{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"MD\" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-kweisi-mfume-passing-archbishop-desmond-tutu", "Statement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume on the Passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu", "2021-12-26", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The Office of Congressman Kweisi Mfume released the following statement:\n\n\"Today, the first day of Kwanzaa, is a fitting end for a man who embodied Umoja or Unity. The day after Christmas, where for Christians the child Jesus was given for humanity, is also fitting for a man who put the message of Christ before himself and on behalf of the destitute and downtrodden not only in his native South Africa but all across our world. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 as testament to his efforts to bring down the scourge of apartheid in South Africa in a way that would prevent violence and bloodshed. The Most Reverend Archbishop Desmond Tutu was not only a man of the cloth but more importantly was a man of forgiveness and reconciliation as evidenced by his leadership of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in post-apartheid South Africa. We will remember this brightest of lights who touched his nation for the cause of equality and peace and gave the world the conscience of his convictions and faith. Rest In Peace Archbishop Desmond Tutu,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-van-hollen-maryland-delegation-receive-response-usps-showing-actions", "Mfume, Van Hollen, Maryland Delegation Receive Response from USPS Showing Actions to Improve Performance Over Last Year\u2019s Holiday Season, but Urge Further Action", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 22, 2021\n\nMfume, Van Hollen, and the Maryland Delegation Wrote to Postmaster General DeJoy in November Requesting an Update on their Readiness for Holiday Mail Surge\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D., and David Trone (all Md.) announced that they received a letter from the United States Postal Service (USPS) in response to their November 22 request for an update on its readiness for the holiday mail surge.\n\nIn response to the letter, the lawmakers released the following statement:\n\n\"We are encouraged that the USPS is taking clear steps to improve mail service for the people we represent following our repeated calls for action. With many Marylanders relying heavily on USPS amid the holiday season and pandemic, we hope increased staffing and the activation of additional mail facilities lead to a notable improvement after the poor service many have experienced over the past year. That said, the Postal Service still has more work ahead to implement recommendations from the Inspector General and to ensure the timely delivery of Marylanders' mail. On behalf of our constituents, we will continue pressing for progress until these issues are fixed.\"\n\nThe USPS's response outlines some improvements made for the holiday season, including the hiring of more than 2,000 staff in Maryland, activation of additional sorting and delivery annexes in the state, and opening of a new carrier training academy. USPS set metrics for employee availability and delivery failures to evaluate performance in the Baltimore area but has not established thresholds for these metrics to determine when the Baltimore postmaster should request additional support from outside the area. The USPS Inspector General recommended that the USPS establish these metrics and thresholds in its November audit of Baltimore mail facilities, and USPS agreed to carry out that recommendation by November 30, 2021.\n\nThe full USPS letter to the Maryland Congressional Delegation is here. Highlights from the letter include:\n\nThe USPS has done significant additional hiring relative to last year, adding 22,000 more processing plant employees compared to November 2020. The agency has also converted 33,000 pre-career employees to career status, which generally improves retention. In Maryland, USPS hired 2,245 employees since August 28. The agency's goal is to hire 40,000 seasonal workers for the holiday season.\n\nUSPS has added more than 4 million square feet of processing space and procured 112 more package sorters. In Maryland, this includes Package Sorting Annexes in Baltimore and Forestville and six additional delivery annexes.\n\nUSPS has opened a new city carrier training academy for the Baltimore region, as recommended by the Inspector General, at Nottingham Station.\n\nTo determine when a district needs additional resources, USPS tracks employee availability, non-delivery rates, and last-mile delivery failures. The District Manager holds daily teleconferences to evaluate performance on these metrics and determine if additional help is needed.\n\nThe Maryland District Manager has yet to set thresholds for key metrics to determine when outside resources are needed to accommodate mail surges. USPS has said it does not evaluate performance on these metrics at the national level, \"because a static standard would be inappropriate and counter-productive in a dynamic business environment.\"\n\nUSPS said it agreed with this recommendation when the report was issued.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/van-hollen-maryland-delegation-receive-response-from-usps-showing-actions-to-improve-performance-over-last-year-s-holiday-season-but-urge-further-action", "Van Hollen, Maryland Delegation Receive Response from USPS Showing Actions to Improve Performance Over Last Year\u2019s Holiday Season, but Urge Further Action", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D., and David Trone (all Md.) announced that they received a letter from the United States Postal Service (USPS) in response to their November 22 request for an update on its readiness for the holiday mail surge.\n\nIn response to the letter, the lawmakers released the following statement:\n\n\u201cWe are encouraged that the USPS is taking clear steps to improve mail service for the people we represent following our repeated calls for action. With many Marylanders relying heavily on USPS amid the holiday season and pandemic, we hope increased staffing and the activation of additional mail facilities lead to a notable improvement after the poor service many have experienced over the past year. That said, the Postal Service still has more work ahead to implement recommendations from the Inspector General and to ensure the timely delivery of Marylanders\u2019 mail. On behalf of our constituents, we will continue pressing for progress until these issues are fixed.\u201d\n\nThe USPS\u2019s response outlines some improvements made for the holiday season, including the hiring of more than 2,000 staff in Maryland, activation of additional sorting and delivery annexes in the state, and opening of a new carrier training academy. USPS set metrics for employee availability and delivery failures to evaluate performance in the Baltimore area but has not established thresholds for these metrics to determine when the Baltimore postmaster should request additional support from outside the area. The USPS Inspector General recommended that the USPS establish these metrics and thresholds in its November audit of Baltimore mail facilities, and USPS agreed to carry out that recommendation by November 30, 2021.\n\nThe full USPS letter to the Maryland Congressional Delegation is here. Highlights from the letter include:\n\nThe USPS has done significant additional hiring relative to last year, adding 22,000 more processing plant employees compared to November 2020. The agency has also converted 33,000 pre-career employees to career status, which generally improves retention. In Maryland, USPS hired 2,245 employees since August 28. The agency\u2019s goal is to hire 40,000 seasonal workers for the holiday season.\n\nUSPS has added more than 4 million square feet of processing space and procured 112 more package sorters. In Maryland, this includes Package Sorting Annexes in Baltimore and Forestville and six additional delivery annexes.\n\nUSPS has opened a new city carrier training academy for the Baltimore region, as recommended by the Inspector General, at Nottingham Station.\n\nTo determine when a district needs additional resources, USPS tracks employee availability, non-delivery rates, and last-mile delivery failures. The District Manager holds daily teleconferences to evaluate performance on these metrics and determine if additional help is needed.\n\nThe Maryland District Manager has yet to set thresholds for key metrics to determine when outside resources are needed to accommodate mail surges. USPS has said it does not evaluate performance on these metrics at the national level, \u201cbecause a static standard would be inappropriate and counter-productive in a dynamic business environment.\u201d\n\nUSPS said it agreed with this recommendation when the report was issued.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-nearly-800-million-bipartisan", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $800 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Highway Funding for the State", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $796,122,349 in FY22 federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law to improve roads and bridges and create good-paying jobs across the state. These federal investments also fund critical new programs to address climate change, both through reducing carbon emissions and strengthening infrastructure to withstand climate and extreme weather impacts.\n\nThe Maryland Democratic Congressional Delegation voted to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law, which was signed into law by President Biden last month and provides an infusion of new federal funding for highway and bridge repair for communities across the nation. The funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, will be used for construction, reconstruction or improvement. This is the first round of funding under the five years of federal investment in Maryland highways authorized by the bipartisan infrastructure law.\n\n\"The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a long overdue investment in the roads and bridges Marylanders rely on every day,\" the lawmakers said. \"This new round of federal funding will help to rebuild Maryland's roads and overall transportation network, cut down on gridlock and pollution and keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Team Maryland is proud to support good-paying union jobs for our state through this funding, and we are looking forward to delivering more of the federal infrastructure resources to our communities from the infrastructure modernization bill that we fought so hard to pass.\"\n\nThe American Society of Civil Engineers gave Maryland a C grade on its Infrastructure Report Card, finding many deficiencies that require immediate attention like Maryland's road congestion and population growth.\n\nThe funding will be distributed as follows:\n\nHighway Performance Program$418,076,496Transportation Block Grant Program$203,388,565Safety Improvement Program$44,898,331Highway Crossings Program$2,507,549Mitigation and Air Quality Program$58,505,854Metropolitan Planning$9,148,013National Highway Freight Program$20,840,720Carbon Reduction Program$18,135,480PROTECT Formula Program$20,621,341", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-ruppersberger-cardin-van-hollen-announce-new-usps-audit-showing-chronic", "Mfume, Ruppersberger, Cardin, Van Hollen Announce New USPS Audit Showing Chronic Mismanagement, Employee Vacancies at USPS Processing and Distribution Facility in Baltimore", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Baltimore, MD) \u2013 Today, Congressmen C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Kweisi Mfume, as well as Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (all D-MD) announced a new USPS audit showing the primary Baltimore area United States Postal Service (USPS) processing and distribution center is processing millions in fewer mail items despite significant increases in work hours and overtime. The audit was self-initiated by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for USPS and comes after Office separate reviews requested by Congressmen Mfume and Ruppersberger earlier this year in response to long-standing and severe complaints from constituents about mail delays, missing mail and other customer service issues. Senator Van Hollen has been leading the charge to restore timely mail service as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government \u2013 which oversees and funds the USPS OIG \u2013 and chaired a hearing on these issues in July with the Inspector General.\n\nAuditors reviewed the USPS Baltimore Processing and Distribution Center, located on Fayette Street downtown, from August 2020 to July 2021, and found that workers processed about 1.67 billion pieces of mail compared to about 1.74 billion pieces of mail during the same review period last year \u2014 a decrease of about 70 million pieces of mail. Yet, during that same period, workhours and overtime at the facility increased by 14.6 and 43.5 percent, respectively.\n\nEmployee availability averaged only 65 percent \u2013 far below the USPS goal of 95 percent for the year.\n\n\"This audit confirms what we've been hearing for months from constituents and saw on paper in the OIG's previous audit released last month,\" the lawmakers said. \"Chronic mismanagement, persistent vacancies and inoperable equipment are contributing to unacceptable mail service that is causing our constituents frustration and even financial hardship. We thank the Inspector General and her team for yet another thorough review and will keep pushing to ensure their recommendations are implemented as soon as possible.\"\n\nAmong the audit's key findings:\n\nThe lack of managers and supervisors \u2013 exacerbated by a hiring freeze imposed by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy from August 2020 to May 2021 \u2013 resulted in inadequate oversight of operations and employees at the processing and distribution center, contributing to a decrease in productivity.\n\nA \"tray management system\" used to transport letter trays within the facility has been inoperable since March 2019 and was deemed irreparable. Without the tray management system, employees must load mail in containers and manually transfer it from floor to floor using elevators, adding two hours per day to each operation, resulting in more late and extra trips.\n\nMail was brought to the outbound docks after scheduled truck departures. From October 1, 2020, to July 31, 2021, about 36 percent of trips dispatched from the facility were either late or extra trips.\n\nLoads were not properly scanned before dispatching mail to the next facility.\n\nOn average, only 58.9 percent of load scans and 76.3 percent of depart scans were completed from October 2020 to July 2021, although there has been significant improvement in scanning rates since then.\n\nThe new audit contains five specific recommendations with target implementation dates at the end of January. Local USPS management concurred with the findings but disagreed with the recommendation to replace the tray management system which, per the report, led to delayed mail and delivery issues and was out of commission more than two years before the USPS-wide \"modernization plan\" cited by local leadership was announced.\n\nThe previous audit, released in November, surveyed the Carroll Station, Clifton East End Station, Dundalk, Druid Station, Essex, Loch Raven, Middle River, Parkville and Rosedale post offices. That audit found that the region has the second highest number of missing mail inquiries in the country, with more than three times the national average, among many other issues. It contained seven specific recommendations for improvement with target implementation deadlines in November.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/maryland-delegation-announces-nearly-800-million-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-highway-funding-for-the-state", "Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $800 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Highway Funding for the State", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $796,122,349 in FY22 federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law to improve roads and bridges and create good-paying jobs across the state. These federal investments also fund critical new programs to address climate change, both through reducing carbon emissions and strengthening infrastructure to withstand climate and extreme weather impacts.\n\nThe Maryland Democratic Congressional Delegation voted to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law, which was signed into law by President Biden last month and provides an infusion of new federal funding for highway and bridge repair for communities across the nation. The funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, will be used for construction, reconstruction or improvement. This is the first round of funding under the five years of federal investment in Maryland highways authorized by the bipartisan infrastructure law.\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a long overdue investment in the roads and bridges Marylanders rely on every day,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThis new round of federal funding will help to rebuild Maryland\u2019s roads and overall transportation network, cut down on gridlock and pollution and keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Team Maryland is proud to support good-paying union jobs for our state through this funding, and we are looking forward to delivering more of the federal infrastructure resources to our communities from the infrastructure modernization bill that we fought so hard to pass.\u201d\n\nThe American Society of Civil Engineers gave Maryland a C grade on its Infrastructure Report Card, finding many deficiencies that require immediate attention like Maryland\u2019s road congestion and population growth.\n\nThe funding will be distributed as follows:\n\nHighway Performance Program\n\n$418,076,496\n\nTransportation Block Grant Program\n\n$203,388,565\n\nSafety Improvement Program\n\n$44,898,331\n\nHighway Crossings Program\n\n$2,507,549\n\nMitigation and Air Quality Program\n\n$58,505,854\n\nMetropolitan Planning\n\n$9,148,013\n\nNational Highway Freight Program\n\n$20,840,720\n\nCarbon Reduction Program\n\n$18,135,480\n\nPROTECT Formula Program\n\n$20,621,341", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/maryland-delegation-announces-the-howard-county-economic-development-authority-as-a-finalist-in-the-build-back-better-regional-challenge-to-strengthen-maryland-s-cybersecurity-efforts", "Maryland Delegation Announces the Howard County Economic Development Authority as a Finalist in the Build Back Better Regional Challenge to Strengthen Maryland\u2019s Cybersecurity Efforts", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced an award of $500,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to the Howard County Economic Development Authority to continue developing its Maryland Cyber Workforce Solutions (Solutions) project on behalf of a coalition of Maryland local governments, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Charles County, Harford County, Howard County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, and Prince George\u2019s County. The grant was awarded through Phase 1 of the U.S. Economic Development Administration\u2019s (EDA) \u201cBuild Back Better Regional Challenge.\u201d By competing successfully for a Phase 1 grant, Howard County and its partners will have the opportunity to further develop specific project ideas and compete for a larger amount of funding for implementation in Phase 2.\n\nThe proposal from the Howard County Economic Development Authority aims to leverage Maryland\u2019s strength as a leader in cybersecurity and to open up more pathways for workers to enter into this field and contribute to its continued growth and innovation.\n\n\u201cAs we have seen over the last few weeks with the Maryland Department of Health\u2019s recent cyberattacks, we must continue to strengthen and reinforce our cybersecurity efforts in Maryland to protect us from online threats, security breaches, and hacks that jeopardize our safety and privacy. That\u2019s why the creation of the Solutions project is critical \u2013 so we can stay at the forefront of this rapidly developing field by investing in our workforce and continuing to grow jobs,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThis new round of America Rescue Plan funding will help expand opportunities in the cybersecurity community and strengthen our middle class through skills training programs. We will keep working to provide our communities with critical federal funding and assistance to build back better and stronger.\u201d\n\nThis funding opportunity was made possible by the American Rescue Plan, one of Congress\u2019 key legislative accomplishments this year aimed at driving economic recovery from the near-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with an eye towards future growth and competitiveness. Specifically, this \u201cBuild Back Better Regional Challenge\u201d aims to boost economic pandemic recovery and rebuild American communities, including some that have been grappling with decades of disinvestment. It also provides transformative investments to develop and strengthen regional industry clusters across the country, all while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. competitiveness globally.\n\nThe Phase 1 award granted to the Howard County Economic Development Authority Solutions project is an outcome of a highly-competitive process in which 529 applications were submitted to the EDA, highlighting the strong interest and need across the country for concerted economic development planning on a regional scale. Phase 1 of the challenge required regions to submit unique plans that will develop industry, train the local workforce and build economies. As a finalist, the Howard County Economic Development Authority will compete for Phase 2 of the challenge for an award of $100 million for 3-8 projects across Maryland that support an industry sector.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-more-27-million-usda-grants-eastern-shore-jurisdictions", "Harris Announces More than $2.7 Million in USDA Grants to Eastern Shore Jurisdictions", "2021-12-17", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced the award of $2,767,897 in federal grants to Eastern Shore communities from the US. Department of Agriculture. Funds will be used to update, repair, and extend wastewater service in Worcester County and the Town of Oxford, as well as be used to extend rural broadband service to residents in Talbot County. Specific funding allocations and descriptions are below:\n\nWorcester County Government, $1,518,000\n\nFunds will be used to extend sanitary sewer service to residents in Berlin, Maryland who currently have failing septic systems\n\nTown of Oxford, $443,000\n\nFunds will be utilized to help finance the upgrade of the town wastewater treatment plant to enhance nutrient removal\n\nEaston Utilities Commission, $806,897\n\nFunds will be utilized to construct a 17 mile Fiber-to-the-premises system to connect rural residents to high-speed broadband\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"As the Ranking Member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which is responsible for funding these grants, this is welcome news. Securing fast and reliable broadband for all our rural residents is a top priority of mine, and we continue to make great progress. Additionally, I'm pleased to see that these wastewater funds will enhance sanitary handling of sewage, especially where they further our goal of cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-31-5-million-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-funding-for-airports-across-the-state", "Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $31.5 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding for Airports Across the State", "2021-12-17", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $31,662,850 in the first round of federal funding to airports across the state from the bipartisan infrastructure law.\n\nThis funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the bipartisan infrastructure law, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in November. This funding will help Maryland airports prepare for future growth and better serve their passengers by undertaking a variety of projects to improve safety and operation of runways and taxiways and expand capacity at airport terminals. Airports in Maryland are expected to receive a total of $158 million over the next five years as a result of the bipartisan infrastructure law.\n\n\u201cModernizing our airports will help our state and our communities meet economic demand today and in the future. With this federal support, our Maryland airports will create and maintain high-quality jobs and deliver safer and more efficient service to passengers and regional businesses,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cWe worked to advance the once-in-a-generation investment in our nation\u2019s infrastructure because funding like this is crucial to Maryland\u2019s communities and local economies.\u201d\n\nAwardees include:\n\nLOCID\n\nAirport Name\n\nCity\n\nTotal\n\nBWI\n\nBaltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall\n\nBaltimore\n\n$ 25,643,515\n\nSBY\n\nSalisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional\n\nSalisbury\n\n$ 1,045,462\n\nHGR\n\nHagerstown Regional-Richard A Henson Field\n\nHagerstown\n\n$ 1,018,873\n\nMTN\n\nMartin State\n\nBaltimore\n\n$ 763,000\n\nESN\n\nEaston/Newnam Field\n\nEaston\n\n$ 763,000\n\nFME\n\nTipton\n\nFort Meade(Odenton)\n\n$ 295,000\n\nFDK\n\nFrederick Municipal\n\nFrederick\n\n$ 295,000\n\nGAI\n\nMontgomery County Airpark\n\nGaithersburg\n\n$ 295,000\n\n2W6\n\nSt Mary's County Regional\n\nLeonardtown\n\n$ 295,000\n\nDMW\n\nCarroll County Regional/Jack B Poage Field\n\nWestminster\n\n$ 295,000\n\nCGE\n\nCambridge-Dorchester Regional\n\nCambridge\n\n$ 159,000\n\nCGS\n\nCollege Park\n\nCollege Park\n\n$ 159,000\n\nCBE\n\nGreater Cumberland Regional\n\nCumberland Heights\n\n$ 159,000\n\n2G4\n\nGarrett County\n\nOakland\n\n$ 159,000\n\nOXB\n\nOcean City Municipal\n\nOcean City\n\n$ 159,000\n\nW29\n\nBay Bridge\n\nStevensville\n\n$ 159,000\n\nThe Maryland delegation has fought for funding to support our local airports throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and has delivered over $100 million in funding to Maryland airports through the American Rescue Plan. Previously, the lawmakers announced American Rescue Plan Funding for Regional Maryland Airports for COVID-19 safety, cleaning and operations and nearly $14 million in federal funding to BWI, Easton/Newnam and Carroll County Regional Airports.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/raskin-names-winners-of-2021-md-08-congressional-app-challenge", "Raskin Names Winners of 2021 MD-08 Congressional App Challenge", "2021-12-17", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ROCKVILLE, M.D. \u2014 Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) announced the winners of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge: Walter Johnson High School seniors Ainesh Chatterjee, Salamun Nuhin, Botond Parkanyi and Charles Wang. The four created CoronaSafe, a Python-based application that analyzes COVID case data and urban density to create a unique COVID contraction risk calculation for any global address given by the user.\n\n\u201cThis team demonstrates the pure tech savvy and true civic responsibility of MD-08 students,\u201d said Rep. Raskin. \u201cIt is an honor to represent students like Ainesh, Salamun, Botond and Charles, as well as each of the young coders who submitted innovative and creative apps to my office\u2019s App Challenge. I know that Maryland students are prepared to lead us into the future with their scientific entrepreneurship and public spirit.\u201d\n\nUncertainty surrounding COVID-19 contagion, amidst concerns of new variants like Delta, inspired the students to create CoronaSafe. The app empowers the user with geographic, real-time data to understand the contraction risk associated with their daily activities, travel plans and other circumstances. CoronaSafe\u2019s algorithm employs urban density calculations, giving it potential adaptability for use against any virus that spreads through close proximity and respiratory transmission, such as the flu or measles.\n\nRep. Raskin featured the four students on his weekly \u201cLocal Heroes\u201d video series, available here.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge began in 2014 as an effort to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and to encourage students to learn coding and computer science skills. Students in participating congressional districts compete against their peers by creating original software applications (\u201capps\u201d). Winning apps are featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' website, the Congressional App Challenge website, and are displayed in a U.S. Capitol Building exhibit.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kweisi-mfumes-statement-cowardly-shooting-baltimore-police-officer", "Congressman Kweisi Mfume\u2019s Statement on the Cowardly Shooting of a Baltimore Police Officer", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "BALTIMORE\u2013 Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement on the shooting of a Baltimore Police Officer today:\n\n\"Once again we are led to mourn and react to another sick, senseless and cowardly attempt to commit murder. This time it is an officer of the law, the next time it could be one of us. Let me say again that fighting violent crime and finding vicious murderers must be our #1 priority. We cannot continue to surrender our communities to the evil of the devil and those who kill with no regard for human life.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-more-10-million-funding-early-childhood", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $10 Million in Funding to Early Childhood Education Programs", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D. and David Trone (all Md.) today announced $10,687,408 in federal funding to the Maryland State Department of Education and to the Y of Central Maryland to expand early learning options for Maryland's low-income families, provide additional professional development opportunities for educators and support family well-being programs.\n\n\"Providing our children the opportunity to learn at an early age is key to their future success,\" the lawmakers said. \"This funding will go to programs that help address educational inequities for low-income families, which have widened during the pandemic. Team Maryland will continue to fight for equitable access to high-quality educational programs for all Marylanders.\"\n\nThe $10,687,408 award comes from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child Care and the Office of Head Start and will be distributed as follows:\n\n$8,942,996 to the Maryland State Department of Education for Every Student Succeeds Act Preschool Development Grants Program\n\n$1,744,412 to the Y of Central Maryland's Head Start Program", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/chair-raskin-and-rep-pressley-request-briefing-on-doj-s-plans-regarding-federal-executions-by-lethal-injection", "Chair Raskin and Rep. Pressley Request Briefing on DOJ\u2019s Plans Regarding Federal Executions by Lethal Injection", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (December 16, 2021)\u2014Rep. Jamie Raskin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Oversight Committee Member, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland requesting information about whether the Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to resume federal executions and procure pentobarbital sodium for use in such executions.\n\n\u201cGiven its recent actions, we are concerned that DOJ may renew its efforts to obtain pentobarbital from non-FDA-regulated pharmacies for use in future federal executions. This would be consistent with the actions of certain states that have continued using single-drug pentobarbital in state executions,\u201d the Members wrote.\n\nOn August 14, 2019, the Subcommittee sent a letter to DOJ regarding the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to resume federal executions using pentobarbital sodium in a single-drug, lethal-injection protocol, despite multiple reports from states that the drug caused incarcerated individuals to scream of burning pain and writhe in agony while strapped to gurneys. Despite these concerning reports, the Trump Administration used pentobarbital sourced from compounding pharmacies, which are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to conduct 13 executions between July 14, 2020, and January 16, 2021.\n\nOn July 1, 2021, the Biden Administration issued a moratorium on all federal executions pending a review of the 2019 letter. But in October 2021, DOJ urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate the death penalty for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, raising questions about the Department\u2019s plans to resume federal executions.\n\nSeveral states have continued to use pentobarbital to execute incarcerated individuals, with at least 14 adopting the single-drug pentobarbital execution protocol. Texas has executed three incarcerated people using this protocol since May 2021. Most recently, 61-year-old Ernest Johnson was put to death using the single-drug pentobarbital execution protocol in Missouri.\n\nThe Members requested DOJ to provide a staff briefing by December 23, 2021, regarding its July 2021 review, including any findings; any plans to resume federal executions; any plans to procure pentobarbital for the purpose of conducting executions; and DOJ\u2019s policies, practices, or guidance on federal executions.\n\nClick here to read the letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-10-million-in-funding-to-early-childhood-education-programs", "Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $10 Million in Funding to Early Childhood Education Programs", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D. and David Trone (all Md.) today announced $10,687,408 in federal funding to the Maryland State Department of Education and to the Y of Central Maryland to expand early learning options for Maryland\u2019s low-income families, provide additional professional development opportunities for educators and support family well-being programs.\n\n\u201cProviding our children the opportunity to learn at an early age is key to their future success,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThis funding will go to programs that help address educational inequities for low-income families, which have widened during the pandemic. Team Maryland will continue to fight for equitable access to high-quality educational programs for all Marylanders.\u201d\n\nThe $10,687,408 award comes from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child Care and the Office of Head Start and will be distributed as follows:\n\n$8,942,996 to the Maryland State Department of Education for Every Student Succeeds Act Preschool Development Grants Program\n\n$1,744,412 to the Y of Central Maryland\u2019s Head Start Program\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-190-million-to-help-health-care-providers-impacted-by-covid-19/31a9095c-48c1-417f-9088-472367004410", "Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $190 Million to Help Health Care Providers Impacted by COVID-19", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all Md.) today announced $191,711,521 in payments from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund (PRF) to help health care providers across Maryland recover from revenue losses and expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nThis latest tranche of PRF funding is authorized through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and comes from HHS through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It will be distributed across 1,723 providers in Maryland. These federal funds are part of the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s push to release $25.5 billion to health care providers to recruit and retain staff, purchase masks and other supplies, modernize facilities, and replenish resources depleted from COVID-19.\n\n\u201cThe pandemic has significantly strained and tested our health care providers,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cWe must continue to support our frontline providers as they respond to the sustained demand for their services in our communities, especially those worst hit by COVID-19. This federal relief will help ensure communities have access to the care and resources they need.\u201d\n\nApproximately 75% of Phase 4 PRF funding is being distributed based on expenses and decreased revenues from July 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. HRSA is reimbursing a higher percentage of losses and expenses for smaller providers \u2013 which generally entered into the COVID-19 pandemic on worse financial footing, have historically operated on slimmer financial margins, and typically care for vulnerable populations \u2013 as compared to larger providers. Consistent with the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s dedication to health equity and supporting the most vulnerable communities, HRSA is distributing 25% of Phase 4 funding as \u201cbonus\u201d payments based on the amount and type of services provided to Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP patients.