{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"MD\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/us-helsinki-commission-chair-welcomes-additions-to-magnitsky-list", "U.S. Helsinki Commission Chair Welcomes Additions to Magnitsky List", "2014-12-30", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 30, 2014\n\t\t\t U.S. Helsinki Commission Chair Welcomes Additions to Magnitsky List \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONFollowing Monday's addition of four Russian individuals to the Magnitsky List by the Obama Administration, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, issued the following statement:\r\n\r\nI welcome the announcement made by the Obama Administration that it has added four additional individuals to the visa ban and asset freeze lists mandated under the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act. I applaud the work of the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to continue to focus attention on Russian government officials implicated in the death of Sergei Magnitsky and to demonstrate America's willingness to penalize human right violators when their own country refuses to act.\r\n\r\n\"These sanctions are not sanctions against Russia, but against individuals who have committed serious human rights violations against Russians. The American people will continue to support Russians like Sergei Magnitsky who speak out about injustice and seek redress.\r\n\r\nWhile I am pleased that additional names have been added to the Magnitsky List, there remain a significant number of Russians  both government officials and private individuals  against whom evidence exists of their involvement in the conspiracy and cover-up of Magnitsky's death in 2009, but who have yet to be added to the visa ban and asset freeze lists. I strongly encourage the Administration to continue its examination of the information available with regard to these individuals and add them to the List. The Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act must continue to be used to demonstrate to the world that the voices of those who seek justice and who speak out about human rights violations are heard and valued by the United States of America.\r\n   ###\r\n\r\nThe Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is an independent agency of the Federal Government charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental and military cooperation in 57 countries. The Commission consists of nine members from the U.S. Senate, nine from the House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce.\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/2014/12/27/helsinki-commission-condemns-raid-on-radio-free-europe/radio-liberty-bureau-in-baku", "Helsinki Commission Condemns Raid On Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureau In Baku", "2014-12-27", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 27, 2014\n\t\t\t Helsinki Commission Condemns Raid On Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureau In Baku \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 Disturbing Trend of Curtailing Free Media in Azerbaijan Continues\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTONFollowing yesterday's raid by authorities in Azerbaijan on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Baku bureau, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, issued the following statement:  The free and independent press in Azerbaijan remains under attack by the very authorities who should be most committed to its protection. Yesterday's raid on RFE/RL's Baku bureau continues the recent and deeply disturbing trend of the government of Azerbaijan to silence dissenting voices within the country, and comes hard on the heels of the recent arrest and pre-trial detention of Khadija Ismayilova, an investigative journalist and contributor to RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service.  Once again, we call on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately end their harassment of journalists and to respect the commitments they have made in the past, as a participating State in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.\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/newsroom/press/release/helsinki-commission-condemns-raid-on-radio-free-europe/radio-liberty-bureau-in-baku", "Helsinki Commission Condemns Raid On Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureau In Baku", "2014-12-27", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 27, 2014\n\t\t\t Helsinki Commission Condemns Raid On Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureau In Baku \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 Disturbing Trend of Curtailing Free Media in Azerbaijan Continues\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTONFollowing yesterday's raid by authorities in Azerbaijan on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Baku bureau, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, issued the following statement:  The free and independent press in Azerbaijan remains under attack by the very authorities who should be most committed to its protection. Yesterday's raid on RFE/RL's Baku bureau continues the recent and deeply disturbing trend of the government of Azerbaijan to silence dissenting voices within the country, and comes hard on the heels of the recent arrest and pre-trial detention of Khadija Ismayilova, an investigative journalist and contributor to RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service.  Once again, we call on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately end their harassment of journalists and to respect the commitments they have made in the past, as a participating State in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.\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/chaffetz-cummings-respond-dhs-secret-service-report", "Chaffetz, Cummings Respond to DHS Secret Service Report", "2014-12-23", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.(Dec. 18, 2014) \u2013 Today, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman-elect Jason Chaffetz (R \u2013 UT), and current Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D \u2013 MD), released a statement in response to a review conducted by an independent panel appointed by the Department of Homeland Security on recent security breaches within the Secret Service.\nTo read the full statement, visit the the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform minority.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-requests-briefing-plans-enhance-white-house-fence", "Cummings Requests Briefing on Plans to Enhance White House Fence", "2014-12-23", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. (Dec. 22, 2014)\u2014Today, Reps. Jason Chaffetz and Elijah E. Cummings, the Chairman-Elect and top Democrat of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson requesting a briefing on the agency\u2019s plans to enhance the fence around the White House compound.\nTo read the full release and letter, visit the the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform minority.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-requests-information-sony-north-korean-cyber-attack", "Cummings Requests Information from Sony on North Korean Cyber Attack", "2014-12-23", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. (Dec. 23, 2014)\u2014Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent a letter to the Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment requesting information about a devastating cyber attack in which hackers believed to be from North Korea stole soon-to-be-released films and the personal information of over 47,000 current and former employees, including their social security numbers and healthcare records. \u00a0 \u00a0\nTo read the full release and letter, visit the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform minority.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-execution-style-killing-of-two-nypd-officers", "Cardin Statement on the Execution-Style Killing of Two NYPD Officers", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement on the Execution-Style Killing of Two NYPD Officers \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 The attack on Officers Ramos and Liu was a heinous attack on two brave public servants and the rule of law.\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.) released the following statement condemning an attack over the weekend that killed two New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI join the millions of Americans sickened and grieving after this weekend\u2019s senseless murder of two members of the NYPD. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line daily to defend the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. The attack on Officers Ramos and Liu was a heinous attack on two brave public servants and the rule of law. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ramos and Liu families, the entire City of New York, and all law enforcement who serve honorably to protect our communities.\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://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2324", "Hoyer Statement on Pay Increase for Federal Employees", "2014-12-20", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) issued the following statement today on the executive order issued by\u00a0President Obama yesterday that officially implements the 1 percent pay increase for civilian and military employees as proposed in the FY 2015 Budget and included in the President\u2019s alternative pay plan released on August 29, 2014:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe President's decision to provide a 1 percent pay adjustment in 2015 to members of both the uniformed and civil services is a recognition of the principle of pay parity which I have long championed. The contributions of military personnel and federal civilian employees to the success and security our nation are enormous and indisputable.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI look forward to working with the Administration and the new Congress to ensure the principle of pay parity for federal civilian employees and military personnel continues, and as the economy continues to perform, I will work to ensure pay for our civilian and military personnel improves and can compete with private sector compensation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2323", "Hoyer, Mikulski & Cardin Announce Funding for Emergency Generators at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) and U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-MD) announced a $1,987,432.00 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program\u00a0(HMGP) program to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, Maryland to fund the replacement of three undersized emergency generators and automatic transfer switches at the medical center to ensure critical services are supported during power outages. The grant will allow the installation of three new 1000KVA generators, a computerized emergency power bus, and new automatic transfer switches to assure that hospital-wide power and air condition requirements are met when utility power fails.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis funding will provide the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center with the proper equipment and resources needed to be prepared for future natural disasters,\u201d stated Congressman Hoyer. \u201cFollowing Hurricane Sandy, the hospital recognized a need to have a plan in place to act quickly when there is a power failure. In the event of an emergency, these backup generators will now enable the hospital to remain open and help to keep patients and staff safe.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThese funds in the federal checkbook will ensure that when disaster strikes, the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center has the power it needs to keep its doors open during disasters, making sure the people of La Plata get medical care when they need it,\u201d said Senator Barbara Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds FEMA.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cHurricane Sandy showed us the importance of keeping our hospitals operating at their best, even during the worst of emergencies,\u201d said Senator Ben Cardin. \u201cThis FEMA grant will keep the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center online during a power outage, and provide confidence for Marylanders in and around Charles County that public health and safety will not be compromised during such a crisis.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-applauds-hopper-as-new-director-of-the-federal-bureau-of-ocean-energy-management", "Cardin Applauds Hopper as New Director of the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Applauds Hopper as New Director of the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management \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 Marylander to Lead Agency with Oversight of Ocean Based Energy Development\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, praised the announcement Thursday by Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell that Abigail Ross Hopper has been named the new director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Hopper currently serves as Director of the Maryland Energy Administration.\r\n\r\nI fully expect Abby Hopper to bring the same pragmatism and reliance on good science with her to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management that she has used to serve the people of Maryland. She is a Marylander, and with that comes the experience of living in a coastal area where environmental security is intertwined with economic security, regional culture and history. Abby understands the risks that come with putting profits ahead of science and the need to protect our oceans and shorelines, said Senator Cardin. We need an energy policy that makes sense for America, invests in clean energy that will help our economy grow, furthers our energy security and is friendly to our environment. Abby's depth of experience with energy policy and ability to work with multiple stakeholders make her exceptionally qualified to help lead our country to a more secure energy future.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is an agency within the Department of Interior tasked with promoting energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of offshore conventional and renewable energy and marine mineral resources.\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/newsroom/press/release/cardin-outlines-small-business-priorities-for-the-114th-congress", "Cardin Outlines Small Business Priorities for the 114th Congress", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Outlines Small Business Priorities for the 114th Congress \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCardin Outlines Small Business Priorities for the 114th Congress\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), has been named the top Democrat of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship for the 114th Congress.\r\n\r\nSmall businesses create jobs. They are the backbone of the American economy. It's why I will be privileged to provide a voice for small businesses as the ranking member on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship in January, said Senator Cardin.\r\n\r\nLeading my priorities for the next Congress will be working to find better ways to provide access to credit for qualified small businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as expanding access to contracts for women-owned, minority owned and veteran-owned businesses. I will continue to hold the federal agencies accountable for taking all steps necessary to meet or exceed the goal of awarding 23 percent of contracts to small businesses. I want to make sure the federal government remains a reliable customer and a partner with small businesses and not an obstacle to growth. I also intend to use my dual role as a member of the Senate Finance Committee to encourage tax reform that benefits small businesses and encourages American innovation.\r\n\r\nI look forward to working with incoming Chairman David Vitter on bipartisan efforts to promote job growth and economic expansion through the continued success of our small businesses.\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/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-usaid-administrator-rajiv-shah", "Cardin Statement on USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement on USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah \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.), a senior member of theSenate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following in response to the announcement that USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah would be departing the agency.\r\n\r\nI would like to thank Dr. Rajiv Shah for his dedicated service to the United States of America. His exemplary tenure started by coordinating the U.S. response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti and ends with a USAID better prepared to meet the challenges of the future. As USAID Administrator, Raj has embodied the highest ideals of public service and has helped to focus attention on the value of development in fostering stable and productive international partnerships for our country, strengthening our national security and fulfilling a moral obligation to assist those in need. I was consistently impressed by his steadfast commitment to human rights and gender equity, economic development and good governance. Through Feed the Future, he fought to ensure that the neediest among us don't go hungry. His focus on innovation and thoughtful reforms helped maintain America's world leadership in fighting poverty and injustice  a better future  for all people. Above all else, Administrator Shah understood that smart investments in global development assistance today translate into more opportunities for diplomacy and less need for war in the future.\r\n\r\nI thank Administrator Shah and his family for their sacrifice and I wish him the best of luck going forward.\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-welcomes-caret-as-new-university-of-maryland-system-chancellor", "Cardin Welcomes Caret as New University of Maryland System Chancellor", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Welcomes Caret as New University of Maryland System Chancellor \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBALTIMORE  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement in response to Robert Caret being named the new Chancellor of the University System of Maryland (USM).\r\n\r\nAs an alum of the University System of Maryland, I can think of few others better suited for this position. Bob was the first in his family to attend college and truly understands the value of higher education. He has had a long and distinguished career in higher education administration, and I am glad he will continue that career leading the University System of Maryland, said Senator Cardin.\r\n\r\nAfter 29 years in the University System of Maryland, including eight as the President of Towson University, Bob has a unique understanding of what must be done to improve an already stellar system. I share his vison of making higher education more affordable, and look forward to working with him to find innovative ways to do so. Bob comes back to the University System of Maryland at a time of great change in our state. I know he will work closely with Governor-Elect Hogan and other Maryland lawmakers to ensure higher education remains a top priority.\r\n\r\nMy wife Myrna and I join so many across the state in welcoming Bob Caret back to Maryland. Her past work with Bob on the Towson University Board of Visitors was a pleasure, and we look forward to a similarly positive working relationship in the years ahead.\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://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-lauds-release-of-alan-gross", "Delaney Lauds Release of Alan Gross", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) hails the release of Alan Gross from a Cuban prison and his return to the United States. Montgomery County native Alan Gross had been sent to Cuba as a contractor for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and has been held captive since 2009.\n\u201cWe have been praying and lobbying for Alan\u2019s release. We are elated that he gets to come home to his wife Judy and his friends and family who never gave up hope and who never stopped working for his release.\u00a0 Let us welcome Alan home and continue to push to bring home all of our American citizens that are held captive overseas.\u201d\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2321", "Hoyer Statement on the Release of Alan Gross", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) issued the following statement today on the release of Alan Gross, an American aid worker imprisoned by the Cuban government for five years:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI was so glad to learn this morning of Alan Gross\u2019s return home to his family in Maryland after five years\u2019 captivity in Cuba. His wife Judy and their daughters have been waiting so long to welcome Alan home, and today is one filled with joy and thanksgiving for them, their extended family, and their neighbors and friends throughout the Greater Washington area. I join in thanking President Obama for working to secure his release, and I commend Alan for his work with USAID before his imprisonment to bring hope and opportunity to people in need throughout the world.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2322", "Hoyer Congratulates New USM Chancellor Robert Caret", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after Robert Caret was appointed as the fourth chancellor of the University System of Maryland, effective July 1, 2015.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI join in congratulating Dr. Robert Caret as the next chancellor of the University System of Maryland. Dr. Caret is an accomplished leader with decades of experience that make him an excellent choice to guide USM into its next chapter of success. The health and economic well-being of our great state depends upon the strength and innovation of our public universities. As the current president of the University of Massachusetts and past president of Towson University, one of USM\u2019s 12 institutions, Dr. Caret knows what needs to be done to ensure that Maryland's universities remain among the best in the nation.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to my friend, current Chancellor William 'Brit' Kirwan for 12 years of outstanding service to the University System of Maryland. He will be greatly missed. I\u2019m confident that Dr. Caret will continue to be a tireless advocate for education, and I look forward to working with him in the years to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-welcomes-home-alan-gross", "Cardin Welcomes Home Alan Gross", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Welcomes Home Alan Gross \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.),a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the release of Marylander Alan Gross from his wrongful imprisonment in Cuba. Senator Cardin greeted Alan Gross upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.\r\n\r\nOn this first day of Hanukah, which celebrates great miracles, I was proud to welcome Alan Gross home to Maryland today and to talk with him about his ordeal. This is a wonderful, and long overdue, reunion day for Alan and his wife Judy, who has shown incredible strength and courage on behalf of her husband and family throughout this time. For five years, we have been urging for his release. I want to thank President Obama and his administration for their commitment to this cause. Alan's release marks a new day for U.S.-Cuban relations. No degree of normalization' could ever occur as long as the Cuban government was unjustly holding an innocent American citizen. We will not forget the previous transgressions of the Cuban government, but we can move on together toward a more fruitful relationship with one of our closest neighbors. A healthy and prosperous Cuba is good for the United States and will promote a more open society that respects human rights and individual freedoms.\r\n\r\nGross was in Cuba to help the country's small Jewish community establish an Intranet and improve its access to the internet, access which would allow the community to go online without fear of censorship or monitoring. After being held for 14 months without charge and then a cursory two-day trial, he was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. December 3 marked five years in Cuban custody.\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://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/committee-for-a-responsible-federal-budget-calls-delaney-infrastructure-plan", "Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget Calls Delaney Infrastructure Plan Fiscally-Responsible and Worthy of Consideration", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) has published an analysis of Congressman John K. Delaney\u2019s (MD-6) Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act (H.R. 5857), calling the legislation \u201cfiscally-responsible\u201d and \u201cworthy of consideration next Congress.\u201d\nDelaney introduced his new infrastructure legislation last week, which makes the Highway Trust Fund solvent for six years, creates a new infrastructure fund for state and local governments to access, and reforms the overseas tax code. The bill also creates an eighteen-month deadline for comprehensive or international tax reform. Under the legislation, if no international tax reform bill passes into law, a fallback option that ends deferral but with greatly reduced rates is triggered. Additionally, the bill establishes a commission to create permanent solvency for the Highway Trust Fund.\nThe CRFB concludes:\n\u201cDelaney's proposal is fiscally responsible: it appears to raise enough revenue to offset the HTF shortfall and fund an infrastructure bank, all without double-counting revenue as Camp's Tax Reform Act did. (Camp's tax reform plan claimed that same revenue as contributing toward overall revenue-neutrality). More importantly, the proposal recognizes this solution is only a band-aid for both the issues of tax reform and infrastructure spending, and puts processes in place to accomplish both. In addition, the increased infrastructure spending and more efficient tax code would boost long-term economic growth. For these reasons, the proposal is certainly worthy of consideration next Congress.\u201d\nThe Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget is a bipartisan, non-profit organization. For more information on the CRFB, click here.\nThe Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act (H.R. 5857):\n Deemed Repatriation at 8.75% Tax Rate to Pay for Infrastructure \n\t\tSame rate proposed for cash held abroad by outgoing House Ways & Means Chairman Dave Camp in his tax reform package. Existing overseas profits accumulated by U.S. multi-national corporations would be subject to 8.75% rate, replacing deferral option and current rate of 35%.\n\t\t\tFunds six year reauthorization of a Surface Transportation Bill by replenishing the Highway Trust Fund, the federal government\u2019s primary funding mechanism for surface transportation projects.\n\t\t\tCapitalizes $50 billion dollar American Infrastructure Fund (AIF) which is leveraged to finance $750 billion of additional transportation, water, energy, communications and education infrastructure projects. Financing only available to state and local governments.\n\t\t\n \u00a0\n Broader Tax Reform Trigger\n\t\tInfrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act creates an eighteen month deadline for tax reform, which remains an urgent priority for our economy.\n\t\t\tConstructive tax reform proposals have been put forward in both chambers, but Congress needs a deadline to cross the finish line.\n\t\t\n \u00a0\n Fallback International Tax Reform\n\t\tIf reform is not enacted, a fallback international tax package to make U.S. business climate more competitive would be implemented.\n\t\t\tFallback reform would end deferral and establish new lower rates on international earnings, eliminating the lock-out effect that discourages repatriation and allowing for the free flow of profits back to the United States.\n\t\t\tFollows \u201cOption Z\u201d framework developed by Senate Finance Chair Max Baucus, but with different rates. On Active Market Foreign Income, a company would pay a 12.25% tax to the U.S. if they earn their money in a zero tax jurisdiction, but only a 2% tax to the U.S. if they are already paying the OECD average of 25% abroad, with a sliding scale in-between.\n\t\t\tReduces a multi-national company\u2019s incentive to invert.\n\t\t\n \u00a0\n Long-term Highway Trust Fund Solvency\n\t\tThe Highway Trust Fund\u2019s importance to the nation\u2019s economy cannot be overstated and Congress must act to stabilize the fund so that vital transportation needs can be met.\n\t\t\tThe Highway Trust Fund faces an annual shortfall of $15-18 billion due to outdated funding stream levels and technological and demographic changes.\n\t\t\tThe Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act provides six years of solvency, providing immediate certainty to the private sector and policymakers.\n\t\t\tTo create even longer-term certainty and stability, the Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act establishes a bipartisan and bicameral commission that is tasked with researching and proposing a solution for permanent solvency of the Highway Trust Fund.\n\t\t\n \u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-omnibus-supports-marylands-veterans-and-military-operations", "Cardin: Omnibus Supports Maryland’s Veterans and Military Operations", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin: Omnibus Supports Maryland\u2019s Veterans and Military Operations \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.) today discussed how the recently passed $1.014 trillion funding package avoids a government shutdown and advances several priorities related to military operations and veterans throughout Maryland.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe have an obligation to support the men and women of our Armed Forces with the resources they need while on active duty, in the reserves and when they return to civilian life. Passing a fiscally responsibly budget that invests in America and sets priorities for our nation helps make that possible,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cWhile far from perfect, on balance the omnibus spending package passed by Congress provides greater stability to the Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, and other federal agencies, as well as the businesses and workers who support their mission. It avoids a reckless government shutdown and advances several priority programs, including many that will help restore the trust that was broken with our military veterans and expedite their access to quality medical care and benefits earned during their service to our nation.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nFollowing are some of the important provisions in the omnibus spending bill for military operations and veterans.