{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"MD\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congresswoman-april-mcclain-delaney-reports-proposed-ice-detention", "Statement from Congresswoman April McClain Delaney on Reports of a Proposed ICE Detention Facility in Hagerstown", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released a statement on reports of a proposed ICE detention facility in Hagerstown, Maryland:\n\n\"I am outraged by reports that the Trump Administration may be considering the construction of an ICE detention facility in or near Hagerstown. If true, this proposal is unacceptable\u2014and I will fight it with every tool available to me.\n\n\"The mass detention of human beings without due process is a profound moral and constitutional failure. Detaining people\u2014like asylum seekers and families\u2014far from legal counsel, their support systems, and meaningful oversight creates a grave risk of unlawful detention and irreversible harm.\n\n\"Hagerstown is not a dumping ground for a broken federal system\u2014it is a proud community built on fairness, decency, and the rule of law. I will not quietly accept a facility that threatens civil liberties, undermines due process, and contradicts our values.\n\n\"Let me be clear about what I am doing, and what I will continue to do, to stop this:\n\nI am demanding full and immediate transparency from DHS and ICE, including all planning documents, contracts, internal analyses, and communications related to any proposed detention facility in Washington County. There will be no secrecy and no backroom decisions.\n\nI am scheduled to meet with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations field office in Baltimore in January, where I will conduct my constitutionally required oversight of this facility which has my constituents locked inside.\n\nI will work with colleagues to use aggressive congressional oversight\u2014including formal investigations\u2014to expose any effort to rush this project forward while cutting corners on legality, due process, or human rights.\n\nI will oppose any attempt to detain people without full constitutional protections, and I will challenge policies that normalize prolonged or unlawful detention under the guise of efficiency.\n\nI will stand with community members, faith leaders, advocates, and local governments who are speaking out against this proposal, and I will elevate their voices at every level of the federal government.\n\n\"This is about values and who we are, and that begins with protecting our neighbors. A government that detains people in bulk, behind walls and razor wire, without transparency or accountability, is a government that has lost its moral compass.\n\n\"I will not allow Hagerstown to become a symbol of that failure. I will fight this proposal publicly, relentlessly, and unapologetically\u2014and I will keep the people of this community informed every step of the way.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-applauds-168-million-rural-health-transformation-0", "Congressman Harris Applauds $168 Million Rural Health Transformation Investment for Maryland", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration, applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for awarding Maryland $168,180,838 under the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will expand access to care, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and modernize rural health infrastructure and technology. Unfortunately, Maryland did not receive additional funding because the Moore Administration chose not to pursue a SNAP nutritious food waiver.\n\nThis funding will expand access to preventive, primary, maternal, and behavioral healthcare in Maryland\u2019s rural communities, strengthen the rural healthcare workforce by helping recruit and retain doctors and nurses, improve emergency care coordination, and modernize facilities and telehealth so patients can receive high-quality care closer to home. These investments will directly benefit rural residents and communities across Maryland, especially those in Maryland\u2019s First District.\n\nStatement from Congressman Andy Harris:\n\n\u201cI commend the Trump Administration for its leadership in delivering billions of dollars to strengthen rural health care nationwide as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Unfortunately, the Moore administration failed to adequately prioritize Maryland\u2019s application by not applying for a SNAP nutritious food waiver, causing our rural communities to miss out on additional millions of dollars that would have been flowing into our state. As a physician and representative of a rural district \u2014 and the only member of Maryland\u2019s congressional delegation to support the passage of these rural healthcare funds, I\u2019m ready to work with the Trump Administration to address the needs of rural Marylanders with these dollars.\u201d\n\nFor media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-announces-240000-grant-talbot-county-roadway-safety-plan", "Congressman Harris Announces $240,000 Grant for Talbot County Roadway Safety Plan", "2025-12-26", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced a $240,000 U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All grant awarded to Talbot County to develop a comprehensive Safety Action Plan to help reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries.\n\nThis funding will help Talbot County analyze local crash trends, gather input from residents and community partners, and work with transportation experts to identify the most urgent safety needs. The resulting countywide Safety Action Plan will outline priority projects, estimated costs, timelines, and measurable goals to reduce serious crashes and improve roadway safety across the county. It will also strengthen Talbot County\u2019s ability to pursue future federal funding for roadway safety upgrades.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n\"This is an important investment in public safety for Talbot County and the Eastern Shore. Communities across my district rely on safe, reliable roads, and this grant will strengthen local planning, support smarter infrastructure decisions, and ultimately help save lives. I thank the U.S. Department of Transportation for awarding this grant and recognizing the importance of improving roadway safety in Talbot County.\"\n\nFor media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introduces-legislation-overturn-attempted", "Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Legislation to Overturn the Attempted Illegal Renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) introduced two pieces of legislation to overturn the recent attempt to add President Trump\u2019s name onto the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.\n\nThe first bill, the Kennedy Center Protection Act, would:\n\nVoid the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees\u2019 unlawful December 18 vote to rename the Center;\n\nRequire the removal of all signage or other identification including President Trump's name within 1 day of enactment;\n\nClarify existing law to prohibit the Board from taking similar actions in the future; and\n\nRequire a Report to Congress detailing any public or private funds used to implement the attempted name change.\n\nThe second bill, the Federal Property Integrity Act, would prohibit the renaming of any federal building, land, or other asset, in honor of a sitting President.\n\n\"Congress must stop the 'Trump branding' of our national treasures and memorials, particularly an institution which uplifts our national arts and commemorates the late President John F. Kennedy,\" said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \"And if it isn't clear enough, my second bill will ensure that no other federal landmark can ever be named in honor of a sitting President. It's past time that lawmakers drew a firm line to prevent these types of activities.\"\n\nCosponsors include Representatives Grijalva (AZ), Hayes (MA), and Larson (CT).\n\n###\n\nFor updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.\n\nCongresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland\u2019s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland\u2019s 6th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-releases-2025-end-year-review", "Elfreth Releases 2025 End-of-Year Review", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) released her End-of-Year accomplishments. Since January 3rd, 2025, Elfreth has been laser-focused on serving constituents on their hardest days, introducing legislation to improve the lives of all Marylanders, and hearing directly from constituents by phone, mail, and in-person across the District.\n\n\u201cIt has been an honor to serve you and all our neighbors who call Maryland\u2019s Third District home in Congress,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. \u201c2025 has been a particularly challenging year for Marylanders as we faced unprecedented attacks on our federal workforce by DOGE, the longest government shutdown in history, challenges to the rule of law, immigration, health care, and so much more. But my team and I have been hard at work since day one, fighting for legislation to lower costs and better the lives of everyone who calls Maryland\u2019s Third Congressional District home.\u201d\n\nIn her first year, Elfreth prioritized working across the aisle whenever possible to introduce legislation that addressed the most pressing issues for Marylanders, including introducing the first bipartisan bill aimed at combating the actions of DOGE. During the shutdown, Elfreth led on multiple pieces of legislation to help our federal workers make ends meet. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Elfreth introduced bipartisan legislation to protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, like the first-of-its-kind MAWS Act to combat the large invasive blue catfish population in the Watershed. On the House Armed Services Committee, Elfreth advanced more provisions in the annual defense spending bill than any other first-year member of Congress. Her 28 provisions support our servicemembers, expand health care for veterans, and help grow Maryland\u2019s economy.\n\nCLICK HERE for the one-pager on what Elfreth accomplished in her inaugural year in office.\n\nCLICK HERE for Elfreth\u2019s End-of-Year video.\n\nCongresswoman Elfreth\u2019s First Year by the Numbers:\n\n5 bills signed into law - 80% bipartisan\n\n12 bills introduced - Over 70% bipartisan\n\n216 bills co-sponsored - Over 50% bipartisan\n\n243 community events attended, constituent and organization meetings hosted, and district sites visited\n\n36,383 constituent emails answered\n\n1,078 constituent cases closed\n\n11,854 constituent calls answered\n\n806 tours booked for 3,806 visitors\n\n12 military installations visited in Maryland and abroad\n\n21 Town Halls hosted\n\n$873,292 returned directly to constituents\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introducing-legislation-overturn-attempted", "Congresswoman McClain Delaney is Introducing Legislation to Overturn the Attempted Renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) is introducing legislation imminently to overturn the recent attempt to add President Trump\u2019s name onto the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.\n\n\"The Kennedy Center is a memorial to a fallen President. Changing the name of the Kennedy Center is a betrayal of President Kennedy\u2019s legacy and an affront to the American people and our shared history,\" said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \"My legislation will require the immediate removal of Donald Trump\u2019s name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and to prevent future actions to rename it or other historic landmarks or memorials.\"\n\nThe Congresswoman\u2019s bill would overturn the Board of Trustees' December 18 vote to rename the Center and require the removal of all signage and identifying materials associated with the new name within one day of enactment.\n\n\"This legislation is about protecting Congress\u2019s authority and preserving the integrity of our national monuments and treasures,\" McClain Delaney continued. \"Sadly, the President has politicized the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. Congress cannot allow him to 'brand' the Kennedy Center, other historic landmarks or memorials or even nearby public golf courses. Trump's obsessive fixation on self-promotion must end, and its past time Congress set a firm prohibition on these and similar actions.\u201d\n\n###\n\nFor updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.\n\nCongresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland\u2019s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland\u2019s 6th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-schatz-colleagues-press-for-media-access-to-gaza", "Van Hollen, Schatz, Colleagues Press for Media Access to Gaza", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) were joined by over a dozen of their colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration to demand free and independent press access to Gaza immediately. In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators urge the Administration to do more to secure the lifting of the Netanyahu government\u2019s ban on press access to Gaza, underscoring the need for this access to ensure the international community has unbiased information to understand the conflict, current conditions, and ceasefire implementation.\n\nIn addition to Senators Van Hollen and Schatz, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).\n\nThe Senators began, \u201cWe write to urge the Trump administration to swiftly demand that Israel allow free and independent press access to Gaza. We welcome reports that the Trump administration has been requesting that the Netanyahu government allow foreign journalists into Gaza now that a ceasefire is in place, and we urge the administration to amplify this pressure and prioritize this request as part of the ongoing talks with the Netanyahu government on the path to peace in the region. Free and independent press access to Gaza is crucial to facilitate the public\u2019s right to uncensored and impartial information, to monitor implementation of the current ceasefire, and to ensure that Americans, Israelis, and the rest of the world have a factual accounting of what is occurring on the ground in Gaza.\u201d\n\n\u201cForeign journalists have consistently reported in high-risk, high-casualty, and volatile armed conflicts - including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine \u2013 without military or government approval or monitoring. In fact, the Foreign Press Association \u2013 which represents journalists working for international news organizations reporting from Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip \u2013 has repeatedly called for immediate access to Gaza and even petitioned the Israeli High Court of Justice demanding such access,\u201d they note.\n\n\u201cThe Netanyahu government\u2019s insistence on barring journalists from Gaza on safety and security grounds counters journalistic precedent and stands in stark contrast to the alarming number of Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza,\u201d they continue.\n\nThe Senators stress, \u201cPress freedom and freedom of expression are protected as fundamental rights even during wartime under Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political rights, guaranteeing the right to opinions without interference and \u2018freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers.\u2019 Israel has ratified this covenant. We encourage this Administration to remind the Netanyahu government of its commitment to protecting free and independent press and the safety of journalists.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues and the ceasefire continues to take shape, it is all the more important that the foreign journalists have free and independent access to the Strip to provide a window to the rest of the world. We urge this administration to swiftly demand free and independent press access to Gaza,\u201d the Senators write in closing.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to urge the Trump administration to swiftly demand that Israel allow free and independent press access to Gaza. We welcome reports that the Trump administration has been requesting that the Netanyahu government allow foreign journalists into Gaza now that a ceasefire is in place, and we urge the administration to amplify this pressure and prioritize this request as part of the ongoing talks with the Netanyahu government on the path to peace in the region. Free and independent press access to Gaza is crucial to facilitate the public\u2019s right to uncensored and impartial information, to monitor implementation of the current ceasefire, and to ensure that Americans, Israelis, and the rest of the world have a factual accounting of what is occurring on the ground in Gaza.\n\nAs you know, the Netanyahu government has imposed a foreign press blockade since October 7, 2023. To date, the Israeli Defense Forces has only allowed highly controlled and censored military-escorted trips into Gaza for select international media who are not permitted to freely engage with Palestinians. These trips only last for a few hours and follow the itineraries set by the military. In August 2025, BBC was taken into Gaza by the Israeli military and reported \u201cThe brief visit was highly controlled and offered no access to Palestinians, or other areas of Gaza. Military censorship laws in Israel mean that military personnel were shown our material before publication.\u201d\n\nMeaningful and unimpeded press access in Gaza is necessary for the international community to have unbiased information to understand the rapidly changing environment, especially as the administration plans for Gaza\u2019s post-war governance in accordance with regional partners and a reformed Palestinian Authority. There is high demand for oversight of the distribution of humanitarian aid, in-depth understanding of how Gazans want to see their future shaped without Hamas, and critical verification of how all parties are either adhering to or violating the fragile ceasefire.\n\nForeign journalists have consistently reported in high-risk, high-casualty, and volatile armed conflicts - including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine \u2013 without military or government approval or monitoring. In fact, the Foreign Press Association \u2013 which represents journalists working for international news organizations reporting from Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip \u2013 has repeatedly called for immediate access to Gaza and even petitioned the Israeli High Court of Justice demanding such access. At a court hearing on October 23, the Israeli government acknowledged that the ceasefire constituted a significant change in circumstances and justified a review of policy towards press access, and yet the state requested and was granted another 30-day delay to update its position. This month, the Israeli High Court of Justice granted the 9th delay since the petition was filed in September 2024. We urge you to use this opportunity to press the Netanyahu government to open Gaza\u2019s borders to foreign journalists.\n\nThe Netanyahu government\u2019s insistence on barring journalists from Gaza on safety and security grounds counters journalistic precedent and stands in stark contrast to the alarming number of Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza. The world has relied on brave Palestinian journalists and media for uncensored reporting from Gaza at great personal risk. At least 206 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza by the Israeli armed forces, the most in any modern conflict. The Netanyahu government has both denied and justified targeting journalists. Following the August 10 killing of six journalists by an airstrike on a hospital complex in Gaza, the IDF released a statement saying the IDF \u201cdoes not target journalists as such.\u201d At the same time, the Netanyahu government repeated its accusation that a prominent Palestinian journalist killed in the attack, Anas Al-Sharif, was a Hamas-linked terrorist without providing any reliable evidence.\n\nPress freedom and freedom of expression are protected as fundamental rights even during wartime under Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political rights, guaranteeing the right to opinions without interference and \"freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers.\u201d Israel has ratified this covenant. We encourage this Administration to remind the Netanyahu government of its commitment to protecting free and independent press and the safety of journalists.\n\nAs the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues and the ceasefire continues to take shape, it is all the more important that the foreign journalists have free and independent access to the Strip to provide a window to the rest of the world. We urge this administration to swiftly demand free and independent press access to Gaza.\n\nGiven the urgent concerns outlined in this letter, we request a response within two weeks.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-announces-winner-2025-congressional-app-challenge", "Elfreth Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional App Challenge", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for high school and middle school students in Maryland\u2019s Third Congressional District. Matthew Yang of Centennial High School in Ellicott City won the Third District 2025 Congressional App Challenge with his app CellposeCellCounter, an AI-driven microscopy analysis tool that automatically detects and counts cells in biological images. Elfreth called Matthew with the good news, and the video can be accessed HERE.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Matthew for winning the Third District 2025 Congressional App Challenge. This challenge allows us to highlight the incredible innovation and talent of our young students, and Matthew\u2019s skills to advance scientific research here in Maryland shined through. I also would like to extend a special thank you to all our judges whose expertise and insights made this competition possible,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth.\n\nMatthew was inspired to create CellposeCellCounter from his time interning at Dr. Liang\u2019s lab in the University of Maryland School of Medicine. In this experience, Matthew realized how crucial cell count is for reproducible research but all current methods for collecting this critical data are tedious and costly. His app aims to be an accessible solution that can automatically measure cell metrics from a single uploaded photo using AI models. The app can provide researchers with key metrics, including total cell count, viability percentage, and cell confluency. Matthew has made his app open-source on Hugging Face Spaces, allowing free and accessible use to all scientists.\n\nAs the Third District\u2019s winner, Matthew will have CellposeCellCounter displayed on the national Congressional App Challenge website and is invited to the House of Code event in Washington, DC, with winners across the nation.\n\nElfreth\u2019s office had the largest applicant pool of any freshman office participating in the Congressional App Challenge this year and was among the top 20% applicant-wise of all offices. The winners of the challenge were chosen by a panel of judges who made their decision based on the app\u2019s purpose, concept, technicality, creativity, and design.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an annual, nationwide event for middle school and high school students that encourages them to explore coding and computer science through hands-on practice with the creation of their own apps. This challenge is open to all middle and high school students who either reside or attend school in Maryland\u2019s Third District.\n\nYou can learn more about the Congressional App Challenge HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-signs-five-elfreth-bills-and-two-co-led-bills-law", "President Signs Five Elfreth Bills and Two Co-Led Bills Into Law", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, five of Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth\u2019s (MD-03) bills, as well as two bills co-led by the Congresswoman, were signed into law by President Donald J. Trump as part of the larger H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. In total, Elfreth secured 28 individual provisions in this annual defense legislation, including these 5 individual bills.\n\n\u201cI came to Congress wanting to join the Armed Services Committee because it is one of the few committees that still works together to collaborate and legislate. We don\u2019t always agree on every provision \u2013 as reflected in this year\u2019s bill \u2013 but the final product represents the bipartisan nature with which the committee is run,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth. \u201cThese wins are real progress for our service academies, for the mental health of our servicemembers, and so much more. I\u2019ve been laser-focused on what I can accomplish on behalf of Maryland\u2019s Third District, and I am grateful to see these bipartisan wins become law in my first year in Congress.\u201d\n\nThe five Elfreth bills are:\n\nH.R. 6629, the Developing Master Plans for Military Service Academies Act of 2025 (Sec. 2850). Co-led with Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), this bill requires the US Naval Academy (and all military academies) to develop an Installation Resilience Master Plan to address the impacts of extreme weather, sea-level rise, land subsidence, cybersecurity risks, lack of access to clean water, and disruption to clean energy.\n\nH.R. 6631, the Establishing Cyber Security Educational Programs at Academic Institutions Act (Sec. 1514). Co-led with Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX-09), this bill recognizes the Department of Defense's need for well-trained and educated cybersecurity leaders by codifying into law the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. This 26-year-old program partners federal cyber agencies, like the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM), with leading universities, like the University of Maryland, in the field of cybersecurity.\n\nH.R. 6630, the Expanding Mental Health Access for Cyber Command Personnel Act (Sec. 1506). Co-led with Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02), this bill breaks down barriers to mental health support for cybersecurity personnel at CYBERCOM and the Cyber Mission Force by ensuring that mental and behavioral health physicians have the clearances they need to provide adequate support.\n\nH.R. 6627, the Improving the Enlisted to Officer Judge Advocate Program Act (Sec. 511). Co-led with Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA-07), this bill increases the total number of years a servicemember has to complete their college degree and start law school that is funded by their military service. This will expand the opportunities for enlisted servicemembers to continue serving as military attorneys and for the military to retain its top enlisted talent as officers.\n\nH.R. 6628, the Protect Greenbury Point Conservation Area Act (Sec. 2862). Co-led with Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), this bill prevents the U.S. Navy from developing a golf course on the Greenbury Point Conservation Area at Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NSA Annapolis). The bill addresses concerns that the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA) and the Naval Academy Golf Association (NAGA) continue to pursue plans to redevelop the Greenbury Point peninsula into a second 18-hole golf course within NSA Annapolis, limiting public access to Greenbury Point, one of the few areas where Marylanders can access the Chesapeake Bay coastline.\n\nThe two co-led bills are:\n\nH.R. 6595, the Improvement of Availability of Care for Veterans from Facilities and Providers of the DoD Act (Sec. 731). Led by Rep. Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), the bill supports Defense Health Agency (DHA) military medical treatment facilities (MTF), such as the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, by requiring that DHA and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) create action plans to support greater utilization of military hospitals by veterans and servicemembers. These action plans will expand veteran access to MTF services while also enhancing resource sharing between DHA and VA.\n\nH.R. 6530, the AI Training for National Security Act (Sec. 1515). Led by Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), the bill requires the Department of Defense to include information on the unique cybersecurity challenges created by artificial intelligence in its annual cybersecurity training for servicemembers and civilian employees.\n\nElfreth voted for the legislation in the House earlier this month and voted in favor of the legislation in the House Armed Services Committee in July. Elfreth also spoke on the House floor on her NDAA priorities, and the full video can be accessed HERE. In December, she is finishing her Installation Tour of every major military installation in the state of Maryland, which informed many of her provisions in the final NDAA.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-firefighters-first", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 18, 2025\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments\u2019 emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment.\n\n\u201cWe can always count on Maryland\u2019s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers announced the following grants:\n\nBaltimore Region\n\n$2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response\n\n$1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel\n\nPrince George\u2019s and Montgomery Counties\n\n$516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities\n\n$320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities\n\n$309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park\u2019s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training\n\n$379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers\n\nEastern Shore\n\n$436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)\n\n$100,000 to the Water Witch Fire Company in Port Deposit to purchase 20 sets of turnout gear\n\n$116,190 to the Community Fire Company of Perryville to install a fire alarm system in two stations\n\n$291,428 to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 34 sets of SCBA\n\nWestern Maryland\n\n$146,285 to the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department to acquire new turnout gear\n\n$83,181 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown to purchase five new automatic CPR devices\n\n$45,130 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown, Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS, and the Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire to equip ambulances with narcotic safes for controlled substances\n\n$40,857 to the Community Volunteer Fire Company of District No. 12 in Fairplay to acquire a new thermal imaging camera and automatic CPR chest compressor\n\nSouthern Maryland\n\n$124,174 to the Hughesville, Dentsville, Bryans Road, and Benedict Volunteer Fire Departments to acquire new gear washers and dryers\n\nStatewide\n\n$124,100 to the Maryland State Police to support a smoke and Co2 alarm installation program in collaboration with the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Maryland Department of Health\n\nThe awards are provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) programs with funds from FY 2024 annual appropriations that Federal Team Maryland fought to secure. Team Maryland additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S programs through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law in 2024.\n\nIssues:EconomyHealth", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-announces-46-million-community-project-funding-fifth-district-fy2026", "Hoyer Announces $4.6 Million in Community Project Funding for the Fifth District in FY2026 Appropriations Bill", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "December 18, 2025\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) issued the following statement announcing $4,697,000 in Community Project Funding that he secured for projects in Maryland's Fifth District through the recently enacted Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Minibus. The House Committee on Appropriations allowed each Member of Congress to submit up to 15 Community Funding Project requests for their districts in the Fiscal Year 2026 funding cycle. As part of that process, Congressman Hoyer solicited requests on his website and submitted 15 projects to the House Appropriations Committee. Five projects were included in the recently-enacted continuing resolution (CR) and minibus appropriations package enacted in November. The remaining ten projects are included in appropriations bills still awaiting final passage. The combined value of all the FY 2026 Community Project Funding that Congressman Hoyer requested is $11,890,000.\n\n\"The Trump Administration's disastrous economic agenda has raised costs on everything from health care to electricity to groceries,\" Congressman Hoyer said. \"At a time when many Americans are struggling to get by, it's more important than ever that we keep investing in them. That's why I fought to secure nearly $12 million in federal funding for local projects in Maryland's Fifth District in this year's appropriations cycle, some $4.7 million of which has already been enacted into law. Whether by making health care more accessible, helping new opportunities for our children and young people to get ahead, or creating new economic opportunities in rural areas, these first five projects will help our communities get ahead. I'm grateful for the community partners who worked with me to secure this funding. I remain hard at work to pass the remaining appropriations bills, containing our district's other ten projects, across the finish line.\"\n\nThe funded projects include:\n\n$1,015,000 for Bowie State University Greenhouse for Advanced Agriculture and Biotechnology Research: This funding will help BSU create a modern research greenhouse that will give students practical learning experience and bring partners in academia and industry together to advance agricultural and biotechnology research vital to meeting future local and global food needs.\n\n$1,015,000 for MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital ICU: This funding will help the hospital expand and update its intensive care unit to accommodate the growing need for critical care services in the community.\n\n$1,000,000 for YMCA Camp Letts Preservation, Renovation, and Energy Efficiency: This funding will help the YMCA update its aging facilities, including the installation of high efficiency HVAC systems, electrical grid upgrades, and permanent plumbing solutions.\n\n$867,000 for CalvertHealth Medical Center Campus Security and Safety: This funding will allow the medical center to purchase equipment to improve safety and security of the campus and bring the facility up to industry best practices.\n\n$800,000 for Town of Eagle Harbor Welcome Center: This funding will go toward the town's construction of a welcome center, containing bathroom facilities, a concession area, and giftshop for visitors and tourists. The center will support local economic development and create a long-term revenue stream for the community.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-free-world-will-bear-cost-if-we-let-putin-prevail", "Hoyer: The Free World Will Bear the Cost if We Let Putin Prevail", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined the Congressional Ukraine Caucus to deliver remarks on the House Floor to urge his Republican colleagues to sign the discharge petition to bring the Ukraine Support Act to the House Floor. Below is a full video and transcript of his remarks:\n\n\"I thank the gentlelady who heads the Ukrainian Caucus, has ties to Ukraine, and is deeply tied to America, to democracy, liberty, and freedom. Mr. Speaker, I adopt her remarks as my own. I will add to that, but it will be surplusage because everything she said, and all the dangers she referred to, and all the atrocities of the Russians we could repeat. As I was sitting here - with the exception of Mr. Vindman, who's a young man - it occurred to me that the speakers who have spoken so far are of a generation who were children at the time of the Soviet Union, who understood the viciousness of The Bear, who understood the enslavement of the Russian people and the captive nations.\n\n\"Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the people of Ukraine, for the people of America, for the people of Europe, for the people of Asia and Africa, South America, [and] Australia because all of us are at risk if dictators like Putin prevail. Ukraine: the question is, will America and this Congress allow it to become a nation betrayed? I've said it before, and I'll say it again: President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, negotiator Witkoff, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, and others have done everything to express support for Vladimir Putin's and Russia's position and to exonerate them from their aggression and from their war crimes. Earlier this year, Trump said that the Russians have all the cards. Mr. Speaker, someone ought to remind our president - and I do so tonight - that NATO has a combined defense expenditure of $1.58 trillion. Together, we field 3.5 million troops. Our combined GDP is 25 times more than Russia's. Europe holds some $246 billion [in] frozen Russian assets. I suggest to all of us, to the president and to the world at large: those are a lot of cards, but we need to play them. As long as they're in the deck, they won't make a difference. Every day we do not, we look weaker in the eyes of the world. That is a danger for us and a danger for the international community.\n\n\"Every day Russia slaughters more Ukrainians. At least 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have already given their lives in defense of democracy, and many more have been wounded. The Ukrainians will continue to fight valiantly, as the gentlelady pointed out, with or without our support. But our decision will determine whether their fight is in vain or will prevail. The other day, a Ukrainian soldier on the front lines told a reporter, and I quote, 'They kept withholding military aid. Couldn't agree on how to respond, and we keep paying for their indecisiveness with our blood - the blood of our children.'\n\nHe was referring, of course, not just to the United States, but the world at large. Ukraine may be paying the price for our negligence today, but we, the free world, will ultimately bear the cost if we let Putin prevail. When we fail to show our strength, our adversaries doubt our resolve, and when our adversaries doubt our resolve, they are assuredly more likely to test our might. That's the mistake that Neville Chamberlain made. That's the [mistake] America and the United Kingdom made when we did not honor the Budapest Memorandum when Putin annexed Crimea. In my view, Crimea is the mother of this war. The failure to act decisively in the face of that war crime, that theft, that international law that was broken led Putin to believe he could do this, the invasion of Ukraine, with impunity. And that is the mistake Donald Trump is making now. This Congress must not do the same, and the good news is this Congress has not done the same.\n\n\"There were 12 votes between 2022 and July of 2025. The good news, America, is that on both sides of the aisle, the overwhelming majority of members voted to support Ukraine. Mostly was unanimous on this side, but the unanimous - it was also unanimous on the Republican side, save one vote and then it was 110 to 117, just a small minority. Those votes average 80% of the Members of Congress voting to support Ukraine. So, it's not as if there is division in this House, and, as the gentlelady said, there's a discharge petition which lays in that desk behind me. Every Democrat - 214, 213 Democrats have signed it, and two Republicans have signed it. 216 signatures in all, now. We need two more to say to Ukraine, to say to the world to say yes, to our Administration, 'We are in support of liberty over tyranny. We are in support of a people that has shown extraordinary courage.'\n\n\"Fortunately, we have a winning card to play. Ranking Member Meeks and I have that bipartisan discharge petition to force [a vote] on the Ukraine Support Act. Two Republicans have signed that, but that means there are another 100 who support Ukraine, and all they need to do is sign that petition and we will vote in January on that bill that says we're going to support Ukraine and freedom and democracy and liberty and international law. Every House Democrat and two Republicans, as I said, have signed our legislation, [which] includes both sanctions to undermine Russia's war economy and direct financial military aid for Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. There are 80 United States senators who have signed on to a bill imposing sanctions on Russia some six months ago, and it has not moved. What do you think that does to the psychology of Ukraine and Ukrainians and their soldiers? If we report out this bill, in my view, it will change this war not only materially, but psychologically. It doesn't matter how many concessions you give to Putin - and this administration has given him many - he will keep fighting this war so long as he thinks he can outlast the free world. This is an issue of resolve. I mentioned how much superiority we have with respect to Russia in size and money and resources.\n\n\"I know we can do this, Mr. Speaker. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, the House has had at least 12 votes - and I mentioned then - 80% of our people have supported them. Mr. Speaker, now is not the time to fold. Now is the time to call. If we play our hand correctly, we can still ensure Putin suffers a defeat that will make other dictators around the world think twice before violating international law and creating war crimes. We must, Mr. Speaker, because make no mistake: Vladimir Putin is playing for keeps and for empire. Our European allies know that to be the case because they have been at the point of the enemy's spear when Chamberlain said we were buying 'peace in our time.' We then had World War II. Let us act. I urge my Republican colleagues and friends who have signed on and voted for supporting Ukraine to sign this discharge petition. And I yield back to Ms. Kaptur.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-firefighters-first", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "December 18, 2025\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Andy Harris (MD-02), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments\u2019 emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment.