010. I urge the Senate to invoke cloture to allow an up-or-down vote on this extremely qualified nominee.\r\n\r\nJudge Wilkins is a native of Muncie, IN. He obtained his B.S. cum laude in chemical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.\r\n\r\nFollowing graduation, Judge Wilkins clerked for the Honorable Earl B. Gilliam of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. He later served as a staff attorney and as head of Special Litigation for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. He then practiced as a partner with Venable LLP, specializing in white collar defense, intellectual property, and complex civil litigation, before taking the bench as a judge.\r\n\r\nBesides Wilkins' professional accomplishments as an attorney, he also played a leading role as a plaintiff in a landmark civil rights case in Maryland involving racial profiling. During his tenure with the Public Defender Service and in private practice, Judge Wilkins served as the lead plaintiff in Wilkins, et al. v. State of Maryland, a civil rights lawsuit against the Maryland State Police for a traffic stop they conducted of Judge Wilkins and his family.\r\n\r\nIn 1992, Judge Wilkins attended his grandfather's funeral in Chicago, and then began an all-night road trip home with three family members. Judge Wilkins was due back in Washington, DC that coming morning for a court appearance as a public defender. A Maryland State Police trooper pulled over their car. The police detained the family and deployed a drug-sniffing dog to check the car, after Judge Wilkins declined to consent to a search of the car, stating there was no reasonable suspicion. The family stood in the rain during the search, which did not undercover any contraband.\r\n\r\nIt is hard to describe the frustration and pain you feel when people pressure you to be guilty for no good reason, and you know that you are innocent...... [W]e fit the profile to a tee. We were traveling on I-68, early in the morning, in a Virginia rental car. And, my cousin and I, the front seat passengers, were young black males. The only problem was that we were not dangerous, armed drug traffickers. It should not be suspicious to travel on the highway early in the morning in a Virginia rental car. And it should not be suspicious to be black.\r\n\r\nAfter the traffic stop, Judge Wilkins began reviewing Maryland State Police data, and noticed that while a majority of those drivers searched on 1-95 were black, blacks made up only a minority of drivers traveling there.\r\n\r\nJudge Wilkins filed a civil rights lawsuit, which resulted in two landmark settlements that were the first to require systematic compilation and publication by a police agency of data for all highway drug and weapons searches, including data regarding the race of the motorist involved, the justification for the search and the outcome of the search. The settlements also required the State police to hire an independent consultant, install video cameras in their vehicles, conduct internal investigations of all citizen complaints of racial profiling, and provide the Maryland NAACP with quarterly reports containing detailed information on the number, nature, location, and disposition of racial profiling complaints.\r\n\r\nThese settlements inspired a June 1999 executive order by President Clinton, Congressional hearings and legislation that has been enacted in over half of the 50 States.\r\n\r\nIt was a landmark case. It pointed out the right way in which we should conduct oversight and the right way to end racial profiling. Judge Wilkins took the leadership and did something that many of us would have had a hard time doing, putting himself forward in order to do what was right.\r\n\r\nAs my colleagues know, I have introduced S. 1038, the End Racial Profiling Act--ERPA--which would codify many of the practices now used by the Maryland State Police to root out the use of racial profiling by law enforcement. The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on ending the use of racial profiling last year, and I am hopeful that with the broader discussion on racial profiling generated by the tragic Trayvon Martin case that we can come together and move forward on this legislation.\r\n\r\nJudge Wilkins played a key role in the passage of the federal statute establishing the National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission, and he served as the Chairman of the Site and Building Committee of that Presidential Commission. The work of the Presidential Commission led to the passage of Public Law No. 108-184, which authorized the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This museum will be the newest addition to the Smithsonian, and it is scheduled to open in 2015 between the National Museum of American History and the Washington Monument on the National Mall.\r\n\r\nJudge Wilkins continues his pro bono work to this day. He currently serves as the Court liaison to the Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services of the Judicial Conference of the DC Circuit.\r\n\r\nHe is committed to public service and equal justice under the law.\r\n\r\nAs a U.S. district judge for the District of Columbia since 2011, Judge Wilkins has presided over hundreds of civil and criminal cases, including both jury and bench trials. Judge Wilkins already sits on a Federal bench which hears an unusual number of cases of national importance to the Federal Government, including complex election law, voting rights, environmental, securities, and administrative law cases. Indeed, Judge Wilkins has been nominated for the appellate court that would directly hear appeals from the court on which he currently sits. He understands the responsibilities of the court that he has been nominated to by President Obama.\r\n\r\nThe American Bar Association gave Judge Wilkins a rating of unanimously well qualified to serve as a Federal appellate judge, which is the highest possible rating from the nonpartisan peer review.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is also referred to as the Nation's second-highest court. The Supreme Court only accepts a handful of cases each year, so the DC Circuit often has the last word and proclaims the final law of the land in a range of critical areas of the law. Only 8 of the 11 seats of the court authorized by the Congress are filled, resulting in a higher than 25-percent vacancy rate on this critical court.\r\n\r\nThis court handles unusually complex cases in the area of administrative law, including revealing decisions and rulemaking of many Federal agencies in policy areas such as environmental, labor, and financial regulations. Nationally, only about 15 percent of the appeals are administrative in nature. In the DC Circuit, that figure is 43 percent. They have a much larger caseload of complex cases. The court also hears a variety of sensitive terrorism cases involving complicated issues such as enemy combatants and detention policies.\r\n\r\nI have a quote from former Chief Judge Henry Edwards who said:\r\n\r\n[R]eview of large, multiparty, difficult administrative appeals is the staple of judicial work in the DC Circuit. This alone distinguishes the work of the DC Circuit from the work of other circuits. It also explains why it is impossible to compare the work of the DC Circuit with other circuits by simply referring to raw data on case filings.\r\n\r\nChief Justice Roberts noted that ``about two-thirds of the cases before the DC Circuit involved the Federal Government in some civil capacity, while that figure is less than twenty-five percent nationwide.'' He also described the ``D.C. Circuit's unique character, as a court with special responsibility to review legal challenges to the conduct of the national government.''\r\n\r\nWe have a person who is imminently qualified for this position in Judge Wilkins. We have a need to fill these vacancies. The Senate should carry out its responsibility and conduct an up-or-down vote on Judge Wilkins' nomination. We are going to have a chance to do that in a few moments.\r\n\r\nLet me remind my colleagues that the Senate unanimously confirmed Judge Wilkins in 2010 for his current position, and he has a distinguished lifelong record of public service.\r\n\r\nI ask the Senate and my colleagues to vote so we can move forward and get an up-or-down vote on this imminently qualified judge, and I hope my colleagues will support his confirmation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010402/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361976", "Van Hollen on MSNBC: We Should Focus on Jobs and the Economy", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, appeared on MSNBC with Tamron Hall to talk about the Affordable Care Act and the state of the American economy. Below are highlights of his interview, and the full video is available\u00a0here:\n\u201cYou have confidence in Jeff Zients \u2013 he\u2019s the czar, now, for the Healthcare Exchange \u2013 he\u2019s the guy who was brought in, he has broad experience. \u00a0So, we\u2019ve got to get this thing working. Obviously it has gotten off to a very, very bumpy start. Very important that they get it fixed, up and running so that people can access these health care plans and find out that, in fact, a lot of these plans are much more affordable than the plans they have today.\u201d\n\u201cWell, Tamron, the polls show overwhelmingly that the American people want to fix problems with Affordable Care Act as they come up. They don\u2019t want to get rid of it. In other words, they want to fix it, not nix it.\u201d\n\u201cSo, the American people understand that the status quo before the Affordable Care Act was unacceptable. They want to make the Affordable Care Act work. We want to work with people who want to fix it, but it\u2019s hard to work with people who are trying to actually just kill it and undermine the entire effort.\u201d\n\u201cOur Republican colleagues want only to talk about Affordable Care Act. We should be working right now on the budget negotiations and focus on jobs and the economy. That means looking, I believe, at additional investment in our national infrastructure. It means replacing these very deep and immediate sequester cuts with the smarter approach, because those cuts are having a drag on the economy. That\u2019s according to the Congressional Budget Office. And, we have to deal with the issue of unemployment compensation. That expires at the end of this year. That\u2019s millions of Americans who are still looking for work, can\u2019t find it, need to make sure they put food on the table for their families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221194242/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/media/confirm-judge-wilkins-to-be-us-circuit-judge-on-the-dc-circuit-", "Confirm Judge Wilkins To Be U.S. Circuit Judge On The D.C. Circuit", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t\t\n        \n                \n                    \n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n                     \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                \n        \n                \n        \n                \n                    \n                    ...despite not a single Republican voicing opposition to Judge Wilkins\u2014he was the latest victim of a filibuster.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/video/cummings-joins-msnbc-host-martin-bashir-discuss-rep-issa-and-aca", "Cummings Joins MSNBC Host Martin Bashir to Discuss Rep. Issa and the ACA", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Cummings talks with host Martin Bashir about a recent Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the Affordable Care Act's implementation. (11/15/13", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-hails-sfrc-passage-of-new-transparency-measures-for-us-foreign-aid", "Cardin Hails SFRC Passage Of New Transparency Measures For U.S. Foreign Aid", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 14, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Hails SFRC Passage Of New Transparency Measures For U.S. Foreign Aid \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised committee passage of\u00a0 his bill, S. 1271, the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2013. Introduced with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), this legislation requires regular evaluations of foreign assistance programs to be made publicly available to the American people.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cForeign aid makes up approximately one percent of the federal budget but this small investment has the power to radically transform lives,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cThe Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act will allow American citizens to better understand our foreign assistance efforts and ensure that every dollar of our scarce foreign assistance dollars is used in the most effective and efficient way possible.\u201d\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2013 directs the President to establish goals, performance, and evaluation guidelines for U.S. foreign assistance programs, country assistance plans, and international and multilateral assistance programs. It builds upon previous efforts by including specific measurement guidelines from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the American Evaluation Association (AEA).\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe bill requires federal agencies administering foreign aid to regularly monitor and evaluate these programs against specific metrics, as well as to publish the results of these evaluations online. If enacted, the bill would give federal agencies up to two years to fully comply with a mandate to post semi-annual reports on their management of any foreign aid funds. It also mandates biennial reports from the GAO on the different agencies\u2019 implementation of the bill. The bill also recommends that Congress take into account these reports when appropriating funds for federal agencies administering foreign aid programs.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234856/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361384", "Van Hollen Announces VA Grant to Help Veterans in Frederick", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen announced $240,884 in new federal grant funding for Way Station, Inc. in Frederick, MD.\u00a0 Way Station, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate and quality behavioral health care, housing and employment services to people across our community, including veterans. The grant, awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is part of $4.9 million in recently released grants to provide enhanced services for homeless Veterans this year.