\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 percent pay increase for military and civilian personnel\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Almost $500 billion in Department of Defense base funding\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Approximately $400 million in Maryland military construction projects requested by Senator Cardin, including:\r\n\u00a0\r\nAir Force \u2013 Ft. Meade \u2013 CYBERCOM Increment 2 \u2013 $166 million\u00a0\r\nUnited States Naval Academy \u2013 Annapolis \u2013 Cyber Center \u2013 $120.1 million\r\nNational Security Agency \u2013 Ft. Meade \u2013 $54.2 million\r\nDefense Logistics Agency \u2013 Joint Base Andrews \u2013 $18.3 million\r\nNavy \u2013 Indian Head \u2013 Advanced Energetics Lab \u2013 $15.3 million\r\nArmy National Guard \u2013 Havre De Grace \u2013 $12.4 million\r\nNavy \u2013 Patuxent River \u2013 Atlantic Test Range Facility \u2013 $9.9 million\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Defense Technology Transfer Partnerships \u2013 $2.5 million increase for public-private technology ventures between the Department of Defense research and developmental labs and regional technology commercialization organizations\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Defense Medical Research \u2013 increased funding for defense research; included language submitted by Senator Cardin to support wounded warriors and research for reconstructive transplantation and epilepsy\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $31 million increase for\u00a0Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $20 million to each force for alternative energy research to combat climate change\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $10 million for defense-related research programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $190 million to keep commissaries open\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nVeterans\u2019 Health\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $7.0 billion for long term care for the nation\u2019s aging veterans and severely wounded combat veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $4.6 billion to provide health care for women veterans, including $403 million in gender-specific health care to meet the unique needs of female veterans\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $4.2 billion to meet the health care needs of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan ($500 million more than the current estimate for FY14)\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $589 million for research in a number of areas, including mental health, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, burn injury, polytrauma injuries and sensory loss\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $99.3 million for Board of Veterans Appeals ($11 million more than FY14 level), increasing manpower resources to expedite the appeals process\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $250 million to build on the Rural Health Initiative to close gaps in VA service in rural and remote areas\r\n\u00a0\r\nVeterans\u2019 Homelessness\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $75 million for HUD-VASH to provide housing for 10,000 additional veterans experiencing homelessness\r\n\u00a0\r\nMandatory Advances\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Advance funding for VA mandatory veterans benefit accounts required to be carried in next year\u2019s bill for FY2017, including Compensation and Pensions, Readjustment Benefits, and Insurance and Indemnities accounts. This comes in addition to advance funding for VA medical care accounts, which were provided in FY2010.\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requirement included to shield veterans from the uncertainty of timely enactment of annual appropriations bills and the potential of a future government shutdown, which could delay payments and impose unwarranted hardship on veterans who depend on these benefits.\r\n\u00a0\r\nVA Patient Scheduling\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Includes the foundation for continued patient scheduling reforms and provides $5 million more than the budget request for the Office of Inspector General to continue a nationwide investigation throughout all Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) of scheduling practices and procedures.\r\n\u00a0\r\nVeterans\u2019 Claims Processing\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $2.5 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $40 million more than requested to expedite claims processing by hiring additional claims and support personnel at regional offices; expanding the Veterans Claims Intake Program records scanning system; and implementing the centralized mail initiative\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $10 million of the increased funding dedicated to hardware upgrades at regional offices to ensure that the VA rapidly transforms from a paper-based claims processing system to one that uses modern technology that supports the deployment of the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) nationwide\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 VA required to work with the congressionally chartered National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) to ensure that VA develops and implements business practices to prevent the recurrence of a backlog in claims processing\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Appeals process streamlined by requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a strategic plan that details how the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) plans to improve the timeliness and accuracy of appellate decisions\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $5 million more than the request for the BVA to provide additional manpower to speed up the appeals process in an effort to avert trading a claims backlog for an appeals backlog\r\n\u00a0\r\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires and funds the development of an inter-operable joint VA-Defense Department Electronic Health Record (EHR) system\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-condemns-taliban-attack-on-the-army-public-school-in-pakistan", "Cardin Condemns Taliban Attack on the Army Public School in Pakistan", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Condemns Taliban Attack on the Army Public School in Pakistan  \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.), Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission anda Senior Member of theSenate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement following a terrorist attack at The Army Public School in Pakistan that killed more than 140 people, including 132 children.\r\n\r\nI join the international community in condemning the terrorist attack on The Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan. The targeting of innocents, in this case students and teachers, is beyond reprehensible. My thoughts and prayers go out to the grieving families, as well as the people of Pakistan as they recover from this tragedy.\r\n\r\nThe United States and its allies will remain steadfast in our resistance to those who resort to this type of heinous attack. We reaffirm our commitment to countering violent extremism and bringing those responsible to justice.\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/newsroom/press/release/cardin-omnibus-spending-bill-benefits-maryland-transportation-infrastructure", "Cardin: Omnibus Spending Bill Benefits Maryland Transportation Infrastructure", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin: Omnibus Spending Bill Benefits Maryland Transportation Infrastructure \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.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, today highlighted some of the key provisions in the $1.014 trillion funding package passed by Congress that avoids a government shutdown and advances transportation improvements in Maryland and across the nation.\r\n\r\nEfficient and dependable transportation infrastructure means quality jobs for Maryland today and in the future, along with improved safety, less gridlock and more options for residents, commuters and visitors,\" said Senator Cardin.\r\n\r\nThe continued safe and reliable operation of Metro promoted by the bill's full annual funding for WMATA isn't just important to Maryland, DC and Virginia residents, but is absolutely critical to the function of the federal government. I was pleased to see New Starts funding be prioritized for both the Baltimore Red Line and Purple Line in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties, which require 60 percent or less federal match. Both projects are poised to create jobs and lessen the growing congestion on our roadways. Adding to our regional safety is the full funding the Federal Aviation Administration's Contract Air Traffic Control Towers program. This FAA program is critical to the viability of control towers at small airports across Maryland. I know I join other elected officials from the Northeast corridor in applauding the $1.39 billion in funding for Amtrak. And the omnibus provides a significant increase in funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission, whose work is critical to the completion of the Appalachian Development System that is serving Western Maryland.\r\n\r\nListed below are some of the important transportation-related provisions in the omnibus spending bill:\r\n\r\n \r\nWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA): $150 million\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nPriority funding for Purple Line and Red Line\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$144.5 million for Contract Air Traffic Control Towers, helping ensure that Maryland's small airport control towers remain open.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nDept. of Transportation TIGER Discretionary Grants: $500 million\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/newsroom/press/release/cardin-omnibus-spending-bill-benefits-public-health-in-maryland", "Cardin: Omnibus Spending Bill Benefits Public Health in Maryland", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin: Omnibus Spending Bill Benefits Public Health in Maryland \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.), a member of the Senate Finance subcommittee on health care, highlighted some of the key provisions in the $1.014 trillion funding package passed by Congress that avoids a government shutdown and advances public health initiatives in Maryland and across the nation.\r\n\r\nAmericans expect Congress to do its job and pass fiscally responsibly spending measures that invest in America and set priorities, providing maximum stability to federal agencies, programs, businesses and workers, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said.\r\n\r\nWhile far from perfect, on balance the omnibus spending bill fulfills this responsibility, avoiding a reckless government shutdown and advancing several priority programs, including many in the field of public health. It devotes considerable resources to treating Ebola and infectious diseases world-wide and directs more than $30 billion to the National Institutes of Health, expanding base funding by $150 million and Ebola-related research by $238 million. It allows the NIH flexibility in the direction of funds necessary to support trailblazing efforts to understand the inner workings of the brain and Alzheimer's Disease. The bill provides strong funding to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and almost $5 billion for the National Cancer Institute, including $8 million that can be used for facility repairs and improvement at NCI in Frederick. Furthering support for the Affordable Care Act, the omnibus spending bill includes a $1.5 billion funding increase for Community Health Centers, whose funding have been a long-term priority for Marylanders.\r\n\r\nFollowing are some of the important public health-related provisions in the omnibus spending bill:\r\n\r\n \r\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention: $6.9 billion, a $43 million increase over FY14 enacted levels.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nCommunity Health Centers funded at $1.492 billion. Combined with mandatory funding in the Affordable Care Act, FY15 program level is $5.1 billion, an increase of about $1.5 billion.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nNIH funding: $30.3 billion, an increase of $150 million in base funding and $238 million in Ebola-related research.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nAllows NIH to allocate a 25 percent increase in Alzheimer's Disease Research Initiative and $65 million for second year of Brain Research through Application of Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative (an increase of $25 million).\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIncludes $4.95 billion for National Cancer Institute, of which up to $8 million may be used for facility repairs and improvements at National Cancer Institute  Frederick Federally Funded Research and Development Center.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIncludes $269 million for National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nChildren's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education: $265 million in funding, same as FY14.\r\n \r\n\r\nVeterans' Health:\r\n\r\n \r\nMore than $7.4 billion for health care and support services for homeless veterans.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$7.0 billion for long-term care for the nation's aging veterans and severely wounded combat veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$4.6 billion to provide health care for women veterans, including $403 million in gender-specific health care to meet the unique needs of female veterans.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$4.2 billion to meet the health care needs of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan ($500 million more than the current estimate for FY14).\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$589 million for research in a number of areas, including mental health, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, burn injury, polytrauma injuries and sensory loss.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$99.3 million for Board of Veterans Appeals ($11 million more than FY14 level), increasing manpower resources to expedite the appeals process.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$250 million to build on the Rural Health Initiative to close gaps in VA service in rural and remote areas.\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/newsroom/press/release/cardin-omnibus-spending-bill-benefits-western-maryland", "Cardin:  Omnibus Spending Bill Benefits Western Maryland", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin:  Omnibus Spending Bill Benefits Western Maryland \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 the $1.1 trillion funding package passed by the Congress to fund federal government operations through Sept. 30, 2015 and avoided a government shutdown advances several key priorities for Western Maryland.\r\n\r\nThe American people are tired of lurching from government crisis to government crisis. While this spending bill is far from perfect, I am pleased at how it funds many of the programs and initiatives important to Western Maryland, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said. Maryland will benefit greatly from the targeted investments of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which was appropriated $90 million. Federal investments in ARC empower infrastructure projects and promote public health, public safety, education and so much more, while creating local jobs. Of that ARC funding, $10 million has been allocated to bringing broadband to areas in Western Maryland. With broadband will come increased educational and economic opportunities.\r\n\r\nMaryland's economy and 350,000 jobs rely on having a thriving agriculture industry. This bill prevents 250 Farm Service Agency local offices from facing a potential closure, including several in Maryland. The FSA plays a vital role in ensuring Western Maryland landscapes are productive and sustainable. The Economic Development Administration also received $250 million to promote job growth and workforce development across the country and in Western Maryland. I also was very pleased to see the National Cancer Institute receive a total of $4.95 billion, including $8 million for repairs and improvements to its facility in Frederick.\r\n\r\nTourism is another vital part of the Western Maryland economy. I was a proud co-sponsor of the Brand USA Act, which was authorized in this package. Brand USA is a public-private partnership that promotes international tourism. It has been responsible for bringing 1.1 million tourists to the United States and generating $32 million in revenue.\r\n\r\nThe Appalachian Trail also received $240,000 in funding for trail construction in six states. And more than $144 million will go toward making sure that smaller airports, including Hagerstown Regional Airport and Frederick Municipal Airport, will have the assurance that safety will not be compromised and their air traffic control towers will remain staffed and opened.\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://delaney.house.gov//news/in-the-news/federal-grant-to-help-veterans-find-homes", "Federal grant to help veterans find homes", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hagerstown Herald-Mail coverage of a December 2014 grant to help homeless veterans in Western Maryland:\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thirty veterans living in halfway houses at undisclosed locations in Hagerstown will be able to find more stable homes thanks to a $219,521 federal grant.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ted Shankle, executive director of the Hagerstown Housing Authority, said the grant was awarded earlier this week by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development \u2014 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"They'll be able to move out of halfway houses into permanent housing,\" he said.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The local money was part of a $491,367 grant that was issued statewide, according to the offices of Rep. John Delaney, and U.S. Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, all Maryland Democrats.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Calvert County Housing Authority received $198,901 of the grant, while the Baltimore County Housing Authority got $72,945.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe have a sacred obligation to support our nation\u2019s veterans, and there\u2019s little more fundamental to a person\u2019s well-being and dignity than having a place to live\u201d Delaney said in a news release.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m hopeful that federal grants to the Hagerstown Housing Authority will help Western Maryland veterans secure the permanent housing they deserve,\u201d he said.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"Veterans Affairs will screen those vets to make sure they'll be good tenants,\" Shankle said.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He said veterans who participate in the program will move into privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30 percent of their income to pay rent.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In cases where the veteran is unemployed, the vouchers would subsidize other types of income, such as disability and Social Security, according to Shankle.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He said the housing authority will provide rental assistance to the veterans, while the VA in Martinsburg will offer supportive services and case management.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-honors-fort-hill-sentinels-in-official-congressional-record", "Delaney Honors Fort Hill Sentinels in Official Congressional Record", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has submitted remarks honoring the Fort Hill Sentinels of Cumberland to the official Congressional Record. Earlier this December the Sentinels won a second consecutive state title, defeating Douglass High School 40-8 to cap an undefeated season. A copy of the record will be sent to the team.\nSince 1873, the record has been published daily when Congress is in session.\nThe statement for the record is as follows:\n\u201cMr. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fort Hill High School football team and Head Coach Todd Appel for winning the Maryland Class 1A State Football Championship for the second year in a row on Saturday, December 6th.\n\u201cThe Fort Hill Sentinels finished a second consecutive perfect 14-0 season with a 40-8 win against Douglass High School. The Sentinels have now won back-to-back state championships, their fourth in school history. They continued last season's dominance, outscoring their opponents 197-64.\n\u201cCoach Appel has now compiled an impressive 80-11 record through seven seasons. The Sentinels started as the favorite and never looked back, sweeping the regular season and playoffs. I want to thank Coach Appel and his staff for their leadership, as well as all the student-athletes for their hard work and determination to be the best they can be both in the classroom and on the field. The Sentinels success over the last two years has brought pride to both Fort Hill High School and the local community. I also wish the Fort Hill Sentinels the best of luck as they look to win their third straight title next season.\n\u201cI ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring this significant accomplishment.\u201d\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-honors-northwest-jaguars-in-official-congressional-record", "Delaney Honors Northwest Jaguars in Official Congressional Record", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has submitted remarks honoring the Northwest High School Jaguars to the official Congressional Record. Northwest won the Maryland Class 4A State Football Championship earlier this month by defeating Old Mill 34-31, delivering the Germantown school\u2019s second straight title. A copy of the record will be sent to the team.\nSince 1873, the record has been published daily when Congress is in session.\nThe statement for the record is as follows:\n\u00a0\n\u201cMr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Northwest High School football team and Head Coach Mike Neubeiser of Germantown, Maryland. On Friday, December 5, the Jaguars won their second consecutive Maryland Class 4A State Football Championship.\n\u201cThe Northwest Jaguars capped off a 13-1 season with a 34-31 win over Old Mill. The Jaguars rolled through the playoffs, outscoring their opponents by an impressive 147-67 margin. The Jaguars repeated last year's success by winning their second title in a row, and being the first Montgomery County team to do so in 15 years. The championship is the team's third title.\n\u201cBeing the reigning champion, Coach Neubeiser's squad started the season as the favorite. Their only loss came in week 9, and the Jaguars quickly rebounded to stay on the championship road. I want to thank Coach Neubeiser and his staff for their leadership, as well as all the student-athletes for their hard work and determination to be the best they can be both in the classroom and on the field. I also wish the Northwest Jaguars the best of luck as they look to win their third straight title next season.\n\u201cI ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring this significant accomplishment.\u201d\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-on-racial-profiling", "Floor Speech on Racial Profiling", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2014\n\t\t\t Floor Speech on Racial Profiling \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, this week I received several requests from international advocate groups to speak out against the injustice that is taking place in other countries with regard to their judicial system. It is not unusual to get a request in the United States to speak out on those matters.\r\nJournalists are in prison solely because they were doing investigative journalism, human rights activists are in prison just because they felt it was necessary to speak out about the injustice in their society, and there are people who have been arrested, harassed or tortured because they disagree with the government and the judicial system of that country is unable to deal with those types of issues.\r\nThey understand that one of America's core values is fairness, inclusion, and equal justice under the law; however, recent events have shown that in the United States we are not where we need to be in regard to our judicial system, and we must do more.\r\nShortly after the tragic death of Trayvon Martin--an unarmed youth killed by an auxiliary police personnel--I convened a group of activists in Baltimore to try and understand what is happening in our community.\r\nI must say that what I observed and learned during that discussion was something that should be very informative to all of us. It was an African-American audience, and they explained to me that if you have a teenaged son in the African-American community, you have to talk to that son about what they need to do in regard to their potential confrontation with police.\r\nIt was chilling for me to try to understand the fear that is in our community as to how they have to deal with law enforcement. Law enforcement should be on your side. Yet it sort of ripped me apart to understand how widespread the concern is in minority communities and the widespread number of victims of racial profiling in minority communities. So many families had an example.\r\nThere was one young woman who was there, and she told me when she was a young girl she was going to the arena to see a basketball game with her father. Her father was pulled over for no reason other than the color of his skin. He was pulled aside and unable to proceed to the basketball game. It had a huge impact on this young girl at the time and made her think: Is this America? Are these core values we believe in? Is this equal justice under the law?\r\nOne of the victims of racial profiling was a young lawyer who was returning home from a funeral he attended. He was stopped by the Maryland State Police solely because of the color of his skin--no other reason. He decided to do something about it. He brought a legal suit against the Maryland State Police Department--Wilkins v. State of Maryland. As a result of that lawsuit, a consent order was entered into where the Maryland State Police committed to stop racial profiling. There were certain practices that had to be established, certain checks that had to be done, certain data that had to be provided, and I believe it became the model example of what law enforcement needs to do to ensure it is not using racial profiling.\r\nI mentioned that case because Robert Wilkins, the young lawyer who brought that case, has been confirmed by the Senate and now sits on the DC Court of Appeals--one of the confirmations we were able to complete in this term of Congress. He is an excellent member of the Court of Appeals for the District.\r\nWe get constant reminders of the problems we have in our criminal justice system; for example, the tragic death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. I am a strong supporter of the independence of our judicial branch of government and the grand jury system, but I think all of us understand the frustration when there were no criminal indictments brought in the Trayvon Martin case, the Michael Brown case, and in the most recent case with Eric Garner. He was the unarmed individual who was choked to death in New York.\r\nUnfortunately, there are many more examples where the criminal justice system does not appear to work for equal justice for all.\r\nIn Oakland, CA, the NAACP reported that out of the 45 officers involved in shootings in the city between 2004 and 2008, 37 of those shot were Black, none were White, one-third of the shootings resulted in fatalities, and although weapons were not found in 40 percent of the cases, no officers were charged. No wonder people are losing confidence that we truly do have a system where all of our citizens are treated equally under the law.\r\nI have to point out that the Department of Justice is investigating the circumstances in the Ferguson and Michael Brown case. We will have to wait and see what happens with the Federal investigation, but the initial suspicions in many of these cases were solely because of the color of a person's skin, and that is why the individuals were stopped. They were not stopped because they were observed in criminal activities or because they had specific information about a crime that fit the description of the individual who was stopped. That is profiling and profiling is wrong.\r\nProfiling is when the police target an individual, start an investigation, and do something because of race, religion or national origin. That is wrong. It does not work. If you have specific information about a crime, obviously you can use identifiers to deal with the investigation, and that is appropriate. But if you don't have specific information, then it is profiling, and profiling is just plain wrong. It is un-American. It is not what we believe in. It is not in our core values. It is a waste of resources because it doesn't help solve a problem. It turns communities against law enforcement, and we need communities working with law enforcement if we are going to have the most efficient law enforcement. As we have seen too frequently in recent years in the United States, it can be deadly. Profiling must end.\r\nThe Attorney General issued some guidance on profiling today. There were some things in there that I found helpful. For the first time the Justice Department guidelines will cover new categories, such as national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, and sexual orientation, while closing certain loopholes and narrowing some exemptions.\r\nThe guide mandates new data collection which makes it easier to track profiling complaints. It is all positive. For the first time we have specific guidelines against profiling, but it only applies to the Federal agencies. We need to act because only we can make it apply not just at the Federal level but at the State and local auxiliaries. We can close all loopholes so we do not allow profiling to take place in America, as we should, and we can give a private right of action so we can have enforcement of the laws that we pass. That is what we should do.\r\nI have introduced legislation that does exactly that--The End Racial Profiling Act, S. 1038. I am proud to have as cosponsors Senators Reid, Durbin, Blumenthal, Coons, Harkin, Menendez, Stabenow, Levin, Mikulski, Warren, Boxer Gillibrand, Hirono, Wyden, Murphy, and Whitehouse.\r\nI am proud to say that in the House of Representatives the lead sponsor is John Conyers, who has been an iconic figure in the fight for civil rights, H.R. 2851. There are 59 cosponsors on the House bill.\r\nThe legislation we authored would provide training and mentoring for police departments so they have what they need. It prohibits all forms of profiling. It provides for data collection. It provides grants to develop best practices. It has broad support, including the support of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, ACLU, NAACP, and the Rights Working Group.\r\nAmerica is a beacon of hope for people all around the world. They embrace our core values because they know what America stands for. It stands for every one of us being treated fairly under our laws. I am proud of our values, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish as a nation where we can enjoy religious freedom, where people can speak out however they want to about their government.\r\nLet us take care of business first at home and recognize that we are not where we need to be. Recent events where people have lost their lives show how our system is not working and needs to be corrected. One thing we can do is pass the End Racial Profiling Act. As Senator Kennedy said, civil rights is the great unfinished business of America. We can end profiling by passing legislation.\r\nI encourage my colleagues to work with me so we can end profiling and move one step closer to equal justice under the law for all Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-files-bill-to-solve-infrastructure-crisis-reform-tax-code", "Delaney Files Bill to Solve Infrastructure Crisis, Reform Tax Code", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has filed legislation, the Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act, to strengthen America\u2019s economy by rebuilding the nation\u2019s infrastructure and reforming the broken corporate tax code. The legislation is designed to create jobs, spur economic growth, improve quality of life, and discourage corporate inversions.\n\u201cAs we head into a new year and a new Congress, it is essential that we keep infrastructure and tax reform at the top of our agenda. The Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act creates millions of jobs, brings pro-growth reforms to our broken tax code and helps build the 21st century infrastructure system that my constituents and Americans from coast to coast need. said Congressman Delaney. \u201cA large bipartisan coalition has rallied behind the Partnership to Build America Act and we\u2019ve proven that there is strong bipartisan support for tying international tax reform to new investments in infrastructure. The rising threat of corporate inversions, the looming insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund, and the daily problems caused by inadequate infrastructure all mean that we shouldn\u2019t delay. It\u2019s time for a new solution.\u201d\nDelaney\u2019s Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act uses repatriated revenue to increase infrastructure investment by imposing a mandatory deemed repatriation tax on corporate earnings currently held overseas. This revenue will fund a six-year reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund at increased levels and capitalize a new resource, the American Infrastructure Fund (AIF). State and local governments will be able to receive financing from the AIF for transportation, water, energy, education and communications projects. The Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act also creates an eighteen month deadline for comprehensive or international tax reform. Under the legislation, if no international tax reform bill passes into law, a fallback option that ends deferral but with greatly reduced rates is triggered. Additionally, the bill establishes a commission to create permanent solvency for the Highway Trust Fund.