\n\n\u201cWe can always count on Maryland\u2019s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers announced the following grants:\n\nBaltimore Region\n\n$2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response\n\n$1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel\n\nPrince George's and Montgomery Counties\n\n$516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities\n\n$320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities\n\n$309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park\u2019s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training\n\n$379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers\n\nEastern Shore\n\n$436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)\n\n$100,000 to the Water Witch Fire Company in Port Deposit to purchase 20 sets of turnout gear\n\n$116,190 to the Community Fire Company of Perryville to install a fire alarm system in two stations\n\n$291,428 to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 34 sets of SCBA\n\nWestern Maryland\n\n$146,285 to the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department to acquire new turnout gear\n\n$83,181 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown to purchase five new automatic CPR devices\n\n$45,130 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown, Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS, and the Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire to equip ambulances with narcotic safes for controlled substances\n\n$40,857 to the Community Volunteer Fire Company of District No. 12 in Fairplay to acquire a new thermal imaging camera and automatic CPR chest compressor\n\nSouthern Maryland\n\n$124,174 to the Hughesville, Dentsville, Bryans Road, and Benedict Volunteer Fire Departments to acquire new gear washers and dryers\n\nStatewide\n\n$124,100 to the Maryland State Police to support a smoke and Co2 alarm installation program in collaboration with the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Maryland Department of Health\n\nThe awards are provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) programs with funds from FY 2024 annual appropriations that Federal Team Maryland fought to secure. Team Maryland additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S programs through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law in 2024.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-house-democrats-decry-transportation-infrastructure-committees", "Maryland\u00a0House Democrats Decry Transportation & Infrastructure Committee\u2019s Advancement of Prospectus for Ronald Reagan Building", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) released the following statement after the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) advanced a General Services Administration (GSA) prospectus on moving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.:\n\n\"We have dire concerns about the General Service Administration's prospectus to convert the Ronald Reagan Building into the Federal Bureau of Investigation\u2019s (FBI) headquarters, which the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved today. That action contradicts the outcome of a decade-long process to select a site that meets the FBI's security and operational needs. Additionally, it violates multiple laws mandating that the GSA select one of three sites it had already identified as satisfying those requirements. That is still the law.\n\n\u201cThe Reagan Building was never included among the three options because it was clear that it could never meet the FBI's need for a secure, consolidated campus with a Level V Federal Facility Security Standard. As the first federal building intentionally designed to accommodate private-sector tenants in addition to government agencies, the Reagan Building\u2019s open design features are uniquely ill suited to the FBI\u2019s requirements. So too is its exposed location between two high-traffic streets.\n\n\u201cThe Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City had similar deficiencies, which contributed to the devastation of the 1995 bombing that claimed the lives of 167 people. Notably, the Reagan Building was designed before the Oklahoma City bombing revealed those flaws.\n\n\u201cThere is a reason that the FBI set these security requirements and that the GSA conducted a rigorous site selection process to meet them: to keep the brave men and women of the FBI safe so that they can complete their essential national security and law enforcement mission. We all agree that the dilapidated J. Edgar Hoover Building is inadequate. The FBI needs a new home. Moving the Bureau from an inadequate 50-year-old building to an inadequate 30-year-old building makes no sense in either the short or long term.\n\n\"We remain certain that Greenbelt, Maryland, is the best site for the FBI. It offers space and security that simply cannot be found in the District of Columbia. That is why the GSA selected the Greenbelt site after years of rigorous and careful evaluation. We will continue fighting to provide the FBI with the world-class facility it needs and deserves.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-firefighters-first", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney, Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments\u2019 emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment.\n\n\u201cWe can always count on Maryland\u2019s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers announced the following grants:\n\nBaltimore Region\n\n$2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response\n\n$1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel\n\nPrince George\u2019s and Montgomery Counties\n\n$516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities\n\n$320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities\n\n$309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park\u2019s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training\n\n$379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers\n\nEastern Shore\n\n$436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)\n\n$100,000 to the Water Witch Fire Company in Port Deposit to purchase 20 sets of turnout gear\n\n$116,190 to the Community Fire Company of Perryville to install a fire alarm system in two stations\n\n$291,428 to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 34 sets of SCBA\n\nWestern Maryland\n\n$146,285 to the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department to acquire new turnout gear\n\n$83,181 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown to purchase five new automatic CPR devices\n\n$45,130 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown, Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS, and the Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire to equip ambulances with narcotic safes for controlled substances\n\n$40,857 to the Community Volunteer Fire Company of District No. 12 in Fairplay to acquire a new thermal imaging camera and automatic CPR chest compressor\n\nSouthern Maryland\n\n$124,174 to the Hughesville, Dentsville, Bryans Road, and Benedict Volunteer Fire Departments to acquire new gear washers and dryers\n\nStatewide\n\n$124,100 to the Maryland State Police to support a smoke and Co2 alarm installation program in collaboration with the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Maryland Department of Health\n\nThe awards are provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) programs with funds from FY 2024 annual appropriations that Federal Team Maryland fought to secure. Team Maryland additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S programs through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law in 2024.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-for-firefighters-first-responders-across-maryland", "Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nDecember 18, 2025\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all MD) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments\u2019 emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment.\n\n\u201cWe can always count on Maryland\u2019s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers announced the following grants:\n\nBaltimore Region\n\n$2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response\n\n$1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel\n\nPrince George\u2019s and Montgomery Counties\n\n$516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities\n\n$320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities\n\n$309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park\u2019s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training\n\n$379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers\n\nEastern Shore\n\n$436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)\n\n$100,000 to the Water Witch Fire Company in Port Deposit to purchase 20 sets of turnout gear\n\n$116,190 to the Community Fire Company of Perryville to install a fire alarm system in two stations\n\n$291,428 to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 34 sets of SCBA\n\nWestern Maryland\n\n$146,285 to the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department to acquire new turnout gear\n\n$83,181 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown to purchase five new automatic CPR devices\n\n$45,130 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown, Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS, and the Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire to equip ambulances with narcotic safes for controlled substances\n\n$40,857 to the Community Volunteer Fire Company of District No. 12 in Fairplay to acquire a new thermal imaging camera and automatic CPR chest compressor\n\nSouthern Maryland\n\n$124,174 to the Hughesville, Dentsville, Bryans Road, and Benedict Volunteer Fire Departments to acquire new gear washers and dryers\n\nStatewide\n\n$124,100 to the Maryland State Police to support a smoke and Co2 alarm installation program in collaboration with the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Maryland Department of Health\n\nThe awards are provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) programs with funds from FY 2024 annual appropriations that Federal Team Maryland fought to secure. Team Maryland additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S programs through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law in 2024.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-for-firefighters-first-responders-across-maryland", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments\u2019 emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment.\n\n\u201cWe can always count on Maryland\u2019s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers announced the following grants:\n\nBaltimore Region\n\n$2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response\n\n$1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel\n\nPrince George\u2019s and Montgomery Counties\n\n$516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities\n\n$320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities\n\n$309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park\u2019s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training\n\n$379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers\n\nEastern Shore\n\n$436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)\n\n$100,000 to the Water Witch Fire Company in Port Deposit to purchase 20 sets of turnout gear\n\n$116,190 to the Community Fire Company of Perryville to install a fire alarm system in two stations\n\n$291,428 to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 34 sets of SCBA\n\nWestern Maryland\n\n$146,285 to the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department to acquire new turnout gear\n\n$83,181 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown to purchase five new automatic CPR devices\n\n$45,130 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown, Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS, and the Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire to equip ambulances with narcotic safes for controlled substances\n\n$40,857 to the Community Volunteer Fire Company of District No. 12 in Fairplay to acquire a new thermal imaging camera and automatic CPR chest compressor\n\nSouthern Maryland\n\n$124,174 to the Hughesville, Dentsville, Bryans Road, and Benedict Volunteer Fire Departments to acquire new gear washers and dryers\n\nStatewide\n\n$124,100 to the Maryland State Police to support a smoke and Co2 alarm installation program in collaboration with the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Maryland Department of Health\n\nThe awards are provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) programs with funds from FY 2024 annual appropriations that Federal Team Maryland fought to secure. Team Maryland additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S programs through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law in 2024.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schiff-colleagues-in-urging-trump-administration-to-end-staffing-crisis-at-fish-and-wildlife-service-warning-of-devastating-impacts-to-ecosystems-and-public-lands", "Van Hollen Joins Schiff, Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to End Staffing Crisis at Fish and Wildlife Service, Warning of Devastating Impacts to Ecosystems and Public Lands", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, and their colleagues in urging the administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which has lost the capacity to properly manage most of America\u2019s wildlife refuges \u2014 putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service\u2019s care.\n\nIn a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country \u2014 with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions.\n\n\u201cAmericans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America\u2019s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cThis downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem\u2014it has made the situation far worse. The President\u2019s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS\u2019s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nThe Senators also emphasized that operating with few or no employees has also hurt disaster resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires.\n\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found hereand below.\n\nDear Secretary Burgum and Director Nesvik:\n\nWe write to sound the alarm on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\u2019s (FWS) staffing crisis, which is causing particular harm to the National Wildlife Refuge System. A startling amount of staff and expertise needed to manage the Refuge System and protect America\u2019s wildlife have been lost due to the administration\u2019s firings, early retirement programs, and other efforts to push staff out of FWS. The agency is losing the capacity to manage America\u2019s wildlife refuges and struggling to even keep them open. We ask that you provide Congress with your plan to address FWS\u2019s staffing crisis and immediately act to ensure that FWS and the Refuge System have the staff and resources needed to guarantee a safe, quality experience for visitors to the Refuge System and to protect the invaluable wildlife species under the agency\u2019s care.\n\nAmericans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America\u2019s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats. There are 573 national wildlife refuges across the country, with a footprint in every state. The Refuge System also utilizes a unique conservation approach through community-based initiatives that provide recreational and sporting opportunities and other localized needs. According to FWS, wildlife refuge recreation generates $3.2 billion in local economic activity each year. Every dollar that is invested in the Refuge System generates $3.12 in U.S. economic activity, a tremendous return on investment for the American taxpayer.\n\nHowever, according to recently released internal agency documents, almost 60 percent of the nation\u2019s wildlife refuges lack the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. FWS has experienced a staggering 29 percent loss of employees who work for the Refuge System. This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem\u2014it has made the situation far worse. The President\u2019s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS\u2019s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies.\n\nStaffing reductions have negatively impacted national wildlife refuges across the country, forcing multiple wildlife refuges to operate with few or no employees. FWS\u2019s internal estimates indicate that 9 percent of wildlife refuges are now classified as \u201cshuttered.\u201d It appears that FWS has abandoned these refuges, as there may not be a single employee on the ground to manage the refuge.\n\nThe consequences of slashing the FWS workforce are already being felt across the nation. The collapse of staffing capacity within the Refuge System leaves refuges open to damage, vandalism, flooding, fire, and loss of protection and conservation measures for threatened and endangered wildlife species who rely on these refuges for survival. FWS staffing losses also hurt resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires.\n\nIt has also become more difficult for the agency to meet deadlines to list species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, an already challenging but essential obligation. This delay in work pushes endangered species closer to extinction and prevents infrastructure projects from moving forward, as they may encounter difficulties with acquiring needed permits amid such regulatory uncertainty.\n\nConsidering the alarming scale of FWS\u2019s staffing crisis, we request answers to the following by January 2, 2026:\n\nWill you commit to reversing the staffing losses at FWS? What is your plan to address FWS\u2019s debilitating loss in capacity?\n\nHas the Administration considered the impact of decimating the FWS workforce on the economics of gateway communities?\n\nDoes the Administration still plan on moving forward with firing more FWS employees, even as those firings are being stopped by federal courts?\n\nHow is FWS planning to meet deadlines to list species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act?\n\nProtecting natural resources for Americans has always been a bipartisan effort and it is important that FWS has the workforce required to meet its core mandates. Thank you, and we look forward to your response.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-markey-whitehouse-dingell-statement-on-dc-circuits-decision-to-rehear-case-on-greenhouse-gas-reduction-fund-grants", "Van Hollen, Markey, Whitehouse, Dingell Statement on D.C. Circuit\u2019s Decision to Rehear Case on Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Grants", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) welcomed the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to reinstate a prior administrative stay blocking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from clawing back legally obligated funds from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) as the full active bench of the D.C. Circuit prepares to rehear the case early next year. In September, the lawmakers were joined by over three dozen additional members of Congress in filing an amicus brief at the D.C. Circuit, urging it to take this action.\n\n\u201cWe created the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to spur investment in innovative clean energy solutions that create jobs, lower Americans\u2019 energy costs, boost our economy, and reduce harmful emissions. The EPA stood up this program according to the letter of the law, awarding and disbursing funds after a rigorous and transparent process. As we have said since the day that the Trump Administration launched its politically motivated attacks on the GGRF, its brazen attempt to seize these legally awarded federal funds from private bank accounts is both unfounded and unlawful. As the full D.C. Circuit prepares to rehear the case, we will continue fighting to protect these essential investments to support good-paying jobs, reduce Americans\u2019 energy bills, and strengthen our energy independence.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-secures-amendment-stop-offshore-wind-provisions-speed-act", "Congressman Harris Secures Amendment to Stop Offshore Wind Provisions in SPEED Act", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C .\u2014 Today, Congressman Andy Harris M.D. (MD-01), announced the inclusion of his amendment, co-sponsored by Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), in the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act (SPEED) Act following negotiations with House Leadership on the floor. This amendment will protect legal actions the Trump Administration has taken thus far to combat the Biden Offshore Wind agenda, including actions impacting the Maryland Offshore Wind Project.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n\u201cI am happy to have worked to deliver a real conservative permitting reform bill that, rather than making concessions to Democrats interested in preserving Biden\u2019s Green New Scam by handcuffing the Trump Administration, preserves the Trump Administration\u2019s fight to Stop Offshore Wind. I was engaged in deliberations with the House Natural Resources Committee for months to ensure the inclusion of this language, guided by a single principle: my constituents in Ocean City and communities across the Atlantic Coastline are not for sale.\u201d\n\nFor media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-majority-whip-jazz-lewis-stepping-down-maryland-house", "Hoyer Statement on Majority Whip Jazz Lewis Stepping Down from the Maryland House of Delegates", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after House Majority Whip Jazz Lewis announced his upcoming departure from the Maryland House of Delegates.\n\n\"I am sorry to hear that my dear friend Jazz Lewis will depart the Maryland House of Delegates in the coming weeks. He is a public servant of the highest quality.\n\n\u201cFrom his time on my staff to his impressive tenure in the Maryland General Assembly as a Delegate and as the youngest Majority Whip in the history of the institution, Jazz's leadership and service has benefitted our entire state. For the past eight years, Jazz has been instrumental in securing numerous legislative accomplishments for our people. That includes many of the Moore-Miller Administration's recent policy achievements. I know Marylanders across Prince George's County and beyond will miss having Jazz in Annapolis. I certainly will.\n\n\"Fortunately, Jazz will remain a key player on Team Maryland in his new role as Director of State Government Relations for the University of Maryland, College Park \u2013 our alma mater. A proud Terp with unrivaled experience at every level of government, Jazz will excel in that position, just as he has in every other.\n\n\"I look forward to continuing to work with Jazz to help our people, our communities, and our great university become even more excellent.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-republicans-partisan-health-care-bill", "Hoyer Statement on Republicans' Partisan Health Care Bill", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after voting on H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act:\n\n\"The feeble health care bill House Republicans passed today would do little more than a band-aid to fix the gaping hole they have left in America's health care system by refusing to extend the tax credits for the Affordable Care Act. Four million Americans are about to lose coverage and millions of others are about to see their monthly premiums skyrocket when those credits expire in just two weeks\u2019 time. With this bill, House Republicans have once again told the American people 'you're on your own.'\n\n\"This bill is shamefully inadequate, and Republicans know it. For fifteen years, they have said they will 'repeal and replace' the ACA. In case it wasn't abundantly clear already, this bill is evidence that Republicans still have no idea what that replacement would look like.\n\n\"Speaker Johnson and his conference had every opportunity to protect Americans' health care, and they passed it up every single time. It shouldn't take a discharge petition to give an ACA tax credit extension a fair vote on the House Floor, but it did. I look forward to seeing that extension receive the consideration that it \u2013 and the millions of Americans who stand to lose their care \u2013 deserves.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-firefighters-first", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, and U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all Md.) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments\u2019 emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment.\n\n\u201cWe can always count on Maryland\u2019s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers announced the following grants:\n\nBaltimore Region\n\n$2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and fire gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response\n\n$1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel\n\nPrince George\u2019s and Montgomery Counties\n\n$516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new fire gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities\n\n$320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities\n\n$309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park\u2019s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training\n\n$379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers\n\nEastern Shore\n\n$436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)\n\n$100,000 to the Water Witch Fire Company in Port Deposit to purchase 20 sets of turnout gear\n\n$116,190 to the Community Fire Company of Perryville to install a fire alarm system in two stations\n\n$291,428 to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 34 sets of SCBA\n\nWestern Maryland\n\n$146,285 to the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department to acquire new turnout gear\n\n$83,181 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown to purchase five new automatic CPR devices\n\n$45,130 to the Community Rescue Service in Hagerstown, Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS, and the Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire to equip ambulances with narcotic safes for controlled substances\n\n$40,857 to the Community Volunteer Fire Company of District No. 12 in Fairplay to acquire a new thermal imaging camera and automatic CPR chest compressor\n\nSouthern Maryland\n\n$124,174 to the Hughesville, Dentsville, Bryans Road, and Benedict Volunteer Fire Departments to acquire new gear washers and dryers\n\nStatewide\n\n$124,100 to the Maryland State Police to support a smoke and Co2 alarm installation program in collaboration with the Office of the State Fire Marshall and the Maryland Department of Health\n\nThe awards are provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) programs with funds from FY 2024 annual appropriations that Federal Team Maryland fought to secure. Team Maryland additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S programs through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law in 2024.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/olszewski-votes-against-healthcare-bill-fails-address-soaring-costs", "Olszewski Votes Against Healthcare Bill that Fails to Address Soaring Costs", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2014 Congressman Johnny Olszewski today called on House leadership to immediately order a vote on legislation that would extend healthcare tax credits for the 22 million Americans \u2013 including more than 1 million Marylanders \u2013 insured under the Affordable Care Act. The tax credits are otherwise set to expire December 31, triggering a staggering price increase averaging 114 percent nationwide.\n\nHis demands come after voting against H.R. 6703, legislation that not only fails to extend credits, but weakens consumer protections, allows employers to cap coverage contributions for the most at-risk Americans, and significantly reduces access to reproductive healthcare. The legislation was rushed to the floor just two days after being introduced, with no chance for bipartisan input or meaningful amendments.\n\n\u201cHealthcare costs should not crush American families,\u201d Congressman Olszewski said. \u201cWhile Republican leadership pushes empty solutions, I\u2019m taking action. I\u2019ve joined a bipartisan effort to force a vote on a clean, three-year extension of ACA tax credits \u2014 a good-faith stopgap that prevents massive premium hikes and keeps millions of people insured.\u201d\n\nFour House Republicans joined Democrats today in signing a discharge petition led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, enough to reach the 218 signatures required to force a vote to extend the ACA tax credits. Under House rules, Speaker Johnson could delay the vote until next month, or opt to hold the vote sooner.\n\n\u201cAmericans cannot afford to wait while Speaker Johnson plays political roulette with their wellbeing,\u201d Congressman Olszewski said. \u201cWe are demanding that Speaker Johnson allow us to vote on this critical legislation immediately. It has the bipartisan votes to pass and provide American families with the certainty they deserve and expect.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/17/2025/van-hollen-statement-on-national-defense-bill-vote", "Van Hollen Statement on National Defense Bill Vote", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote against the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\u201cEvery year, the national defense bill is Congress\u2019 opportunity to conduct oversight of our military operations and realign our defense policies to ensure we\u2019re ready to take on the threats we face around the world. This year\u2019s legislation includes many positive elements that I fought for and support, from a pay increase for our servicemembers \u2013 including the thousands based in Maryland \u2013 to investments in our veterans and military families to funding for Maryland-based military installations. It also includes a provision I authored to ensure continued public access to Greenbury Point near the Naval Academy and bipartisan legislation I led with Senator Kennedy to protect investors from foreign insider trading.\n\n\u201cHowever, I ultimately could not support this year\u2019s NDAA while we are confronting a president who is playing politics with our nation\u2019s military and using our troops to advance his authoritarian agenda both here at home and abroad. From missile strikes on boats that lack Congressional authorization and are extrajudicial killings amounting to state-sanctioned murder, to the deployment of the National Guard to American cities to support the President\u2019s indiscriminate mass deportation agenda, it\u2019s clear this Administration no longer respects our laws, including those around the use of the U.S. military. These concerns have only deepened my existing reservations around the continued unchecked growth in defense spending.\n\n\u201cWe deploy a strong military to protect our nation and democracy from foreign threats and adversaries. Unfortunately, the attack on our democracy, freedoms and the rule of law is now mainly from the president himself \u2013 including the fact that the current Commander in Chief is ignoring the laws governing the use of our military. And for those reasons, I refused to sign a blank check to the lawless Trump Administration.\u201d\n\nSenator Van Hollen secured the passage of two of his bills within the fiscal year 2026 NDAA. The NDAA includes his Protect Greenbury Point Conservation Area Act \u2013 cosponsored by Senator Angela Alsobrooks and led in the House by Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (both D-Md.) \u2013 to prevent the U.S. Navy from developing a golf course on the Greenbury Point peninsula at Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NSA Annapolis); and his bipartisan Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act with Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) to hold executives of foreign companies that are traded on U.S. stock exchanges to the same disclosure requirements that U.S.-based firms are required to follow.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-harris-hosts-agriculture-appropriations-subcommittee-roundtable-dr", "Chairman Harris Hosts Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Roundtable With Dr. Ben Carson", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration, hosted a House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee roundtable with Dr. Ben Carson, National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, focused on the connection between nutrition and chronic disease.\n\nChairman Harris and Dr. Carson discussed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including ways to incorporate healthy foods and limit processed foods and sugary beverages in order to help children and families develop healthier lifestyles and reduce the risk of chronic disease.\n\nStatement from Congressman Harris:\n\n\u201cUnder President Trump\u2019s leadership, USDA is focused on strengthening SNAP and encouraging healthier choices as part of the Make America Healthy Again effort to address diet-related chronic disease in children. I look forward in my role as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the USDA to provide the department with the necessary tools and resources to accomplish this worthwhile goal.\"\n\nFor media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-maryland-congressional-delegation-hold-meeting-discuss-future-nasa", "Hoyer, Maryland Congressional Delegation Hold Meeting to Discuss Future of NASA, Maryland\u2019s Role in Space Innovation", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation met with NASA officials and stakeholders to discuss protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. They received updates on and discussed the importance of NASA Goddard\u2019s workforce and missions, as well as other missions being built, led, and supported across Maryland. Video of the members\u2019 press availability following the meeting is available here.\n\n\u201cNASA Goddard is vital not only to our local community in Maryland but to the entire country and world. Home to one of the greatest concentrations of scientists in the world, the team at Goddard is deepening our understanding of our planet and what lies beyond. In the course of that pursuit, they are also helping America continue to stay ahead of China and other competitors when it comes to science, technology, innovation, and economic growth. I was pleased our delegation could meet today to discuss how we can best support Goddard in that important mission,\u201d said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05).\n\n\u201cFrom NASA Goddard to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to nearby Wallops Flight Facility and the many additional science centers and related enterprises across the state, Maryland has been at the center of American space exploration and the forefront of technological advancements that have made our country stronger and safer. The dedicated scientists, engineers, and contractors who power these facilities are central to America\u2019s leadership in space and innovation, but these workers \u2013 and the critical work they do \u2013 have been under attack from the Trump Administration since day one. For America to continue leading the world in space science, the Administration must start respecting the people who put us in that position. Federal Team Maryland will continue pushing to maintain our leadership in cutting-edge missions while fighting to ensure the workers who drive them have the support they need to carry out these critical missions,\u201d said Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\n\u201cThe work being done every day at Goddard Space Flight Center and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory are the reason Maryland \u2013 and our nation \u2013 is a leader in science, technology, and research. We are exceptional because of the scientists and engineers doing this incredible work - their innovation and talent is unmatched. But this Administration doesn't seem to care. They have ripped apart the federal government including our work at NASA \u2013 ceding ground to global competitors. I will continue to stand up to this Administration and keep fighting for investments that keep America at the forefront of scientific discovery,\u201d said Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).\n\n\"The research that happens at the Goddard Space Flight Center and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is work that cannot be reduced overnight. Unfortunately, Donald Trump and the Department of Government Evil took a chainsaw to the field of science - threatening research, innovation, and America's competitive edge,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). \"We hope to have some concrete action as we continue to support our local scientists and engineers across the state of Maryland.\"\n\n\u201cMaryland remains a cornerstone of America\u2019s scientific community, and NASA\u2019s Goddard has long driven space science research and innovation,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08). \u201cTeam Maryland condemns the Trump Administration\u2019s threats to cut funding at Goddard which would be a disaster for all Americans. I am grateful to the hundreds of NASA scientists and staff from the Free State who make Maryland a great home for natural discovery and scientific excellence.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt the worst possible moment, the Trump administration\u2019s reckless cuts are hollowing out America\u2019s space leadership. Driving our best scientists out of public service puts us on track for another Sputnik moment; this time with China in the lead. We must invest in NASA and protect the mission-critical work at Goddard and Johns Hopkins APL,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04).\n\n\u201cFrom working with University Affiliated Research Centers, like the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory located in the Third District, to leading our nation in space flight missions, NASA Goddard\u2019s importance to American leadership in space science cannot be overstated,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03). \u201cAs they look to expand their mission-critical work, the Maryland Delegation will have their back even in the face of closures by the Trump Administration.\u201d\n\n\u201cNASA Goddard is a national jewel with a long and storied legacy of spaceflight and discovery made possible by our state's exceptional workforce and our ability to attract world-class academic and international partnerships. It is imperative that our Congress and Team Maryland continue to push against these reckless cuts that will undermine our research, workforce, innovation, U.S. competitiveness, and national security. As Maryland's only member of the House, Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am standing with our delegation to demand accountability, restore NASA's public service mission, and ensure Maryland continues to lead in scientific discovery. It is \"mission critical\" to preserve and protect our role as the world's leader on space innovation and technology policy,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06).\n\n\u201cNow more than ever, I believe in the power of evidence, facts, and science \u2014 and that we should invest in knowledge. Goddard is home to thousands of the world\u2019s best scientists who are helping us dominate the space race and reap the economic benefits that come with that. I join my Maryland colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to honor our commitments to these civil servants and continue investing in their missions,\u201d said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-remarks-media-availability-following-maryland-delegation-meeting-future", "Hoyer Remarks at Media Availability Following Maryland Delegation Meeting on Future of NASA, Maryland\u2019s Role in Space Innovation", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks at a media availability following a meeting with the Maryland congressional delegation and NASA officials and stakeholders on protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks:\n\nClick here to watch a full video of his remarks:\n\n\"Goddard is an extraordinary asset to the state of Maryland. More importantly, it is an extraordinary asset to the United States of America, and as well to the global community, which has, over the years, relied on Goddard and NASA generally for information that it needed for all sorts of different reasons, including national security, including agricultural production, including saving ourselves from extraordinary weather events because we knew what was happening. NASA Goddard has been an agency that looks to the far past and looks to the present and the future.\n\n\"When this Administration started, it started with an assertion that it was going to cut literally trillions of dollars from the budget and hundreds of thousands, perhaps a million, federal employees. It did so not with a scalpel, not with knowledge of the consequences of their actions, but with a chainsaw and a focus only on numbers. Today, Senator Van Hollen convened a group of six people who had intimate knowledge of the importance of NASA, the work that it does, and particularly Goddard Space Flight Center, and what we heard was that people were given the opportunity to leave, not be - not work for 7 or 8 months, and be paid, and then lose the skill and judgment and experience that they had. A tragic action on behalf of this Administration. As a result, they found that they fired people or allowed people to retire who were needed, and therefore, we've seen the hiring back of some people.\n\n\"The Congress, which is now controlled by the Republicans, said that action was detrimental to America. And as a result of Senator Van Hollen, who said the Senate - under Republican control - did not accept those cuts. In the House, a 46% cut was reduced by 30% to 16%, and I believe the majority of the House believes that the Senate number is the better number. So, what I've asked the folks that testified before us is to give the American people the sense of the consequences of the Administration's actions. The detriment it has caused to America, and the detriment it caused to the international community in one sense, and great benefit in another sense, because these people who have so much talent, so much importance to science, to engineering, to future exploration and innovation will be seeking employment with those either overseas in Europe or overseas in Asia, to America's detriment.