\u00a0\n\u201cWay Station, Inc. is on the front line of helping to combat this issue, and I\u2019m pleased to announce that the VA has recognized their important work and provided them with additional resources,\u201d said Congressman Van Hollen. \u201cThe brave men and women of our Armed Forces sacrifice so much for our country, and we must do everything we can to care of our veterans when they come home.\u00a0 Although we\u2019ve made progress in tackling this problem, there is clearly more work to be done.\u201d\nOn a single night in January 2012, a national count of homeless veterans totaled 62,619. To help a homeless Veteran or Veteran at risk of homelessness, refer them to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-4AID-VET, or direct them to www.va.gov/homeless. The hotline connects homeless Veterans, Veterans at risk of becoming homeless, and their families with the VA services and benefits they have earned.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010041/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361666", "Statement of Representative Chris Van Hollen (MD-08) regarding H.R. 2655", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker\u2014\nI rise in opposition to H.R. 2655, the misleadingly-named \u201cLawsuit Abuse Reduction Act.\u201d\u00a0 This legislation would amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to reinstate a previous, failed version of the rule that was in place from 1983-1993.\nRule 11 allows for the imposition of sanctions on the plaintiff in a civil case if it is determined that a claim lacks sufficient evidence.\u00a0 Currently, Rule 11 allows judges to exercise discretion in determining when to impose these sanctions.\u00a0 This bill, H.R. 2655, mirrors the policy from 1983-1993, when Rule 11 was amended to mandate that sanctions be automatically applied regardless of the specific circumstance of a Rule 11 violation.\u00a0 This policy erodes judicial discretion by forcing judges to apply sanctions in every instance of a violation regardless of the merits.\u00a0 The effect of this change was\u2014and would be under H.R. 2655\u2014disastrous for our judicial system and victims alike.\u00a0 For this reason, the Judicial Conference, the American Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice all strongly oppose this legislation.\nAs the Judicial Conference Chairs wrote to Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. in July, from 1983-1993, the \u201c\u2026mandatory sanctions provision quickly became a tool of abuse in civil litigation.\u00a0 Seeking to use mandatory sanctions to their advantage, aggressive lawyers filed motions for Rule 11 sanctions in response to virtually every filing in a civil case.\u00a0\u00a0 Much time and money was spent in Rule 11 battles that had everything to do with strategic gamesmanship and little to do with underlying claims.\u201d\u00a0 The Judicial Conference also points out that the 1993 rule changes that corrected this misguided policy \u201c\u2026followed years of examination and were made on the Judicial Conference\u2019s strong recommendation, with the Supreme Court\u2019s approval, and after congressional review.\u201d\nUnfortunately, we are wasting precious legislative days in this Congress re-litigating this already-solved issue.\u00a0 All empirical evidence from the 1983-1993 existence of the mandatory sanctions points to increased litigation costs and a distraction from the administering of justice.\nI urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 2655.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131117080944/http://www.cardin.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/cardin-wicker-lead-senate-in-commemoration-of-75th-anniversary-of-kristallnacht_", "Cardin, Wicker Lead Senate In Commemoration Of 75th Anniversary Of Kristallnacht", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Cardin, Wicker Lead Senate In Commemoration Of 75th Anniversary Of Kristallnacht  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWednesday, November 13, 2013\n\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) lauded Senate approval by unanimous consent of a resolution (S. Res. 290) commemorating the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. These pogroms took place November 9 and 10 across Jewish neighborhoods in Germany, German-occupied Austria, and German-occupied Czechoslovakia.\n\u00a0\n\u201cKristallnacht was a crucial turning point in the Holocaust \u2013 moving from a policy of removing Jews from Germany and German occupied lands, to murdering them. It stands as a particularly potent example of how hate can proliferate and erode our societies, and why I have worked tirelessly to advance global efforts to stop ethnic cleansing,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cIn my capacity as Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and decades long work as a Member of Congress, I have advanced efforts to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance and discrimination in North America and Europe. Kristallnacht stands as an enduring example of the danger of associating citizenship with ethnicity.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cKristallnacht was a heartbreaking moment and a disgusting display of Nazi Germany\u2019s attempt to eradicate the Jewish people,\u201d Senator Wicker said.\u00a0 \u201cIn somberly remembering this tragedy, we recommit ourselves to eliminating the scourge of anti-Semitism wherever it persists.\u00a0 We must defend humanity against such gross displays of hatred, here in America and around the world.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe resolution approved by the full U.S. Senate pays tribute to the over 6,000,000 Jewish people killed during the Holocaust and the families affected by the tragedy. It also expresses continued support for U.S. efforts to address the legacy of the Holocaust and combat manifestations of anti-Semitism domestically and globally. Such efforts include working with partners such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe\u2019s Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism and Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Unit.\n\u00a0\nText of the full resolution can be found here. Cosponsors included Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ), as well as Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Chuck Schumer (D-NY).\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221004023/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361667", "Statement of Representative Van Hollen (MD-08) regarding H.R. 982", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker\u2014\nI rise in opposition to H.R. 982, the misleadingly-named \u201cFACT Act.\u201d\u00a0 When the Congress should be considering important legislation to replace the sequester, address our budget deficits in a balanced way, and reform our broken immigration system, we are instead using our scarce legislative time to consider this cynical, counterproductive bill that specifically targets victims suffering from diseases caused by asbestos exposure.\nUnder the cloak of \u201ctransparency and accountability,\u201d this legislation would needlessly force asbestos trusts to release personal claim information about victims.\u00a0 It would also allow asbestos defendants to demand unlimited and irrelevant information from asbestos trusts\u2014at any point in a proceeding.\u00a0 The cynical intent of this provision is to burden the asbestos trusts with so many requests for information (from deep-pocketed, corporate defendants) that they will have to spend time and resources fulfilling those information requests, thus delaying trust recoveries by victims.\u00a0 This is especially concerning considering mesothelioma usually kills its victims within 4 to 18 months of diagnosis.\nFinally, the allegations of fraud within the trust process are simply untrue.\u00a0 The error rate in the asbestos trust process has been shown to be less than one-half of one percent.\u00a0 Any examples of fraud found are rare and isolated incidents, and are aptly addressed by state courts.\u00a0 Simply put, this legislation is nothing but a legislative hand-out to the corporations that have (and continue to) subject workers to unsafe working conditions.\u00a0 The one-sided nature of this bill was further exposed when its supporters defeated an amendment that would have required the corporate defendants to disclose information about the location of their disease-causing asbestos products.\nI urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 982.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010412/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361323", "Van Hollen on MSNBC: ACA Allows Insurance Companies to Renew Current Plans for Next Year", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, appeared on MSNBC with Tamron Hall to talk about the Affordable Care Act. Below is a transcript of his interview, and the video is available\u00a0here:\nTAMRON HALL, MSNBC:\u00a0Joining me now live, Democratic Congressman Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.\u00a0 Sir, thank you for your time again.\u00a0\nREP. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Good to be with you, Tamron.\nHALL:\u00a0Here we are \u2013 we may, in about an hour from now, hear these numbers that have been speculated and reported on. We\u2019ll hear the facts. We do know Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary Sebelius, has already said they\u2019re going to be low. What does that do to the discussion, and moving forward here, with this deadline looming of November 30th, and today the testimony being that the vast majority of people will be able to get on the website, but we cannot guarantee 100 percent?\nVAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Well, Tamron, I think everybody agrees that the website situation is absolutely unacceptable. But even if it was running perfectly, we would expect the enrollment numbers, at this point in time, in the Affordable Care Act through the exchange to be very low. We know that based on the experience they had in Massachusetts, where on a state level they implemented a very similar plan. I don\u2019t think it should surprise anybody that, even if the website were up and running perfectly, most people take a little bit of time to shop around and they don\u2019t make their final selection until the deadline gets nearer.\nSo, yes, we\u2019ve got to get this website up and running, because right now people aren\u2019t able to figure out what their alternatives could be \u2013 but, even if it were running perfectly, you would not see a big take-up at this point in time.\nI should say, I am hearing signs that the enrollment in Medicaid is going to be, I think, fairly robust. And that means many, many Americans are going to have access to that health care \u2013 except of course those in states that have refused to expand [Medicaid], and they\u2019re going to leave about 5 million people behind.\nHALL:\u00a0Right, absolutely.\u00a0 Let me ask you, though, about some of your colleagues. Some Democrats, who, as we\u2019ve played, now, and including Dianne Feinstein, she is co-sponsoring a bill with Senator Mary Landrieu that would require insurance companies to continue offering the existing health care plans that people have. Basically, the promise that the President made, turning it into a reality here.\u00a0 It\u2019s seen as an abandoning of ship, if you will, by some Democrats who could be in political peril.\nVAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Well, two things. One, we want to look for ways right away to address the concerns that have been raised. But you want to make sure your remedy is not worse than the problem. And the proposals that have been put on the table, some in the Senate and some in the House, would increase premiums significantly as you go into next year.\u00a0 So, trying to find a way to fix a problem right now by creating an even bigger problem down the road is not the way to go.\nThe other thing I would point out, Tamron, I think there has been a lot of confusion about this. Which is there\u2019s nothing in the Affordable Care Act itself that prevents any of these insurance companies from extending any of their insurance policies for another year, so long as they do it before the end of this year. And so, these notices that are going out from insurance companies are decisions that are being made by the insurance companies.\u00a0 And I think that is the source of much confusion, because those decisions are not being forced by the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0 There are some states that have accelerated the movement in that direction, but the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit those insurance companies from renewing for a year, so long as they do it by the end of this year.\nHALL:\u00a0Right. So then what is the proper fix here that would, if people want to keep their insurance plan, what is the proper fix to make certain that that happens, if that is the goal?\nVAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Well I think one thing we should do immediately is begin to go to the insurance commissioners in the various states and ask them to look into why these insurance companies are not using the authority they have to extend these policies for one more year, so long as they do it before the end of this year? Because a lot of these insurance companies have sent out letters saying that the Affordable Care Act was making them terminate these policies, but that\u2019s just not the case. In some cases, you have states that have passed state laws that would prevent that, but the Affordable Care Act does not prevent that, so long as the insurance companies do it this year and it\u2019s for one more year.\nHALL:\u00a0All right, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, thank you so much for your time, we greatly appreciate it. I know you\u2019ve got a lot going on there.\nVAN HOLLEN:\u00a0Thank You.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221024537/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361383", "Van Hollen to be Honored as Crittenton Award Winner", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tonight Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen will be presented with the Crittenton Legacy Award for Leadership at the 125th Anniversary Celebration of the Crittenton Services of Greater Washington. The Award is presented to individuals who represent the core values and essence of the work that Crittenton Services does to empower vulnerable teen girls. Their programs serve the most vulnerable girls in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, helping to provide the knowledge, support, and training in life skills they need to chart their paths to success.