\nThe legislation builds on the framework and bipartisan success of the Partnership to Build America Act, which demonstrated that there is a deep vein of support on both sides of the aisle for a new approach that uses tax reform to facilitate new infrastructure investment. Introduced in 2013, the Partnership to Build America Act is supported by a large bipartisan coalition. The bill has 39 Republican and 37 Democratic cosponsors in the House and 1 Independent, 7 Republican, 7 Democratic cosponsors in the Senate.\nThe Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act:\n Deemed Repatriation at 8.75% Tax Rate to Pay for Infrastructure \n\t\tSame rate proposed for cash held abroad by outgoing House Ways & Means Chairman Dave Camp in his tax reform package. Existing overseas profits accumulated by U.S. multi-national corporations would be subject to 8.75% rate, replacing deferral option and current rate of 35%.\n\t\t\tFunds six year reauthorization of a Surface Transportation Bill by replenishing the Highway Trust Fund, the federal government\u2019s primary funding mechanism for surface transportation projects.\n\t\t\tCapitalizes $50 billion dollar American Infrastructure Fund (AIF) which is leveraged to finance $750 billion of additional transportation, water, energy, communications and education infrastructure projects. Financing only available to state and local governments.\n\t\t\n \u00a0\n Broader Tax Reform Trigger\n\t\tInfrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act creates an eighteen month deadline for tax reform, which remains an urgent priority for our economy.\n\t\t\tConstructive tax reform proposals have been put forward in both chambers, but Congress needs a deadline to cross the finish line.\n\t\t\n \u00a0\n Fallback International Tax Reform\n\t\tIf reform is not enacted, a fallback international tax package to make U.S. business climate more competitive would be implemented.\n\t\t\tFallback reform would end deferral and establish new lower rates on international earnings, eliminating the lock-out effect that discourages repatriation and allowing for the free flow of profits back to the United States.\n\t\t\tFollows \u201cOption Z\u201d framework developed by Senate Finance Chair Max Baucus, but with different rates. On Active Market Foreign Income, a company would pay a 12.25% tax to the U.S. if they earn their money in a zero tax jurisdiction, but only a 2% tax to the U.S. if they are already paying the OECD average of 25% abroad, with a sliding scale in-between.\n\t\t\tReduces a multi-national company\u2019s incentive to invert.\n\t\t\n \u00a0\n Long-term Highway Trust Fund Solvency\n\t\tThe Highway Trust Fund\u2019s importance to the nation\u2019s economy cannot be overstated and Congress must act to stabilize the fund so that vital transportation needs can be met.\n\t\t\tThe Highway Trust Fund faces an annual shortfall of $15-18 billion due to outdated funding stream levels and technological and demographic changes.\n\t\t\tThe Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act provides six years of solvency, providing immediate certainty to the private sector and policymakers.\n\t\t\tTo create even longer-term certainty and stability, the Infrastructure and Global Tax Competitiveness Act establishes a bipartisan and bicameral commission that is tasked with researching and proposing a solution for permanent solvency of the Highway Trust Fund.\n\t\t\n \u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ruppersberger.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-issues-statement-on-fy15-cromnibus", "Ruppersberger Issues Statement on FY15 Cromnibus", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger", "R000576", "ruppersberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger issued the following statement on the 2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, known as the \u201ccromnibus,\u201d which passed last night in a vote of 219 to 206.\n\u201cLast night, the House of Representatives finally came together and passed bipartisan legislation that will keep most of the federal government funded until September 2015 and prevent another government shutdown. As with previous omnibus bills, I would describe this legislation as an imperfect but fair and necessary compromise.\nI am particularly disappointed that the bill will not fund homeland security agencies beyond February, which is the result of partisan bickering over immigration policy. I also remain strongly opposed to a provision that will affect multiemployer pensions and changes to Dodd-Frank consumer protections. I hope we can revisit these issues down the road.\nI am pleased that the bill contains a small cost-of-living increase for federal workers as well as funding to address the Veterans Affairs backlog, which is particularly egregious in Baltimore. I also support substantial funding to research replacement limbs for wounded warriors and reconstructive face transplants, a procedure that was pioneered, in part, at University of Maryland Shock Trauma.\nOther highlights beneficial to Maryland and the Second District include:\n $ 38.8 million for Port of Baltimore dredging activities, including funding for the Poplar Island project.\n\t$5 million for oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay.\n\t$30.1 billion for the National Institute of Health, supporting jobs for more than 23,000 Marylanders.\n\tLanguage that prioritizes improvements to access roads at military installations, including Fort Meade.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-introduces-a-comprehensive-progressive-pro-growth-approach-to-tax-reform", "Cardin Introduces a Comprehensive, Progressive, Pro-Growth Approach to Tax Reform", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Introduces a Comprehensive, Progressive, Pro-Growth Approach to Tax Reform \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, has introduced groundbreaking legislation that would eliminate income tax liability for most Americans and reduce corporate income tax rate to one of the lowest among industrialized nations. Cardin\u2019s bill, S. 3005, the Progressive Consumption Tax Act (PCTA), changes the way the federal government raises revenue. Rather than taxing income, the Progressive Consumption Tax (PCT) generates reasonable revenue by taxing the purchase of goods and services. Designed to be at least as progressive as today\u2019s tax system, low- and middle-income families would be protected from unfair consumption taxation through a rebate, and important benefits would be retained in a much simpler income tax code. A revenue circuit breaker, tied to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is built into the Cardin system to set reasonable limits on the amount of income generated by the new progressive consumption tax.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cOur tax code should be fair for families and employers. It should help make American-based businesses more competitive and our Nation\u2019s economy stronger. And it should provide a way to responsibly and reliably collect reasonable revenues. Our current, 1980s-style tax code simply cannot accomplish these goals,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cCredible tax reform is critical to America\u2019s economic competitiveness. Every other developed country in the world, including all other Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, have a consumption tax. The Progressive Consumption Tax Act puts this country on a level playing field with other nations by providing for a broad-based progressive consumption tax, or PCT, at a rate of 10 percent.\u00a0 The PCT would generate revenue by taxing goods and services, rather than income.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe PCT is not simply an add-on tax. The revenues generated by this new system would be used to eliminate an income tax liability for an overwhelming majority of American households,\u201d said Senator Cardin.\u00a0 The PCTA\u2019s income tax exemptions, called \u201cfamily allowances,\u201d are set at $100,000 for joint filers, $50,000 for single filers, and $75,000 for head of household filers.\u00a0 The family allowances are indexed for inflation.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThose who do still have an income tax liability would see a much simplified income tax with their marginal rates reduced\u2014the top marginal individual income tax rate, applying to taxable income over $500,000 for joint filers, would be 28 percent versus the current top marginal rate (applying to taxable income over approximately $450,000 for joint filers) of 39.6 percent. Four important tax benefits remain: (1) the charitable contribution deduction; (2) the state and local tax deduction; (3) health and retirement benefits; (4) the mortgage interest deduction.\r\nIn addition, this bill would slice the corporate rate by more than half, to just 17 percent.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cA cornerstone of the Progressive Consumption Tax Act is its progressivity. Rebates and the family allowance will practically eliminate the consumption tax burden for lower- and moderate-income families and provide similar support as programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.\u00a0 Like the EITC and CTC, individuals and families who do not have an income tax liability would still be able to receive these rebates,\u201d Senator Cardin added.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs introduced, the Progressive Consumption Tax Act sets the PCT at a single rate of 10 percent.\u00a0 The Joint Committee on Taxation has not yet estimated the budgetary effects of the Act.\u00a0 But, since the U.S. is a low-tax country compared to other advanced-economy countries, the final PCT rate \u2013 if any change is made \u2013 will likely be set at a rate well below the current OECD average (about 19 percent).\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nS. 3005, the Progressive Consumption Tax Act, was introduced in the current Congress to provide an opening for discussion and a first opportunity to review legislative language for this type of comprehensive tax reform. Although goods and services or consumption taxes are already imposed by at least 150 countries around the world, the PCTA\u2019s reforms would be new to the U.S. tax code.\r\n\u00a0\r\nBill Text\r\nSection-By-Section\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\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"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2320", "Hoyer Statement on Spending Bill Agreement", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015, which will fund the federal government through September 2015 and prevent a government shutdown:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cLast night, Democrats and Republicans worked together to fund the government and prevent another government shutdown.\u00a0This was not a perfect bill. I had serious concerns with two controversial provisions, and I believe we should have funded the Department of Homeland Security for the entire year. However, there are several provisions that benefit the Fifth District, including funding for military construction at the Atlantic Test Range at Pax River and the Advanced Energetics Research Laboratory at Indian Head and language to ensure that Pax River\u2019s mission isn\u2019t undermined by the proposed wind energy project in Somerset County. I was also proud to secure $10 million in funding for a pilot program that would help Department of Defense labs and research facilities partner with local non-profit technology incubators to meet national security needs and diversify local economies.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAdditionally, I was pleased that this bill includes funding for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in the Fifth District. It also takes steps to protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by providing funds for nutrient and sediment removal and oyster recovery, and the legislation makes investments in Metro and the Port of Baltimore. Finally, the bill includes a provision to ensure that veterans in Maryland will not be excluded from the new Veterans Choice health program. While I would have liked to have seen changes to this bill, Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the government remains open and can serve the people we were elected to represent.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-staff-walk-out-wake-garner-brown-and-other-deaths", "Cummings Issues Statement on Staff Walk Out in Wake of Garner, Brown, and Other Deaths", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. (Dec. 11, 2014)\u2014Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, top Democrat of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, issued the following statement regarding a protest by Congressional staff in the aftermath of the recent grand jury decisions in Ferguson, MO and Staten Island, NY.\nTo read the full statement, visit the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Democrats.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-waters-and-moore-lead-26-members-requesting-review-fannie-and-freddie", "Cummings, Waters, and Moore Lead 26 Members Requesting Review of Fannie and Freddie Contractors", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release:\nWashington, D.C. (Dec. 11, 2014)\u2014Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep. Gwen Moore led 26 Members requesting that the Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency review Fannie Mae\u2019s and Freddie Mac\u2019s oversight of companies contracted to maintain foreclosed properties.\u00a0\nTo see the full release and letter, visit the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Democrats.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/reps-cummings-and-castro-call-expanded-review-state-voter-id-laws", "Reps. Cummings and Castro Call for Expanded Review of State Voter ID Laws", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release:\nWashington, D.C. (Dec. 11, 2014)\u2014Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Rep. Joaqu\u00edn Castro sent a letter to the U.S. Comptroller General requesting that the\u00a0Government Accountability Office (GAO)\u00a0expand their examination of the impacts of state voter identification laws\u00a0on\u00a0the ability of\u00a0American citizens to exercise their\u00a0right to vote. \u00a0\nTo see the full release and letter visit the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Democrats.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-presses-government-officials-on-efforts-to-free-warren-weinstein", "Delaney Presses Government Officials on Efforts to Free Warren Weinstein", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) took part in a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing on Afghanistan and Pakistan policy Wednesday. Although not a member of the committee, Delaney requested to take part in the hearing in order to press administration officials on the handling of Warren Weinstein, a Rockville resident and constituent who was abducted in Pakistan in 2011.\nIn the hearing, Delaney asked the panel of officials from the Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, and Department of Justice.\nCongressman Delaney issues the following statement on yesterday\u2019s hearing:\n\u201cOver three years ago Warren Weinstein was captured \u2013 and he\u2019s still not free. That singular fact should dominate our approach. We need to reexamine Pakistan\u2019s level of cooperation and we need to reexamine what our own government is doing and how we can improve. There should be no hesitation from Pakistani officials in providing us with information about Warren\u2019s location and the details related to his case. We have the leverage to ask for Pakistan\u2019s assistance on such important matters and we should use it. I am also concerned that our own response to freeing American hostages needs to improve. We have to remember Warren and the other Americans being held abroad \u2013 every day that they aren\u2019t home is a tragedy. Let\u2019s make sure our agency responses are well coordinated, that we\u2019re giving hostages the highest priority, and that Congress is responsive to any requests for how to improve. I thank the leaders of the Foreign Affairs Committee for allowing me to join yesterday\u2019s hearing so that our government can hear once again that we must remember Warren Weinstein.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\nFor video of Congressman Delaney\u2019s remarks in the hearing, click here. (Delaney remarks begin at 2:25:40.)\nThe hearing, titled \u201cThe Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan\u201d was a joint subcommittee hearing held by the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee and the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee within Foreign Affairs. The witnesses were the Honorable Jarret Blanc, Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan \u2013 U.S. Department of State; the Honorable Donald L. Sampler, Assistant to the Administrator - Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs, U.S. Agency for International Development; and Mr. James Soiles, Deputy Chief of Operations - Office of Global Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Justice.\nDelaney has introduced a House Resolution (H. Con. Res 101) in support of Weinstein, which was subsequently introduced in the Senate by Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD) and Senator Ben Cardin (MD).\u00a0 In June, Delaney spoke on the House floor in support of Weinstein, to view his remarks, click here. In January, Delaney wrote to President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry, urging them to \u201cdo everything they can\u201d to bring Warren home.\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-house-budget-vote", "Delaney Statement on House Budget Vote", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Thursday evening the House voted on legislation to fund the government. The measure passed 219-206.\nCongressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) issues the following statement:\n\u201cThe bill before us isn\u2019t perfect. It is, however, a constructive compromise that is the product of a negotiation with each side at the table, House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans.\n\u201cThis bill includes important provisions such as increased funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, a military pay raise, support for much needed infrastructure projects, expanded funding for child care and special education grants, more resources for the FBI and much needed emergency funding to combat Ebola.\n\u201cWe have an obligation to legislate and to govern. I support keeping the government open, which means we keep paying our troops at Fort Detrick, we keep disease researchers at NIH and scientists and engineers at NIST on the job, and that we keep air traffic control towers in Hagerstown and Frederick open, to name just a few examples. I don\u2019t agree with everything in this bill but, on balance, I believe that it is better for Maryland than the alternative.\u201d\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/sfrc-approves-cardin-sunset-of-over-used-2001-authorization-of-force-clearing-the-way-for-future-congressional-oversight-of-the-fight-against-isil", "SFRC Approves Cardin Sunset of Over-Used 2001 Authorization of Force, Clearing the Way for Future Congressional Oversight of the Fight Against ISIL", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2014\n\t\t\t SFRC Approves Cardin Sunset of Over-Used 2001 Authorization of Force, Clearing the Way for Future Congressional Oversight of the Fight Against ISIL \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 \u201cThis isn't about tying the hands of the Administration, it's about Congressional oversight and looking at war and U.S. military engagement in a more thoughtful, measured and concise way.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised his colleagues for thoughtful action on a resolution that would authorize the limited use of the United States Armed Forces against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Senator Cardin authored a provision included in the committee-passed resolution that will terminate the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) three years after the date of the enactment of the Act to allow for Congress to revise and modernize that Authorization, and allow time for appropriate Congressional oversight and debate. Senator Cardin also helped draft language to make it clear that there is no authorization for the use of combat ground troops.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAuthorizing the use of military force is not a decision I take lightly. There is no question that ISIL, a barbaric terrorist organization, is a threat to the United States, our interests, and our allies in the region. ISIL has beheaded Americans; murdered, kidnapped, and tortured thousands of Iraqi and Syrian civilians; and sold hundreds of women into slavery. But ISIL is not Al-Qaeda, the terrorist group that attacked America on 9/11.The American people and our troops deserve a more thoughtful approach to countering ISIL\u2019s extremism, not another application of the grossly overused 2001 Authorization.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s important for Congress to act. The President has Constitutional authorities but we also have a responsibility for appropriate oversight. The 2001 AUMF been used over 30 times to justify American military intervention and could keep America in a state of perpetual war. It is time that we close this chapter, which is why I offered an amendment to sunset the 2001 AUMF in three years so that Congress can begin the process of working to modernize that Authorization in the same manner that we were able to modernize the 2001 Patriot Act. This isn't about tying the hands of the Administration, it's about Congressional oversight and looking at war and U.S. military engagement in a more thoughtful, measured and concise way.\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://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-slams-bank-bailout-and-other-provisions-2015-appropriations-bill", "Cummings Slams Bank Bailout and Other Provisions in 2015 Appropriations Bill", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nWashington, D.C. (Dec. 10, 2015)\u2014Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, issued the following statement strongly condemning provisions in the 2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act that would weaken protections enacted in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act:\nTo see the full release, visit the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Democrats.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ruppersberger.house.gov//newsroom/floor-statements/floor-statement-in-support-of-the-intelligence-authorization-act-for-fy15", "Floor Statement in Support of the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY15", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger", "R000576", "ruppersberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cThank you, Mr./Madam Chair.\u00a0 I yield myself as much time as I may consume.\nChairman Rogers, this is my last opportunity on the Floor to thank you again for your leadership.\u00a0 It has, once again, produced a strong, bipartisan and bicameral Intelligence Authorization Act.\nOur Committee believes that our nation\u2019s security is too important to be a political football.\u00a0 We have different views, we argue, but we work it out for the good of the American people.\nMr. Chairman, I hope that your legacy of bi-partisanship, hard work, rigorous oversight, and problem-solving continues and spreads throughout Congress.\u00a0 It is amazing what we can accomplish when we work together to solve problems.\nI also want to thank Senators Feinstein and Chambliss, and each Member on our Committee.\u00a0 On the Democratic side, I want to acknowledge all the hard work of Mr. Thompson, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Gutierrez, Mr. Pastor, Mr. Himes and Ms. Sewell.\nAnd I want to thank the dedicated men and women of the Intelligence Community who work day and night all over the world.\nToday, we look beyond this Congress.\u00a0 We come together to set the stage for the continuing oversight of intelligence, programs, personnel and dollars. By doing so, we reinforce to the American people, and the world, that there are checks and balances.\u00a0 We reinforce that the tools we authorize are for the sole purpose of keeping us, our allies and our partners, safe.\nIn May, the House passed the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015 by 345 to 19.\u00a0 The Senate, however, took up each year separately.\u00a0 Over the summer, this House passed the FY 14 bill, which the President signed.\nSo, we now take up the FY15 bill, which the Senate amended and sent back to us.\u00a0 This amended bill largely mirrors the relevant portions of the House-passed combined bill. Passing a detailed Intelligence Authorization Act ensures that our intelligence agencies spend money only on programs Congress is informed of, approves, and can continuously oversee.\nIt helps makes sure that everything our intelligence agencies do follows the Constitution and the laws of the United States, and maximizes the civil liberties and privacy of Americans.\nAt the same time, the Intelligence Agencies need the clear authorization, direction and guidance from Congress to do their vital work to protect and defend America, its allies and its partners.\nThe Intelligence Authorization Act is split in four parts, the unclassified legislative text, the unclassified report, the classified annex (that explains our intent for the classified aspects of the bill), and the classified schedule of authorizations.\nWhile we have made cuts to certain areas and added money in others to produce a responsible, well thought out, and fiscally prudent budget, the budget for Fiscal Year 2015 slightly exceeds the President\u2019s request.\nWhile over the last four years we have reduced the IC\u2019s budget by over a billion dollars, this year\u2019s bill acknowledges the need to make corrections after the drastic cuts of sequestration and the Budget Control Act.\nAdditionally, this bill acknowledges the need to step up our intelligence efforts to counter evolving threats such as ISIL. It is a dangerous world out there, and our bill accounts for that.\nLet me also mention some specifics.\u00a0 The bill:\n Continues to emphasize the value of our space programs, and endorses aggressive action to decrease our reliance on Russian-made engines to launch our national security satellites.\n\tMakes investments into Research and Development to defend against next generation threats and to stay ahead of countries like China and Russia.\n\tFurther improves the continuous evaluation of insider threats while safeguarding privacy and civil liberties.\n\tEnables better intelligence and information sharing to prevent foreign fighters coming into and out of Syria.\n\tEnables cutting edge Defense Intelligence Agency technology.\n\tFurther refines the Department of Defense Human Intelligence capabilities while supporting community-wide Human Intelligence efforts to better understand the enemies\u2019 plans and intentions.\n\tEstablishes increased accountability measures for our most sensitive programs.\n The Committee has worked with the IC and the Senate to produce this solid, bipartisan bill.\u00a0 This bill also incorporates the valuable Floor Amendments the House passed in May.\u00a0 It represents the culmination of our Committee\u2019s work through extensive hearings and briefings, travel, and in-depth studies.\nThe bill is strong, and I am proud to support it.\nFor the sake of keeping the country, its allies and its partners safe, and for the sake of thoroughly overseeing even the most classified intelligence programs, I urge my colleagues to pass this bill today. Thank you, and I reserve the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ruppersberger.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-team-maryland-announce-15-million-to-expand-preschool-in", "Ruppersberger, Team Maryland Announce $15 Million to Expand Preschool in Maryland", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger", "R000576", "ruppersberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) -- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, along with U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin, as well as U.S. Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, John Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards and John Delaney (all D-Md.) today announced the State of Maryland has been awarded $15 million through the Department of Education\u2019s Preschool Development Grant program to provide high-quality preschool programs in 18 school districts across Maryland.\u00a0\nMaryland school districts receiving grant funding include: Allegany County Public Schools, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Schools, Caroline County Public Schools, Carroll County Public Schools, Charles County Public Schools, Dorchester County Public Schools, Frederick County Public Schools, Garrett County Public Schools, Harford County Public Schools, Howard County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Prince George\u2019s County Public Schools, Somerset County Public Schools, St. Mary\u2019s County Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools and Wicomico County Public Schools in addition to many community based programs.\u00a0\n\"Research suggests that preK can improve a child's chance of success in school and in life - children who attend preK are more likely to graduate from high school and earn more as adults, for example,\u201d said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. \u201cThis grant will enable more Maryland children to reap these benefits. It is an investment in our future.\"\nThrough these Preschool Development Grant awards, more than 33,000 additional children nationwide will be served in high-quality preschool programs that meet high-quality standards in the first year of the program alone. States receiving grants will develop or expand high-quality preschool programs in regionally diverse communities\u2014from urban neighborhoods to small towns to tribal areas\u2014as determined by the state.\u00a0\nPreschool programs funded under either category of grants (development or expansion) must meet the criteria for high-quality preschool programs. To support states in planning their budgets, the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services developed annual budget caps for each state that is eligible to receive a Preschool Development Grant. The departments developed grant funding categories by ranking every state according to its relative share of eligible children and then identifying the natural breaks in the rank order. Then, based on population, budget caps were developed for each category.\nMaryland is one of 13 states to receive an expansion grant, which were designated for states that currently serve 10 percent of more of four-year-olds or have received a Race to the Top \u2013 Early Learning Challenge grant. States receiving expansion grants have ambitious and achievable plans to implement and sustain high-quality preschool programs that can reach and serve addition eligible children in two or high-need communities. Up to five percent of the expansion grant award may be used for state-level infrastructure and quality improvements.\u00a0\n\u201cAll children deserve the opportunity to have a bright future. We know that ensuring children get high-quality, safe, reliable and nurturing care - especially in their earliest years - is an important building block toward achieving that better future,\u201d said Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds the Department of Education. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m so proud to announce that Maryland has been awarded this federal grant of $15 million from the Preschool Development Grant program. These funds in the federal checkbook will ensure that Maryland preschoolers are getting the very best care, to help support their development and prepare them for school. This is a down payment on Maryland\u2019s middle class families, on our children\u2019s future and on our nation\u2019s future.