\n\n\"Chris [Van Hollen], thank you very much for having this hearing and let us hope that the American people will say to the Congress, the United States, 'Do not disinvest in science. That is the future that will be made better by science.' Thank you.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-november-jobs-report-1", "Hoyer Statement on November Jobs Report", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "\"The November jobs report released this morning is a warning sign for the American economy. Only 64,000 jobs were added in November, and unemployment grew to 4.6% \u2013 the highest level since the pandemic. Black Americans have been particularly hard hit, with Black unemployment now at 8.3%. Additionally, the number of Americans who have been unemployed for more than six months swelled to 1.9 million last month, which is 200,000 more than a year ago. The number of unemployed people last month was 700,000 more than in November 2024.\n\n\u201cAnd yet, Donald Trump has the audacity to say he has earned an \u2018A+++++\u2019 on the economy. He describes Americans' affordability crisis as a \u2018fake narrative.\u2019 Trump can deny reality all he wants, but that won\u2019t change the sorry state of our economy. Only abandoning his devastating economic agenda can do that. With tariffs raising costs, attacks on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act putting health care out of reach for millions of Americans, and trillions of dollars of tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires exploding the national debt, America's economic carnage will continue so long as Trump and his MAGA Republican majorities in Congress stay on their current course.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-trump-witkoff-hegseth-vance-rubio-theyve-done-everything-appease-putin", "Hoyer: Trump, Witkoff, Hegseth, Vance, Rubio \u2013 They've Done Everything to Appease Putin Short of Putting on a Russian Uniform", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor urging his Republican colleagues to sign the discharge petition to bring the Ukraine Support Act to the House Floor before the House departs for the rest of the year. Below are a full video and transcript of his remarks:\n\nClick here to watch a full video of his remarks:\n\n\"Mr. Speaker, this chamber will soon be empty as Members leave for the holiday without having taken action to aid Ukraine; our friend, our ally, a courageous people who want to be free. The trenches in Donbas will not be empty, however. Ukrainian medic stations and hospitals will not be empty. The air raid shelters beneath Kyiv, Odessa, Kharkiv will not be empty. Mr. Speaker, this Administration is sleepwalking toward the edge of an abyss that will be difficult to escape. Neville Chamberlain once did the same. He returned from Munich and hoisted a piece of paper above his head that bore his signature and that of Adolf Hitler. Without consulting Czechoslovakia, Chamberlain traded a fifth of its territory in exchange for Hitler's word that he would not invade. He said \u2013 Chamberlain said it would secure \u2018peace with honor\u2026a peace for our time.\u2019 Within five months, the Nazis occupied every square inch of Czechoslovakia. Within a year, they had [invaded] Poland. Within two years, German bombs were falling in London. Just a few days after Chamberlain brandished Czechoslovakia's death warrant, Winston Churchill said, and I quote, \u2018The dictator \u2013\u2019 in this case Hitler, in our case, Putin, \u2018\u2013 instead of snatching the victuals from the table, has been content to have them served to him course by course.\u2019\n\n\"Mr. Speaker, another dictator now hungers for his next course. Vladimir Putin did not stop with his invasion of Georgia or his campaign to separate Transnistria from Moldova. He did not stop with his 2014 annexation of Crimea \u2013 though perhaps he would have if America and the United Kingdom honored the Budapest Memorandum. It is foolish and dangerous to think he will stop at the Donbas. The Russian bear is about to take its next bite, and Donald Trump is setting the table. Trump, Witkoff, Hegseth, Vance, Rubio \u2013 they've done everything to appease Putin short of putting on a Russian uniform. Their 28 point \u2018peace\u2019 plan last month was a Russian menu. What concessions did Trump demand from Ukraine? That it forfeits a fifth of its territory \u2013 including land that Russia does not occupy \u2013 to its invader; that it cap the size of its military; that it forgoes its right to join NATO, which I believe is the only measure that can truly guarantee Ukraine's security. What has he demanded from Russia in exchange? Nada, zip, nothing. No economic reparations for Ukraine. No requirement that Russia return the Ukrainian children it abducted. No accountability for the war crimes Putin has committed. Just Putin's promise not to invade again \u2013 one he has yet to make and one he would never keep. This Administration acts as though we have no leverage in this situation \u2013 as though NATO\u2019s $1.8 trillion defense expenditures, 3.5 million troops, and combined GDP of $54 trillion mean nothing.\n\n\"America is not impotent, nor is NATO, nor is the West in this fight against fascism, and neither is this Congress. Over 300 of us in every one of 12 votes has cast [their] vote for Ukraine; the majority of Republicans on all but one of those votes. We only need three more Republicans to sign on to the bipartisan discharge petition Ranking Member Meeks and I put forward to bring the Ukraine Support Act to the Floor for a vote. That legislation would undermine Russia's war machine and give Ukraine the support it needs to win this fight. Actually, and psychologically, this House has taken 12 votes on past bills supporting Ukraine; an average of 80% of our Members have voted for every one of those and yet we stand silent. We have not acted. We cannot build a peace with honor on a promise from Putin. We can only achieve peace by awakening to our own power, to our own influence. I ask my colleagues, each of you who has supported Ukraine continuously in the past on almost every vote: sign the discharge petition now. Let us not go home silent in the face of tyranny.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-to-discuss-future-of-nasa-maryland-s-role-in-space-innovation", "Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Future of NASA, Maryland's Role in Space Innovation", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation met with NASA officials and stakeholders to discuss protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. They received updates on and discussed the importance of NASA Goddard\u2019s workforce and missions, as well as other missions being built, led, and supported across Maryland. Video of the members\u2019 press availability following the meeting is available here.\n\n\"The research that happens at the Goddard Space Flight Center and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is work that cannot be reduced overnight. Unfortunately, Donald Trump and the Department of Government Evil took a chainsaw to the field of science - threatening research, innovation, and America's competitive edge,\" said Congressman Mfume. \"We hope to have some concrete action as we continue to support our local scientists and engineers across the state of Maryland.\"\n\n\u201cFrom NASA Goddard to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to nearby Wallops Flight Facility and the many additional science centers and related enterprises across the state, Maryland has been at the center of American space exploration and the forefront of technological advancements that have made our country stronger and safer. The dedicated scientists, engineers, and contractors who power these facilities are central to America\u2019s leadership in space and innovation, but these workers \u2013 and the critical work they do \u2013 have been under attack from the Trump Administration since day one. For America to continue leading the world in space science, the Administration must start respecting the people who put us in that position. Federal Team Maryland will continue pushing to maintain our leadership in cutting-edge missions while fighting to ensure the workers who drive them have the support they need to carry out these critical missions,\u201d said Senator Chris Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe work being done every day at Goddard Space Flight Center and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory are the reason Maryland \u2013 and our nation \u2013 is a leader in science, technology, and research. We are exceptional because of the scientists and engineers doing this incredible work - their innovation and talent is unmatched. But this Administration doesn't seem to care. They have ripped apart the federal government including our work at NASA \u2013 ceding ground to global competitors. I will continue to stand up to this Administration and keep fighting for investments that keep America at the forefront of scientific discovery,\u201d said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cNASA Goddard is vital not only to our local community in Maryland but to the entire country and world. Home to one of the greatest concentrations of scientists in the world, the team at Goddard is deepening our understanding of our planet and what lies beyond. In the course of that pursuit, they are also helping America continue to stay ahead of China and other competitors when it comes to science, technology, innovation, and economic growth. I was pleased our delegation could meet today to discuss how we can best support Goddard in that important mission,\u201d said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer.\n\n\u201cMaryland remains a cornerstone of America\u2019s scientific community, and NASA\u2019s Goddard has long driven space science research and innovation,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin. \u201cTeam Maryland condemns the Trump Administration\u2019s threats to cut funding at Goddard which would be a disaster for all Americans. I am grateful to the hundreds of NASA scientists and staff from the Free State who make Maryland a great home for natural discovery and scientific excellence.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt the worst possible moment, the Trump administration\u2019s reckless cuts are hollowing out America\u2019s space leadership. Driving our best scientists out of public service puts us on track for another Sputnik moment; this time with China in the lead. We must invest in NASA and protect the mission-critical work at Goddard and Johns Hopkins APL,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Ivey.\n\n\u201cFrom working with University Affiliated Research Centers, like the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory located in the Third District, to leading our nation in space flight missions, NASA Goddard\u2019s importance to American leadership in space science cannot be overstated,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03). \u201cAs they look to expand their mission-critical work, the Maryland Delegation will have their back even in the face of closures by the Trump Administration.\u201d\n\n\u201cNASA Goddard is a national jewel with a long and storied legacy of spaceflight and discovery made possible by our state's exceptional workforce and our ability to attract world-class academic and international partnerships. It is imperative that our Congress and Team Maryland continue to push against these reckless cuts that will undermine our research, workforce, innovation, U.S. competitiveness, and national security. As Maryland's only member of the House, Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am standing with our delegation to demand accountability, restore NASA's public service mission, and ensure Maryland continues to lead in scientific discovery. It is \"mission critical\" to preserve and protect our role as the world's leader on space innovation and technology policy,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cNow more than ever, I believe in the power of evidence, facts, and science \u2014 and that we should invest in knowledge. Goddard is home to thousands of the world\u2019s best scientists who are helping us dominate the space race and reap the economic benefits that come with that. I join my Maryland colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to honor our commitments to these civil servants and continue investing in their missions,\u201d said Congressman Johnny Olszewski.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2025/12/raskin-introduces-legislation-to-preserve-the-people-s-white-house-require-public-input-for-trump-s-marie-antoinette-ballroom", "Raskin Introduces Legislation to Preserve the People\u2019s White House, Require Public Input for Trump\u2019s Marie Antoinette Ballroom", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) introduced legislation to protect the historic character of the White House, requiring a public review process for renovations to the building. The People\u2019s White House Historic Preservation Act follows President Donald Trump\u2019s demolition of the East Wing to build a massive ballroom funded by corporations and wealthy donors.\n\n\u201cAmericans watched in horror as President Trump reduced the East Wing of the White House to a pile of rubble to pave the way for his self-appointed Marie Antoinette ballroom,\u201d said Rep. Raskin. \u201cMy legislation returns power to the American people to protect the house we built for our presidents. The White House belongs to all of us\u2014not to one lawless president building a ballroom funded by tech oligarchs and his fellow plutocrats.\u201d\n\nThis bill would remove the White House\u2019s statutory exemption from the National Historic Preservation Act\u2019s Section 106 review process, requiring the President to submit any proposed White House renovation for formal review and public comment as the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees federal building construction, and the Commission of Fine Arts, which reviews designs for federal buildings, before breaking ground.\n\nIf stakeholders identify potentially adverse effects to changes to the historic property, the parties would need to agree on a resolution and record it through a Memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the proposal would then be brought to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to determine if the project can move forward.\n\nPast presidents have voluntarily submitted their White House renovation plans for public review as \u201cbest practice,\u201d even if the building is technically exempt. Yet President Trump has still not submitted any of his plans to the National Capital Planning Commission, where he installed three of his own White House officials.\n\nOn October 30, 2025, Trump fired each of the Commissioners on the Commission of Fine Arts. The President has demonstrated that he has no intention to follow the Section 106 public review process, and in fact is fast-tracking construction even as multiple historic preservation groups voice their concerns about the project.\n\nLast week, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit to block the ballroom\u2019s construction.\n\nThis legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Andre Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) and Jared Huffman (CA-02)\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-to-discuss-future-of-nasa-marylands-role-in-space-innovation", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Future of NASA, Maryland\u2019s Role in Space Innovation", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Yesterday, members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation met with NASA officials and stakeholders to discuss protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. They received updates on and discussed the importance of NASA Goddard\u2019s workforce and missions, as well as other missions being built, led, and supported across Maryland. Video of the members\u2019 press availability following the meeting is available here.\n\n\u201cFrom NASA Goddard to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to nearby Wallops Flight Facility and the many additional science centers and related enterprises across the state, Maryland has been at the center of American space exploration and the forefront of technological advancements that have made our country stronger and safer. The dedicated scientists, engineers, and contractors who power these facilities are central to America\u2019s leadership in space and innovation, but these workers \u2013 and the critical work they do \u2013 have been under attack from the Trump Administration since day one. For America to continue leading the world in space science, the Administration must start respecting the people who put us in that position. Federal Team Maryland will continue pushing to maintain our leadership in cutting-edge missions while fighting to ensure the workers who drive them have the support they need to carry out these critical missions,\u201d said Senator Chris Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe work being done every day at Goddard Space Flight Center and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory are the reason Maryland \u2013 and our nation \u2013 is a leader in science, technology, and research. We are exceptional because of the scientists and engineers doing this incredible work - their innovation and talent is unmatched. But this Administration doesn't seem to care. They have ripped apart the federal government including our work at NASA \u2013 ceding ground to global competitors. I will continue to stand up to this Administration and keep fighting for investments that keep America at the forefront of scientific discovery,\u201d said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cNASA Goddard is vital not only to our local community in Maryland but to the entire country and world. Home to one of the greatest concentrations of scientists in the world, the team at Goddard is deepening our understanding of our planet and what lies beyond. In the course of that pursuit, they are also helping America continue to stay ahead of China and other competitors when it comes to science, technology, innovation, and economic growth. I was pleased our delegation could meet today to discuss how we can best support Goddard in that important mission,\u201d said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer.\n\n\"The research that happens at the Goddard Space Flight Center and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is work that cannot be reduced overnight. Unfortunately, Donald Trump and the Department of Government Evil took a chainsaw to the field of science - threatening research, innovation, and America's competitive edge,\" said Congressman Mfume. \"We hope to have some concrete action as we continue to support our local scientists and engineers across the state of Maryland.\"\n\n\u201cMaryland remains a cornerstone of America\u2019s scientific community, and NASA\u2019s Goddard has long driven space science research and innovation,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin. \u201cTeam Maryland condemns the Trump Administration\u2019s threats to cut funding at Goddard which would be a disaster for all Americans. I am grateful to the hundreds of NASA scientists and staff from the Free State who make Maryland a great home for natural discovery and scientific excellence.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt the worst possible moment, the Trump administration\u2019s reckless cuts are hollowing out America\u2019s space leadership. Driving our best scientists out of public service puts us on track for another Sputnik moment; this time with China in the lead. We must invest in NASA and protect the mission-critical work at Goddard and Johns Hopkins APL,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Ivey.\n\n\u201cFrom working with University Affiliated Research Centers, like the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory located in the Third District, to leading our nation in space flight missions, NASA Goddard\u2019s importance to American leadership in space science cannot be overstated,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03). \u201cAs they look to expand their mission-critical work, the Maryland Delegation will have their back even in the face of closures by the Trump Administration.\u201d\n\n\u201cNASA Goddard is a national jewel with a long and storied legacy of spaceflight and discovery made possible by our state's exceptional workforce and our ability to attract world-class academic and international partnerships. It is imperative that our Congress and Team Maryland continue to push against these reckless cuts that will undermine our research, workforce, innovation, U.S. competitiveness, and national security. As Maryland's only member of the House, Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am standing with our delegation to demand accountability, restore NASA's public service mission, and ensure Maryland continues to lead in scientific discovery. It is \"mission critical\" to preserve and protect our role as the world's leader on space innovation and technology policy,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-discuss-future-nasa-marylands", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Future of NASA, Maryland\u2019s Role in Space Innovation", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation met with NASA officials and stakeholders to discuss protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. They received updates on and discussed the importance of NASA Goddard\u2019s workforce and missions, as well as other missions being built, led, and supported across Maryland. Video of the members\u2019 press availability following the meeting is available here.\n\n\u201cFrom NASA Goddard to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to nearby Wallops Flight Facility and the many additional science centers and related enterprises across the state, Maryland has been at the center of American space exploration and the forefront of technological advancements that have made our country stronger and safer. The dedicated scientists, engineers, and contractors who power these facilities are central to America\u2019s leadership in space and innovation, but these workers \u2013 and the critical work they do \u2013 have been under attack from the Trump Administration since day one. For America to continue leading the world in space science, the Administration must start respecting the people who put us in that position. Federal Team Maryland will continue pushing to maintain our leadership in cutting-edge missions while fighting to ensure the workers who drive them have the support they need to carry out these critical missions,\u201d said Senator Chris Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe work being done every day at Goddard Space Flight Center and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory are the reason Maryland \u2013 and our nation \u2013 is a leader in science, technology, and research. We are exceptional because of the scientists and engineers doing this incredible work - their innovation and talent is unmatched. But this Administration doesn't seem to care. They have ripped apart the federal government including our work at NASA \u2013 ceding ground to global competitors. I will continue to stand up to this Administration and keep fighting for investments that keep America at the forefront of scientific discovery,\u201d said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cNASA Goddard is vital not only to our local community in Maryland but to the entire country and world. Home to one of the greatest concentrations of scientists in the world, the team at Goddard is deepening our understanding of our planet and what lies beyond. In the course of that pursuit, they are also helping America continue to stay ahead of China and other competitors when it comes to science, technology, innovation, and economic growth. I was pleased our delegation could meet today to discuss how we can best support Goddard in that important mission,\u201d said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer.\n\n\"The research that happens at the Goddard Space Flight Center and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is work that cannot be reduced overnight. Unfortunately, Donald Trump and the Department of Government Evil took a chainsaw to the field of science - threatening research, innovation, and America's competitive edge,\" said Congressman Mfume. \"We hope to have some concrete action as we continue to support our local scientists and engineers across the state of Maryland.\"\n\n\u201cMaryland remains a cornerstone of America\u2019s scientific community, and NASA\u2019s Goddard has long driven space science research and innovation,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin. \u201cTeam Maryland condemns the Trump Administration\u2019s threats to cut funding at Goddard which would be a disaster for all Americans. I am grateful to the hundreds of NASA scientists and staff from the Free State who make Maryland a great home for natural discovery and scientific excellence.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt the worst possible moment, the Trump administration\u2019s reckless cuts are hollowing out America\u2019s space leadership. Driving our best scientists out of public service puts us on track for another Sputnik moment; this time with China in the lead. We must invest in NASA and protect the mission-critical work at Goddard and Johns Hopkins APL,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Ivey.\n\n\u201cFrom working with University Affiliated Research Centers, like the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory located in the Third District, to leading our nation in space flight missions, NASA Goddard\u2019s importance to American leadership in space science cannot be overstated,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03). \u201cAs they look to expand their mission-critical work, the Maryland Delegation will have their back even in the face of closures by the Trump Administration.\u201d\n\n\u201cNASA Goddard is a national jewel with a long and storied legacy of spaceflight and discovery made possible by our state's exceptional workforce and our ability to attract world-class academic and international partnerships. It is imperative that our Congress and Team Maryland continue to push against these reckless cuts that will undermine our research, workforce, innovation, U.S. competitiveness, and national security. As Maryland's only member of the House, Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am standing with our delegation to demand accountability, restore NASA's public service mission, and ensure Maryland continues to lead in scientific discovery. It is \"mission critical\" to preserve and protect our role as the world's leader on space innovation and technology policy,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:39Z"], ["https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-re-elected-house-freedom-caucus-chairman", "Congressman Andy Harris Re-Elected as the House Freedom Caucus Chairman", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MD", "Andy Harris", "H001052", "harris.house.gov", "harris", "https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Tonight, the House Freedom Caucus re-elected Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) to continue serving as Chairman through the end of 2026. He has led the House Freedom Caucus since September of 2024 and serves as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.\n\nStatement From Chairman Harris:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to once again be elected Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus. The American people sent us here to fight for limited government, fiscal responsibility, secure borders, and accountability in Washington and that mission has never been more important. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my House Freedom Caucus colleagues to deliver real conservative results and President Trump\u2019s America First agenda.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-floor-remarks-50-million-donation-bowie-state-university", "Hoyer Floor Remarks on $50 Million Donation to Bowie State University", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor regarding a $50 million unrestricted gift to Bowie State University (BSU) from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Below is a full video and transcript of his remarks:\n\nClick here for a full video of his remarks.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-remarks-american-enterprise-institute-bush-v-gore-and-help-america-vote", "Hoyer Remarks at American Enterprise Institute Bush v. Gore and the Help America Vote Act, 25 Years Later Conference", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks during the American Enterprise Institute Bush v. Gore and the Help America Vote Act, 25 Years Later Conference. Below is a full transcript of his remarks:\n\n\"I'm so pleased to be here with all of you. When I leave the Congress at some point in time, I will look back on two major pieces of legislation and others, but two major pieces, and I want to talk about both of them. One is the Americans with Disabilities Act, and one is the Help America Vote Act. And the reason I talk about both of them in terms of what I did in Congress during my years, was because I think both of them had a very significant effect, the ADA obviously a greater one in one sense, but, both of them will, I think, continue to have effects. The ADA has been carried out more perfectly, perhaps, than the HAVA has, in some senses, but both have had significant effect. John, thank you very much for your introduction. Is Don here? I\u2019m looking at him. Don and Tom Hicks, my friend Tom Hicks at the EAC, and the rest of you have such an effect. Unfortunately, the person who wrote HAVA had to leave. You know, I take credit for being a sponsor and initiator, and I\u2019m going to talk about Bob Ney. Obviously. But Keith was the one who really did a lot of the grunt work as those of you who worked closely with us know, as well as Paul and others on Bob Ney\u2019s staff. Doug Lewis was a great help [and] worked hard on it. Thank you for being here, Doug, Leslie Reynolds and so many others who made a difference on this. So, I thank you for inviting me to talk a little bit about this bill.\n\n\"You know, they say the longest night of the year, normally occurs on the winter solstice coming up on December 21st. Well, the longest night of 2000 occurred on November 7th; it lasted 35 days. You all know the story, you\u2019ve been hearing about the story, and talking about the story of an election in which 105.6 million Americans voted, came down to 537 votes. Americans' confidence in their democracy seemed to erode with each passing day, and each mention of arcane terms like \u2018butterfly ballots\u2019 and \u2018hanging chads\u2019 and they said, \u2018What the hell is going on?\u2019 Ultimately, the outcome was determined not simply by a margin of 271 to 266. I say often that Al Gore lost the election 5 to 4. That's not the way elections are supposed to be decided. They're supposed to be decided by the voters. That was not to be. And whether you agree with that decision or not, ultimately it was 5 saying that the election was over and 4 saying, \u2018No, it's not.\u2019 The majority ruled that Florida's recount violated the Equal Protection Clause, and there was no time to rectify the issues before the safe harbor deadline.\n\n\"Graciously, painfully, and patriotically, Al Gore conceded. In his speech, he said this: \u2018The strength of American democracy is shown most clearly through the difficulties it can overcome.\u2019 Again, I say that was an extraordinarily gracious, courageous, and patriotic stand for Al Gore to take. None of us on our side of the aisle thought that we lost that election. One of the proudest moments I've had over the last 44 plus years \u2013 45 this May \u2013 was the inauguration of 2001 when Bill Clinton, Al Gore, George Bush sat within feet of one another, and the greatest power on earth was transferred peacefully without a shot from Bill Clinton to George Bush. That was democracy at its finest, even though so many of us believe that that was not the outcome, the strength of our [democracy] was shown that we accepted the 5-4 victory. Why? Because that's the law. That's what the Constitution says we should do. That was the goal of the Help America Vote Act, not simply to secure our elections, but to restore the strength of our democracy in the eyes of the American people. That task was bigger than any one person in any one party. From the start, I knew that HAVA would have to be a bipartisan piece of legislation. First of all, the Republicans were in charge. They were chairs of committee, so it was a practical matter that had to happen. But more importantly, it had to have a consensus that this was the right thing to do and we created that, it took some time. I learned that lesson, as I said, serving as the principal House sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a bipartisan bill passed in the Democratic Congress and signed into law by George H.W. Bush on July 26th, 1990.\n\n\"HAVA\u2019s success relied on partnership across party lines, across chambers, across levels of government. Fortunately for the American people and for me, I found a receptive and positive partner in Representative Bob Ney. Bob Ney was as responsible for passing HAVA as any Member of Congress, including myself. Had he been a person who was going to oppose because it was a partisan issue, it would not have passed. But he was bigger than that, and more responsible than that, and a good friend. I made the case that an overwhelming bipartisan election reform bill was key to restoring American trust in its elections, so critical for any successful democracy. For over two centuries, the federal government had not devoted any of its resources \u2013 not a single dime \u2013 to the electoral process that determined who would serve in federal office. So, every president, every senator, and every Member of the House had been elected through a state-funded process, and that had to change. Bob Ney agreed. And as a result, we worked very closely, very positively, and very effectively together and he was under a great deal of pressure, Paul as you well know, from a lot of his Republican colleagues. He could have seized on that opportunity to push for partisan advantage as some in his party wanted him to do. Instead, we shared a focus on reaching a real solution, and we weren\u2019t the only ones. Former Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter led a commission on election reform. I had the pleasure, and Bob had the pleasure of testifying before the commission in Ann Arbor in 2001, and we incorporated many of their suggestions in the bill. I also worked very closely with the Secretaries of State. Thank you very much to those of you who represent the Secretaries of State.\n\n\"I remember, particularly, a Los Angeles County Registrar Conny McCormack, I don't know whether that name has been mentioned before but Conny was an essential part of working with Secretaries of State. She was not a Secretary of State, she was the local Los Angeles County [Registrar] and had one of the most diverse electorates, perhaps in the world and certainly in America. She was very, very helpful to us, as were so many Secretaries of State, Democratic and Republican. And again, Bob facilitated that bipartisan cooperation. Central to HAVA was the establishment of the Election Assistance Commission. We have two representatives of that commission here. It is not as strong as I would have liked it, but as strong as I would have liked it, it would not have passed, and Bob and I both realized that. That's why there were equal numbers, and, in fact, you have to have at least three quarters agreeing. And that gave confidence to both Republicans and Democrats that they could vote for this, and [it] would not be turned into a partisan confrontation. It can develop standards, share best practices, and issue grants to help states make their elections more accurate, more accessible, and more secure. I appreciate the presence of Mr. Palmer and Mr. Hicks, who have worked so long and so well together to effect - successful implementation of that which we were able to do in this legislation.\n\n\"The frustration that Americans felt, and that I had felt, was one of the key things that I inserted \u2014 and Bob agreed \u2014 to put in HAVA; and that was the provisional ballot process, which was already effected in some states, but not all. And there's nothing more frustrating for a voter to come to a precinct and be told, \u2018Well, this is not in your precinct\u2019 or \u2018You did not \u2014 we didn't get this information from the county board or the municipal board or the state board of the city that you were a voter.\u2019 And in the heat of the 12 hours, or 13 hours that that poll may be open, very hard to check on that. So, we now have provisional ballots implemented by the states, but nevertheless, every state is required to have the availability of provisional ballots so that every person who is eligible to vote can vote, even if that has to be checked over the next 24, 48, 96 hours, or even longer.\n\n\"I also incorporated the College Poll Worker Program. That's what these remarks say, but what it was a program I believe that was necessary. Why? Because as a practitioner of politics, for some period of time, about sixty years, I found that poll workers were doing something that I\u2019m doing: getting older every day. (laughter) And as elections became more technology-driven \u2013 a controversy in and of itself, as we know \u2013 the older poll workers were not as facile with that technology as younger people and I thought to myself, how do we solve that? And the way I suggest that we solve it is [involving] young college students, essentially, and have a program at every college that would, in effect, contribute personnel to working on Election Day in a non-partisan way. That hasn't been nearly as successful as I would have hoped. There are programs that are being followed for that, but I'm still trying to make that work better. But the reason I bring it up, interesting enough, that part of the bill I was going to call the Help America Vote Act, telling every college student and high school student [to] help America vote, help them do it right, help them to have confidence in what they're doing. Now ultimately, the voting act that we were working on, there were literally scores of suggestions of the name of this bill. Mostly it could be the \u2018John Lewis\u2019 bill or the this bill or the that bill, and Bob felt it ought to have a generic name. And Bob said to me, \u2018I know you have this \u2018Help America Vote\u2019 section regarding college [students], but can we use that for the whole bill?\u2019 And of course, I said yes, and that's how it became named the Help America Vote Act.\n\n\"What we kept out of HAVA, however, was just as important to its passage is what we put in. Bob, and with me helping him, successfully diffused partisan push to include an onerous voter I.D. requirement, something we knew would sink the bill. It's still a relevant issue, it's still talked about a lot, but it would not have been a bipartisan bill nor would it have passed as overwhelmingly had we included such a provision. That is still a very controversial issue, as all of you know. We also proactively involved leaders on other committees with jurisdiction over the same areas of HAVA addressed to ensure we presented a united front. That experience that I had in 1990, or 1988, \u201889 and \u201890 working on the Americans with Disabilities Act, where we had at least seven committees had very great part of the jurisdiction of issues we were dealing with in the in ADA was applicable in HAVA, because there were a number of \u2014 the Science committee was one of them, machines and \u2013 but there were \u2013 the Judiciary clearly was one of those, but a number of committees. Paul, I'm sure you get a lot of heat from some of the committee chairmen. \u2018Why are you doing this? Why are you doing that?\u2019 And I want to thank Paul personally for the role he played, the positive role he played in getting this bill done.\n\n\"We also proactively involved leaders of other committees, as I just said. HAVA ultimately passed through the House with a full vote of 357 to 48, as I've said. When the Senate was slow to consider HAVA, Bob and I worked with Kit Bond, Chris Dodd, and Mitch McConnell. Mitch McConnell was very helpful in getting this bill done, and I don't want that to be forgotten. And of course, Kit Bond and Chris Dodd were very active in the Rules Committee, I guess they were not the House Administration or the Senate Administration \u2013 it was called the Rules [Committee]. The Senate finally passed in a vote of 94 to 2. Now, let me tell you about that vote, 94 to 2. That was, it was more controversial than that vote would reflect, and it was interesting. There were two people who were very concerned about its passage, but 94 to 2, which of course means the were only four senators who didn't vote on this bill. And George W. Bush signed it into law in October 2002, and like the ADA, without the Bush families, father and son, neither one of these pieces of legislation would be law today. So, I owe a great debt of gratitude to both of them.\n\n\"The only reason we were able to make it to that historic day was that we embraced the \u2013 what I called as Whip, I called as Majority Leader, what I call the \u2018psychology of consensus.\u2019 We need to have, in America, the psychology of consensus. We need to get up in the morning and say, \u2018I want to be able to agree with my fellow citizens so that we can move America forward in a positive way.\u2019 Unfortunately, too many of us get up with the psychology of confrontation. \u2018Psychology of the other guy is wrong.\u2019 The other person, the other gal is wrong. We didn't look for excuses to say, \u2018No.\u2019 We look for reasons to say, \u2018Yes.\u2019 We sought to do what was right rather than what was politically expedient. David Broder of The Washington Post called HAVA, and I quote, \u2018The most significant piece of federal election law since the Voting Rights Act,\u2019 which as all of you know was passed in 1965. The 2000 presidential election was a perfect case study on how democracy should not function, and the passage of HAVA was a shining example of how democracy should happen.