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-justice-department-grant-salisbury", "Harris Announces Justice Department Grant to Salisbury", "2021-12-14", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced the award of a $100,000 federal grant to the City of Salisbury Police Department. Funds were awarded by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and will be used for training in how to respond to mental health related calls for service. Salisbury Police aim to create a model operation to include training both police and mental health providers on how-to co-respond and integrate services (police officer and social worker), which would be the first program of its kind in the region.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"I'm glad that this grant increases, not decreases, the funding to law enforcement. There have been many back and forth discussion at various levels of government on the use of mental health professionals to respond to certain 911 calls. While I remain concerned about possible arbitrary determinations by operators to determine which response is appropriate in an time-sensitive emergency, this pilot program for co-responding to certain calls with police and mental health professionals can be an opportunity to evaluate its efficacy and see whether the needs of those with mental illness are better served. I look forward to hearing the results of this pilot program.\"\n\nThis grant release follows a previous funding announcement from Congressman Harris in October of this year, where multiple police departments, including Salisbury, were awarded funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-600000-enhance-child-safety-across-state", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces $600,000 to Enhance Child Safety Across the State", "2021-12-10", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U .S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D. and David Trone (all Md.) today announced $599,029 in federal funding to the Maryland State Police and Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office to support safety and protection for children across the state of Maryland through the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs.\n\n\"Our children are our future, and their safety is each and every parents' priority,\" the lawmakers said. \"This funding will ensure that our communities have the resources they need to protect our children from harm. Whether it's a task force responding to online threats to our children or a therapy program, federal Team Maryland is committed to securing funding to create a safer environment for our children.\"\n\nThe Maryland State Police will receive $422,166 for the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC will consist of state and local law enforcement task forces dedicated to monitoring and responding to online enticement of children by sexual predators, child exploitation and child obscenity and pornography cases.\n\nAnne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office will receive $176,863 for the Juvenile Justice Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Project to decrease expulsions of juveniles from Anne Arundel County schools through counseling and mentorship, behavioral support services, mental health evaluations and trauma therapy.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/maryland-delegation-announces-600-000-to-enhance-child-safety-across-the-state", "Maryland Delegation Announces $600,000 to Enhance Child Safety Across the State", "2021-12-10", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U .S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D. and David Trone (all Md.) today announced $599,029 in federal funding to the Maryland State Police and Anne Arundel County State\u2019s Attorney\u2019s Office to support safety and protection for children across the state of Maryland through the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs.\n\n\u201cOur children are our future, and their safety is each and every parents\u2019 priority,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThis funding will ensure that our communities have the resources they need to protect our children from harm. Whether it\u2019s a task force responding to online threats to our children or a therapy program, federal Team Maryland is committed to securing funding to create a safer environment for our children.\u201d\n\nThe Maryland State Police will receive $422,166 for the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC will consist of state and local law enforcement task forces dedicated to monitoring and responding to online enticement of children by sexual predators, child exploitation and child obscenity and pornography cases.\n\nAnne Arundel County State\u2019s Attorney\u2019s Office will receive $176,863 for the Juvenile Justice Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Project to decrease expulsions of juveniles from Anne Arundel County schools through counseling and mentorship, behavioral support services, mental health evaluations and trauma therapy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/raskin-porter-lead-colleagues-in-calling-on-stronger-location-data-privacy-protections-for-consumers", "Raskin, Porter Lead Colleagues in Calling on Stronger Location Data Privacy Protections for Consumers", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45), along with 42 of their Democratic colleagues, sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requesting new rulemaking to strengthen privacy protections for consumers\u2019 location data.\n\n\u201cCurrently, app developers are able to collect sensitive user information and sell it to interested parties for a substantial profit. Apps can harvest personal information, such as geolocation and phone identifiers, even after users denied permission for such sharing,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cWe are concerned that the continued, unregulated commercialization of private geolocation data compromises the safety and privacy of consumers.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cIn the past, both FTC and FCC punished bad actors for failing to safeguard location data, but the agencies fell short of establishing prophylactic rules that will better protect consumers\u2026While we applaud the agencies\u2019 commitments to consumer privacy and safety, it is clear that more needs to be done. To that end, we ask that your agencies take\u2026steps to better protect the safety and privacy of consumers.\u201d\n\nAn overwhelming majority of Americans are concerned about how their personal information is used by companies that collect their data. Location data is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information harvested by smartphone apps, which is then sold to the multibillion-dollar location tracking industry. While many companies in the industry insist this information is \u201canonymous\u201d and cannot be traced back to the individual user, privacy researchers have repeatedly debunked this claim. A 2019 investigation undertaken by the New York Times revealed how so-called \u201canonymous\u201d location data could be easily deanonymized in a matter of minutes with the help of publicly-available information.\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers urge the FTC to:\n\nDefine the sale, transfer, use, or purchase of precise location data collected by an app for purposes other than the essential function of the app as an \u201cunfair act or practice.\u201d\n\nDefine app developers\u2019 mislabeling of users\u2019 location data as \u201canonymous\u201d as a \u201cdeceptive practice.\u201d\n\nEnforce its regulations against companies abusing consumers\u2019 location data through its penalty authority.\n\nAdditionally, the lawmakers urge the FCC to protect consumers\u2019 geolocation information by reaffirming its prohibitions on the surveillance of location data through rulemaking.\n\nRepresentatives Raskin and Porter were joined by Representatives Pete Aguilar, Sanford D. Bishop Jr., Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Shontel Brown, Ed Case, Yvette D. Clarke, Jim Cooper, Danny K. Davis, Mark DeSaulnier, Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda, Al Green, Raul Grijalva, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. \u201cHank\u201d Johnson Jr., Mondaire Jones, Robin Kelly, Rick Larsen, Sheila Jackson Lee, Andy Levin, Ted Lieu, Alan Lowenthal, Stephen F. Lynch, Carolyn Maloney, Gregory W. Meeks, Grace Meng, Gwen Moore, , Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Donald Payne Jr., Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mary Gay Scanlon, Adam Schiff, Albio Sires, Jackie Speier, Mark Takano, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Norma Torres, David Trone, Marc Veasey.\n\nThe letter is supported by Accountable Tech, Center for Democracy & Technology, Center for Digital Democracy, Common Cause, Common Sense Media, Consumer Action, Electronic Privacy Information Center, Fairplay, Free Press Action Fund, Project on Government Oversight, Public Knowledge, U.S. Public Interest Research Group.\n\nA copy of the full letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/chairman-raskin-opening-statement-at-hearing-on-civil-asset-forfeiture", "Chairman Raskin Opening Statement at Hearing on Civil Asset Forfeiture", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (December 8, 2021)\u2014Below is Chairman Jamie Raskin\u2019s opening statement at today\u2019s Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties\u2019 hearing entitled \u201cForfeiting our Rights: The Urgent Need for Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform.\u201d\n\nClick here to watch the video.\n\nOpening Statement\n\nChairman Jamie Raskin\n\nSubcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Hearing\n\n\u201cForfeiting our Rights: The Urgent Need for Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform\u201d\n\nDecember 8, 2021\n\nGood morning. Thank you to our witnesses for joining us today and thanks to all the Members who are participating in this critical hearing. I want to thank my friend, the Ranking Member, Congresswoman Mace, and her staff for working closely with us in coordinating today\u2019s hearing.\n\nThis important bipartisan hearing will be the first that Congress has held in nearly seven years focused on the need to reform the use of our civil asset forfeiture laws. Civil asset forfeiture is a tool used widely by federal, state, and local law enforcement to seize assets that are believed to be connected to a criminal activity either as an instrument of criminal activity or a proceed of criminal activity. Law enforcement, under the civil asset forfeiture laws, can seize money, cars, vans, boats and other vehicles, even peoples\u2019 homes and offices, and then keep the cash or sell the property to augment their agency budgets, auto fleets, their holiday party and social activity funds, athletic and gymnastic facilities, and other government activities and facilities.\n\nBecause these laws often lack the bare minimum of due process protections, many of these operations are, in fact, trampling every major component of constitutional due process. Law enforcement agents can seize and permanently deprive people of their assets without ever arresting them, much less charging them with a crime, much less convicting them of a crime. That\u2019s why we called this civil asset forfeiture, because the state is not going through the ordinary criminal process and sustaining the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt someone is committing a crime. Rather, people\u2019s property is just being seized, and again, you don\u2019t have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt\u2014or even by a preponderance of evidence\u2014in court first that the property is somehow tainted by crime. You don\u2019t have to even charge the person, you don\u2019t even have to arrest the person.\n\nThe state is just seizing the property. Law enforcement agents can seize and forfeit assets of innocent third-party owners even if the person whose property is being seized had no knowledge that their property was being allegedly used in connection to a suspected crime. Under this system, a grandmother\u2019s car or a parent\u2019s apartment can be seized if police suspect the grandchild or child of possessing drugs or committing some other kind of criminal offense on the property. That is an outrageous breach of the most basic concepts of civil justice and due process and property rights.\n\nToo often, these seizures become permanent. Even if charges are never brought against a person whose assets are seized, even if criminal charges are never even brought, it can be extremely difficult\u2014virtually impossible\u2014to recover your property. So, civil asset forfeitures flip the constitutional standards of a citizen\u2019s presumption of innocence and the government\u2019s duty or burden to prove guilt on their head\u2014just flip it over and thus constitute a massive deprivation of due process rights.\n\nIn most cases, law enforcement can seize and keep the property using a very low evidentiary burden\u2014even if it does get to court, even if the person whose property is seized finds a lawyer, pays to go, even then the lowest evidentiary burden of reasonable suspicion of crime is used and hearsay is often used in the process. Conversely, the property owner must be the one who goes to court and affirmatively proves assets were not connected to a crime, or that they had no knowledge that they were connected to a crime. Your property, in essence, is presumed guilty. This is a scandalous inversion of due process.\n\nAnd because these are civil\u2014rather than criminal\u2014actions, poor Americans, who are caught up in this process, have no right to appointed counsel. The civil forfeiture procedures are bewilderingly complex to navigate for laypeople\u2014a single filing error could result in permanent forfeiture\u2014and the value of seized assets is often less than it would cost to hire an attorney, in the case of someone just having a small amount of money taken from them on the street, for example. As a result, civil asset forfeitures are rarely challenged, and a successful challenge is even more rare.\n\nMeanwhile, law enforcement agencies in many states keep the proceeds from forfeited assets, leading to massive windfalls in some police department or sheriff department budgets. This is true even in states that have abolished civil asset forfeiture, because of a massive loophole in federal law we will discuss today, called the \u201cadoption\u201d and \u201cequitable sharing\u201d programs. Under this program, seizures made by state and local law enforcement can be \u201cadopted\u201d by a federal agency for forfeiture, and up to 80% of those revenues can \u201cequitably shared\u201d and returned to the seizing agency.\n\nThis creates a perverse profit incentive because law enforcement agencies can keep the revenues from forfeitures with little, if any, oversight as to how that money is being spent. In 2018, federal and state law enforcement seized and forfeited more than $2 billion worth of cash and assets from Americans using these processes. From 2000 to 2018, state and federal agencies obtained more than $68.8 billion through forfeitures.\n\nDespite these massive sums, high-value forfeitures remain the exception, not the rule. In fact, most seizures\u2014usually cash or vehicles\u2014are for quite low values and are taken from people primarily living in communities of color and low-income areas. Between 2015 and 2019, the average forfeiture amount under state law was $1,276 per incident. In several states, the median amount forfeited is far less\u2014half of all forfeitures in Michigan were less than $423 in a two-year period, and in Pennsylvania they were less than $369 in 2018.\n\nMoreover, numerous studies reflect that communities of color are disproportionately affected. For instance, between 2012 and 2018, more than half of the forfeitures occurring in Philadelphia came in four low-income Black and Latino majority zip-codes. Between 2014 and 2016, 65% of the people targeted for forfeiture in South Carolina were African-American men, despite their making up just 13% of the state\u2019s population. A 2016 ACLU of California study found that 85% of equitable sharing payments went to law enforcement agencies serving majority-minority communities. We cannot have an honest conversation about civil asset forfeiture without acknowledging its connection to greater issues of the targeting of communities of color by law enforcement.\n\nIn 2015, then-Attorney General Holder issued an order that curbed federal adoptions to a limited degree and prohibited equitable sharing revenues from being spent on militarized equipment. Even though these limitations were applied narrowly, they were rescinded by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2017.\n\nIt is time for the Department of Justice to reinstate the protections provided by the Eric Holder Memorandum and to conduct a comprehensive review of its civil forfeiture program to ensure that basic civil rights and liberties are protected.\n\nThis is not enough. We need lasting legislative reform that cannot be rolled back with the stroke of a pen. Thankfully, there is near universal recognition that the practice of civil asset forfeiture is rife with abuse and ripe for reform. Since 2014, 36 states and the District of Columbia have taken steps to their regimes, and four states\u2014Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico, and North Carolina\u2014have eliminated it entirely. But these efforts are being undermined by federal equitable sharing, which is like a runaround or an end run, and we need to deal with it by passing the sweeping reforms contained in the FAIR Act.\n\nCongress must act to ensure lasting reforms to federal civil asset forfeiture programs. I am proud to be the lead Democratic cosponsor of H.R. 2857, the FAIR Act, introduced by my good friend Congressman Tim Walberg of Minnesota. This bill will, among other things, raise the level of proof required by the government to keep a forfeiture to clear and convincing evidence; it requires all revenues to be deposited in the general Treasury fund rather than be returned directly to state and local law enforcement agencies. I am pleased, as well, that many of my colleagues on this Committee have joined Mr. Walberg and me in cosponsoring this bill. This is how Congress should be operating in the interests of protecting the rights of all Americans rather than engaging in constant habits of partisan polemic and invective.\n\nI hope that we can continue working together to confront the mostly invisible but still outrageous injustice that civil asset forfeiture imposes on so many Americans. And I look forward to hearing the testimony of our distinguished witnesses today.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/team-maryland-announce-american-rescue-plan-funding-for-regional-airports-across-maryland-for-covid-19-safety-cleaning-and-operations", "Team Maryland Announce American Rescue Plan Funding for Regional Airports Across Maryland for COVID-19 Safety, Cleaning and Operations", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced federal funding to support critical infrastructure improvements to some of Maryland\u2019s regional airports, including operations, runway repair and cleaning and sanitization efforts to stop the spread of pathogens.\n\n\u201cMaryland\u2019s regional airports are essential to our economy, supporting businesses, tourism, and public safety,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThis federal funding will provide updates for day-to-day operations at our airports to ensure they can run effectively as air travel continues to increase. Team Maryland remains committed to securing federal funding to improve safety and modernize our transportation infrastructure.\u201d\n\nAwardees include:\n\n$1,345,554 for Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY)\n\n$289,422 for Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (CBE)\n\n$148,000 for Easton/Newnam Field Airport (ESN)\n\n$59,000 for Carroll County Regional Airport/Jack B. Poage Field (DMW)\n\n$59,000 for Montgomery County Airpark Airport (GAI)\n\n$59,000 for St. Mary's County Regional Airport (2W6)\n\n$59,000 for Tipton Airport (FME)\n\n$32,000 for Bay Bridge Airport (W29)\n\n$32,000 for Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport (CGE)\n\n$32,000 for College Park Airport (KCGS)\n\n$32,000 for Garrett County Airport (ODM)\n\n$32,000 for Ocean City Municipal Airport (KOXB)\n\nIn addition, Hagerstown Regional Airport/Richard A. Henson Field (HGR) received $1.143 million in funding and Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) received $59,000.\n\nThese funds were provided through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the Maryland Department of Transportation (DOT). Funds authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 are available to help cover state and local funding obligations up to 100% of the cost of the project for any grants awarded in FY2020 or FY2021. Members of the Maryland delegation have fought for funding to support our local airports throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and have delivered to Maryland airports over $100 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan.\n\nPreviously, the lawmakers announced nearly $14 million in federal funding to BWI, Easton/Newnam and Carroll County Regional Airports.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-members-announce-delivery-over-140-million-federal", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Members Announce Delivery of Over $140 Million in Federal Infrastructure Modernization Bill Funds to Maryland", "2021-12-02", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced that Maryland has received $144,181,000 for Fiscal Year 2022 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act they voted to enact to modernize the state's water infrastructure and deliver safe, clean water to communities. This funding, administered through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), can be used to support projects that put Marylanders to work in good-paying jobs and promote healthy communities.\n\n\"Clean water is foundational to life and our economy in Maryland,\" the lawmakers said. \"That's why we fought to pass the infrastructure modernization bill and deliver these historic water infrastructure investments to help bring safe drinking water to our communities, modernize critical stormwater and sewer systems, and protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay \u2013 while supporting good-paying jobs across our state. We will continue working to ensure every Marylander has access to safe drinking water and to provide our communities with the resources they need.\"\n\nThis funding can be used to:\n\nDeliver safe drinking water by replacing lead service lines and ensuring water is rid of lead and other contaminants; and\n\nEnsure clean water for communities by upgrading wastewater and stormwater management systems that are critical to safely returning used water to the environment, enabling more people to swim, fish, and play in cleaner and healthier waters.\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law last month by President Biden, will provide more than $7 billion over five years in federal funding directly to Maryland to improve our roads and bridges, public transit, water infrastructure, broadband internet, and more. The lawmakers fought to ensure passage of this crucial law in order to bring key investments to Maryland communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/maryland-delegation-members-announce-delivery-of-over-140-million-in-federal-infrastructure-modernization-bill-funds-to-maryland", "Maryland Delegation Members Announce Delivery of Over $140 Million in Federal Infrastructure Modernization Bill Funds to Maryland", "2021-12-02", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced that Maryland has received $144,181,000 for Fiscal Year 2022 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act they voted to enact to modernize the state\u2019s water infrastructure and deliver safe, clean water to communities. This funding, administered through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), can be used to support projects that put Marylanders to work in good-paying jobs and promote healthy communities.\n\n\u201cClean water is foundational to life and our economy in Maryland,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThat\u2019s why we fought to pass the infrastructure modernization bill and deliver these historic water infrastructure investments to help bring safe drinking water to our communities, modernize critical stormwater and sewer systems, and protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay \u2013 while supporting good-paying jobs across our state. We will continue working to ensure every Marylander has access to safe drinking water and to provide our communities with the resources they need.\u201d\n\nThis funding can be used to:\n\nDeliver safe drinking water by replacing lead service lines and ensuring water is rid of lead and other contaminants; and\n\nEnsure clean water for communities by upgrading wastewater and stormwater management systems that are critical to safely returning used water to the environment, enabling more people to swim, fish, and play in cleaner and healthier waters.\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law last month by President Biden, will provide more than $7 billion over five years in federal funding directly to Maryland to improve our roads and bridges, public transit, water infrastructure, broadband internet, and more. The lawmakers fought to ensure passage of this crucial law in order to bring key investments to Maryland communities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-two-sizable-hhs-grants-mid-shore-organizations", "Harris Announces Two Sizable HHS Grants to Mid-Shore Organizations", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced the award of a combined $5,845,216 in federal grants to two different organizations located in Caroline County \u2013 Choptank Community Health System in Denton ($3,345,874) and the Maryland Rural Development Corporation in Greensboro ($2,499,342). Funds originated from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).\n\nChoptank Community Health will use the funds for their work in providing comprehensive primary care to low income patients on the Mid-Shore. Maryland Rural Development will use the funds for their Head Start Programs across Maryland, including in the First Congressional District. According to HHS, Head Start \"promotes the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. Services are provided in a variety of settings including centers, family child care, and children's own home.\"\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"This is great news for these two organizations that provide important services for those in need on the Eastern Shore. My office is always happy to assist in applying for these grants, and I remain committed to ensuring that our rural communities have equal access to the services they need to grow and thrive.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-more-43-million-american-rescue-plan", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $43 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding to Support Rural Health Care Providers Impacted by COVID-19", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $43,027,768 in federal funding for rural health care providers across Maryland who serve rural Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicare beneficiaries for expenses related to COVID-19.\n\n\"Increasing the access to health care in rural areas is essential to improving health outcomes for Marylanders. The pandemic has made it even more difficult for rural communities, who already suffered from poor public health infrastructure, to access critical health care services,\" the lawmakers said. \"As we continue to address longstanding disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to actively support and build our rural health services to ensure that rural communities have access to reliable and affordable health care.\"\n\nThis funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the American Rescue Plan, and will help rural health care providers make up for lost revenue and increased expenses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds can be used for salaries, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other expenses related to the prevention, preparedness or response to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nHealth care providers eligible for this funding are located in geographic areas defined as \"rural.\" The United States Census Bureau (Census) considers \"rural\" to include all people, housing and territory that are not within an urban area. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines rural as not in a Metro area (urban core of 50,000 or more people).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-43-million-in-american-rescue-plan-funding-to-support-rural-health-care-providers-impacted-by-covid-19", "Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $43 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding to Support Rural Health Care Providers Impacted by COVID-19", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $43,027,768 in federal funding for rural health care providers across Maryland who serve rural Medicaid, Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicare beneficiaries for expenses related to COVID-19.\n\n\u201cIncreasing the access to health care in rural areas is essential to improving health outcomes for Marylanders. The pandemic has made it even more difficult for rural communities, who already suffered from poor public health infrastructure, to access critical health care services,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cAs we continue to address longstanding disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to actively support and build our rural health services to ensure that rural communities have access to reliable and affordable health care.\u201d\n\nThis funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the American Rescue Plan, and will help rural health care providers make up for lost revenue and increased expenses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds can be used for salaries, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other expenses related to the prevention, preparedness or response to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nHealth care providers eligible for this funding are located in geographic areas defined as \u201crural.\u201d The United States Census Bureau (Census) considers \u201crural\u201d to include all people, housing and territory that are not within an urban area. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines rural as not in a Metro area (urban core of 50,000 or more people).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-kweisi-mfume-vice-chair-committee-small-business-discusses", "Representative Kweisi Mfume, Vice Chair of Committee on Small Business, Discusses Challenges Facing Small Businesses in Roundtable with Small Business Contractors in Baltimore", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "BALTIMORE\u2013 Today, Representative Kweisi Mfume participated in a small business roundtable at East Baltimore Historical Library. The conversation was hosted by Trident Builders founder and principal Brendan McCluskey and included Cheo Hurley of THG Companies LLC, Barnett Carroll of Aegis Mechanical Corporation, Andra Cain of Cain Contracting, Jeff Hargrave of Mahogany Inc., and Beverly Williams of Sue-Anns Office Supply, who are all members of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices community. They discussed the challenges small business owners are facing on the road to recovery \u2014 including federal procurement, inflationary challenges, and supply chain shortages.\n\nThe local business owners expressed the unique difficulties small businesses face in the government procurement process, by which the US Federal Government and Maryland State Government purchase goods and services. The visit comes as the number of small businesses providing products and services to the federal government has fallen 38% from 2010 to 2019. Even more dramatically, the number of new small business entrants into the procurement marketplace declined by 79% from 2005 to 2019.\n\nLast month, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices released new survey data showing that small businesses are still struggling and revealed that 92% of respondents believe it is important for the Biden Administration to prioritize policies that level the playing field for small businesses. 82% support President Biden's July 9th executive order that directs federal agencies to promote greater competition through their procurement and spending decisions to increase opportunities for small businesses. Additionally, only 31% of small businesses are confident they could access capital if they needed it. Nearly 85% of small businesses have seen an increase in operating costs, and 80% of small businesses say that workforce challenges are hurting their bottom line.\n\n\"Maryland small businesses have kept our economy thriving and the continued resilience of these entrepreneurs is carrying our state and country through the pandemic. That's why I'm committed to championing our small businesses not only in my congressional district but also throughout the State of Maryland,\" said Representative Mfume, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure. \"The federal procurement process must be made more accessible to small businesses. I am particularly proud that the Minority Business Development Agency has now been made permanent as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. I will continue to advocate for small business support and resources on the road to recovery.\"\n\n\"I'm grateful that Representative Mfume took the time to meet with Baltimore small business owners like me,\" said Brendan McCluskey, founder and principal of Trident Builders and a member of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices community. \"Challenges with small business access to federal procurement, rising inflation, and the supply chain shortage have devastating consequences for small businesses. We're struggling to recover, so we need the help of elected leaders. Alongside the 10KSBV community, we'll continue to voice small business priorities.\"\n\nRecent national surveys and reports on access to capital and procurement reform from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices have shown that small businesses face one challenge after another. From concerns about inflation, increasing costs of operating their businesses, and challenges accessing capital, to obstacles retaining and hiring employees and insufficient resources for health care, child care, and mental health, small businesses are struggling.\n\n\"We were excited to convene this meeting with Congressman Mfume and a group of rockstar small business owners and Voices community members,\" said Matt Rhodes, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices Mid-Atlantic Regional Director. \"Today's discussion allowed Baltimore small business owners to discuss key policy priorities that will bolster Maryland's economy and local communities.\"\n\nGoldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voices \"Road to Recovery\" is a cross-country series of bipartisan events connecting elected officials with small business owners. Participating elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels listen and learn from small business owners directly about the challenges they are facing.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/11/maryland-delegation-presses-postmaster-general-dejoy-for-update-on-readiness-for-holiday-mail-surge", "Maryland Delegation Presses Postmaster General DeJoy for Update on Readiness for Holiday Mail Surge", "2021-11-22", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D., and David Trone (all Md.) wrote to United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy requesting a progress report on the Postal Service\u2019s efforts to ensure mail is delivered in a timely manner this holiday season. In the letter, the lawmakers press for answers from the Postmaster General on specific questions regarding USPS\u2019s preparations for the holiday mail surge, as well as actions it has taken to correct the processing issues identified in this month\u2019s OIG report on Baltimore area mail facilities.\n\nThe members begin, \u201cWe are writing to follow up on your recent commitment that the U.S. Postal Service is ready to deliver packages in a timely manner this holiday season, and to request an update on the Postal Service\u2019s implementation of recommendations made by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) following their review of problems at nine post offices in Baltimore, MD.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccording to the most recent data on service performance published by the OIG, which covers July to September of 2021, 89.0% of packages were delivered on time in the Baltimore District and 88.6% of packages were delivered on time in the Capital District. There continue to be significant service problems in Maryland, but this is a welcome improvement from the poor service our constituents received last holiday season,\u201d the lawmakers continue. \u201cThat said, the OIG\u2019s report on Baltimore revealed several problems that could contribute to a recurrence of delays this holiday season, including that 42% of the packages they sampled in their review had been improperly scanned.\n\n\u201cWe heard from many constituents who experienced problems sending holiday gifts to their loved ones, shipping products for their business, and receiving life-saving medication. We have also spoken with the postal workers who do their best every day to deliver top-notch service and take pride in their vital mission, and they deserve leadership that puts them in a position to succeed,\u201d they note, going on to pose specific questions regarding to the Postmaster General their concerns.