\u201d\n\"We never get do-overs when it comes to our children's early development, which makes this federal grant to strengthen and expand preschool programs in targeted Maryland communities incredibly important,\" U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said. \"Our goal is to ensure that all 4-year-olds have the chance to acquire the learning skills they need to be successful later in life. Together, we can make certain that the window of opportunity doesn't close on Maryland students before it ever opens.\"\n\u201cThis funding will provide high-quality preschool services to ensure that our children have a good education and the opportunity to enter the classroom on a more level playing field,\u201d said Congressman Steny Hoyer. \u201cThe Judy Centers across Maryland have been successful in helping to close the achievement gap that affects too many of our children before they enter kindergarten. I will continue to work with the Maryland Delegation to ensure that our state continues to be a recognized leader in early childhood education services critical to our children\u2019s success later in life.\u201d\n\"Investing in early education is one of the most important ways to ensure our children's long-term educational success by giving them a strong foundation,\u201d Congressman Elijah Cummings said. \u201cIt's also one of the best ways to build stronger communities, and strengthen the middle class. Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see, and I am thrilled to see these federal dollars working in our state to ensure our message is strong and full of hope.\"\n\"Our economy depends on a skilled workforce and a strong middle class, which are only possible if children have access to the best possible education,\" said Congressman Van Hollen. \"Early education is the kind of investment that is critical to protect as we prioritize funding in areas that will grow our economy to give every Marylander a chance to get ahead.\u201d\n\u201cExperts agree that early childhood education helps develop young minds and prepares children to succeed in the classroom,\u201d said Congressman Sarbanes. \u201cThis grant from the Department of Education will help our state continue to lead the nation in providing high-quality education to Maryland students of all ages.\u201d\n\u201cA high-quality education early in a child\u2019s life is critical in determining their long-term success,\u201d said Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards. \u00a0\u201cThat is why I am grateful for this federal grant from the Department of Education to help 11 school districts across Maryland expand their preschool programs in some of our most vulnerable communities. We need to ensure that a child's first building block is the strongest, and I thank all of our federal, state, and local partners for working together to help make Maryland\u2019s application successful.\u201d\n\u201cAn investment in early education is an investment in our future,\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cFederal grants to provide preschool education to Maryland kids is good news for our state, it\u2019s good news for the students and their families who will directly benefit and it\u2019s good news for our local communities. When you examine the data on early education, it is clear that these kinds of initiatives are absolutely essential to building a globally competitive 21st century state and country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-lead-team-maryland-in-announcing-15-million-in-federal-funding-to-provide-high-quality-preschool-programs-in-maryland", "Cardin, Mikulski Lead Team Maryland In Announcing $15 Million In Federal Funding To Provide High-Quality Preschool Programs In Maryland", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin, Mikulski Lead Team Maryland In Announcing $15 Million In Federal Funding To Provide High-Quality Preschool Programs In Maryland \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, together with U.S. Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards and John Delaney (all D-Md.) today announced the State of Maryland has been awarded $15 million through the Department of Education\u2019s Preschool Development Grant program to provide high-quality preschool programs in 18 school districts across Maryland.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"We never get do-overs when it comes to our children's early development, which makes this federal grant to strengthen and expand preschool programs in targeted Maryland communities incredibly important,\" U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said. \"Our goal is to ensure that all 4-year-olds have the chance to acquire the learning skills they need to be successful later in life. Together, we can make certain that the window of opportunity doesn't close on Maryland students before it ever opens.\"\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAll children deserve the opportunity to have a bright future. We know that ensuring children get high-quality, safe, reliable and nurturing care - especially in their earliest years - is an important building block toward achieving that better future,\u201d said Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds the Department of Education. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m so proud to announce that Maryland has been awarded this federal grant of $15 million from the Preschool Development Grant program. These funds in the federal checkbook will ensure that Maryland preschoolers are getting the very best care, to help support their development and prepare them for school. This is a down payment on Maryland\u2019s middle class families, on our children\u2019s future and on our nation\u2019s future.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis funding will provide high-quality preschool services to ensure that our children have a good education and the opportunity to enter the classroom on a more level playing field,\u201d said Congressman Steny Hoyer. \u201cThe Judy Centers across Maryland have been successful in helping to close the achievement gap that affects too many of our children before they enter kindergarten. I will continue to work with the Maryland Delegation to ensure that our state continues to be a recognized leader in early childhood education services critical to our children\u2019s success later in life.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"Investing in early education is one of the most important ways to ensure our children's long-term educational success by giving them a strong foundation,\u201d Congressman Elijah Cummings said. \u201cIt's also one of the best ways to build stronger communities, and strengthen the middle class. Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see, and I am thrilled to see these federal dollars working in our state to ensure our message is strong and full of hope.\"\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"Our economy depends on a skilled workforce and a strong middle class, which are only possible if children have access to the best possible education,\" said Congressman Van Hollen. \"Early education is the kind of investment that is critical to protect as we prioritize funding in areas that will grow our economy to give every Marylander a chance to get ahead.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"Research suggests that preK can improve a child's chance of success in school and in life - children who attend preK are more likely to graduate from high school and earn more as adults, for example,\u201d said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. \u201cThis grant will enable more Maryland children to reap these benefits. It is an investment in our future.\"\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cExperts agree that early childhood education helps develop young minds and prepares children to succeed in the classroom,\u201d said Congressman Sarbanes. \u201cThis grant from the Department of Education will help our state continue to lead the nation in providing high-quality education to Maryland students of all ages.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cA high-quality education early in a child\u2019s life is critical in determining their long-term success,\u201d said Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards.\u00a0 \u201cThat is why I am grateful for this federal grant from the Department of Education to help 11 school districts across Maryland expand their preschool programs in some of our most vulnerable communities.\u00a0We need to ensure that a child's first building block is the strongest, and I thank all of our federal, state, and local partners for working together to help make Maryland\u2019s application successful.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAn investment in early education is an investment in our future,\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cFederal grants to provide preschool education to Maryland kids is good news for our state, it\u2019s good news for the students and their families who will directly benefit and it\u2019s good news for our local communities. When you examine the data on early education, it is clear that these kinds of initiatives are absolutely essential to building a globally competitive 21st century state and country.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nMaryland school districts receiving grant funding include: Allegany County Public Schools, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Schools, Caroline County Public Schools, Carroll County Public Schools, Charles County Public Schools, Dorchester County Public Schools, Frederick County Public Schools, Garrett County Public Schools, Harford County Public Schools, Howard County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Prince George\u2019s County Public Schools, Somerset County Public Schools, St. Mary\u2019s County Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools and Wicomico County Public Schools in addition to many community based programs.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThrough these Preschool Development Grant awards, more than 33,000 additional children nationwide will be served in high-quality preschool programs that meet high-quality standards in the first year of the program alone. States receiving grants will develop or expand high-quality preschool programs in regionally diverse communities\u2014from urban neighborhoods to small towns to tribal areas\u2014as determined by the state.\r\n\u00a0\r\nPreschool programs funded under either category of grants (development or expansion) must meet the criteria for high-quality preschool programs. To support states in planning their budgets, the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services developed annual budget caps for each state that is eligible to receive a Preschool Development Grant. The departments developed grant funding categories by ranking every state according to its relative share of eligible children and then identifying the natural breaks in the rank order. Then, based on population, budget caps were developed for each category.\r\n\u00a0\r\nMaryland is one of thirteen states to receive an expansion grant, which were designated for states that currently serve 10 percent of more of four-year-olds or have received a Race to the Top \u2013 Early Learning Challenge grant. States receiving expansion grants have ambitious and achievable plans to implement and sustain high-quality preschool programs that can reach and serve addition eligible children in two or high-need communities. Up to five percent of the expansion grant award may be used for state-level infrastructure and quality improvements.\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2319", "Hoyer Announces Grant Funding to Expand Preschool in the Fifth District", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today,Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced that the state of Maryland has been awarded $15 million through the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s Preschool Development Grant program to expand high-quality preschool programs. Eighteen school districts across Maryland will receive grant funding, including four in the Fifth District: Anne Arundel, Charles, Prince George\u2019s, and St. Mary\u2019s public school systems. The Maryland State Department of Education will use the funding to expand access to prekindergarten for families who previously did not meet income eligibility requirements to enroll in the programs.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis funding will expand high-quality early education in Maryland, helping more students access preschool programs,\u201d said Congressman Steny Hoyer. \u201cI\u2019m a proud supporter of early childhood education because I\u2019ve seen firsthand what a difference it makes in helping to ensure that our students have a strong foundation. The Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Family Education Centers, or \u2018Judy Centers,\u2019 which I helped established and are named after my late wife Judy, have been highly successful in closing the achievement gap and promoting school readiness, andshould serve as a model for our state and nation of how preschools can prepare children for elementary school. This grant funding will provide important support to preschool programs throughout the Fifth District. I will continue to work to ensure that our state remains a recognized leader in the early childhood education services that are critical to our children\u2019s success later in life.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tPreschool Development Grants support efforts by states to build or enhance their infrastructure to provide high-quality preschool programs and expand high-quality preschool programs in high-need communities. Maryland is one of 18 states that will serve as a model for expanding preschool to all 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-recognizes-international-human-rights-day", "Cardin Recognizes International Human Rights Day", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Recognizes International Human Rights Day  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission anda Senior Member of theSenate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement recognizing Human Rights Day, which celebrates the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948.\r\n\r\nAcross the world, everyday, brave men and women work to protect and advance human rights. Some wear uniforms, some are part of non-governmental organizations, but most are seemingly ordinary people with an extraordinary commitment to promoting human dignity and advancing human rights for all. On this Human Rights Day, I would like to thank those who stand up for these fundamental and universal principles.\r\n\r\nThroughout history and even more so in recent months, we have seen that, taking a stand for human rights often comes at a great risk. On this day I say a prayer for all those who have fallen victim to unjust detainment, marginalization, and even death as a result of their heroic actions. \r\n\r\nFrom the repression of journalists in Azerbaijan and China, to the brutal regimes in North Korea and Uzbekistan, we must stand together in condemnation of injustice and continue the urgent task of fostering an international community where every person has the same equal opportunities to contribute to mankind. The United States must lead the international community in advancing human rights. \r\n\r\nBut our international leadership must start at home. We cannot afford to overlook the human rights issues in our own backyard. This Congress I was proud to introduce several pieces of legislation that address our own challengeslegislation to end racial profiling at every level of law enforcement, legislation to restore the right to vote to Americans who have served their time, and legislation that would create a Constitutional Amendment to give women full and equal rights under our constitution. In the upcoming Congress, I will work across the aisle to ensure that human rights remain at the forefront of every discussion. \r\n###\r\nCardin Recognizes International Human Rights Day\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-conyers-and-thompson-request-depth-hearings-garner-brown-and-other-deaths", "Cummings, Conyers, and Thompson Request In-Depth Hearings into Garner, Brown, and Other Deaths", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nWashington, D.C. (Dec. 9, 2014) \u2014 Today, Reps. Elijah E. Cummings, John Conyers Jr., and Bennie G. Thompson, Ranking Members of the House Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, the Judiciary, and Homeland Security respectively, requested a series of in-depth hearings to examine issues raised by the deaths of Eric Garner,\u00a0Michael Brown, and others, as well as incidents that followed these killings.\nFor the full release and the letter, visit the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Democrat's website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/blogs/on-the-house-floor-this-week-12914", "On the House Floor This Week - 12/9/14", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Below is the tentative legislative schedule for the House of Representatives for the week of December 8. The House will be in session Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.\nIf you have feedback or questions on any of the legislation we\u2019re voting on this week, please contact my office.\nMONDAY, DECEMBER 8\nOn Monday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30 pm.\nLegislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:\n H.R. 5385 \u2013 To designate a USPS facility in St. Louis, Missouri, as the \"Sgt. Amanda N. Pinson Post Office\" (Sponsored by Rep. Wagner \u2013 Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)\n\tH.R. 5794 \u2013 To designate a USPS facility in Chesterfield, Missouri, as the \"Sgt. Zachary M. Fisher Post Office\" (Sponsored by Rep. Wagner \u2013 Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)\n\tH.R. 4030 \u2013 To designate a USPS facility in Miami, Florida, as the \"Father Richard Marquess\u2013Barry Post Office Building\" (Sponsored by Rep. Wilson (FL) \u2013 Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)\n\tH.R. 5562 \u2013 To designate a USPS facility in Lompoc, California, as the \"Federal Correctional Officer Scott J. Williams Memorial Post Office Building\" (Sponsored by Rep. Capps \u2013 Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)\n\tH.R. 5687 \u2013 To designate a USPS facility in Long Beach, California, as the \"Juanita Millender\u2013McDonald Post Office\" (Sponsored by Rep. Hahn \u2013 Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)\n\tH.R. 579 \u2013 To designate a United States courthouse in Jackson, Mississippi, as the \"R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse\" (Sponsored by Rep. Thompson (MS) \u2013 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)\n\tH.R. 1378 \u2013 To designate a United States courthouse in San Diego, California, as the \"James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse,\" as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Peters (CA) \u2013 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)\n\tH.R. 4926 \u2013 To designate the \"James L. Oberstar Memorial Highway\" and the \"James L. Oberstar National Scenic Byway\" in Minnesota, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Nolan \u2013 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)\n\tH.R. 5146 \u2013 To designate a United States courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the \"Joseph F. Weis Jr. United States Courthouse\" (Sponsored by Rep. Doyle \u2013 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)\n\tS. 1434 \u2013\u00a0 To designate the Junction City Community\u2013Based Outpatient Clinic located at 715 Southwind Drive, Junction City, Kansas, as the \"Lieutenant General Richard J. Seitz Community\u2013Based Outpatient Clinic\" (Sponsored by Sen. Moran \u2013 Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs)\n\tS. 229 \u2013 Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Act (Sponsored by Sen. Toomey \u2013 Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs)\n\tS. 2921 \u2013 To designate a VA community based outpatient clinic in Galesburg, Illinois, as the \"Lane A. Evans VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic\" (Sponsored by Sen. Durbin \u2013 Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs)\n Consideration of Legislation, Subject to a Rule:\n H.R. 5781 - California Emergency Drought Relief Act (Sponsored by Rep. Valadao \u2013 Committee on Natural Resources)\n TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, THROUGH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11\nOn Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business, with last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.\nLegislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:\n H.R. 5086 \u2013 To amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Chief Standing Bear National Historic Trail (Sponsored by Rep. Fortenberry \u2013 Committee on Natural Resources)\n\tH.R 5699 \u2013 John Muir National Historic Site Expansion Act (Sponsored by Rep. George Miller \u2013 Committee on Natural Resources)\n\tH.R 5701 \u2013 Western Oregon Indian Tribal Lands Act (Sponsored by Rep. DeFazio \u2013 Committee on Natural Resources)\n\tS. 1000 \u2013 Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act (Sponsored by Sen. Warner \u2013 Committee on Natural Resources)\n\tH.R. 5705 \u2013 Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act (Sponsored by Rep. Latta \u2013 Committee on Energy and Commerce)\n\tH.R. 5185 \u2013 EARLY Act Reauthorization (Sponsored by Rep. Wasserman\u2013Schultz \u2013 Committee on Energy and Commerce)\n\tH.R. 5764 \u2013 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act (Sponsored by Rep. Joyce \u2013 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)\n\tS. 2759 \u2013 To release the City of St. Clair, Missouri, from all restrictions, conditions, and limitations on the use, encumbrance, conveyance, and closure of the St. Clair Regional Airport (Sponsored by Sen. McCaskill \u2013 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure)\n\tH.R. 5059 \u2013 Clay Hunt SAV Act (Sponsored by Rep. Walz \u2013 Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs)\n\tH.R. 5656 \u2013 Global Food Security Act of 2014 (Sponsored by Rep. Smith (NJ) \u2013 Committee on Foreign Affairs)\n\tH.R. 2901 \u2013 Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act (Sponsored by Rep. Blumenauer \u2013 Committee on Foreign Affairs)\n\tS. 1683 \u2013 Naval Vessel Transfer Act (Sponsored by Sen. Menendez \u2013 Committee on Foreign Affairs)\n\tS. 1691 \u2013 Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act (Sponsored by Sen. Tester \u2013 Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)\n Consideration of Legislation, Subject to a Rule:\n Further Continuing Appropriations, 2015\n\tLegislation related to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-mental-health-care-treatment-for", "House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Mental Health Care Treatment for Veterans", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives today passed the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (SAV) Act (H.R. 5059), a comprehensive bill to combat veteran suicide and improve psychiatric care. Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) is a cosponsor of the Clay Hunt SAV Act, which is named for Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and suicide prevention advocate Clay Hunt, who took his own life in 2011. The bill passed Tuesday by a voice vote.\n\u201cWe have to do more to improve the mental health care treatment our veterans receive. Veteran suicide rates, an average of 22 a day, are tragically high, underscoring the profound need to act,\u201d Congressman Delaney. \u201cClay Hunt was one of the individuals behind that statistic, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who relied on the VA and didn\u2019t receive the care that he deserved. The reforms contained in today\u2019s\u00a0Clay Hunt SAV Act are a critical step in the right direction: bringing more accountability and oversight to the VA, ramped up efforts to hire and retain VA doctors, therapists, and caregivers; and new initiatives to centralize resources for veterans. Let\u2019s find out what\u2019s working, what\u2019s not, and make sure that America\u2019s veterans receive truly world-class care.\u201d\nThe legislation was first introduced by Democrats Rep. Tim Walz (MN-1) and Rep. Tammy Duckworth (IL-8) and the Republican Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, Rep. Jeff Miller (FL-1).\nThe Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).\u00a0 \u00a0\nKey Provisions in the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act:\n Establishes a peer support and community outreach pilot program to help transitioning servicemembers access VA mental health care services\n\tAuthorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a new recruitment program for hiring and retaining psychiatrists by creating a student loan repayment pilot program\n\tMandates a centralized website, a one-stop-shop listing all the mental health care services available to veterans, which will be updated each 90 days\n\tRequires a yearly third-party evaluation of all mental health care and suicide prevention efforts in the Department of Defense and VA\n\tRequires the Department of Defense and National Guard to review staffing requirements for Directors of Psychological Health in each state\n\tReviews the discharge characterizations of individuals diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder\n \u00a0\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ruppersberger.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-team-maryland-announce-federal-grants-to-provide-homes-for", "Ruppersberger, Team Maryland Announce Federal Grants to Provide Homes for Homeless Veterans", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger", "R000576", "ruppersberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, together with U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin, as well as U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Elijah Cummings, John Sarbanes and John Delaney (all D-Md.) yesterday announced $491,367 in federal grants through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide permanent homes for homeless veterans in Maryland. The Hagerstown Housing Authority will receive $219,521, the Calvert County Housing Authority will receive $198,901, and the Baltimore County Housing Authority will receive $72,945.\nThe supportive housing assistance is provided through the HUD \u2013 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by VA. As of June 2014, the HUD-VASH program served a total of 74,019 veterans since 2008.\n\u201cTaking care of our veterans isn\u2019t just a top priority \u2013 it\u2019s an obligation,\u201d said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. \u201cSince 2010, we have seen a 33 percent reduction in homelessness among our nation\u2019s heroes and this funding will take us one step closer to the day when all veterans have a roof over their head.\u201d\nHUD-VASH is a critical part of the Obama Administration\u2019s commitment to end Veteran and long-term chronic homelessness in 2015. Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness serves as a roadmap for how the federal government will work with state and local communities to confront the root causes of homelessness, especially among former servicemen and women. HUD\u2019s annual \u201cpoint in time\u201d estimate of the number of homeless persons and families nationwide for 2014 found that Veteran homelessness fell by 33 percent (or 24,837 people) since 2010. On a single night in January 2014, 49,993 veterans were homeless.\nLocal public housing authorities provide rental assistance to homeless Veterans while nearby VA Medical Centers (VAMC) offer supportive services and case management.\nVAMCs work closely with homeless Veterans then refer them to public housing agencies for these vouchers, based upon a variety of factors, most importantly the duration of the homelessness and the need for longer term more intensive support to obtain and maintain permanent housing. The HUD-VASH program includes both the rental assistance the voucher provides and the comprehensive case management that VAMC staff provides.\nVeterans participating in the HUD-VASH program rent privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent. VA offers eligible homeless Veterans clinical and supportive services through its medical centers across the U.S., Guam and Puerto Rico.\nThe grants announced yesterday are part of $75 million appropriated this year to support the housing needs of homeless veterans. In October, Senator\u2019s Mikulski and Cardin announced $777,845 in a first round of HUD-VASH grants awarded to the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, the Harford County Housing Agency, and the Baltimore County Housing Authority.\u201cI believe our support for our military in the field must be matched by support for our veterans at home,\u201d said Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds HUD, and a member of the Senate Veterans Jobs Caucus and the Senate Military Families Caucus. \u201cPromises made to veterans must be promises kept. These funds in the federal checkbook will help our vets find homes. The nation owes a debt of gratitude to our men and women in uniform. These grants will show that gratitude not just with words, but with deeds.\u201d\n\u201cThose who fought to defend this nation should not have to fight for roofs over their heads when they return,\u201d U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said. \u00a0\u201cThe HUD grants announced today help deliver on the promise we make to our military personnel as they pledge to defend our freedom. Working to end homelessness amongst our veterans is one important way we can begin to honor our men and women in uniform.\u201d\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased that HUD allocated 21 HUD-VASH vouchers to Southern Maryland to be used to combat homelessness among veterans in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary\u2019s counties,\u201d said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. \u201cThese vouchers will bring much-needed relief to those who performed their duty to our country and are now asking us to fulfill our duty to them. I will continue to work with the Maryland Delegation to push for measures that help get veterans the support they need as they transition back home.\u201d\n\u201cA home represents safety and security, and there are few people more deserving of our help in finding one than the men and women in uniform who risk their lives to keep us safe,\u201d Representative Elijah Cummings said. \u201cOur veterans have earned our support and appreciation, and the funds announced today for Maryland veterans through HUD\u2019s VASH program are one way we fulfill our commitment to them.\u201d\n\u201cWe must do everything we can to help veterans in Maryland and across America find good homes,\u201d said Congressman Sarbanes. \u201cGrants \u2013 like the ones announced today by HUD to address homeless veterans\u2019 housing needs \u2013 will enable us to follow through on the promises we have made to our veterans.\u201d\n\u201cWe have a sacred obligation to support our nation\u2019s veterans and there\u2019s little more fundamental to a person\u2019s well-being and dignity than having a place to live\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cI\u2019m hopeful that federal grants to the Hagerstown Housing Authority will help Western Maryland veterans secure the permanent housing they deserve.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-lauds-compensation-for-holocaust-victims-transported-by-national-society-of-french-railways", "Cardin Lauds Compensation for Holocaust Victims Transported by National Society of French Railways", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Lauds Compensation for Holocaust Victims Transported by National Society of French Railways \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 Deal between U.S and France ensures $60 million for Holocaust victims and families worldwide\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n WASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement expressing support for the establishment of a fund to compensate victims and surviving family members transported by The National Society of French Railways (SNCF) during the Holocaust.\r\n\u00a0\u201cIn March, one of those who survived the war-time deportations, Leo Bretholz of Maryland, passed away. Leo escaped from a train transporting him to almost certain death. He spent the rest of the war fighting the Nazi regime and helping others escape. In his later years, Leo worked with members of the Maryland General Assembly to secure reparations for Holocaust survivors\u00a0who were transported to the camps on French railways. I take solace in knowing that his already incredible legacy lives on through this agreement.