\n\n\"Frankly, I doubt HAVA would be possible today, but the story of HAVA still has lessons today at a time when it often feels as though another long night has descended on our democracy. Some people thought we would never restore Americans' faith in their government after 2000. We proved them wrong then, and I am hopeful we will find a way to do the same today. Doing so now will require partnership, just as it did back then, just as it does always. I want to thank all of you for the roles you have played. So many of you played a significant and critical role in the \u2013 not only in the adoption of HAVA, but the implementation of HAVA. HAVA was a limited in scope vis-\u00e0-vis the authority of the EAC. The EAC is very much an advisory committee, and not a directory committee. Nevertheless, its\u2019 advice and counsel, I think, have helped elections boards and officials all over this country and we need to keep doing that. Sadly, however, we have substantially reduced our financial contribution to the administration of elections and sadly, a little bit like this audience we have, the size, elections are not very interesting until they happen, and then they become very interesting, then they become very critical. But in the interim, whether it's a two-year cycle, a four-year cycle, a six-year cycle, in the interim, they do not draw the attention and the support that they need. This meeting, and your discussion here, will hopefully remind Americans that elections are critically important and their support of them is absolutely essential. Thank you very much.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introduces-bipartisan-cftc-charitable", "Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces the Bipartisan CFTC Charitable Organization Exemption Act", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Yesterday, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Congressman Mark Messmer (R-IN) introduced the bipartisan CFTC Charitable Organization Exemption Act to lift administrative burdens for charitable organizations seeking to engage in commodities investment overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).\n\nMany charitable organizations, such as religious organizations, universities, and other nonprofits, routinely use swaps \u2014 a contract to exchange cash flows that derive from the price changes of a commodity \u2014 to help protect endowment funds from uncertain market conditions.\n\nCurrently, the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) does not fully exempt charitable organizations from the commodity pool operator (CPO) definition and commodity trading advisor (CTA) registration requirements; yet the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does.\n\nThe current CFTC requirements for charitable organizations divert time and resources away from the philanthropic and educational work championed by these nonprofits. The CFTC Charitable Organization Exemption Act would align the CEA with the exemptions already provided under the SEC, and help ensure that charitable organizations can responsibly access commodity investments as part of a diversified portfolio and maximize their benefit plan offerings to employees.\n\n\u201cWhen our nonprofits succeed, our communities follow suit. From religious institutions to food pantries, charitable organizations are a lifeline for education, food security, and meeting the needs of our most vulnerable \u2014 in Maryland\u2019s 6th and across the country,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \u201cThis legislation would make a real difference for charities, qualifying nonprofits, and Americans who rely on those benefits plans for long-term financial security. As a lifelong nonprofit advocate, I am proud to fight for them.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Charitable Organizations Exemption Act ensures that American religious institutions can provide strong retirement benefit plans for priests, rabbis, and pastors, as well as their administrative staff,\u201d said Rep. Messmer. \u201cBy eliminating government red tape and burdensome regulations, this bill protects the investments of ministry leaders, and I am proud to support churches and synagogues in Indiana\u2019s Eighth District and those across our great country.\u201d\n\nThe Church Alliance supports the introduction of this important legislation. The Church Alliance\u2019s membership includes 34 denominational benefits organizations offering retirement benefits, health coverage and other types of employee benefits to their plan participants. In the state of Maryland, the Church Alliance estimates that its member organizations serve more than 1,800 religiously affiliated employers, including churches, parishes, synagogues, and other faith-based organizations.\n\n\u201cThe Church Alliance thanks Congresswoman McClain Delaney and Congressman Messmer for their leadership in introducing important legislation to provide regulatory certainty to church benefits plans and the religious institutions they serve. This legislation clarifies the ability of religious and nonprofit organizations to diversify their investment portfolios, helping to ensure that they can continue to provide strong retirement and healthcare benefits to clergy and lay workers,\u201d said Chris Wells, Executive Director of the Church Alliance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-statement-on-court-decision-blocking-trump-administration-from-canceling-disaster-preparedness-grants", "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Statement on Court Decision Blocking Trump Administration from Canceling Disaster Preparedness Grants", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) released the following statement on today\u2019s decision by U.S. District Court Judge Richard Stearns finding that the Trump Administration unlawfully canceled the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, which supports local efforts to protect and harden our communities from natural disasters. Earlier this year, Senator Van Hollen led a bipartisan effort, joined by Senator Alsobrooks and over 80 members of the House and Senate, to restore the BRIC program.\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s attempt to cancel smart investments in disaster preparedness threatened to leave countless lives and communities needlessly vulnerable to ruin by extreme weather, which is why we\u2019ve been fighting to restore the BRIC program. A federal judge made the right decision in ordering the Administration to reinstate the program, calling this out for what it was \u2013 an unlawful money grab. We applaud the efforts by Attorney General Brown and others to hold the Trump Administration accountable to the law and ensure Maryland can better prepare for disaster before it strikes,\u201d said Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks.\n\nMillions of dollars of federal funding have been withheld from disaster mitigation projects in Maryland due to the Trump Administration\u2019s unlawful cancellation of the BRIC program. This includes $26.7 million for the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative in South Baltimore, an effort to rebuild wetlands that were damaged or lost due to industrialization and pollution while protecting the nearby coastal communities from rising waters and flooding; and $36 million for flood mitigation and resilience work in the City of Crisfield.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-votes-no-permit-act-sounds-alarm-chesapeake-bay-harms", "Elfreth Votes No on PERMIT Act, Sounds Alarm on Chesapeake Bay Harms", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Vice Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, voted against H.R. 3893, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act. She also spoke on the House floor in opposition to the legislation's specific provisions that undermine the health of the Chesapeake Bay.\n\n\"We know that water does not adhere to arbitrary political boundaries. Pollution in Pennsylvania will \u2013 and does \u2013 flow downstream to Maryland and Virginia,\" said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. \"Yet, the bill before us today, the PERMIT Act, attempts to dismantle this partnership between states and the EPA by watering down the key enforcement mechanisms that are needed to ensure compliance with evidence-based pollution standards.\"\n\nSection 21 of the PERMIT Act strips the enforcement mechanisms of the EPA to hold state and local governments accountable to the Bay restoration, conservation, and protection goals outlined in the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, a coordinated, multi-state, bipartisan effort for over 40 years. Additionally, the bill would direct the federal government to act as an observer, rather than as an active partner in implementation of the Agreement by conducting oversight and ensuring progress.\n\nBeyond its impact on the Chesapeake Bay, the PERMIT Act's primary purpose is to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which would weaken the Clean Water Act in favor of industry interests. For over fifty years, the Clean Water Act has been one of our nation's strongest tools to protect waterways from pollution and ensure clean, accessible water for all - including the Chesapeake Bay. The PERMIT Act would narrow the definition of what waterways would be protected from pollution and reduce regulatory oversight on water quality, stripping away long-standing safeguards central to the success of the Clean Water Act for rivers, streams, and watersheds nationwide.\n\nElfreth has been a champion of Chesapeake Bay restoration, conservation, and protection efforts since her time in the Maryland State Senate. Elfreth chaired the tri-state, bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Commission and worked with colleagues to pass the Whole Watershed Act, which promotes innovative, science-based solutions to waterway restoration efforts.\n\nCLICK HERE to view Elfreth's full remarks.\n\nCongresswoman Sarah Elfreth\n\nRemarks as Delivered\n\nFloor Debate Against H.R. 3893\n\nDecember 11th, 2025\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker.\n\n2.8 million acres of farmland protected, 35,000 miles of fish passages opened, nearly 1500 new public water access sites established, upgrades to every large wastewater treatment plant in the watershed to improve water quality, and the largest oyster reef restoration in the world.\n\nMr. Speaker, these are just five of the biggest wins in the last 43 years of the landmark Chesapeake Bay Agreement. In fact, it was just updated last week, after years of careful and difficult negotiation and public input, to unite states across the Bay to think bigger and bolder to restore the beloved Watershed we all share.\n\nWe know that water does not adhere to arbitrary political boundaries. Pollution in Pennsylvania will \u2013 and does \u2013 flow downstream to Maryland and Virginia. All states rely on the EPA to conduct oversight and enforcement of pollution entering our waterways and to hold everyone accountable to our shared communities. Yet, the bill before us today, the PERMIT Act, attempts to dismantle this partnership between states and the EPA by watering down the key enforcement mechanisms that are needed to ensure compliance with evidence-based pollution standards.\n\nI know these bipartisan, multi-state partnerships are not easy. I was a part of them before I joined this chamber. They take years of collaboration. That should be fostered, Mr. Speaker, not dismantled by this and future Congresses, which is why I urge my colleagues to support this decades-long partnership by voting no on this bill.\n\nI yield back.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-demands-transparency-letter-ice", "Congresswoman McClain Delaney Demands Transparency in Letter to ICE", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman McClain Delaney sent a letter to Patrick J. Lechleitner, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Congresswoman McClain Delaney requested an urgent tour of the ICE facility in Baltimore, Maryland to evaluate detention conditions and receive a briefing on how the agency plans and executes its operations.\n\n\u201cI write to express my serious concerns regarding your agency\u2019s operations throughout my District, and to formally schedule a tour of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Baltimore, Maryland as soon as possible. While at the facility, I would like to speak with detainees and staff, and to personally inspect and evaluate detention conditions. I would also like to receive a briefing on how your agency plans and executes its operations throughout the state of Maryland. As a Member of Congress, I have a Constitutional duty to conduct oversight, and agencies have an obligation to cooperate and facilitate meetings,\u201d began Congresswoman McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cThis year, I have received thousands of messages from constituents sharing their fears and frustrations on behalf of their family members, neighbors, and communities. Reports have shown that your agency has unlawfully detained American citizens, deported individuals in stark violation of court orders, and undermined fundamental principles of due process that are accorded to all people, regardless of status, under the Constitution. My colleagues in Congress and I have heard from families that individuals in ICE detention centers are routinely denied access to counsel, medical care, and food that meets civil detention standards,\u201d Congresswoman McClain Delaney continued.\n\n\u201cI am requesting a full briefing on the number of enforcement actions executed in my district this year, as well as the number of arrests, voluntary and involuntary deportations, and releases,\u201d Congresswoman McClain Delaney concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcclain-delaney-issues-statement-final-passage-national-defense", "Rep. McClain Delaney Issues Statement on the Final Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) released a statement after voting for the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026:\n\n\u201cOn a global stage gripped by uncertainty and growing threats, a well-supported military is essential to the protection of our country. Maryland is home to more than 25,000 active-duty military personnel, from Fort Detrick to Aberdeen Proving Ground. We have an obligation to support them and this investment is a step forward.\n\n\u201cThis final version of NDAA, a result of bipartisan negotiation, honors our brave servicemembers and their families while placing safeguards on the reckless Trump Administration. Repealing the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force, raising servicemember pay by 3.8 percent, and mandating transparency from the military when supporting domestic law enforcement are all important steps forward. This legislation also expands housing, healthcare, and childcare opportunities for military families.\n\n\u201cI am deeply disappointed though that Speaker Johnson and the House GOP included several partisan provisions. From the anti-LGBTQ+ restrictions on our service academies to striking the bipartisan, House-passed collective bargaining rights for civilian employees, and denying military families access to IVF services, these policies fail our values and our servicemembers. I will continue to work with my colleagues to fight back against these demeaning and cruel hearted attacks on our military and their families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-fetterman-reintroduce-legislation-to-bolster-public-transit-across-the-country", "Van Hollen, Fetterman Reintroduce Legislation to Bolster Public Transit Across the Country", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) reintroduced their Moving Transit Forward Act, legislation to boost federal funding for state and local transit to improve service, safety, and reliability for riders. The lawmakers\u2019 bill creates a new federal funding program under the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide state and local transit agencies with additional resources to cover the costs of adding new routes, increasing service frequency, preventing cuts to current services, and improving safety for customers and workers, among other investments to improve rider experiences. In addition to Senators Van Hollen and Fetterman, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\n\u201cPublic transit connects our communities and boosts our economy while creating jobs and reducing congestion on our roads. That means there\u2019s a lot riding on these systems to run at their best,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen. \u201cThis bill will help ensure that transit agencies have the resources they need to provide consistently safe and efficient service to the millions of Americans who depend on public transit every day.\u201d\n\n\u201cLike I\u2019ve said before, public transit is the backbone of our communities. Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians in both red and blue counties rely on these services every day to get where they need to go,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cAs transit agencies like SEPTA and PRT are being forced to divert critical capital improvement and maintenance funds just to keep trains and buses running, it\u2019s more important than ever that we step up to provide them with the support and reliable funding they need to deliver for our communities. I\u2019m proud to join Senator Van Hollen once again in leading the Moving Transit Forward Act, which will help our public transit systems avoid service cuts, add new routes, and improve safety on board.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarylanders rely on public transit \u2013 whether it's our buses, Metro, Amtrak, planes, and more \u2013 it\u2019s how we stay connected. The Moving Transit Forward Act provides the resources our communities need to keep our transit system operating efficiently \u2013 adding routes, increasing service, and improving safety. Let\u2019s get this bill passed so we can keep moving,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Moving Transit Forward Act boosts federal funding for state and local transit agencies\u2014helping travelers get where they need to go on time,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal. \u201cBy providing transit agencies with the additional resources they need to add new routes, increase frequency, and bolster public safety, our measure will strengthen overall service and improve rider experiences across the board.\u201d\n\n\u201cHundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans rely every day on public transit to get to school, work, doctors\u2019 offices, and more,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThis legislation will ensure that transit agencies in our state get the resources they need to improve reliability, expand service, and get New Jerseyans to their destinations safely and on time.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve access to efficient public transit options to help them get to school, get to work or wherever they need to go,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cInvesting in our public transit systems is critical to improving access and expanding opportunities, and this legislation would do exactly that. I\u2019m proud to help introduce this important bill with Senators Van Hollen and Fetterman and I\u2019ll continue working to help make sure our transit works for everyone.\u201d\n\n\u201cMillions of New Yorkers rely on public transit to get to school, work, doctor\u2019s appointments, and more. Ensuring that transit agencies have the resources they need to operate safely and reliably is crucial to give New Yorkers the mobility they deserve,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cThe Moving Transit Forward Act will provide transit agencies with the federal dollars necessary to help prevent cuts to current services, cover the costs of adding new routes, and improve safety, allowing public transit riders to get where they need to go in a safe and timely manner. I\u2019m proud to support this legislation, and I will do everything I can to get it passed.\u201d\n\n\u201cMore transit means lower costs, cleaner air, and fewer road fatalities,\u201d said Senator Markey. \u201cThe lack of robust transit service in many communities is one reason why transportation is the second largest household expense, the top contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and the second leading cause of death among children. The Moving Transit Forward Act finally provides communities the resources they need to tackle all these problems at once\u2014making daily travel more affordable, driving down emissions, and saving lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur communities thrive when good public transportation is available, and residents suffer when trains and buses run infrequently, or services are reduced. The Moving Transit Forward Act is a new direction for public transportation in our nation\u2019s cities: it provides investment for transit agencies to operate more buses and trains on existing routes, add new routes and improve safety, and it provides more flexibility to transit agencies, helping prevent service cuts when economic headwinds stretch local budgets,\u201d said Senator Warren. \u201cTransit agencies, the transit workers who deliver service every day, and Americans who use transit all support this bill \u2013 Congress should take it up.\u201d\n\nMany transit providers are struggling with a self-defeating cycle of service cuts and declines in ridership because they cannot afford to make the necessary investments in their operations. Existing federal funding sources for large state and local transit agencies are not fully available for operational purposes; they are generally eligible only for capital expenses such as construction and state-of-good-repair maintenance in larger metropolitan areas. By creating a new fund for service expenses and safety and security improvements, the Moving Transit Forward Act will ensure agencies can enhance the consistency and reliability of service for transit customers, even in the event of budget shortfalls resulting from declines in fare revenue \u2013 ultimately helping spur an increase in ridership and recovery of revenue. This legislation does not permit state and local governments to substitute their existing funding with the provided federal resources. The recipient of the new federal funding must maintain the same level of non-federal funding as the most recent fiscal year to ensure that service is expanded or previously cut services are restored.\n\nThe text of the legislation is available here.\n\nThe Moving Transit Forward Act is endorsed by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the National Campaign for Transit Justice, the SMART Transportation Division, the Transportation Trades Department-AFL-CIO, and the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).\n\n\u201cTransit systems are struggling to keep service on street and service cuts have unfortunately become commonplace, especially for people of color and low-income families. Through a transformational bill reintroduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), our transit systems could see substantial investments in operations funding through the Moving Transit Forward Act,\u201d said John Costa, International President of the Amalgamated Transit Union, the largest organization representing transit workers in North America. \u201cOperations funding is critical to getting people safely and on time to work, school, and other destinations. We urge Congress to pass this bill immediately to ensure we keep our communities moving.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill is a gamechanger for transit agencies across the country. Transit is not just important, it is essential. It is essential to our communities, local economies, and the lives of millions of people across the country. Essential workers rely on and operate transit, small businesses depend on transit, and historically marginalized communities depend on transit. Transit is not just a key component of economic recovery, it's the lifeline to a more environmentally sustainable society and a road to equity for disconnected communities, rural, urban and suburban. And this bill will help ensure that transit is well funded,\u201d said LeeAnn Hall, Director of the National Campaign for Transit Justice.\n\n\u201cSMART-TD strongly supports Senator Van Hollen in this effort to make federal transit funding work for the people on the front lines of our nation\u2019s transportation systems. The Moving Transit Forward Act empowers communities to direct essential safety funding where it\u2019s needed most: protecting operators, passengers, and the public by making transit systems safer and more secure for everyone,\u201d said Jared Cassity, National Safety & Legislative Director, SMART Transportation Division\n\n\u201cAs America's largest transportation labor federation, representing transit workers across the country, we know federal funding is essential to keep public transportation programs going,\u201d said Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. \u201cAt a time when mass transit agencies are confronting a funding death spiral, we must allow greater flexibility for federal funding to support operating expenses in addition to capital expenses. We commend Senators Van Hollen and Fetterman for reintroducing the Moving Transit Forward Act to allow for this flexible funding use and better sustain public transit services.\u201d\n\n\u201cFunding the day-to-day operation of transit is critical for the traveling public and hardworking Transport Workers Union members. Right now, the federal government can fund new equipment for transit agencies but can\u2019t pay transit workers to operate that equipment. This bill fixes a funding structure that doesn\u2019t make sense,\u201d said TWU International President John Samuelsen. \u201cCongress needs to make a change or else transit agencies will have brand new trains and buses sitting empty without anyone to operate or maintain them.\"\n\nState and local transit leaders from Maryland also expressed support for boosting federal funding for transit operations.\n\n\u201cEveryday millions of Marylanders across the state depend on buses and trains to take them to work, school, medical appointments and life\u2019s opportunities. As a state that supports the Maryland Transit Administration and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority \u2014 two of the country\u2019s largest transit agencies\u2014 as well many high-quality local transit systems throughout Maryland, there is a great need for federal operating assistance to help maintain and expand access to frequent and reliable transit,\u201d said Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Samantha J. Biddle. \u201cThe Moving Transit Forward Act will provide the critical investment needed to further connect Americans and create economic growth nationwide.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-judge-ordering-release-of-kilmar-abrego-garcia", "Van Hollen Statement on Judge Ordering Release of Kilmar \u00c1brego Garc\u00eda", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on today\u2019s ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis ordering the immediate release of Kilmar \u00c1brego Garc\u00eda from custody:\n\n\u201cFor months the Trump Administration has sought to deny Kilmar \u00c1brego Garc\u00eda his rights to due process and fair treatment by our justice system. Today\u2019s ruling by Judge Xinis \u2013 requiring the government to immediately release him \u2013 is a clear repudiation of those attempts and a forceful stand for our Constitution and the rights of all those in our nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-glenn-iveys-statement-ruling-greenbelt-federal-court", "Congressman Glenn Ivey\u2019s Statement on the Ruling in Greenbelt Federal Court", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Glenn Ivey", "I000058", "ivey.house.gov", "ivey", "https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Glenn Ivey released the following statement in response to the order directing the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from ICE custody:\n\n\u201cThis administration claims its immigration enforcement priorities are focused on deporting violent drug traffickers and serious criminals. Yet the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia exposes how hollow that promise truly is.\n\nKilmar is not a trafficker, not a gang member, and not a threat to public safety. He is a hardworking apprentice trying to learn a trade, support his family, and build a stable life in our community. Still, the federal government chose to dedicate its full enforcement power to detain him\u2014while showing leniency toward a former Honduran president implicated in smuggling hundreds of tons of cocaine into the United States. That contradiction is indefensible.\n\nThe prolonged detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia did nothing to make our communities safer. It only tore apart a family and diverted resources away from the very dangers this administration claims it is targeting.\n\nToday\u2019s decision to release Kilmar is a long-overdue correction. If our system can find mercy or political accommodation for individuals at the top of international drug trafficking networks, it must also be capable of fairness and humanity toward a working man whose only goal is to provide for his family.\n\nCongressman Ivey remains committed to fighting for an immigration system that reflects its stated priorities, uses its power responsibly, and refuses to punish families like Kilmar\u2019s while real threats go unchecked.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:39Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-advances-maryland-priorities-annual-defense-legislation", "Elfreth Advances Maryland Priorities in Annual Defense Legislation", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, supported the passage of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The legislation includes funding for issues Elfreth has prioritized, including increasing pay and financial support for servicemembers, investing in cutting-edge technology and science, standing with our partners and allies like Ukraine, and increasing critical Congressional oversight. Elfreth released the following statement upon passage.\n\n\u201cToday, after months of tireless negotiations, the House will advance the National Defense Authorization Act with bipartisan support. While I do not agree with all aspects of the legislation, on balance, I believe it will better the lives of our servicemembers, advance our national security priorities, and benefit Maryland. We are delivering a 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers, improving childcare and military housing, and protecting civilian DoD employees from reckless, short-sighted reductions in force. We are standing firmly with our allies on the global stage and investing in cutting-edge innovation.\n\n\u201cBut most notably, this legislation \u2013 on a bipartisan basis \u2013 strengthens Congress\u2019s oversight role over a reckless Secretary of Defense and Administration. The bill repeals the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq, limits funding until the Secretary Hegseth provides unedited videos of the boat strikes in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, and requires notification and justifications for the removal of general officers. The American people deserve national security leadership that they can trust, and this legislation gets us closer to that goal of rebuilding trust and oversight.\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, Speaker Johnson has intentionally chosen to strip out collective bargaining protections for civilian employees, provisions to establish access to IVF for servicemembers who want to plan their families, and limits on funding to rename military assets back to their Confederate-associated names. Those are all priorities that I worked on with my colleagues during the committee process and will continue to champion going forward.\n\n\u201cThroughout this process, I am visiting every major military installation in the state of Maryland and have spoken candidly with servicemembers of all ranks. My team and I convened our Veterans Advisory Council to hear their priorities directly. Based on those conversations, I worked with my colleagues to secure tangible wins in this year\u2019s legislation, including: improvements to installation readiness in extreme weather, expanded availability of specialized health care for veterans, stronger mental health services for servicemembers, and modernized cybersecurity training.\u201d\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act is one of the few bipartisan pieces of legislation that has been passed annually in Congress for over 60 years. In all, 28 of Elfreth\u2019s provisions were included in the NDAA.\n\nElfreth also spoke on the House floor on her NDAA priorities. The full video can be accessed HERE. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. Elfreth\u2019s priorities in the NDAA include, but are not limited to:\n\nMaryland Priorities:\n\nRequires the US Naval Academy (and all military academies) to develop an Installation Resilience Master Plan to address the impacts of extreme weather, sea-level rise, land subsidence, cybersecurity risks, lack of access to clean water, and disruption to clean energy.\n\nProhibit the construction of a golf course or restrict public access to the Greenbury Point Conservation Area.\n\nShields the DoD civilian workforce by strengthening protections against arbitrary reductions in force.\n\nExpresses the Committee\u2019s support of critical University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), including Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.\n\nDoD will establish and carry out a program to train the next generation of cybersecurity leaders with academic institutions, including the University of Maryland.\n\nImproves the availability and access of military medical treatment facilities, like Walter Reed, for veterans' care.\n\nAuthorizing Funding for Maryland:\n\n$256 million for Fort Meade\u2019s Facilities\n\n$86 million for the U.S. Naval Academy\u2019s Storm Water Management Facilities\n\n$73 million for Naval Support Activity Washington Suitland Foreign Materials Exploitation Lab\n\n$70 million for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center\n\n$65 million for Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head\u2019s Contained Burn Facility\n\nInstallation Readiness and Environmental Resilience:\n\nDelivers $25 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI), allowing military services and partners to develop off-base natural infrastructure solutions to protect critical infrastructure, military personnel, and testing or training operations from climate change impacts.\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to submit a Natural Disaster Report on the financial impact of extreme weather events on military installations and their impact on military readiness.\n\nWomen and Families in the Military:\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services on preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder that can occur during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that occurs at higher rates for women in the military compared to civilian women. Future studies and briefings will help female servicemembers prevent and, if necessary, manage this condition.\n\nExtends the Child Care in Your Home Pilot Program to help military families with the cost of full-time child care.\n\nSexual Assault Prevention and Response:\n\nDelivers $5 million to support the development and maintenance of harmful behavior databases, which track suicide, sexual assault, harassment, domestic abuse, and child abuse.\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services, not later than December 1, 2026, on the Department\u2019s current processes, systems, and practices for the collection, management, analysis, visualization, and reporting of data related to harmful behaviors.\n\nSupport Cyber Personnel and Cyber & AI Readiness:\n\nProvides access to mental health support for cybersecurity personnel at CYBERCOM and the Cyber Mission Force. Mental and behavioral health physicians will ensure our cybersecurity professionals have the support that they need.\n\nRequires the Department to update its annual cybersecurity awareness training to include artificial intelligence.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2025/12/raskin-beyer-welch-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-expand-ranked-choice-voting-to-all-congressional-elections", "Raskin, Beyer, Welch Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Expand Ranked Choice Voting to all Congressional Elections", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Don Beyer (VA-08) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced bicameral legislation to bring ranked choice voting (RCV) to congressional races across America.The Ranked Choice Voting Act would require RCV for all primary and general congressional races beginning in 2030, allowing voters to express their ranked support for multiple candidates. This would make our elections fairer and more representative and create a more positive politics.\n\nWith RCV, voters rank candidates in order of preference. If a candidate receives more than half of the first choices, that candidate wins, just like in any election. If not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and voters who picked that candidate as \u2018number 1\u2019 have their votes redistributed and counted for their next favored choice. This process continues until a candidate wins with more than half the votes.\n\n\u201cRanked choice voting is a great advance in democracy. It gives voters more power at the ballot box and makes our politics more positive and inclusive, encouraging candidates to connect with more voters,\u201dsaid Rep. Raskin.\u201cI\u2019m proud to partner with Representative Beyer and Senator Welch on this important legislation to keep growing and improving electoral democracy.\u201d\n\n\u201cPolarization in Congress is worse than ever, and this is making it harder and harder for Congress to solve basic problems for the American people,\u201dsaid Rep. Beyer. \u201cRanked choice voting would help fix our broken political system by changing election incentives to favor leaders who build broad and diverse coalitions focused on solutions rather than divisive rhetoric. This reform would strengthen our democracy and make Congress more responsive to the needs of the people we represent.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur democracy is at its strongest when everyone is heard and represented. Ranked choice voting offers an opportunity to break through polarization and strengthen our democracy by ensuring that our elected candidates have received the broad support of the folks they\u2019ll represent,\u201dsaid Senator Welch. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my friends and former colleagues Representatives Raskin and Beyer on this pro-democracy bill to make our elections more equitable, more civil, and more representative.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Ranked Choice Voting Act will give voters more choice and more power. It will make Congress more responsive and more accountable to the people they represent,\u201dsaid Meredith Sumpter, president and CEO of FairVote, a nonpartisan organization seeking better elections. \u201cAt a time when polarization and gridlock are making it harder for Congress to deliver for the American people, ranked choice voting gives members of Congress incentives to lead, legislate, and govern together.\u201d\n\nTheRCV Act is endorsed by FairVote Action, Campaign Legal Center, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Public Citizen, People Power United, Third Way, Ranked Choice Voting Maryland, National Council of Jewish Women, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, United Church of Christ, #unifyUSA, 7th Generation Labs, Better Ballot SC, Bridge Alliance Education Fund, Citizen Works, Clean Elections Texas, Connecticut Voters First, DemCast USA, Divided We Fall, FairVote Illinois, FairVote Minnesota, Fix Democracy First, Founding Mothers Movement, Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda, Greenpeace USA, HeadCount, Healthfox US, Indivisible Howard County, N.C. For The People Action, National Network for Arab American Communities, National Organization for Women, NH Ranked Choice Voting, Ocean State RCV, Rank the Vote, Rank The Vote Ohio, RepresentUs, RepresentWomen, SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Task Force for Democracy, UpVote Virginia, Vote Nevada, Voter Choice Arizona, Voter Choice Massachusetts, Women's Committee of the Forward Party.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-09), Angie Craig (MN-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Scott Peters (CA-50), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).\n\nRead the full text of the RCV Act here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-aid-workers-in-conflict-zones", "Van Hollen, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Aid Workers in Conflict Zones", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, on Human Rights Day, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation to protect humanitarian aid workers operating in conflict zones. The lawmakers\u2019 legislation, the Commitment to Aid Workers Act, would strengthen U.S. efforts to safeguard those who risk their lives to deliver humanitarian assistance. The bill creates new oversight and enforcement mechanisms to hold foreign militaries accountable for actions that endanger humanitarian workers as they deliver American aid. U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) has previously introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cHumanitarian workers do some of the most vital but dangerous jobs in the world as they come to the aid of civilians caught in the middle of armed conflict. After two extremely deadly years for these workers, we must do more to protect them. This bill will employ U.S. leverage to help ensure the safety of humanitarian workers as they conduct their lifesaving missions,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cWhen conflict or disaster strikes, humanitarian aid workers are the first line to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter,\u201d said Senator Merkley. \u201cOur top priority must be to support and protect those who serve on the frontlines of crisis, and the Commitment to Aid Workers Act does just that.\u201d\n\n\u201cHumanitarian aid workers put their lives on the line to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter to civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict. Their work is guided by a basic principle: that even in war, human dignity must be preserved,\u201d Representative Pingree said. \u201cTragically, we are seeing aid workers targeted like never before. This year, 326 have been killed\u2014and last year was the deadliest on record, with over 370 killed across the globe. These are attacks on the very foundation of humanitarian law. The United States cannot stand by while those delivering life-saving assistance are treated as collateral damage. The Commitment to Aid Workers Act ensures accountability, advocacy, and limits U.S. military assistance to countries found to be targeting aid workers deliberately. We must support those who serve on the frontlines of humanitarian crises.