\n\n\u201cAfter last year\u2019s problems, our constituents are understandably concerned about package delays this holiday season. In order to provide our constituents with the utmost confidence in the Postal Service as we begin this holiday season, please provide a response to these questions by December 1, 2021,\u201d the members close.\n\nThe full letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Mr. DeJoy,\n\nWe are writing to follow up on your recent commitment that the U.S. Postal Service is ready to deliver packages in a timely manner this holiday season, and to request an update on the Postal Service\u2019s implementation of recommendations made by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) following their review of problems at nine post offices in Baltimore, MD.\n\nAccording to the most recent data on service performance published by the OIG, which covers July to September of 2021, 89.0% of packages were delivered on time in the Baltimore District and 88.6% of packages were delivered on time in the Capital District. There continue to be significant service problems in Maryland, but this is a welcome improvement from the poor service our constituents received last holiday season. That said, the OIG\u2019s report on Baltimore revealed several problems that could contribute to a recurrence of delays this holiday season, including that 42% of the packages they sampled in their review had been improperly scanned.\n\nWe heard from many constituents who experienced problems sending holiday gifts to their loved ones, shipping products for their business, and receiving life-saving medication. We have also spoken with the postal workers who do their best every day to deliver top-notch service and take pride in their vital mission, and they deserve leadership that puts them in a position to succeed. To that end, and to ensure that the Postal Service is prepared to deliver for our constituents this holiday season, please answer the following questions:\n\nBoth nationally and for the State of Maryland, please provide a progress report on the number of additional package sorting machines added by the Postal Service, the number of seasonal employees hired for this holiday season, and the number of annex facilities acquired to handle peak season surges.\n\nThe OIG report on Baltimore post offices recommended that USPS, \u201cDevelop and implement a plan to monitor and ensure compliance with package scanning and handling procedures.\u201d What has been done to implement this recommendation, which USPS committed to do by November 19, 2021?\n\nThe OIG recommended opening a new city carrier training academy for the Baltimore region. What has been done to implement this recommendation, which USPS committed to do by November 30, 2021?\n\nThe OIG recommended that USPS establish key metrics for when the Baltimore postmaster should request help from outside the area to deliver mail.\n\nPlease provide the metrics have been established to implement this recommendation, which USPS committed to do by November 30, 2021.\n\nWhat additional support, if any, has been provided to the Baltimore region due to lagging performance on these metrics?\n\nPlease provide the established threshold and key metrics used at the headquarters level to determine Districts and units falling below the threshold?\n\nAt the headquarters level, what necessary actions are taken to address mail processing and delivery issues to regions that fall below the threshold?\n\nAfter last year\u2019s problems, our constituents are understandably concerned about package delays this holiday season. In order to provide our constituents with the utmost confidence in the Postal Service as we begin this holiday season, please provide a response to these questions by December 1, 2021.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/11/oversight-committee-requests-briefings-from-new-york-city-district-attorneys-on-excessive-bail", "Oversight Committee Requests Briefings from New York City District Attorneys on Excessive Bail", "2021-11-22", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (November 22, 2021)\u2014Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Committee Member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent letters to five New York City District Attorneys requesting briefings on prosecutors\u2019 use of excessive bail in the New York City court system and ways to address the overcrowding and unsafe conditions at New York correctional facilities, including Rikers Island.\n\n\u201cWe have grave concerns that excessive bail amounts are leading to unnecessary pretrial detention and contributing to a humanitarian crisis in New York City\u2019s jail system, particularly on Rikers Island. Fourteen people have died this year in the custody of New York City Department of Correction,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cCondemning thousands of individuals to languish in an environment plagued by persistent overcrowding and mounting violence as they await trial is not acceptable, and risks violating the federal civil rights of these individuals. If these conditions are not addressed, federal intervention may be necessary to protect detainees from additional harm.\u201d\n\nThere are currently over 5,400 people in custody in New York City\u2019s jails\u2014an increase from the 3,809 people in detention in April 2020\u2014largely due to the growth in the number of pretrial detainees. More than three-quarters of individuals in custody have not been convicted of any crime and are confined in unsafe conditions simply because they cannot afford cash bail.\n\nOn September 27, 2021, Chairwoman Maloney, Chairman Raskin, and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez sent a letter to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York Department of Corrections Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi, detailing concerns about the collapse of basic jail operations on Rikers Island and urging the officials to address the overcrowding and inhumane conditions by releasing low-level offenders into supervised programs.\n\nClick here to read the letter to the Bronx District Attorney.\n\nClick here to read the letter to the Brooklyn District Attorney.\n\nClick here to read the letter to the Manhattan District Attorney.\n\nClick here to read the letter to the Queens District Attorney.\n\nClick here to read the letter to the Richmond County District Attorney.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/11/raskin-armstrong-request-president-biden-make-nominations-to-the-u-s-sentencing-commission", "Raskin, Armstrong Request President Biden Make Nominations to the U.S. Sentencing Commission", "2021-11-22", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressmen Jamie Raskin (D-MD and Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) wrote to President Joe Biden asking him to prioritize nominations to the United States Sentencing Commission.\n\nThe Commission is a bipartisan, independent agency created by Congress in 1984 to reduce sentencing disparities and promote transparency and proportionality in sentencing. It is responsible for establishing and updating sentencing guidelines for the federal courts. Currently, only one of its seven positions is filled, and it has not had a quorum since January 2019. No more than four members of the Commission can be members of the same political party and at least three must be federal judges.\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nWe write to express our concern regarding the Commissioner vacancies on the United States Sentencing Commission (Commission). We respectfully request that you prioritize the nomination of individuals to serve on the Commission.\n\nAs you know, the Commission has several vacancies, and pending the status of Acting Chair Charles Breyer, all seven Commissioner seats could be vacant by the end of 2022. The Commission is unable to establish a quorum due to these continued vacancies, which has forestalled the important work of updating and establishing new sentencing guidelines. These guidelines advise the best policies and practices to ensure appropriate sentences are issued for individuals convicted of federal crimes. In fact, because of the vacancies, the Commission has been unable to update the guidelines to implement the First Step Act, the bipartisan sentencing reform law Congress passed in 2018. As a result, courts must implement the law without the guidelines, potentially resulting in uneven application of the law. It is imperative that the vacancies are expeditiously filled so the Commission can continue its work to improve the federal criminal justice system.\n\nFor these reasons, we respectfully encourage you to prioritize the nomination of individuals to serve on the United States Sentencing Commission. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-re-introduces-conscience-protection-act-defend-rights-healthcare", "Harris Re-introduces Conscience Protection Act to Defend Rights of Healthcare Providers", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today re-introduced the Conscience Protection Act, which would strengthen the rights of healthcare providers to object to medical procedures, namely abortion, that they hold serious moral or religious objections to. Currently, enforcement of existing federal conscience statutes relies on action from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and recent moves by the Biden Administration have made clear that they have little interest in protecting employees from discrimination should they morally or religiously object to participating in certain medical procedures. The Conscience Protection Act would among other provisions provide a private right of action for employees to defend their conscience rights in court by suing their employer if punished or terminated for registering moral or religious objections. Full text of the legislation can be\n\nDocument\n\n.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"Defending the conscience rights of healthcare providers should be of great interest to all Americans, and is of grave importance to me as a physician, especially in light of recent failures to do so by the Biden Administration. Secretary Becerra had committed to House Appropriators that he would ensure the protection of the legal rights of conscience for providers \u2013 but sadly this has not occurred. Therefore, this bill is necessary to dissuade employers from threatening or taking retaliation for actions by healthcare providers that should be, but aren't being protected by this administration.\"\n\nAs mentioned, in an Appropriations Committee hearing this past Spring, HHS Secretary Becerra committed to Representatives Cole (R-OK) and Harris that HHS would follow the law in reference to enforcing existing conscience statutes. Sadly recent news from Vermont indicates the federal position has changed. In July, the Department of Justice (DOJ) mysteriously dropped a lawsuit initially filed in 2020 against the University of Vermont Medical Center after they were found to have violated existing conscience statute on multiple occasions. Specifically, the investigation by HHS revealed that UVMMC scheduled approximately 10 nurses to assist with approximately 20 abortions despite their registered conscience objections, in clear violation of existing law.\n\nIn response to DOJ's action in dropping suit, Congressman Harris co-lead a bicameral letter to HHS and the DOJ seeking an explanation. The muted response from the Administration can be . These actions by a pro-abortion administration highlight the clear need to pass this bill. An identical version was introduced by Senator Lankford (R-OK) in February 2021.\n\nWhat others are saying about the bill:\n\nArchbishop of Baltimore and Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, William E. Lori:\n\n\"It is hard to imagine a more blatant civil rights violation than being forced to abandon your beliefs and take part in ending an innocent human life. HHS found that the University of Vermont Medical Center forced a nurse, against her known religious beliefs, to do just that. This is not only fundamentally wrong, but a direct violation of federal law. Yet the Department of Justice voluntarily dismissed the case against UVMC.\"\n\n\"We have said before that the need for the Conscience Protection Act cannot be questioned. The need is more vital now than ever. The Department of Justice is clearly signaling that conscience rights violations in health care can be violated with impunity. We call on Congress to stand up for the basic dignity of our nation's health care workers and pass the Conscience Protection Act so that doctors and nurses can defend their own rights in court.\"\n\nThe Honorable Marilyn Musgrave, VP of Government Affairs, Susan B. Anthony List:\n\n\"We are proud to stand with Congressman Harris \u2013 a staunch defender of unborn life and pro-life Americans \u2013 as he reintroduces the Conscience Protection Act. We're thankful that the bill has been fortified and now includes pharmacists in its definition of \"health care providers.\" This is a welcome, necessary response to the Biden administration's reckless attempts to turn every post office and pharmacy into an abortion center by forcing dangerous chemical abortion drugs on innocent women who need help and care \u2013 not a prescription for a toxic abortion cocktail. This bill rightfully empowers medical professionals to protect life, not destroy it.\"\n\nConnor Semelsberger, Director of Federal Affairs for Life and Human Dignity, at Family Research Council:\n\n\"Conscience rights for medical professionals are under threat like never before under the Biden administration. No health care practitioner, no matter who is president, should be forced to perform abortions or sterilization procedures against their conscience. Thank you to Representative Harris for introducing legislation to ensure medical professionals are protected regardless of who is in charge of enforcing conscience laws.\"\n\nCongressman Harris was joined by 99 other House members in introducing this legislation. A full list of original co-sponsors is below:\n\nBrian Babin (TX); Kat Cammack (FL); Richard Hudson (NC); Glenn Grothman (WI); Jeff Duncan (SC); Robert Aderholt (AL); Bill Posey (FL); William Timmons (SC); Doug Lamborn (CO); Ralph Norman (SC); Jody Hice (GA); Ted Budd (NC); Andy Biggs (AZ); Mary Miller (IL); Steve Chabot (OH); Alex Mooney (WV); Yvette Herrell (NM); Thomas Massie (KY); Blake Moore (UT); Buddy Carter (GA); Jeff Fortenberry (NE); Lauren Boebert (CO); Rodney Davis (IL); Gary Palmer (AL); Virginia Foxx (NC); Brian Mast (FL); Roger Williams (TX); Ashley Hinson (IA); Tim Walberg (MI); David McKinley (WV); Mike Rogers (AL); Doug LaMalfa (CA); Randy Weber (TX); Louie Gohmert (TX); Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA); Bob Good (VA); Chip Roy (TX); Barry Moore (AL); Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO); Jake LaTurner (KS); Robert Latta (OH); Lance Gooden (TX); Lloyd Smucker (PA); Brad Wenstrup (OH); Darin LaHood (IL); Garret Graves (LA); Rick Crawford (AR); John Rutherford (FL); David Rouzer (NC); Glenn Thompson (PA); John Moolenaar (MI); Kevin Hern (OK); Peter Meijer (MI); Ben Cline (VA); Matt Rosendale (MT); Larry Bucshon (IN); Barry Loudermilk (GA); Bill Huizenga (MI); Jerry Carl (AL); Vicky Hartzler (MO); Michael Burgess (TX); Greg Pence (IN); Rick Allen (GA); David Kustoff (TN); Jack Bergman (MI); Tom Cole (OK); Jackie Walorski (IN); Fred Keller (PA); Mike Bost (IL); Debbie Lesko (AZ); Ronny Jackson (TX); Sam Graves (MO); Warren Davidson (OH); Julia Letlow (LA); Bryan Steil (WI); Joe Wilson (SC); Elise Stefanik (NY); Lisa McClain (MI); Jim Banks (IN); Tom Rice (SC); Adrian Smith (NE); Scott Fitzgerald (WI); Scott Franklin (FL); Tim Burchett (TN); Daniel Webster (FL); Mike Simpson (ID); Brett Guthrie (KY); Randy Feenstra (IA); Michael Guest (MS); Greg Steube (FL); Andrew Clyde (GA); Dan Crenshaw (TX); Guy Reschenthaler (PA); Pat Fallon (TX); Don Bacon (NE); Mario Diaz-Balart (FL); Morgan Griffith (VA); Trey Hollingsworth (IN); Mike Johnson (LA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-votes-no-build-back-better-act", "Harris Votes \"No\" on Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Harris issued the following statement after voting no on the Build Back Better Act:\n\n\"This morning, I joined the bipartisan opposition to the Democrats' socialist $4 trillion spending spree that includes the largest tax increase in American history, which will also add $367 billion to our national debt, according to the official Congressional Budget Office scoring.\n\nAt a time when inflation is out of control, gas prices are at record highs, our national debt is on the verge of eclipsing $30 trillion, and our Southern border is overrun, we shouldn't be passing these reckless spending bills. Measures like this will make inflation worse, further raise gas and heating oil prices, bolster our national debt, incentivize illegal immigration, do nothing to address record opioid deaths, and fail to fund law enforcement. Instead, sadly the majority just continues to bankrupt the country and push policies rejected by voters in recent elections in Virginia and New Jersey.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kweisi-mfume-s-statement-on-the-passage-of-the-build-back-better-act", "Congressman Kweisi Mfume\u2019s Statement on the Passage of the Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "November 19, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement on the passage of the Build Back Better Act by the U.S. House of Representatives today:\n\n\"I proudly fought for the Build Back Better Act and hail its passage today. This transformational legislation is another example of the hard work the U.S. House is doing to get families and communities through the pandemic,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \"These unprecedented times require the kind of thoughtful, yet bold action we are taking on behalf of everyday people,\" he added.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act will improve the lives of virtually every American by (i) making transformational investments in children and caregivers; (ii) lowering health care costs; (iii) expanding health care coverage; (iv) lowering the cost of higher education; (iv) addressing America's housing crisis; and (v) addressing the climate emergency. Here's how.\n\nTransformational Investments in Children and Caregivers\n\nOver 6 million 3 and 4-year old children in America (138,156 children in Maryland) will receive access to high-quality, universal, free, inclusive, and mixed delivery preschool\n\n370,000 young children from Maryland families will be eligible to receive affordable and high-quality childcare, paying no more than 7% of their income\n\nThe enhanced Child Tax Credit will be extended for one year to households earning up to $150,000\n\nAn additional 9 million children nationwide (55,000 students in Maryland) will receive healthy and free school meals\n\nCritical Health Care Expansions\n\nExpands Medicare coverage to 34,000 uninsured Marylanders and includes hearing benefits\n\nProvides tax credits to up to 4 million uninsured Americans in states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act\n\nStrengthens an existing home care program through Medicaid\n\nRepeals the previous Administration's rebate rule that puts seniors' health benefits at risk\n\nAllocates funding to support services for pregnant women, parenting women, and young families\n\nLowering the Cost of Higher Education\n\nRaises the Pell maximum grant and expands federal student aid eligibility 84,712 students in Maryland who rely on Pell\n\nProvides funds to improve research capacity and research development infrastructure at all universities, including Maryland's 17 minority-serving institutions\n\nInvests in 16 public community colleges in Maryland to enhance workforce programs, sector-based training, and apprenticeships\n\nAddressing America's Housing Crisis\n\nInvests in reducing pricing pressures and housing affordability, including in rural areas\n\nBuilds more than 1 million new affordable rental and single-family homes nationwide\n\nExpands rental and down payment assistance for hundreds of thousands of households, including first-generation homebuyers\n\nAddressing the Climate Emergency\n\nHome energy and efficiency tax credits will expand, and rebates will be offered in exchange for electrification efforts\n\nTargeted incentives will spur new domestic supply chains in solar, batteries, and advanced materials\n\nEstablishes a Civilian Climate Corps to address extreme weather and legacy pollution\n\nIncludes $4,000,000 towards President Biden's Justice40 initiative which would allocate 40% of the overall benefits of relevant federal investments towards communities hit hardest by climate change\n\nFor more information on how Maryland will Build Back Better, please visit my website here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/11/raskin-statement-on-passage-of-the-build-back-better-act", "Raskin Statement on Passage of the Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) released the following statement on the passage of the Build Back Better Act.\n\n\u201cWe just passed the most significant investment in the American people\u2019s quality of life in more than a half-century. The Build Back Better Act means strong climate action, a tax cut for working families and the fix to predatory drug pricing America needs. I\u2019m proud to have cast this vote.\n\n\u201cAfter months of vibrant debate, House Democrats unified behind the Build Back Better Act. No amount of GOP obstruction or \u201cboratory\u201d could stop us from passing America\u2019s agenda.\n\n\u201cThis legislation passes the House at a crucial time. Escalating climate change, deepening inequality, and authoritarian politics are threatening the future of democracy. We are showing democratic government still works for the people.\n\n\u201cBuild Back Better marks a victory for government that works for the people. Grassroots advocates worked for decades to build support for everything here\u2014strong climate action, universal pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds and fair drug pricing.\n\n\u201cSpeaker Pelosi and President Biden have worked masterfully to pass Build Back Better with the tightest of margins while the GOP tries to block progress for our people.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/11/chairman-raskin-and-rep-wasserman-schultz-press-university-of-florida-for-information-on-silencing-of-professors-and-faculty", "Chairman Raskin and Rep. Wasserman-Schultz Press University of Florida for Information on Silencing of Professors and Faculty", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (November 18, 2020)\u2014Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Committee Member Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz sent a letter to the President of the University of Florida (UF) requesting information about the university\u2019s conflicts-of-interest policies following concerning reports that UF has prevented professors from exercising their First Amendment rights.\n\n\u201cWe are concerned that UF is censoring its faculty based on viewpoint, which would set a dangerous precedent that flies in the face of its own commitment to freedom of expression,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cWe are also concerned that, possibly due to pressure from trustees, politicians, or others, UF has adopted and enforced a conflicts policy that undermines the academic and free speech values that are essential to American higher education. As one of the top five public research universities in the nation, UF must ensure that it is not creating the appearance of anticipatory obedience or that it is responding to political pressure in deciding which speech activities it will permit.\u201d\n\nIn July 2020, UF revised its conflicts-of-interest policy to require all employees to seek approval from the university before engaging in outside activities. The previous policy only required employees to notify the university of their outside activities and financial interests. UF professors objected to this change, expressing concern that the policy would be \u201cused as a prior restraint on speech.\u201d Their fears were confirmed when the university subsequently prevented multiple faculty members from participating in litigation raising legal and constitutional concerns related to criminal justice reform, voter suppression laws, and mask mandates in Florida.\n\nIn one instance, UF blocked three professors from testifying as expert witnesses in a lawsuit challenging Florida\u2019s new restrictive voting law. University officials explained that because the school is a state institution, participating in lawsuits that conflict with Governor Ron DeSantis\u2019 administration \u201cis adverse to UF\u2019s interests.\u201d After a backlash, the university indicated it would reverse course and allow the professors to participate, but it remains unclear whether UF\u2019s restrictive conflicts-of-interest policy remains in effect.\n\nIn their letter, Chairman Raskin and Rep. Wasserman-Schultz requested documents and communications regarding the creation of UF\u2019s conflicts-of-interest policy and the university\u2019s denials of faculty requests to engage in outside activities.\n\nClick here to read the letter to University of Florida President Dr. W. Kent Fuchs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-baltimore-congressional-delegation-announces-22-million-federal-funding", "Mfume, Baltimore Congressional Delegation Announces $22 Million in Federal Funding to Support the East-West Priority Corridor Project", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) today announced an award of $22 million in federal funding to the Maryland Department of Transportation for the East-West Priority Corridor Project. Funding comes through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure for Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. In July, members of the delegation sent letters to Secretary Pete Buttigieg requesting federal resources for the East-West Priority Corridor Project to improve safety and repair infrastructure for more reliable transit in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.\n\nThe East-West Priority Corridor Project aims to facilitate faster and more reliable transit. This will be achieved through dedicated bus lanes, bus stop enhancements \u2013 including shelters and safety improvements \u2013 updated communication for bus arrivals, pedestrian and bicycle safety through curb extensions and lighting, and ADA accessibility investments. The project will improve mobility and safety along a vital corridor for the Baltimore region that connects both residential communities and regional job centers.\n\n\"Not only will the East-West Priority Corridor Project reduce road congestion, it will improve safety, convenience, and economic opportunity for Baltimoreans,\" said the lawmakers. \"Reliable public transportation is essential for basic mobility and livability, especially in larger cities like Baltimore. That's why we were proud to support funding for this project and why we fought increase funding for grants like this in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Our delegation will keep working to deliver federal resources to expand and modernize public transportation.\"\n\n\"Thanks to the leadership of our federal partners for funding the RAISE grant, the East-West Priority Corridor project can further efforts to improve safety, accessibility, and facilitate faster and more reliable transit for Baltimoreans,\" said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott. \"This comprehensive effort aligns with my administration's commitment to strengthening transportation infrastructure, creating jobs, and building a more equitable Baltimore.\"\n\n\"MDOT MTA is committed to an equitable distribution of resources throughout our system,\" said MDOT MTA Administrator Holly Arnold. \"The East-West Priority Corridor Project manifests that commitment in a way that's tangible, highly visible and offers residents a beneficial impact in the near future.\"\n\n\"Today's announcement highlights how great partnerships and collaboration can advance our shared vision,\" said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Greg Slater. \"By delivering more than 10 lane miles of dedicated bus lanes, real-time signage, upgraded bus shelters and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle safety, this project that will improve access to jobs, health care and education for city residents.\"\n\nUnder the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the lawmakers worked to authorize RAISE grants at $12.5 billion over 5 years.\n\nMore information about the project and construction can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-applauds-opioid-intervention-grant-cecil-county", "Harris Applauds Opioid Intervention Grant to Cecil County", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced the award of a $533,057 federal grant to Cecil County for opioid overdose intervention. Funds were provided by the Department of Justice to support the Cecil County Prevention and Overdose Response and Trauma Support Services initiative (PORTSS), focusing on services to children and families. The PORTSS initiative is a first responder-led project utilizing a multidisciplinary team to direct a coordinated response to overdoses in the region. Cecil County will support children, youth, and families impacted by the opioid crisis by providing services in the following areas: implementation of an overdose response team, connection to community resources and services, tracking and follow-up regarding participation, collecting, analyzing and sharing data, and providing education and training for the community and our professional partners.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"This is great news for Cecil County, which has been one of the early leaders in Maryland in our fight against the scourge of opioid addiction. At a time when overdoses across our state and nation have drastically risen because of the COVID pandemic, grants like these will allow local jurisdictions to directly intervene and save lives. I remain committed to helping all our local communities as they work to proactively respond to the opioid addiction crisis that is once again gripping our nation.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-more-16-million-marylands-prescription", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $1.6 Million for Maryland's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen David Trone, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, and Andy Harris, M.D. (all Md.) announced $1,648,958 in federal funding for the Maryland Department of Health's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.\n\n\"We must do everything we can to end the opioid epidemic once and for all,\" said the lawmakers. \"By tracking opioid-related data, the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is ensuring safe and effective use of prescription drugs in our state. This funding will improve efforts to fight opioid addiction and we will continue to help those with substance use disorder by working with the Maryland Department of Health on effective programs like this one.\"\n\nLast year, there were 2,499 opioid-related deaths in Maryland, more than any year on record. The award comes from the Department of Justice and will be used to improve the reporting of opioid-related data. It will help the Maryland Department of Health prevent further opioid fatalities.\n\nSee here for more information about the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/11/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-1-6-million-for-maryland-s-prescription-drug-monitoring-program", "Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $1.6 Million for Maryland's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen David Trone, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, and Andy Harris, M.D. (all Md.) announced $1,648,958 in federal funding for the Maryland Department of Health's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.\n\n\u201cWe must do everything we can to end the opioid epidemic once and for all,\u201d said the lawmakers. \u201cBy tracking opioid-related data, the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is ensuring safe and effective use of prescription drugs in our state. This funding will improve efforts to fight opioid addiction and we will continue to help those with substance use disorder by working with the Maryland Department of Health on effective programs like this one.\u201d\n\nLast year, there were 2,499 opioid-related deaths in Maryland, more than any year on record. The award comes from the Department of Justice and will be used to improve the reporting of opioid-related data. It will help the Maryland Department of Health prevent further opioid fatalities.\n\nSee here for more information about the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-signing-law-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act", "Statement on Signing into Law of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Today, I was proud to join my colleagues from the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate at the White House for the signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This transformative legislation will modernize America's infrastructure, expand broadband access, create jobs for Marylanders, accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles to address the climate crisis, support manufacturing jobs, and bolster transportation safety programs. With the signing of this measure into law, we are making the largest federal investment in public transit and clean energy transmission in American history,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-baltimore-delegation-announces-more-37-million-risk-youth-initiatives", "Mfume, Baltimore Delegation Announces More Than $3.7 Million for At-Risk Youth Initiatives", "2021-11-12", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) today announced $3,735,333 in federal juvenile justice funding for programs based in Baltimore and Cambridge that are designed to provide vulnerable youth with life skills.\n\n\"Everyone deserves a chance to succeed,\" the lawmakers said. \"These programs will empower children through valuable experiences to help them build life skills and connect with their communities. This will help guide at-risk youth through difficult situations by giving them the tools they need to pursue opportunities and thrive.\"\n\nFunds come from the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention program. Awardees include:\n\n$2,000,000 for Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation - Badges for Baseball Program. This program will connect vulnerable youth with law enforcement mentors from local communities who use team sports to teach life skills\n\n$990,768 for Maryland DJS ReWire. This pilot project will provide community based juvenile justice services to address young people's needs regardless of their assessed risk level or readiness\n\n$744,565 for Connecting For Success - Support and Services for Incarcerated Parents and their Minor Children. This program will include re-entry planning during incarceration and post-release, group interventions including parenting, life skills, and anger management; and mental health treatment for youth", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfumes-statement-passage-infrastructure-bill", "Congressman Mfume's Statement on Passage of Infrastructure Bill", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Kweisi Mfume, (MD-07) issued the following statement on the passage of the \"Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act\" tonight.\n\n\"Tonight, I joined my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This transformative legislation will modernize America's infrastructure, expand broadband access, create jobs for Marylanders, accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles to address the climate crisis, support manufacturing jobs, and bolster transportation safety programs. With the passage of this measure, we are making the largest federal investment in public transit and clean energy transmission in American history,\"said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.\n\n\"I voted in favor of this critical piece of legislation because of the benefits it will bring to Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County,including making funds available to address the \u2018highway to nowhere' and expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses. I am proud to send the bill to President Biden's desk for his signature.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-more-175-million-pandemic-preparedness-and", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $17.5 Million for Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D., and David Trone (all Md.) today announced $17,624,885 in federal funding for the Maryland Department of Health to strengthen the prevention and control of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases across the state.\n\n\"The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the notion that preparedness through a robust public health infrastructure can save lives,\" said the lawmakers. \"This funding will bolster the state's current public health response efforts and ability to better prevent the spread of future infectious diseases. We will continue working to support the Maryland Department of Health in keeping Marylanders safe.\"\n\nThe award comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections (DPEI). It will help the Maryland Department of Health continue to respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases by bolstering surveillance, intervention and outreach strategies.