\r\n\u201cI applaud the agreement reached between the United States and France to compensate those who survived deportation from France by SNCF but who, as non-nationals of France, were excluded from previous compensation programs.\u00a0 The agreement shows that the quest to right the wrongs of the past is still ongoing and, most importantly, it is still possible to achieve some measure of justice for those who suffered so terribly. For some people around the world the Holocaust may be history, for those who have survived the horror is still very real.\r\nThis settlement is a well-deserved victory for aging survivors and their families across the world.\u00a0 I commend the Government of France for its efforts to advance responsibility, memory and justice and I hope the French National Assembly will be able to expeditiously ratify this agreement.\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-renews-call-for-congressional-action-to-ban-racial-profiling-by-all-levels-of-law-enforcement", "Cardin Renews Call for Congressional Action to Ban Racial Profiling by All Levels of Law Enforcement", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Renews Call for Congressional Action to Ban Racial Profiling by All Levels of Law Enforcement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), took to the Senate floor today to urge his colleagues to pass legislation ending racial profiling by all law enforcement agencies in the United States.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m a strong supporter of our independent Judicial Branch and the grand jury system, but I understand the frustration felt by so many Americans. After the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City, which were heaped on top of incidents in Florida, California, and elsewhere around the country, it\u2019s no wonder that people \u2013 especially people of color \u2013 are losing confidence that we have a system where all of our citizens are treated equally under the law. The initial suspicion for many is that individuals were stopped solely because of the color of their skin, not because they were observed in criminal activities. That's discriminatory profiling, and it\u2019s just plain wrong. Discriminatory profiling is un-American and not what we believe in. It is a waste of precious resources and it turns communities against law enforcement.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI welcome the announcement by Attorney General Eric Holder of an update of guidance for federal law enforcement agencies that prohibits, for the first time, profiling based on new categories such as national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, and sexual orientation, while also closing certain loopholes and narrowing some exemptions. I was pleased to see that this guidance mandates new data collection, which will make it easier to track profiling complaints. I am wholly disappointed that this updated guidance does not extend to state and local law enforcement, nor does it fully cover the Transportation Security Administration\u00a0 and Customs and Border Protection, all of which should be covered. I believe the Attorney General could have gone further, and should have gone further, but his actions only make it clearer that Congress must act to make permanent a ban on discriminatory profiling and hold police accountable for engaging in discriminatory profiling, by passing the End Racial Profiling Act (S. 1038). Only Congress can close these harmful loopholes for good and dissolve some of the mistrust of law enforcement in our minority communities. DOJ has moved in the right direction but this new guidance is truly a missed opportunity.\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-statement-on-authorization-for-the-use-of-military-force-against-the-islamic-state", "Cardin Statement on Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement on Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nCongress and the Obama Administration are in agreement that we have to act, in coordination with the international community, to degrade and ultimately destroy the Islamic State\r\n\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) after questioning Secretary of State John Kerry at a hearing of the full Senate Foreign Relations Committee.   \u00a0   \u201cI do not agree with the contention that either the 2001 or 2002 authorizations for the use of military force provide a full authorization for the current U.S. military action occurring in Iraq and Syria. The 2001 authorization, which was intended to be limited to fighting those responsible for the 9/11 attacks, has been invoked at least 30 times by the last two administrations. These include the deployments of troops to Afghanistan, the Philippines, Georgia, Yemen, Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya and Somalia.\u00a0 I was in Congress when we passed both AUMF\u2019s. If we would have thought that after 13 years, that the 2001 AUMF could be used the way it is, Congress would have drafted that authorization differently.    \u00a0   \u201cToday, despite our agreement on many points, there exist some fundamental differences that must be reconciled in regards to the separation of powers. I believe in the War Powers Act. I believe that the solemn task of declaring war rests with Congress. It is up to Congress to draft the pending AUMF correctly, keeping in mind that the President has Article II powers to deal with the unexpected. The President can always ask Congress for additional authorizations but cannot, and should not wage a nearly perpetual war. I oppose authorizing a use of military force that is open-ended and could result in the deployment of U.S. ground combat forces. The American people and our troops deserve a more thoughtful approach to countering extremism. If we are to continue supporting the Iraqi Army and working with our friends and allies to eliminate ISIS/ISIL, we must do so by passing an appropriate authorization that reflects the will of the American people and respects our constitutional separations. It is time that we close this chapter, which is why I am offering an amendment to sunset the 2001 AUMF in three years. This isn\u2019t about tying the hands of the Administration; it\u2019s about looking at war and U.S. military engagement in a more thoughtful, measured and concise way.\u201d\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/van-hollen-to-serve-with-cardin-as-co-chair-of-bicameral-task-force-on-climate-change", "Van Hollen to Serve with Cardin as Co-Chair of Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2014\n\t\t\t Van Hollen to Serve with Cardin as Co-Chair of Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013 Last year, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), along with Representative Henry A. Waxman (D-CA) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), joined forces to develop the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change. The Task Force has organized policy discussions, held public events and released white papers outlining policy options for the Executive Branch.\u00a0Now, with Representative Waxman retiring at the end of this Congress, the Bicameral Task Force leadership announced today that Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD-08) will be joining as the new lead co-chair in the House of Representatives.\u00a0In addition to Whitehouse, Van Hollen, and Cardin, Senator Ed Markey, Representative Bobby L. Rush and Representative Earl Blumenauer will continue to serve as Task Force co-chairs in the new Congress.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cHenry Waxman has been a close friend and colleague for many years and it has been a privilege to work side-by-side with him in our effort to address the threats of climate change,\u201d said Senator Cardin.\u00a0 \u201cChris Van Hollen understands that science-driven policy to address climate change is essential.\u00a0 As Marylanders, we see the threats climate change pose to our state where 70 percent of residents live within coastal areas and the prospect of sea level rise and intense storms pose a serious risk.\u00a0 Chris has demonstrated his leadership on this issue by proposing cap and dividend legislation, as well as a strong track record working to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.\u00a0 I look forward to our work together on the Task Force.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cCombating climate change is a national security, environmental, and moral battle, and out of this great challenge comes great economic opportunity for the United States if we lead the charge,\u201d said Congressman Van Hollen.\u00a0 \u201cHenry Waxman has been a champion of the environment and public health for his entire career and no one can fill his shoes alone, but I look forward to working with Sheldon Whitehouse and our co-chairs to build on the great work he\u2019s done to elevate the climate threat as a national priority and turn the tide on one of humanity\u2019s greatest collective challenges.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cChris Van Hollen will be an outstanding leader of the Task Force,\u201d said Rep. Waxman.\u00a0 \u201cHe is one of the most effective and hardest working members in Congress.\u00a0 The task force will take a strong leadership role on climate change with Chris joining Senator Whitehouse, Senator Markey, and Senator Cardin in the Senate and Congressman Rush and Congressman Blumenauer in the House.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cHenry Waxman is one of the most forceful advocates for progressive causes our nation has ever known, and working with him to push for action on climate change has been one of the great honors of my time in the Senate,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse, lead Senate Co-Chair. \u201cWhile we will miss Henry\u2019s leadership in Congress, I can\u2019t imagine a better partner to carry on his climate legacy in the House than Chris Van Hollen.\u00a0 I look forward to working with him and all of our colleagues on the Task Force to bring more attention to the climate threat and develop effective policy solutions.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cCongressman Waxman has been a tireless champion for the environment and for combating climate change,\u201d said Congressman Blumenauer.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a pleasure to work with him and he be missed in his role as a fellow co-chair on the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change.\u00a0 Congressman Van Hollen is a wonderful choice to fill this spot, and I look forward to working with him in this capacity to build awareness and advocate for solutions to one of the most pressing challenges of our time.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nOver the past two years the Task Force has hosted a series of roundtable discussions highlighting the effects of climate change on different communities and the work\u00a0professional sports leagues,\u00a0major corporations, our nation\u2019s\u00a0military, and others are doing to address these threats.\u00a0 The Task Force has also released two white papers recommending specific steps the Departments of\u00a0Energy\u00a0and\u00a0Interior can\u00a0take in carrying out the President\u2019s Climate Action Plan.\u00a0 The group will continue to carry out similar activities in the new Congress.\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://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2318", "Hoyer, Van Hollen, Ruppersberger, Sarbanes Meet with VA Secretary Bob McDonald", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday afternoon, Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5), Chris Van Hollen (MD-8), Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-2), and John Sarbanes (MD-3) held a meeting with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Secretary Bob McDonald to discuss the July 2014 Inspector General\u2019s Report on the VA\u2019s Baltimore Regional Office and what actions the VA is taking to ensure that these issues are not repeated in the future. According to the IG report, which was issued July 14, \u201ca supervisor had inappropriately stored 8,000 documents and 80 claims folders in an office for an extensive period of time and \u201c1,500 documents were found to be inappropriately stored in employees workspaces,\u201d including unprocessed mail and completed ratings decisions. In addition to the poor operating procedures highlighted in the IG report, there continues to be a significant claims backlog at the Baltimore office.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI\u00a0was pleased to meet with Secretary McDonald yesterday to discuss how the Department of Veteran Affairs is working to meet the needs of veterans at the Baltimore Regional Office and throughout the country,\u201dstated Congressman Hoyer. \u201cOur veterans deserve to receive timely care and the best treatment possible. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary McDonald and the Maryland Congressional Delegation to ensure that the backlog at the VA Baltimore Regional Office is eliminated and to ensure that Maryland veterans have access to the health care they have earned.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe VA Inspector General\u2019s report on the Baltimore Regional Office was appalling,\u201dsaid Congressman Van Hollen.\u201cWhile a lot of work needs to be done to address these concerns and build back trust among Maryland\u2019s veterans, based on our conversation with Secretary McDonald yesterday, I am confident that progress is being made. I\u2019ll continue to push for accountability and swift enactment of reforms so that all veterans receive the care they deserve.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cMany of us in Congress are working hard to provide our nation\u2019s veterans with the most state-of-the-art medicine available, but those efforts are wasted if patients must wait nearly three months to see their doctor,\u201d said Congressman Ruppersberger.\u00a0\u201cI am pleased to see that much progress has made to reduce wait times, and I look forward to the day when the backlog at our local office is completely eliminated.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cLong delays and unacceptable backlogs at the VA Baltimore Regional Office deny veterans the benefits that they have earned,\u201d said Congressman Sarbanes. \u201cSecretary McDonald is already taking important steps to improve VA operations, but we must continue to provide the necessary resources and oversight to ensure that veterans in Baltimore, throughout Maryland and across the nation are receiving service they deserve.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-senate-intelligence-committee-report-on-torture", "Cardin Statement on the Senate Intelligence Committee Report on Torture", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement on the Senate Intelligence Committee Report on Torture \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.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, released the following statement in response to the Senate Intelligence Committee's review of the CIA's detention and interrogation program:\r\n\r\nThe United States has a solemn obligation to protect human rights both abroad and at home, as we honor our Constitution and international commitments. Shortly after taking office, President Obama thankfully ended the CIA's detention and interrogation programs. The exhaustive report from the Senate Intelligence Committee documents that the CIA's enhanced interrogation techniques were not effective and violated international commitments and the core principles of the United States. It also resulted in fabricated information and did not lead to the collection of imminent threat intelligence.Years may have passed by since these egregious activities occurred, but the United States must confront the mistakes that were made as we responded to the devastating 9/11 attacks. We must put in place mechanisms to ensure that these types of abuses never happen again. America's reputation and moral leadership in the world are at stake. We can and must strive to prevent and disrupt future terrorist attacks while continuing to safeguard the core values and human rights we as a Nation hold dear.\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://delaney.house.gov//news/in-the-news/delaney-op-ed-on-pearl-harbor-day-in-frederick-news-post", "Delaney Op-Ed On Pearl Harbor Day in Frederick News-Post", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is December 7, the anniversary of the attack in 1941. Congressman Delaney authored an op-ed in the Frederick News-Post on the meaning and importance of the holiday.\u00a0\nRemembering Courage, Sacrifice and Resilience on Pearl Harbor Day   \n\tBy Rep. John K. Delaney (MD-6)\n\u00a0\nThis Sunday is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the anniversary of the 1941 attack on the United States naval base in Hawaii by the Empire of Japan. Pearl Harbor Day is a time to remember the Americans who lost their lives that day, celebrate the heroism and valor of the millions who led the country to victory in World War II and recommit ourselves to defending the country against this century\u2019s possible threats.\nThe Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began shortly before 8:00 AM. Hundreds of Japanese planes bombarded the harbor, the culmination of an attack plan that had begun in earnest on November 26, when six aircraft carriers left Japan. In less than three hours, over 2,400 Americans were killed and over 1,100 wounded. The greatest loss of life came aboard the USS Arizona, where 1,177 crewmen were killed. 188 aircraft were destroyed and over 150 more damaged that morning. Twenty-one of the more than 90 ships at anchor in Pearl Harbor were sunk or damaged.\nOn the same day, Japanese forces also struck Guam, Midway, Wake Island and the Philippines. The next day, President Roosevelt stated that December 7th was a date that would \u2018live in infamy\u2019 and the United States declared war on Japan.\nThe damage done during the Pearl Harbor Attack was severe, but as history would show, not impossible for our country to overcome. After years of battle, years marked by courage, sacrifice, and honor, the United States and her allies defeated Japan and the Axis powers. In a telling symbol of America\u2019s resolve and refusal to surrender, all but three of the ships sunk or damaged in the Pearl Harbor attack were eventually raised and repaired.\nThis Pearl Harbor Day let us take a moment to remember the men and women, service-members and civilians who perished that day. Some were burned alive, some drowned, some were civilians killed as they drove to work. Most of the casualties that morning were young men, far from home, in service to their country. They made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, our values and our way of life.\u00a0\nPearl Harbor Day is another important opportunity to reflect upon the sacrifice of our country\u2019s veterans, no matter the era they served. In the last year, the nation has been outraged by poor levels of service from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Congress has passed bipartisan legislation to bring needed reforms to the VA, increasing both funding and accountability for the VA. In Maryland, one of the biggest issues veterans must deal with are very slow processing times for benefits claims, due to problems at the Baltimore VA office. I\u2019ve called for the Secretary of the VA to meet with the Maryland delegation and explain how they plan to improve operations, because year-long wait times are unacceptable. Nationally and locally, we must remain vigilant to make sure that veterans receive the benefits they\u2019ve earned. I encourage any veteran who is experiencing problems with the VA to contact my office immediately.\nFinally, the anniversary of Pearl Harbor is a solemn reminder that our country will always be under threat of attack. This week, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to authorize the budget authority for national defense programs in 2015. This authorization provides our military with the tools they need to protect our nation; includes a well-deserved pay increase and extends critical counterterrorism operations. Facing enemies ranging from cyberterrorists to totalitarian regimes, it is incumbent that we maintain our status as the world\u2019s military leader. In the last year, the United States has taken important steps to take the battle to ISIS, who continues to brazenly threaten our nation and execute Americans. \u00a0\u00a0\nPearl Harbor Day is a sacred day on our national calendar. Speaking at Pearl Harbor on the 50th anniversary of the attack in 1991, President George H.W. Bush, a World War II veteran, summarized the legacy of the attack and our nation\u2019s response well, \u201cOn that day of infamy, Pearl Harbor propelled each of us into a titanic contest for mankind's future. It galvanized the American spirit as never before into a single-minded resolve that could produce only one thing \u2014 victory.\u201d\nCongressman John K. Delaney represents Maryland\u2019s Sixth District in the U.S. House of Representatives\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-plane-crash-in-gaithersburg", "Delaney Statement on Plane Crash in Gaithersburg", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Monday a small plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in Gaithersburg, killing at least six people, including three Gaithersburg residents.\nCongressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) issues the following statement:\n\u201cToday has been a tremendously sad and heart-breaking day in Gaithersburg. I can\u2019t imagine the pain and grief felt by the family members of those who died today. Thank you to the first responders for rushing to the scene. Tonight, I join with so many others in prayer for the lives lost and the family and loved ones that remain.\u201d\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/new-motter-avenue-bridge-and-travel-lanes-bring-congestion-relief-to-busy-us-15-interchange-in-frederick", "New Motter Avenue Bridge And Travel Lanes Bring Congestion Relief To Busy Us 15 Interchange In Frederick", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2014\n\t\t\t New Motter Avenue Bridge And Travel Lanes Bring Congestion Relief To Busy Us 15 Interchange In Frederick \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 $21.3 Million Project to Replace 57-Year-Old Bridge Reduces Traffic Gridlock and Improves Safety\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n Commuters, local businesses, Fort Detrick employees and bicyclists and pedestrians all have reason to celebrate as crews finalize the $21.3 million Motter Avenue bridge replacement over US 15 and traffic safety project in Frederick.\u00a0 The project was built through a Federal, State, County and City partnership, with all levels of government providing funding to advance the gridlock-reducing project.\u00a0 To celebrate this partnership, and the end of major construction, Maryland Transportation Secretary James T. Smith, Jr., today joined Congressman John Delaney, Maryland Senator Ronald N. Young, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner, Frederick Mayor Randy McClement, local officials and residents for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the American Legion Francis Scott Key Post #11, which is located next to the new bridge.\r\n\u201cThis is big news. It isn\u2019t just about improving this US 15 interchange and reducing congestion, this new bridge at Motter Avenue will improve the safety and quality of life for Frederick residents, commuters, local students and visitors,\u201d said\u00a0U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. \u201cI\u2019m proud of the continued federal investment that has supported this growth and our partnership with state and local leadership that has made transportation infrastructure a priority.\u201d\r\n\u201cWith more than 86,000 vehicles traveling through this area each day, and an additional 15,000 daily vehicles expected by 2030, the time was definitely right to replace this bridge and unlock the gridlock for the citizens of Frederick,\u201d said Secretary Smith.\u00a0 \u201cThis is a team effort on a grand scale with leaders from all levels of Government working together to improve the quality of life of Frederick County citizens.\u201d\r\n\u201cA reliable and well maintained infrastructure is vital to creating jobs today in construction and jobs tomorrow through economic growth,\u201d said U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which puts funds in the federal checkbook for transportation projects. \u201cModernizing and improving the Motter Avenue Bridge we will help alleviate congestion and improve safety as Frederick continues to grow and thrive. I will continue to fight for smart funding through investments in Maryland\u2019s highways and byways, ports and bridges.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cI\u2019d like to thank and congratulate everyone who worked so hard to complete this project,\u201d said Congressman Delaney.\u00a0 \u201cFrederick is one of the jewels of our state and a growing economic powerhouse. When the last Motter Avenue Bridge was built, Frederick\u2019s population was approximately a third of what it is today.\u00a0 We have a public sector obligation to make sure that our communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive and this important project would not have been possible without the cooperation of federal, state, county and city officials. Maintaining and expanding our infrastructure should be one of our top national priorities because it helps our economy, our quality of life and improves public safety.\u201d\r\nThe project replaced the existing four-lane Motter Avenue bridge over US 15 (Catoctin Mountain Highway), built in 1957, with a six-lane bridge that includes\u00a0bicycle lanes and\u00a0wider\u00a0sidewalks.\u00a0 The two additional lanes on the new bridge include a center turn lane for traffic turning left onto the US 15 ramps, and a third northbound through lane that will provide continuous traffic flow for drivers exiting northbound US 15 and proceeding across the bridge toward Thomas Johnson Drive.\r\n\"I am delighted to join The City of Frederick and the Maryland Department of Transportation at this ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Motter Avenue Bridge over US 15,\u201d said County Executive Gardner.\u00a0 \u201cThis important bridge impacts our citizens on a daily basis, as well as the thousands who commute to their jobs or come to enjoy our outstanding tourism, dining and shopping attractions.\u00a0 The improvements from this project provide an important economic boost to our many businesses in the area and enhance the safety and operations for motorists.\u00a0 I commend the State Highway Administration for completing the project as quickly as possible while minimizing impacts to local residents and drivers.\"\r\n\u201cI am very happy to see the completion of this project.\u00a0 The Motter Avenue bridge ties into with the City\u2019s recent work in this area, including the full depth reconstruction of Thomas Johnson Drive and the intersection improvements on Opossumtown Pike,\u201d said Mayor McClement.\u00a0 \u201cThese projects will alleviate traffic congestion in one of the most highly traveled roads in the City.\u00a0 The bridge upgrades allow us to make this area more pedestrian friendly, especially for the students of Thomas Johnson High School.\u201d\r\nCrews from Kibler Construction Company, Inc., of Finksburg, Md., began work in spring 2012 and will complete roadway work by the end of this month.\u00a0 Crews will return in spring 2015 to complete storm water management, remove the temporary pedestrian bridge and finish landscaping.\u00a0 The $21.3 million project includes $16.1 million in federal funding, $962,000 in State funding, $500,000 in County funding and $3.8 million in City funding.\u00a0 The city\u2019s portion of the project added an additional lane in each direction on Opossumtown Pike and additional turn lanes on Thomas Johnson Drive.\u00a0 See attached project fact sheet for more details on the project.\r\nAdditional project details include:\r\n \r\nLengthened the deceleration lanes on northbound and southbound US 15 at the Motter Avenue interchange to help reduce rush hour backups at the heavily-used exit.\r\nEnhanced pedestrian safety by upgrading sidewalks and pedestrian signals throughout the project area to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.\r\nAdded bicycle lanes on the bridge and shared-use pavement markings on Opossumtown Pike to make the route more bicycle-friendly.\u00a0 Located between Gov. Thomas Johnson High School and Frederick Community College, the project area serves many students on foot and bicycle.\r\nIn response to a suggestion\u00a0received at the Project Informational Meeting,\u00a0the State Highway Administration added a warning beacon on the ramp from northbound US 15 near the high school that will flash when pedestrians push a button to cross the ramp.\r\nWidened the new Motter Avenue bridge to accommodate potential future widening of US 15.\r\n \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/us-helsinki-commission-chairman-deeply-concerned-by-arrest-and-detention-of-journalist-khadija-ismayilova", "U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Deeply Concerned By Arrest And Detention Of Journalist Khadija Ismayilova", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2014\n\t\t\t U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Deeply Concerned By Arrest And Detention Of Journalist Khadija Ismayilova \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 Investigative Journalist with RFL/RL Imprisoned for Two Months Pending Trial\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n WASHINGTON\u2014Following Friday\u2019s arrest and pre-trial detention of Khadija Ismayilova, investigative journalist and contributor to RFE/RL\u2019s Azerbaijani Service, by authorities in Azerbaijan, U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Senator Ben Cardin (MD) issued the following statement:\r\n\u201cI am deeply concerned about the detention of Ms. Ismayilova, who has been the target of unrelenting persecution by the government of Azerbaijan because of her efforts to expose corruption within the country, as well as her advocacy on behalf of political prisoners. The current charges against her are bizarre and only seem designed to silence one of the few independent voices left in Azerbaijan.\r\n\u201cMs. Ismayilova was scheduled to testify in front of the U.S. Helsinki Commission on November 19, 2014, but was prevented from attending due to a government-imposed travel ban related to a different legal case. The current charge levied against Ms. Ismayilova of \u2018incitement to suicide\u2019 is just an escalation of the years of harassment by the authorities that she has endured.\r\n\u201cAs a participating State of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Azerbaijan has committed to respecting human rights \u2013 including freedom of the media \u2013 and the U.S. Helsinki Commission once again calls on the government of Azerbaijan to live up to its promises and immediately end its harassment of all journalists, including Ms. Ismayilova.\u201d\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is an independent agency of the Federal Government charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental and military cooperation in 57 countries. The Commission consists of nine members from the U.S. Senate, nine from the House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce.\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://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2317", "Hoyer Statement on HUD's Funding Announcement for Homeless Veterans", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a second round of HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program (HUD-VASH) recipients for Maryland. HUD allocated 21 of the vouchers valued at $198,000 to Southern Maryland to be used for housing homeless veterans in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary\u2019s counties.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI\u2019m pleased that the 21 HUD-VASH vouchers awarded today to the Calvert County Housing Authority will provide nearly $200,000 to help combat homelessness among veterans throughout Southern Maryland\u2019s tri-county area. These vouchers will help us get homeless veterans and their families off the streets and into affordable housing. These vouchers are given out based on the results from the annual \u2018Point-in-Time\u2019 survey, which I was proud to kick-off last December in Southern Maryland. This partnership between the federal Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs (VA) is an important tool in a critical effort. In addition to providing housing assistance, the HUD-VASH program offers veterans the opportunity to meet with case managers and clinicians through the VA. I will continue to work with the Maryland Delegation to push for measures that help get veterans the support they need as they transition back home.