\u201d\n\nThe Commitment to Aid Workers Act:\n\nEstablishes a Special Envoy to investigate deaths, injuries, or detentions of aid workers; advocate for improved interagency and international coordination; promote best practices; and submit annual reports to Congress on security risks and UN coordination effectiveness.\n\nStrengthens accountability by amending the Foreign Assistance Act to bar military aid and arms sales subject to the Arms Export Control Act to countries that repeatedly target aid workers and obstruct U.S. inquiries, with assistance resuming only after certified safeguards are in place.\n\nCreates an Aid Worker Independent Inquiry Group, led by the Special Envoy, to investigate any aid worker death during U.S.-supported missions and report to Congress on circumstances, any use of U.S.-origin munitions, and legal assessments under U.S. and international law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaney-thompson-introduce-legislation-bolster-health-care-workforce", "McClain Delaney, Thompson Introduce Legislation to Bolster Health Care Workforce", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill supports health care professionals, first responders willing to help in emergencies\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA) today introduced the Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act, which will exempt health care workers and first responders from Social Security\u2019s Retirement Earnings Test (RET) during public health emergencies.\n\nCurrently, the RET applies to individuals who have not reached full retirement age but want to claim Social Security benefits. If those individuals are still working and earning wages, their Social Security benefits are reduced. The bill would retroactively restore benefits for health care professionals and first responders who had them reduced or eliminated during the COVID-19 public health emergency and exempt these individuals from being subject to the RET in future public health crises.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s health care workers and first responders step up when our communities are in crisis,\u201d Rep. McClain Delaney said. \u201cIt is essential that we safeguard their financial security when they come out of retirement to help our communities during times of emergency. The bipartisan Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act is important and meaningful legislation Congress can pass to ensure these public servants are treated with fairness and not financially penalized for their service.\u201d\n\n\u201cHaving spent nearly 30 years in rural health care before coming to Congress, I know firsthand the sacrifices made by frontline workers and first responders,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cIn a time of great need, many people came out of retirement without realizing their benefits would be impacted. This is unfair to those who stepped up to help their neighbors. Our legislation will correct this problem and will remove an unnecessary barrier to future service in case of a national emergency or public health crisis.\"\n\n\u201cHealth care workers across the country step up when we need them most during public health emergencies, and the Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act is a much-needed recognition of their sacrifice that safeguards their Social Security benefits. We appreciate the leadership of Congressman Thompson and Congresswoman McClain Delaney, and we support this commonsense effort to honor and protect those who protect us,\u201d said Charlene MacDonald, EVP Public Affairs, Federation of American Hospitals.\n\nThis legislation is supported by the National Rural Health Association and the Federation of American Hospitals.\n\nRead the resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2025/12/raskin-announces-three-montgomery-county-high-schoolers-as-winners-of-2025-congressional-app-challenge", "Raskin Announces Three Montgomery County High Schoolers as Winners of 2025 Congressional App Challenge", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) announced Montgomery County Public Schools students Kevin Xia, 11th Grade, of Walt Whitman High School; Ryan Chen, 12th Grade, of Walt Whitman High School; and Peter Xiao, 12th Grade, of Montgomery Blair High School have won his2025 Congressional App Challenge with their app SafeStride, which helps people who are blind or visually impaired navigate their surroundings safely and efficiently.\n\n\u201cIn the age of artificial intelligence, the Congressional App Challenge is a great way for young people to apply their skills with new technology to address social problems,\u201dsaid Rep. Raskin.\u201cAs we seek to master this evolving technology for the public good, we can draw hope from young people like Kevin, Ryan and Peter who are diving in headfirst, using their inventions and coding skills to help people who are blind or visually impaired navigate the world with greater ease. We congratulate them for winning this year\u2019s competition and wish them all the best in their exciting endeavors.\u201d\n\nKevin, Ryan and Peter first met while attending the University of Maryland\u2019s Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering Summer Program: \"Jumpstart your Engineering Career\" at the Universities at Shady Grove. During the program, they decided to develop SafeStride using Python Swift for Mobile (iOS).\n\nTheir app helps blind and visually impaired individuals navigate any environment safely and independently using software that analyzes the user\u2019s phone camera feed in real-time to identify safe, walkable ground. The user is alerted through their earbuds to avoid obstacles as they move.\n\nThe students are also developing a patent-pending chest strap with six sensor casings positioned around the waist which would allow the user to use the app handsfree.\n\nFor winning the competition, Kevin, Ryan and Peter will have SafeStride displayed on the nationalCongressional App Challenge website and are invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C. alongside Congressional App Challenge winners from across America.\n\nLast week, Rep. Raskinfeatured Kevin, Ryan and Peter as his Local Heroes.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an annual, nationwide event intended to engage students' creativity and encourage their participation in science, technology, engineering and math. The competition allows students to learn how to code by creating and exhibiting their app for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Any student living or attending school in MD-08 can participate through Rep. Raskin\u2019s office.Learn more here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-van-hollen-introduce-legislation-to-designate-the-museum-of-the-blind-people-s-movement-as-a-national-museum", "Mfume, Van Hollen Introduce Legislation to Designate the Museum of the Blind People's Movement as a National Museum", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) announced their joint introduction of legislation to designate the new Museum of the Blind People's Movement in Baltimore as the official National Museum of the Blind People's Movement. Once established, this museum will be the first to be blind-owned, operated, and led.\n\n\"Blind Americans have long faced discrimination and low expectations, but that has never stopped them from making vital contributions to our society that are far too often under-recognized,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \"By acknowledging this institution as the National Museum of the Blind People's Movement, Congress honors an important American story and supports a first-of-its-kind, blind-owned and blind-led cultural institution that will serve students, researchers, veterans, workers, families, and visitors from every corner of these United States of America.\"\n\n\u201cWe can all learn from stories of the pioneering blind Americans who have organized and led the movement that reshaped our nation in the direction of equality. With this legislation, we are working to honor eight decades of leadership and ensure this history is preserved, shared, and celebrated not just locally, but nationally as well. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I\u2019ve been proud to support this mission with $301,000 in direct federal funding, and, now, to team up with Congressman Mfume on this legislation to designate it as the National Museum of the Blind People\u2019s Movement,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\"The introduction of this legislation marks a historic moment in our movement's journey. The National Museum of the Blind People's Movement will be the first blind-led and blind-centered museum that authentically preserves and shares our stories of advocating, innovating, and transforming society. This museum will be about the people who have demonstrated that with proper training and opportunity, we achieve equality and full participation in all aspects of American life,\u201d said Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. \u201cWe are grateful to Congressman Kweisi Mfume and Senator Chris Van Hollen for championing this recognition. This museum will serve as a national platform for dialogue, education, and inclusion\u2014connecting our rich history with action that makes a difference.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are proud to support this effort to uplift and honor the blind community with a museum here in Baltimore,\u201d said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. \u201cOur city prides itself on celebrating the history of those who shaped our nation, especially folks whose stories are not often told. We look forward to supporting the best federal delegation in the country as they work to advance this bill.\u201d\n\nThe National Federation of the Blind (NFB), founded in 1940, has preserved a great number of artifacts, documents, and literature that chronicle both the struggle and progress of blind people across the United States. The NFB has committed to the collection, preservation, and curation of the history of the blind through the establishment of a museum to house these artifacts. The museum will serve as a national platform to explore these stories, foster understanding, and spark dialogue today.\n\nRecognizing the Museum of the Blind People's Movement as the National Museum of the Blind People's Movement would be a significant step towards providing long-overdue national recognition to the many contributions to our nation and its collective history that have been made by blind Americans.\n\nClick here to access the legislation's full text.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-merkley-trump-administration-weaponizing-us-park-police-to-further-its-authoritarianism", "Ranking Member Merkley: Trump Administration Weaponizing U.S. Park Police to Further Its Authoritarianism", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) \u2014 the top Democrat overseeing funding for the National Park Service \u2014 and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in sounding the alarm over President Trump\u2019s proposed plans to turn the U.S. Park Police into a federal police force under his direct control for deployment across Washington, D.C. rather than following its mission of safeguarding national monuments and visitors.\n\nThe Senators launched their probe in response to a report from The Washington Post, which outlined the unprecedented and dangerous nature of Trump\u2019s plans to transform the U.S. Park Police.\n\nThe Senators wrote to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, \u201cThe administration is on a deliberate hiring spree to exploit the U.S. Park Police\u2019s jurisdiction and turn it into a tool of the President for him and his ideological extremists to impose their will on the streets of D.C.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommandeering the U.S. Park Police is not an earnest effort to help protect the Lincoln Memorial or improve motorists\u2019 safety on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway,\u201d the Senators stated. \u201cAccording to a strategy memo obtained by The Washington Post, a goal for the force is to \u2018establish the U.S. Park Police as the premier law enforcement agency in DC, capable of keeping DC safe regardless of inaction by MPD [Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia] or inaction by the DC City Council.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cThere is no evidence of an uptick in crime on park service land or increased threats to national monuments \u2013 this haste in both a hiring spree and waiving of [critical testing and standards for new officers] are clear signs that the administration is hijacking this federal police force for its own authoritarian purposes. And the administration may seek other mechanisms (legal or otherwise) to further expand the U.S. Park Police, increasing this authoritarian threat,\u201d the Senators strongly emphasized.\n\nThe Senators concluded their inquiry by demanding the Trump Administration suspend its plans and swiftly answer urgent questions about its planned weaponization of the Park Police.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Burgum:\n\nWe are alarmed that the National Park Service is currently in the process of doubling the number of U.S. Park Police officers in Washington, D.C. with the goal of transforming it into a federal police force to be deployed across the city rather than following its mission of safeguarding national monuments, icons, and visitors.\n\nThe administration is on a deliberate hiring spree to exploit the U.S. Park Police\u2019s jurisdiction and turn it into a tool of the President for him and his ideological extremists to impose their will on the streets of D.C. Commandeering the U.S. Park Police is not an earnest effort to help protect the Lincoln Memorial or improve motorists\u2019 safety on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. According to a strategy memo obtained by The Washington Post, a goal for the force is to \u201cestablish the U.S. Park Police as the premier law enforcement agency in DC, capable of keeping DC safe regardless of inaction by MPD [Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia] or inaction by the DC City Council.\u201d\n\nIn fact, the administration is in such a hurry to get these new officers on board that it is offering\n\n$70,000 hiring bonuses and a promise of a \u201cstreamlined, virtual hiring process with quick turnaround\u201d. There is no psychological testing or physical fitness testing. In fact, applicants are allowed to submit a \u201cself-attestation\u201d in place of an in-person physical fitness test, an affront to the gold standard of federal law enforcement hiring \u2013 and standards that MPD itself follows in its hiring practices.\n\nThere is no evidence of an uptick in crime on park service land or increased threats to national monuments \u2013 this haste in both a hiring spree and waiving of critical testing and standards are clear signs that the administration is hijacking this federal police force for its own authoritarian purposes. And the administration may seek other mechanisms (legal or otherwise) to further expand the U.S. Park Police, increasing this authoritarian threat.\n\nAmassing what is effectively a new federal police force is yet another Trump administration effort to consolidate and centralize his power as he continues to intimidate protestors, threaten free speech, and desensitize Americans to military presence on the streets. Reshaping the U.S. Park Police into a police force with a mission to carry out the President\u2019s policy priorities hands President Trump a cadre of his own armed officers with widespread jurisdiction at his fingertips.\n\nContinuing to amass more armed forces \u2013 police and military \u2013 under direct control of President Trump in Washington D.C. is unprecedented and dangerous. We demand you suspend the hiring process and provide full and complete responses to the following questions no later than December 19, 2025:\n\nHow do the jurisdictions and authorities of the U.S. Park Police and MPD differ in Washington, D.C.? Please provide a specific detailed explanation of your concurrent jurisdictions with federal, state and local law enforcement in the Washington, D.C. area and the role each agency plays in taking law enforcement actions.\n\nMPD and the U.S. Capitol Police have an agreement that MPD cannot enter the U.S. Capitol Building and Congressional office buildings. Does the U.S. Park Police abide by that same limitation, and will they continue to do so? What agreement does Park Police have with MPD and USCP?\n\nDoes the Park Police have an interagency or other type agreement with MPD? If so, please provide that document.\n\nDoes the Park Police have an interagency or other type agreement with any other federal, state or local law enforcement agency in the National Capital Region? If so, please provide those documents.\n\nWill the U.S. Park Police be used as a general police force or will deployments \u2013 regular and occasional \u2013 be limited to those involving National Park Service property? If general policing activities will be routinely performed, please provide a specific explanation of the authority, scope and schedule for such activities.\n\nDoes the National Park Service have a workforce planning analysis for this hiring increase? If so, please provide a copy.\n\nWhat hiring standards are being revised, eliminated, or added for the recruiting and selection of these new hires? Please provide a copy of the current hiring standards for new law enforcement officers within the Service.\n\nReporting indicates that the agency is seeking 300 new officers. Please provide a justification for the number that includes rationale for what the duties of each of these new officers will be. What operational objective is being achieved within the Service by hiring and deploying these new officers?\n\nPlease describe what structure exists in the National Park Service for overseeing the USPP for communicating and enforcing, including disciplinary action, the code of conduct and use-of-force policy? How many new staff will be hired for these activities given that staffing in the District will double? Is there an independent body that reviews complaints and internal affairs investigations?\n\nHow will the 300 new officers, in addition to the current officers on board, be dispatched across the National Park Service\u2019s jurisdiction? Will they be deployed consistent with U.S. Park Police\u2019s primary operational mission to protect national icons and monuments?\n\nWhat will the cost be for hiring, training, equipping, and employing 300 new officers in fiscal year 2026? What is the planned source of funding? What new contracts, such as for recruiting or other portions of the hiring process, will be required to meet this hiring goal and to whom are these contracts being awarded? If new contracts are required, will they be competitively awarded or sole source?\n\nWhat will the cost be in fiscal year 2027? What is the planned source of funding?\n\nBeyond the current hiring expansion announcement, what is the Service\u2019s plan within the next year for personnel hiring in D.C.? Is there a plan for the U.S. Park Police to grow in Washington, D.C. beyond hiring the 300 additional officers?\n\nAre there plans to hire additional officers in New York City (Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island National Historic Site and Gateway National Recreation Area) or San Francisco (Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Presidio), where there are currently other U.S. Park Police officers deployed? If so, please provide a detailed explanation of the plans.\n\nAre there plans to hire additional U.S. Park Police officers in other parts of the United States, and if so, where? Please provide a detailed explanation of the plans.\n\nWhat is the source of funding and funding authority for the $70,000 hiring bonus advertised on the website of the National Park Service? What service agreements, if any, are new hires expected to perform for these bonuses? Do the agreements include loyalty pledges, or similar commitments, to the President or this administration? If agreements are required, please provide a copy of the agreement, to include the terms and conditions.\n\nGiven the new \u201cstreamlined, virtual hiring process with quick turnaround,\u201d please describe in detail each step of the new hiring process for these officers and what requirements potential officers need to meet in order to qualify for this position.\n\nHas the National Park Service used a \u201cstreamlined, virtual hiring process with quick turnaround\u201d to hire U.S. Park Police officers in the past? What is the justification for this process? Which hiring standards have been eliminated to meet this hiring objective and why were they eliminated?\n\nBecause law enforcement officers are empowered with taking an individual\u2019s constitutional rights away from them during the course of their duties, why is standard psychological testing not part of the hiring evaluation process to ensure the best candidates are selected? How is the Service ensuring that new hires do not have pre-existing mental health issues that would preclude them from carrying out the essential functions of being a law enforcement officer?\n\nWhy are applicants allowed to submit a \u201cSelf-Attestation\u201d form for physical fitness instead of an in-person physical fitness test? How is the Service ensuring that new hires can carry out the essential functions of the position?\n\nAre any of the interviews conducted in person, or is the entire hiring process conducted on Microsoft Teams as is described on the National Park Service website?\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-welch-bonamici-bicameral-lawmakers-in-call-to-provide-additional-funding-for-the-federal-public-defender-program-in-fy26-budget", "Van Hollen Joins Welch, Bonamici, Bicameral Lawmakers in Call to Provide Additional Funding for the Federal Public Defender Program in FY26 Budget", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate\u2019s only former Public Defender, U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), and a group of over 40 bicameral lawmakers in calling on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to provide additional funding to the Federal Defender Services program in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, beyond the recently released Republican budget proposal.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers urge committee leaders to fully fund the program at $1.76 billion, as requested by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to maintain baseline constitutional requirements for federal public defense instead of the lower amounts in House and Senate Republicans\u2019 appropriations bills.\n\n\u201cAs you are aware, in FY24, an inadvertent failure to account for the federal defender program\u2019s carryforward funding structure resulted in initial funding levels that were more than $100 million less than what the program needed. In response to those marks, the program implemented a set of cost-savings measures, including a hard hiring freeze, suspension of most in-person training opportunities, and deferral of other programmatic needs such as cybersecurity upgrades. In FY25, the Defender Services budget was frozen at the artificially low FY24 levels, leaving the program with a critical shortfall woefully inadequate to meet its identified needs,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cAs a result of two years of underfunding because of a calculation error, Defender Services began FY26 significantly in the red. The current funding level, based on the recent anomaly, is still $194 million short of what is required to fund the program.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continued: \u201cWe are very appreciative of your inclusion of a $1.564 billion anomaly for Federal and Community Defenders in the Continuing Resolution. This is an important step in addressing the underfunding. Now we must fully fund the program as soon as possible. Full funding for the program to staff Federal Defender offices, pay the panel deficit for missed payments last fiscal year, and avoid missed payments to panel attorneys throughout FY26 requires $1.76 billion. Without full funding, Federal Defender Services will face more extreme shortfalls in FY26.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Defender Services program has a history of bipartisan support. This essential funding supports the more than 4,000 attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and other personnel throughout 83 federal defender organizations serving 92 of the 94 federal judicial districts, as well as approximately 12,000 private CJA panel attorneys. Criminal defense funding is non-partisan, and federal defenders represent everyone regardless of political affiliation. Currently, more than ninety percent of federal cases are handled by public defense lawyers,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThe inevitable cascading consequences of underfunding public defense will delay prosecutions, create backlogs in U.S. Attorneys Offices, compromise convictions and sentences, and deny witnesses and victims their day in court.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers concluded: \u201cIn short, a fully funded federal defender system is necessary to promote public safety and the rule of law. We respectfully urge you to fully fund the Federal Defender Services program at $1.76 billion to maintain baseline constitutional requirements for federal public defense and appreciate the unprecedented challenges of the current appropriation process.\u201d\n\nThe Federal Defender Services program serves as an integral part of the federal judicial system by securing access to counsel and providing other necessary defense services for those who cannot afford counsel. The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to an attorney in criminal proceedings, and the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) provides that courts appoint counsel from Federal public and community defender organizations or from a panel of private attorneys established by the court. The court must employ private attorneys, often at a higher cost, to meet their constitutional duty to appoint counsel for individuals who cannot afford counsel. As the Executive Branch pursues increased federal prosecutions, including capital cases, it is important that constitutionally adequate counsel is provided.\n\nFederal Defender organizations have now entered their third year in a hard hiring freeze, resulting in more than 500 positions below what the Judicial Conference-approved staffing formula dictates. Additionally, CJA panel attorneys face another devastating year of months-long payment delays. In FY25, money to pay CJA panel attorneys for work performed in federal court ran out beginning in July 2025 and did not restart until the government shutdown ended this November, resulting in over four months without pay. Trials across the country were delayed because of the nonpayment, and at least one case was dismissed.\n\nIn the Senate, the letter is cosigned by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).\n\nThe letter is cosigned in the House by Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Jes\u00fas \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda (D-IL-04), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-05), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Cleo Fields (D-LA-04), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29).\n\nRead the lawmakers\u2019 full letter to Senate and House Appropriations Committee leadership here and below:\n\nDear Chairman Hagerty, Chairman Joyce, Ranking Member Reed, and Ranking Member Hoyer,\n\nThank you for your ongoing attention and work to restore the Federal Defender Services. We respectfully request that Congress fully fund the Federal Defender Services program at $1.76 billion requested by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.\n\nThe Federal Defender Services program serves as an integral part of the federal judicial system by securing access to counsel and providing other necessary defense services for those who cannot afford counsel. The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to an attorney in criminal proceedings, and the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) provides that courts appoint counsel from Federal public and community defender organizations or from a panel of private attorneys established by the court. As the Executive Branch pursues increased federal prosecutions, including capital cases, it is important that constitutionally adequate counsel is provided.\n\nAs you are aware, in FY24, an inadvertent failure to account for the federal defender program\u2019s carryforward funding structure resulted in initial funding levels that were more than $100 million less than what the program needed. In response to those marks, the program implemented a set of cost-savings measures, including a hard hiring freeze, suspension of most in-person training opportunities, and deferral of other programmatic needs such as cybersecurity upgrades. In FY25, the Defender Services budget was frozen at the artificially low FY24 levels, leaving the program with a critical shortfall woefully inadequate to meet its identified needs.\n\nAs a result of two years of underfunding because of a calculation error, Defender Services began FY26 significantly in the red. The current funding level, based on the recent anomaly, is still $194 million short of what is required to fund the program.\n\nWe are very appreciative of your inclusion of a $1.564 billion anomaly for Federal and Community Defenders in the Continuing Resolution. This is an important step in addressing the underfunding. Now we must fully fund the program as soon as possible. Full funding for the program to staff Federal Defender offices, pay the panel deficit for missed payments last fiscal year, and avoid missed payments to panel attorneys throughout FY26 requires $1.76 billion. Without full funding, Federal Defender Services will face more extreme shortfalls in FY26.\n\nFederal Defender organizations just entered their third year in a hard hiring freeze, resulting in more than 500 positions below what the Judicial Conference-approved staffing formula dictates. Without a sufficient number of federal defenders, the court may need to hire private attorneys from a panel to meet the constitutional requirement that indigent defendants be represented by counsel. This often increases the cost. Additionally, CJA panel attorneys face another devastating year of months-long payment delays. In FY25, money to pay CJA panel attorneys for work performed in federal court ran out beginning in July 2025 and did not restart until the government shutdown ended this November, resulting in over four months without pay. More than eighty percent of CJA panel attorneys are local small business owners who rely on CJA funds to pay overhead, staff, and travel costs. The failure to pay these lawyers had devastating consequences. Some attorneys had to take out loans, incur large credit card debt, or deplete their retirement funds in order to keep themselves afloat. Experienced attorneys are leaving the CJA panel or refusing to take more cases. Others asked to withdraw from or delay cases because they could not engage necessary experts and investigators, leaving clients in an untenable position. A group of 52 panel attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and mitigation specialists in New Mexico wrote to the Federal District Court stating that they could no longer accept new appointments. Trials across the country were delayed because of the nonpayment, and at least one case was dismissed. Even with funding at the level provided in the anomaly, this problem will repeat\u2014 even more significantly\u2014this year. It is unsustainable for Federal and Community Defenders to continue operating without sufficient pay.\n\nThe Defender Services program has a history of bipartisan support. This essential funding supports the more than 4,000 attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and other personnel throughout 83 federal defender organizations serving 92 of the 94 federal judicial districts, as well as approximately 12,000 private CJA panel attorneys. Criminal defense funding is non-partisan, and federal defenders represent everyone regardless of political affiliation. Currently, more than ninety percent of federal cases are handled by public defense lawyers. The inevitable cascading consequences of underfunding public defense will delay prosecutions, create backlogs in U.S. Attorneys Offices, compromise convictions and sentences, and deny witnesses and victims their day in court. In short, a fully funded federal defender system is necessary to promote public safety and the rule of law.\n\nWe respectfully urge you to fully fund the Federal Defender Services program at $1.76 billion to maintain baseline constitutional requirements for federal public defense and appreciate the unprecedented challenges of the current appropriation process. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-mfume-introduce-legislation-to-designate-the-museum-of-the-blind-peoples-movement-as-a-national-museum", "Van Hollen, Mfume Introduce Legislation to Designate the Museum of the Blind People's Movement as a National Museum", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Last week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) announced their joint introduction of legislation to designate the new Museum of the Blind People's Movement in Baltimore as the official National Museum of the Blind People's Movement. Once established, this museum will be the first to be blind-owned, operated, and led.\n\n\u201cWe can all learn from stories of the pioneering blind Americans who have organized and led the movement that reshaped our nation in the direction of equality. With this legislation, we are working to honor eight decades of leadership and ensure this history is preserved, shared, and celebrated not just locally, but nationally as well. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I\u2019ve been proud to support this mission with $301,000 in direct federal funding, and, now, to team up with Congressman Mfume on this legislation to designate it as the National Museum of the Blind People\u2019s Movement,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\"Blind Americans have long faced discrimination and low expectations, but that has never stopped them from making vital contributions to our society that are far too often under-recognized,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \"By acknowledging this institution as the National Museum of the Blind People's Movement, Congress honors an important American story and supports a first-of-its-kind, blind-owned and blind-led cultural institution that will serve students, researchers, veterans, workers, families, and visitors from every corner of these United States of America.\"\n\n\"The introduction of this legislation marks a historic moment in our movement's journey. The National Museum of the Blind People's Movement will be the first blind-led and blind-centered museum that authentically preserves and shares our stories of advocating, innovating, and transforming society. This museum will be about the people who have demonstrated that with proper training and opportunity, we achieve equality and full participation in all aspects of American life,\u201d said Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. \u201cWe are grateful to Congressman Kweisi Mfume and Senator Chris Van Hollen for championing this recognition. This museum will serve as a national platform for dialogue, education, and inclusion\u2014connecting our rich history with action that makes a difference.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are proud to support this effort to uplift and honor the blind community with a museum here in Baltimore,\u201d said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. \u201cOur city prides itself on celebrating the history of those who shaped our nation, especially folks whose stories are not often told. We look forward to supporting the best federal delegation in the country as they work to advance this bill.\u201d\n\nThe National Federation of the Blind (NFB), founded in 1940, has preserved a great number of artifacts, documents, and literature that chronicle both the struggle and progress of blind people across the United States. The NFB has committed to the collection, preservation, and curation of the history of the blind through the establishment of a museum to house these artifacts. The museum will serve as a national platform to explore these stories, foster understanding, and spark dialogue today.\n\nRecognizing the Museum of the Blind People's Movement as the National Museum of the Blind People's Movement would be a significant step towards providing long-overdue national recognition to the many contributions to our nation and its collective history that have been made by blind Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introduces-legislation-support-local-emergency", "Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Legislation to Support Local Emergency Response Efforts During Disaster", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Yesterday, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Congressman Tim Kennedy (D-NY) introduced the Emergency Alert Grant Fairness Act, legislation written to ensure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA\u2019s) Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) can operate as intended and directly support local public broadcasters.\n\nCongress created the NGWS to help local public broadcasters purchase modernized equipment to ensure a resilient, redundant emergency alert system, reaching more than 99% of Americans, regardless of cell phone service or internet access. The program had been administered by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) since its inception, but management has shifted to FEMA as a result of CPB\u2019s closure. Earlier this year, FEMA issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Fiscal Year 2025 with a short 9-day application window. The NOFO also restricted eligibility to State and Tribal governments, excluding local public broadcasters who the NGWS is meant to support. On September 9th, Congresswoman McClain Delaney and Congressman Kennedy led a letter to FEMA Administrator David Richardson urging the agency to protect and continue NGWS grants To date, the letter has not received a response.\n\nThe Emergency Alert Grant Fairness Act would direct FEMA to hold the NGWS application window open for at least 30 days each year, in addition to restoring and clarifying grant eligibility to allow local public broadcasters to apply.\n\n\u201cWhen Western Maryland saw incredible devastation at the hands of historic flooding last May, emergency alerts played an essential role in delivering life-saving information to every family affected, preventing further devastation\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \u201cWhen disaster strikes, we must be equipped with the proper infrastructure to reach our communities and keep them safe. That looks like the Emergency Alert Grant Fairness Act, supporting our local broadcasters and fighting for much-needed emergency resources.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen disaster strikes, families rely on timely, accurate alerts to stay safe, and that only happens when the systems behind those messages are strong and accessible,\u201d said Congressman Tim Kennedy. \u201cThis bill protects the NGWS program as Congress intended, ensuring local public broadcasters can continue delivering the lifesaving warnings our communities depend on. I\u2019m proud to join Rep. McClain Delaney in introducing legislation that protects our communities and ensures they have the timely information needed during emergencies.\n\nCosponsors include: Bell (D-MO), Carson (D-IN), Carter (D-LA), Fields (D-LA), Hernandez (D-PR), Huffman (D-CA), Mullin (D-CA), Scanlon (D-PA), Stanton (D-AZ), Thompson (D-CA), and Titus (D-NV).\n\nYou can view the bill text here.\n\n##\n\nFor updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.\n\nCongresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland\u2019s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland\u2019s 6th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cassidy-announce-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act", "Van Hollen, Cassidy Announce Senate Passage of Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) announced the unanimous passage of their resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by the United States Senate. The bipartisan resolution, introduced earlier this week by Senators Van Hollen and Cassidy, recognized the historic step IDEA took 50 years ago by mandating that every child in America, including those with disabilities, be given equal access to a free, appropriate public education.\n\nThe resolution was cosponsored in the Senate by Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Penn.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), and John James (R-Mich.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cThe Senate\u2019s passage of this resolution honors all those who fought to make IDEA a reality. As we celebrate the anniversary of this landmark legislation and the opportunities it created for millions of students with disabilities across the country, I remain committed to the fight to fully fund IDEA \u2013 fulfilling the promise made 50 years ago to provide every student in America equal access to a high-quality education,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen, who has also introduced the IDEA Full Funding Act.\n\n\u201cAll children deserve an education that gives them the resources they need to reach their full potential,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cBy empowering parents to partner in their child\u2019s education and equipping teachers with resources, IDEA ensures children with disabilities have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-urge-action-from-trump-administration-to-end-violence-promote-stability-in-burma", "Van Hollen, Colleagues Urge Action from Trump Administration to End Violence, Promote Stability in Burma", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and eight of his Senate colleagues urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take strong actions in response to escalating violence and human rights violations committed by the Burmese military junta as well as the junta\u2019s upcoming sham elections. Pointing to increasing instability and a worsening humanitarian crisis fueled by the junta\u2019s mass killings, forced displacement of civilians, and persecution of minorities \u2013 as the country is still reeling from the destruction caused by a historic earthquake earlier this year \u2013 the Senators urged Secretary Rubio in a letter to focus on diplomatic efforts to restore stability in Burma while countering the growing influence of China and Russia in the region. To that end, they outlined specific steps the Trump Administration should take to reassert U.S. leadership on human rights, help end the violence, and support a path toward inclusive governance and democracy in Burma.