\n\nSee here for more information about the DPEI program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-kweisi-mfume-passage-hr-3992-protect-older-job", "Statement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume on the Passage of H.R. 3992 Protect Older Job Applicants Act of 2021", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, (MD-07) joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass H.R. 3992, the Protect Older Job Applicants Act of 2021 (POJA).\n\nThis bill will address age discrimination against older job applicants in the United States by amending the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to prohibit employers from limiting, segregating, or classifying applicants for employment.\n\n\"Older job applicants face considerable barriers when applying for a job, simply because of their age. I voted in favor of Protect Older Job Applicants Act to offer seniors a chance at justice by requiring employers to implement fair and non-discriminatory hiring practices across the board. It is my hope the Senate passes this bill to safeguard the protections found in this common-sense measure,\" said Rep. Mfume.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/11/cardin-leahy-raskin-introduce-legislation-to-improve-transparency-for-prisoners-and-detainees-in-private-facilities", "Cardin, Leahy, Raskin Introduce Legislation to Improve Transparency for Prisoners and Detainees in Private Facilities", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) today introduced legislation to require that government agencies comply with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests relating to private prisons, jails or detention facilities, including immigration detention facilities. The Private Prison Information Act (S. 3164/H.R. 5853) is essential for holding detention facilities accountable.\n\n\u201cThe PPIA would create a baseline of accountability for private companies entrusted with the responsibility of caring for federal prisoners, inmates and detainees,\u201d said Senator Cardin. \u201cThe reliance on private, for-profit facilities has increased rapidly in recent years, and it is essential that our transparency requirements keep up with that shift. The need for this legislation is made all the more clear by the difficulty of obtaining information on how private facilities have handled the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the devastating effects it has had on this population.\u201d\n\n\u201cMore and more of our government functions are being outsourced to private contractors who are currently not subject to our nation\u2019s premier transparency law, the Freedom of Information Act. This has created a glaring blind spot in the American public\u2019s ability to scrutinize the government\u2019s activities, to shine a spotlight on abuses, and to hold officials accountable,\u201d said Senator Leahy. \u201cThe PPIA would help address this blind spot by ensuring that private contractors entrusted to house and care for prisoners and immigrant detainees are subject to FOIA. Our legislation would help bring much-needed transparency into our government, and deserves the support of all senators.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile detention facilities run by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons are far from pristine, what little we know about privately run detention facilities is that they are even worse. Despite the fact these private, for-profit detention facilities receive federal funding, they are not subject to even the most basic transparency requirements,\u201d said Rep. Raskin. \"We are introducing the Private Prison Information Act to promote accountability in our justice system, shine a light on abuses taking place in private prisons and respect prisoners\u2019 civil rights. Allowing members of the public to file Freedom of Information Act requests to private prisons, as they can with government facilities, will serve to educate the public about what is happening and support President Biden\u2019s ultimate mission to end all contracts with privately owned and operated detention facilities. I thank Senator Cardin for introducing the Senate companion bill and for his continued advocacy on prison reform.\u201d\n\nJoining as original Senate cosponsors are U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bob Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.) Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\n\nJoining as original House cosponsors are Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Henry C. \u201cHank\u201d Johnson (D-Ga.), Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.).\n\nPrivate prisons, jails, and detention centers housed 15.7 percent of all federal inmates in 2019 and about 81 percent of all immigration detainees in 2020. Operators of private prisons are paid by the federal government \u2013 the taxpayer \u2013 to house federal inmates, but their status as private entities allows them to avoid the reach of our public records laws, including FOIA. The Justice Department\u2019s Inspector General has found that prisons run by private companies are substantially less safe and secure than those run by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.\n\nPresident Biden took an important step on January 26, 2021, by issuing an executive order directing the Attorney General to not renew the Department of Justice\u2019s contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities. However, the PPIA remains essential to hold detention facilities accountable until this order is fully implemented and in case a future administration reverses course. Importantly, this bill also ensures that privately run immigration detention facilities that contract with the Department of Homeland Security are subject to FOIA.\n\n\u201cPrivate prisons perform a fundamental government function and should be required to comply with the same public access and information laws as their federal counterparts. The Private Prison Information Act will check waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars by strengthening oversight of contractors and holding them accountable for their contractual obligations to the federal government,\u201d said Lisa Rosenberg, executive director, Open The Government.\n\n\u201cDespite their enormous cost to taxpayers and amid serious, longstanding concerns regarding their safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, private prisons are currently exempt from information access laws like the Freedom of Information Act, leaving taxpayers completely in the dark and powerless to be informed and hold their government accountable for these contractors. The Private Prison Information Act would address these transparency loopholes and bring accountability mechanisms for privately operated facilities in line with their government-run counterparts. As long as our government continues to rely on profit-driven contractors to incarcerate and detain people, this legislation is urgently needed,\u201d said Noah Bookbinder, president, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.\n\n\u201cImmigration detention is plagued with secrecy that shields ICE and their contractors from accountability for the grave abuses that occur in ICE facilities,\u201d said Jesse Franzblau, Senior Policy Analyst with the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC). \u201cSubjecting companies that profit off detention to FOIA is a key measure in the broader efforts towards ending the impunity for atrocities and misuse of funds that is widespread throughout the ICE detention system.\u201d\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Campaign for Accountability, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Defending Rights & Dissent, Government Information Watch, Government Accountability Project, Human Rights Defense Center, Human Rights First, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC), National Freedom of Information Coalition, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, News Leaders Association, Open The Government, Project On Government Oversight, The Rutherford Institute, Sentencing Project. A letter of endorsement from these organizations is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/11/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-17-5-million-for-pandemic-preparedness-and-prevention", "Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $17.5 Million for Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D., and David Trone (all Md.) today announced $17,624,885 in federal funding for the Maryland Department of Health to strengthen the prevention and control of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases across the state.\n\n\u201cThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the notion that preparedness through a robust public health infrastructure can save lives,\u201d said the lawmakers. \u201cThis funding will bolster the state\u2019s current public health response efforts and ability to better prevent the spread of future infectious diseases. We will continue working to support the Maryland Department of Health in keeping Marylanders safe.\u201d\n\nThe award comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections (DPEI). It will help the Maryland Department of Health continue to respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases by bolstering surveillance, intervention and outreach strategies.\n\nSee here for more information about the DPEI program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-named-agriculture-appropriations-subcommittee-ranking-member", "Harris Named Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) has been named the Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee's Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies subcommittee by full committee Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX). Federal departments funded through this annual appropriations bill include the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Farm Credit Administration. Dr. Harris has served on the Appropriations Committee since 2013 and has served on this subcommittee since 2015. As the subcommittee Acting Ranking Member, Dr. Harris will have significant input into crafting this critical annual funding bill.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"It is an honor to be named Ranking Member of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies subcommittee. Agriculture is the economic backbone of Maryland's First Congressional District, and I am very excited to work with this large constituency for both my district and across the country. Additionally, as a physician, I look forward to the opportunity to work with the FDA on the latest developments in drug research, including new therapeutics in our fight against COVID-19.\"\n\nAdditionally, full committee Ranking Member Kay Granger issued the following statement:\n\n\"I am happy to announce that Dr. Andy Harris will serve as the Acting Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Dr. Harris' experience on the subcommittee, his knowledge of the agriculture economy, and his background as a physician will be important assets in this role.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-475000-american-rescue-plan", "Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $475,000 in American Rescue Plan Funding for Maryland\u2019s Museums and Libraries", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "November 3, 2021\n\nThe Institute of Museum and Library Services awards Maryland\u2019s Museums and Libraries funding through its American Rescue Plan Grants\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $474,461 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support museums and libraries as they make adjustments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\"Our museums and libraries serve as essential cultural and learning hubs in our communities. The demand for their resources, whether in person or online, has grown during the pandemic,\" said the lawmakers.\"Through the digitization of their collections and the creation of hybrid curriculums, this federal investment will expand Marylanders access to the many resources our libraries have to offer.\"\n\nFunding comes through the IMLS ARP grants program which was established to support communities through COVID-19 by enhancing museum and library resources. This statewide funding will allow museums and libraries to digitize their collections, enhance their student outreach, and increase the accessibility of their content. Awardees include:\n\n$50,000 for the B&O Railroad Museum, Inc. in Baltimore to improve its website and bring the museum's collections and archives online publicly and to update its virtual programming, especially for students learning from home during the pandemic\n\n$30,283 for the Baltimore Children's Museum Inc. to develop programs that support children with disabilities and help alleviate some of the added stress that these children, families, and educators have had to endure due to the pandemic\n\n$50,000 for the Baltimore Museum of Art to implement hybrid versions of their successful in-person learning programs for elementary school age children\n\n$50,000 for the Chesapeake Children's Museum in Annapolis to add features to their heathy nutrition and activity content as well as to facilitate workshops\n\n$36,000 for the Jewish Museum of Maryland in Baltimore to increase their digital services and accessibility. The museum will hire a communications and content coordinator to meet the increasing demand for hybrid programming\n\n$44,000 for London Town Foundation in Edgewater to relaunch and rebuild its Horticultural Education Programs by rehiring a horticultural educator to jumpstart the park's new gardens-based curriculum\n\n$49,918 for the Maryland Department of Planning to support the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard to implement a project to preserve and understand the region's cultural heritage, specifically, its agricultural history\n\n$40,000 for Prince George's County Memorial Library System in Largo to expand access to computer technology and the internet in a county in which 36% of individuals do not have broadband internet access at home\n\n$48,535 for Sandy Spring Museum, the state-designated Regional Folklife Center of Montgomery County, to promote and rebuild folk tradition and folk artist capacity that was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic\n\n$50,000 to Trustees of the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore to hire a Curriculum Resource Specialist and a School Programs Outreach Educator to create and develop new ways for the museum to reach out to students in a post-COVID environment\n\n$13,575 for the Ward Foundation to fund the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury in presenting a suite of materials that focuses on a new series of artwork that reflects Black experiences on Maryland's Eastern Shore\n\n$12,150 for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown to build an augmented reality platform and an engaging outreach curriculum for students at home, in childcare, in the classroom, or at the museum\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/11/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-475-000-in-american-rescue-plan-funding-for-maryland-s-museums-and-libraries", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $475,000 in American Rescue Plan Funding for Maryland\u2019s Museums and Libraries", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "The Institute of Museum and Library Services awards Maryland\u2019s Museums and Libraries funding through its American Rescue Plan Grants\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $474,461 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support museums and libraries as they make adjustments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\u201cOur museums and libraries serve as essential cultural and learning hubs in our communities. The demand for their resources, whether in person or online, has grown during the pandemic,\u201d said the lawmakers. \u201cThrough the digitization of their collections and the creation of hybrid curriculums, this federal investment will expand Marylanders access to the many resources our libraries have to offer.\u201d\n\nFunding comes through the IMLS ARP grants program which was established to support communities through COVID-19 by enhancing museum and library resources. This statewide funding will allow museums and libraries to digitize their collections, enhance their student outreach, and increase the accessibility of their content. Awardees include:\n\n$50,000 for the B&O Railroad Museum, Inc. in Baltimore to improve its website and bring the museum\u2019s collections and archives online publicly and to update its virtual programming, especially for students learning from home during the pandemic\n\n$30,283 for the Baltimore Children\u2019s Museum Inc. to develop programs that support children with disabilities and help alleviate some of the added stress that these children, families, and educators have had to endure due to the pandemic\n\n$50,000 for the Baltimore Museum of Art to implement hybrid versions of their successful in-person learning programs for elementary school age children\n\n$50,000 for the Chesapeake Children\u2019s Museum in Annapolis to add features to their heathy nutrition and activity content as well as to facilitate workshops\n\n$36,000 for the Jewish Museum of Maryland in Baltimore to increase their digital services and accessibility. The museum will hire a communications and content coordinator to meet the increasing demand for hybrid programming\n\n$44,000 for London Town Foundation in Edgewater to relaunch and rebuild its Horticultural Education Programs by rehiring a horticultural educator to jumpstart the park's new gardens-based curriculum\n\n$49,918 for the Maryland Department of Planning to support the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard to implement a project to preserve and understand the region's cultural heritage, specifically, its agricultural history\n\n$40,000 for Prince George\u2019s County Memorial Library System in Largo to expand access to computer technology and the internet in a county in which 36% of individuals do not have broadband internet access at home\n\n$48,535 for Sandy Spring Museum, the state-designated Regional Folklife Center of Montgomery County, to promote and rebuild folk tradition and folk artist capacity that was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic\n\n$50,000 to Trustees of the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore to hire a Curriculum Resource Specialist and a School Programs Outreach Educator to create and develop new ways for the museum to reach out to students in a post-COVID environment\n\n$13,575 for the Ward Foundation to fund the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury in presenting a suite of materials that focuses on a new series of artwork that reflects Black experiences on Maryland\u2019s Eastern Shore\n\n$12,150 for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown to build an augmented reality platform and an engaging outreach curriculum for students at home, in childcare, in the classroom, or at the museum\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/11/maryland-congressional-delegation-letter-to-hogan-details-federal-action-to-replenish-victims-of-crime-funds", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Letter to Hogan Details Federal Action to Replenish Victims of Crime Funds", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone wrote to Governor Larry Hogan Wednesday to set the record straight after a misleading letter and press pronouncements that publicly mischaracterized the state of Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds.\n\n\u201cOur letter today is intended to ensure that your Administration clearly understands the structure of federal funding under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA, P.L. 98-473) through the Crime Victims Fund (CVF, or the Fund) and to urge you to utilize the over $50 million in unspent federal funding Maryland received from FY18 to FY20, which was available to you at the time you sent your letter to the delegation,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cIn FY 2018, receipts into the CVF began to diminish \u2013 by some estimates by more than 90% \u2013 resulting in a roughly 70% reduction in funding for victims\u2019 assistance programs, grants, and organizations. Some of the likely reasons for this decline include an increased use of deferred and non-prosecution agreements, in particular under the Trump Administration.\n\n\u201cRecognizing the serious effects of this problem for victims of crime, we were all proud to cosponsor or vote for the bipartisan VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 (VOCA Fix). This legislation makes both long-term changes to preserve the solvency of VOCA funding and provides immediate solutions to help states prevent cuts to programming. We were surprised that you omitted any mention of this important bipartisan legislation in your recent letter. The House passed this legislation by a 384 to 38 vote on March 17, 2021. The Senate passed the legislation unanimously vote on July 20, 2021. President Biden then signed this legislation into law on July 22, 2021 (P.L. 117-27), two months prior to your letter.\n\n\u201cWe strongly encourage you to improve your coordination and transparency with [Department of Justice (DOJ) Office for Victims of Crime] staff, the Maryland General Assembly, and the Maryland Congressional delegation to responsibly administer our state\u2019s federally-allocated VOCA funding. We remain committed to sustainable federal funding for these essential victim services,\u201d they added.\n\nThe full letter follows and can be found at this link.\n\nThe Honorable Lawrence J. Hogan Jr.\n\nGovernor\n\nState of Maryland\n\n100 State Circle\n\nAnnapolis, Maryland 21401\n\nDear Governor Hogan,\n\nFederal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding provides critical assistance to Maryland entities that serve victims of crime. As a federal delegation, we understand the vital importance of these funds, and have repeatedly fought to bring them to our state and to ensure that they are maintained. In your September 24, 2021, letter to us regarding potential federal funding cuts for Maryland entities providing services to victims of crime, you stated in part that \u201cCongress has drastically reduced state funding under VOCA\u2026it\u2019s unacceptable that Congress would allow this to happen\u2026this action is shockingly out of line with the values espoused by the Biden Administration and majorities in Congress.\u201d\n\nThis characterization is deeply misleading, both misconstruing the cause of the funding reductions and omitting recent actions by Congress, the U.S. Justice Department, and the Biden Administration to address this problem. Our letter today is intended to ensure that your Administration clearly understands the structure of federal funding under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA, P.L. 98-472) through the Crime Victims Fund (CVF, or the Fund) and to urge you to utilize the over $50 million in unspent federal funding Maryland received from FY18 to FY20, which was available to you at the time you sent your letter to the delegation.\n\nVOCA was enacted by Congress in 1984 to provide federal resources to crime victims and organizations that support them. This legislation established the Fund to function as a bank and receive deposits from criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties, and special assessments collected from offenders convicted of federal crimes (34 U.S.C. \u00a720101). This fund does not use taxpayer funding; rather, it uses fines and penalties paid by convicted federal criminals.\n\nThe Department of Justice (DOJ) Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) then calculates annual grants to state victim compensation programs and victim assistance programs, among other recipients, according to statutory formulas. Victim assistance funding goes to sub-grantees (or sub-recipients) that provide direct services to crime victims including information and referral services, crisis counseling, temporary housing, criminal justice advocacy support, and other assistance.\n\nLast year, federal VOCA funding enabled the important work of more than 120 Maryland victim service programs including rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, child advocates and child advocacy centers, anti-sex trafficking programs, victim-witness coordinators in State\u2019s Attorneys Offices, and programs for homicide survivors. These Maryland programs have served roughly 120,000 victims per year over the past several years.\n\nIn FY 2018, receipts into the CVF began to diminish \u2013 by some estimates by more than 90% \u2013 resulting in a roughly 70% reduction in funding for victims\u2019 assistance programs, grants, and organizations. Some of the likely reasons for this decline include an increased use of deferred and non-prosecution agreements, in particular under the Trump Administration. In contrast to criminal fines, monetary penalties collected as a part of such agreements with DOJ were at the time made to the Treasury Department, not into the Fund. Second, Congress since 2015 has directed the use of CVF funds for a broader scope of activities, such as the Office of Violence Against Women. As a result of the decline in the overall balance of the Fund, Maryland\u2019s VOCA award has been reduced from more than $61 million in FY 18 to $41 million in FY 19, $30 million in FY 20, and $18 million in FY 21. This decline throughout the Trump Administration led to increasing concerns about the fund\u2019s solvency.\n\nRecognizing the serious effects of this problem for victims of crime, we were all proud to cosponsor or vote for the bipartisan VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021. This legislation makes both long-term changes to preserve the solvency of VOCA funding and provides immediate solutions to help states prevent cuts to programming. We were surprised that you omitted any mention of this important bipartisan legislation in your recent letter. The House passed this legislation by a 384 to 38 vote on March 17, 2021. The Senate passed the legislation unanimously vote on July 20, 2021. President Biden then signed this legislation into law on July 22, 2021 (P.L. 117-27), two months prior to your letter.\n\nIn addition to ensuring the long-term sustainability of this federal funding source, the VOCA Fix included provisions that were effective immediately to help grantees mitigate any cuts to services. This includes the authorization of no-cost extensions, which would permit Maryland to utilize the approximately $4.5 million of its unspent funding from FY 18 in addition to the $16.5 million in unspent funding from FY 19 and $29.9 million in unspent funding from FY 20. In sum, Maryland has authority to immediately use over $50 million in unspent funding from the past several fiscal years.\n\nWe understand that you and the General Assembly leadership have since committed to preventing any cuts to these victim service providers for FY 21. We urge you to follow through on this commitment without delay and to avoid cuts in future fiscal years. The approximately 120,000 victims served in Maryland every year depend on it.\n\nSince President Biden signed this legislation into law in July 2021, the OVC has taken swift action to implement its provisions by recalculating its formula allocations; developing a procedure for requesting no-cost extensions; issuing bulletins clarifying the match waiver, law enforcement cooperation exception, and community violence intervention (CVI) support; and receiving approval to delegate the Attorney General\u2019s authority to grant no-cost extensions to the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).\n\nIn addition to existing VOCA funds, Maryland received $3.7 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and, as we\u2019ve informed your office, DOJ has announced that states are permitted to use this funding to fulfill obligations under VOCA, including using these funds toward the 75% match requirement.\n\nFinally, we will work in Congress to increase Maryland\u2019s VOCA awards in future years through the appropriations process. Congress historically sets the annual cap on obligations from the CVF through appropriations language that helps maintain its long-term solvency. This cap sets the total amount of funding that comes out of the Fund annually, which is then divided up to the states according to the aforementioned formulas. In the House-passed FY 22 Justice Appropriations bill, and in the text of the companion legislation released by Senate Appropriations Committee majority, the annual CVF cap would be increased to $2.6 billion. If passed, this could potentially increase Maryland\u2019s VOCA awards in future years.\n\nWe have discussed these issues with your staff and with DOJ OVC staff. We understand that OVC funds programs and releases resources to assist grantees with the administration of federal VOCA funding, including assistance in spending down unused victim assistance funds.\n\nDOJ OVC\u2019s State Administering Agencies Support Team can help states effectively manage their fiscal, programmatic, and award monitoring efforts. OVC\u2019s Center for VOCA Administrators \u2013 newly launched this summer \u2013 is a new training and technical assistance center designed specifically to support Victim Assistance and Victim Compensation Administrators in managing and administering their VOCA funding. This Center offers expert consultation, peer-to-peer collaboration, problem-solving, training, and innovation to improve federal grant management and administration. Its overall goal is to build a strong support network of VOCA Administrators and their staff to broaden victim services to historically underserved communities and to advance promising policies, practices, and programs.\n\nWe strongly encourage you to improve your coordination and transparency with DOJ OVC staff, the Maryland General Assembly, and the Maryland Congressional delegation to responsibly administer our state\u2019s federally-allocated VOCA funding. We remain committed to sustainable federal funding for these essential victim services.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-van-hollen-brown-introduce-bill-secure-service-academy-nominations", "Mfume, Van Hollen, Brown Introduce Bill to Secure Service Academy Nominations of Congressional Districts, States Without Representation", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Anthony Brown (both D-Md.) have introduced new bicameral legislation to secure the U.S. Service Academy nominations of states and congressional districts that lack representation in Congress due to the death, resignation, or removal from office of a sitting member of Congress. After the passing of Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings in 2019, the delegation was dismayed to learn that the Congressional District's allotted service academy openings were revoked, leaving the students in that district with fewer opportunities to seek appointment to one of our federal service academies. The lawmakers' new legislation, the SERVE Act, would fix this issue and ensure that future students are not denied this opportunity. They were joined in introducing the legislation by Senator Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, and David Trone (all D-Md.).\n\n\"Attending one of our federal service academies is an honor and a privilege, and for many students across our state, it is a life-long dream. Securing one of these nominations is highly competitive, and every Maryland student deserves an equal chance to access this opportunity. This legislation will help ensure that a Congressional vacancy does not stand in the way of our students achieving their dreams and serving their country,\" said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\"Nominating young women and men to our exemplary military service academies is an important responsibility for members of Congress and one I take very seriously after 30-years of service. Military service is a rewarding career path for young people looking to cultivate leadership, technical and other key skills that will serve them well both in and out of uniform,\" said Congressman Brown. \"We need to make sure no qualified candidates looking to serve our country go overlooked by creating a process to ensure a consistent number of nominations for state delegations, in the event of a Congressional vacancy. We all share the same mission to educate talented young people interested in service to our country. This legislation would help keep that mission on track.\"\n\n\"In order for students to even be considered for admission to a U.S. Service Academy, they must receive a nomination from either their senator or congressional representative,\" said Senator Cardin. \"Student applicants are competing against the best and brightest in their state for one of only 10 nominations available to each Member of Congress. Removing one potential source of a nomination, due to circumstances out of their control, is patently unfair to students \u2013 and it dramatically and unnecessarily reduces the talented pool of candidates from which the academies can select their next generation of military officers.\"\n\n\"The opportunity for young people to get a great education and serve their country is priceless. The military academy recommendations made by members of Congress are reserved for the best and brightest from our communities. This legislation rightfully modernizes the process for young women and men who want to learn and to serve,\" said Congressman Mfume.\n\n\"A congressional vacancy should not stand in the way of young men and women beginning their careers in service to our country by attending one of our great military academies,\" said Representative Raskin. \"I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Mfume so that all students have their applications viewed in a timely manner, no matter the status of their congressional representation.\"\n\n\"This bill makes a simple fix that could make a world of a difference for a student who dreams of attending one of our prestigious military academies,\" said Congressman Ruppersberger. \"It also ensures our academies do not potentially miss out on an excellent candidate because of an archaic rule, as happened after the passing of our dear colleague, Congressman Elijah Cummings.\"\n\n\"For young Americans with hopes of serving in our nation's military, a military service academy nomination is an honor and a crucial first step in their education. I am pleased to support this legislation, which will ensure this opportunity is equally available to the most qualified, exceptional candidates regardless of a congressional vacancy. This legislation will help more Americans attend our military service academies and pursue careers in service to our country,\" said Congressman Sarbanes.\n\n\"Many of our country's greatest minds graduated from service academies, including the Naval Academy \u2013 right in Annapolis, Maryland. This bill would rectify a faulty technicality and ensure every American has equal access to these incredible institutions. It's simple: increasing opportunities for our future servicemembers is something we can all get behind,\" said Congressman Trone.\n\nCurrently, in the case of the death, resignation, or removal from office of a Senator or Representative, the former Senator or Representative's service academy nominations are revoked, reducing the number of available nominations for applicants from that state or district, and placing applicants at a disadvantage relative to their peers in other states or districts. Under the Service Education Reallocation for Vacant Elected offices (SERVE) Act, in the event that a Senate or House seat is vacant, and the swearing-in for the new Senator or Representative will take place after the deadline to submit nominations to the service academies, the former Senator or Representative's nominations would be reallocated to the Senators (or remaining Senator) from the same state. In the case of a former Representative, the Senators from the same state would receive the nomination slots, but be required to give those nominations to applicants from the former Representative's district.\n\nThe text of the legislation is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/raskin-sends-letter-to-uscis-requesting-humanitarian-parole-for-afghan-interpreter-family", "Raskin Sends Letter to USCIS Requesting Humanitarian Parole for Afghan Interpreter Family", "2021-10-28", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD), along with Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY), Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), and Congressman Michael Waltz (R-FL), wrote U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Ur M. Jaddou requesting USCIS expedite the processing of a Humanitarian Parole petition from Muhammad Kamran, an Afghan national who spent nearly a decade as an interpreter for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and DAI under the U.S. Agency for International Development. In response to his work for U.S. servicemembers, Mr. Kamran was targeted for assassination by the Taliban and has fled Afghanistan with his family.\n\n\u201cIt has come to our attention that Muhammad Kamran, an Afghan national who served as an interpreter for nearly a decade for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, DAI under the U.S. Agency for International Development, and later the United Nations, has recently had a petition to come to the United States on Humanitarian Parole filed on behalf of himself and his family,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cWe ask that these new Humanitarian Parole cases for Mr. Kamran and his family be processed as quickly as possible and given full and fair consideration in light of his invaluable service to the United States.