\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to receive this award from the wonderful and tireless team at Crittenton Services of Greater Washington,\u201d said Congressman Van Hollen. \u201cUnderprivileged and underserved young women in our community, and across the country, need the proper resources and support to overcome obstacles, make positive choices, and achieve their life goals. I will continue to support the important work that this organization does day in and day out as we fight for a better future for these girls.\u201d\nBeverly L. Perry, Senior Vice President and Special Advisor to the Chairman of Pepco Holdings (Retired), will be awarded the Crittenton Legacy Award for Community Service and Beatriz Otero, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services for the District of Columbia, will be awarded the Crittenton Legacy Award for Advocacy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-wicker-lead-senate-in-commemoration-of-75th-anniversary-of-kristallnacht", "Cardin, Wicker Lead Senate In Commemoration Of 75th Anniversary Of Kristallnacht", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 13, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin, Wicker Lead Senate In Commemoration Of 75th Anniversary Of Kristallnacht   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) lauded Senate approval by unanimous consent of a resolution (S. Res. 290) commemorating the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. These pogroms took place November 9 and 10 across Jewish neighborhoods in Germany, German-occupied Austria, and German-occupied Czechoslovakia.\r\n\r\nKristallnacht was a crucial turning point in the Holocaust  moving from a policy of removing Jews from Germany and German occupied lands, to murdering them. It stands as a particularly potent example of how hate can proliferate and erode our societies, and why I have worked tirelessly to advance global efforts to stop ethnic cleansing, said Senator Cardin. In my capacity as Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and decades long work as a Member of Congress, I have advanced efforts to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance and discrimination in North America and Europe. Kristallnacht stands as an enduring example of the danger of associating citizenship with ethnicity.\r\n\r\nKristallnacht was a heartbreaking moment and a disgusting display of Nazi Germany's attempt to eradicate the Jewish people, Senator Wicker said. In somberly remembering this tragedy, we recommit ourselves to eliminating the scourge of anti-Semitism wherever it persists. We must defend humanity against such gross displays of hatred, here in America and around the world.\r\n\r\nThe resolution approved by the full U.S. Senate pays tribute to the over 6,000,000 Jewish people killed during the Holocaust and the families affected by the tragedy. It also expresses continued support for U.S. efforts to address the legacy of the Holocaust and combat manifestations of anti-Semitism domestically and globally. Such efforts include working with partners such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism and Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Unit.\r\n\r\nText of the full resolution can be found here. Cosponsors included Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ), as well as Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Chuck Schumer (D-NY).\r\n\r\n###\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/event/how-pay-college-seminar", "How to Pay for College Seminar", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Cummings' How to Pay for College Seminar brings together college-bound high school seniors, parents, and current college students with financial aid and higher education experts\u00a0to provide information about opportunities and financial assistance programs that give current and perspective students the ability to attain a college education.\u00a0\nThe event will include a financial aid seminar from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, with speakers including:\n Dr. James Copeland, Jr. \u2013 U.S. Department of Education\n\tBene\u00e9 Edwards \u2013 Maryland Higher Education Commission\u00a0\n\tJennifer Bauer \u2013 Central Scholarship\n\tApril Bell \u2013 College Board\u00a0\n\tTroy Quinn \u2013 Morgan State University\n\tand\u00a0Julie Knox-Brown \u2013 Howard Community College\n \u00a0\nArea colleges and universities will also be in attendance to provide information, including:\n American Beauty Academy \u2013 Baltimore\n\tBaltimore City Community College\n\tCommunity College of Baltimore County\n\tCoppin State University\n\t\u00a0Frostburg State University\n\t\u00a0Howard Community College\n\tHoward University\n\t\u00a0Morgan State University\n\tNotre Dame of Maryland University\n\tOld Dominion University\n\tSt. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland\n\tStevenson University\n\tStratford University\n\tTowson University\n\tTrinity Washington University\n\tUniversity of Baltimore\n\tUniversity of the District of Columbia\n\tUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County\n\tVirginia Commonwealth University\n\tWest Chester University\n CLICK HERE TO REGISTER", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-offers-condolences-support-for-the-victims-of-typhoon-yolanda/haiyan", "Cardin Offers Condolences, Support For The Victims Of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 12, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Offers Condolences, Support For The Victims Of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan in the Philippines:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of life, injuries and devastation sustained from Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan in the Philippines this weekend. The extent of the damage and loss of life is almost unimaginable, with 9.7 million people affected and reports of deaths ranging from between an officially confirmed estimate of over 1,700 to unofficial estimates of over ten thousand possible deaths. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, I have spoken with the Filipino Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Cuisia, Jr., and offered my personal condolences and willingness to help. \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Philippines has long been a trusted, close U.S. ally. We share strong economic, security and people-to-people ties. I assured the Ambassador that I would look for every opportunity for Congress and the Administration to support a coordinated, international response that provides immediate disaster assistance and long-term support to rebuild affected communities. Already, the U.S. government is providing $20 million in humanitarian assistance to benefit typhoon-affected populations in the Philippines.\u00a0We have also sent a USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team to conduct humanitarian assessments and assistance in heavily affected Leyte Province, and are coordinating our efforts with other international donors. \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cFilipino Americans enrich our communities in my home state of Maryland and many communities throughout the United States. My heart goes out to them and their families. We will continue to stand by our good friends in the Philippines to help them recover from this terrible disaster.\u201d \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senators-urge-ustr-to-safeguard-tobacco-control-measures-and-protect-public-health-in-trade-agreement", "Senators Urge USTR To Safeguard Tobacco Control Measures And Protect Public Health In Trade Agreement", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 12, 2013\n\t\t\t Senators Urge USTR To Safeguard Tobacco Control Measures And Protect Public Health In Trade Agreement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Tobacco is on track to kill one billion people worldwide this century\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-SD), Edward Markey (D-MA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Al Franken (D-MN), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) wrote to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman to express their concerns regarding the USTR\u2019s Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement Tobacco Proposal, which does not currently recognize tobacco as a unique consumer product and which may allow tobacco companies to use trade law to subvert domestic tobacco control measures.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cEfforts by tobacco companies and governments supporting tobacco companies to use trade laws to subvert public health measures are deplorable and a serious threat to global public health. Tobacco companies and governments supporting tobacco companies have proven they are willing to use trade laws as a basis to challenge domestic tobacco control legislation. The final TTP language should recognize this dangerous trend and prevent further abuses of trade laws related to domestic tobacco control legislation.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe United States should be leading the fight against death and disease from tobacco products, which are a uniquely dangerous threat to public health. We urge you to work with TPP participating nations to include language in TPP that recognizes tobacco as a unique consumer product and ensures TPP nations are able to fully implement and enforce strong non-discriminatory tobacco control legislation to protect public health and reduce tobacco-related deaths.\u201d \r\n\u00a0\r\nToday\u2019s letter follows a June 2012 letter written by Cardin, Durbin, Blumenthal, Harkin, and former U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and John Kerry (D-MA) to USTR Ambassador Ron Kirk urging him to reconsider the decision not to exclude tobacco products from future tariff reductions. The TPP Agreement Tobacco Proposal still does not include an exemption for tobacco products from any elimination or phasing down of tariffs that might be included in the agreement. A copy of that letter is available here.\r\n\u00a0\r\nEvery year, 443,000 people \u2013 1 out of every 2 people who use the product as intended \u2013 are killed as a result of tobacco use in the United States alone. Accordingly, the TPP Agreement Tobacco Proposal should explicitly recognize the unique health and regulatory status of tobacco products. The TPP Agreement Tobacco Proposal should also ensure that TPP nations are able to fully implement and enforce tobacco control legislation like the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009. The provision would allow health authorities in TPP countries to adopt regulations that impose origin-neutral, science-based restrictions on specific tobacco products \u2013 such as those in the Tobacco Control Act \u2013 in order to safeguard public health. \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe TPP Agreement is currently being negotiated by twelve countries\u2014Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States. USTR hopes to complete these negotiations soon, at which point the TPP Agreement will be voted on by Congress. \r\n\u00a0\r\n[The Senators\u2019 letter to Ambassador Froman is copied below and attached.]\r\n\u00a0\r\nNovember 12, 2013\r\n\u00a0\r\nAmbassador Michael Froman\r\nOffice of the United States Trade Representative\r\n600 17th Street NW\r\nWashington, DC 20208\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Ambassador Froman:\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe write to express our concerns about the tobacco provisions proposed by the United States during the most recent Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade negotiations in Brunei. While we would prefer an exclusion for all tobacco products from the TPP, we strongly believe TPP should, at the very least, include language that recognizes tobacco as a unique consumer product and ensures TPP nations are able to fully implement and enforce strong nondiscriminatory tobacco control legislation to protect public health and reduce tobacco-related deaths. \r\n\u00a0\r\nTobacco use is the leading preventable cause of deaths worldwide, taking 6.3 million lives a year, including 1,200 Americans daily. The United States spends nearly $200 billion a year for tobacco-related illness and injury, and lost productivity.\u00a0 Unless serious, urgent action is taken, tobacco will kill one billion people worldwide this century. \r\n\u00a0\r\nTobacco companies and governments supporting tobacco companies have a history of aggressively using trade law to subvert domestic tobacco control measures. Indonesia, on behalf of Kretek International, an Indonesian tobacco company that sells a clove-flavored cigarette that is attractive to children, used provisions in several World Trade Organization agreements to challenge a provision in the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act that bans candy-like flavorings that appeal to youth smokers. Philip Morris International filed a Bilateral Investment Treaty dispute against Uruguay because of the country\u2019s graphic warning labels. The company is also using Australia's Bilateral Investment Treaty with Hong Kong to challenge an Australian ban on color and images on tobacco packages. These efforts by tobacco companies and governments supporting tobacco companies to use trade laws to subvert public health measures are deplorable and a serious threat to global public health. \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe current tobacco proposal states that tobacco control measures are measures \u201cto protect human health,\u201d and as such would fall under a \u201cgeneral exceptions\u201d chapter of the TPP analogous to Article XX(b) of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). It has long been assumed that tobacco control measures fall under this provision, and yet, we have seen repeated legal challenges to these measures. The provisions proposed by the United States would not exempt tobacco control measures from other TPP obligations and do not prevent nations, on behalf of tobacco companies, from using TPP as a basis for threatening or following through with legal action to prevent the enforcement of nondiscriminatory tobacco control legislation. \r\n\u00a0\r\nWe appreciate that the current tobacco proposal allows the health ministers of the two countries to have an opportunity to discuss any challenged tobacco control measure before legal action commences. However, even if the consulting parties agree, consultation cannot block a challenge to tobacco control regulation. We are concerned that this provision will simply delay, but will not prevent, tobacco companies and governments supporting tobacco companies from using TPP as a basis for preventing domestic enforcement of sensible non-discriminatory tobacco control legislation.