\n\nSenator Van Hollen was joined on this letter by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).\n\n\u201cWe write to express our profound concern regarding the ongoing bloodshed and oppression in Burma, which has lasted far too long. The systematic persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, and other vulnerable communities, requires urgent attention and decisive leadership from the United States. The upcoming sham elections in December and January further damage Burma\u2019s democracy, rule of law, and further consolidate the junta\u2019s repressive power,\u201d the Senators began.\n\n\u201cWe urge you to prioritize addressing the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Burma, condemn the junta\u2019s planned elections, and champion justice, accountability, and the protection of basic human dignity. We ask this not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is also in our core national interest to achieve stability in Southeast Asia and push back on malign People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) influence in the region,\u201d they stressed.\n\n\u201cThe junta\u2019s ruthless campaign has devastated all of Burma\u2019s people, but religious and ethnic minorities remain especially at risk. [\u2026] These abuses demand a robust U.S. response rooted in moral leadership and strategic interest,\u201d they continued.\n\nThe Senators went on to urge the Administration to take several actions in order to address these concerns, including to: promote accountability for atrocities committed by the military junta; appoint a Special Coordinator for Democracy in Burma; fully implement the BURMA Act and resume foreign assistance to the nation; and extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma.\n\n\u201cThese measures are not only consistent with our nation\u2019s values, but also critical to restoring stability in the broader Indo-Pacific region. Continued chaos in Burma creates further openings for increased PRC influence that could gain it strategically valuable access to the Indian Ocean. Both Russia and the PRC have provided almost $1 billion in weapons to the junta,\u201d the Senators added. \u201cThe only solution to these challenges to U.S. interests is to work with regional partners to end the violence and place Burma on a path to inclusive governance and democracy.\u201d\n\nText of the letter can be viewed here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to express our profound concern regarding the ongoing bloodshed and oppression in Burma, which has lasted far too long. The systematic persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, and other vulnerable communities, requires urgent attention and decisive leadership from the United States. The upcoming sham elections in December and January further damage Burma\u2019s democracy, rule of law, and further consolidate the junta\u2019s repressive power.\n\nWe urge you to prioritize addressing the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Burma, condemn the junta\u2019s planned elections, and champion justice, accountability, and the protection of basic human dignity. We ask this not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is also in our core national interest to achieve stability in Southeast Asia and push back on malign People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) influence in the region.\n\nThe Burmese military junta\u2019s ongoing campaign of violence and oppression has resulted in countless atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, forced displacements, and the destruction of entire villages. Alarmingly, by the end of August 2025, the civilian death toll surpassed 7,100, a grim reminder of the international community's insufficient response. More than four years of conflict since the 2021 military coup have displaced 3.6 million people and left 11.8 million facing acute food insecurity. The crisis has deepened following a once-in-a-century earthquake in March that killed at least 3,800 people and left 6.3 million in urgent need.\n\nThough the military regime\u2019s grip on power may be weakening, its violence has intensified. In the six weeks following the earthquake, the State Administrative Council (SAC) launched at least 741 airstrikes\u2014including on schools, killing at least 22 children, and on churches on Palm Sunday\u2014most after a declared \"ceasefire\" in early April. On October 6, a military aerial paramotor bombed a peaceful candlelight vigil during a Buddhist holiday, killing at least 24 people, including children. The vigil was for the release of arbitrarily detained prisoners and opposition to the upcoming elections. The BBC reported that the junta has increasingly used paramotors as sanctions have made it harder to procure aircraft and jet fuel. The junta now controls just 21 percent of Burma\u2019s territory, as resistance forces continue gaining ground despite support for the regime from the PRC and Russia.\n\nThe junta\u2019s ruthless campaign has devastated all of Burma\u2019s people, but religious and ethnic minorities remain especially at risk. The Rohingya continue to face genocidal violence reminiscent of 2017. Christians have endured church burnings, arrests, and worship restrictions, particularly in Chin State. The regime has barred non-Buddhist teaching outside of state-approved religious buildings. Other ethnic minorities\u2014Kachin, Karen, Karenni, and Shan\u2014face forced displacement, military assaults, and systemic repression. These abuses demand a robust U.S. response rooted in moral leadership and strategic interest.\n\nTo that end, we urge you to take the following actions:\n\nPromote accountability for atrocities committed in Burma: We urge you to continue U.S. support for international accountability mechanisms, including the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) and The Gambia's legal case against Myanmar in the International Court of Justice. The United States should also continue its vital support for civil society organizations inside and outside of Burma that are working to document and prevent atrocities, support victims, and help protect witnesses who testify in legal proceedings to the junta's appalling crimes. We urge you to follow up on the State Department's 2022 Rohingya genocide determination by initiating a new atrocity determination process to assess whether the Tatmadaw has committed genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity against Burma's other ethnic and religious minority groups following the 2021 coup.\n\nMake Burma a diplomatic priority: Ultimately, the horrors faced by the people of Burma can only end if the United States prioritizes diplomatic efforts to end the violence. The United States must press the PRC at all levels to reach a common understanding on a way forward to end the conflict and to warn against any action by the PRC to legitimize or provide diplomatic cover for the junta. We urge you to appoint a Special Coordinator for Democracy in Burma to coordinate U.S. diplomatic efforts and to interface with the UN, ASEAN, PRC, and other high-level representatives on Burma. If the junta moves forward with its plans for sham elections, it is vital that you use every authority at your disposal to hold accountable any person or entity that helped facilitate those elections -- whether through sanctions, visa restrictions, or other measures.\n\nFully implement the BURMA Act and resume foreign assistance to Burma: The Trump Administration\u2019s decision to end aid to Burma has cut off access to food, healthcare, and shelter for countless civilians, worsening suffering and regional instability. After the March earthquake, you fired the USAID staff responding to the disaster, while the PRC immediately sent rescue crews with heavy machinery and to dig through the wreckage for survivors. You terminated $1.1 billion dollars in foreign assistance grants to Burma, including $181 million dedicated to the democracy movement. These cuts contravene the express purposes of the BURMA Act and will deal a severe blow to Myanmar\u2019s democracy movement and civil society. They also serve as a gift to the Myanmar military and its authoritarian allies, including China and Russia, whose influence will now expand.\n\nRecommend DHS extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma: On November 24, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced her determination that Burma no longer meets the conditions for a TPS designation. The announcement stated that the termination of TPS for Burma will be effective on January 26, 2026. Junta violence against the people of Burma has, however, continued unabated. Ending TPS for Burma endangers the 3,969 people who currently hold this status in the United States should they be forced to return, and it is inconsistent with our values.\n\nThese measures are not only consistent with our nation\u2019s values, but also critical to restoring stability in the broader Indo-Pacific region. Continued chaos in Burma creates further openings for increased PRC influence that could gain it strategically valuable access to the Indian Ocean. Both Russia and the PRC have provided almost $1 billion in weapons to the junta. Instability in Burma also continues to generate refugee outflows, destabilizing Bangladesh, Thailand, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Transnational criminal organizations have found safe haven in Burma to engage in human trafficking, cyber fraud, the drug trade, and other illicit activities that directly harm Americans. The only solution to these challenges to U.S. interests is to work with regional partners to end the violence and place Burma on a path to inclusive governance and democracy.\n\nWe stand ready to work with you in pursuing these goals and reaffirming American leadership in defending human rights and democratic principles worldwide.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-statement-inspector-general-report-signalgate", "Elfreth Statement on Inspector General Report on Signalgate", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the Pentagon inspector general\u2019s Report on Signalgate.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s report independently confirms what many of us suspected: Secretary Hegseth\u2019s reckless actions put our servicemembers in harm's way. By the grace of God and without the professionalism of one journalist, this situation could have been far worse. Disclosing sensitive, nonpublic, operational information in an unapproved, unsecure network \u2013 hours before execution \u2013 created great additional risk to U.S. missions.\n\n\u201cThis was a rookie mistake that could have had dire consequences for our servicemembers who put their lives on the line for our nation every day. When I want to discuss top secret, classified information with my colleagues, I do so in a secure facility \u2013 not on a Signal chain. After initial reports of this national security breach, I called for the firing of Secretary Pete Hegseth and thorough Congressional oversight. Today\u2019s report leaves me with no more confidence in the Secretary and his ability to lead our servicemembers.\n\n\u201cI am calling for his immediate resignation. In the coming days, I will use every tool at my disposal to hold him publicly accountable and restore the public\u2019s faith in those who lead us and are responsible for our national security.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-adrienne-jones-stepping-down-speaker-maryland-house-delegates", "Hoyer Statement on Adrienne Jones Stepping Down as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after Speaker Adrienne Jones announced she will step down from her position as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates:\n\n\"My dear friend Adrienne Jones has been a historic Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. I am sorry to hear that she will soon step down from the position \u2013 a great loss for the institution. She will remain a titan in Maryland politics and an important voice in the General Assembly.\n\n\"Adrienne has dedicated her entire life to serving Marylanders. From her early work for the Baltimore County Executive's office to her decades representing Maryland's 10th District to her six-year tenure as the first woman and first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates, she has proven to be a leader of great vision, strong character, and tremendous vision. Never was that more apparent than when she rose to the occasion after her predecessor, Speaker Michael Busch, passed away in 2019. She took on the responsibilities of that office with great poise and has performed them expertly ever since.\n\n\u201cShe and I have worked closely together over the years to create new economic opportunities for Maryland families, bring the FBI headquarters to Prince George's County, resist Donald Trump's attacks on our state, and much more. I look forward to continuing to work with her to serve our communities during this pivotal moment for our state. No matter the task at hand, she is always an invaluable partner and an absolutely critical member of Team Maryland.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introduces-bipartisan-rural-recovery-act-2025", "Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Bipartisan Rural Recovery Act of 2025 to Support Rural Communities When Disaster Strikes", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO) introduced the Rural Recovery Act, a bipartisan measure to ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is equipped to respond timely and effectively when rural communities are impacted by natural disasters.\n\nFrom economic outlooks to critical infrastructure, USDA\u2019s Rural Development (RD) plays a key role in meeting the needs of rural America \u2014 support that is even more essential when rural families are in crisis. Natural disasters have become more frequent and devastating, with rural areas facing unique barriers to recovery. Yet, USDA RD state offices and applicants are required to undergo a tedious application process in order to receive emergency recovery technical assistance during a Presidentially-declared disaster.\n\nCurrently, USDA recovery efforts take too long to reach communities, and delays the rebuilding of essential infrastructure like telecommunications, water systems, housing, community facilities, and energy services. To strengthen a disaster response effort, the bipartisan Rural Recovery Act would:\n\nProvide automatic funding to USDA RD state offices for recovery technical assistance immediately upon a disaster declaration.\n\nEliminate the need for RD offices to submit separate applications during emergencies\n\nAuthorize $50 million annually to support planning, application assistance, and project implementation for up to three years following a disaster.\n\n\u201cIn Western Maryland, the Westernport community\u2013which suffered devastating floods in May\u2013has come together in heart and spirit, fighting to rebuild what was lost, but they shouldn\u2019t have to do it alone,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. \u201cHad we received automatic technical assistance through USDA Rural Development, local economies, infrastructure, and families would have felt the difference. Emergencies don\u2019t wait for lengthy application processes \u2014 and our communities can\u2019t either.\u201d\n\n\"Growing up in Colorado, I\u2019ve seen how wildfires, drought, and floods hit small towns especially hard. When disaster strikes our families and small businesses shouldn\u2019t have to fight through federal red tape just to rebuild. This bipartisan bill equips USDA with the tools to deliver immediate financial support to rural communities so our farmers and ranchers, main street businesses, and families can get back on their feet faster than ever before,\u201d said Congressman Gabe Evans.\n\nCosponsors include: Fields (D-LA), Salinas (D-OR), Stansbury (D-NM), Thompson (D-CA)\n\nYou can view the bill text here.\n\n##\n\nFor updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.\n\nCongresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland\u2019s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland\u2019s 6th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/olszewski-introduce-constitutional-amendment-rein-presidential-pardons", "Olszewski to Introduce Constitutional Amendment to Rein in Presidential Pardons", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski announced today that he will introduce a Constitutional Amendment to establish new checks on presidential pardons, following what he called a series of outrageous and deeply troubling pardons issued by President Donald Trump.\n\nEarlier this week, President Trump pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hern\u00e1ndez, who had been at the center of one of the world\u2019s largest and most violent drug-trafficking conspiracies. Hern\u00e1ndez was serving a 45-year sentence for conspiring to import more than 4.5 billion doses of cocaine into the United States.\n\nHernandez is among nearly 1,600 people granted clemency by President Trump this year alone. In one of his first official acts of the term, President Trump pardoned roughly 1,500 defendants involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.\n\n\u201cI believe in the rule of law and that criminals should be held accountable, especially drug kingpins and insurrectionists who attacked law enforcement,\u201d Congressman Olszewski said. \u201cPresidents of both parties have abused the pardon power to reward political allies and protect family members, undermining justice and public trust. President Trump \u2013 the self-described president of law and order \u2013 is acting to absolve convicted criminals simply because he can.\n\nUnchecked power corrodes democracy. My amendment is simple but powerful: it establishes congressional oversight of the presidential pardon process and ensures the American people can trust that justice is applied fairly.\u201d\n\nCongressman Olszewski\u2019s amendment \u2013 the Pardon Integrity Act \u2013 would grant Congress the authority to reject pardons and commutations put forth by a President, now and in the future. Under his proposal, 20 members of the House and five members of the Senate could initiate a process to nullify a pardon. Congress would have 60 days to reject a pardon with a two-thirds supermajority vote in both chambers. The legislation would also prohibit the issuance of subsequent pardons for the same offense.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/olszewski-issues-statement-maryland-house-speakers-resignation-leadership", "Olszewski Issues Statement on Maryland House Speaker\u2019s Resignation From Leadership Position", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Towson, MD) \u2013 Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski issued the following statement today following Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones\u2019s announced resignation from her leadership role:\n\n\u201cAdrienne Jones never sought headlines or the spotlight. Instead, she has led with a steady, unassuming hand \u2014 an approach that has proven remarkably effective, from securing constitutional protections for women\u2019s healthcare to helping steer the state through a global pandemic.\n\nWe are grateful for her willingness to listen, her talent for turning vision into action, and her refreshing candor. I am equally grateful that, even as she steps down from her leadership role, she will continue to serve our shared constituents with the same dedication and integrity as a state delegate.\n\nAlthough she made history as Maryland\u2019s first Black and first female House Speaker, I am lucky to also know her as a friend and mentor who took me under her wing as a young legislator. Maryland is undoubtedly a better place because of Speaker Jones.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-kelly-blumenthal-markey-in-introducing-legislation-to-protect-airline-passengers-from-flight-cancellations-and-delays", "Van Hollen Joins Kelly, Blumenthal, Markey in Introducing Legislation to Protect Airline Passengers from Flight Cancellations and Delays", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in introducing the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, new legislation that will protect passengers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The bill would also direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) to mandate airlines reimburse passengers for hotels, meals, and transportation to lodging as a result of flight disruptions, regardless of the cause of the delay.\n\nThe Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act comes in response to the Trump administration\u2019s cancellation of a popular consumer protection rule in the making that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for preventable travel cancellations or delays. It is also cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Wash.).\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s decision to abandon commonsense consumer protections and force passengers to pay the price for flight delays and cancellations they didn\u2019t cause is a major giveaway to the big corporations at the expense of everyone else. This legislation will put travelers first and ensure they get the reimbursements and accommodations they deserve when their flights are disrupted,\u201d said Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cFlying is already stressful and expensive. Airlines have to be accountable when they cost the American people money and travelers are left stranded,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cWe\u2019re working to make sure that passengers are protected so that cancellations and delays don\u2019t cost them money out of their own pockets.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis commonsense legislation holds airlines accountable and properly compensates passengers when their flight is delayed or cancelled\u2014protecting Americans from losing their hard-earned paychecks to flight disruptions beyond their control and alleviating the burden of chaotic travel days. The Trump Administration\u2019s senseless backtracking on airline passenger protections only serves the airline industry, padding their pocketbooks and leaving Americans stranded without help. With the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, we put the traveling public first and bolster cost-saving consumer protections,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cAirlines that cancel and significantly delay flights due to their own mistakes can costs flyers thousands of dollars in secondary costs and lost income. In other words, the traveling public covers the costs of the airlines\u2019 mistakes,\u201d said Markey. \u201cInstead of protecting family budgets, the Trump administration is choosing to protect the airlines\u2019 bottom line. I\u2019m proud to partner with Senator Kelly and Senator Blumenthal to introduce the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, an important step to hold airlines accountable, enact cost-saving protections, and prioritize consumers instead of CEO billionaires and corporations at the top of the airline industry.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican consumers deserve to have protections, especially when it comes to expensive flights. This Administration has made their agenda clear: protect billionaires and corporations over hardworking Americans. That agenda is wrong. We need to pass the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act so Marylanders \u2013 and airline passengers across the country \u2013 can receive cash compensation for their delayed or cancelled flights,\u201d said Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cAmid record cancellations, delays, and safety concerns at airports across the country, travelers deserve compensation for these disruptions to their lives,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s decision to undo previous consumer protections only worsens the chaos travelers are experiencing. This legislation would reinstate these protections and put travelers' wellbeing over the airline industry\u2019s bottom line.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen airline delays and cancellations leave us hanging, passengers shouldn\u2019t be forced to pay the price,\u201d said Fetterman. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this commonsense legislation to reinstate critical consumer protections for Pennsylvanians and airline passengers across the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cRight before millions of Americans began traveling for the holidays this year, Trump\u2019s transportation department ripped up the rule that forced airlines to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled. The Trump administration is once again siding with airline CEOs instead of everyday working families. I\u2019m proud to back this legislation so families aren\u2019t left stranded with the bill when airlines screw up,\u201d said Gallego.\n\n\u201cFrom Day One, President Trump has made it clear that he doesn\u2019t care about consumers. His decision to scrap a proposal to hold airlines accountable for delays is the latest example. Passengers impacted by delays and cancellations should get the compensation they deserve,\u201d said Welch. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join this legislation which will do just that.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe biggest winners under Donald Trump\u2019s presidency are corporations and the ultra-rich, and airlines are no exception. On top of his costly government shutdown that left travelers hamstrung and airports woefully understaffed by safety and air traffic controllers, now Trump is going out of his way to make flying more expensive for travelers. This legislation would restore much-needed consumer protections and financial relief during one of the busiest holiday travel seasons on record,\u201d said Wyden.\n\nSee what consumer and air traveler advocates are saying in support of the legislation:\n\n\u201cDelays and cancellations are far and away the Number 1 complaint of airline passengers. Most are due to causes within airline control such as lack of airworthy equipment, flight personnel or not enough paying passengers, not weather or air traffic control. FlyersRights, the largest airline passenger organization, believes delay compensation is essential to improve air travel reliability and endorses the subject legislation. Delay compensation is the norm outside the US. Recent studies show major increases in lengthy delays is accelerating,\u201d said FlyersRights President Paul Hudson.\n\n\"At a time when this DOT appears to be abandoning the public, it's critical for Congress to step up,\" said National Consumers League Senior Public Policy Manager Eden Iscil. \"This bill would bring consumer protections for flying into the 21st Century and in line with those found in many international jurisdictions. There's no reason an American airline should provide better care for its passengers when departing from Frankfurt while still denying those same basic accommodations for flights out of Phoenix.\"\n\nUnder the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, the DOT would be required to issue regulations that:\n\nRequire the DOT to establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) that includes consumer protection groups to develop recommendations for how to implement rules that would require air carriers to provide consumers experiencing significant flight disruptions cash compensation, free rebooking, and reimbursements for passenger care needs such as meals, lodging for overnight delays, and transportation to and from lodging;\n\nRequire the ARC to develop recommendations for passenger compensation in alignment with foreign standards, including the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) Air Passenger Protection Regulations and Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council;\n\nSet a baseline standard of compensation of at least $300 for a delay of more than 3 hours but less than 6 hours; and at least $600 for a delay of 6 hours or more;\n\nDirect DOT to undertake a rulemaking to implement the ARC recommendations within 90 days after the ARC report is submitted; and\n\nEstablish a stricter interim final rule that will go into effect 18 months after the bill is enacted, to prevent DOT from dragging its feet and ensuring the rulemaking takes place.\n\nBackground:\n\nOn November 15, 2025, the Trump administration officially withdrew a planned Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) that the previous Administration\u2019s Department of Transportation had initiated in December 2024 to require airlines to compensate passengers and cover their expenses for lengthy delays or cancellations caused by carriers.\n\nThe ANPRM is the first part of the federal rulemaking process, meant to solicit public comment on the policies proposed by the agency. This ANPRM sought public comment on a rulemaking to \u201censure consumers experiencing significant flight disruptions are taken care of and protected from financial losses.\u201d\n\nThe Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act builds on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 language and the proposed Biden-era ANPRM to expand consumer protections for impacted air passengers. This bill requires that the rulemaking process be restarted and that the FAA Reauthorization Language be implemented by establishing an Aviation Rulemaking Committee to develop recommendations to implement the requirements of the FAA Reauthorization Act and expand those recommendations to include reimbursement in the form of cash compensation and free rebooking. If the DOT fails to do so, the bill establishes an interim final rule with the force of law that establishes various minimum standards as outlined above.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-merkley-kaine-no-funds-for-war-against-venezuela", "Van Hollen, Merkley, Kaine: No Funds for War Against Venezuela", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in introducing the Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025 to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Venezuela without explicit Congressional authorization.\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration has amassed the largest naval buildup in the Caribbean in decades and committed extrajudicial killings in international waters amounting either to murder or war crimes. Congress has not authorized this Administration to take these offensive actions, and with good reason \u2013 the American people do not want to start another war. We must put a stop to this by passing this simple measure to prevent U.S. taxpayer dollars from funding the Trump Administration\u2019s manufactured conflict with Venezuela,\u201d said Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cCongress cannot stand by while Donald Trump wages war without authorization,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cNicol\u00e1s Maduro is a brutal dictator, but that does not provide justification for the Trump Administration to ignore U.S. law to carry out these unconstitutional military strikes. Donald Trump cannot be trusted, and we must say no to another endless war, reckless regime change, and lethal operations\u2014which are essentially extrajudicial killings\u2014and do nothing to make the American people safer.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe shouldn\u2019t stumble into an unnecessary war with Venezuela\u2014risking U.S. servicemembers\u2019 lives\u2014with no congressional authorization and incomplete information about the Administration\u2019s objectives, its legal rationale, and the potential consequences of a long-term conflict that could drive migration and irreparably fracture Venezuela,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThis legislation would prevent us from doing that, and I urge my colleagues to support it and reclaim the solemn responsibilities on matters of war and peace assigned to Congress by the Constitution.\u201d\n\nThe Senator's bill does not prevent the United States from acting to defend itself or its citizens from an armed attack or threat of an imminent armed attack, pursue lawful counternarcotics operations, or provide humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schiff-vargas-in-introducing-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration", "Van Hollen Joins Schiff, Vargas in Introducing Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in introducing the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump administration\u2019s abuse of loopholes in current regulations. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nFollowing the Trump administration\u2019s mass firing of immigration judges and authorizing of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the administration has been utilizing to speed up their mass deportation agenda \u2013 such as the lack of due process protections for individuals in immigration court proceedings.\n\n\u201cEveryone who comes before an immigration court has a right under our Constitution to a fair trial \u2013 but the Trump Administration is undermining that right as they replace scores of qualified judges with temporary judges who have little to no immigration law experience. Enacting stronger qualification and training standards for temporarily appointed judges will help ensure due process rights are upheld in our immigration courts,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration\u2019s willingness to fire experienced immigration judges and hire inexperienced or temporary \u201cdeportation judges,\u201d especially in places like California, has fundamentally impacted the landscape of our justice system. Given the administration\u2019s unlawful terminations of qualified judges, and their plan to leverage the power of temporary positions to speed up their mass deportation agenda, the risks of grave injury to families, fairness, and due process have expanded. The administration\u2019s unlawful mass firing of immigration judges at an alarming rate is their latest aggressive enforcement tactic that jeopardizes our judicial workforce. Amidst the growing number of pending cases in immigration courts, this legislation will ensure that only experienced and trained temporary immigration judges will have the privilege of adjudicating cases that have permanent consequences for millions of people,\u201d said Senator Schiff.\n\n\u201cAfter purging over 100 permanent immigration judges from the DOJ, the Trump Administration is now looking to push attorneys with limited to no prior immigration law experience into these roles,\u201d said Representative Vargas. \u201cAnyone facing the life-altering consequences of deportation deserves to have their case heard in front of a judge who is trained and experienced in immigration law. We need guardrails now as the Trump Administration continues to attack our immigrant communities and due process rights.\u201d\n\nThe bill would:\n\nCap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms: 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services;\n\nPrevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from being appointed as temporary immigration judges;\n\nAuthorize appointments of attorneys at the Department of Justice (DOJ) who meet the eligibility requirements;\n\nEstablish basic training requirements.\n\nThe bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration has engaged in an unprecedented attack on due process and the rule of law. The only plausible explanation for firing qualified and experienced immigration judges and placing even greater strain on already overburdened immigration courts is a political one. This Administration is dismantling our immigration court system to pursue deportations at any cost,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cI\u2019m joining my colleagues in introducing the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act to ensure that immigration judges are fully qualified to make decisions that profoundly impact the lives of immigrants in America.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration's inhumane immigration policies are only made worse by its mass firing of immigration judges, creating an even greater backlog of immigration cases,\u201d said Senator Bennet. \u201cAs families and community members languish in detention centers, our immigration courts are unable to efficiently enforce due process rights. This bill addresses this crisis created by the administration and puts qualified judges back on the bench to ensure our courts fulfill their duty.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s immigration policy focuses on one thing: deportation,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThey have even rebranded immigration judges as \u2018deportation judges.\u2019 Congress must act swiftly to ensure a fair and just immigration process that reflects our values of freedom, dignity, and the rule of law. The Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act will ensure due process for all noncitizens\u2014as required by the Constitution\u2014and reaffirm that any immigration judge must be impartial, qualified, and committed to upholding the rule of law.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s unlawful ousting of experienced, qualified immigration judges and disregard for due process are yet more moves straight out of an authoritarian\u2019s playbook that jeopardize Americans\u2019 civil rights\u2014and its decision to use servicemembers as political pawns in its mass deportation agenda exploits our troops\u2019 sacrifices,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cAs the number of pending immigration cases continues to skyrocket, using military lawyers as temporary\u2014and unqualified\u2014immigration judges only adds further chaos to our immigration system, and I\u2019m proud to help Senator Schiff introduce this legislation to stop it, honor our troops\u2019 sacrifices and the Constitutional right to due process.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s decision to lower eligibility requirements for immigration judges and reassign 600 military lawyers, including JAGs, threatens the readiness of our military forces and is an injustice to the millions of noncitizens who deserve to have their cases heard by a qualified immigration judge,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cNot only will this legislation help to ensure that temporary immigration judges meet specific experience and training requirements, but it will also help to protect the readiness and function of our military justice system.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy forcing a mass exodus of experienced immigration judges and replacing them with temporary judges who have no experience with immigration law, Trump has thrown our already broken system into more chaos,\u201d said Senator Murphy. \u201cOur bill codifies a basic principle: immigration law judges should know immigration law. President Trump doesn\u2019t get to exploit a crisis he created to sidestep the rule of law and push his anti-immigrant agenda.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration has already fired or forced out over 100 immigration judges across the country as part of their callous anti-immigrant crusade, and now they are allowing attorneys with zero prior immigration law experience to serve as temporary judges in immigration cases, making hugely consequential decisions about families\u2019 futures,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cEvery person deserves a fair hearing. The Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act is about making sure anyone serving as a judge in an immigration hearing has the basic qualifications to do the job, and that the Trump administration can\u2019t keep unqualified temporary judges in place indefinitely.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy firing over 100 immigration judges \u2014 including five in San Francisco last week \u2014 and replacing them with inadequately trained temporary immigration judges, this Administration is worsening the case backlog across the country and undermining due process by deporting immigrants without a fair hearing,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cThis bill will ensure that even temporary immigration judges are qualified, properly trained, and held to a six-month term.\u201d\n\n\u201cEveryone deserves to have their fair day in court before an immigration judge who knows and understands our complex immigration laws. But as a result of the Trump Administration\u2019s continued attempts to steamroll our judicial system, we now have judges with no prior immigration law experience making decisions that have permanent consequences on people\u2019s lives,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in reaffirming our commitment to a just, independent, and humane immigration system.\u201d\n\n\u201cTrump is weaponizing our immigration courts and torching due process rights by replacing experienced judges with unqualified lawyers who will rubberstamp his mass deportation agenda,\u201d said Senator Wyden. \u201cCongress needs to ensure that judges hearing these critical and complex cases have the knowledge to give immigrants the fair hearings that they deserve.\u201d\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Immigration Council (AIC), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Brennan Center for Justice, and the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ).\n\n\u201cAcross the country, our friends, neighbors, and family members attend immigration court hearings where judges make high-stakes decisions in their cases,\u201d said Kate Voigt, Senior Policy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). \u201cEach and every person deserves to have their cases heard by an immigration judge who is well-versed in this complex area of law and who can make fair decisions. The Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act is an important step towards ensuring due process in our immigration courts, and the ACLU thanks Senator Schiff for his commitment to reform.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration has exploited its ability to improperly influence immigration judges\u2019 decisions, further eroding the integrity of the immigration court system. This year alone, the administration has fired or pushed out more than a hundred permanent judges while simultaneously taking steps to hire hundreds of unqualified temporary judges. The American Immigration Council supports this bill because it would prevent future administrations from replacing permanent immigration judges with temporary appointees who lack immigration law experience and are vulnerable to political pressure. Noncitizens are entitled to fair and impartial hearings, and this bill is a critical step toward protecting the independence and credibility of immigration courts,\u201d said Adriel D. Orozco, Senior Policy Counsel, American Immigration Council (AIC).