\u201d\n\nA stay of Humanitarian Parole is granted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when there is an urgent humanitarian reason or significant public benefit to allowing an individual to temporarily enter the United States.\n\nRep. Raskin has previously led inquiries into Mr. Kamran\u2019s refugee case, including bipartisan letters in February 2019 and July 2018 to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking information on Mr. Kamran\u2019s status. After years of bipartisan requests from Congress, including obtaining Judiciary Committee oversight hearing testimony that DHS would disclose the reasoning for the denial, the discretionary \u201cinformation relating to the denial of the refugee case\u201d of the Kamran family has never been disclosed. Though former-USCIS Director Lee Cissna did write in response to the initial July 2018 letter, her response failed to adequately address the Members\u2019 initial questions, concerns and requests for basic information on Mr. Kamran\u2019s case. To date, Mr. Kamran and his family have not been able to evacuate to safety in the United States.\n\nThe full letter to Director Jaddou can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-thank-health-care-workers", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Thank Health Care Workers", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin andChris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) released a videothanking health care workers in Maryland and across America for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nMore than 20 million people work in the health care industry in the United States, including health care technicians, practitioners, physicians, surgeons, registered nurses, nursing assistants, home health and personal care aides, pharmacists, and others making the health care and social assistance sector the largest employer in the country.\n\nThe once in a century COVID-19 pandemic hit our health care system hard, disrupting care in ways we were not prepared for. Health care workers lacked sufficient access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and have continued to bravely provide care while being put at considerable risk on the frontlines during the pandemic. Despite precautions, health care workers made up about 7 to 26 percent of COVID-19 cases in any state. In April, it was reported that more than 3,600 health care workers had died from the virus. So many put their lives on the line to treat, care for, and keep our communities safe.\n\nHealth care workers treated nearly 225,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, fighting tooth and nail to save the lives of our loved ones. They have worked long shifts and worked multiple days in a row without a break. Helping to vaccinate millions throughout the country, health care workers continue to treat patients as the Delta variant devastates our country.\n\n\"We cannot thank our health care heroes enough. They were our heroes before the pandemic, and it is especially true now. They have made the difference. Please join Team Maryland and thank the health care heroes that have made a difference in your life,\" the lawmakers said.\n\nThe full video can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-kweisi-mfume-passing-h-r-2119-family-violence-and", "Statement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume on the Passing of H. R. 2119, Family Violence and Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - The following statement was issued by Congressman Kweisi Mfume, (MD-07).\n\n\"Yesterday, I joined my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass H. R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021 (FVPSA), maintaining a 40-year legacy of providing assistance for domestic violence survivors.\"\n\n\"I voted in favor of the FVPSA because I believe that survivors of every color, class, and creed should be given federally-funded support. The recent uptick in domestic violence reports must be addressed by increasing prevention efforts and providing the financial resources to leave abusive situations. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act on this critical measure to ensure victims receive the support they need.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-thanks-health-care-workers", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Thanks Health Care Workers", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) released a video thanking health care workers in Maryland and across America for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nMore than 20 million people work in the health care industry in the United States, including health care technicians, practitioners, physicians, surgeons, registered nurses, nursing assistants, home health and personal care aides, pharmacists, and others making the health care and social assistance sector the largest employer in the country.\n\nThe once in a century COVID-19 pandemic hit our health care system hard, disrupting care in ways we were not prepared for. Health care workers lacked sufficient access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and have continued to bravely provide care while being put at considerable risk on the frontlines during the pandemic. Despite precautions, health care workers made up about 7 to 26 percent of COVID-19 cases in any state. In April, it was reported that more than 3,600 health care workers had died from the virus. So many put their lives on the line to treat, care for, and keep our communities safe.\n\nHealth care workers treated nearly 225,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, fighting tooth and nail to save the lives of our loved ones. They have worked long shifts and worked multiple days in a row without a break. Helping to vaccinate millions throughout the country, health care workers continue to treat patients as the Delta variant devastates our country.\n\n\u201cWe cannot thank our health care heroes enough. They were our heroes before the pandemic, and it is especially true now. They have made the difference. Please join Team Maryland and thank the health care heroes that have made a difference in your life,\u201d the lawmakers said.\n\nThe full video can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/merkley-raskin-lead-colleagues-to-push-back-on-dirty-hydrogen-energy-in-climate-deal", "Raskin, Merkley Lead Colleagues to Push Back on Dirty Hydrogen Energy in Climate Deal", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Oregon\u2019s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) are leading a bicameral group of members of Congress to push back on subsidies for dirty hydrogen in the Build Back Better plan.\n\nAs lawmakers work to hammer out a deal before the upcoming Glasgow climate summit, it is critical that the Build Back Better framework includes strong climate action that puts the U.S. on track to meet the Biden administration\u2019s ambitious carbon reduction goals. Unfortunately, recent science has suggested that hydrogen energy derived from fossil fuels may be even worse for the climate than traditional fossil fuels\u2014yet subsidies for dirty hydrogen energy are still reportedly being considered for the climate component of the Build Back Better package.\n\nMerkley and Raskin were joined by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Andy Levin (D-MI-09), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY-16), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Mondaire Jones (D-NY-17), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-10), Chuy Garcia (D-IL-04), Cori Bush (D-MO-01), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Mark Takano (D-CA-41), Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NY-12), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07).\n\n\u201cWe have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create high quality American jobs and tackle climate chaos by delivering on President Biden\u2019s goal of cutting our greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030,\u201d the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. \u201cIn order to achieve this ambitious goal and avert the worst impacts of climate chaos, we must invest in truly clean energy and reject empty promises from the fossil fuel industry. Hydrogen has been touted as a \u201czero-emission,\u201d alternative energy source in our clean energy transition, but recent peer reviewed science has found that fossil fuel-based hydrogen might have greater greenhouse gas impacts than traditional fossil fuels. As policymakers, we must be attentive to the reality that not all hydrogen is clean and reject efforts to further subsidize dirty hydrogen in the Build Back Better Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we look to make significant investments in our clean energy future, we need to ensure that we are not investing in energy sources that could worsen greenhouse gas emissions,\u201d they continued. \u201cFalse solutions have already cost us precious time in our fight against climate chaos. We cannot afford to subsidize hydrogen production with a carbon footprint worse than that of coal or natural gas. Thank you for your attention to this issue as we work towards a truly clean energy future.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers\u2019 letter was endorsed by 350.org, Alliance for Affordable Energy, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, EarthJustice, Food & Water Watch, Friends of the Earth, Ocean Conservancy, Progressive Democrats of America, and the Sierra Club.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and follows below.\n\n###\n\nDear Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer:\n\nWe have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create high quality American jobs and tackle climate chaos by delivering on President Biden\u2019s goal of cutting our greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.[1] In order to achieve this ambitious goal and avert the worst impacts of climate chaos, we must invest in truly clean energy and reject empty promises from the fossil fuel industry. Hydrogen has been touted as a \u201czero-emission,\u201d alternative energy source in our clean energy transition, but recent peer reviewed science has found that fossil fuel-based hydrogen might have greater greenhouse gas impacts than traditional fossil fuels. As policymakers, we must be attentive to the reality that not all hydrogen is clean and reject efforts to further subsidize dirty hydrogen in the Build Back Better Act.\n\nThe vast majority of Americans recognize the existential threat posed by climate change, and support a rapid transition to 100% clean, renewable energy.[2] Clean hydrogen may have an important role to play in decarbonizing sectors of our economy where it would be extremely difficult to do so with other technologies. There\u2019s just one problem: current hydrogen production is not at all \u201cclean.\u201d In fact, 95% of hydrogen produced in the U.S. comes from fossil fuels.\n\nWhen fossil fuel-based hydrogen is paired with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to trap emissions, it is referred to as \u201cblue hydrogen.\u201d \u201cGreen hydrogen,\u201d made from 100% renewable energy by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules accounts for less than 0.02% of global hydrogen production.[3] Blue hydrogen may have a larger greenhouse gas footprint than natural gas, coal, or diesel on a life-cycle basis, according to a recent peer-reviewed study by researchers from Cornell University and Stanford University.[4] In fact, blue hydrogen production may result in higher methane emissions than natural gas, diesel, oil, and coal. This is an extremely important finding because \u201cwe cannot achieve the Paris Agreement targets without immediately reducing methane,\u201d according to a United Nations report published this year.[5]\n\nHydrogen produced through steam methane reformation emits health-harming pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds.[6] The burning of hydrogen is also a significant source of nitrogen oxides, which contributes to respiratory and heart diseases. The expansion of fossil-fuel based hydrogen would inevitably harm disproportionately low-income communities and communities of color because these are the same communities which have carried the weight of fossil fuel pollution for generations.\n\nAs we look to make significant investments in our clean energy future, we need to ensure that we are not investing in energy sources that could worsen greenhouse gas emissions. False solutions have already cost us precious time in our fight against climate chaos. We cannot afford to subsidize hydrogen production with a carbon footprint worse than that of coal or natural gas. Thank you for your attention to this issue as we work towards a truly clean energy future.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/raskin-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-honoring-respiratory-therapists", "Raskin Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Respiratory Therapists", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the significant contributions that respiratory therapists have made during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nThe introduction of the bipartisan resolution falls during National Respiratory Care Week and demonstrates Congress\u2019s continued support for the exceptional respiratory therapists who live and work in our communities. Respiratory therapists are critical members of the COVID-19 care team and have faced significant hardships throughout the pandemic.\n\n\u201cRespiratory therapists have saved countless lives over the course of the pandemic through their heroic efforts and self-sacrifice. They deserve our thanks and praise,\u201d said Rep. Raskin. \u201cThe work that respiratory therapists carry out is essential to maintaining a strong health care system, and their contributions have become even more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. I\u2019m introducing this resolution to bring attention to the crucial role respiratory therapists play in our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is grateful to Representative Raskin for his recognition of the contributions respiratory therapists have made in saving the lives of the most vulnerable during the pandemic and to celebrate the contributions they make every day in caring for those with chronic respiratory disease,\u201d said Sheri Tooley, President of the American Association for Respiratory Care. \u201cOur motto is \u2018Resilience, Strength, and Hope.\u2019 To introduce this resolution during National Respiratory Care Week is especially fitting since the invaluable contributions respiratory therapists bring to the health care system often go unrecognized. On behalf of the respiratory care profession, we thank you for introducing this important legislation.\u201d\n\nThe resolution recognizes respiratory therapists\u2019 work to care for patients in critical need during the COVID-19 public health emergency. It also recognizes respiratory therapists for the essential work they do every day to care for individuals who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, emphysema and lung cancer.\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-more-2-million-local", "Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $2 Million for Local Government Crime Prevention Programs", "2021-10-26", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin andChris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all Md.) today announced $2,076,666 in federal funding to bolster crime prevention programs for local governments across the state.\n\nThis funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and will be used for crime prevention through drug treatment, prevention and education, mental health, law enforcement, witness and crime victim, and crisis intervention team programs.\n\n\"Making our communities safer for Maryland families goes well beyond law enforcement; it requires a comprehensive approach that includes crime prevention strategies. That's why investments like this in resources, initiatives, and strategies that are successful in curbing crime before it happens and promoting greater community safety are so vital,\" the lawmakers said. \"We will continue to secure federal resources to assist our local communities in improving public safety across Maryland.\"\n\nAwardees include:\n\n$150,462 for Anne Arundel County for the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council\n\n$959,956 for the City of Baltimore for the Baltimore Police Department\n\n$404,096 for Baltimore County to partially fund the salaries of six Police Officer positions and one Criminal Records Clerk position hired under a previous award\n\n$11,337 for the City of Cambridge for the Cambridge-Dorchester BJAG\n\n$14,802 for Cecil County for life-saving protective equipment and radar units\n\n$45,626 for Charles County to increase officer safety and drug court support program\n\n$12,391 for the City of Cumberland in partnership with the Allegany County Sheriff's Office to improve police services\n\n$43,631 for the City of Frederick for equipment purchases to facilitate productivity\n\n$26,389 for Harford County for radar and traffic data gathering\n\n$53,332 for Howard County's saturation patrol funding, equipment purchases, and training\n\n$122,049 for Montgomery County through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program\n\n$167,177 for Prince George's County's public safety initiative to continue funding all public safety agencies\n\n$24,726 for the City of Salisbury's police department\n\n$17,075 for St. Mary's County for the purchase of a Polaris Ranger Side-by-Side Utility Task Vehicle to navigate rural areas\n\n$23,617 for Washington County for holiday and community events, traffic enforcement initiatives, crime prevention patrols, and equipment purchases\n\nThe Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Program allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/committee-democrats-request-information-on-dod-efforts-to-track-and-prevent-theft-of-military-weapons", "Committee Democrats Request Information on DOD Efforts to Track and Prevent Theft  of Military Weapons", "2021-10-25", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (October 25, 2021)\u2014 Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, and Rep. Robin Kelly, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, and Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III requesting information on how the Department of Defense (DOD) and military departments are working to improve their ability to keep track of military weapons and equipment to better prevent their loss, theft, and use in violent crimes against American citizens.\n\n\u201cGiven the epidemic of gun violence spreading across the United States, which has claimed more than 35,000 lives so far this year, we appreciate that Pentagon leadership is committed to addressing this challenge,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cNevertheless, we are concerned that DOD has seemingly not yet developed a coherent strategy to improve its ability to account for military weapons and equipment.\u201d\n\nIn June 2021, the Associated Press reported that at least 1,900 military firearms were lost or stolen between 2010 and 2019. In 2018, a pistol reportedly belonging to the U.S. Army was linked to four shootings in Albany, New York. Stolen Army assault rifles were used in a 2016 robbery in Boston. Rifles taken from Fort Irwin in 2011 were recovered in the home of a California gang member in 2019.\n\nThe Members also expressed concern about how some military departments, including the Army and Air Force, employ Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to help inventory firearms, even as some cybersecurity experts warn that RFID tags can be detected from significant distances, potentially endangering the safety and security of U.S. military personnel abroad.\n\nThe Members requested that DOD and the military departments provide the Committee with a briefing by November 19, 2021, regarding steps being taken to better account for military equipment, firearms, and weapons, and an assessment of the use of RFID technology and its associated risks.\n\nClick here to read the letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/raskin-upton-mcbath-kim-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-incentivize-pet-food-donation-support-animal-shelters", "Raskin, Upton, McBath, Kim Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Incentivize Pet Food Donation, Support Animal Shelters", "2021-10-22", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08), a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, and Representatives Fred Upton (MI-06), Lucy McBath (GA-06) and Young Kim (CA-39) introduced the bipartisan Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act, to provide liability protections for pet suppliers donating food and supplies to animal shelters. By eliminating a current donation deterrent, the BARK Act would help recover millions of pounds of food waste for animal shelters in need.\n\n\u201cNo shelter pet should go hungry, especially not when pet stores nationwide are throwing away surplus food,\u201d said Rep. Raskin. \u201cWe can empower pet stores to instead donate to animal shelters by removing bureaucratic disincentives. The BARK Act will give pet stores the same protections that grocery stores and markets already have when donating to food banks. This is a commonsense, bipartisan way to increase efficiency, reduce waste and promote charity for animals. I\u2019m thankful to Reps. Upton, McBath and Kim for joining me in this effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cAnimal shelters are a real lifeline for the tens of thousands of dogs, cats, birds, and other pets that would otherwise have no home,\u201d said Rep. Upton. \u201cDuring the COVID pandemic, these shelters faced major food shortages \u2013 particularly as donations plummeted due to virus-related restrictions \u2013 but other reforms must be made to shore up pet food supplies. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to support this bipartisan legislation that will lessen restrictions on crucial donations, easily allow folks to deliver pet food to shelters, and benefit animals nationwide.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile the last year and half saw increased pet adoption activity nationwide, it also revealed a critical need to bolster pet food supplies for these animal shelters,\u201d said Rep. McBath. \u201cIn the face of COVID-related challenges, the BARK Act will eliminate barriers, mitigate waste, and direct surplus pet food to shelters in need. I am proud to support bipartisan legislation that will nurture America\u2019s shelter animals as they await adoption to their forever homes.\u201d\n\n\u201cNearly 8 million animals currently in shelters are struggling due to increased food shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, millions of pounds of useable pet supplies are wasted each year that could be going to animals in need,\u201d said Rep. Kim. \u201cI\u2019m glad to help lead this commonsense, bipartisan effort to reduce waste in landfills and support animal shelters in need.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed, there is a tremendous need for innovative, flexible and resilient supply chains. For community animal shelters and rescues located across the country, that includes critical resources like pet food,\u201d said Katie Kraska, director of federal legislation for the ASPCA. \u201cThe ASPCA applauds Rep. Jamie Raskin and the bipartisan leadership team for introducing the BARK Act to create more options for commercial pet food donations for agencies that care for dogs, cats, and other vulnerable animals in need.\u201d\n\n\u201cSome animal shelters are juggling finances to ensure rescued cats and dogs have all they need to thrive and find their permanent homes. We applaud Representatives Raskin, Kim, McBath and Upton for sponsoring the BARK Act to encourage pet stores to donate food and supplies to shelters to help those animals to be adopted,\u201d said Sara Amundson, President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. \u201cAmericans love their pets and this will help all of them to have a fighting chance at a forever family.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Animal Welfare Institute is grateful to Reps. Raskin, Kim, McBath, and Upton for acting so quickly to respond to a genuine crisis for animal shelters,\u201d said Nancy Blaney, Director of Government Affairs at the Animal Welfare Institute. \u201cBy removing a barrier to donations of surplus pet supplies from pet stores, the BARK Act will make it easier for shelters to continue their important work of caring for animals and helping them to find their forever homes.\u201d\n\n\u201cThank you, Representatives Raskin, Kim, McBath and Upton for sponsoring the much-needed BARK Act, encouraging pet stores to donate food and supplies to shelters in need,\u201d said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. \u201cThis infusion of resources means budget strapped shelters can divert those dollars to other critical lifesaving programs. Every animal deserves a second chance at life when entering a shelter, and the BARK Act will make that dream a closer reality.\"\n\nEvery year, pet stores throw away tons of expired pet food instead of donating to animal shelters out of fear that they can be held legally liable by the shelters. And in recent months, animal shelters around the country have reported overcrowding, concerns about running low on pet food and a drop-off in charitable donations during the pandemic. The BARK Act would help mitigate the food shortages facing shelters, while also helping to reduce the millions of pounds of pet food that end up wasted in landfills each year.\n\nThe BARK Act amends the bipartisan Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act of 1996 (Emerson Act), which provides criminal and civil liability protections to people and businesses that make good faith donations of food to nonprofits serving needy individuals, to include donations of pet food and supplies to animal shelters.\n\nThe BARK Act has the support of 20 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and has been endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute, the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society.\n\nTo read the full text of the bill, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-kweisi-mfume-passing-house-resolution-730-finding", "Statement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume on the Passing of House Resolution 730 Finding Stephen K. Bannon in Contempt of Congress", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The following statement was issued by Congressman Kweisi Mfume, (MD-07).\n\n\"Today, I joined my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass House Resolution 730, finding Stephen K. Bannon in contempt of Congress for refusing to produce documents or appear for a deposition before the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol as directed by subpoena.\"\n\n\"The attack on the Capitol on January 6th was a dark day for our Democracy, and those who encouraged the seditionists' invasion must be held accountable. I voted to find Stephen K. Bannon in contempt of Congress because I believe in protecting due process and the rule of law. I look forward to supporting the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack as they conduct their investigation.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-applauds-sba-approval-of-maryland-disaster-relief-for-tropical-depression-ida", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Applauds SBA Approval of Maryland Disaster Relief for Tropical Depression Ida", "2021-10-19", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, and Senator Chris Van Hollen, along with Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone today applauded the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for approving the State of Maryland\u2019s request for a physical disaster declaration due to damage from Tropical Depression Ida. This declaration qualifies eligible homeowners, businesses, and nonprofit organizations for SBA disaster assistance programs, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), to assist with costs associated with physical damage or economic injury caused by the storm.\n\n\u201cTropical Depression Ida devastated many communities across Maryland, further straining local resources. Federal assistance is needed to rebuild these neighborhoods,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cFederal Team Maryland applauds the SBA for granting the state\u2019s disaster request to make homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits harmed by this storm eligible for SBA disaster assistance programs, including low-cost, long-term EIDL loans. This aid will be critical to a swift recovery.\u201d\n\nFrom August 31 to September 4 of this year, Tropical Depression Ida caused tornadoes and flash flooding in several counties in Maryland, damaging nearly 200 homes and businesses across the state.\n\nThe disaster declaration includes the counties most affected by the storm\u2014Anne Arundel, Cecil, and Montgomery\u2014as well as contiguous counties, including Baltimore, Calvert, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Prince George\u2019s, and Baltimore City.\n\nOn Monday, the delegation sent a letter to SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman urging the agency to approve the state\u2019s request.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kweisi-mfume-and-senator-ben-cardin-spotlight-importance-better", "Congressman Kweisi Mfume and Senator Ben Cardin Spotlight Importance of Better Protecting Witnesses in Criminal Cases", "2021-10-18", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ELLICOTT CITY \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Kweisi Mfume were joined by Howard County State's Attorney Richard Gibson, Jr., to discuss the importance of better protecting witnesses in criminal cases from intimidation and violence.\n\nSenator Cardin and Congressman Mfume recently have introduced legislation, the Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act, which would establish and strengthen witness protection programs through competitive grants to local and state jurisdictions. The legislation (S. 2958/H. 5528) authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to distribute $150 million in grants over five years for programs nationwide that would protect witnesses in violent felony cases, including homicides, serious drug offenses, and gang-related crimes.\n\n\"Witness intimidation happens. It's so difficult to get witnesses to come forward. We hope that this legislation will give tools for local governments such as Howard County and throughout the country to protect those that had the courage to come forward, so we can get these violent criminals off the street,\" Senator Cardin said.\n\n\"For too long, the stop-snitching culture and the act of witness intimidation has dominated cities across the nation and has dominated communities over and over again, depriving law enforcement of the tools we need to get criminals off our streets. We anticipate a new day in Maryland and a new day in our nation when it comes to helping local prosecutors to get witnesses to court safely to testify in criminal cases,\" Congressman Mfume said.\n\n\"As a career prosecutor, I can tell you public safety requires public involvement. It is not a spectator sport. In order to ensure a safe society, we need people in the community to speak up when they observe criminal activity. When people do the right thing and act as our brother's keeper, we need to be able to do our part to ensure their safety. Financial barriers should not be an impediment to a prosecutor's ability to preserve the safety of those who help us to maintain a safe, law-abiding community,\" said Howard County State's Attorney Rich Gibson.\n\nThe three leaders were joined by front line worker in the prosecution of criminal cases, 17-year-veteran victims' advocate, Rebecca Marcolini, Director of Victim and Witness Services, Felony Division of the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office who said: \"Passing this bill into law could help fund the crucial temporary housing they need, transportation to move them out of danger's way, taxis to and from court, and more.\"\n\n\"Passing this bill into law will also help solidify protocol and best practices in witness protection across the county. It's time to provide the proper support needed to keep community members safe when they take the step forward to speak up, to protect us all,\" she added.\n\nState's Attorney Rich Gibson is the sitting president of the Maryland State's Attorneys Association.\n\nThe Witness Security bill has received endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Center for Victims of Crime, the National Children's Alliance, the National District Attorneys Association, and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-kweisi-mfume-passing-general-colin-l-powell", "Statement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume on the Passing of General Colin L. Powell", "2021-10-18", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 With the passing of Colin L. Powell, America lost a great leader and public servant. General Powell blazed a trail for others to follow as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, then as U.S. Secretary of State. He won bipartisan respect at home and around the globe because of his integrity.\n\nMy prayers go out to Alma and the entire Powell family as we celebrate the remarkable life of a true American. General Powell's humility and dedication to the American ideal never faltered. He will be missed.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-usda-wastewater-treatment-loan-talbot-county", "Harris Announces USDA Wastewater Treatment Loan to Talbot County", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced the approval of a $600,000 USDA loan to Talbot County to finance critical repairs at the Region II Wastewater Treatment Plant. According to USDA \"The ability to completely dry the sludge will result in increased processing efficiency at the plant and eliminate the need to have the unprocessed sludge sent off-site for treatment, which resulted in additional costs for hauling and disposal.\"\n\nRep. Andy Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"USDA loans like this are critical to allowing our rural communities to upgrade their infrastructure at a price that doesn't result in a spike in taxes on local residents. These repairs will allow the County to improve wastewater processing efficiency and save money both in the short term and long term.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-more-36-million-chesapeake", "Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $3.6 Million for Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Projects", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 15, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin andChris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $3,683,392 in federal funding to support habitat restoration, habitat management, planning and implementation of projects in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay watershed. Maryland received more than one-third of the $10 million in new investments announced throughout the six watershed states and the District of Columbia.\n\n\"The healthier the Chesapeake Bay, the healthier our communities,\" said the lawmakers. \"This funding is an important step in maintaining and growing one of our region's most valuable natural resources. We must continue to work together as a community to reduce pollution and restore habitat in the Chesapeake Bay and local waters that support a strong economy and a balanced ecosystem.\n\nFunding comes National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Chesapeake Bay Program Office. These federal resources will be leveraged for local restoration projects, including restoring habitats, improving waterways, cleaning up and restoring polluted rivers, strengthening wildlife species and implementing water quality improvement practices across the watershed. Awardees include:\n\n$1,131,439 for Habitat Restoration. Awardees include:\n\n$360,124 for Trout Unlimited to protect and restore the brook trout habitat in the Savage River Watershed by reducing runoff that pollutes and harms waterways, while helping local farmers improve their productivity.\n\n$125,173 for St. Mary's River Watershed Association to help restore oyster habitats by recruiting volunteers to create oyster habitat structures, and manage and monitor oyster habitats in prioritized shellfish sanctuary areas.\n\n$400,000 for Washington College to establish native grass buffers to trap pollutants and pesticides as well as restore wetlands in Maryland's lower Eastern Shore.\n\n$246,142 for Ridge to Reefs to monitor and limit nitrate levels in contaminated water to ensure optimal plant and algae growth.\n\n$2,377,098 for Habitat Management. Awardees include:\n\n$200,785 for Greater Grace World Outreach to plant 100 community trees to create micro-bioretention areas and a micro-bioretention system. Micro-bioretention areas are landscaping features that filter rainwater and improve water quality.\n\n$302,750 for Future Harvest to improve soil health and water quality through soil management and crop production. This will help 12 farms on the Eastern Shore adopt site-specific cover cropping strategies.\n\n$379,430 for Chesapeake Bay Foundation for \"whole farm\" technical assistance and financial incentives to engage volunteers to plant trees, create buffers, and to educate local communities about regenerative agriculture.