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-files-legislation-to-help-states-respond-to-climate-change-reduce", "Delaney Files Legislation to Help States Respond to Climate Change, Reduce Pollution", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has filed legislation designed to help states combat climate change and meet new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements on greenhouse gas emissions. In June, the EPA proposed new regulations for existing power plans under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The State\u2019s Choice Act mandates that the EPA allow a state level excise tax as a compliance option.\n\u201cClimate change is a threat to our economy, our public health, our food supply and our national security; it\u2019s imperative that we respond before it is too late,\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cThe good news is that we can turn this challenge into a massive economic opportunity by unleashing the greatest scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs in the world right here in the United States and put the power of the market behind them. As an entrepreneur with deep private sector experience, I understand that markets are very powerful and that if we create the right incentives, industry will respond very quickly. Allocating the true cost to greenhouse gas pollution is the most effective and efficient way of reducing emissions. The State\u2019s Choice Act will give states another means of meeting new EPA requirements, encourage market-driven solutions and facilitate a new approach that can be used to spur economic growth at the same time.\u00a0 We would expect the revenues generated from a state level excise tax on carbon, when combined with regulatory savings, will allow states to reduce other taxes to citizens and businesses and invest in key growth priorities like education and infrastructure.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nEarlier this month, Delaney wrote to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, asking that the agency give \u201cstrong consideration to allowing states the additional compliance option of placing a price on greenhouse gas emissions.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe State\u2019s Choice Act:\n \nThe legislation requires that the EPA offer states the option of imposing a state level excise tax on greenhouse gas emissions from regulated sources as a way to comply with regulations under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.\n\tThe state-imposed carbon tax rate must be no less than $20 per metric ton of carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent in 2015 and higher each subsequent year by a rate no less than 4% above inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Under the legislation, this tax rate will be reevaluated in 2025 to ensure that each state that has implemented a tax is on track to achieve their emissions reduction goal by 2030.\n\tThe legislation imposes no new requirement upon states, it simply gives them an additional option.\n \nBenefits\n \nThe State\u2019s Choice Act benefits the environment because a carbon tax ensures that the true cost of carbon, including its health and environmental costs are accounted for using market forces to incentivize reduced emissions.\n\tIndividual states benefit from the State\u2019s Choice Act because they receive additional flexibility when developing their State Implementation Plan for EPA compliance. States can also potentially reduce administrative costs and use the revenues from the carbon tax to reduce other taxes and mitigate increased energy costs.\n\tAlternative energy producers benefit from the State\u2019s Choice Act because they will be placed on a level playing field once the true cost of carbon is accounted for, allowing them to compete on their merits.\n\tThe State\u2019s Choice Act will provide all energy producers and related businesses with greater cost-certainty, which will allow them to adjust more easily to new emissions requirements.\n\tConsumers benefit from the robust market competition created by the State\u2019s Choice Act, which will further facilitate the U.S. taking the lead in advanced energy technology, driving down clean energy costs.\n \n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/helsinki-commission-chairman-urges-russia-to-cease-blatant-violations-of-osce-principles", "Helsinki Commission Chairman Urges Russia To Cease Blatant Violations Of OSCE Principles", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2014\n\t\t\t Helsinki Commission Chairman Urges Russia To Cease Blatant Violations Of OSCE Principles \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 Calls on Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan to Free Political Prisoners\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n WASHINGTON\u2014On the conclusion of the December 4-5 OSCE Ministerial Council in Basel, Switzerland, U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Senator Ben Cardin (MD) issued the following statement:\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe OSCE Ministerial this year has been exceptional. I welcome the fact that an overwhelming majority of OSCE countries condemned the unlawful occupation of Crimea, defended the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and called for Russia to end its support for violence in eastern Ukraine. Russia\u2019s illegal activities in Ukraine have violated the most fundamental principles of the Helsinki Final Act, on which the OSCE is based.\u00a0\r\n\u201cMoving forward, the OSCE must focus on the implementation of its core commitments. The OSCE PA has spoken to this issue by passing a resolution I introduced in July, calling on Russia to cease its clear, gross, and uncorrected violations of Helsinki principles, not only in Ukraine but regarding other neighbors and at home as well.\r\n\u201cOther serious human rights concerns in the OSCE region were spotlighted by the absence of some leading figures from this year\u2019s Ministerial meeting.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhile Turkmenistan\u2019s current ambassador to the OSCE addressed his counterparts in Basel, the fate of his predecessor, Batyr Berdiev \u2013 as well as some 100 other prisoners \u2013 remains unknown. I welcome the Swiss Chairmanship\u2019s efforts to address the issues of torture and enforced disappearances during their chairmanship and call on Turkmenistan to tell the families of Ambassador Berdiev and the other disappeared persons what has happened to their loved ones.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn addition, Rasul Jafarov was prevented from leading a civil society discussion on freedom of expression in Basel. Jafarov remains imprisoned in Azerbaijan in retaliation for his activism. Eldeniz Hajiyev, another human rights activist, was unable to travel to Basel because she is under house arrest in Baku. I commend the 43 OSCE countries which worked to advance an OSCE decision on freedom of expression and urge Azerbaijan to cease its flagrant persecution of independent civil society activists.\u201d\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is an independent agency of the Federal Government charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental and military cooperation in 57 countries. The Commission consists of nine members from the U.S. Senate, nine from the House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce.\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://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2316", "Hoyer Statement on the Passage of Bill to Establish Park to Honor Harriet Tubman in Maryland", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement on House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2015, which included a provision that established the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Maryland and the Harriet Tubman National Park in Auburn, New York:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cHarriet Tubman is a national hero and one of the greatest figures in our country\u2019s history. I\u2019m pleased that through these national parks \u2013 one in her birthplace on Maryland\u2019s Eastern Shore and the other in New York, where she lived for several decades \u2013 we will honor her extraordinary life and legacy and provide Americans with the opportunity to learn more about her work to advance equality, opportunity, and justice.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cBorn a slave in Dorchester County, Harriet Tubman escaped and courageously led many others to freedom on the Underground Railroad. She inspired people of all backgrounds through her work fighting the injustice of slavery and working for equality for all Americans. I was proud to support this bill to pay tribute to her through the establishment of these national parks, which are the first to be named in honor of an African-American woman, and I urge the Senate to take up and pass this bill swiftly so that the President can sign it into law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://ruppersberger.house.gov//newsroom/blog-posts/house-passes-legislation-to-help-disabled-americans-and-their-families", "House passes legislation to help disabled Americans and their families", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger", "R000576", "ruppersberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, I proudly joined with my colleagues to pass legislation that will help the 56 million Americans with disabilities and their families pay for education, housing, transportation and healthcare.\nThe \u201cAchieving a Better Life Experience Act,\u201d creates tax-preferred savings accounts similar to the 529 accounts used by millions of families to pay for their children\u2019s college education. Beneficiaries will be able to make tax-free withdrawals and pay for many essential expenses from dental care to employment training. It gives individuals with disabilities the same type of savings tools as people with flexible health savings accounts or individual retirement accounts.\nAs one of 380 cosponsors, I am thrilled to see this bill have such bipartisan and widespread support. Families of individuals with disabilities such as autism, blindness, Down syndrome and permanent injuries face enormous financial struggles most of us cannot imagine. This bill will help provide both parity and peace of mind for many.\nToday, the House demonstrated what is possible with bipartisan cooperation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2315", "Hoyer, Mikulski, Cardin, Edwards Announce Grant Funding for Properties in Fort Washington Affected by Slope Failure", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5), U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-MD), and Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MD-4) announced a $2,017,125.00 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program\u00a0(HMGP) program to Prince George\u2019s County to assist with the acquisition of six homes that were threatened by a severe slope failure in Fort Washington. The funding will be used for the acquisition, demolition, and re-grading of six properties along Piscataway Drive and two properties on Kris Ran Court in Prince George\u2019s County.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI\u2019m pleased that this grant will help homeowners whose properties were directly affected by the slope failure and who were forced from their homes as a result,\u201d stated Congressman Hoyer. \u201cThisfunding is an important step in the rebuilding process for these families and will also bring peace of mind to other residents on Piscataway Drive that have been inconvenienced by power disruption, water supply disruption, and issues with other necessary services. I will continue to work with the Maryland Congressional Delegation to ensure that these residents have every resource they need to feel safe and secure in their community.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cHelp is on the way for Fort Washington families whose homes and lives have been upended by slope failure along Piscataway Drive,\u201d Senator Barbara Mikulski said. \u201cThese funds in the federal checkbook will help families who have been forced from their homes or have been subjected to rolling water and power disruptions to recover and rebuild. I will continue to fight together with Team Maryland for the day-to-day needs of Maryland families and communities with a government on their side.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cDisasters disrupt communities long after the day they strike, and this FEMA grant will help address a serious disruption to daily life in Fort Washington,\u201d said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. \u201cTeam Maryland persistently works together to address hazards like these, and we appreciate the strong partnership of federal agencies in addressing them as quickly as possible.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis funding is a critical step towards ensuring that these homeowners receive the resources to move forward after this slope failure,\u201d said Congresswoman Edwards. \u201cI am grateful that FEMA stepped up for Maryland families, and I will continue to work with the Maryland Delegation to help the Fort Washington community fully recover.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis is great news for the families of Piscataway Drive who have persevered this situation for nearly\u00a0seven\u00a0months. I want to thank our congressional delegation, the O'Malley/Brown Administration, and MEMA\u00a0for helping us navigate through the grant process,\u201d said Prince George\u2019s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. \u201cToday is an example of what happens when local, state, and federal officials work together to resolve problems. This grant is\u00a0one of\u00a0the last pieces\u00a0of a financial puzzle that will enable us to repair the road and acquire the six homes in the affected area. I want to thank the families of Piscataway Drive for their patience during this very difficult time and for allowing us the time needed to figure out a solution for this very complicated situation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/2014/12/04/cardin-portman-unite-to-remove-bad-actors-from-cms-bidding-process", "Cardin, Portman Unite to Remove Bad Actors from CMS Bidding Process", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin, Portman Unite to Remove Bad Actors from CMS Bidding Process \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. SenatorsBen Cardin (D-Md.)and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), both members of the Senate Finance Committee, have introduced legislation to protect seniors and those who rely on durable medical equipment, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and supplies from predatory business practices. The Portman-Cardin Medicare Competitive Bidding Improvement Act (MCBIA) would ensure a fair competitive bidding program by disallowing intentional low-ball bidding for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) contracts.\r\nGood governance and good business practices are both founded on transparency. Our bill would increase transparency in CMS bidding to help those reliant on affordable medical supplies as well as the small business that supply them, said Senator Cardin. I thank Senator Portman for joining me in moving forward this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to help better serve the American people. \r\nIt's important that we're taking steps to ensure seniors have access to the medical supplies they rely on, Senator Portman stated. This legislation will increase transparency and fairness in the bidding process, promote competition and ensure seniors have increased access to quality medical supplies.\r\nCurrently, supplier bids are non-binding, meaning if CMS offers a contract to a bidder, that bidder can accept or reject that contract. Non-binding bids can encourage low-ball bids because suppliers know they are not required to supply the products at those bid levels and are only bidding to participate in the program. The Medicare Competitive Bidding Improvement Act would make supplier bids binding, thereby increasing transparency and ensuring reliable and equitable pricing. This legislation would help ensure that suppliers submit bids in good faith, increase competition, and would create more certainty for suppliers and for consumers, giving them increased access to more quality products and services.\r\nThe text of the bill can be downloaded here.\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-mikulski-delaney-announce-almost-43-000-in-federal-funding-to-foster-job-creation-in-western-maryland", "Cardin, Mikulski, Delaney Announce Almost $43,000 In Federal Funding To Foster Job Creation In Western Maryland", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin, Mikulski, Delaney Announce Almost $43,000 In Federal Funding To Foster Job Creation In Western Maryland \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski along with Congressman John Delaney (all D-Md.) today announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $42,780 federal grant to Allegany Community College, also called the Allegany College of Maryland (ACM), for the ACM Automotive Technology Workforce Development. The program will serve 25 businesses and enroll 25 students and 15 workers in the first year.\r\nTo maintain our position as the world's strongest economy we need to continue to educate and train the American workforce, said Senator Cardin. This investment by ARC will directly support more than a dozen new jobs today, and, by educating more than two dozen students, even more family-wage jobs tomorrow. I will continue to work in the Senate to fund this kind of innovative, job creating, public-private partnership.\r\nThis grant is jobs, jobs, jobs in Western Maryland, Senator Mikulski said. The ACM Automotive Technology Workforce Development program will forge public and private partnerships between students, educational institutions and local businesses. Together, they'll create new jobs, train the next generation for jobs tomorrow and grow Western Maryland's economy.\r\nI'm happy to congratulate Allegany College of Maryland on receiving a workforce development grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, said Congressman Delaney. This grant helps to ensure that students at ACM receive a state-of-the-art education, investing in an institution that has helped to prepare generation after generation of Marylanders for success in the workforce. As we search for ways to strengthen our economic competitiveness, I'm proud to see ARC and ACM helping us meet the challenge of training the future of the American workforce.\r\nAllegany Community College offers two-year and one-year career path courses of study in Automotive Technology. The program will serve 25 businesses and will enroll 25 students and 15 workers in the first year. The funding will also assist the college in purchasing state-of-the-art equipment for use in both the one-year certificate and two-year degree training programs. The equipment to be ordered in a combination of the diagnostic and repair tools found in modern auto service centers and simulators that provide students experience with several types of systems that are typically not available for training purposes. Following the updates, the college will be better able to prepare new workers and upgrade the skills of those already in the workforce.\r\nIn addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $42,780, bringing total funding for the project to $85,560.\r\nSenators Cardin and Mikulski have been leading supporters of the ARC Commission in the U.S. Senate. In recognition of his support of regional economic development and the ARC, Senator Cardin received the 2012 Congressional Award from the Development District Association of Appalachia.\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-portman-unite-to-remove-bad-actors-from-cms-bidding-process", "Cardin, Portman Unite to Remove Bad Actors from CMS Bidding Process", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin, Portman Unite to Remove Bad Actors from CMS Bidding Process \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. SenatorsBen Cardin (D-Md.)and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), both members of the Senate Finance Committee, have introduced legislation to protect seniors and those who rely on durable medical equipment, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and supplies from predatory business practices. The Portman-Cardin Medicare Competitive Bidding Improvement Act (MCBIA) would ensure a fair competitive bidding program by disallowing intentional low-ball bidding for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) contracts.\r\n\r\nGood governance and good business practices are both founded on transparency. Our bill would increase transparency in CMS bidding to help those reliant on affordable medical supplies as well as the small business that supply them, said Senator Cardin. I thank Senator Portman for joining me in moving forward this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to help better serve the American people.\r\n\r\nIt's important that we're taking steps to ensure seniors have access to the medical supplies they rely on, Senator Portman stated. This legislation will increase transparency and fairness in the bidding process, promote competition and ensure seniors have increased access to quality medical supplies.\r\n\r\nCurrently, supplier bids are non-binding, meaning if CMS offers a contract to a bidder, that bidder can accept or reject that contract. Non-binding bids can encourage low-ball bids because suppliers know they are not required to supply the products at those bid levels and are only bidding to participate in the program. The Medicare Competitive Bidding Improvement Act would make supplier bids binding, thereby increasing transparency and ensuring reliable and equitable pricing. This legislation would help ensure that suppliers submit bids in good faith, increase competition, and would create more certainty for suppliers and for consumers, giving them increased access to more quality products and services.\r\n\r\nThe text of the bill can be downloaded here.\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%E2%80%99-statement-grand-jury-decision-staten-island-ny", "Cummings Statement on Grand Jury Decision in Staten Island, NY", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: \nBALTIMORE, MD (Dec. 3, 2014) \u2014 Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) released the following statement after a grand jury in Staten Island, NY announced a decision not to charge police officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of unarmed Eric Garner in July of this year:\n\u201cMy heart aches for the Garner family and for an entire community that feels justice has not been served after another Black man\u2019s death at the hands of law enforcement.\n\u201cWe know that Officer Pantaleo used a chokehold banned by the New York Police Department specifically because of the risk it poses; that a medical examiner ruled that Mr. Garner\u2019s death was a homicide; and that a video exists documenting the entire confrontation, including Mr. Garner\u2019s desperate last breaths.\n\u201cGiven what we know, it\u2019s difficult to understand how an arrest over allegations of illegally sold cigarettes had to result in Mr. Garner\u2019s death.\n\u201cOur justice system is plagued by police forces disconnected from the communities they serve. The result is entire portions of the population that feel threatened by the very law enforcement officials charged with their safety. Steps like body cameras will be helpful in beginning to address these systemic problems, but with cases like Mr. Garner\u2019s, it is increasingly clear that the solutions will require us to reconsider our entire approach.\u00a0 We have to think more broadly and deeply about the changes we have to make in our system, and now is the time to act on those changes.\u201d\nFollowing the shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown by Ferguson, MO police officer Darren Wilson in August, Cummings joined members of the Congressional Black Caucus and more than 100 civic, corporate, and faith leaders in sending a letter to President Obama calling for drastic changes in police training and accountability. Click here to read that letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-5th-anniversary-of-alan-gross-imprisonment-in-cuba", "Delaney Statement on 5th Anniversary of Alan Gross Imprisonment in Cuba", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 December 3, 2014 marks the fifth anniversary of the arrest of Alan Gross in Cuba. Gross was sent to Cuba as a contractor with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In Cuba, Gross worked with the country\u2019s Jewish community to improve their internet access. Cuba charged Gross with crimes against the state and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Gross was a Montgomery County resident at the time of his imprisonment.\nCongressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) releases the following statement:\n\u201cAlan Gross\u2019s imprisonment is unjust, unfair and indecent. Every hour that he is behind bars is a violation of justice, five years is unimaginable. The Cuban government should do the right thing and release Alan immediately. It is vitally important that we remember all Americans being held in captivity and work for their release. Alan\u2019s wrongful incarceration is another front in our nation\u2019s long-standing commitment to fight for religious freedom and liberty and I urge our leaders to continue to do everything they can to bring Alan home to his family.\u201d\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-harris-join-forces-to-honor-maryland-icon-harriet-tubman", "Cardin, Harris Join Forces To Honor Maryland Icon Harriet Tubman", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin, Harris Join Forces To Honor Maryland Icon Harriet Tubman \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 Congress set to establish the first National Historical Park honoring an African-American woman\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Andy Harris (R-Md.-01) lauded action in the House of Representatives today that sets the stage for votes in both the House and Senate to establish Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Parks in Maryland and New York. Senator Cardin and Dr. Harris worked together to ensure that the park designation appropriately honors the life and work of Harriet Tubman while ensuring important protections for local property owners who were concerned about their property rights.\r\n\r\nHarriet Tubman was an iconic figure our nation's history, for whom liberty and freedom were not just ideas, said Senator Cardin. I was proud to partner with Dr. Harris to properly honor the legacy of her life's work and contributions while protecting Marylanders' rights. More than 100 years after her death, Harriet Tubman will become the first African-American woman and first individual woman to have a National Historical Park named in her honor. It's a great day for the Eastern Shore and our country.\r\n\r\nThrough bipartisan work with Senator Cardin, we are able to create a national park to honor Harriet Tubman while protecting local property owners, Dr. Harris said. When the local community raised concerns about property rights, our offices worked together to find ways to protect the citizens while ensuring the park could move forward. I appreciate Senator Cardin's willingness to work together to accomplish this for the Eastern Shore.\r\n\r\nThe official designation of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park is expected to be approved as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.\r\n\r\nWithin the legislation, property rights are protected by requiring the federal government to acquire land from willing sellers, prohibiting the use of condemnation to acquire land, protecting land use rights in the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge (including hunting, fishing and agriculture), protecting rights of private properties adjacent to the park or monument  including activities that may be seen or heard from within the park or monument, and requiring a local public meeting to be held by the National Park Service.\r\n\r\nThe new national historical park in Maryland will trace Tubman's early life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where she was born and later escaped from slavery to become one of the leaders on the Underground Railroad. The bill also establishes a national historical park in Auburn, N.Y., to commemorate the later years of Tubman's life when she was active in the women's suffrage movement and in providing for the welfare of aged African Americans. In 2013, President Barack Obama established the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Dorchester County on Maryland's Eastern Shore, setting the stage for National Historical Park designation.\r\n\r\nTogether, the national historical park and monument will preserve the unique landscape associated with Harriet Tubman's life on the Eastern Shore and her legacy as the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. The park is also expected to increase tourism, create jobs and strengthen Dorchester County's local economy. In 2010, tourism represented one-fifth of Dorchester County's employment, generating more than $132 million for the local economy.\r\n\r\nHarriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County, Md., where she spent nearly 30 years as a slave. She escaped slavery in 1849, but returned to the Eastern Shore several times over the course of 10 years to lead hundreds of African Americans to freedom in the North. Known as Moses by African-American and white abolitionists, she reportedly never lost a passenger on the Underground Railroad.\r\n\r\nThe Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park would include historically important landscapes including:\r\n\r\n \r\nUpon enactment, the portion of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument that is owned and managed by the National Park Service will become the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. This parcel contains the home site of Jacob Jackson, a free black man who used coded letters to help Tubman communicate with family and others and who also offered up his house as one of the first safe houses along the Underground Railroad leading out of Maryland's Eastern Shore. The Conservation Fund donated the 480-acre property, adjacent to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, to the National Park Service for the purposes of establishing the National Monument.\r\nThe bill authorizes the National Park Service to acquire, through deed transfer or through conservation easement on private land, seven non-contiguous parcels of land that hold historical significance to the life of Harriet Tubman.\r\nThe total acreage composition of these parcels is 775 acres in Talbot County, 2,200 in Caroline County, and 2,775 in Dorchester County (this includes the 480 acres that the National Park Service already owns).\r\nThese parcels are significant sites in Harriet Tubman's life, including her likely birthplace, the Brodess Plantation parcel where she worked as a young girl; the Cook Plantation parcel, where as a teenager she worked as a seamstress; and Poplar Neck plantation, where Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in 1849.\r\nThe bill clarifies that the existing federal lands owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which are also part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument, will remain under the management of the USFWS and part of the national monument.\r\nIn Auburn, N.Y., The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park would include important historical structures. They include Tubman's home, the Home for the Aged that she established, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church, and the Fort Hill Cemetery, where she is buried.