\n\n\u201cEveryone should have their fair day in court, but the Trump administration is firing massive numbers of judges and hiring in their place temporary judges who have barely a few weeks of training and no immigration law experience whatsoever. The administration\u2019s watered-down standards for temporary judges are undermining the fairness and integrity of America\u2019s courts. That is why AILA endorses this important bill led by Sen. Schiff to ensure every judge is qualified and well-trained before they make decisions that can change someone\u2019s life,\u201d said the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).\n\n\u201cThe bill is a common-sense approach that ensures temporary immigration judges have sufficient expertise and training to allow them to handle immigration cases. The Supreme Court has recognized immigration law as a complex legal specialty, and minimum requirements are needed to make sure immigrants' due process rights are respected,\u201d said Brennan Center for Justice.\n\n\u201cStrengthening appointment criteria to emphasize credentials, judicial temperament, and commitment to due process reinforces public trust that decisions are based on law and evidence\u2014not politics. Further, implementing rigorous vetting, training, and performance evaluation standards, with safeguards against political influence, promotes judicial excellence and consistency across both permanent and temporary appointments,\u201d said the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-remarks-urban-institutes-improving-access-state-tax-credits-through", "Hoyer Remarks at Urban Institute's Improving Access to State Tax Credits through Research to Action Panel Discussion", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks during a panel discussion at the Urban Institute's Improving Access to State Tax Credits through Research to Action event. Below is a full transcript of his remarks:\n\n\u201cThank you. I've been involved in taxes for 68 years (audience laughter) - paying. But I'm pleased to be here at the Urban Institute, so thank you, Sarah, for all you do. I apologize because I'm going to say a few words and then I have to leave because we just [had] votes. You can\u2019t always count on the time when you have votes. My job is to adopt policy that I believe is good for the citizens of our country and the citizens of my constituency, obviously. (Motions to panelists) Their job is to implement what I do and if they don't implement it, it doesn't get done. If we don't facilitate people knowing what the policy is, it doesn't get done and the purpose for which I vote does not get accomplished. And, I have a theory of why that does not happen, and it's called the YOYO theory. The YOYO theory is a very simple one, which I think, frankly, is the major premise and policy of the party that I'm not in: You\u2019re On Your Own. YOYO.\n\n\u201cDirect File, which Brooke Lierman talked about \u2013 I want to say we have the best comptroller in America. Not a lot of people don\u2019t know what a comptroller is or does, but I will tell you that Brooke Lierman, as our comptroller \u2013 I have now served in office since 1967 [in] January. She has been the most involved in making sure that people aren\u2019t on their own, that they know what their benefits are, they know how to access their benefits, and they are facilitating and doing exactly that. Brooke, thank you so much for being such a caring, involved, smart tax collector (audience laughter) because that's what, technically, she is. We send it to Brooke Lierman, and she sends it back to us so soon, to me. But Direct File was a program that was tested, it wasn't just thrown out there. It was tested to see: Does it work? Does it effectively carry out a policy of helping people know how to do their taxes? Because most Americans want to pay their taxes, because they want \u2013 because they're honest and they want \u2013 you know, we call it a voluntary system, [but] for the large amount of our citizens it's not so voluntary. Every week, every bi-week, every month, Uncle Sam gets his or her cut, depending upon your perspective, but the cut that is necessary for democracy to work. Taxes. The \u2018price of freedom.\u2019\n\n\u201cDirect File was tried on a relatively small number of people, a couple hundred thousand people, and it worked so well [that] they enlarged it. And then it worked so well with overwhelming support of the users with a savings that you mentioned [were an] average $160 to $170 on average for people, because they want to pay their taxes, they want to make sure they're right and they sometimes have to pay people or spend an inordinate amount of time going through what are relatively complex directions. So, Direct File was a way to say, \u2018You, by law, need to pay these taxes, and we're going to help you follow the law,\u2019 and not have the anxiety that \u2018Oh my goodness,\u2019 you hear these ads on TV, you know, \u2018Ultimate tax system is going to make sure your wages garnished, your home foreclosed on,\u2019 all this et cetera, et cetera. So, \u2018You're On Your Own\u2019 says they\u2019re not going to help. So, that program is now extinct. Why? Because they fired everybody who carried out that program, why because they thought, \u2018We do not need to do this.\u2019 We, being the government. \u2018You're On Your Own.\u2019 And it's like minimum wage, it's like the Affordable Care Act, You're On Your Own. It's so many things. I have a long list that you don\u2019t have the time for, nor do you have the interest (audience laughter).\n\n\u201cBut remember the principle because it is the underlying concept that a lot of the reductions in services. The IRS is being decimated, not just on Direct File, decimated in terms of people who make sure that those who owe taxes pay them. Why? Because [if] those who owe taxes don't pay them, guess what? Those costs of that are \u2013 and interest over the rest of us, so taxes need to be higher than they otherwise would be if everybody paid. But when I talk about that, we're talking $600 billion, give or take, lost revenue every year. So that what I do as the Ranking Member on the committee that oversees the Treasury Department and IRS is to make sure that services are available. So, when you pick up the phone, somebody answers. That costs the government some money, but it is a service that we ought to be performing when people are trying to comply with the law.\n\n\u201cSo I'll leave it at that, because I could go on and on about what we're doing at the federal level, which is not good in terms of everyday people trying to A), make their lives affordable \u2013 you talked about affordability, we work on affordability, it\u2019s obviously the issue of the era, because so many people are finding it impossible to pay the cost of living that they want maintain for themselves and their families. Thank you. I\u2019m going to jump ship, but not because \u2013 (gestures to panelists) these three who really, as I say, implement policy. What I do is make words on a piece of paper. I don't make anything happen. Members of Congress don\u2019t make anything happen. It is those of you who work every day, as you say, on helping people, helping them know what is due, and making sure America is all it can be. Thank you very much.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-castro-mccormick-olszewski-and-fitzpatrick-introduce-global-child-thrive", "Reps. Castro, McCormick, Olszewski, and Fitzpatrick Introduce Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), introduced the Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen the implementation of policies that advance early childhood development internationally.\n\n\u201cReauthorizing the Global Child Thrive Act of 2020 means continuing to support the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health of vulnerable children and their families,\u201d said Congressman Castro. \u201cThe early years of childhood are crucial, and U.S. foreign assistance programs provide critical support. Thank you to my colleagues for their efforts in supporting these important policies.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to cosponsor the reauthorization of the Global Child Thrive Act. This initiative enhances America's leadership on the global stage by ensuring that vulnerable children receive the support they need to grow and succeed,\u201d said Congressman Rich McCormick. \u201cBy extending this program for another six years and establishing a Special Advisor to oversee it, we are making a smart investment that promotes stability and delivers a strong return for American taxpayers. I am grateful for the ongoing bipartisan support this initiative has received since it was first championed by leaders like Senator Marco Rubio.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential \u2014 no matter where they\u2019re born,\u201d said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. \u201cThe Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act puts that belief at the heart of America\u2019s work around the world. I\u2019m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to support early childhood development, protect vulnerable children, and strengthen families and communities. It\u2019s the right thing to do \u2014 and it helps build healthier societies, reduce poverty, and advance America\u2019s values and security for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe applaud Representatives Castro, McCormick, Fitzpatrick, and Olszewski for their bipartisan leadership in ensuring that the world\u2019s most vulnerable children are able to grow up to their full potential, protected from abuse, neglect and trafficking. The Global Child Thrive Act is a bipartisan recognition that every child, regardless of where they are born, has the right to grow up safe, healthy, and supported. The Global Child Thrive Act ensures early childhood development is a priority, not an afterthought,\u201d said Bruce Lesley, President, First Focus Campaign for Children.\n\n\u201cThe earliest years of life are the most critical for healthy brain development,\u201d stresses Michael J. Nyenhuis, UNICEF USA CEO and President. \u201cEnsuring that early childhood development remains a strong component of U.S. foreign assistance will help to support the growth and development of hundreds of millions of children under the age of 5 globally who currently face extreme poverty and stunting. We\u2019re thrilled to support the bipartisan reauthorization of the Global Child Thrive Act so that these children have an equitable chance to not only survive, but thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Global Child Thrive Act is an important step to reach vulnerable children with the basics they need, like good nutrition and responsive family care. Prioritizing the needs of young children and their families leads to far-reaching benefits in health, education, and much more. The Global Child Thrive Act is key to making this impact possible,\u201d said Mishelle Rudzinski, Executive Director, SPOON.\n\nThe Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025 reauthorizes the Global Child Thrive Act of 2020, landmark legislation that was enacted in early 2021 that strengthened the prioritization of supporting early childhood development in foreign assistance.\n\nThe Global Child Reauthorization Act of 2025 would:\n\nRequire the Secretary of State to appoint a new Special Advisor for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, a position that coordinates all United States foreign assistance programs for orphans and vulnerable children.\n\nThis position has traditionally resided at the United States Agency for International Development and is currently unfilled.\n\nRequire the administration to issue new guidelines to implement the Global Child Thrive Act of 2020.\n\nThe 2020 legislation required the creation of a government-wide strategy for children in adversity. This strategy, released in 2024, heavily relied on agencies like the United States Agency for International Development. Given the significant changes to U.S. foreign assistance this year, the Global Child Reauthorization Act of 2025 would require a new set of implementing directives.\n\nReauthorizes appropriations to implement the Global Child Thrive Act of 2020 for an additional 5 years.\n\nRead the Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025 here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2025/12/raskin-bill-to-rename-olney-post-office-after-veteran-employee-clears-key-committee-vote", "Raskin Bill to Rename Olney Post Office After Veteran Employee Clears Key Committee Vote", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raskin leads full Maryland Congressional Delegation effort to rename local Post Office after longtime employee Sergeant Edward Lawrence Ramsey\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform voted to advance Representative Jamie Raskin\u2019s (MD-08) bipartisan bill to rename the Olney Post Office after Sergeant Edward \u201cEd\u201d Lawrence Ramsey, an Army veteran and beloved former employee. Now that the legislation has passed out of Committee, the bill will move to the House floor.\n\n\u201cEd Ramsey was a true patriot in every way,\u201d said Rep. Raskin. \u201cHe dedicated his life to his family, his neighbors, his country and to continuing public service. After serving more than two decades in the U.S. Army, Ed brought his skills and experience back to Montgomery County as a postal clerk where he brought joy and connection to the generations of families he served over his 27-year Postal Service career. We\u2019re forever thankful to Ed for his devotion to Olney and MoCo and that\u2019s why we\u2019re working to honor him with a post office named in his memory.\u201d\n\nRep. Raskin introduced the legislation on November 25. The bipartisan House bill is cosponsored by Reps. Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney and Johnny Olszewski (all MD). U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both MD) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\nTragically, Sergeant Ramsey passed away in January 2022 following a medical emergency he experienced while on duty at the Post Office. Should this bill pass into law, the office where Sergeant Ramsey served so admirably would be renamed the \u201cEdward L. Ramsey Olney Post Office Building.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cassidy-huffman-thompson-scholten-james-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act", "Van Hollen, Cassidy, Huffman, Thompson, Scholten, James Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), and John James (R-Mich.) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the historic step this legislation took by mandating that every child with a disability in America be given equal access to a free, appropriate public education.\n\nThis resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). In the House, it is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Emily Randall (D-Wash.-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.-08), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.-01), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.-01), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-Northern Mariana Islands), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif-01), Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) Laura Friedman (D-Calif-30), John Mannion (D-N.Y.-22), James Moylan (R-Guam), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.-27), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.-24), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22).\n\n\u201cSince its passage fifty years ago, IDEA has opened the doors to a quality education for millions of students with disabilities across America. On IDEA\u2019s anniversary, we honor all those who fought to make IDEA a reality and celebrate the dedicated educators who support students with disabilities in and out of the classroom. While we take stock of the progress that has been made because of this landmark legislation, I remain committed to the fight to fully fund IDEA \u2013 to move us closer to delivering greater, more equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen, who has also introduced the IDEA Full Funding Act.\n\n\u201cAll children deserve an education that gives them the resources they need to reach their full potential,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cBy empowering parents to partner in their child\u2019s education and equipping teachers with resources, IDEA ensures children with disabilities have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.\u201d\n\n\"Every child \u2013 no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor \u2013deserves the education they need to succeed,\" said Rep. Huffman. \"50 years ago, Congress passed IDEA to transform classrooms for kids with disabilities and finally make that happen. Now, we won't stop pushing for full funding and fighting to ensure Congress delivers on this promise.\"\n\n\u201cFifty years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure that every child with a disability has access to a high-quality education. IDEA opened classroom doors, expanded opportunities, and transformed education for millions of students with disabilities. Today, we celebrate half a century of inclusive education that provided every child the opportunity to thrive,\u201d said Rep. Thompson.\n\n\u201cSince President Ford signed it into law 50 years ago, IDEA has opened doors for millions of children with disabilities,\u201d said Rep. Scholten. \u201cI represent the same West Michigan seat that President Ford once held, and as the proud daughter of a special education teacher, I have seen how this law has transformed classrooms and strengthened opportunity for every child. It has allowed students to learn alongside their peers, participate fully in their communities, and pursue futures that were once out of reach. As we mark this anniversary, we must recommit to President Ford\u2019s vision of investing in special education and ensuring every student has what they need to learn and thrive.\u201d\n\nThe Senators\u2019 resolution is endorsed by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Council for Exceptional Children, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and National PTA.\n\n\u201cIDEA\u2019s promise has always been about more than access \u2013 it's about opportunity. It opened doors to possibility, respect, and belonging for millions of students who had long been denied access to public education. It transformed what families could expect and reshaped what our schools could provide. But opportunity demands resources. As we reflect on 50 years of IDEA, we thank members of Congress for recognizing this important milestone and urge them to put forward the resources so we can continue to implement the law with fidelity,\u201d said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association.\n\n\u201cFifty years ago, Public Law 94 142 ignited a culture shift that affirmed the inherent potential and rights of children with disabilities. CEC's members have led the charge- opening school doors, designing curriculum and supports, and translating research into practice across the country. This week we honor that legacy and look forward with determination to building on that progress to improve education and outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities,\u201d said Chad Rummel, Executive Director, Council for Exceptional Children.\n\n\u201cFifty years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is an incredibly important milestone and on behalf of the students, families, and educators we serve, I am privileged to remark on the tremendous progress that has been made in educating students with disabilities,\u201d said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. \u201cWe commend the bipartisan leadership in celebrating this anniversary and upholding the importance and significance of this federal law that ensures a free appropriate public education in the United States.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-ossoff-colleagues-in-launching-inquiry-into-dhs-obstruction-of-congressional-oversight", "Van Hollen Joins Ossoff, Colleagues in Launching Inquiry into DHS\u2019 Obstruction of Congressional Oversight", "2025-12-01", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and their colleagues in launching an inquiry with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pressing the administration for answers about obstruction of Congressional access to detention facilities.\n\nSince the beginning of 2025, there have been numerous, publicly reported examples of members of Congress and their staff facing obstructed access to ICE facilities nationwide, including to ICE field offices where people are being detained.\n\nSen. Ossoff is joined by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).\n\n\u201cObstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress\u2019s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals\u2019 human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cMembers of Congress and their staff must be allowed, pursuant to Congress\u2019s inherent oversight authority and as required by Federal law, to access any facility where individuals are held in federal custody to monitor and prevent these abuses and ensure accountability and compliance with standards for detention,\u201d they continued.\n\nThe text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Noem:\n\nWe write with alarm regarding the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) arbitrary and illegal obstruction of Congressional access to detention facilities. Obstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress\u2019s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals\u2019 human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nThe Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 requires DHS and its component and partner agencies to allow members of Congress to inspect detention facilities without notice, and for their staff to enter if at least 24 hours\u2019 notice is given. Even so, Members of Congress and their staff have been denied access to multiple detention facilities this year. Members from across the country have reported being denied access for unannounced inspections of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. In the course of Sen. Ossoff\u2019s ongoing investigation of human rights abuses in federal immigration detention, ICE arbitrarily required seven-day notice for Congressional staff to inspect a facility, postponing an urgent inspection of conditions for children held in a \u201cfamily\u201d detention center. Congressional offices have also been informed that ICE will no longer accommodate \u201cmixed groups,\u201d preventing members and their staff from being accompanied by doctors, attorneys, or other experts as they tour detention facilities.\n\nDHS\u2019s latest changes to ICE policies on Congressional detention facility visits violate Federal law. Despite statutory access requirements, ICE issued a new guidance memo in June, which, while re-stating these statutory requirements, purported to require 72-hour notice for a visit for members and staff alike. The memo, which DHS has since removed from ICE\u2019s website, was paired with a press statement from DHS claiming to require seven calendar days\u2019 notice for visits to DHS detention facilities. The memo also purported to exclude ICE Field Offices, which are reportedly holding hundreds of detainees, from Congressional oversight. This runs counter to statute, which clearly contemplates Congressional access to any facility where individuals are detained by or for DHS, even if only temporarily.\n\nCongressional oversight protects detainees\u2019 human rights and delivers transparency and accountability to Americans. As of the end of July, Sen. Ossoff\u2019s office had received or identified 510 credible reports of human rights abuse against individuals in federal immigration custody, including deaths in custody, physical and sexual abuse, mistreatment of pregnant women and children, medical neglect, overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions, denial of adequate food and water, exposure to extreme temperatures, denial of access to attorneys, and family separations.\n\nMembers of Congress and their staff must be allowed, pursuant to Congress\u2019s inherent oversight authority and as required by Federal law, to access any facility where individuals are held in federal custody to monitor and prevent these abuses and ensure accountability and compliance with standards for detention.\n\nWe urge you to follow the law and grant full access to detention facilities to members of Congress and their staff, and ask that you respond to the following questions in writing by December 15, 2025.\n\n1. How many visits to DHS facilities or other any other place where detainees are being held, requested either by Members of Congress or their staff, did DHS and its component or partner agencies block or delay since January 20, 2025? Please indicate how many Member visit requests and how many Congressional staff visit requests were delayed or blocked, whether temporarily or permanently.\n\n2. How many Members of Congress or Congressional staff members have been turned away since January 20, 2025, at DHS facilities or any other place where detainees are being held? Please indicate how many Members and how many Congressional staffers were temporarily or permanently denied entry into facilities or denied interviews with staff, contractors, or detainees.\n\na. How many visits were allowed, meaning the Member or Congressional staff was able to enter the facility without delay, as requested, and interview staff, contractors, or detainees? Please provide a breakdown by facility, facility operator, month, and, if requested by a Member of Congress, whether the visit was announced or unannounced.\n\nb. Where visits were ultimately allowed, please provide the dates that each visit was initially requested, the date when the visit ultimately took place, and whether the visit involved Members of Congress or Congressional staff.\n\n3. Please provide a copy of the most recent guidance to members of Congress and their staff with regard to Congressional access to facilities where individuals are held by or for DHS, including ICE and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) facilities, as well as facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Defense, and other federal, state, and local partners.\n\n4. Please provide a copy of the most recent guidance to facility operators with regard to Congressional access to facilities where individuals are held by or for DHS, including ICE and CBP facilities, as well as facilities operated by the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Defense, and other federal, state, and local partners.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-elfreth-olszewski-announce-72-million-authorized", "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Elfreth, Olszewski Announce $7.2 Million Authorized to Rehabilitate the Piney Run Watershed Dam", "2025-11-26", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski and Sarah Elfreth and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced the authorization of up to $7,229,850 in federal funding to support the rehabilitation of the Piney Run Watershed Dam to mitigate the risk of breaches.\n\nPiney Run Dam is classified by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Dam Safety as \u201cHigh Hazard\u201d \u2013 meaning that the county and MDE take extra precautions to ensure it is inspected annually and well-maintained. A breach of Piney Run Dam would put hundreds of lives and properties at risk and potentially damage critical transportation infrastructure, including an interstate highway and a freight railroad. This investment will address key dam safety concerns, reduce the risk of loss of life in the event of a structural failure, enhance flood protection capabilities, and ensure it meets all current federal and state safety criteria for a \u201chigh\u201d hazard potential dam. The upgrades to the dam include widening the auxiliary spillway, installing a concrete weir spillway structure, raising the dam crest, and installing roller-compacted concrete along the auxiliary spillway exit channel \u2013 critical measures to prevent rising waters from flowing over the crest.\n\n\u201cPiney Run Park is a beloved piece of the Sykesville community, and maintaining the Piney Run Dam is critical to ensuring Marylanders can continue to enjoy it for years to come. This federal investment will help bolster the safety of the dam so folks can keep experiencing all Piney Run Park has to offer,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe federal investment comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Watershed Rehabilitation (REHAB) Program, which Federal Team Maryland fought to fund at $118 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The FY25 government funding bill included an additional $1 million for the REHAB program, and the FY26 funding bill for the Department of Agriculture included an additional $3 million. Carroll County is expected to apply for these funds as the project continues through the design phase and into construction.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-elfreth-olszewski-announce-72-million-authorized-to-rehabilitate-the-piney-run-watershed-dam", "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Elfreth, Olszewski Announce $7.2 Million Authorized to Rehabilitate the Piney Run Watershed Dam", "2025-11-26", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Sarah Elfreth and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) announced the authorization of up to $7,229,850 in federal funding to support the rehabilitation of the Piney Run Watershed Dam to mitigate the risk of breaches.\n\nPiney Run Dam is classified by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Dam Safety as \u201cHigh Hazard\u201d \u2013 meaning that the county and MDE take extra precautions to ensure it is inspected annually and well-maintained. A breach of Piney Run Dam would put hundreds of lives and properties at risk and potentially damage critical transportation infrastructure, including an interstate highway and a freight railroad. This investment will address key dam safety concerns, reduce the risk of loss of life in the event of a structural failure, enhance flood protection capabilities, and ensure it meets all current federal and state safety criteria for a \u201chigh\u201d hazard potential dam. The upgrades to the dam include widening the auxiliary spillway, installing a concrete weir spillway structure, raising the dam crest, and installing roller-compacted concrete along the auxiliary spillway exit channel \u2013 critical measures to prevent rising waters from flowing over the crest.\n\n\u201cPiney Run Park is a beloved piece of the Sykesville community, and maintaining the Piney Run Dam is critical to ensuring Marylanders can continue to enjoy it for years to come. This federal investment will help bolster the safety of the dam so folks can keep experiencing all Piney Run Park has to offer,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe federal investment comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Watershed Rehabilitation (REHAB) Program, which Federal Team Maryland fought to fund at $118 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The FY25 government funding bill included an additional $1 million for the REHAB program, and the FY26 funding bill for the Department of Agriculture included an additional $3 million. Carroll County is expected to apply for these funds as the project continues through the design phase and into construction.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-reed-lead-colleagues-in-pressing-rubio-for-accounting-of-hundreds-of-potential-violations-of-us-human-rights-law-in-gaza", "Van Hollen, Reed Lead Colleagues in Pressing Rubio for Accounting of Hundreds of Potential Violations of US Human Rights Law in Gaza", "2025-11-26", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a member of the Appropriations Committee, and their colleagues are pressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio for an accounting of the hundreds of reported potential violations of U.S. human rights law in Gaza. The Senators were joined in sending the letter by Senators Jeff Merkley, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Peter Welch, Brian Schatz, Tim Kaine, Patty Murray, Tina Smith, and Ed Markey.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. Department of State Office of Inspector General (State OIG) issued a report in September 2025 titled \u2018Classified Review of the Department of State\u2019s Implementation of Leahy Non-Traceable Assistance Requirements.\u2019 While the report itself is classified, the Washington Post recently cited an unclassified section describing that State OIG \u2018found that Israeli military units committed \u201cmany hundreds\u201d of potential violations of U.S. human rights law in the Gaza Strip that would take the State Department \u201cmultiple years\u201d to review.\u2019 Given these findings, we urge you to quickly implement the OIG\u2019s recommendations and adjudicate these cases in a timely manner in order to ensure compliance with U.S. law,\u201d the Senators begin.\n\n\u201cAs you know, Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act, also known as the Leahy Law, prohibits the U.S. Government from providing assistance to any unit of a foreign security force when the Secretary of State has credible information implicating that unit in the commission of gross violations of human rights (GVHR). [\u2026] The aforementioned OIG report examined the Department\u2019s implementation of the Leahy law and, for select countries, Leahy vetting practices where the assistance\u2019s ultimate recipient is not known before transfer,\u201d they continued.\n\n\u201cAccording to the Washington Post, State OIG further found that \u2018the protocol, known as the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum, involves higher-level U.S. officials and a lengthier process than reviews for other countries.\u2019 This confirms earlier reports that have previously found the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum follows a different process and requires more burdensome consultation that allows the review to drag on, perhaps indefinitely. Additionally, an April 2025 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on \u2018Human Rights: State Can Improve Response to Allegations of Civilians Harmed by U.S. Arms Transfers\u2019 found that State has not completed a single investigation into the hundreds of reported cases of civilian harm using U.S. weapons, despite State\u2019s own finding of numerous credible reports,\u201d the Senators note.\n\n\u201cThe findings from this September 2025 State OIG report are deeply concerning. But even more troubling is the fact that this review is simply the latest confirmation from a series of different reports that have each described failures to uphold American human rights laws and policies governing the use of U.S. weapons and other assistance globally. Without effective enforcement mechanisms, these laws and policies become meaningless. Therefore, by December 9, 2025, please respond to this letter with your plans to adjudicate potential Leahy law violations by Israeli security force units and other foreign military partners receiving this category of security assistance in a timely manner in order to ensure compliance with U.S. law. In your response, please describe what additional staff and resources are needed to address these cases and how you plan to revise the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum protocol to ensure a uniform process is followed for every country,\u201d the Senators wrote in closing.\n\nThe text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio:\n\nThe U.S. Department of State Office of Inspector General (State OIG) issued a report in September 2025 titled \u201cClassified Review of the Department of State\u2019s Implementation of Leahy Non-Traceable Assistance Requirements.\u201d While the report itself is classified, the Washington Post recently cited an unclassified section describing that State OIG \u201cfound that Israeli military units committed \u201cmany hundreds\u201d of potential violations of U.S. human rights law in the Gaza Strip that would take the State Department \u201cmultiple years\u201d to review.\u201d Given these findings, we urge you to quickly implement the OIG\u2019s recommendations and adjudicate these cases in a timely manner in order to ensure compliance with U.S. law.\n\nAs you know, Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act, also known as the Leahy Law, prohibits the U.S. Government from providing assistance to any unit of a foreign security force when the Secretary of State has credible information implicating that unit in the commission of gross violations of human rights (GVHR). Furthermore, in 2022, Congress enacted updates to the Leahy Law to address cases in which the specific unit(s) that will ultimately receive assistance cannot be identified prior to the transfer of assistance. For these cases, the law requires a written agreement with the recipient government that it will not provide assistance to ineligible units. The aforementioned OIG report examined the Department\u2019s implementation of the Leahy law and, for select countries, Leahy vetting practices where the assistance\u2019s ultimate recipient is not known before transfer.\n\nAccording to the Washington Post, State OIG further found that \u201cthe protocol, known as the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum, involves higher-level U.S. officials and a lengthier process than reviews for other countries.\u201d This confirms earlier reports that have previously found the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum follows a different process and requires more burdensome consultation that allows the review to drag on, perhaps indefinitely. Additionally, an April 2025 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on \u201cHuman Rights: State Can Improve Response to Allegations of Civilians Harmed by U.S. Arms Transfers\u201d found that State has not completed a single investigation into the hundreds of reported cases of civilian harm using U.S. weapons, despite State\u2019s own finding of numerous credible reports.\n\nIt is important to note, however, that the Leahy Law prohibits assistance to a foreign security force unit that has committed a GVHR, irrespective of whether U.S. weapons were involved in such an act. Therefore, the challenge of determining involvement of U.S. weapons should not delay adjudication of these Leahy law cases.\n\nThe findings from this September 2025 State OIG report are deeply concerning. But even more troubling is the fact that this review is simply the latest confirmation from a series of different reports that have each described failures to uphold American human rights laws and policies governing the use of U.S. weapons and other assistance globally. Without effective enforcement mechanisms, these laws and policies become meaningless. Therefore, by December 9, 2025, please respond to this letter with your plans to adjudicate potential Leahy law violations by Israeli security force units and other foreign military partners receiving this category of security assistance in a timely manner in order to ensure compliance with U.S. law. In your response, please describe what additional staff and resources are needed to address these cases and how you plan to revise the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum protocol to ensure a uniform process is followed for every country.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-joins-leading-democrats-national-security-and-ukraine-urging-trump", "Hoyer Joins Leading Democrats on National Security and Ukraine in Urging Trump Administration to Correct Course on Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan", "2025-11-25", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Former Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Jim Himes (CT-04), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus; and Bill Keating (MA-09), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee issued the following joint response to the Trump Administration\u2019s initial 28-point proposal for ending Russia\u2019s war on Ukraine:\n\n\u201cThe Administration\u2019s attempt to impose a pro-Russian, one-sided \u2018peace\u2019 deal on Ukraine is both a policy nightmare and morally bankrupt. Pressuring Ukraine while giving aid and comfort to Russia is wrong. Forcing Ukraine to give up more of its own territory, including some that Russia doesn\u2019t even hold, is unacceptable. Crippling the Ukrainian Armed Forces would all but guarantee another Russian invasion once Moscow rebuilds its forces, further threatening NATO. Echoing Putin\u2019s baseless accusations of Nazism amplifies Kremlin disinformation and provides Russia with a convenient excuse to claim Ukraine has violated this imposed edict.\n\n\u201cThe Putin wing of the Administration cannot be allowed to abandon American interests by forcing Ukraine into an unjust and impossible-to-maintain surrender. Instead, after months of Ukraine\u2019s success in further weakening Russia\u2019s economy and military, the President should direct his National Security staff that \u2018peace through strength\u2019 does not mean copying Russian talking points to extort Ukraine into surrender. Such a capitulation would only lead to more attacks by Putin and encourage similar attacks against other peaceful democracies, further threatening global stability and undermining the national security of the United States.\n\n\u201cThe best guarantor of peace going forward will be a well-armed Ukraine that can capably defend itself against a violent and untrustworthy Russia. What has reportedly been released as a potential counteroffer, and was developed with Ukraine and European allies over the weekend, is vastly closer to what an achievable peace agreement would look like. We urge the administration to abandon its initial plan to force Ukraine into capitulation and to continue its discussions with Ukraine and European allies. We look forward to supporting such efforts.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-over-670-million-for-maryland-military-installations", "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $670 Million for Maryland Military Installations", "2025-11-25", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) announced $676,800,000 for military installations across Maryland within the fiscal year 2026 Senate Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill \u2013 which was enacted into law as part of the government funding agreement passed earlier this month. These projects \u2013 funded at the Senators\u2019 request \u2013 support infrastructure upgrades for Maryland\u2019s National Guard and at construction projects at U.S. military installations across the state. This legislation also makes important nationwide investments in housing for servicemembers and their families, veterans\u2019 health care, and more.