\n\n$364,586 for the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy to encourage local business to plant native trees, create rain gardens or micro-bioretention areas to filter water, improve water quality, and to increase engagement in the local community.\n\n$268,871 for Blue Water Baltimore to improve water quality in Baltimore County on private property by installing projects to reduce watershed pollution. This will help Baltimore County reach its watershed improvement plan goals and help motivate homeowners to plant trees in their yard and educate residents about pollution detection in local streams.\n\n$167,807 for Defensores de la Cuenca to create workshops for Spanish speakers, educating them on watershed issues with hands-on experience.\n\n$53,609 for Shorerivers to create volunteer led tree planting projects in Sassafras, Chester, Miles-Wye and Choptank River Watersheds. This project will partner with the Tree Stewards program to help train volunteers and conduct outreach to encourage others to plant native trees.\n\n$500,000 for Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to promote best practices for maintaining management and improving water quality in the Anacostia Watershed. This will be done through a virtual maintenance resource center, inspections, cost-share maintenance services, and a neighborhood volunteer program.\n\n$59,374 for The Sixth Branch to build \"One Green Acre,\" a tree nursery and community hub in the Broadway East neighborhood. This will create a unique tree farm, nursery, community hub and center for workforce development that will return native-tree production to Baltimore City.\n\n$79,886 for Shorerivers to engage three underrepresented communities from across Maryland's Choptank watershed in implementing restoration projects that will improve water quality, address resource concerns such as stormwater flooding, and enhance private lands and shared spaces.\n\n$174,855 for Planning, Research and Monitoring. Awardees include:\n\n$49,998 for the Carroll County Government's Bureau of Resource Management to develop a comprehensive watershed assessment and prioritization process. It will evaluate the needs and opportunities for restoration projects to improve the water quality in the Little Pipe Creek sub-watershed in Carroll County.\n\n$25,011 for the Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States to design a conservation landscape and rain garden for the Audubon Naturalist Society's Woodend Nature Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, Maryland. It will also create a program to train the owners and employees of small and underrepresented landscape contracting companies in the construction of conservation landscapes and rain gardens.\n\n$49,935 for Baltimore Municipal Golf Corp to develop an environmental master plan for the Forest Park Golf Course in Baltimore City by identifying the highest priority stormwater management project.\n\n$49,911 for American Forests to build a deep-dive Tree Equity Score Analyzer (TESA) tool for use across the greater Washington metropolitan region. This will provide a way to assess which communities could significantly benefit from the addition of trees to their landscape and will then focus resources on communities of highest need to improve tree canopy.\n\nAdditional information about the Grants to Restore the Chesapeake Bay Watershed can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-more-than-600-000-for-community-policing-development-programs", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $600,000 for Community Policing Development Programs", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $603,327 in federal funding to bolster de-escalation and crisis intervention training for police departments across the state.\n\n\u201cCultivating meaningful and trusting relationships between law enforcement personnel and the communities they protect is essential,\" the lawmakers said. \"This new round of federal funding will provide for important crisis intervention training so that our officers can increase de-escalation techniques to help keep residents and our streets safe. These funds will supplement the recent police reform legislation passed in the Maryland General Assembly. We will continue working in Congress to advance the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and fund programs to strengthen Maryland\u2019s community policing models, effective practices and outcomes.\"\n\nFunding comes from the Department of Justice\u2019s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) through Fiscal Year 2021 Funds. Awardees include:\n\n$230,000 for the City of Hyattsville Crisis Intervention Teams\n\n$199,052 for Baltimore County De-Escalation Law Enforcement Agency\n\n$105,158 for the City of Salisbury De-Escalation Law Enforcement Agency\n\n$69,117 for the City of Annapolis De-Escalation Law Enforcement Agency\n\nAwards will be used to develop the abilities of law enforcement to implement community policing by providing guidance on de-escalation and crisis intervention practices and supporting new approaches to prevent crime and promote safe communities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/subcommittees-release-memo-detailing-health-risks-from-tear-gas-and-lack-of-federal-regulation", "Subcommittees Release Memo Detailing Health Risks from Tear Gas and Lack of Federal Regulation", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (October 14, 2021)\u2014Today, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, and Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, released a staff memo revealing that the federal government does not regulate the use of tear gas on humans and has never determined if such use is safe. The memo also found that tear gas manufacturers have willingly taken advantage of the lack of federal tear gas regulation and that the health effects of tear gas on humans is still woefully understudied.\n\n\u201cIn the wake of nationwide protests against racial injustice in 2020, federal law enforcement agents deployed by the Trump Administration used tear gas on peaceful protesters, as did law enforcement agencies in 100 cities across the United States. Despite the frequent weaponization of tear gas against protestors, there are still insufficient studies on its long-term health effects. This investigation has revealed a complete void in the regulation of tear gas, a weapon that is banned in war yet commonly used against U.S. citizens,\u201d said the Chairs.\n\n\u201cTear gas is not an inconvenience, it is a weapon of war. I know what it\u2019s like to have tear gas fired at me \u2014 my eyes, skin, and lungs burning in the fog of that horrific weapon \u2014 and to desperately search for something to relieve the terrible pain,\u201d said Rep. Cori Bush, a Member of the Subcommittees on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and Economic and Consumer Policy. \u201cFor too long, tear gas has been abused by law enforcement. I thank Oversight Subcommittee Chairs Krishnamoorthi and Raskin and my colleague Rep. Ocasio-Cortez for their partnership in prioritizing my request to investigate tear gas and its use on protesters. This memorandum makes clear what so many of us already know: that tear gas is dangerous, and despite this, manufacturers have continued to profit off its sale, and law enforcement agencies have had free rein to use it against protesters across the country. This unregulated, violent, and deadly chemical weapon can cause long-lasting health damage to activists, including asthma, respiratory failure, and even death. It is past time our nation reckoned with its ongoing history of racial, social, economic, and environmental violence. America must correct its failures. Until then, activists like me will continue to show up in the streets \u2014 not because we want to, but because it is what is necessary to build the just, safe, and equitable country we all deserve. For protest to truly be a right, we must ensure that we are never again met with weapons of war on our streets.\u201d\n\nThe memo summarizes findings and documents from relevant federal agencies and from three major tear gas manufacturers as part of the Subcommittees\u2019 investigation into the human health effects of tear gas and how the federal government regulates its uses.\n\nBelow are highlights from the memo:\n\nThe federal government does not regulate the safety of tear gas used against people in the United States and has not conducted epidemiological research to determine whether it is safe to use.\n\nThe limited studies that have been conducted on the health effects of tear gas show that risks from exposure include acute respiratory illness and gastrointestinal and menstrual effects.\n\nU.S. tear gas manufacturers acknowledge that tear gas is dangerous and that \u201cinjury and/or damage can be expected,\u201d whenever it is used.\n\nU.S. tear gas manufacturers have earned significant revenue from selling tear gas products, despite the known serious risks tear gas poses to human health and safety.\n\nIn the absence of federal guidance, manufacturers and law enforcement have free rein to self-regulate. Tear gas manufacturers defer to law enforcement, and some law enforcement associations have failed to implement strict standards for tear gas use, with one association claiming law enforcement does not need a \u201cformula\u201d to determine whether it is safe to use tear gas because they \u201cdon\u2019t need a formula to use other forms of force.\u201d\n\nIn June 2021, Chairman Krishnamoorthi, Chairman Raskin, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Rep. Cori Bush sent letters to the three leading tear gas manufacturers requesting documents and information regarding the safety of tear gas products manufactured by their companies. The Members also sent letters to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan seeking information on federal oversight of the use of tear gas products on humans.\n\nClick here to read today\u2019s staff memo.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/subcommittees-release-memo-detailing-health-risks-from-tear-gas-and-lack-of-federal-regulation/a5b01736-1f0e-4579-a16a-4f40b5b2c98b", "Subcommittees Release Memo Detailing Health Risks from Tear Gas and Lack of Federal Regulation", "2021-10-14", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (October 14, 2021)\u2014Today, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, and Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, released a staff memo revealing that the federal government does not regulate the use of tear gas on humans and has never determined if such use is safe. The memo also found that tear gas manufacturers have willingly taken advantage of the lack of federal tear gas regulation and that the health effects of tear gas on humans is still woefully understudied.\n\n\u201cIn the wake of nationwide protests against racial injustice in 2020, federal law enforcement agents deployed by the Trump Administration used tear gas on peaceful protesters, as did law enforcement agencies in 100 cities across the United States. Despite the frequent weaponization of tear gas against protestors, there are still insufficient studies on its long-term health effects. This investigation has revealed a complete void in the regulation of tear gas, a weapon that is banned in war yet commonly used against U.S. citizens,\u201d said the Chairs.\n\n\u201cTear gas is not an inconvenience, it is a weapon of war. I know what it\u2019s like to have tear gas fired at me \u2014 my eyes, skin, and lungs burning in the fog of that horrific weapon \u2014 and to desperately search for something to relieve the terrible pain,\u201d said Rep. Cori Bush, a Member of the Subcommittees on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and Economic and Consumer Policy. \u201cFor too long, tear gas has been abused by law enforcement. I thank Oversight Subcommittee Chairs Krishnamoorthi and Raskin and my colleague Rep. Ocasio-Cortez for their partnership in prioritizing my request to investigate tear gas and its use on protesters. This memorandum makes clear what so many of us already know: that tear gas is dangerous, and despite this, manufacturers have continued to profit off its sale, and law enforcement agencies have had free rein to use it against protesters across the country. This unregulated, violent, and deadly chemical weapon can cause long-lasting health damage to activists, including asthma, respiratory failure, and even death. It is past time our nation reckoned with its ongoing history of racial, social, economic, and environmental violence. America must correct its failures. Until then, activists like me will continue to show up in the streets \u2014 not because we want to, but because it is what is necessary to build the just, safe, and equitable country we all deserve. For protest to truly be a right, we must ensure that we are never again met with weapons of war on our streets.\u201d\n\nThe memo summarizes findings and documents from relevant federal agencies and from three major tear gas manufacturers as part of the Subcommittees\u2019 investigation into the human health effects of tear gas and how the federal government regulates its uses.\n\nBelow are highlights from the memo:\n\nThe federal government does not regulate the safety of tear gas used against people in the United States and has not conducted epidemiological research to determine whether it is safe to use.\n\nThe limited studies that have been conducted on the health effects of tear gas show that risks from exposure include acute respiratory illness and gastrointestinal and menstrual effects.\n\nU.S. tear gas manufacturers acknowledge that tear gas is dangerous and that \u201cinjury and/or damage can be expected,\u201d whenever it is used.\n\nU.S. tear gas manufacturers have earned significant revenue from selling tear gas products, despite the known serious risks tear gas poses to human health and safety.\n\nIn the absence of federal guidance, manufacturers and law enforcement have free rein to self-regulate. Tear gas manufacturers defer to law enforcement, and some law enforcement associations have failed to implement strict standards for tear gas use, with one association claiming law enforcement does not need a \u201cformula\u201d to determine whether it is safe to use tear gas because they \u201cdon\u2019t need a formula to use other forms of force.\u201d\n\nIn June 2021, Chairman Krishnamoorthi, Chairman Raskin, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Rep. Cori Bush sent letters to the three leading tear gas manufacturers requesting documents and information regarding the safety of tear gas products manufactured by their companies. The Members also sent letters to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan seeking information on federal oversight of the use of tear gas products on humans.\n\nClick here to read today\u2019s staff memo.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-law-enforcement-grants-local-jurisdictions", "Harris Announces Law Enforcement Grants to Local Jurisdictions", "2021-10-13", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced the award of $77,254 in federal grants to four local jurisdictions in Maryland's First Congressional District. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice and the funds will be dispersed through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Specific funding amounts are outlined below:\n\nCity of Cambridge \u2013 $11,337\n\nCity of Salisbury \u2013 $24,726\n\nCecil County \u2013 $14,802\n\nHarford County \u2013 $26,389\n\nThe Byrne JAG distributes federal funding for a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime. According to the Department of Justice, these grant funds can be used for \"state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following program areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs\" and \"8) mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs.\"\n\nRep. Andy Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"Despite violent crime on the rise nationwide, some in Congress are still pushing to defund the police. Thankfully, this round of funding will directly fund local police and improve their ability to serve and protect us. I am proud to support our local law enforcement and grants like these have my full support.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-applauds-addition-several-md-sites", "Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Applauds the Addition of Several MD Sites to the National Underground Railroad Network", "2021-10-08", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all Md.) released the following statement applauding the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom's addition of Mount Clare Station, Henry Massey Escape Site, Elkridge Furnace Ruins, and Eliza Howard Parker and Family Escape Site at Belle Vue Farm, to the Network:\n\n\"Maryland is proud of its rich history and deep involvement in freeing those who were enslaved through the Underground Railroad. The addition of these locations to the National Underground Railroad's Network to Freedom is an important honor and will help appropriately commemorate the crucial role Maryland played,\" said the lawmakers. \"We must continue to remember the courage of those who bravely sought freedom in the face of injustice, inequality, and the evil institution of slavery \u2013 as well as those who risked their lives to help provide this freedom to others. As we reflect on our history, we must continue the unfinished work of building a brighter future for all. We will keep fighting to ensure equal justice, equal rights, and equal opportunity for all.\"\n\nThe National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom is managed by the National Park Service. Its mission, through collaboration with local, state, and federal entities, as well as individuals and organizations, is to honor, preserve, and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, which continues to inspire people worldwide. The Network currently represents over 695 locations in 39 states, plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-more-12-million-american", "Mfume,   Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $12 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding to Renovate Community Health Centers", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.)today announced $12,211,150 in American Rescue Plan funding to support the construction, renovation, and expansion of local community health centers across the state.\n\n\"Community health centers play a vital role in delivering quality and affordable care to underserved populations, acting as essential pillars in their community,\" the lawmakers said. \"Their importance throughout the pandemic cannot be understated, helping our state fight against COVID-19 through vaccination drives, testing services, and clinical treatment. With this new round of federal funding, these facilities can make the long-term investments in health care infrastructure needed to serve Marylanders across the state and protect against future public health emergencies.\"\n\nThe award comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration through the Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements program, funded by the American Rescue Plan. Awardees include:\n\n$1,109,730 for Baltimore Medical System, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$1,006,541 for Three Lower Counties Community Services, Inc. (Salisbury)\n\n$940,880 for Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$870,300 for Total Health Care, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$867,895 for The Community Clinic, Inc. (Silver Spring)\n\n$829,065 for Choptank Community Health System, Inc. (Denton)\n\n$707,746 for Tri-State Community Health Center (Hancock)\n\n$703,000 for Greater Baden Medical Service, Inc. (Brandywine)\n\n$603,136 for Health Care for the Homeless, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$601,376 for West Cecil Health Center, Inc. (Conowingo)\n\n$594,644 for Walnut Street Community Health Center, Inc. (Hagerstown)\n\n$586,053 for Western Maryland Health Care Corporation (Oakland)\n\n$577,693 for Park West Health Systems Incorporated (Baltimore)\n\n$565,000 for Owensville Primary Care, Inc. (West River)\n\n$558,465 for Family Health Centers of Baltimore, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$550,435 for Mobile Medical Care, Inc. (Bethesda)\n\n$539,191 for the City of Frederick (Frederick)\n\nMore information on the American Rescue Plan Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements funding can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-more-than-12-million-in-american-rescue-plan-funding-to-renovate-community-health-centers", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $12 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding to Renovate Community Health Centers", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Jamie Raskin, along with U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $12,211,150 in American Rescue Plan funding to support the construction, renovation, and expansion of local community health centers across the state.\n\n\u201cCommunity health centers play a vital role in delivering quality and affordable care to underserved populations, acting as essential pillars in their community,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cTheir importance throughout the pandemic cannot be understated, helping our state fight against COVID-19 through vaccination drives, testing services, and clinical treatment. With this new round of federal funding, these facilities can make the long-term investments in health care infrastructure needed to serve Marylanders across the state and protect against future public health emergencies.\u201d\n\nThe award comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration through the Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements program, funded by the American Rescue Plan. Awardees include:\n\n$1,109,730 for Baltimore Medical System, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$1,006,541 for Three Lower Counties Community Services, Inc. (Salisbury)\n\n$940,880 for Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$870,300 for Total Health Care, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$867,895 for The Community Clinic, Inc. (Silver Spring)\n\n$829,065 for Choptank Community Health System, Inc. (Denton)\n\n$707,746 for Tri-State Community Health Center (Hancock)\n\n$703,000 for Greater Baden Medical Service, Inc. (Brandywine)\n\n$603,136 for Health Care for the Homeless, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$601,376 for West Cecil Health Center, Inc. (Conowingo)\n\n$594,644 for Walnut Street Community Health Center, Inc. (Hagerstown)\n\n$586,053 for Western Maryland Health Care Corporation (Oakland)\n\n$577,693 for Park West Health Systems Incorporated (Baltimore)\n\n$565,000 for Owensville Primary Care, Inc. (West River)\n\n$558,465 for Family Health Centers of Baltimore, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$550,435 for Mobile Medical Care, Inc. (Bethesda)\n\n$539,191 for the City of Frederick (Frederick)\n\nMore information on the American Rescue Plan Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements funding can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-applauds-the-addition-of-several-md-sites-to-the-national-underground-railroad-network", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Applauds the Addition of Several MD Sites to the National Underground Railroad Network", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin, along with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown and David Trone (all Md.) released the following statement applauding the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom\u2019s addition of Mount Clare Station, Henry Massey Escape Site, Elkridge Furnace Ruins, and Eliza Howard Parker and Family Escape Site at Belle Vue Farm, to the Network:\n\n\u201cMaryland is proud of its rich history and deep involvement in freeing those who were enslaved through the Underground Railroad. The addition of these locations to the National Underground Railroad\u2019s Network to Freedom is an important honor and will help appropriately commemorate the crucial role Maryland played,\u201d said the lawmakers. \u201cWe must continue to remember the courage of those who bravely sought freedom in the face of injustice, inequality, and the evil institution of slavery \u2013 as well as those who risked their lives to help provide this freedom to others. As we reflect on our history, we must continue the unfinished work of building a brighter future for all. We will keep fighting to ensure equal justice, equal rights, and equal opportunity for all.\u201d\n\nThe National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom is managed by the National Park Service. Its mission, through collaboration with local, state, and federal entities, as well as individuals and organizations, is to honor, preserve, and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, which continues to inspire people worldwide. The Network currently represents over 695 locations in 39 states, plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-statement-regarding-marylands-25b", "Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Statement Regarding Maryland\u2019s $2.5B Budget Surplus", "2021-10-06", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, U.S. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) applaud Maryland's $2.5 billion budget surplus for Fiscal Year 2021. This surplus reflects the Maryland Congressional Delegation's broad success in securing a combined $11.9 billion of federal funding through the American Rescue Plan as well as billions more dollars to Maryland through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (\"CARES Act\") and COVID-Relief package passed by the U.S. Congress as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act in December 2020. Together, these bills provided $5.37 billion in direct, flexible funding for the State of Maryland under the Coronavirus Relief Fund and Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund.\n\nIn May of 2020, Maryland's fiscal future was grim. State projections indicated that Maryland would lose more than $1.2 billion in revenue in just a few months without responsible action by the federal government. By May 2023, Maryland was projected to have 100,000+ fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic. This was an abrupt reversal in economic fortunes and the fastest drop in economic indicators on record. There were even proposals to make drastic cuts to essential programs, including K-12 public school funding, community colleges, crime prevention services, public safety, state police and employee pay among other priorities with which Federal Team Maryland could not agree.\n\nThe Maryland Congressional Delegation focused on keeping Marylanders employed, businesses afloat, and families out of poverty, bringing almost $12 billion in federal funding to Maryland by passing the historic American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021. The Delegation has also worked to provide federal funding for key initiatives like broadband expansion, emergency rental assistance for tenants and landlords, and giving much-needed funding to low-income Marylanders through the state's RELIEF Act of 2021. All three of these initiatives relied on more than $1.2 billion in federal funding. The American Rescue Plan funding also provided $1.1 billion to replenish the state unemployment insurance trust fund, securing a safety net for those struggling with unemployment, and protecting small businesses from drastic increases in their unemployment insurance premiums. By keeping people working and businesses open, tax revenue and consumer spending increased.\n\nThe lawmakers said: \"Over the last year, Federal Team Maryland has fought tooth and nail to provide federal funds to support our state. We are glad to have helped secure Maryland's strong fiscal footing and a $2.5 billion budget surplus. But the work to protect Marylanders from the impact of COVID-19 is not done \u2013 many are still grappling with the devastating impacts of the pandemic. Across our state, families are facing eviction, struggling to find affordable childcare, and facing financial hardship. Given this reality, we hope the State will work to support those who need it most, including by expediting release of federal funds allocated to that purpose.\"\n\n\"Federal Team Maryland will continue to support our workers, families, small businesses, and communities with the resources they need to build back better,\" the lawmakers added.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-more-than-54-million-to-strengthen-hiv-aids-research-and-prevention", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $54 Million to Strengthen HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention", "2021-10-06", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Jamie Raskin, along with U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown and David Trone (all Md.) today announced $54,235,170 in federal funding for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to bolster the HIV/AIDS surveillance and prevention programs, reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes across Maryland. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has been instrumental in providing a better quality of life for more than 500,000 beneficiaries, whose record-high levels of viral suppression is due to the success of the program.\n\n\u201cFor decades, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has taken thousands of Marylanders from us too soon, impacting families and communities,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThis new round of annual funding for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program builds on the continued success of the program \u2014 particularly during the challenges of the pandemic \u2014 and will provide critical support, treatment, and preventative healthcare for at-risk communities. Team Maryland is committed to closing the gaps in our public health infrastructure, ensuring at-risk communities have access to affordable and high-quality preventative health care and treatment services.\u201d\n\nFunding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, through Fiscal Year 2021 annual appropriations, and is broken down as follows:\n\n$15,599,509 for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part A to provide direct clinical and medical support services for individuals living with HIV.\n\n$34,689,791 for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B to improve the quality, availability and organization of HIV health care and support services and for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.\n\n$2,619,579 for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Early Intervention Services to support community-based healthcare centers. Awardees include:\n\n$1,086,489 for Chase Brexton Health Services (Baltimore)\n\n$538,973 for Total Health Care, Inc. (Baltimore)\n\n$432,837 for MedStar Research Institute (Hyattsville)\n\n$286,097 for Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore)\n\n$275,183 for Greater Baden Medical Services (Upper Marlboro)\n\n$1,326,321 for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part D to provide family-centered comprehensive HIV care and treatment for women, infants, children, and youth with HIV.\n\nThe Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides a comprehensive system of HIV primary medical care, essential support services, and medications for low-income people living with HIV who are uninsured and underserved. The Program funds grants to states, cities/counties, and local community-based organizations to provide care and treatment services to people living with HIV to improve health outcomes and reduce HIV transmission among hard-to-reach populations. Additional information about the program can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-statement-regarding-maryland-s-2-5b-budget-surplus", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Statement Regarding Maryland\u2019s $2.5B Budget Surplus", "2021-10-06", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Jamie Raskin, along with U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and U.S. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, and David Trone (all D-Md.) applaud Maryland\u2019s $2.5 billion budget surplus for Fiscal Year 2021. This surplus reflects the Maryland Congressional Delegation\u2019s broad success in securing a combined $11.9 billion of federal funding through the American Rescue Plan as well as billions more dollars to Maryland through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (\u201cCARES Act\u201d) and COVID-Relief package passed by the U.S. Congress as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act in December 2020. Together, these bills provided $5.37 billion in direct, flexible funding for the State of Maryland under the Coronavirus Relief Fund and Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund.\n\nIn May of 2020, Maryland\u2019s fiscal future was grim. State projections indicated that Maryland would lose more than $1.2 billion in revenue in just a few months without responsible action by the federal government. By May 2023, Maryland was projected to have 100,000+ fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic. This was an abrupt reversal in economic fortunes and the fastest drop in economic indicators on record. There were even proposals to make drastic cuts to essential programs, including K-12 public school funding, community colleges, crime prevention services, public safety, state police and employee pay among other priorities with which Federal Team Maryland could not agree.\n\nThe Maryland Congressional Delegation focused on keeping Marylanders employed, businesses afloat, and families out of poverty, bringing almost $12 billion in federal funding to Maryland by passing the historic American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021. The Delegation has also worked to provide federal funding for key initiatives like broadband expansion, emergency rental assistance for tenants and landlords, and giving much-needed funding to low-income Marylanders through the state\u2019s RELIEF Act of 2021. All three of these initiatives relied on more than $1.2 billion in federal funding. The American Rescue Plan funding also provided $1.1 billion to replenish the state unemployment insurance trust fund, securing a safety net for those struggling with unemployment, and protecting small businesses from drastic increases in their unemployment insurance premiums. By keeping people working and businesses open, tax revenue and consumer spending increased.\n\nThe lawmakers said: \u201cOver the last year, Federal Team Maryland has fought tooth and nail to provide federal funds to support our state. We are glad to have helped secure Maryland\u2019s strong fiscal footing and a $2.5 billion budget surplus. But the work to protect Marylanders from the impact of COVID-19 is not done \u2013 many are still grappling with the devastating impacts of the pandemic. Across our state, families are facing eviction, struggling to find affordable childcare, and facing financial hardship. Given this reality, we hope the State will work to support those who need it most, including by expediting release of federal funds allocated to that purpose.\u201d\n\n\u201cFederal Team Maryland will continue to support our workers, families, small businesses, and communities with the resources they need to build back better,\u201d the lawmakers added.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-members-urge-state-dept-education-expedite", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Members Urge State Dept. of Education to Expedite Distribution of Federal Child Care Relief Funds", "2021-10-04", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 This afternoon, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen joined by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, and Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) sent a letter to the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury urging the state to expedite distribution of American Rescue Plan funds to child care providers. Of the $502 million in federal relief funds that were delivered to the state in April, to date, none of the $309 million in funding dedicated to stabilizing Maryland's child care providers has been distributed. Following receipt of the letter Monday, the state has said these funds will be disbursed later this month but did not provide a specific timeline for child care providers in desperate need of this urgent federal relief.\n\nThe members begin, \"We are writing to share concerns we have heard from child care providers across our state about delays in the distribution of American Rescue Plan stabilization dollars. Given the demands and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is urgent that these funds are allocated to child care providers as quickly and transparently as possible.\"\n\n\"Child care facilities have played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing care for first responders and essential workers and for families navigating virtual learning. But across the entire child care industry, providers continue to face tremendous instability and disrupted funding streams. Early childhood educators and child care providers have been under immense pressure throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and made extraordinary efforts to follow public health guidance, while trying to ensure infants, toddlers, and young children retain access to enriching early learning,\" they continue.