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe also appreciate efforts to find consensus on this issue. However, tobacco companies and governments supporting tobacco companies have proven they are willing to use trade laws as a basis to challenge domestic tobacco control legislation. The final TTP language should recognize this dangerous trend and prevent further abuses of trade laws related to domestic tobacco control legislation.\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe United States should be leading the fight against death and disease from tobacco products, which are a uniquely dangerous threat to public health. We urge you to work with TPP participating nations to include language in TPP that recognizes tobacco as a unique consumer product and ensures TPP nations are able to fully implement and enforce strong non-discriminatory tobacco control legislation to protect public health and reduce tobacco-related deaths.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013317/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361016", "Van Hollen Statement in Honor of Veterans Day", "2013-11-11", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement in honor of Veterans Day: \u201cToday we celebrate the brave men and women who answered the call of duty and have given so much to keep our nation free and safe. But we must honor them not just with our words, but with our actions as well. Congress must keep working to ensure veterans have job opportunities, access to the very best health care, and the chance to receive a quality education. As we reaffirm our commitment to providing for our troops, veterans, and their families, we pledge to keep fighting on a bipartisan basis for these brave Americans not just today, but every day.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-commemorating-veterans-day", "Cummings Issues Statement Commemorating Veterans Day", "2013-11-10", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE\nBALTIMORE, MD (NOVEMBER 10, 2013)\u2013Today, Congressman Elijah E Cummings (MD-07) released the following statement commemorating Veterans Day on Monday, November 11:\n\u201cOur men and women in uniform make countless sacrifices, travel far from their families, and risk their lives in pursuit of one of the most honorable missions of all \u2013 service to this great nation.\u00a0 On Veterans Day, Americans honor the courage and valor of current and former servicemembers.\u00a0 But to truly honor these heroes, we must do our best to serve them when they return home.\u00a0 No one is more deserving of our help.\n\u201cI am pleased with the Veterans Administration\u2019s recent announcement that they have made progress in reducing backlogged disability compensation claims by 34 percent since March of this year, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to bring that backlog to zero.\u00a0 I will also continue to support legislation that provides veterans with the economic opportunities and other services they deserve, like my bill H.R. 1842, the Military Family Home Protection Act.\n\u201cOur veterans have earned the right to return home and find success in the country they worked so hard to protect.\u00a0 I pledge to continue to make that goal a reality.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/honoring-our-heroes-on-veterans-day", "Honoring Our Heroes On Veterans Day", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 08, 2013\n\t\t\t Honoring Our Heroes On Veterans Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nOn Veterans Day, we thank the millions of brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces and risked their lives for our nation. We honor them for their valor, their dedication, and the many sacrifices they have made in order to protect all of us. Each citizen should strive to follow our veterans\u2019 example of selflessness and service.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe are exceedingly grateful to those who have served, those who are serving, and their family and friends who support them daily. Our military families endure long periods of separation and loneliness, but their commitment to our nation is unyielding. They are an important part of why we have the finest military in the world.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs we thank our veterans, let us also show gratitude to those currently serving in uniform, who will become the veterans of tomorrow. For those serving that are deployed, we pray for their safe return and want them to know we are ready to provide them with the resources and benefits they have earned with their extraordinary service. Maryland is home to more than 470,000 veterans to whom we made solemn promises. I am committed to making sure they receive the support they were promised. I know everyone in Maryland and all across the nation joins me in saying, once again, thank you.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221004035/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360982", "Van Hollen, Leahy Lead Coalition of Lawmakers in Welcoming the FDA\u2019s Release of Proposed Rules To Protect Consumers Using Generic Drugs", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "House Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and a coalition of lawmakers on Friday welcomed the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s release of proposed rules to ensure that generic manufacturers of prescription drugs can update their warning labels to provide better\u00a0patient safety information to consumers.\nVan Hollen, Leahy, Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.), Senate HELP Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Senate Aging Committee Chairman Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), \u00a0and Representatives Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Bruce Braley (D-Iowa), Matthew Cartwright (D-Pa.) and other lawmakers have long called for the FDA to act on this important patient safety issue.\u00a0 The rulemaking follows a Supreme Court case in which a patient who was gravely injured by a prescription drug was unable to seek relief from the drug\u2019s manufacturer because she took the generic version of the drug.\u00a0 The Court held that generic manufacturers could not be held responsible for inadequate labeling because they lack authority to update their warning labels, even if they become aware of new safety problems.\u00a0 That issue would be addressed by the proposed rule released Friday.\nLawmakers applauded the FDA\u2019s announcement:\n\u201cI applaud the FDA\u2019s action today to ensure that consumers are armed with the most accurate information about new risks and side effects of all drugs. This will help ensure that generic manufacturers have the ability to independently add or strengthen the warning on their products, like brand name manufacturers do. It is a critical change that we\u2019ve been fighting for, and it will improve safety and help Americans make the best decisions for their families,\u201d Van Hollen said.\n\u201cA consumer should not have her rights foreclosed simply because she takes the generic version of a prescription drug,\u201d Leahy said.\u00a0 \u201cI welcome this action by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that generic manufacturers can improve their patient safety labels.\u00a0 Responsible brand-name and generic manufacturers alike should have the ability, and the obligation, to give doctors and patients the information they need to avoid injuries.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cA senior in Minnesota may have no idea that a prescription drug they\u2019re taking could cause devastating complications because generic drug manufacturers aren\u2019t allowed to update their labels to accurately reflect all side effects or risks,\u201d Franken said. \u201cLast year, we introduced a bill to fix this problem. And today, after our urging, the FDA took a critical step forward to right this wrong. I\u2019ll be pushing to get the FDA\u2019s labeling fix implemented as soon as possible.\u201d\n\u201cConsumers and health care professionals should have access to the most up-to-date product labeling information, regardless of whether they choose to use a name-brand or a generic drug,\u201d Harkin said. \u201cI applaud the FDA for working to ensure that important generic drug safety information reaches consumers and health care professionals in the most timely manner possible, and hope this rule can be finalized quickly.\u201d\n\u201cThis new guidance will give consumers clear, safe and accurate drug information\u2014regardless of whether a drug is brand-name or generic,\u201d Nelson said.\n\u201cToday's action by FDA will not only allow patients and physicians to have access to the newest safety information about all drugs at the earliest possible time, but it will grant patients who take generic drugs\u00a0 the same right to access the courts as those who take a brand drug,\u201d Waxman said.\u00a0 \u201cI am also glad to see that FDA is carefully evaluating ways to preserve the \u2018sameness\u2019 principle between generic and brand drugs that has been so critical to the success of the U.S. generic drug system. Patients need to have confidence that the generic drugs are the same as their brand counterparts in all significant respects, including risk information on the drug labeling.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see this important step forward for patient safety,\u201d Braley said. \u201cThis is a common sense solution to protect American patients who deserve to know the risks of the drugs they\u2019re taking. American consumers don't want\u00a0multiple sets of rules when it comes to the accuracy of drug labels. Today\u2019s announcement is an important step towards preventing the misuse of prescription drugs, and keeping Americans safer and healthier.\u201d\n\u201cI applaud the FDA\u2019s decision to allow generic drug manufacturers to update labels with the latest safety information,\u201d Cartwright said.\u00a0 \u201cThis proposal will help equip health care providers and consumers who depend on generic drugs with the best possible information to avoid adverse outcomes.\u201d\nThe lawmakers sent letters urging the FDA to act on this issue in June 2013, May 2012 and April 2012.\u00a0 Leahy, Franken and other members also introduced related legislation last year.\u00a0 Action on this issue has been supported by a broad coalition of patient safety and consumer groups, including the AARP, Public Citizen, Breast Cancer Action, and the National Women\u2019s Health Network.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301142832/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veterans-day-statement-from-congressman-delaney", "Veterans Day Statement from Congressman Delaney", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) releases the following statement on Veterans Day:\n\u201cOn Veterans Day we honor the millions of Americans that have defended our freedoms in times of war and times of peace. We gather in communities across the nation to pay tribute to the men and women in uniform who have courageously served the United States and protected our freedoms. The ceremonies and spirit of Veterans Day are an essential thread in the fabric of our country.\n\u00a0\u201cAs we mark the holiday, we are reminded of the profound obligation we have to stand with our veterans and their families. While we pause to recognize the many sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, we must commit to continuing to honor our veterans year round. Although the debt to those who have served our nation, including the over 450,000 Maryland veterans, can never fully be repaid, we can recommit ourselves to serving them as they have served our country. I encourage all of us to celebrate our veterans and offer them our eternal gratitude and everlasting support and admiration.\n\u201cI would like to personally extend my sincerest thank you to the veterans I am proud to represent. One of the greatest privileges of public office is getting to meet so many veterans and active duty service members and their families and learn about the incredible work they\u2019ve done to protect our country. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. Please consider the door of my office always open to assist you and address your questions and concerns.\u201d\nOn Veterans Day, Delaney will attend the Wreath Laying Ceremony in Hagerstown and tour the VA facility in Martinsburg WV, which serves many of Western Maryland\u2019s veterans.\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/veterans-day", "Veterans Day", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 08, 2013\n\t\t\t Veterans' Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Statement Of The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n \r\nMr. CARDIN. Mr. President, as Veterans' Day 2013 approaches next Monday, I ask that in honoring the brave men and women who have served our Nation, we in Congress honor them in ways that are meaningful and help them return to civilian life after they have served. A mere thank-you is little comfort to a veteran who cannot find meaningful employment, who is striving to provide for his or her family, or who is dealing with post-traumatic stress.\r\n\r\nPresident Woodrow Wilson established this holiday  originally known as Armistice Day  on November 11, 1919 when he proclaimed that it would be used to honor the brave Americans who fought and died in World War I. The holiday was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress on June 4, 1946. After the end of World War II, Armistice Day was expanded to honor all veterans of our military services, and the holiday's name was changed to Veterans' Day.\r\n\r\nWe should honor our veterans every day, but I believe that this annual holiday is especially important as it allows us to reflect on the true aspect of the sacrifices that our service members have made. Their sacrifices are often made in stressful, frustrating, and dangerous conditions. Yet these brave men and women do not shy from committing themselves to serving our country. It is because of those who have served selflessly, with honor and dignity that we can continue celebrating our history and our way of life.\r\n\r\nWhile I am proud of all of our veterans, I am especially proud of the veterans in my State. Maryland has a long and proud military tradition. Maryland is known as the Old Line State. Some people think that comes from the Mason Dixon Line, but it actually dates back to 1776, less than two months after the Declaration of Independence, when George Washington's army was nearing annihilation in an indefensible position at Brooklyn Heights. They were faced with overwhelming odds, and the British army  the most powerful military force in the world at the time  was closing in around them. But on this historic day 400 Marylanders who made up the Maryland Line stepped up against those overwhelming odds and ran into the breach in defense of our Nation. Today, there's a plaque over the mass graves of those citizen soldiers that reads simply this  In honor of the Maryland 400, who on this battlefield on August 27, 1776, saved the American Army.