\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://web.archive.org/web/20141206014519/http://cummings.house.gov/video/cummings-joins-cbc-house-floor-push-change-after-ferguson", "Cummings Joins CBC on the House Floor to Push for Change After Ferguson", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "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://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-hearing-highlights-local-water-utility-innovation", "Cardin Hearing Highlights Local Water Utility Innovation", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 02, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Hearing Highlights Local Water Utility Innovation \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.), Chair of the Environment and Public Works Water and Wildlife Subcommittee, called for bipartisan support to determine the best ways the federal government can support local and state water infrastructure systems. His remarks came while chairing a subcommittee hearing entitled, Innovation and the Utilities of the Future: How Local Water Treatment Facilities are Leading the Way to Better Manage Wastewater and Water Supplies.\r\n\r\nEvery single person in the U.S. needs clean, safe water. The local operators of America's aging wastewater, drinking water and sewer systems are leading the way in developing innovative solutions to meet this need in the face of growing challenges. Public utilities have had to rethink how they invest in their systems and many have had success finding environmentally friendly solutions to improve and maintain service  while reducing or abating costs that would otherwise be passed to the ratepayers. Democrats and Republicans should be working together to determine how we at the federal level can encourage such innovation, including public-private partnerships and energy efficient solutions, that will support local flexibility to reach overall objectives.\r\n\r\nAs lawmakers, we need to ask ourselves if the federal programs that support investments in our communities' water infrastructure are keeping up with the changing needs and operations of the utilities they serve. We also must continue to have constructive discussions and debate on how we collectively wish to protect public health and our environment, and our economic vitality, all of which is intertwined with our ability to address our critical infrastructure needs.\r\n\r\nI want to thank the local utilities, including the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District and Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority for sharing their stories of success and challenges with the committee. I applaud their forward thinking and constant effort to seek the best overall solutions for their distinct communities. Across America, utilities are partnering with agricultural producers in their watersheds to invest in nutrient pollution abatement efforts on farms that achieve better pollution reduction results than would cost-prohibitive system investments. In cities like Camden, N.J., the deployment and utilization of renewable power generation is saving ratepayers money and reducing carbon emissions from water utilities. The incorporation of green infrastructure and stormwater abatement is reducing wear-and-tear and the strain on capacity constraints of combined sewer systems, helping reduce maintenance costs and better protecting water resources. Customer rebates are encouraging better consumer choices when it comes to water conservation as an alternative to undertaking massive and expensive infrastructure overhauls. And the use of modern information technologies like paperless billing and smartphone apps are saving customers on their utility bills while keeping them better informed about the services they receive.\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/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-super-pollutants-act-of-2014", "Cardin Statement on Super Pollutants Act of 2014", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 02, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement on Super Pollutants Act of 2014 \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.), a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement on S.2911, the Super Pollutants Act of 2014, which was considered at an EPW committee hearing today.\r\n\r\nClimate change is real, and it is a threat whose magnitude is impossible to overstate. The Super Pollutants Act of 2014 is a rare example of bipartisan action to address some of the most intense greenhouse gases, like black carbon, methane and hydro fluorocarbons. These super pollutants contribute a more intense greenhouse effect, per weight, than carbon dioxide. Because they warm the climate at a rate thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide, measured reductions in super pollutants could provide immediate relief from extreme climate-related impacts.\r\n\r\nSenators Murphy (D-CT) and Collins (R-ME) are working across the aisle by sponsoring legislation that takes several important steps forward to address super pollutants. By establishing an interagency task force on climate pollutant mitigation that includes all relevant parties, we can begin to identify and recommend the most effective strategies to reduce these seriously harmful pollutants. By directing the development of comprehensive plans to address black carbon emissions from an array of sectors both domestically and internationally, the bill would improve air quality and public health. It also would urge the EPA to extend the Clean Air Act to increase initiatives for recycling hydro fluorocarbons, work with the Department of Energy to promote energy-efficient refrigerants, and phase out the sale of residential equipment that uses climate-damaging compounds. The bill also would mandate that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission analyzes methane leaks and venting from coal mining, gas drilling and other heavily polluting practices, and would direct multiple federal agencies and departments to issue guidance to other countries on controlling these types of emissions. Together, these measures could begin to reduce the releases of super pollutants and stem the impacts of climate change.\r\n\r\nI am thankful to Senators Chris Murphy and Susan Collins for their commitment to bipartisan action, and I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this consequential legislation.\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://delaney.house.gov//news/blogs/on-the-house-floor-this-week-12114", "On the House Floor This Week - 12/1/14", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Below is the tentative legislative schedule for the House of Representatives for the week of December 1. 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.\nIf you have feedback or questions on any of the legislation we\u2019re voting on this week, please contact my office.\nMONDAY, DECEMBER 1\nOn Monday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30 pm.\nLegislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:\n H.R. 5683 \u2013 Ensuring Access to Justice for Claims Against the United States Act (Sponsored by Rep. DeSantis \u2013 Judiciary Committee)\n\tH.R. 5421 \u2013 Financial Institution Bankruptcy Act (Sponsored by Rep. Bachus \u2013 Judiciary Committee)\n\tH.R. 4924 \u2013 Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement Act (Sponsored by Rep. Gosar \u2013 Committee on Natural Resources)\n\tS. 2040 \u2013 Blackfoot River Land Exchange Act (Sponsored by Sen. Crapo \u2013 Committee on Natural Resources)\n\tH.R. 5050 \u2013 May 31, 1918 Act Repeal Act (Sponsored by Rep. Simpson \u2013 Committee on Natural Resources)\n\tH.R. 2455 \u2013 Nevada Native Nations Lands Act(Sponsored by Rep. Amodei \u2013 Committee on Natural Resources)\n\tH.R. 3572 \u2013 To revise the boundaries of certain John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System units in North Carolina (Sponsored by Rep. McIntyre \u2013 Committee on Natural Resources)\n\tH.R. 3410 \u2013 Critical Infrastructure Protection Act(Sponsored by Rep. Franks \u2013 Committee on Homeland Security)\n\tH.R. 5629 \u2013 Strengthening Domestic Nuclear Security Act (Sponsored by Rep. Meehan \u2013 Committee on Homeland Security)\n\tH.R. 3438 \u2013 National Laboratories Mean National Security Act (Sponsored by Rep. Swalwell \u2013 Committee on Homeland Security)\n TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, THROUGH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4\nOn Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business, with last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.\nLegislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:\n H.R. 5714 \u2013 Pest Management Records Modernization Act (Sponsored by Rep. Schrader \u2013 Committee on Agriculture)\n\tH.R. 5739 \u2013 No Social Security for Nazis Act (Sponsored by Rep. Sam Johnson \u2013 Committee on Ways and Means)\n\tH.R. 4569 \u2013 Disclosure Modernization and Simplification Act , as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Garrett \u2013 Committee on Financial Services)\n\tH.R. 4200 \u2013 SBIC Advisers Relief Act (Sponsored by Rep. Luetkemeyer \u2013 Committee on Financial Services)\n\tH.R. 5471 \u2013 To amend the Commodity Exchange Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify how clearing requirements apply to certain affiliate transactions (Sponsored by Rep. Moore \u2013 Committee on Financial Services)\n\tH.R. 3240 \u2013 Regulation D Study Act (Sponsored by Rep. Pittenger \u2013 Committee on Financial Services)\n\tH.R. 4329 \u2013 Native American Housing Assistance and Self\u2013Determination Reauthorization Act (Sponsored by Rep. Pearce \u2013 Committee on Financial Services)\n\tH.R. 2790 \u2013 Housing Assistance Efficiency Act (Sponsored by Rep. Peters (CA) \u2013 Committee on Financial Services)\n\tH.R. 2366 \u2013 World War I American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin Act (Sponsored by Rep. Lamborn \u2013 Committee on Financial Services)\n\tH.Res.758 \u2013 Strongly condemning the actions of the Russian Federation, under Vladimir Putin (Sponsored by Rep. Kinzinger \u2013 Committee on Foreign Affairs)\n\tH.Res.714 \u2013 Reaffirming the peaceful and collaborative resolution of maritime and jurisdictional disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea (Sponsored by Rep. Faleomavaega \u2013 Committee on Foreign Affairs)\n\tS. 2673 \u2013 United States\u2013Israel Strategic Partnership Act (Sponsored by Sen. Boxer \u2013 Committee on Foreign Affairs)\n Possible Consideration of Legislation:\n FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)\n\tLegislation related to expiring tax provisions\n\tH.R. 647 \u2013 Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (Sponsored by Rep. Crenshaw \u2013 Committee on Way and Means/Energy and Commerce)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-asks-epa-to-give-states-additional-flexibility-in-fighting-carbon", "Delaney Asks EPA to Give States Additional Flexibility in Fighting Carbon Pollution", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has submitted a formal comment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the agency\u2019s proposed rule to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants. Writing to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Delaney asked that the agency give \u201cstrong consideration to allowing states the additional compliance option of placing a price on greenhouse gas emissions.\u201d\nIn May, Delaney released a discussion draft of The State\u2019s Choice Act, which requires the EPA to offer states the option of imposing a state-level excise tax on greenhouse gas emissions as a way of complying with section 111 (d) of the Clean Air Act. The state-imposed carbon tax must be no less than $20 per metric ton of carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent.\nDelaney will file The State\u2019s Choice Act later this week.\nThe text of Delaney\u2019s letter is as follows:\n\u00a0\nGina McCarthy  \n\tAdministrator  \n\tEnvironmental Protection Agency  \n\tEPA Docket Center (EPA/DC)  \n\tMailcode 28221T  \n\tAttention Docket ID No. OAR\u20132013-0602  \n\t1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460\n\u00a0\nDear Administrator McCarthy:\nAs you take public comments on your June 2, 2014 proposed rule for regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants, I encourage you to give strong consideration to allowing states the additional compliance option of placing a price on greenhouse gas emissions.\nIt is clear that climate change is the environmental challenge of our time, and businesses are already making plans incorporating its effects and an eventual price on emissions.\u00a0 I support the actions that the EPA has taken with this proposed rule.\u00a0 We have to reduce our emissions, and I applaud the flexibility that the proposed rule gives to states.\u00a0 I believe, however, that we can achieve the same emissions reductions more effectively and efficiently by applying a simple price on emissions.\u00a0 Allowing states this additional option will let them use this market-based approach to reduce administrative burden.\u00a0\nAmericans on both sides of the aisle are looking for ways to protect the environment without overly burdensome regulations.\u00a0 This option accomplishes the goal without bloating bureaucracy or creating more red tape for businesses. By appropriately pricing carbon pollution, we can marshal the power of the market to achieve important environmental and public health goals more effectively and efficiently.\nIn addition, the revenues that the state collects via a carbon tax can be used to lower other taxes in a tax-swap that will provide a net-benefit to economic growth. While there remains disagreement on what should be done to address climate change, there should be complete agreement that it\u2019s better to tax pollution than to tax individuals and businesses making money.\u00a0 Giving states this simple option will put the right incentives in place to reduce pollution and at the same time help businesses keep more of their money to hire more people and help individuals have more take-home pay.\u00a0\nAs you know, I have legislation titled the \u201cState\u2019s Choice Act\u201d that would give states this option for this rule and for any future 111(d) regulations designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.\nI look forward to seeing this additional compliance option offered in the final rule and welcome any discussion.\nBest,\n\u00a0\nJohn K. Delaney\nMember of Congress\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-calls-for-the-release-of-marylander-held-in-cuba", "Cardin Calls for the Release of Marylander Held in Cuba", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 01, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Calls for the Release of Marylander Held in Cuba \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 December 3rd Marks Five Years in Cuban Prison for Potomac Man\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t BALTIMORE  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement expressing disappointment surrounding the continued imprisonment of Marylander Alan Gross by the Cuban government.\r\nAs Mr. Gross nears five years of unjust incarceration in Cuba, I continue to call on the administration to do all in their power to secure his release. I am disappointed that efforts to release Mr. Gross, particularly on humanitarian grounds, have been rejected by the Cuban government. I will continue to raise awareness of Mr. Gross' situation and urge my colleagues to join me in pushing for his release. The Cuban government gains nothing by violating Mr. Gross' human rights and should release him as soon as possible.\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/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-announce-almost-400-000-to-establish-new-telemedicine-health-centers-on-the-eastern-shore", "Cardin, Mikulski Announce Almost $400,000 To Establish New Telemedicine Health Centers On The Eastern Shore", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 26, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin, Mikulski Announce Almost $400,000 To Establish New Telemedicine Health Centers On The Eastern Shore \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 Federal funds to support telemedicine health centers in six Somerset County schools to connect kids & families in rural communities with quality health care\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) has awarded $390,115 to Crisfield Clinic, LLC, to establish new telemedicine health centers in six rural schools in Somerset County. The new telemedicine health centers in schools across the county will help connect kids and families in rural communities with quality health care.\r\n\r\nNo matter where you live, parents deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their child can access quality healthcare at school, said Senator Cardin. Projects like this shrink the divide between rural and urban. This innovative USDA-RD project helps overcome some of the unique challenges faced by rural schools seeking to ensure healthy lifestyles for their students.\r\n\r\n\r\nSchools in Somerset County help kids learn and grow. But when a student gets sick, it's tough for kids to catch up, for parents to take off of work and for teachers to meet students' needs, Senator Mikulski said. These funds in the federal checkbook combined with Maryland's cutting edge broadband technology will help keep kids healthy, safe and learning in our schools. Through investments in telemedicine, we can provide quality health care directly to rural schools and communities keeping kids in the classroom and parents on the job.\r\n\r\n\r\nCrisfield Clinic, LLC will use these federal dollars to establish new health centers in six rural schools though its telemedicine Connecting Resources Across Barriers (CRAB) project. CRAB will use videoconferencing to connect two primary care clinics in Crisfield and six Somerset County schools with one another and the hub site, University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) for access to primary and specialty care as well as community health training.\r\n\r\nLocal schools included in the project are Ewell School, Carter G. Woodson Elementary, Crisfield Academy & High School, Somerset Intermediate School, Greenwood Elementary and Princess Anne Elementary.\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%E2%80%99-statement-grand-jury-decision-michael-brown-shooting", "Cummings Statement on Grand Jury Decision in Michael Brown Shooting", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nBALTIMORE, MD (Nov. 24, 2014) \u2014 Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07), released the following statement after a grand jury in Missouri announced a decision not to indict Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson for the shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown:\n\u201cI am disappointed in the grand jury\u2019s decision not to indict Officer Wilson for taking the life of Michael Brown; however, we must respect that decision. The Department of Justice will continue its review of this incident and the entire Ferguson Police Department, and I am confident that investigation will bring us closer to the justice that Brown\u2019s family and the entire Ferguson community deserve.\n\u201cWe must all remember that this is first and foremost about the death of a young man, and the loss of a bright future. While I understand the emotions that have brought protestors into the streets, our goal now should be preventing cases like this one from ever happening again by encouraging dialogue with the police forces sworn to protect our communities and transforming the practices and culture that led to the shooting.\"\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-expresses-concerns-about-extension-of-talks-with-iran", "Cardin Expresses Concerns about Extension of Talks with Iran", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 25, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Expresses Concerns about Extension of Talks with Iran \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nBALTIMORE \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senator Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the announced extension of P5+1 Iran negotiations:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"The only successful outcome is where Iran is no longer a nuclear threat, where Iran has dismantled its nuclear infrastructure, limited its nuclear research and submitted to verifiable inspections without notice. This result is best achieved through diplomacy.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"A year ago, Congress gave the administration the benefit of the doubt and put even more severe sanctions on hold as negotiations pushed forward. To its credit, the administration has kept an international sanctions regime in place and slowed Iran\u2019s breakout capacity.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"I am concerned about yet another extension of the negotiations without a commitment by Iran to a satisfactory agreement. An indefinite status quo \u2013 limited sanctions relief with no sign of a final agreement \u2013 cannot be the end result.\u00a0 Additional time may very well be used by Iran to harden their defenses and their resolve to become a nuclear weapon state.\"\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"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-grand-jury-decision-in-the-michael-brown-shooting-case", "Cardin Statement on the Grand Jury Decision in the Michael Brown Shooting Case", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 25, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement on the Grand Jury Decision in the Michael Brown Shooting Case \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nBALTIMORE \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement in response to the Ferguson grand jury decision in the Michael Brown shooting case.\r\n\u201cFerguson, Missouri, will forever be marked by the needless death of Michael Brown. Let\u2019s turn this incident into the spark that launches a change in attitudes and actions rather than a point where violence begets more violence. I join with the Brown family in calling for peaceful protests in the aftermath of the grand jury\u2019s decision.\u00a0 State and local law enforcement must respect the First Amendment rights of citizens to peaceably assemble, and the rights of the press to report this story.\u00a0 I call upon all Americans \u2013 even those who disagree with the grand jury decision \u2013 to respect the role of our jury system and the independence of the courts in deciding legal questions.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI encourage the Justice Department to continue its civil rights investigation into this case and its broader probe of the Ferguson Police Department.\u00a0 I urge Attorney General Holder to take immediate action to revise the Justice Department\u2019s guidance so that once and for all racial profiling is prohibited at all levels of law enforcement.\u00a0 For a more permanent fix, Congress should take up and pass my legislation, the End Racial Profiling Act.\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://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2314", "Hoyer Encourages Marylanders to Participate in Small Business Saturday", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today encouraging Fifth District residents and Marylanders to participate in Small Business Saturday\u00a0on November 29th, a day dedicated to supporting local businesses:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI am a strong supporter of small businesses, which are critically important\u00a0to the economic well-being of Maryland and our entire country. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and play a vital\u00a0role\u00a0in our local communities,\u00a0employing half of our country's workforce and creating nearly two out of every three net new jobs. Small Business Saturday provides an opportunity to support\u00a0these local economic engines and\u00a0help to continue their success by shopping locally.\u00a0According to the U.S. Small Business Administration,\u00a0Maryland alone has more than 500,000 small businesses. These are small businesses that are owned and run by our neighbors - they are families and friends who believe in the American dream and that they can make it in America.\u00a0I encourage Fifth District residents to join\u00a0millions of Americans\u00a0on Saturday, November 29th,\u00a0in shopping and dining locally\u00a0to show support for Maryland businesses.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings%E2%80%99-statement-passing-marion-barry", "Cummings Statement On Passing of Marion Barry", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Elijah Cummings", "C000984", "cummings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: \nBALTIMORE, MD\u00a0(Nov. 23, 2014)\u00a0\u2014 Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07), issued the following statement on the death of four term Washington, DC Mayor Marion Barry Jr.:\n\u00a0\n\u201cMayor Barry made an indelible impact on our nation\u2019s capital during his time as Mayor, striving to lift those without means to better lives. His efforts to offer economic opportunities to the city\u2019s poorest residents, and tireless work to bring minorities into its governance helped to build the capital we know today.\n\u00a0\n\u201cMayor Berry made countless contributions to the civil rights movement, to building the city\u2019s infrastructure, and to developing an inclusive government. That impact will remain for generations yet unborn.\u00a0 My prayers are with his family at this difficult time.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-congress-must-fix-the-renewable-fuel-standard", "Cardin: Congress Must Fix the Renewable Fuel Standard", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 24, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin: Congress Must Fix the Renewable Fuel Standard \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 \u201cCongress has left EPA in a difficult position to make sense out of an unworkable process.\u201d\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 Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issues the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement that \u201cit will not be finalizing 2014 applicable percentage standards under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program before the end of 2014\u201d:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe EPA continues to be faced with having to administer what amounts to an unworkable statute when it comes to Renewable Fuel Standard. Without a doubt, many lawmakers and stakeholders will not be happy with EPA\u2019s announcement that it will not be finalizing the 2014 RVO. In reality, Congress has left EPA in a difficult position to make sense out of an unworkable process. I commend the hardworking career employees at EPA who have toiled tirelessly with stakeholders in an attempt to formulate a reasonable revision to the RVO for 2014, but ultimately a workable rule could not be had. This incredible challenge is only going to get worse over time. While I applaud EPA\u2019s recognition that it should attempt to finalize RVO rules for multiple sequential years, the real answer is for Congress to act by reforming and fixing this important statute. I will continue finalize an RFS reform bill that should be considered in the next Congress. I am committed to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this done.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\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-urges-marylanders-to-participate-in-small-business-saturday", "Cardin Urges Marylanders to Participate in “Small Business Saturday”", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 24, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Urges Marylanders to Participate in \u201cSmall Business Saturday\u201d \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nBALTIMORE \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, is urging consumers to shop at local, independently owned businesses on the 5th annual \u201cSmall Business Saturday\u201d \u2013 the Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Senator Cardin recently cosponsored a resolution (S. Res. 548), which designated November 29, 2014 as \u201cSmall Business Saturday\u201d.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cSmall Business Saturday gives Americans the chance to support small, independently owned businesses that drive our local economy and create jobs. Buying local makes a real difference,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cWe have more than a half-million small businesses right here in Maryland. This Small Business Saturday, make a choice to \u2018Shop Small\u2019 or \u2018Dine Small\u2019 \u2013 support our local stores and dine in local restaurants \u2013 to give a helping hand to the very businesses that employ our neighbors and keep our local economy growing.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThere are 28,000,000 small businesses in the United States that are responsible for the employment of over 48 percent of private sector employees. By designating November 29, 2014 as Small Business Saturday, Congress is encouraging shoppers to increase the number of purchases made from these local businesses, increasing the benefit to our local communities.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFor more information on Small Business Saturday, click here. More information on #DineSmall can be found 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"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-ruppersberger-together-with-local-community-honor-legacy-of-sparrows-point-workers-and-continue-fight-for-jobs-in-baltimore-county", "Cardin, Mikulski, Ruppersberger, Together with Local Community, Honor Legacy of Sparrows Point Workers and Continue Fight for Jobs in Baltimore County", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 24, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin, Mikulski, Ruppersberger, Together with Local Community, Honor Legacy of Sparrows Point Workers and Continue Fight for Jobs in Baltimore County \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBALTIMORE  U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski together with U.S. Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-Md.) today were joined by Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, Sparrows Point Terminal executive leadership as well as former Sparrows Point workers and their families to honor the legacy of the Sparrows Point community and continue their fight to support jobs in Baltimore County.\r\nFor several generations, the workers at the Sparrows Point mills and shipyard built America, just as they built strong Maryland families, Senator Cardin said. As we look to the accomplishments of the past at Sparrows Point with reverence, we look to the future of the site with excitement. We have the chance to do incredible things here, both in creating new jobs and clean energy technologies. And I stand ready to help make them happen.\r\nFor 100 years, the men and women of Sparrows Point produced the steel that built America. From forging the groundwork for America's infrastructure in our roads, rail and bridges, to building the ships that took America to war, no mill has played a larger role in the history of our state and our nation, Senator Mikulski said. As we honor the legacy of Bethlehem Steel, we look ahead to a new day for this community. With a Sparrows Point that is re-forged and renewed, we will support new jobs and new opportunities as an economic engine for Baltimore and for Maryland. I will never stop fighting for the men, women and families who through hard work and steadfast perseverance, helped build and protect America.\r\nThe ceremony with Sparrows Point Terminal, the new owner of the 3,100-acre Sparrows Point property, honored the history and legacy of Sparrows Point and its workers. Sparrows Point workers have produced steel there for more than a century. From forging the trusses for the Golden Gate Bridge to building the ships that took America to war, no mill has played a larger role in the history of Baltimore or America.\r\nSenators Cardin and Mikulski together with Congressman Ruppersberger and Team Maryland have continued to fight to protect the lives and livelihoods of Sparrows Point workers and their families. Through the redevelopment of Sparrows Point, they are working to support new jobs and new opportunity in Baltimore.\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://ruppersberger.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-issues-statement-on-president-obama-s-executive-action-on", "Ruppersberger Issues Statement on President Obamas Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger", "R000576", "ruppersberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today issued the following statement on President Barack Obama\u2019s Executive Action on immigration:\n\u201cComprehensive immigration reform is the responsibility of Congress \u2013 not the President. The House has had opportunities to take up reasonable, bipartisan immigration legislation passed in the Senate, but leadership has refused to bring it to the floor for a vote. In the absence of action, the President has decided to use his executive authority under precedent set by every president of both parties since Eisenhower.