\n\nThe members point to federal relief dollars they worked to secure on behalf of the child care industry, noting, \"To help stabilize our child care industry, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act of 2021 both made critical investments, resulting in Maryland receiving a total of approximately $45.821 million and $130.43 million respectively to defray the additional costs faced by child care providers and provide tuition relief to families. Recognizing the continued needs of our child care system, we worked to secure additional funding in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, including $14.99 billion for the discretionary Child Care and Development Fund and $23.97 billion for the Child Care Stabilization Fund. States began receiving these funds on April 15, 2021, and Maryland has received a total of approximately $502 million across these programs.\"\n\nIn closing, they press, \"However, we are deeply concerned that the Maryland State Department of Education has not yet distributed the American Rescue Plan Child Care Stabilization grants to child care providers. These funds are a critical lifeline for the 5,200 center- and home-based providers whose grant applications have already been approved and for the families they serve, and every day of delay poses risks of additional closures. We urge you to act expeditiously to process and disburse these crucial funds.\"\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nWe are writing to share concerns we have heard from child care providers across our state about delays in the distribution of American Rescue Plan stabilization dollars. Given the demands and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is urgent that these funds are allocated to child care providers as quickly and transparently as possible.\n\nMaryland's child care system serves as the precursor for school readiness and the overall healthy physical, social, and emotional development of young children. And, for families, child care is an essential lifeline, enabling caregivers to work and further their education with the knowledge that their children are in safe and nurturing environments.\n\nChild care facilities have played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing care for first responders and essential workers and for families navigating virtual learning. But across the entire child care industry, providers continue to face tremendous instability and disrupted funding streams. Early childhood educators and child care providers have been under immense pressure throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and made extraordinary efforts to follow public health guidance, while trying to ensure infants, toddlers, and young children retain access to enriching early learning. According to a survey conducted by the Maryland Family Network in January, child care providers reported an average increase in costs of over $5,339 a month related to personal protective equipment, cleaning and sanitizing needs, and the implementation of health and safety guidelines. Furthermore, due to decreased enrollment, the Maryland Family Network found that Maryland child care providers \u2013 already operating on thin margins before the pandemic \u2013 were losing a total of $9.6 million a week in revenue.\n\nAccording to Child Care Aware, 345 family- and 225 center-based child care providers in Maryland remained closed as of September 20, 2021, comprising 16,265 slots. Over 600 licensed Maryland child care providers have closed permanently since the start of the pandemic as reported by the Maryland State Child Care Association. This risks exacerbating the deep inequities that already existed in child care availability in the state. Prior to the pandemic, half of Marylanders, including 52% of rural Marylanders and 70% in low-income neighborhoods, lived in child care deserts, communities with little to no access to child care options. 53% of Black Marylanders and 61% of Latino Marylanders live in child care deserts.\n\nTo help stabilize our child care industry, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act of 2021 both made critical investments, resulting in Maryland receiving a total of approximately $45.821 million and $130.43 million respectively to defray the additional costs faced by child care providers and provide tuition relief to families.\n\nRecognizing the continued needs of our child care system, we worked to secure additional funding in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, including $14.99 billion for the discretionary Child Care and Development Fund and $23.97 billion for the Child Care Stabilization Fund. States began receiving these funds on April 15, 2021, and Maryland has received a total of approximately $502 million across these programs.\n\nHowever, we are deeply concerned that the Maryland State Department of Education has not yet distributed the American Rescue Plan Child Care Stabilization grants to child care providers. These funds are a critical lifeline for the 5,200 center- and home-based providers whose grant applications have already been approved and for the families they serve, and every day of delay poses risks of additional closures. We urge you to act expeditiously to process and disburse these crucial funds.\n\nChild care remains a keystone in our efforts to ensure an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and for the long-term success of Maryland's families. We look forward to working with you to support Maryland's child care providers so that all of Maryland's children have the opportunity to thrive now and in the future.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/10/maryland-delegation-members-urge-state-dept-of-education-to-expedite-distribution-of-federal-child-care-relief-funds", "Maryland Delegation Members Urge State Dept. of Education to Expedite Distribution of Federal Child Care Relief Funds", "2021-10-04", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 This afternoon, Congressman Jamie Raskin, along with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Senator Ben Cardin, and Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown and David Trone (all D-Md.) sent a letter to the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury urging the state to expedite distribution of American Rescue Plan funds to child care providers. Of the $502 million in federal relief funds that were delivered to the state in April, to date, none of the $309 million in funding dedicated to stabilizing Maryland\u2019s child care providers has been distributed. Following receipt of the letter Monday, the state has said these funds will be disbursed later this month but did not provide a specific timeline for child care providers in desperate need of this urgent federal relief.\n\nThe members begin, \u201cWe are writing to share concerns we have heard from child care providers across our state about delays in the distribution of American Rescue Plan stabilization dollars. Given the demands and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is urgent that these funds are allocated to child care providers as quickly and transparently as possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cChild care facilities have played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing care for first responders and essential workers and for families navigating virtual learning. But across the entire child care industry, providers continue to face tremendous instability and disrupted funding streams. Early childhood educators and child care providers have been under immense pressure throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and made extraordinary efforts to follow public health guidance, while trying to ensure infants, toddlers, and young children retain access to enriching early learning,\u201d they continue.\n\nThe members point to federal relief dollars they worked to secure on behalf of the child care industry, noting, \u201cTo help stabilize our child care industry, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act of 2021 both made critical investments, resulting in Maryland receiving a total of approximately $45.821 million and $130.43 million respectively to defray the additional costs faced by child care providers and provide tuition relief to families. Recognizing the continued needs of our child care system, we worked to secure additional funding in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, including $14.99 billion for the discretionary Child Care and Development Fund and $23.97 billion for the Child Care Stabilization Fund. States began receiving these funds on April 15, 2021, and Maryland has received a total of approximately $502 million across these programs.\u201d\n\nIn closing, they press, \u201cHowever, we are deeply concerned that the Maryland State Department of Education has not yet distributed the American Rescue Plan Child Care Stabilization grants to child care providers. These funds are a critical lifeline for the 5,200 center- and home-based providers whose grant applications have already been approved and for the families they serve, and every day of delay poses risks of additional closures. We urge you to act expeditiously to process and disburse these crucial funds.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nWe are writing to share concerns we have heard from child care providers across our state about delays in the distribution of American Rescue Plan stabilization dollars. Given the demands and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is urgent that these funds are allocated to child care providers as quickly and transparently as possible.\n\nMaryland\u2019s child care system serves as the precursor for school readiness and the overall healthy physical, social, and emotional development of young children. And, for families, child care is an essential lifeline, enabling caregivers to work and further their education with the knowledge that their children are in safe and nurturing environments.\n\nChild care facilities have played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing care for first responders and essential workers and for families navigating virtual learning. But across the entire child care industry, providers continue to face tremendous instability and disrupted funding streams. Early childhood educators and child care providers have been under immense pressure throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and made extraordinary efforts to follow public health guidance, while trying to ensure infants, toddlers, and young children retain access to enriching early learning. According to a survey conducted by the Maryland Family Network in January, child care providers reported an average increase in costs of over $5,339 a month related to personal protective equipment, cleaning and sanitizing needs, and the implementation of health and safety guidelines. Furthermore, due to decreased enrollment, the Maryland Family Network found that Maryland child care providers \u2013 already operating on thin margins before the pandemic \u2013 were losing a total of $9.6 million a week in revenue.\n\nAccording to Child Care Aware, 345 family- and 225 center-based child care providers in Maryland remained closed as of September 20, 2021, comprising 16,265 slots. Over 600 licensed Maryland child care providers have closed permanently since the start of the pandemic as reported by the Maryland State Child Care Association. This risks exacerbating the deep inequities that already existed in child care availability in the state. Prior to the pandemic, half of Marylanders, including 52% of rural Marylanders and 70% in low-income neighborhoods, lived in child care deserts, communities with little to no access to child care options. 53% of Black Marylanders and 61% of Latino Marylanders live in child care deserts.\n\nTo help stabilize our child care industry, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act of 2021 both made critical investments, resulting in Maryland receiving a total of approximately $45.821 million and $130.43 million respectively to defray the additional costs faced by child care providers and provide tuition relief to families.\n\nRecognizing the continued needs of our child care system, we worked to secure additional funding in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, including $14.99 billion for the discretionary Child Care and Development Fund and $23.97 billion for the Child Care Stabilization Fund. States began receiving these funds on April 15, 2021, and Maryland has received a total of approximately $502 million across these programs.\n\nHowever, we are deeply concerned that the Maryland State Department of Education has not yet distributed the American Rescue Plan Child Care Stabilization grants to child care providers. These funds are a critical lifeline for the 5,200 center- and home-based providers whose grant applications have already been approved and for the families they serve, and every day of delay poses risks of additional closures. We urge you to act expeditiously to process and disburse these crucial funds.\n\nChild care remains a keystone in our efforts to ensure an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and for the long-term success of Maryland\u2019s families. We look forward to working with you to support Maryland\u2019s child care providers so that all of Maryland\u2019s children have the opportunity to thrive now and in the future.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-and-sarbanes-applaud-americorps-54-million-award-maryland", "Mfume and Sarbanes Applaud AmeriCorps for $5.4 Million Award to Maryland", "2021-10-01", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressmen Kweisi Mfume and John Sarbanes (D-Md.) applauded AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteering, for awarding $5,451,191 to Maryland in its initial round of AmeriCorps State and National American Rescue Plan Funding\n\nThis funding will help to stabilize existing national service programs, expand opportunities for national service programs, increase AmeriCorps living allowances and make service more accessible and inclusive.\n\n\"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, service and volunteer organizations in Maryland have stepped up to meet the need of our hardest hit communities,\" the lawmakers said. \"These organizations have been a helping hand, and this robust funding will strengthen their work and provide them greater flexibility and resources. Today's award is excellent news for state and national grantees in Maryland and for the many in our state who have benefitted from their tireless service.\"\n\nPassed into law with the support of Sarbanes and Mfume earlier this year, the American Rescue Plan included $1 billion for AmeriCorps and many of its programs. This funding has allowed the agency to make significant, targeted investments to respond to the public health, education, and economic crisis caused by the pandemic.\n\nGrantees include:\n\n$4,085,997 to Maryland Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism\n\n$484,956 to Notre Dame Mission Volunteers Programs, Inc.\n\n$388,910 to Department of Natural Resources \u2013 Maryland Conservation Corps\n\n$206,775 to Civic Works, Incorporated\n\n$107,700 to The Literacy Lab\n\n$75,100 to Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake\n\n$64,753 to Maryland Institute College of Art\n\n$37,000 to International Rescue Committee - Baltimore", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-baltimore-congressional-delegation-announces-75-million-establish-center", "Mfume, Baltimore Congressional Delegation Announces $7.5 Million to Establish Center of Excellence for 2D Materials Research to Support DOD at Morgan State University", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) today announced $7,500,000 in federal funding for Morgan State University, in partnership with Adelphi Laboratory Center and Aberdeen Proving Ground research centers of the U.S. Army and John's Hopkins University, to establish the Center for Advanced Electro-Photonics with 2D materials, the first of its kind at any Historically Black College or University (HBCU), that will train students in researching and developing wearable military technology. 2D materials are solid elements or compounds that are only one atom thick. While research and discovery of these materials is relatively new, scientists believe there are many applications for their future use in fields such as renewable energy and modern defense.\n\n\"Morgan State is leading the charge in the development of key technology for the Department of Defense, setting our state up for success on a national and global scale,\" the lawmakers said. \"We remain committed to investing in our local HBCUs and STEM programs, such as Morgan State, as they continue to cultivate research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, promote strong leadership in emerging STEM fields, and innovate new technologies to support our Armed Forces.\"\n\nFunding comes from the Department of Defense, through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's HBCU and Minority-Serving Institutions Research and Education Program, and will target properties of 2D materials for specific areas of technology including wearable photovoltaics (PV) and thermally-managed photo-sensors as well as hybrid PV thermoelectric technologies for use by individual warfighters. The award will provide funding for research towards the creation of wearable two-dimensional infrared light detectors and thermoelectric devices to convert wasted heat into electricity to maintain equipment, among other activities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-kweisi-mfume-regarding-possible-deportation-dreamer", "Statement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume Regarding Possible Deportation of DREAMER", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume sent a letter to Acting Director Tae Johnson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expressing concern over the safety and well-being of Ms. Pauline Binam, a resident of the Congressman's District and DREAMER of Cameroonian descent, who faces the possibility of deportation as early as tomorrow when she reports to ICE for a check-in. The letter also asked to stay any potential deportation of Ms. Binam pending further investigation of any claims of retaliation against Ms. Binam for assertions of abuse and misconduct made by her against the agency while she was previously in its custody. A copy of the Congressman Mfume letter can be found here.\n\nStatement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume\n\n\"My Office has been in communication with the advocates for Ms. Pauline Binam since last year, when we helped to avert her deportation from a Texas ICE facility. The facts surrounding her detention and her time in custody require a full investigation before taking any action to remove her from American soil,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/9/maryland-delegation-calls-for-federal-emergency-declaration-after-ida-storm-damage", "Maryland Delegation Calls for Federal Emergency Declaration After Ida Storm Damage", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The full Maryland congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone, is urging President Joe Biden to approve the State of Maryland\u2019s request for a presidential disaster declaration due to damage from the Sept. 1 tornadoes and flash flooding from Tropical Depression Ida. Anne Arundel County, Cecil County, and the City of Annapolis bore the brunt of the damage; each declared a state of emergency. At least 150 homes and businesses in Maryland were affected by this storm.\n\nThe State of Maryland has requested a major disaster declaration for Individual Assistance (IA) for Anne Arundel and Cecil Counties and the availability of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for all jurisdictions in Maryland. A federal disaster declaration would unlock funds to help reimburse local governments, such as for the cost of rental assistance for displaced residents. The federal disaster declaration would also directly help residents, such as with home repair costs and replacement of personal belongings destroyed by the disaster.\n\nIndividual Assistance (IA) includes the Individuals and Households Program; Crisis Counseling Program; Disaster Case Management; Disaster Unemployment Assistance; Disaster Legal Services; and Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.\n\nHazard Mitigation Assistance Program (HMGP) includes assistance to State, Tribal, and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.\n\nThe full letter is below and can be downloaded at this link.\n\nSeptember 30, 2021\n\nThe Honorable Joseph R. Biden\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe are writing as the Maryland Congressional Delegation to express our strong support for Maryland Governor Larry Hogan\u2019s request for a federal declaration of a major disaster for the State of Maryland due to the effects of Tropical Depression Ida, which had previously formed as a Category 4 hurricane that struck the Louisiana coastline. Specifically, we support Governor Hogan\u2019s requests that a major disaster declaration for Individual Assistance be issued for Anne Arundel and Cecil Counties in Maryland, and for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to be made available to all jurisdictions in Maryland.\n\nCongress is preparing to enact an emergency supplementary appropriations package in response to Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 storm that struck Louisiana on August 29 and later produced heavy flooding in parts of the northeast including New York and New Jersey. In Maryland, Anne Arundel County, Cecil County, and the City of Annapolis bore the brunt of Tropical Depression Ida. These jurisdictions each declared a state of emergency on September 2. According to the National Weather Service, an EF-2 tornado with peak wind estimates of 125 miles per hour (mph) affected southern Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis on September 1, causing substantial structural damage to homes and businesses. Preliminary damage assessments in Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis showed damage to 120 residences. The City of Annapolis Community and Economic Development Division estimates that approximately $3.84 million was lost from business revenue and destroyed inventory as a result of Ida.\n\nIn response, Anne Arundel County operated a family assistance center for two days in collaboration with state and local partners to provide information on housing, financial, feeding, and counseling support to affected residents. The City of Annapolis provided hotel rooms to displaced residents, opened an emergency shelter and a community resource center, and facilitated debris removal.\n\nIn Cecil County, flash flooding associated with Tropical Depression Ida required the evacuation of 63 residents from the Mill Creek Manor Mobile Home Park. The county has coordinated with nongovernmental partners to provide non-congregate shelter and food assistance to displaced families. The majority of residents sheltering in hotels speak Spanish as their primary language, do not carry any insurance coverage, and have lost most of their possessions in the flood.\n\nIndividual Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments conducted in both Anne Arundel and Cecil Counties on September 13 found numerous destroyed and damaged structures. These assessments support the need for the requested declaration and assistance.\n\nWe agree with Governor Hogan that supplementary federal assistance is necessary and warranted under the Stafford Act. Therefore, we urge you to expeditiously review and grant the Governor\u2019s requests. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your timely response.\n\nSincerely,\n\nCc: MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator, FEMA Region III\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-applauds-army-body-armor-order-hardwire-llc", "Harris Applauds Army Body Armor Order to Hardwire, LLC", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today applauded a task order award from the U.S. Army to Hardwire, LLC in Pocomoke City, Maryland, for the procurement of the Army's next generation Modular Scalable Vest (MSV). The Army MSV program will replace heavy body armor systems with new lightweight armor and carriers. The contract under which the task order was awarded runs through December 2029. The Army's top priority for the MSV program is to \"lighten the load\" on its troops with a tailorable vest. Hardwire's patented armor was the lightest evaluated for the program and one of the first chosen for production.\n\nFurther information on the order can be found here.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"This is great news for our troops, for the Lower Shore, and for Hardwire. I have visited the manufacturing facility and it is clear that they strive for excellence in producing life-saving products for our men and women in uniform from the military to law enforcement. Their innovation and skilled workforce produce a tremendous protection for our warfighters and reliable value to our country.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-more-182-million-support-community-based", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $18.2 Million to Support Community-Based Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Services", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced more than $18.2 million in COVID-19 relief funding to increase access to mental health services and substance use disorder treatment programs across the state.\n\n\"The severe lack of affordable and accessible health care and crisis intervention services can have a devastating impact on Marylanders, and particularly on underserved communities,\" the lawmakers said. \"This new round of federal funding allows our state to make strides in removing systemic barriers in our public health infrastructure, while ensuring low-income and vulnerable individuals have access to comprehensive mental and behavioral health treatment services. We will continue working in Congress to secure additional resources to support individuals coping with substance use disorders and mental illness.\"\n\nThe award of $18,220,797 comes from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplement Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan and is directed to the following agencies and programs:\n\n$5,000,000 for Volunteers of America Chesapeake, Inc., in Lanham, to support children and family trauma services\n\n$5,000,000 for Family Services, Inc., in Gaithersburg, to expand outpatient mental health clinics treatments for Greater Suburban Maryland\n\n$4,999,994 for Montgomery County to restore and strengthen community mental health centers services\n\n$2,420,438 for Arundel Lodge, Inc., in Edgewater, for their COVID-19 Recovery Project to bolster behavioral health programs\n\n$800,365 for Maryland's Medicaid Agency to support the planning and implementation of high-quality community-based mobile crisis intervention services for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use-related emergencies outside traditional hospital or healthcare settings\n\nThe lawmakers previously announced more than $55 million for the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Service services through the American Rescue Plan.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/9/at-hearing-biden-administration-officials-detail-first-ever-strategy-to-combat-domestic-violent-extremism", "At Hearing, Biden Administration Officials Detail First-Ever Strategy to Combat Domestic Violent Extremism", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (September 29, 2021)\u2014Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, held a hearing to examine the Biden Administration\u2019s unprecedented whole-of-government strategy to combat domestic violent extremism, as well as how federal law enforcement will balance these new investigative and enforcement priorities with the need to safeguard the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans.\n\n\u201cWe are facing an unprecedented situation in which senior political leaders\u2014up to and including the former President\u2014have been actively promoting corrosive, anti-democratic messages that circulate paranoia, cynicism, and violence,\u201d said Chairman Raskin in his opening statement. \u201cThis cesspool of conspiracy thinking is activating unstable individuals predisposed, because of a mixture of ideological grievances and personal disappointments, to commit violence. This is a problem that demands the attention of all of us, and indeed, everyone in the country who believes in the constitutional order.\u201d\n\nThe Subcommittee heard testimony from John D. Cohen, the Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Timothy R. Langan, the Assistant Director for the Counterterrorism Division at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Brad Wiegmann, the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division at the Department of Justice.\n\nThe counterterrorism officials explained the necessity of a whole-of-government approach that involves leveraging resources at the local, state, and federal level.\n\n\u201cThe National Strategy adopts a whole-of-government approach to preventing domestic terrorism and reducing the factors that fuel it,\u201d Mr. Langan and Mr. Wiegmann noted in joint testimony submitted to the Subcommittee. \u201cThe Strategy recognizes that, to find sustainable solutions, we must not only disrupt and deter terrorist activities, but also address the root causes of violence. It rests on four essential pillars, which will be implemented across the federal government and in coordination with non-federal partners.\u201d\n\nIn his opening statement, Mr. Cohen expanded on that idea, explaining that \u201cthe Department is embracing a whole-of-society approach to combating domestic terrorism by building trust, partnerships, and collaboration across every level of government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and the communities we serve, while vigilantly safeguarding guaranteed First Amendment protections.\u201d\n\nThe witnesses also detailed the Biden Administration\u2019s strategy to strengthen the federal government\u2019s response to violent domestic extremists who are motivated by political and ideological grievances, false narratives, and conspiracy theories.\n\nWhen asked by Chairman Raskin about the role that mainstream figures play in the spread of disinformation promoted by foreign adversaries and domestic violent extremists, Mr. Cohen argued that \u201cwhen public figures, whether they be in the media, whether they are elected officials, or former elected officials, amplify and spread those narratives, they validate them.\u201d He added, \u201cWhen these disinformation narratives are amplified by public figures, it not only supports our adversaries, but it brings more volatility to threat environment.\u201d\n\nMembers also pressed witnesses to explain how the new counterterrorism strategy will avoid infringing on the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans, including minority communities who have previously borne the brunt of intrusive federal surveillance.\n\nIn response to questioning from Rep. Pressley about how the new Strategy encourages DHS to emphasize the protection rather than the surveillance of marginalized communities, especially in light of criticisms of the former Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) program, Mr. Cohen admitted that \u201cthere were issues with the CVE program.\u201d He further explained: \u201cThere was a perception that the CVE program, which started with good intentions was mainly a subterfuge to facilitate surveillance of communities of color, Arab American, and Muslim communities. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve done away with it. That\u2019s why the approach we\u2019re taking in the Biden Administration is antithetical to the approach that we took as part of the CVE program.\u201d\n\nRep. Ocasio-Cortez pressed the witnesses about the Strategy\u2019s focus on detecting insider threats within law enforcement, asking \u201cwhat happens when the FBI does find instances of white nationalists in local law enforcement?\u201d Mr. Langan confirmed that \u201cthere is no central method to notify the FBI about violent extremism,\u201d including within law enforcement. Mr. Langan promised to follow up on the Subcommittee\u2019s request for more information about setting up a national reporting structure to help the FBI track white supremacist infiltration of law enforcement, which was made during the Subcommittee\u2019s ongoing investigation into the issue.\n\nIn May 2019, the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties began examining the rise of white supremacist violence and its connection to the recent surge of domestic violent extremism. The Subcommittee held its first hearing in May 2019, focusing on the ways in which the Trump Administration made it more difficult to combat violent extremism, including by reducing resources and infrastructure needed to combat white supremacist extremism.\n\nIn June 2019, the Subcommittee held a second hearing with Trump Administration officials who admitted they lacked a strategic plan to combat white supremacist violence. In September 2019, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing with the National Security Subcommittee on the transnational nature of violent white supremacy. In September 2020, the Subcommittee heard testimony on white supremacists in law enforcement and initiated an ongoing investigation into the threat.\n\nFollowing the January 6th insurrection, the Subcommittee held a fifth hearing, raising the alarm about the dangers of far-right militia extremism and the ideological connection between white supremacy and the far-right militias who perpetrated the attack on the Capitol building.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/9/chairman-raskin-s-opening-statements-at-civil-rights-and-civil-liberties-subcommittee-hearing-on-domestic-terrorism", "Chairman Raskin\u2019s Opening Statements at Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee Hearing on Domestic Terrorism", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (Sept. 29, 2021) \u2014 Below is Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Chairman Jamie Raskin\u2019s (MD-08) opening statement, as prepared for delivery, for today\u2019s hearing examining the Biden Administration\u2019s whole-of-government strategy to combat domestic terrorism, including the rising threat from white supremacist and militia violent extremists, and how the Administration seeks to balance the federal government\u2019s response to domestic terrorism with its obligation to protect the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans.\n\nClick here to watch the video.\n\n\"Good morning everyone. I want to thank our witnesses for joining us today and I want to thank all the Members who have come to participate in this critical hearing.\n\nAs you just saw in the video compilation, this hearing is the sixth in a series about the nation\u2019s crisis with violent white supremacy\u2014and the need for the federal government to mount an effective and comprehensive response to this fundamental threat to the safety of the American people and security of the American Republic. This is not just an important hearing, but today\u2019s is a historic hearing because for the first time, an Administration has answered our call to set forth a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy to deal with the threat.\n\nThe Biden Administration took power only two weeks after the January 6 insurrection. That day, the whole world watched the storm troopers of violent white supremacy act as the vanguard of a mass violent political insurrection against the government of the United States that smashed our windows, invaded our Capitol, wounded and injured more than 140 Capitol and MPD officers and left several people dead. The protest that turned into a riot and insurrection had been promoted and incited by the then-President Donald Trump.\n\nThe well-trained battalions of domestic violent extremists consisted of Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, Three Percenters, Q-Anon followers, Aryan Nations, Boogaloo Boys, armed militiamen, white Christian nationalists, and other violent extremists. They rallied behind the banner of Donald Trump\u2019s \u201cBig Lie,\u201d asserting that he had won the 2020 presidential election and that it was being stolen from him. In fact, Joe Biden received more than 7 million votes more and won by a margin of 306-232 in the electoral college. And yet Trump\u2019s \u201cBig Lie\u201d unified these disparate violent groups into a mass street movement to \u201cStop the Steal\u201d and storm the Capitol to interrupt the counting of Electoral College votes for the very first time in the history of the United States, nearly toppling the peaceful transfer of power in our country.\n\nAlthough warning signs had been popping up everywhere for weeks before the insurrection, federal law enforcement never produced a formal threat assessment about the risks of violence on that day. That indicates a systematic failure to grapple with the magnitude of the threat facing the Republic.\n\nAnd let\u2019s be clear that the most dangerous domestic terror threat facing America today comes from the forces that attacked our government on January 6th. In October 2020, Donald Trump\u2019s own Acting Secretary of Homeland Security singled out white supremacist extremists as \u2013 quote \u2013 \u201cthe most persistent and lethal threat in the Homeland.\u201d\n\nJust two days after being sworn in, President Biden ordered federal law enforcement and intelligence officials to study the threat of domestic violent extremism. He understood that a post-9/11 counterterrorism framework, set up primarily to combat international threats like al Qaeda and ISIS, was not designed to address the violence the domestic terror violence threatens us today.