\r\n\r\nEvery year I make it a priority on Veteran's Day to take an opportunity to thank the millions of brave men and women who served our nation in uniform, and honor them for their courage, dedication and sacrifice. In my first year as a Senator of Maryland I went to Garrison Forrest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills for a Veterans Day observance, as well as attended a Veterans Day Salute and groundbreaking of a new facility for Baltimore Station, which provides innovative therapeutic residential treatment program supporting veterans who are transitioning through the cycle of poverty, addiction, and homelessness to self-sufficiency.\r\n\r\nI have also spent Veterans Day at the Leonardtown Cemetery and Crownsville Veterans Cemetery Remembrance Ceremony where I placed wreaths honoring those who have paid the ultimate price in serving our country. Two years ago, I had the privilege of joining Maryland Veterans Affairs Secretary Edward Chow, Jr., to observe Veterans Day at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery. Through our efforts we were able to announce that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded the cemetery a grant of $1.7 million to make improvements.\r\n\r\nJust last year, I had the opportunity to thank the millions of brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and risk their lives for our nation when I provided remarks at the Crownsville Veterans Day Ceremony. Additionally, I was invited by the Armed Forces Foundation to speak to students at Manor View Elementary School (located on Fort Meade) as part of their Operation Caring Classroom program. During my visit, I talked to students about Veterans Day, and the importance of honoring the service of men and women in the military, as well as the sacrifices of their families. We far too often forget to thank the families of our Veterans for all they have sacrificed. We want our veterans and their families to know we are grateful for their service to our nation and are here today to honor them as well.\r\n\r\nThis year I will have a chance to say thank you to Veterans across Maryland as I participate in the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 451 Veterans Day Celebration and Baltimore City's Veterans Day Celebration sponsored by the Baltimore City Veterans Commission. This Veterans Day, I am reminded that Maryland is home to over 470,000 veterans to whom we made solemn promises. I am committed to making sure they receive the services and benefits they earned, and the support they were promised. The United States is the strongest nation in the world and I am proud to honor Maryland's veterans with my gratitude and respect.\r\n\r\nFor more than 237 years, Marylanders in every branch of service have been at the forefront of providing distinguished service for our national defense. Let me mention a few examples; Marylanders are justifiably proud of amazing soldiers like Private First Class, Kevin Jaye, an Army hero, born and raised in Smithsburg, who saw his life change when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) while serving in Afghanistan. Kevin lost his right leg below the knee, but despite the many surgeries and the long recovery process, he's determined to overcome these challenges. Since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began, more than 1,500 U.S. troops have become amputees and Kevin is one of them.\r\n\r\nWe are justifiably proud of naval heroes like Navy Hospital Corpsman Michael Couch who received a Purple Heart earlier this year as a result of the injuries he sustained while serving in Afghanistan. Michael was traveling in a convoy when his vehicle rolled over an IED which detonated. He was knocked unconscious, and his eardrum was ruptured. After three weeks of rehabilitation he rejoined his unit. Michael is now stationed at the Naval Academy where he is an optometry technician who pre-screens the vision of midshipmen before they meet with an optometrist.\r\n\r\nWe are justifiably proud of Marines from Maryland like Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Vanzorro Gross Jr., who was awarded the Purple Heart in May by Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River. Corpsman Gross, received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action during a raid while deployed in Afghanistan with the Marines. During the firefight eight service personnel were injured and two were killed. Corpsman Gross was 30 days into a 6-month deployment at the time of the attack, and was sent home with damage to the bones in his foot. He had a 3-inch hole in his foot from the shrapnel damage and has undergone four orthopedic surgeries so far to reconstruct it. Despite these injuries, when visited in Walter Reid National Military Medical Center by a commanding officer, Corpsman. Gross' first question was When can I go back?\r\n\r\nWe are justifiably proud of Air Force Airman Captain Barry F. Crawford, Jr. a member of the Maryland Air National Guard, who was recently awarded the Air Force Cross (second only to the Medal of Honor) and Purple Heart for his extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as Special Tactics Officer near Lagham Province, Afghanistan. Captain Crawford is credited for taking decisive action to save the lives of three wounded Afghan soldiers and evacuate two Afghan soldiers killed in action. Captain Crawford is only the fifth recipient, since 9/11, to receive the Air Force Cross.\r\n\r\nWe are justifiably proud of Security Forces Airmen stationed at Warfield Air National Guard Base, who were awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement while assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Tactical Security Element at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Master Sgts. John Duly and Olen D. Smith III led a 15-man tactical security element that provided security wherever the Office of Special Investigations detachment needed to go. On a routine mission, an Army platoon came under attack from Taliban fighters, and Sergeants Duly and Smith moved their unit to provide support. For the next 48 hours their unit provided security and over watch, responded to a vehicle rollover, initiated and received direct fire, coordinated with helicopter and fixed wing assets and responded to a vehicle hit by an IED.\r\n\r\nAnd we are justifiably proud of the A-10 pilots from the 104th Fighter Squadron with the Maryland Air National Guard assigned to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who recently flew as part of a harrowing mission to support ambushed Coalition forces fighting during dangerous weather conditions. A dozen pilots protected more than 90 Coalition service members during a major battle in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan.\r\n\r\nAll across the services, our military members and veterans from Maryland are the best in the Department of Defense. But Congress simply has not done enough to provide enough support to our veterans. For example, unemployment is also an issue for the veterans' community. Veterans, particularly young veterans from our most recent conflicts, are having trouble getting jobs. In this September's Jobs Report, the Bureau of Labor reported that while the unemployment rate for nonveterans was 7.2 percent and the unemployment rate for all veterans was at 6.5 percent, the unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans was at an astonishing 10.1 percent. I find this troubling, as the experience that these veterans acquired during their recent military service should make them invaluable to prospective employers. We must do better in providing employment opportunities for our veterans.\r\n\r\nMr. President, ultimately, Veterans' Day is an opportunity for all of us to thank our veterans for their service and to renew our commitment to serving and honoring them each and every day of the year. A true marker of our Nation's worth is our willingness to serve those who have served us. As we continue to wind down our commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan after a decade of war, we need to gear up our commitment to our veterans. Our veterans deserve every possible tool we can provide to help ease their transition to civilian life. I am committed to making sure that our veterans receive the services and benefits they earned, and the support they were promised and deserve. The United States is the strongest Nation in the world because of our veterans and we owe them and their families our gratitude and our respect. \r\n\r\n# # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-senate-passage-of-enda", "Cardin Statement On Senate Passage Of ENDA", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 07, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement On Senate Passage Of ENDA \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), released the following statement after the Senate voted 64-32 today to approve the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The bill, S. 815 would prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Senator Cardin is a cosponsor of ENDA and has been in previous Congressional sessions. ENDA would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on his or her sexual orientation. Current federal law bars employment discrimination only on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age and disability, but does not include sexual orientation or gender identity. \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this important legislation that protects all Americans against discrimination in the workplace regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. I urge the House of Representatives to move quickly and provide final approval of ENDA so that it can be signed into law. We should leave no doubt that Congress is united against discrimination in any form. \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cPassage of ENDA will reinforce U.S. leadership around the world and help support the LGBT community in places like Russia, Africa and some countries in Europe that have taken discriminatory actions to marginalize lesbians, gays, and those who, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have been discriminated against. America's core values are based upon equal rights for all, and that is what passage of ENDA means to our citizens and people around the world. It\u2019s also a powerful tool to boost our economy. If we are going to be able to adequately compete globally, we need to empower all of the people of this country. We can't leave anyone behind.\u201d \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe vast majority of the nation\u2019s largest companies and the majority of small businesses already have sexual orientation and gender identity non-discrimination policies in place, according to the Center for American Progress. Specifically, 74% of Fortune 100 companies, nearly 60% of Fortune 500 companies, and 6 out of 10 small businesses protect their employees from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. \r\n\u00a0\r\nMaryland is one of only 21 states that prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. And only 17 states include gender identity protection in those anti-discrimination laws.\u00a0 Several Maryland municipalities also have prohibited discrimination based on gender identity, including Baltimore City, Montgomery County, Howard County, and Baltimore County.\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221170951/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-announce-more-than-17-million-to-build-four-new-community-health-centers-in-maryland-", "Cardin, Mikulski Announce More Than $1.7 Million To Build Four New Community Health Centers In Maryland", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Cardin, Mikulski Announce More Than $1.7 Million To Build Four New Community Health Centers In Maryland  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tThursday, November 7, 2013\n\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced Maryland received $1,711,246 in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support four new community health centers Maryland. These funds will help care for more than 17,000 additional Marylanders by establishing new health center service delivery sites in Baltimore, West River, Derwood and Oakland. \n\u00a0\n\u201cCommunity health centers are the backbone to providing quality health care for almost 300,000 Marylanders today. The need continues to grow,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cYear after year, the Affordable Care Act continues to make direct investments in expanding the reach of these essential health care providers so they can better deliver quality, accessible services to millions of new patients in communities across Maryland and nationwide.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cCommunity health centers provide an important safety net for the people who need it most,\u201d Senator Mikulski said. \u201cThis is especially important in these economically-trying times when there is more need and fewer resources. These Affordable Care Act funds will help community health centers open their doors in under-served Maryland communities, making sure families have access to reliable health care in their own neighborhoods, while at the same time creating and sustaining good-paying jobs. I\u2019m very proud to have fought for these funds in the federal checkbook that will help Maryland families in their day-to-day lives.\u201d\n\u00a0\nCommunity health centers work to improve communities\u2019 health by ensuring access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services.\u00a0 Maryland health centers served 291,579 patients last year, 25 percent of them uninsured.\u00a0As community-based and patient-directed organizations, health centers are well positioned to be responsive to the specific health care needs of their community.\u00a0 Through the Affordable Care Act\u2019s commitment to expand access to high quality health care for all Americans, these grants will support the establishment of new full-time service delivery sites.\nToday, nationwide approximately 1,200 health centers operate more than 9,000 service delivery sites that provide care to over 21 million patients in every State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Basin.\u00a0 Since the beginning of 2009, health centers have added 4 million patients and more than 35,000 new full-time positions. \n\u00a0\nTo learn more about HRSA\u2019s Health Center Program, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/about/index.html.