\nWhile I do not support everything in the President\u2019s plan, I applaud efforts to strengthen border security, deport undocumented immigrants who commit crimes and require undocumented immigrants to pay their fair share of taxes. His proposal hires more border patrol agents, immigration judges and U.S. attorneys to speed up the deportation of people caught crossing the border illegally. It does not grant any illegal immigrant citizenship.\nI do not support amnesty and the president does not have the authority to grant it. But with as many as 12 million illegal immigrants in our country, we cannot simply deport our way out of this problem. Congress must ultimately establish a rigorous path to citizenship that will help turn the illegal immigrants currently in our country into taxpayers who contribute to our economy rather than drain it. \u00a0Economists estimate the President\u2019s plan will boost our gross domestic product by $90 billion to $210 billion in 2024. The economic benefits under the path established by the Senate bill are even greater.\nInaction is the equivalent to amnesty. I hope the President\u2019s proposal incites Congress to come together on legislation to finish the job we were elected to do.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2310", "Hoyer Celebrates Groundbreaking of the New A. James Clark Hall at the University of Maryland", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COLLEGE PARK, MD \u2013 Today,Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new A. James Clark Hall at the University of Maryland. The new building will facilitate world-class research and educational programs, offer state-of-the-art laboratories, student project space, and a new home for the Fischell Department of Bioengineering and the Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices. It is scheduled to open in 2017.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI was honored to attend this morning\u2019s groundbreaking ceremony for the A. James Clark Hall,\u201d said Congressman Hoyer.\u201cThe University of Maryland has been launching new ventures and breaking ground on new projects to ensure that it continues to be one of the most exciting and dynamic centers of research and innovation in the country \u2013 and the world. The new building will house some of the most cutting-edge biomedical engineering research being done anywhere. The innovations and technologies that emerge from within its walls will surely have a significant impact on health care across the country, bringing new treatments to those who are sick and new tools for the doctors and nurses who provide them with care.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAlong with this new facility will come new opportunities for federal research partnerships that take full advantage of its state-of-the-art laboratories, continued Congressman Hoyer.\u201cI want to thank Chancellor William Kirwan and President Wallace Loh for their outstanding efforts to make sure that the university is a national leader in biomedical research and a source of new discovery. The University of Maryland is well on its way to solidifying its reputation as a leading institution when it comes to helping America\u2019s innovators, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers succeed. I\u2019ve been proud to lead an effort in Congress \u2013 called Make It In America\u2013 to invest in research and innovation and support the development of projects like this one. I look forward to coming back to visit the new A. James Clark Hall when it is completed.\u00a0 \u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2311", "Hoyer Delivers Food Items to Fifth District Food Pantry", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GREENBELT, MD \u2013Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) visited the Ladies of Charity Food Pantry at St. Hugh of Grenoble Catholic Church this morning in Greenbelt, Maryland to deliver food items for local families in need during the holiday season and to greet staff and volunteers of the food pantry. Congressman Hoyer was joined by Greenbelt\u2019s Mayor Emmett Jordan.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI was pleased to visit the St. Hugh Ladies of Charity Food Pantry today to see firsthand how they are helping to provide nonperishable food items to families and individuals in the Fifth District,\u201d stated Congressman Hoyer. \u201cFood pantries play a vital role in assisting families who might otherwise have no place to turn for food, especially during the holiday season. I had the opportunity to greet the hardworking staff and volunteers from the pantry to discuss how they are continuing to better serve our communities. Ladies of Charity has done remarkable work providing important services to families and individuals who are in need, and I look forward to continuing to support their work.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tThe Ladies of Charity is the world\u2019s oldest faith-based volunteer group formed in 17th century France, and is recognized throughout the world as champions of the poor and underprivileged. The Ladies of Charity at St. Hugh of Grenoble Catholic Church was established in 1946. In addition to stocking the food pantry at St. Hugh and preparing food parcels for pick-up, the group participates in a number of activities within Prince George\u2019s County, including providing financial assistance to help individuals bridge the gap to self-sufficiency.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2312", "Hoyer Visits Maryland Health Connection Regional Site", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SILVER SPRING, MD \u2013Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) visited the Capital Region Health Connector Entity, one of several connector entities created by the Maryland Health Connection to provide free, in-person assistance to Marylanders seeking health coverage through the state\u2019s insurance marketplace. The site is located in Silver Spring, Maryland and serves Prince George\u2019s and Montgomery counties.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI was pleased to see navigators and assisters in action today at the Capital Region Health Connector Entity helping consumers understand the differences between health care plans, determine their eligibility for financial assistance or Medicaid, and enroll,\u201d stated Congressman Hoyer. \u201cThe Capital Region Health Connector is one of the busiest in-person enrollments sites that serves Fifth District residents of Prince George\u2019s County. During my visit, I had the opportunity to tour the site with a second-year navigator who also discussed her day-to-day duties of educating applicants about the enrollment process as well as how to successfully access services once the enrollment process is complete.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIn the first few days of open enrollment, more than 15,000 consumers have enrolled through the Maryland Health Connection,\u201d continued Congressman Hoyer. \u201cI encourage Fifth District residents and Marylanders to make an appointment today with a navigator at one of the six regional connector entities to receive in-person assistance on how to browse qualified health plans and get covered.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tConsumers can enroll online or find in-person assistance locations and enrollment events at www.marylandhealthconnection.com. The Consumer Support Center is also open at 1-855-642-8572 to take phone applications or to answer any questions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2313", "Hoyer Speaks to Students at Friends Community School", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COLLEGE PARK, MD \u2013This afternoon,Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) spoke with students from the Friends Community School (FCS), a Quaker K-8 day school in College Park. Hoyer spoke to the 6th \u2013 8th grade students about a number of issues including the legislative process, what Congress should focus on in the remainder of the 113th Congress, and House Democrats' priorities for the next Congress. He also fielded questions from the students on a variety of topics.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIt was great to speak with so many of our future leaders at the Friends Community School this afternoon,\u201d said Congressman Hoyer. \u201cI particularly enjoyed discussing with these bright students the importance of the legislative process and their interest in foreign policy and supporting diplomacy to build a more peaceful world. I am especially proud of the dedicated leadership of Head Master Larry Clements and teachers like Annie Boggess who have been successful in growing their student enrollment and expanding their progressive approach to education. Founded on the belief that every child is a valued member of our community, I am confident that their leadership and hard work will prepare these students for a successful future.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tThe Friends Community School was founded in 1986 by members of Adelphi Friends Meeting and was originally housed in Adelphi, Maryland. In 2013, FCS completed its first addition to its new building, enhancing spaces for the performing arts, visual arts, lower and middle school science, tutorial and small group spaces, and administration. Enrollment has grown to 225 students in grades K-8.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206025236/http://vanhollen.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-the-president-s-immigration-accountability", "Van Hollen Statement on the Presidents Immigration Accountability Executive Actions", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement on the President\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Immigration Accountability Executive Actions:  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdTonight President Obama announced he will use his legal authority to take executive action to further secure the border and hold nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants accountable. This plan will prioritize deporting felons over families \ufffd\ufffd\ufffd but it\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds only a temporary first step.\ufffd\ufffd Congress must build on the bipartisan work in the Senate and finally pass comprehensive immigration reform.\ufffd\ufffd The people\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds House has been waiting over 500 days for a vote on that bill, and the only thing standing in the way of democracy working its will is Speaker Boehner.\ufffd\ufffd As a result, the President must take this common sense step to start to fix our broken immigration system.\ufffd\ufffd I hope our Republican colleagues will work with us to allow Congress to act, instead of threatening a destructive government shut down.\ufffd\ufffd?  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-and-ross-gao-report-makes-clear-need-for-fsoc-reform", "Delaney and Ross: GAO Report Makes Clear Need for FSOC Reform", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report outlining how the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) can improve their process for designating nonbank institutions as a Systemically Important Financial Institution (SIFI). A SIFI designation triggers additional regulatory requirements.\nIn July, Rep. John K. Delaney (MD-6) and Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) introduced legislation to reform FSOC, The Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act (H.R. 5180). The legislation reforms specific elements of the FSOC and the Office of Financial Research (OFR), improving their ability to accurately respond to threats to financial stability, while also maintaining the core function of comprehensively monitoring the stability of our nation\u2019s financial system.\nThe GAO report outlines three areas where FSOC could \u201cenhance the accountability and transparency of the designation process\u201d: tracking and monitoring, disclosure and transparency, and scope of evaluation procedures. To read the GAO report, click here.\n\u201cToday\u2019s GAO report highlights the need for greater transparency in FSOC\u2019s process of designating nonbank institutions as SIFIs,\u201d said Ross.\u00a0 \u201cBackroom decisions made by FSOC are leading to increased costs for families across Florida and the United States who are simply trying to invest and plan for their future.\u00a0 I introduced H.R.5180, the Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act of 2014 with Rep. Delaney to increase the transparency and accountability of this board of federal financial regulators. I am proud of this bipartisan effort, and look forward to working with Rep. Delaney to ensure hasty decisions being made by this group of financial regulators are not forcing additional burdens or costs on American families.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cIt is clear that we need more transparency from FSOC so that they can best carry out their important mission. The GAO\u2019s nonpartisan report highlights a number of my concerns with the designation process and a need for more communication and hopefully puts more momentum behind reform. Getting the details right is important here because FSOC\u2019s mission to mitigate systemic risk is paramount,\u201d said Delaney. Along with my colleague Rep. Dennis Ross, I introduced The FSOC Improvement Act to address the same transparency and accountability concerns that the GAO underscored today and I look forward to working with the Financial Services Committee next year to address these very real concerns in a bipartisan manner.\u201d\nThe Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act reforms the SIFI designation procedure for FSOC.\nReforms in H.R. 5180 include:\n Requiring FSOC to notify a nonbank financial company that it has been identified for SIFI evaluation with an explanation of their concerns, prior to a SIFI designation\n\tCodifying FSOC procedures for SIFI designation and voting requirements\n\tRequiring FSOC to consider the impact of SIFI designation\n\tMandating that FSOC explain the basis of its designation to the institution\n\tAllowing an institution to submit a plan to modify its business prior to designation\n\tAllowing an institution to contest their SIFI designation every five years\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-on-immigration-reform-the-house-of-representatives-should-vote-on-the-senate-passed-comprehensive-bill", "Cardin on Immigration Reform: The House of Representatives Should Vote on the Senate-Passed Comprehensive Bill", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin on Immigration Reform: The House of Representatives Should Vote on the Senate-Passed Comprehensive Bill \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.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's speech to the nation on steps his administration will be taking on immigration.\r\n\r\nComprehensive immigration reform is long overdue. No matter what side of this debate you are on, most of us agree that America's immigration system is badly broken.What we need is a balanced immigration system that is fair. Border protection alone will not fix all the challenges facing our immigration system.\r\n\r\nMy strong preference is that Congress sends the President a comprehensive immigration reform bill that he can sign into law. This would provide a more thorough and more permanent solution. I voted for, and the Senate passed, such a bill in June 2013 by a bipartisan vote of 68 to 32. Nearly 18 months later, the House of Representatives has refused to vote or even consider this legislation.\r\n\r\nThose who are unhappy with the President's action need to direct their focus at the Speaker of the House. I implore him to allow the House of Representatives to vote on the Senate-passed comprehensive plan. We then can come together in a bipartisan way to reconcile our differences and truly fix our broken system. \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://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2309", "Hoyer Releases Video to Constituents on Open Enrollment for the Maryland Health Connection", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released a video message to constituents on the Maryland Health Connection online enrollment, which opened yesterday, a day earlier than anticipated, and continues through February 15, 2015. Marylanders who want to be covered on January 1 must sign up for health insurance coverage by December 18. Below is a link to the video and transcript:\r\n\r\n\tClick here to watch.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cHi. I\u2019m Congressman Steny Hoyer with an important message about health insurance coverage for Marylanders next year.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cStarting November 19, in the Fifth District and across Maryland, individuals, families, and small business owners can log on to www.marylandhealthconnection.gov to browse health insurance plans and enroll for coverage for 2015.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cEven if you already have insurance through the Maryland Health Connection, everyone should visit the site to make sure you get the best deal for yourself and your family \u2013 and to make certain you receive all the assistance for which you are eligible to bring your premium costs down.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAnd if you have insurance from some other source, it\u2019s still worth it to visit the site and browse the plans that are available to see if there is a higher quality, more affordable plan that\u2019s right for you, your family, or your employees \u2013 and to see if you\u2019re eligible for a tax credit that will lower your cost.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cYou can also use the site to determine whether you or your family members are eligible for Medicaid or the Maryland Children\u2019s Health Program.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cOpen enrollment season lasts until February 15, but if you want to be covered in January you\u2019ll need to sign up by December 18.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAs a result of the Affordable Care Act, you and your family are now protected against certain forms of discrimination by insurance companies.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cYou can no longer be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIf you are a woman, you can\u2019t be charged a higher premium than a man for the same level of coverage.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAnd if you are insured and become sick, your insurer can\u2019t just drop your coverage and can\u2019t impose annual or lifetime limits that leave you to pay out of pocket for the treatment you may need.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cSo I encourage you to take a few minutes and visit www.marylandhealthconnection.gov\u00a0 today and explore your options.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cYou don\u2019t have to enter any personal information just to browse plans \u2013 you\u2019ll do that only when you find a plan that\u2019s right for you and decide to enroll. \u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAgain, to be covered on January 1, you\u2019ll have to enroll by December 18.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cFor those without access to the internet or who prefer not to enroll online, you can get information and sign up by phone at (855) 642-8572.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThere are also certified navigators who can help you find the best plan and go through the enrollment process.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAnd my office is always available to help as well.You can visit www.hoyer.house.gov anytime to connect with my staff about this or other questions.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThanks for watching, and you can get started right now by clicking the link below, which will take you directly to the Maryland Health Connection website.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-attack-on-jerusalem-synagogue", "Delaney Statement on Attack on Jerusalem Synagogue", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Four rabbis were killed Tuesday morning in an attack inside a synagogue in West Jerusalem. Three of the victims were Americans with dual Israel-U.S. passports. According to the New York Times, the victims were killed during the middle of morning prayers and at least a dozen worshipers were injured. \u00a0\nCongressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) issues the following statement:\n\u201cThe attack on rabbis and worshippers inside a Jerusalem synagogue is an inhuman act of barbarism that deserves the condemnation of the world. We stand in mourning with the people of Israel and the families of the victims, including the three Americans who were killed.\n\u201cThe murdering of innocent people gathered to pray is an affront to civilization. However we know that this act of terrorism will only strengthen the resolve of the Israeli people and the bond between our two countries. This attack is a sobering reminder of the importance of a robust war on terrorism and the need for all parties in the region to respect Israel\u2019s right to exist.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/house-updates-vfw-charter-to-reflect-service-of-women-in-the-armed-forces", "House Updates VFW Charter to Reflect Service of Women in the Armed Forces", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "John Delaney", "D000620", "delaney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The House has passed legislation to update the federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to reflect the service of women in the armed forces. H.R. 5441 makes two wording changes, replacing \u201cmen\u201d with \u201cveterans\u201d and \u201cwidows\u201d with \u201csurviving spouses.\u201d The changes are supported by the VFW, whose delegates voted in support of the change at the 115th VFW National Convention, held in St. Louis earlier this year.\nThe House Resolution to amend the charter passed by voice vote Monday. \u00a0\n\u201cHundreds of thousands of women are active duty members of our armed forces, serving at home and abroad to defend our nation. Women have been a permanent part of our military since 1948 and served in both World Wars. While this update to the federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars might seem minor, there\u2019s nothing small about the contribution women make each day to defending our country,\u201d said Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6). \u201cMoreover, it is with solemn reverence that we must also note that not all surviving spouses are widows. I\u2019m proud that the House has taken action in coordination with the VFW to update the language of their charter to more accurately reflect today\u2019s military and veteran community.\u201d\nThe VFW charter was signed by President Roosevelt in 1936. Women first joined the military during World War I, but after the war their service opportunity was discontinued. Women served again in World War II and Congress granted women permanent status within the armed forces in 1948.\nThe VFW\u2019s mission is, \u201cTo foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.\u201d \u00a0\n\u00a0\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-condemns-terrorist-attack-in-jerusalem", "Cardin Condemns Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Condemns Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the terror attack in Jerusalem that killed three Americans and one Briton:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe senseless targeting of innocent civilians has to be stopped; it is unacceptable under any circumstances. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and injured in the Jerusalem attack, as well as the people of Israel, who have endured far too many of these brutal assaults.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe United States will continue to fight against such atrocities and bring to justice those who commit such acts.\u00a0As the strongest of allies and partners in combating terrorism, we reaffirm our support for Israel\u2019s right to defend and protect its people.\u201d\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-lauds-passage-of-mikulski-child-care-bill", "Cardin Lauds Passage of Mikulski Child Care Bill", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Lauds Passage of Mikulski Child Care Bill \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.) praised Senate passage of the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). He offered the following remarks to congratulate his fellow Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski, S. 1086\u2019s lead sponsor, on the passage of this bipartisan legislation:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that we were able to come together to reauthorize a successful program that will increase the safety of our children and make significant improvements to our current child care programs. Senator Mikulski\u2019s legislation will better support and provide added stability for working families.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe last time we authorized this program was in 1996. I was serving in the House of Representatives at the time and was the ranking member on the House Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee. We were considering welfare reform and childcare, and how we could reward families for work. At the time, we sought ways to ensure that our welfare system was a transitional program rather than permanent and that it would allow people, particularly moms, to get into the workforce, stay in the workforce and climb up the economic ladder.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cEffective childcare makes a real difference in the lives of children and families. Today, under CCDBG, there are 1.6 million children eligible for program services. CCDBG provides not only a safe environment for those children, but allows 70 percent of their parents to work and an educational opportunity for the child at the same time. A Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) study showed that parents who had their children in childcare for two years or more were more likely to remain employed.\u00a0 CCDBG provides stable employment, help for the child, and a positive economic situation for the family.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis bicameral, bipartisan CCDBG is a model of how federalism should operate, with the federal government and the states collaborating together to set standards that improve the quality of life for many middle-class American families. CCDBG allows the States to develop 13 specific health and safety standards, such as first aid and CPR, and SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome. It will keep our children safer with increased standards and expanded safety checks for personnel, steadily increases authorizations, keeps parents better informed and provides more flexibility to states to set priorities.\u201d\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"], ["http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-votes-against-extending-the-keystone-xl-pipeline", "Cardin Votes Against Extending the Keystone XL Pipeline", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2014\n\t\t\t Cardin Votes Against Extending the Keystone XL Pipeline \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 senior member of the Environment and Public Works and Foreign Relations committees, issued the following statement Tuesday after the vote against a measure to authorize an extension of the Keystone XL pipeline.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe should never allow politics to override the rule of law, science and the health and safety of our communities. This debate was about giving a competitive advantage for the shipping of the world\u2019s dirtiest oil from Canada through the United States \u2013 not through Canada. This oil is not destined for the U.S. market. There is very little benefit here for the United States but we would bear much of the risk. Now that the Senate has rejected this effort, let\u2019s allow the regulatory review process and judicial proceedings to continue. Quality American jobs are being created in the oil industry and clean energy sectors without the \u2018Northern Leg\u2019 of the Keystone XL. Let\u2019s work together on an energy policy that makes sense for America, invests in clean energy that will help our economy grow, further our energy security and be friendly to our environment.\u201d\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/20141205212546/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-disappointed-the-senate-was-blocked-from-considering-reforms-to-the-flawed-fisa-law-", "Cardin Disappointed the Senate was Blocked from Considering Reforms to the Flawed FISA Law", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Cardin Disappointed the Senate was Blocked from Considering Reforms to the Flawed FISA Law \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tTuesday, November 18, 2014\n\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) issued the following statement after the Senate was blocked Tuesday from beginning debate on the USA Freedom Act, which reforms FISA:\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am disappointed that Senate Republicans filibustered legislation that would have made critical reforms to our nation\u2019s surveillance laws by protecting our nation against terrorist attacks while safeguarding civil liberties.\u00a0The USA FREEDOM Act would have ended the bulk collection program of the National Security Agency and refocused their efforts on relevant terrorism investigations, increased the transparency of government surveillance, and improved the operations of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.\u00a0The legislation has the support of a broad coalition of civil liberties and technology groups, and is backed by our nation\u2019s top law enforcement and intelligence officials as well as the White House.\u00a0The Senate missed an opportunity to take action, which will lead to greater uncertainty for our dedicated government employees carrying out these programs before they sunset next summer.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206025246/http://vanhollen.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/van-hollen-unanimously-reelected-ranking-member-of-the-budget-committee", "Van Hollen Unanimously Reelected Ranking Member of the Budget Committee", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen was unanimously reelected Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee by the House Democratic Caucus. Following his election, Congressman Van Hollen issued the following statement:  \n\t\u201cIt has been a privilege to serve as Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, and I am honored that my colleagues have reelected me to continue to serve in the 114th Congress.\n\u201cOur House Democratic Caucus has played a leading role in framing the important issues facing our country. The upcoming debate over the budget is not just about a set of numbers \u2013 it represents our national priorities and values. We will continue to fight for strong and sustained economic growth in a way that provides for broadly shared prosperity.  \n\t\u201cIn the coming months, we must advance a budget plan and legislative agenda to accelerate job creation and grow the middle class. I look forward to continuing that work in the Committee next Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1061, "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": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1061, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1061, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2014&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "MD", "label": "MD", "count": 1061, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 1061, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-11-18,https~3A~2F~2Fweb~2Earchive~2Eorg~2Fweb~2F20141206025246~2Fhttp~3A~2F~2Fvanhollen~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fvan-hollen-unanimously-reelected-ranking-member-of-the-budget-committee", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MD&year=2014&_next=2014-11-18%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fweb~2Earchive~2Eorg~2Fweb~2F20141206025246~2Fhttp~3A~2F~2Fvanhollen~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fvan-hollen-unanimously-reelected-ranking-member-of-the-budget-committee&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 310.51763496361673, "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"}