\n\nThe results of their review became public on June 15, when the President released the first-ever National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism. The Strategy outlined four main pillars to guide federal agencies.\n\nFirst, the Strategy calls for more analysis and information-sharing related to domestic terror threats. Second, it asks agencies to determine how to better prevent domestic terror recruitment and mobilization of violence. Third, it tasks the government with disrupting and deterring domestic terrorism. And fourth, it calls on the government to confront long-term contributors to domestic terror, including racism.\n\nThis Strategy offers exactly the kind of coordinated governmental response the members of the Subcommittee have been asking more than two years. During our prior hearings, we were warned over and over again by witnesses with years of counterterrorism experience and federal law enforcement experience that the Trump Administration had no cohesive plan to confront the enormous problem facing us. We learned that the federal government was not devoting sufficient personnel or resources to monitor or confront the white supremacist threat of violence spreading across the globe. In fact, we heard from Trump Administration officials themselves that the Administration frankly lacked any strategic plan to prevent or combat white supremacist violence.\n\nWith the release of this new Strategy, the Administration has finally ensured that the U.S. has a blueprint to defend ourselves. The Strategy calls for more resources to boost state, local, tribal, and territorial efforts to tackle the threat. This includes more information-sharing; more analysis and data-driven guidance on potential indicators of violence. It also lays out a new, public health-focused framework for terror prevention that will enlist all sectors of government and society to work together as a bulwark against violence and provide an off-ramp for those who are caught up in the clutches of hate.\n\nThese sweeping objectives will require enormous implementation efforts, coordination, and oversight. I hope that we can use this hearing to explore how these efforts are already underway and how Congress can help. We should also take this opportunity to discuss how the Administration\u2019s strategy will balance its urgent investigative and enforcement priorities with the constant need to uphold the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans. I am confident that the witnesses before us today will be able to clarify how these counterterror efforts will respect the rule of law and democracy, the democracy we in fact are seeking to protect against terrorist violence.\n\nWe are facing an unprecedented situation in which senior political leaders\u2014up to and including the former President\u2014have been actively promoting corrosive, anti-democratic messages that circulate paranoia, cynicism, and violence. This cesspool of conspiracy thinking is activating unstable individuals predisposed because of a mixture of ideological grievances and disappointments, to commit violence. This is a problem that demands the attention of all of us, and indeed, everyone who in the country who believes in the constitutional order. On January 6th, we saw a glimpse of a post-democratic chaotic America. In that violent mob, which stormed the Capitol of the United States, there was no room for civil rights or civil liberties for anyone. Either for the marchers, or for the officers who were being beat up, or the American people, or Congress. There was no room for equal justice under law. There was no room for meaningful dissent.\n\nOur government is finally waking up to the need to combat comprehensively and effectively, white supremacist and militia based violent extremism. I hope that this hearing will bring more clarity and exposure to the Biden Administration\u2019s strategic plan and help illuminate what Congress can do to ensure that it is both effective and of course, respectful of civil rights and civil liberties of the people. We must all work together to defend our democracy and our freedom.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/9/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-18-2-million-to-support-community-based-mental-health-and-substance-use-recovery-services", "Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $18.2 Million to Support Community-Based Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Services", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced more than $18.2 million in COVID-19 relief funding to increase access to mental health services and substance use disorder treatment programs across the state.\n\n\u201cThe severe lack of affordable and accessible health care and crisis intervention services can have a devastating impact on Marylanders, and particularly on underserved communities,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThis new round of federal funding allows our state to make strides in removing systemic barriers in our public health infrastructure, while ensuring low-income and vulnerable individuals have access to comprehensive mental and behavioral health treatment services. We will continue working in Congress to secure additional resources to support individuals coping with substance use disorders and mental illness.\u201d\n\nThe award of $18,220,797 comes from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplement Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan and is directed to the following agencies and programs:\n\n$5,000,000 for Volunteers of America Chesapeake, Inc., in Lanham, to support children and family trauma services\n\n$5,000,000 for Family Services, Inc., in Gaithersburg, to expand outpatient mental health clinics treatments for Greater Suburban Maryland\n\n$4,999,994 for Montgomery County to restore and strengthen community mental health centers services\n\n$2,420,438 for Arundel Lodge, Inc., in Edgewater, for their COVID-19 Recovery Project to bolster behavioral health programs\n\n$800,365 for Maryland\u2019s Medicaid Agency to support the planning and implementation of high-quality community-based mobile crisis intervention services for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use-related emergencies outside traditional hospital or healthcare settings\n\nThe lawmakers previously announced more than $55 million for the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Service services through the American Rescue Plan.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-24-million-health-center-funding", "Harris Announces $2.4 Million in Health Center Funding", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced the award of $2,436,982 in one-time capital improvement grants to the community health centers serving Maryland's Eastern Shore. Funding was administered via the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These grant dollars may be used to support construction, expansion, alteration, renovation, and other capital improvements to modify, enhance, and expand health care infrastructure.\n\nSpecific funding allocations can be found below:\n\nWest Cecil Health Center: $601,376\n\nChoptank Community Health System: $829,065\n\nThree Lower Counties Community Services: $1,006,541\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"Our federally funded local community health centers have been at the forefront of serving my constituents during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will allow them to strengthen their physical infrastructure and further advance their mission of providing primary healthcare services to many members in the community.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-usda-grant-wicomico-county", "Harris Announces USDA Grant to Wicomico County", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today announced the award of $34,000 to the Wicomico County Government from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help fund a marketing and advertising study aimed at attracting new tourism to the region to support the local small business community. The total study cost will run nearly $180,000, with the county and state funding the balance.\n\nCongressman Harris issued the following statement:\n\n\"The greater Wicomico region is well situated to attract tourism and is friendly to the business community. This study, being funded in part by USDA dollars, will help bolster local efforts to attract new revenue, and I am pleased to announce this funding.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-more-1-million-american", "Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $1 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding to Support Cultural Institutions in their Economic Recovery from COVID-19", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $1,048,475 in American Rescue Plan funding to assist educational institutions across Maryland in their COVID-19 economic recovery.\n\n\"Our local museums, colleges, and universities play a critical role in showcasing Maryland's culture, history, and art \u2013 serving as an essential education resources in the humanities. But, like many businesses across out state, these organizations were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,\" the lawmakers said. \"This American Rescue Plan funding will ensure these important educational organizations and institutions across our state can continue serving and inspiring Marylanders.\"\n\nEmergency relief funding comes from the National Endowment for the Humanities, through the Sustaining the Humanities program in the American Rescue Plan, to help cultural and educational organizations offset operational and management costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Awards and awardees include:\n\n$463,555 for Walters Art Museum (Baltimore)\n\n$200,000 for B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore)\n\n$144,307 for St. Mary's College of Maryland (St. Mary's City)\n\n$143,859 for Maryland African American Museum Corporation (Baltimore)\n\n$49,500 for London Town Foundation, Inc. (Edgewater)\n\n$47,254 for University of Maryland, Baltimore (Baltimore)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-kweisi-mfume-regarding-local-postmaster-changes", "Statement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume Regarding Local Postmaster Changes", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Based on Reports by WJZ TV 13 and WBFF Fox 45 of Changes to Local Management of Postal Service in the Baltimore Region; Rep. Mfume Wants Local Postmaster Changes to Equate to Better Mail Service for Residents\n\nStatement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume\n\n\"The jury is still out on these changes at the Postal service. We don't just need a new local postmaster; we need a local postmaster with a plan and the full support of the Postmaster General of the United States,\" said Representative Kweisi Mfume.\n\nHe added, \"The devil is in the details; the residents of Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County need to be assured that their service will improve and having new ideas and a plan based on recommendations from an Inspector General's audit would be a good start.\"\n\n\"As I have outlined in my letter to the Inspector General of the Postal Service earlier this year, we need an audit to be completed. That was May 27th\u2026 it is now almost October. With those results in hand and a new local postmaster with a plan it is my hope we will have improvements for the people longing for better postal service.\n\nI will continue to seek accountability for our postal service management teams. The hard-working women and men toiling on the frontlines during this pandemic should have the sorting machines, routing resources and plans in place to bring back the favorable ratings they once had by giving the people better mail and delivery services,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/9/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-more-than-1-million-in-american-rescue-plan-funding-to-support-cultural-institutions-in-their-economic-recovery-from-covid-19", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $1 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding to Support Cultural Institutions in their Economic Recovery from COVID-19", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $1,048,475 in American Rescue Plan funding to assist educational institutions across Maryland in their COVID-19 economic recovery.\n\n\u201cOur local museums, colleges, and universities play a critical role in showcasing Maryland\u2019s culture, history, and art \u2013 serving as an essential education resources in the humanities. But, like many businesses across out state, these organizations were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThis American Rescue Plan funding will ensure these important educational organizations and institutions across our state can continue serving and inspiring Marylanders.\u201d\n\nEmergency relief funding comes from the National Endowment for the Humanities, through the Sustaining the Humanities program in the American Rescue Plan, to help cultural and educational organizations offset operational and management costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Awards and awardees include:\n\n$463,555 for Walters Art Museum (Baltimore)\n\n$200,000 for B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore)\n\n$144,307 for St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland (St. Mary\u2019s City)\n\n$143,859 for Maryland African American Museum Corporation (Baltimore)\n\n$49,500 for London Town Foundation, Inc. (Edgewater)\n\n$47,254 for University of Maryland, Baltimore (Baltimore)\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/9/oversight-committee-requests-briefing-on-deteriorating-conditions-at-rikers-island", "Oversight Committee Requests Briefing on Deteriorating Conditions at Rikers Island", "2021-09-27", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (September 27, 2021)\u2014Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Committee Member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent a letter to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York Department of Corrections Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi requesting a briefing on the dangerous conditions facing staff and incarcerated individuals at the Rikers Island Correctional Facility. Rikers Island has a history of federal civil rights violations, and the letter comes after twelve incarcerated individuals died this year while in custody at Rikers.\n\n\u201cThere have been multiple reports of the collapse of basic jail operations, in part as the result of widespread staffing shortages within the New York City Department of Corrections (DOC). These shortages\u2014caused by the coronavirus pandemic as well as persistent overcrowding and mounting violence\u2014have rendered the facility unsafe for individuals who are incarcerated and for DOC staff. These unacceptable conditions at one of the largest jails in the United States appear to be part of a longstanding pattern of civil and human rights violations on Rikers Island. The number of in-custody deaths on Rikers Island has more than quadrupled over the past two years\u2014from three deaths in 2019 to twelve in 2021,\u201d the Members wrote.\n\nPublic reports and firsthand accounts have revealed that detainees have been denied food, water, medical care, and other necessities at Rikers Island. Overcrowding at the facility has reportedly made adherence to coronavirus protocols nearly impossible, posing serious health and safety concerns to correctional staff and incarcerated individuals.\n\nIn their letter, the Members also raised concerns that a longstanding shortage of correctional staff has forced many to work long shifts, posing a danger to themselves and the individuals they are required to supervise. The letter explained that \u201cin August, an average of nearly 1,500 corrections officers\u2014or nearly 20% of the workforce\u2014failed to report to work on a daily basis. By September, nearly one-third of DOC\u2019s total workforce was unavailable for work or unable to work with detainees due to medical restrictions.\u201d\n\nToday\u2019s letter requests a briefing by October 4, 2021.\n\nClick here to read the letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-kweisi-mfume-humanitarian-crisis-southern-border", "Statement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume on the Humanitarian Crisis on the Southern Border", "2021-09-24", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Working to prevent illegal immigration is difficult. But no hardship excuses the hard truth that men on horseback whipping Haitian refugees to exercise so-called crowd control harkens back to the rounding up of runaway slaves searching for a better life.\n\nI call on the Biden Administration to halt repatriation of Haitians for the following reasons:\n\nUsing Title 42 without a hearing is a deeply disturbing lack of due process;\n\nPlacing a moratorium on deportation for humanitarian reasons is the right thing to do; and\n\nTaking this arbitrary action based on their country of origin does not appear to be equal treatment for these refugees.\n\nHaitians from throughout the Southern Hemisphere are now seeking a better life because of the natural disasters and socio-economic and political turmoil befalling their home country. This diaspora of Haitians has congregated on our border with the hope of a new life like many immigrant communities throughout the centuries.\n\nAccording to Reuters, over 1,400 migrants have been sent back to Haiti from the camps outside of Del Rio, Texas even though most those persons have not lived in Haiti for years. Some 3,200 people have begun the process of interviews for seeking asylum, they report further. And according to Customs and Border Patrol figures there may be some 10,000 more refugees to assist.\n\nThere is no excuse for the actions caught on camera of Customs and Border Patrol agents using horses and \"split reins\" to do their job. Professional behavior by Customs and Border Patrol requires they treat asylum-seekers with respect. Hardship and heartache have been on full display on our southern border in these last few days. It is time to show some empathy and understanding. Firm, fair and humane due process for asylum seekers must be the standard. Showing some humanity while doing this important work should be the norm.\n\nMy colleague Representative Al Green and I have introduced and co-sponsored H-Res. 670 condemning the inhumane treatment of Haitian migrants at the Southern Border. The United States can do better than this.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/9/chairs-maloney-and-raskin-issue-statement-on-cyber-ninjas-audit-report", "Chairs Maloney and Raskin Issue Statement on Cyber Ninjas \u201cAudit\u201d Report", "2021-09-24", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (September 24, 2021)\u2014 Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, issued the following statement after Cyber Ninjas released its \u201caudit\u201d report regarding the election results in Maricopa County, Arizona.\n\n\u201cAfter wasting millions of dollars and stoking baseless claims of a stolen election, the partisan Arizona \u2018audit\u2019 found \u2018no reliable evidence\u2019 of the voter fraud its partisan backers had alleged. Instead, the company was forced to concede what local election officials and nonpartisan election experts have been saying for months: Joe Biden won more votes than Donald Trump in Maricopa County.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s long past time for former President Trump and his enablers to give up the Big Lie and finally acknowledge that the 2020 presidential election was fair and secure\u2014and that Donald Trump lost.\u201d\n\n\u201cEven though the Arizona report conceded there was no fraud found, it appears to be riddled with unsupported and erroneous claims designed to sow more confusion about the 2020 election and encourage voter suppression efforts around the country. The need for vigorous congressional oversight is clear, and our Committee intends to get to the bottom of these issues at our October 7 hearing.\u201d\n\nYesterday, Chairs Maloney and Raskin invited Cyber Ninjas CEO Doug Logan to testify at a full Committee hearing on October 7, 2021. The invitation letter requests that Mr. Logan inform the Committee of whether he intends to appear at this hearing voluntarily by September 30, 2021.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/9/chairs-maloney-raskin-request-cyber-ninjas-ceo-s-testimony-at-oversight-committee-hearing", "Chairs Maloney, Raskin Request Cyber Ninjas CEO\u2019s Testimony at Oversight Committee Hearing", "2021-09-24", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (September 24, 2021)\u2014Last night, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, sent a letter to Douglas Logan, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Consultant of Cyber Ninjas, Inc., requesting his testimony at a hearing on October 7, 2021, regarding Cyber Ninjas\u2019 role in an \u201caudit\u201d of 2.1 million ballots cast in Maricopa County, Arizona in the 2020 election.\n\n\u201cThis request follows your repeated refusal to produce documents requested by the Committee regarding this largely privately funded audit,\u201d the Chairs wrote. \u201cAs a result of your obstruction, your participation in a Committee hearing is necessary for the Committee to advance the investigation of the questionable audit your company performed and to examine whether this audit is interfering with Americans\u2019 right to vote free from partisan interference.\u201d\n\nIn April 2021, the Arizona State Senate hired Cyber Ninjas to conduct an audit of the 2020 election results in Maricopa County, Arizona, even though the company had no prior federal election audit experience. Since then, significant questions have been raised regarding the \u201cdark money\u201d organizations funding the audit, the impartiality of the company, and the mismanagement and insecure audit practices that have jeopardized the integrity of ballots and voting machines.\n\nThe Chairs wrote to Cyber Ninjas on July 14, 2021, and on August 22, 2021, requesting documents related to Cyber Ninjas\u2019 audit procedures, funding sources, communications regarding the audit with outside parties that may exert improper influence on the company, and related issues.\n\nInstead of producing the documents as requested, Cyber Ninjas continuously obstructed the Committee\u2019s investigation. On August 9, 2021, Cyber Ninjas sent a letter to the Committee raising spurious objections to all nine of the Committee\u2019s requests, and produced 336 pages of publicly available material. On August 27, 2021, Cyber Ninjas sent a second letter to the Committee reiterating its objections to producing documents and claiming inaccurately that the Committee was \u201cfar outside its proper legislative jurisdiction.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we explained in our previous letters, this investigation is of exceeding importance to the American people,\u201d the Chairs added. \u201cConsistent with Congress\u2019s constitutional authorities, the Committee is investigating the extent to which your company\u2019s actions have undermined the integrity of federal elections and interfered with Americans\u2019 constitutional right to cast their ballot freely and to have their votes counted without partisan interference.\u201d\n\nToday\u2019s letter requests that Mr. Logan inform the Committee of whether he intends to appear at this hearing voluntarily by September 30, 2021.\n\nClick here to read the letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-baltimore-lawmakers-call-doj-prevent-return-prison-individuals-posing-no", "Mfume, Baltimore Lawmakers Call on DOJ to Prevent Return to Prison for Individuals Posing No Danger to Public Safety, Released Due to COVID-19", "2021-09-22", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Dutch Ruppersberger, and John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) recently wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland and U.S. Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajalurging them to continue home confinement or compassionate release for individuals who were released to prevent the spread of COVID-19.\n\n\"These individuals were transferred from correctional facilities to home confinement to stem the spread of COVID-19 after the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) determined that they did not present a danger to the public,\" wrote the lawmakers. \"Recalling these individuals to prison does not serve the public interest. They were designated for transition to home confinement only after the BOP engaged in a demanding screening process to determine that they do not pose a risk to the community. \u2026 home confinement also represents a significant cost-saving to the taxpayer.\"\n\nThe lawmakers call on the Attorney General to rescind the Office of Legal Counsel opinion that was issued under President Trump, which would send these individuals back to prison. This request aligns with the position expressed by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Chairman Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in April and in August. They also urge DOJ to support compassionate release, clemency, or other solutions to prevent such individuals from being returned to prison.\n\nAs evidence of the need, the lawmakers cite the case of Ms. Gwen Levi, a 76-year-old Baltimore native who had served the majority of her 24.5-year sentence when she was transitioned to home confinement in June of 2020. Ms. Levi's story, which she detailed herself in a July 15 op-ed in The Washington Post, clearly illustrates the urgency of taking action to prevent this group of Americans from being returned to prison.\n\n\"We urge [the Bureau of Prisons] to recommend, and DOJ to support, compassionate release in similar cases in the future to prevent the re-incarceration of others transferred to home confinement under the CARES Act,\" the lawmakers added. \"We urge the Department to consider additional solutions available under its authority, including lending support for clemency for all individuals who have successfully complied with conditions of home confinement since their transfer out of the Bureau of Prisons.\"\n\nThe full letter follows and can be downloaded at this link.\n\nThe Honorable Merrick Garland\n\nAttorney General\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nDear Attorney General Garland:\n\nAs members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write to urge you to take action to prevent individuals on Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act home confinement from being returned to prison at the end of the COVID-19 emergency period. These individuals were transferred from correctional facilities to home confinement to stem the spread of COVID-19 after the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) determined that they did not present a danger to the public, but a Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion issued under the prior administration erroneously concludes that they will have to return to prison. The recent experiences our fellow Marylander, Ms. Gwen Levi, demonstrate the harmful consequences of permitting the current opinion to stand and the importance of finding compassionate solutions for this group of Americans.\n\nIn March of 2020, we supported the inclusion of provisions to protect federal prisoners from the COVID-19 virus through the CARES Act. That legislation permitted the BOP to transfer individuals to prerelease home confinement earlier than otherwise permissible to stem the spread of the pandemic. Of the approximately 24,000 or so individuals transferred to home confinement during that period, the majority have completed the few weeks or months remaining in their sentences. However, a smaller number of those on home confinement will, as it stands, be recalled to prison pursuant to an opinion issued by the OLC under the Trump administration on January 15, 2021 entitled \"Home Confinement of Federal Prisoners After the COVID-19 Emergency\" (OLC opinion). This opinion mandates that CARES Act home confinement end with the emergency period, requiring the recall of up to 4,500 prisoners who are successfully serving their sentences from home.\n\nThis OLC opinion incorrectly interprets the CARES Act, and we join Judiciary Committee Chairman Durbin and Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Chairman Booker in asking you to direct OLC to review and rescind the memo. Moreover, recalling these individuals to prison does not serve the public interest. They were designated for transition to home confinement only after the BOP engaged in a demanding screening process to determine that they do not pose a risk to the community. This assessment was borne out by testimony of BOP Director Michael Carvajal in an April 15th hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, in which he stated that only three individuals, among the thousands sent to home confinement, were re-incarcerated for new crimes. As further discussed in that hearing, home confinement also represents a significant cost-saving to the taxpayer.\n\nThe need to find a compassionate solution for these individuals is evident in the recent experiences of Ms. Gwen Levi. Ms. Levi is a 76-year old Baltimorean who had served 16 years of her 24.5-year sentence for playing a role in a non-violent drug conspiracy. In June of 2020, the BOP transitioned her to home confinement because she satisfied the CARES Act criteria, which involved an assessment of her age and vulnerability to COVID-19, low risk of reoffending, incarceration in a low-security facility, commission of a non-violent drug offense, and outstanding disciplinary record. Over more than a year of home confinement, Ms. Levi reconnected with family, participated in church activities, and continued her education, all while abiding by the rules of her confinement. Because of uncertainty over whether the home confinement policy would be made permanent, however, she also spent this time in fear about her future. We urge you to rescind the OLC opinion in order to prevent thousands of Americans like Ms. Levi from being recalled to incarceration.\n\nAs you may know, Ms. Levi was unfortunately returned to federal confinement on June 12, 2021, though not because the emergency period ended. Instead, she was re-incarcerated because of a technical violation of halfway house rules. While attending a pre-approved computer class, during which time her phone was silenced, Ms. Levi missed calls from Volunteers of America Chesapeake (a BOP contractor). When she contacted the VOA after class to explain the missed calls, she was cited for \"escape\" and her home confinement was terminated.\n\nWe were pleased Judge Deborah K. Chasanow of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland recently granted Ms. Levi compassionate release but were surprised by the Department's opposition to this motion. Alongside rescinding the OLC memo, compassionate release is an important tool at the Department's disposal to prevent the re-incarceration of individuals like Ms. Levi. We urge BOP to recommend, and DOJ to support, compassionate release in similar cases in the future to prevent the re-incarceration of others transferred to home confinement under the CARES Act.\n\nFinally, we urge the Department to consider additional solutions available under its authority, including lending support for clemency for all individuals who have successfully complied with conditions of home confinement since their transfer out of the Bureau of Prisons.\n\nWe believe that these actions align with this administration's stated support for reducing the incarcerated population in our country and for realigning our criminal justice system to focus on rehabilitation over punishment. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/9/oversight-committee-demands-answers-seeks-urgent-briefing-on-border-patrol-agents-abusive-conduct-towards-migrants-and-deportations-to-haiti", "Oversight Committee Demands Answers, Seeks Urgent Briefing on Border Patrol Agents\u2019 Abusive Conduct Towards Migrants and Deportations to Haiti", "2021-09-22", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (September 22, 2021)\u2014 Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Committee Members Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz sent a letter to Troy A. Miller, the Acting Administrator of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), demanding a briefing and answers regarding press reports of the inhumane treatment of migrants in Del Rio, Texas, by Border Patrol agents on horseback.\n\n\u201cSuch abusive conduct is unacceptable and raises troubling questions about culture, training, and discipline within CBP,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cIn addition, reports that thousands of migrants are being deported to Haiti despite turmoil in that country raise serious concerns about whether the federal government is failing to treat migrants\u2014including those fleeing violence, political instability, and natural disasters\u2014with respect and dignity and affording them a meaningful opportunity to seek asylum. We write today to urge immediate action by CBP to address these concerns.\u201d\n\nThe Committee has an ongoing investigation of misconduct by Border Patrol agents in secret Facebook groups as well as CBP\u2019s disciplinary process. In today\u2019s letter, the Members urged CBP to examine broader issues of culture and training within the agency that may have contributed to this conduct.\n\nThe actions of agents at the Del Rio border appear to violate CBP\u2019s Standards of Conduct. The agency\u2019s Table of Offenses recommend discipling agents for \u201c[f]ighting, threatening, attempting to inflict or inflicting bodily harm to another; engaging in dangerous horseplay, any violent act, language, gestures, or conduct toward members of the public.\u201d\n\nThe Members also asked CBP to end its use of Title 42 to deport migrants to Haiti \u201cat a time when the country is still reeling from multiple crises, including the assassination of Haiti\u2019s president this July and an earthquake last month.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the words of the late Chairman Elijah E. Cummings, \u2018We\u2019re better than this.\u2019 We expect CBP to take immediate action to ensure that all migrants are treated humanely and with respect,\u201d the Members added.\n\nAs an initial step, the Committee requested a briefing and a written response by September 24, 2021.\n\nClick here to read today\u2019s letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-baltimore-congressional-delegation-announces-more-than-65-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-the-city-of-baltimore-s-covid-19-response-efforts", "Mfume, Baltimore Congressional Delegation Announces More than $6.5 Million in Federal Funding to Support the City of Baltimore\u2019s COVID-19 Response Efforts", "2021-09-20", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $6,898,433 in federal funding to reimburse Baltimore City for the distribution of food and water to vulnerable city residents during the pandemic.\n\n\"As food insecurity spiked during the pandemic, the City of Baltimore and its frontline workers stepped up to meet the needs of underserved residents and support those with a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. This federal funding will reimburse Baltimore for these efforts and ensure the City can continue to help communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the virus,\" the lawmakers said. \"We will keep working to provide critical nutrition assistance to keep residents safe and healthy as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.\"\n\nThe award of $6,898,433 covers:\n\n$4,591,915 in federal funding to the city of Baltimore for emergency protective measures and the Produce Box 2021 program\n\n$2,306,518 in federal funding to the city of Baltimore for State Management Cost\n\nFunding is awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\nThe Baltimore Congressional Delegation previously announced more than $15.4 million in emergency funding to feed and shelter Baltimore residents and announced over $18 million to deliver essential goods, services and resources to seniors across the city during this pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 304, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "MD", "p1": "2021"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 247, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2021&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 57, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2021&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 303, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2021&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 1, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2021&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "MD", "label": "MD", "count": 304, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 304, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2021-09-20,https~3A~2F~2Fmfume~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fmfume-baltimore-congressional-delegation-announces-more-than-65-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-the-city-of-baltimore-s-covid-19-response-efforts", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2021&_next=2021-09-20%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmfume~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fmfume-baltimore-congressional-delegation-announces-more-than-65-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-the-city-of-baltimore-s-covid-19-response-efforts&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 250.9894692339003, "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"}