\n\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-announce-more-than-17-million-to-build-four-new-community-health-centers-in-maryland", "Cardin, Mikulski Announce More Than $1.7 Million To Build Four New Community Health Centers In Maryland", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 07, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin, Mikulski Announce More Than $1.7 Million To Build Four New Community Health Centers In Maryland  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced Maryland received $1,711,246 in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support four new community health centers Maryland. These funds will help care for more than 17,000 additional Marylanders by establishing new health center service delivery sites in Baltimore, West River, Derwood and Oakland. \r\n\r\nCommunity health centers are the backbone to providing quality health care for almost 300,000 Marylanders today. The need continues to grow, said Senator Cardin. Year after year, the Affordable Care Act continues to make direct investments in expanding the reach of these essential health care providers so they can better deliver quality, accessible services to millions of new patients in communities across Maryland and nationwide.\r\n\r\nCommunity health centers provide an important safety net for the people who need it most, Senator Mikulski said. This is especially important in these economically-trying times when there is more need and fewer resources. These Affordable Care Act funds will help community health centers open their doors in under-served Maryland communities, making sure families have access to reliable health care in their own neighborhoods, while at the same time creating and sustaining good-paying jobs. I'm very proud to have fought for these funds in the federal checkbook that will help Maryland families in their day-to-day lives.\r\n\r\nCommunity health centers work to improve communities' health by ensuring access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services. Maryland health centers served 291,579 patients last year, 25 percent of them uninsured.As community-based and patient-directed organizations, health centers are well positioned to be responsive to the specific health care needs of their community. Through the Affordable Care Act's commitment to expand access to high quality health care for all Americans, these grants will support the establishment of new full-time service delivery sites.\r\nToday, nationwide approximately 1,200 health centers operate more than 9,000 service delivery sites that provide care to over 21 million patients in every State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Basin. Since the beginning of 2009, health centers have added 4 million patients and more than 35,000 new full-time positions. \r\n\r\nTo learn more about HRSA's Health Center Program, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/about/index.html.\r\n\r\n# # #\r\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301142857/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cardin-inhofe-introduce-senate-companion-to-delaney-veterans-education", "Cardin, Inhofe Introduce Senate Companion to Delaney Veterans\u2019 Education Bill", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senators Ben Cardin (MD) and James Inhofe (OK) have introduced a Senate companion to Congressman John K. Delaney\u2019s (MD-6) Veterans\u2019 Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act (H.R. 2011). Filed Monday, S.1643 authorizes the Veterans\u2019 Advisory Committee on Education through December 31, 2015, and expands the makeup of the Committee to include post 9/11 veterans. Absent legislative action, the Veterans\u2019 Advisory Committee on Education will sunset on December 31, 2013.\nThe Delaney bill passed the House by a 404 to 2 vote on October 28. Congressman Delaney\u2019s floor speech on the bill can be viewed here.\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to partner with Senator Cardin and Senator Inhofe on this important legislation. Improving outcomes for our veterans is an obligation we all share,\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cBy reauthorizing the Committee, we will ensure that our nation\u2019s brave men and women receive effective and efficient job training programs that befit their service to our nation.\u00a0 I thank both Senators for their support and I look forward to working towards the bill\u2019s passage in the Senate.\u201d\n\u201cA true marker of our nation\u2019s worth is our willingness to serve those who have served us,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cAs we wind down our commitments in Afghanistan after a decade of war, we need to gear up our commitment to our veterans.\u00a0 I\u2019m proud to partner with Congressman Delaney and Senator Inhofe on this legislation that will ensure that the brave men and women who serve our country in the armed services receive the most effective education and training opportunities available. Our veterans deserve every possible tool to help ease their transition to civilian life.\u201d\nThe Veterans\u2019 Advisory Committee on Education advises the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on improving education and job training programs for veterans. The Committee is composed of veterans and experts in the fields of education, labor, and management. Since 2003, the VA has implemented 57 recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Education.\nThe Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Students Veterans Association (SVA), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) have all issued statements in support of H.R. 2011. Their statements of support can be read here.\nSenator Inhofe is the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-calls-the-fundamentals-of-obamacare-strong-despite-website-issues", "Cardin Calls The Fundamentals Of Obamacare Strong Despite Website Issues", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 06, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Calls The Fundamentals Of Obamacare Strong Despite Website Issues \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON  At a hearing to review implementation of the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, called on Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to assure the American people that they will be able to sign up for affordable, quality private health insurance through the federal exchanges in a timely manner through the website, by phone or in person. He also urged her to make it easier for individuals to learn about the subsidies available to greatly reduce the cost of the plans they choose. \r\n\r\nThe fundamentals of the Affordable Care Act are sound. For the three years that Obamacare has been the law, we've seen implementation of new protections that have benefited millions of Americans. We've expanded opportunities for all Americans to obtain affordable, quality health insurance; strengthened employer-based health coverage; offered preventive care services, like well doctor visits with no copays; and protected Americans from free-wheeling insurance company tactics that used to drop people when they got sick, charged women more for coverage than men, capped benefits, and spent more than a reasonable amount lining their own pockets than providing quality health coverage. \r\n\r\nWhat we need now is for the federal government to keep its promise and fix the bottleneck of a website that has stalled consumer shopping and enrollment in the health exchanges for individuals and families. We need to quickly allow everyone easier access to complete information on the private health insurance plans available to them and especially the federal subsidies they might be eligible to receive. I was encouraged by Secretary Sebelius' description of expanded call centers and the availability of paper applications at health centers and with community navigators nationwide to assist with enrollments.\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131212050241/http://www.cardin.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/cardin-says-us-should-support-persons-with-disabilities-", "Cardin Says U.S. Should Support Persons With Disabilities Worldwide", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Cardin Says U.S. Should Support Persons With Disabilities Worldwide\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tTuesday, November 5, 2013\n\t\t\nWASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, called today for Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The United States has already established strong support for the rights of people with disabilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act and ratification of the CRPD would provide an opportunity to advance these values worldwide.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe should be proud, as Americans, of our Nation\u2019s leadership in making it easier for people with disabilities to participate fully in society, to have equal access to educational, economic, and social opportunities for self-fulfillment and advancement.\u00a0By ratifying the CRPD, the United States would have a say in how people with disabilities are treated around the world,\u201d Senator Cardin said, \u201cAnd with Veterans Day just around the corner, we owe it to our disabled veterans and our wounded warriors to ensure that they have the same opportunities and protections as other Americans when they travel, work, and study abroad.\u201d\n\u00a0\nToday\u2019s hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was one of two hearings on the United Nations Convention of on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Senator Cardin was pleased to acknowledge Marylander Rhonda Neuhaus who attended today\u2019s hearing. Ms. Neuhaus is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law and a bilateral amputee. Ms. Neuhaus knows firsthand the importance of ratifying the treaty and has spent much of her career working to implement the CRPD internationally. \n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221194308/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/media/enda-showing-leadership-on-civil-rights-at-home-and-abroad", "ENDA, Showing Leadership on Civil Rights At Home and Abroad", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t\t\n        \n                \n                    \n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n                     \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                    \n                \n        \n                \n        \n                \n                    \n                    Maryland is one of only 21 states that prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/employment-non-discrimination-act-of-2013-motion-to-proceed", "EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2013--MOTION TO PROCEED", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 05, 2013\n\t\t\t EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2013--MOTION TO PROCEED  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nMr. CARDIN. Mr. President, the legislation that is currently pending before this body, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, S. 815, provides a historic opportunity for us to advance civil rights in this country and end employment discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders, the LGBT community. \r\nThe United States has shown international leadership against discrimination, promoting better understanding and tolerance around the globe. That has made the security of countries better. It has provided opportunities for minority communities. The United States has been in the forefront of those efforts. We have shown leadership internationally and we have done that because we have taken action in our own country to protect against discrimination. Action at home helps us provide that credibility for our international leadership. Passage of S. 815, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, would demonstrate that action, that we have taken the right action at home and, therefore, we have the standing to promote better understanding globally. \r\nThe U.S. leadership has been shown in many different ways. I am very proud that one of the primary organizations the United States has participated in that has advanced human rights is the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Our local arm in participating is the Helsinki Commission. I have the honor of chairing the Helsinki Commission, which includes Members of both the House and the Senate, along with members of the administration. We have used that role in the Helsinki Commission to promote an international agenda to deal with best practices to end discrimination on ethnic communities, religious communities, and racial discrimination. As a result of U.S. leadership, we have made a difference. We made a difference in Europe, we made a difference in North America, and we made a difference around the world. \r\nToday there are special representatives under the OSCE to promote tolerance in regard to minority communities on race, the Muslim community, and Jewish communities. We have made a difference in the Roma population in Europe, which has been badly discriminated against. We have had conferences to deal with anti-Semitism to help the Jewish communities of Europe, and we have helped religious minorities around the region. \r\nU.S. leadership is needed to help the LGBT community. We have seen countries in Europe take discriminatory actions to marginalize lesbians, gays, and those who, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have been discriminated against. In order to do that, we need to pass the legislation before us to give us the moral ground and to promote the core values of our country. America's core values are based upon equal rights for all citizens, and that is what we need to promote by the passage of this legislation. \r\nI must tell you it also is important for economic advancements. If we are going to be able to adequately compete globally, we need to empower all of the people of this country. We can't leave anyone behind. \r\nI am proud of what has happened in my own State of Maryland. Maryland has had a proud history of advancing civil rights for all of its citizens. Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to join in the 25th anniversary of Equality Maryland. In 25 years, they have changed the landscape in regard to the LGBT community in my State of Maryland. We passed many laws that have advanced protection for all of our citizens in our State. \r\nThe State of Maryland has passed laws. We have had local governments pass law. Baltimore City has passed a law, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Howard County, and the list goes on. In Maryland, not only did our legislature pass marriage equality, it was a petition to referendum and the voters of Maryland approved marriage equality. We have taken steps in our State to advance the rights of all of our citizens, including the LGBT community. \r\nIt has been nearly half a century since we passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prevents discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. That has been our law for almost half a century. ENDA, the legislation before us, would expand that to sexual orientation and gender identity. \r\nThe Civil Rights Act of 1964 has worked. It has worked. It has provided enforcement mechanisms for those who have been discriminated against in their employment because of their race or because of their religion or because of their national origin or because of their sex. It has worked. ENDA would expand that protection for sexual orientation and gender identity. It is time we do this. Twenty-one States have already acted, including my State of Maryland. We have passed laws. Seventeen States include gender identity. Federalism has worked. \r\nWhat do I mean by that? We have seen that there is a national law. The law is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It set up the framework so that everyone understands we won't tolerate discrimination in the workplace. It has had a workable way where those who are victimized can get remedy, but the real remedy we want is equal employment opportunity for all the citizens of this country. It has worked. \r\nOur States have said we can go farther, we can protect the LGBT community. They have and it has worked. Those who have said: Look, we are going to have problems because of religious organizations or we are going to have problems because of this group--that has not been the case. \r\nFederalism has demonstrated it is now time to pass a national law to protect against those who discriminate in employment on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. We need a national law. \r\nI can give you many specific examples that have been shared with us. We could talk the numbers. We know the numbers. I want to speak about specific cases and to mention two people. \r\nKimya has a master's degree in social work and nearly two decades of experience in the field. She was the manager of a unit of a long-term care facility for those suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia. She enjoyed her job and was good at it but suffered through nearly a year of threatening messages, vandalism to her car, and slurs uttered in the halls. In 2003, she was fired, her supervisors telling her: ``This would not be happening if you were not a lesbian.'' \r\nNext is the case of Linda. Linda is an attorney who relocated to this region when her partner accepted a faculty position with a local university. Linda was invited for a second interview with a local law firm. During the interview, Linda was asked why she was moving to this region, and she replied that her spouse had taken a position at a local university. The law firm asked Linda to come back for a final interview, which would include a dinner with all the partners and their spouses ``to make sure we all got along.'' At that point, Linda told one of the partners at the law firm that her spouse was a woman. Soon after, Linda was told that the firm would not hire a lesbian and she should not bother coming in for the third interview. \r\nIn Kimya's and Linda's cases, they live in States that do not have protection for the LGBT community, and therefore there was no way to address this wrong. \r\nThe legislation before us has been endorsed by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights that represents over 200 civil rights, religious, labor, and women's rights organizations. It has broad support. It is supported by the American people. It is the right thing to do. It represents our core values. \r\nOur former colleague Senator Ted Kennedy said civil rights was the great unfinished business of America. We are on that path. The passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act would be a major step forward to making us a more perfect union. \r\nI urge my colleagues to support the legislation. \r\nI yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-appointed-to-senate-house-conference-committee-on-water-resources-bill", "Cardin Appointed To Senate-House Conference Committee On Water Resources Bill", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 05, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Appointed To Senate-House Conference Committee On Water Resources Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWashington, DC  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) has been appointed to serve as a Senate Conferee to resolve differences between the Senate and House versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Senator Cardin serves as Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Water Subcommittee and is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.\r\n\r\nClean water and safe waterways mean good jobs for Marylanders and Americans nationwide. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) invests in the health of the Chesapeake Bay, said Senator Cardin. The Senate passed a good, well-balanced bill that invests in our nation's water infrastructure is a foundation for our economy and boosts our national competitiveness. My expectation is that the House conferees are open to good-faith negotiations and cooperation so that we can develop a bipartisan compromise quickly that improves on our progress.\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-inhofe-introduce-bill-to-extend-veterans-advisory-committee-on-education", "Cardin, Inhofe Introduce Bill To Extend Veterans Advisory Committee On Education", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 05, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin, Inhofe Introduce Bill To Extend Veterans Advisory Committee On Education \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), this weekintroduced the bipartisanVeterans' Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013(S. 1643). The bill would reauthorize the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education for two years and extend the committee's composition and reach to includeveterans from post-9/11 operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.\r\n\r\nA true marker of our nation's worth is our willingness to serve those who have served us, said Senator Cardin. As we wind down our commitments in Afghanistan after a decade of war, we need to gear up our commitment to our veterans. I'm proud to join with Senator Inhofe on this legislation that will ensure that the brave men and women who serve our country in the armed services receive the most effective education and training opportunities available. Our veterans deserve every possible tool to help ease their transition to civilian life.\r\n\r\n\"The Veterans' Advisory Committee helps to ensure men and women who have worn the uniform receive the educational benefits they have been promised and earned,\" said Senator Inhofe. \"Too often the men and women returning from overseas face difficult challenges when transitioning into civilian life. This legislation will help veterans by strengthening the opportunities for educational and job-training assistance promised under the G.I. Bill. I am proud to work with Senator Cardin in this effort and hope my colleagues will quickly pass this legislation in the Senate.\"\r\n\r\nThe current authorization for the Veterans' Advisory Committee will expireon December 31, 2013.TheVeterans' Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013would reauthorize the Committee through December 31, 2015. The Committeeexists toadvise theSecretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) on current VA education programs and services; to recommend new education benefit programs and services for veterans;and to assist in the long-term planning and development of those programs.\r\n\r\nOn October 28, by a 404-2 vote, the House of Representatives passed its version of the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education Act of 2013 (H.R. 2011), which was introduced by Congressman John Delaney (D-MD-6).\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n\r\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-says-us-should-support-persons-with-disabilities-worldwide", "Cardin Says U.S. Should Support Persons With Disabilities Worldwide", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 05, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin Says U.S. Should Support Persons With Disabilities Worldwide \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, called today for Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The United States has already established strong support for the rights of people with disabilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act and ratification of the CRPD would provide an opportunity to advance these values worldwide.\r\n\r\nWe should be proud, as Americans, of our Nation's leadership in making it easier for people with disabilities to participate fully in society, to have equal access to educational, economic, and social opportunities for self-fulfillment and advancement.By ratifying the CRPD, the United States would have a say in how people with disabilities are treated around the world, Senator Cardin said, And with Veterans Day just around the corner, we owe it to our disabled veterans and our wounded warriors to ensure that they have the same opportunities and protections as other Americans when they travel, work, and study abroad.\r\n\r\nToday's hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was one of two hearings on the United Nations Convention of on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Senator Cardin was pleased to acknowledge Marylander Rhonda Neuhaus who attended today's hearing. Ms. Neuhaus is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law and a bilateral amputee. Ms. Neuhaus knows firsthand the importance of ratifying the treaty and has spent much of her career working to implement the CRPD internationally. \r\n\r\n###\r\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-enda-cloture-vote", "CARDIN STATEMENT ON ENDA CLOTURE VOTE", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 05, 2013\n\t\t\t CARDIN STATEMENT ON ENDA CLOTURE VOTE \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), released the following statement after the Senate voted 61-30 to proceed to S. 815, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that would prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Senator Cardin is a cosponsor of ENDA and has been in previous Congressional sessions. ENDA would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on his or her sexual orientation. Current federal law bars employment discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age and disability, but does not include sexual orientation or gender identity.\r\nI'm proud to join my colleagues in supporting this important legislation that protects all Americans against any form of discrimination in the workplace regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Our country was founded on the core principle that all citizens are created equal. It's time to remember that principle, and work to protect the civil rights of all Americans.\r\nMaryland is one of only 21 states that prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. And only 17 states include gender identity protection in those anti-discrimination laws. Several Maryland municipalities also have prohibited discrimination based on gender identity, including Baltimore City, Montgomery County, Howard County, and Baltimore County.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-enzi-flexible-spending-accounts-rule-change-puts-more-money-back-in-workers-pockets", "Cardin, Enzi: flexible spending accounts rule change puts more money back in workers pockets", "2013-11-01", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 01, 2013\n\t\t\t Cardin, Enzi: flexible spending accounts rule change puts more money back in workers' pockets \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are an important benefit for all workers.They allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenditures, including dental and vision services.However, workers' unspent funds from their FSAs would normally revert to the employers at the end of the plan year. That is why Senators Ben Cardin and Mike Enzi, members of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced legislation in May that would allow employees who use health FSAs to cash out any remaining balance in their account at the end of a plan year.\r\nCardin and Enzi have long argued that Congress must ensure that workers have the option to have any unspent money that they put into their accounts returned to them at the end of the year. Late Thursday, the Department of Treasury issued a rule change that would give employers the ability to choose whether their employees could roll over up to $500 of their FSA fund to the following year, or provide a grace period to use available funds in the following year. This is a notable change from the use-or-lose policy that had been in place and the senators were encouraged saying that this is one step toward helping put families and consumers back in control of their health care decisions.\r\nI applaud the Treasury Department for listening to the needs of Americans and encouraging the use of flexible spending accounts. I was proud to join with Senator Enzi to spotlight how little sense it makes for employees who miscalculate their anticipated yearly out-of-pocket health care expenditures at the beginning of a plan year to have to forfeit those funds to their employer at the end of the year, if unspent, said Senator Cardin. Millions of private industry workers, as well as federal, state, county and local public sector employees who put their money into FSAs to help defray their out-of-pocket health care costs, saving money for themselves and their families, will benefit from these new guidelines. I urge the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to make this option available to federal workers.\r\nWhile this change by Treasury is a good first step, it's time to completely end use-it-or-lose it for flexible spending accounts and put families and consumers back in control of their medical decisions, said Senator Enzi. Congress should do everything it can to ensure that hard-working Americans don't lose the money they put aside simply because their health costs were less than they anticipated. Medical FSAs encourage people to be proactive and plan ahead by putting money into these accounts for out-of-pocket costs. It's their money, they should keep it.\r\nThe Cardin/Enzi bill, the Medical FSA Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 966) has been endorsed by members of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage (CAHC) including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Osteopathic Association, Communicating for America, Healthcare Leadership Council, International Franchise Association, National Association for the Self-Employed, National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Manufacturers, National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.These groups note that the senators' efforts would strengthen the law's original intent.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221005311/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=359961", "Van Hollen Hosts 11th Annual Federal Employees Health Benefits Forum", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "On November 18, 20, and 22, 2013, Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen will host his eleventh annual Federal Employees Health Benefits Forum, in cooperation with the Maryland Federation of Chapters of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.\nWhile Congressman Van Hollen has offered this important resource to federal employees for over a decade, this year marks the first time that he has been able to offer it to federal employees living in Frederick and Carroll Counties, whom he now represents.\u00a0 Experts on federal health insurance plans and representatives of health insurance carriers will be present at each session to discuss various health plan options and the impact of new health care reforms, and to answer individual questions. \u00a0\u00a0These forums provide an important opportunity for active and retired federal workers to learn about the options available and make sure they have the coverage that is best for them. \u00a0\nFor additional information or directions, call Congressman Van Hollen\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Rockville district office at 301-424-3501 \u00a0\nDETAILS:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  Monday, November 18, 2013 from 9-11 am\u00a0  \nHoliday Park Senior Center\u00a0  \n3950 Ferrara Drive\u00a0  \nWheaton, MD 20906\nWednesday, November 20, 2013 from 7-9 pm\u00a0  \nExecutive Auditorium Executive Office Building  \n101 Monroe Street  \nRockville, MD 20850\nFriday, November 22, 2013 from 9-11 am\u00a0  \nCalvary United Methodist Church  \n403 South Main Street  \nMount Airy, MD 21771", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221004057/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=359813", "Statement of Congressman Chris Van Hollen  on The Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act (HR 992)", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker, while I recognize the many legitimate uses of derivatives in today\u2019s financial marketplace, I also believe it is critically important that derivatives be properly regulated so that end-users and consumers can reap their benefits without putting the larger economy at risk.\u00a0\u00a0 For that reason, I think we need to tread carefully before making material modifications to the regulatory regime for derivatives established in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act \u2014 and this note of caution is equally applicable to what might be described as piecemeal changes to Title VII of Dodd-Frank, given the inherently complex and interrelated nature of these sophisticated financial instruments. \nIn that regard, the Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act would substantially revise Section 716 of the Dodd-Frank Act to permit a broader array of derivatives transactions \u2014 including those involving commodity swaps, equity swaps and certain credit default swaps \u2014 to occur inside federally backed financial institutions, rather than in separately capitalized subsidiaries as required under current law.\u00a0 Impacted institutions argue that this existing \u201cpush out\u201d requirement for these categories of derivatives places them at a disadvantage relative to their foreign competition by increasing the cost of those transactions and by effectively preventing the netting of positions between themselves and their customers.\u00a0 Additionally, proponents of HR 992 argue that Section 716 confers no meaningful additional protection to taxpayers in light of the stronger capital, margin and clearing requirements created by Dodd-Frank, and that it might even work at cross purposes with the Orderly Liquidation Authority created in Title II of the legislation.\nI am not opposed to making common sense adjustments to improve the real world workability of the Dodd-Frank law.\u00a0 I want our financial institutions to be able to compete effectively for customers everywhere they operate.\u00a0 And I am not in favor of regulation that is either unnecessary or not accomplishing its intended objective in a cost-effective way.\u00a0\u00a0 \nIt is possible that Section 716 will prove to be that kind of regulation, but right now it is too soon to tell.\u00a0 Of particular importance when evaluating the ultimate value of Section 716 is the final scope of the forthcoming Volcker rule.\u00a0 If the final Volcker rule provides a strict definition of what activities constitute bona fide \u201chedging\u201d and \u201cmarket making\u201d, then proponents\u2019 arguments for this legislation will be strengthened.\u00a0 If, on the other hand, the final Volcker rule includes an overly broad definition of these activities, then the protections intended by Section 716 could become more important.\u00a0\u00a0 \nAccordingly, I will be voting no on today\u2019s legislation, but remain open to revisiting this issue once the Volcker rule and other relevant rulemakings are finalized and in place.\u00a0 I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221021505/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=357104", "Van Hollen Opening Statement at Budget Conference Committee Meeting", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, delivered an opening statement at the first meeting of the Budget Conference Committee.\u00a0 Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\u201cI am pleased that we have finally come together for long-overdue budget negotiations.\n\u201cIt was just two weeks ago today that we ended the shameful government shutdown and threats to default on our nation's debts. The country has paid a steep price for those reckless actions. Standard and Poor\u2019s estimates the shutdown cost our economy $24 billion, and the Peterson Institute has calculated that economic uncertainty caused by constant budget brinkmanship has cost our country 900,000 jobs since the 2010 elections.\n\u201cI hope every member of this committee will put away the threats of future shutdowns and default, and focus on efforts to help our economy grow.\n\u201cThe House Republican and Senate Democratic budgets before us today represent dramatically different visions for America. We will not bridge all the differences, but I hope we can make some progress. That will require some tough compromises. But we must be honest with the public about the nature of our differences. To govern is to choose, and these budgets reflect those choices.\n\u201cThe primary objective of this negotiation should be to immediately accelerate job growth and place our economy on a stable long-term foundation. The Democratic budget does this by investing in national priorities, replacing the job-killing sequester, and reducing the long-term deficit in a balanced way.\n\u201cThe Democratic budget provides for vital investments to ensure that America remains the world's economic powerhouse. We allocate resources to put people back to work modernizing the roads, bridges, ports and other infrastructure that forms the backbone of our economy. These investments used to be a bipartisan priority. Unfortunately, the Republican budget assumes very big cuts in our transportation spending -- in fact it would practically eliminate the start of new highway projects as soon as 2015.\n\u201cOur budget also invests in our nation's most valuable resource -- our kids -- by boosting support for education, including an early education initiative. The Republican budget resulted in a cut of 20 percent below sequester levels to the education funding bill. These choices have real consequences for our future.\n\u201cWe also know that the deep, immediate sequester cuts are hurting our economy. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office tells us that the meat-ax cuts to defense and national priorities will result in 800,000 fewer American jobs by this time next year. That is a self-inflicted wound that we cannot afford.\n\u201cThere are smarter ways to achieve equal deficit reduction without economic harm. In the House, I have offered a plan to replace the sequester with a balanced mix of targeted cuts to wasteful spending and cuts to unproductive special interest tax breaks. We have repeatedly been denied a chance to vote on that plan. The ultimate question is what's more important, protecting our military readiness and our national security or protecting certain wasteful special interest tax breaks?\n\u201cFinally, we should continue our work to reduce our long-term deficits and shrink the debt.\u00a0 Over the last few years, we have cut the 10-year deficit by over $2.7 trillion, excluding the sequester. Three-quarters of those savings come from budget cuts, and one-quarter comes from revenue. If you factor in the additional trillion dollars in savings resulting from slower-than-expected growth in per capita health care costs, which are due in part to changes in the Affordable Care Act, the ratio of cuts to revenue is more than 4 to 1.\n\u201cStill, we can and should do more. But there are dramatic differences between how our budgets address the long-term deficit challenge. The Democratic budget adopts the balanced approach recommended by every bipartisan group, with a combination of targeted savings in mandatory spending programs and cuts to tax breaks enjoyed by millionaires.\n\u201cThe Republican budget takes a very different approach. It drops the tax rates for millionaires by over one-third, providing a huge windfall to the top 1 percent. At the same time, the Republican budget violates important commitments to our seniors and the most vulnerable and it guts vital investments. In short, it gives the very wealthy a windfall tax break at the expense of everyone and everything else.\n\u201cIt will be difficult to bridge these differences. Any agreement will require difficult compromises. We cannot start these talks by taking things off the table, and we can\u2019t be serious about reducing the deficit and then refuse to close a single tax break to help reduce that deficit. It is hard to make progress when some people think compromise is a dirty word.\n\u201cFinally, I would like to mention a policy change that would immediately help grow the economy, reduce our long term budget deficits by hundreds of billions of dollars and strengthen social security. That change would be the bipartisan Senate immigration reform bill. We could pass that today if the Speaker would simply allow us an up or down vote in the House of Representatives.\n\u201cWe simply need a willingness to compromise and allow democracy to work its will.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/2014-payne-international-development-graduate-fellowship", "2014 Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 30, 2013\n\t\t\t 2014 Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nThe Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people who desire careers in the USAID Foreign Service. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and managed by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University, these Fellowships prepare students to enter exciting and rewarding careers in international development as USAID Foreign Service Officers. The Payne Program encourages the involvement of members of minority groups and those with financial need. This program is named in honor of the late Congressman Donald M. Payne because of his long history of service to the nation and the world in promoting international development. Payne Fellows will represent the excellence and diversity of America and advance USAID's commitment to creating a more secure, healthy and prosperous world through engagement in international development work. USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah announced the Payne Fellowship at Howard University on October 15, 2012, stating This new fellowship will help USAID to attract and support a diverse group of talented young people who are dedicated to public service and international development. The Payne Fellowship provides significant benefits. The Fellows receive up to $45,000 annually in assistance for tuition, room, board and other related expenses for a two-year master's degree in international development or a related topic, as well as support for internships. They do internships at a USAID Mission overseas and one in Washington DC. Each Fellow is committed to a minimum of three years of service in an appointment as a USAID Foreign Service Officer. Information and application materials for both programs are at www.paynefellows.org. The application deadline is January 27, 2014.\r\n\r\nNumber of Fellowships Offered: 5\r\nValue of Fellowship: Up to $90,000 over two years for grad school, internships and professional development activities \r\nEligibility Requirements: U.S. citizenship; GPA of 3.2/4.0; seeking to start two-year relevant grad program in fall 2014 \r\nOnline Application Opens: October 22, www.paynefellows.org\r\nApplication Deadline: January 27, 2014\r\nFinalists Selected: By end of February 2014 \r\nInterviews/Fellow Selections: Mid-March 2014\r\nContact: paynefellows@howard.edu; 202-806-4367, (877) 633-0002; or Tessa Henry, (Tessa.henry@howard.edu) 202-806-5952. \r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 608, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "MD", "p2": "2013"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 608, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 608, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2013&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "MD", "label": "MD", "count": 608, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 608, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2013-10-30,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecardin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress~2Frelease~2F2014-payne-international-development-graduate-fellowship", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2013&_next=2013-10-30%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecardin~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress~2Frelease~2F2014-payne-international-development-graduate-fellowship&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 230.17709399573505, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}