\n\n\u201cMaryland is the proud home to critical military installations as well as hundreds of thousands of servicemembers, civilian employees, and veterans. We fought to secure federal investments in this legislation to advance important military projects across our state, boost health care and other services for our veterans, and more. As the appropriations process for next year moves forward, I will continue to do all I can to ensure our funding bills meet the needs of Maryland, our active-duty servicemembers and veterans, and our nation as a whole,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u201cI am proud to announce essential funding for Maryland included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Funding Bill. This funding includes building a contained burn facility at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head to support our environmental goals as well as critical funding for veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness in our state. This funding reminds us of our duty to support our veterans, to fight for those in active service, and to maintain and protect the military facilities across our state,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nThe Senators worked to secure these funds and provisions, but ultimately voted against the larger package they were included within given its failure to prevent health care costs for millions of Americans from skyrocketing and its lack of safeguards to prevent more lawlessness from the Trump Administration.\n\nHighlights for Maryland in the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Funding Bill\n\nCongressionally Directed Spending\n\nProject Name: Contained Burn Facility at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head\n\nApplicant: Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to build a contained burn facility at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head to responsibly dispose of unexploded ordnance, reducing environmental impacts of disposal.\n\nProject Location: Charles County\n\nAmount Included: $18,700,000\n\nProject Name: Edgewood Vehicle Maintenance Shop Design\n\nApplicant: Maryland Army National Guard\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to design a 40,000 square-foot vehicle maintenance shop in Edgewood, MD to support the military vehicles and other ground equipment of the Maryland Army National Guard.\n\nProject Location: Harford County\n\nAmount Included: $3,250,000\n\nProject Name: Hagerstown Vehicle Maintenance Shop Design\n\nApplicant: Maryland Army National Guard\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to design a 22,894 square-foot vehicle maintenance shop in Hagerstown, MD to support the military vehicles and other ground equipment of the Maryland Army National Guard .\n\nProject Location: Washington County\n\nAmount Included: $3,250,000\n\nAdditional priorities secured bythe Senators\n\nFunding for critical military construction projects across Maryland, including:\n\n$100 million for the Suitland Foreign Materials Exploration Lab\n\n$70 million for construction at the Bethesda Naval Hospital\n\n$455 million for NSAW East Campus Building #5 construction at Fort Meade\n\n$26.6 million for NSAW Venona Road Widening at Fort Meade\n\n$3.46 billion for veterans homelessness programs, a $250 million increase over FY25. This funding includes:\n\n$659 million for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program,\n\n$276.8 million for the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program,\n\n$702.8 million for case management administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, and\n\n$173.7 million for the Veterans Justice Outreach Program and Legal Services for Veterans grants.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-protections-for-barc-and-over-25-million-in-direct-funding-for-local-projects-supporting-economic-development-emergency-response-veterans-infrastructure_more", "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Protections for BARC & Over $25 Million in Direct Funding for Local Projects Supporting Economic Development, Emergency Response, Veterans, Infrastructure, & More", "2025-11-25", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) announced $25,076,500 in direct federal funding for community-led projects throughout Maryland within the fiscal year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies appropriations bill \u2013 which was enacted into law as part of the government funding agreement passed earlier this month. These projects \u2013 funded at the Senators\u2019 request \u2013 support first responders, economic development, agricultural research, and more for local communities across Maryland. Also critical for Maryland, the Senators secured provisions to support the continued operations of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Prince George\u2019s County \u2013 which has been targeted for closure under the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) reorganization plan \u2013 along with $6 million to modernize aging buildings on its campus.\n\n\u201cIn partnership with community leaders across our state, we fought to secure direct federal investments in this legislation to advance local priorities \u2013 from better equipping our first responders to spurring economic development. Within this bill, we also worked to ensure BARC can continue its vital efforts to bolster the success of America\u2019s farmers, halting this Administration\u2019s misguided attempts to shutter this crown jewel of agricultural research \u2013 while also providing additional resources to support conservation in and around the Chesapeake Bay. As the appropriations process for next year moves forward, I will continue to do all I can to ensure our funding bills meet the needs of Maryland and our nation,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u201cI am so proud to have worked alongside Senator Van Hollen in pushing back against this Administration to ensure the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) \u2013 a hub for agricultural research that supports 1,000 jobs in our state \u2013 was fully funded in Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Funding Bill. In addition, I am proud we were able to secure funding for mental health and substance use services, STEM-related equipment for our public libraries, support for our fire departments, additional funding to address Maryland's nurses shortage, and a radiation department and on-site radiation treatment services for cancer patients in Garrett County, MD,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nThe Senators worked to secure these funds and provisions, but ultimately voted against the larger package they were included within, given its failure to prevent health care costs for millions of Americans from skyrocketing and its lack of safeguards to prevent more lawlessness from the Trump Administration.\n\nHighlights for Maryland in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Funding Bill\n\nBeltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC)\n\nBARC is the largest USDA Agricultural Research Service facility in the country and a hub for key agricultural research that supports farmers throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and across the nation. It supports 1,000 jobs in Maryland. The funding bill includes $6 million for BARC facility upgrades and capital improvements, including $3 million in direct federal funding requested and secured by the Senators. The bill report also includes language in support of the continued operation of BARC, which has been targeted for closure under the USDA\u2019s reorganization plan.\n\nCongressionally Directed Spending\n\nProject Name: Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Infrastructure\n\nApplicant: USDA BARC\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to make essential upgrades to continue agricultural research at BARC, including to finish steam system repairs from power plant to endpoints, repair water towers and the water treatment plant, and repair wastewater main lines.\n\nProject Location: Prince George\u2019s County\n\nAmount Included: $3,000,000\n\nProject Name: Berlin Community Center at Historic Flower Street School Site\n\nApplicant: Town of Berlin\n\nProject Description: Funds will support the construction of a multigenerational community center that will house the SHORE UP! Head Start Center, programs for kids and families, computer labs, and recreational spaces at the site of the historic Flower Street School.\n\nProject Location: Worcester County\n\nAmount Included: $1,400,000\n\nProject Name: Carroll County Youth Service Bureau Building Addition Project\n\nApplicant: Carroll County Youth Service Bureau\n\nProject Description: Funds will support an addition to the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau Building to expand mental health and substance use services for individuals and families.\n\nProject Location: Carroll County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: City of Cambridge Fire Engine Replacement\n\nApplicant: Commissioners of Cambridge - City of Cambridge\n\nProject Purpose: Funds will be used to purchase a new fire and rescue truck for Dorchester County\u2019s Rescue Fire Company to replace the oldest in their fleet, which is 13 years past its service life.\n\nProject Location: Dorchester County\n\nAmount Included: $715,000\n\nProject Name: Crisfield Fire Department & Emergency Shelter\n\nApplicant: City of Crisfield\n\nProject Purpose: Funds will be used to construct a new fire department and emergency shelter for the City of Crisfield, which will replace the existing 65-year-old station that is not suitable for modern needs and emergencies.\n\nProject Location: Somerset County\n\nAmount Included: $1,357,500\n\nProject Name: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program\n\nApplicant: University of Maryland Eastern Shore\n\nProject Purpose: Funds will be used for specialized equipment, vehicles, and supplies to support the new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at UMES. This program is essential to address the nationwide veterinarian shortage, particularly in rural areas.\n\nProject Location: Somerset County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: Expanding Nursing Education and Workforce Development Technology\n\nApplicant: McDaniel College\n\nProject Description: Funds will equip a new state-of-the-art facility to educate nursing students and address Maryland\u2019s nursing shortage.\n\nProject Location: Carroll County\n\nAmount Included: $830,000\n\nProject Name: Garrett Regional Medical Center Radiology Department Planning and Design\n\nApplicant: Garrett Regional Medical Center\n\nProject Purpose: Funds will be used for a comprehensive radiation department and on-site radiation treatment services for cancer patients in Garrett County, MD and surrounding communities which currently lack convenient access to this care.\n\nProject Location: Garrett County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: Kent County EMS Headquarters Enhancement Project\n\nApplicant: Kent County Board of County Commissioners\n\nProject Description: Funds will support the purchase and installation of a backup emergency power generator for the Kent County emergency medical service headquarters, ensuring that power loss or disruption events do not interrupt the continuity of emergency services provided to Kent County residents.\n\nProject Location: Kent County\n\nAmount Included: $45,000\n\nProject Name: Kent County for Millington Wastewater Treatment Plant\n\nApplicant: Kent County Board of County Commissioners\n\nProject Description: Funds will support construction of a new, relocated Wastewater Treatment Plant serving the town of Millington. The existing plant is aging and needs to be relocated from a floodplain, where there is risk of environmental damage.\n\nProject Location: Kent County\n\nAmount Included: $6,200,000\n\nProject Name: Potomac Fire Company Engine Replacement\n\nApplicant: Potomac Fire Company No.2 Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to replace a 33-year-old fire engine to better serve and protect the Town of Westernport.\n\nProject Location: Allegany County\n\nAmount Included: $675,000\n\nProject Name: Mount St. Mary's University for Water Treatment Plant\n\nApplicant: Mount St. Mary's University\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to construct a water treatment plant serving the campus community, patients at Frederick Health Urgent Care, and the rural Town of Emmitsburg. The project will improve drinking water infrastructure and address elevated levels of PFAS.\n\nProject Location: Frederick County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: San Mar Children\u2019s Home, Inc. Facility Construction\n\nApplicant: San Mar Children's Home, Inc. DBA San Mar Family and Community Services, Inc.\n\nProject Purpose: Funds will be used to renovate buildings to provide supportive services and housing for young people to prevent homelessness.\n\nProject Location: Washington County\n\nAmount Included: $1,015,000\n\nProject Name: Shore Regional Medical Center\n\nApplicant: University of Maryland Shore Regional Health\n\nProject Purpose: Funds will be used to support construction of a new Regional Medical Center in Easton that would promote greater access to urgent healthcare by serving as the Mid-Shore\u2019s hub for acute hospital based services.\n\nProject Location: Talbot County\n\nAmount Included: $2,500,000\n\nProject Name: STEM Makerspace at the New La Plata Library\n\nApplicant: Charles County Public Library\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to outfit a makerspace at the new La Plata branch library with STEM-related equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters to encourage educational opportunities and support local entrepreneurship.\n\nProject Location: Charles County\n\nAmount Included: $67,000\n\nProject Name: The Foxie G Foundation Horses Helping People Center\n\nApplicant: The Foxie G Foundation, Inc\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support the construction and development of an equine-assisted therapy center to provide mental health services to veterans, first-responders, dementia patients and their caregivers, and at-risk youth.\n\nProject Location: Charles County\n\nAmount Included: $428,000\n\nProject Name: Town of Barclay Community Center and Town Hall\n\nApplicant: Town of Barclay\n\nProject Description: Funds will support construction of a community center and town hall to increase access to resources and information for residents and visitors.\n\nProject Location: Queen Anne's County\n\nAmount Included: $1,044,000\n\nProject Name: Town of Eagle Harbor Community Revitalization\n\nApplicant: Town of Eagle Harbor, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will support expansion and renovation of the Eagle Harbor Community Center and new downtown outdoor amenities to support residents as well as local economic growth opportunities, including a park, an outdoor pavilion, and performance space.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $800,000\n\nProject Name: Veterans Freedom Center\n\nApplicant: Carroll County Veterans Independence Project, Inc.\n\nProject Description: A Veterans Freedom Center (VFC) would provide a community hub for community engagement, employment assistance, education assistance, and support services that would empower Veterans from around the region to transition successfully back to civilian life.\n\nProject Location: Carroll County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nAdditional priorities secured by the Senators in the FY26 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill, in addition to the $6 million for BARC facility upgrades and capital improvements:\n\n$850 million for Natural Resource Conservation Service Conservation Operations \u2013 this funding allows Natural Resources Conservation Service staff to provide assistance and work one-on-one with farmers to conserve resources and prevent run-off. The bill also includes language expressing the Committee\u2019s view that additional Conservation Technical Assistance should be provided to Critical Conservation Areas like the Chesapeake Bay Watershed because a lack of planning capacity can slow down projects in our region.\n\nFunding for programs at historically Black 1890 Land-Grant institutions like the University of Maryland Eastern Shore:\n\nResearch: $89 million\n\nExtension Services: $72 million\n\nEducation Grants: $30 million\n\nFacility Improvements: $21.5 million\n\nScholarships: $10 million\n\nCenters of Excellence: $10 million\n\nOther highlights:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introduces-legislation-support-food-banks-during", "Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Legislation to Support Food Banks During Future Lapses in SNAP Funding", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) has introduced the Food Bank Emergency Support Act designed to safeguard Americans\u2019 access to food during any future lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding. This legislation strengthens the nation\u2019s hunger-relief network by increasing emergency funding for food pantries, ensuring they can continue serving most vulnerable American families.\n\nWhen the Administration withheld emergency SNAP funds for November during the 2025 government shutdown, more than 42 million Americans scrambled to find a way to put food on the table. With little warning and millions in need of assistance, food banks and pantries stepped up to feed American families and federal workers, but were quickly stretched to their limits.\n\nFood banks are funded by the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which typically provides one meal for every nine meals delivered by SNAP. Currently, TEFAP is funded at $462.5 million every year. If enacted, this bill would double TEFAP\u2019s funding to fill the emergency gap when SNAP lapses in funding.\n\n\u201cFamilies don\u2019t stop needing food just because Washington experiences a funding lapse, and during the recent shutdown we saw firsthand how painful the pause in SNAP benefits was for households across Maryland\u2019s Sixth District,\u201d said Rep. McClain Delaney. \u201cAs I joined volunteers packing meals, it was clear our food pantries were stretched to the limit, doing everything they could with limited resources. This bill ensures that even when federal funding stalls, families can still count on access to food and our pantries receive the support they need to respond quickly and effectively.\u201d\n\nThe Maryland Food Bank endorsed the bill.\n\n\"The Maryland Food Bank, like other food banks nationwide, is built to respond in emergency situations, providing nutritious food when other options aren't available. The Food Bank Emergency Support Act ensures we can continue to provide healthy food even when safety net programs like SNAP are disrupted\u2014meaning more stability for families and communities. We urge Congress to pass this legislation so we can continue to fight for food security, even in times of crisis and uncertainty,\" said President & CEO Meg Kimmel, Maryland Food Bank.\n\nCosponsors include: Ansari (AZ-03), Beatty (OH-03), Carson (IN-07), Dingell (MI-06), Elfreth (MD-03), Fields (LA-06), Figures (AL-02), H. Johnson (GA-04), Mannion (NY-22), Mfume (MD-07), Norton (DC-At Large), Schrier (WA-08), Sewell (AL-07), Thanedar (MI-13), Thompson (CA-04), Titus (NV-01), Tlaib (MI-12)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2025/11/raskin-mcgovern-condemn-pakistan-s-imprisonment-of-human-rights-defender-demand-answers", "Raskin, McGovern Condemn Pakistan\u2019s Imprisonment of Human Rights Defender, Demand Answers", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and James P. McGovern (MA-02) condemned the Government of Pakistan\u2019s brutal detention of Pashtun human rights advocate Idris Khattak and demanded his immediate release in a letter to the country\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh. Khattakwas kidnapped and disappeared more than six years ago and has been in government detention ever since.\n\n\u201cDuring [Khattak\u2019s] career advocating for the Pashtun people he documented human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas,\u201dRaskin and McGovern wrote. \u201cWhile traveling home, he was stopped by security agents, abducted, and disappeared.\u201d\n\nFor seven months, Khattak\u2019s loved ones knew nothing of his whereabouts or whether he was still alive. In 2021, he was convicted by a secret, military tribunal, even though he is a civilian, and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Since then, he has had limited access to his family and essential medical care.\n\nPakistani civil society and international bodies have condemned Khattak\u2019s mistreatment. These groups include Amnesty International, the International Commission of Jurists and the special procedures of United Nations Human Rights Council.\n\n\u201cIt has been six years since prominent Pakistani human rights defender Idris Khattak was first detained, subject to enforced disappearance, and then tried in a secret military court,\u201dsaid Andrew Fandino, Advocacy Director for the Individuals at Risk Program at Amnesty International USA.\u201cHe is serving a 14-year prison sentence simply because of his human rights work. Idris should immediately be released and allowed to rejoin his family. This injustice must end now.\u201d\n\n\u201cIdris Khattak spent decades of his life defending the rights of Pakistan\u2019s most vulnerable populations,\u201dsaid Brian Tronic, Director of the Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners at Freedom House. \u201cThe government of Pakistan should be celebrating him as a hero, not locking him up on baseless national security charges. His abduction, disappearance, and continued detention on baseless charges represents the danger that many human rights defenders in Pakistan, and minority rights defenders in particular, face on a daily basis. The Government of Pakistan should release him immediately.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers are demanding that Pakistani officials unconditionally release Khattak. They urge the Government of Pakistan to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into his abduction, military trial and continued detention him.\n\nRead the full letterhere and below.\n\nDear Ambassador Sheikh:\n\nWe are writing to request the immediate release of Idris Khattak, a prominent Pakistani human rights advocate, who has been in government detention for nearly six years. Despite being a civilian, Khattak was subject to a \u201cgrossly unfair military trial\u201d in 2021 which resulted in a 14-year prison sentence. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, Khattak has had \u201cextremely limited contact with the outside world\u201d over the last six years. We urge you to release Khattak from prison, and provide us with information regarding his ongoing detention.\n\nKhattak is a well-known human rights activist who previously consulted with Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. During his career advocating for the Pashtun people and speaking out against government repression, he documented human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas. For the last six years, he has been subjected to the very types of government abuse that he previously documented and highlighted for the world to see. His detention began on November 13, 2019, when he was stopped by plain-clothed security agents, abducted, and disappeared while traveling between Islamabad and Peshawar. For seven months Khattak\u2019s whereabouts were a mystery \u2013 his family, friends, and colleagues did not know whether he was dead or alive.\n\nIn June 2020, Pakistani officials finally confirmed that Khattak was in the custody of the military intelligence service. After approximately two years in pretrial detention, he was convicted of violating the Official Secrets Act, a British-era law, allegedly over information he shared with an Irish professor and human rights expert in 2009. Pakistani civil society and international bodies have roundly condemned Khattak\u2019s subsequent conviction in a secret military trial in December 2021, and the U.S. State Department highlighted Khattak\u2019s disappearance in its annual human rights report on Pakistan in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Amnesty International called his conviction \u201cthe culmination of a shameful two-year process that has been unjust from start to finish.\u201d The International Commission of Jurists described his conviction as \u201ca gross miscarriage of justice.\u201d And the U.N. Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council said that his detention \u201cis emblematic of how the military justice system is being instrumentalized to repress critical voices and rights activists\u201d and that his \u201csentencing is an attack against the human rights community in Pakistan and sends a chilling message to civil society activists monitoring and reporting on alleged violations.\u201d\n\nWe respectfully request Khattak\u2019s release as well as the following information regarding Khattak\u2019s detention:\n\nA petition regarding Khattak\u2019s detention was recently filed on his behalf with the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Will the Government of Pakistan commit to releasing Mr. Khattak if the Working Group determines that his detention violates international law?\n\nU.N.expertshavecalledforPakistani\u201cauthoritiestoconductanindependentand thorough investigation into the institutional and criminal responsibilities for Khattak\u2019s disappearance\u201d and to also uphold his \u201cright to redress, rehabilitation and compensation\u201d for the disappearance.\n\nHas the Government of Pakistan conducted an independent and thorough investigation into Khattak\u2019s seven-month disappearance and identified the officials responsible? If so, what punishment was given to the officials responsible? If not, why not?\n\nSince 2008, Pakistan has been a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and ratification of the Covenant was completed in 2010. Article 9 of the Covenant provides that \u201c[a]nyone who has been the victim of unlawful arrest or detention shall have an enforceable right to compensation.\u201d Khattak was unlawfully arrested and disappeared for seven months. Has the Government of Pakistan provided Khattak with compensation for his disappearance? If not, why not?\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to thismatter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-introduce-bill-to-rename-post-office-in-olney-after-beloved-employee-edward-ramsey", "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Introduce Bill to Rename Post Office in Olney After Beloved Employee, Edward Ramsey", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) introduced legislation to name the U.S. Post Office located at 3570 Olney Laytonsville Road in Olney, Maryland, after Sergeant Edward Lawrence Ramsey, an Army veteran and 27-year employee of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) who passed away in 2022. Ramsey served honorably in the United States Army for over 20 years, His service included time in Panama, Louisiana, Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas. During his 27-year USPS career, he served as a clerk in at the Olney Post Office, where he became a beloved fixture of the Olney community.\n\n\u201cEd Ramsey was a public servant through and through, joining the Army to defend our nation then going on to serve his community in the local post office for many years. During those years, he was the welcoming and genuinely friendly presence that his neighbors looked forward to finding when they walked through the doors of the Olney Post Office \u2013 so much so that many of those who came to know him launched a grassroots effort to rename it in his memory after his passing. I\u2019m honored to stand with them and lead this charge in the Senate \u2013 it\u2019s a fitting tribute for a good man who made a lasting impact on his community,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cEd Ramsey spent 20 years serving our country in the Army followed by another 27 years working for USPS. He is a patriot and a public servant who served with courage, kindness, and conviction. At Olney Post Office, every member of our community became a quick friend of Ed\u2019s. It is most appropriate that we rename the Olney Post Office in his honor, so every day, we can all be reminded of his great service and continue to cherish his memory,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cEd never sought recognition; he simply cared deeply about the customers. Knowing this post office could soon carry his name means the world to our family. It\u2019s a beautiful reminder of the patience, kindness, and quiet generosity he shared with everyone he met. May these ideals exist well into the future at this Post Office,\u201d said Sharon Mosley-Ramsey, wife of the late Ed Ramsey.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-passing-mark-mellman", "Hoyer Statement on the Passing of Mark Mellman", "2025-11-22", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Mark Mellman, CEO of The Mellman Group and founder of the Democratic Majority for Israel:\n\n\"I am very sad to learn of the passing of my dear friend Mark Mellman. Mark was not only a brilliant political strategist, seasoned policy expert, and respected pollster; he was a man of immense character. He could take the pulse of the public better than anyone, and clients across the country and around the world sought him out for that talent. Mark was also a champion of the U.S.-Israel relationship, working tirelessly to unite our two nations around shared values of democracy, freedom, and justice.\n\n\"Mark's passing is a tremendous loss for the Jewish community, the Democratic Party, and our nation. My prayers are with his wife Mindy and the rest of his family. May his memory be a blessing.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-maryland-congressional-delegation-announce-over-60-million-modernize", "Hoyer, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announce Over $60 Million to Modernize Maryland Bus Systems", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), and April McClain Delaney (MD-06) announced $60,322,396 in federal funding to upgrade the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority\u2019s (WMATA) bus transit system and to support the construction of a new transit maintenance and operations facility in Charles County.\n\nWMATA will receive $50,322,380 to purchase 50 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid replacement buses, an investment that is expected to cut the system\u2019s fuel consumption by 51,000 gallons each year. Charles County will receive $10,000,016 to build its modernized maintenance and operations facility that will better support bus operators and riders.\n\n\u201cUpgrading our public transit with cleaner, more efficient buses and improved bus infrastructure will help provide greater reliability for the thousands of Marylanders who ride WMATA and VanGO every day. Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we are continuing to invest in public transportation that supports our growing communities while producing fewer emissions and keeping the region\u2019s economy moving forward,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Low or No Emission Grant Program and Buses & Bus Facilities Program, which Federal Team Maryland fought to fund under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcclain-delaney-rep-kennedy-introduce-bipartisan-algorithm-accountability", "Rep. McClain Delaney, Rep. Kennedy Introduce the Bipartisan Algorithm Accountability Act to Protect Families Online", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Mike Kennedy (R-UT) today introduced the bipartisan Algorithm Accountability Act, legislation to hold social media companies accountable for harms caused by content pushed through their algorithms.\n\nCurrently, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act gives online platforms legal immunity for harmful content posted by users. Written nearly three decades ago, it fails to address the risks created by targeted algorithms, which are deployed by social media companies to drive endless user engagement, often without regard to the risks that consumers \u2014 especially children \u2014 may face as a result.\n\nThis bill modernizes Section 230 and establishes a clear duty of care for platforms that design and deploy algorithms capable of amplifying dangerous or harmful content. Under the Algorithm Accountability Act, social media companies must responsibly design, train, test, deploy, and maintain their algorithmic systems in ways that prevent foreseeable bodily injury or death. The legislation also grants individuals a civil right of action in federal court when platforms negligently expose users to harmful or radicalizing content.\n\nAs the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information under the Biden Administration and former Washington D.C. Director of Common Sense Media, Congresswoman McClain Delaney has led national efforts in safeguarding child safety online. This bill reflects her lifelong priorities, ensuring the ever-changing technological landscape accommodates the needs of American families.\n\n\u201cThis legislation is one of the reasons why I came to Congress: to put common sense bumpers and safeguards on how technology impacts our safety, health and well-being,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \u201cThroughout my career as a communications attorney and nonprofit advocate for children\u2019s online safety, I have consistently held that platforms should be accountable for algorithmic content that could foreseeably result in real-life injuries. As the mother of four daughters, I understand how deeply families worry about the risks children face online and how blanket immunity for social media companies has allowed harm to go unchecked. Big Tech should be responsible to design, test, and operate their platforms safely. When they fail, our nation\u2019s families deserve a clear path to hold them accountable for the harms caused.\"\n\n\u201cAs a family doctor, I\u2019ve seen how today\u2019s online environment can overwhelm my patients and contribute to serious challenges. Social media companies have built powerful algorithms that prioritize engagement and profit, too often overlooking their role in amplifying dangerous content,\u201d said Congressman Mike Kennedy. \u201cThe Algorithm Accountability Act is a responsible step that establishes a clear duty of care for these platforms, ensuring they are accountable for preventing foreseeable harm caused by their algorithmic feeds.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-maryland-congressional-delegation-announce-over-60-million-to-modernize-maryland-bus-systems", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announce Over $60 Million to Modernize Maryland Bus Systems", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) announced $60,322,396 in federal funding to upgrade the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority\u2019s (WMATA) bus transit system and to support the construction of a new transit maintenance and operations facility in Charles County.\n\nWMATA will receive $50,322,380 to purchase 50 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid replacement buses, an investment that is expected to cut the system\u2019s fuel consumption by 51,000 gallons each year. Charles County will receive $10,000,016 to build its modernized maintenance and operations facility that will better support bus operators and riders.\n\n\u201cUpgrading our public transit with cleaner, more efficient buses and improved bus infrastructure will help provide greater reliability for the thousands of Marylanders who ride WMATA and VanGO every day. Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we are continuing to invest in public transportation that supports our growing communities while producing fewer emissions and keeping the region\u2019s economy moving forward,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Low or No Emission Grant Program and Buses & Bus Facilities Program, which Federal Team Maryland fought to fund under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-king-colleagues-in-introducing-bipartisan-bill-to-track-benefits-of-preventive-health-care-legislation", "Van Hollen Joins King, Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Bill to Track Benefits of Preventive Health Care Legislation", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and thier colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to better measure the cost savings that come with improved investments in preventive health care for Maine people. The Preventive Health Savings Act would instruct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to fully study the costs and benefits that could be seen with proposed preventive health care legislation. CBO analyses are essential benchmarks that members of Congress use to determine the cost of legislation to the American taxpayer. By taking a longer-term view into consideration past the current 10-year window and incorporating prevention interventions into CBO scoring, Congress could make more informed decisions and better measure the return on investment of Americans getting ahead of health problems before they get more serious and costly.\n\n\u201cPreventive care and early detection can help patients live longer and healthier lives while also saving on long-term costs for everything from treatments to hospital visits,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen. \u201cBy accounting for preventive care, we can make smarter health care policy decisions that work better for patients and taxpayers alike.\u201d\n\n\u201cI often say, \u2018an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.\u2019 Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to keep Maine people healthy and save money for patients and taxpayers alike, and as we work to expand this care, we must first learn how we can best measure it,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe bipartisan Preventive Health Savings Act will allow Congress a more complete view of how preventative healthcare legislation can help patients stay healthy and cut costs. The cheapest surgery or treatment is the one that we avoid by getting ahead of the issue, and this bill is a simple step to reduce health care expenses, save taxpayer dollars and support Americans\u2019 long-term health.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is important we have a clear, long-term picture of the return on investment from preventive health care measures,\u201d said Senator Crapo. \u201cRemoving current CBO limitations benefits any future health care reform and helps pave the way for additional preventive measures that save lives and reduce costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cPreventive health care measures allow Americans to live longer, healthier lives and substantially lower the costs passed along to the taxpayer,\u201d said Senator Cramer. \u201cOur bill updates existing CBO rules to better allow Congress to account for long-term savings generated by investments in preventive care.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation brings together budget policy and health policy to reflect the benefits of tackling chronic disease,\u201d said American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. \u201cNot only will our patients live longer and healthier because of federally funded health initiatives, but taxpayers will benefit from savings resulting from treating chronic diseases. Allowing CBO to assess long-term savings from prevention legislation is a prescription for bending the health care cost curve.\u201d\n\nChronic diseases are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and treating affected patients accounts for over 90 percent of America\u2019s $3.3 trillion annual medical expenditures. Many of these diseases \u2014 including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity \u2014 are easily detected and largely avoidable through screenings, routine testing, and early interventions.\n\nUnder current law, however, the CBO does not take into account the long-term cost-savings associated with preventive health initiatives. The Preventive Health Savings Act would direct the CBO to more accurately reflect the cost-savings of preventive health care legislation by allowing Congressional Committees to request additional analyses of the budgetary impact of preventive healthcare legislation. By allowing the CBO to widen its budget window to better capture the costs-savings from preventive care, the legislation encourages a sensible review of health policy in order to promote public health and incentivizes Congress to invest in proven methods of saving lives and money.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-markey-colleagues-in-urging-trump-administration-to-take-action-to-protect-armenian-prisoners-of-war", "Van Hollen Joins Markey, Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to Take Action to Protect Armenian Prisoners of War", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and 25 colleagues in writing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the United States take immediate action to halt the human rights abuses and war crimes being committed by the Republic of Azerbaijan against the Armenian Population of Nagorno-Karabakh. For the past two years, Azerbaijan has committed what international legal experts characterize as ethnic cleansing. The United States can no longer adopt a path of inaction in the face of these war crimes and instead must demand that Azerbaijan release unjustly detained Armenian prisoners and usher in an era of regional peace.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers write, \u201cIt is now two years since Azerbaijan\u2019s blockade and military assault on Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) forcibly displaced the region\u2019s 120,000 Christian Armenians in what international legal experts have characterized as ethnic cleansing. Azerbaijan\u2019s September 2023 assault on the region marked the culmination of a pattern of aggression following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, during which Azerbaijan perpetrated egregious war crimes. These included the summary execution of civilians; the destruction of schools, homes, and hospitals; the deliberate targeting of churches and other Armenian Christian heritage sites; and the arbitrary detention of dozens of Armenian prisoners of war.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continue, \u201cTo this day, Azerbaijan continues to illegally detain at least 23 known Armenian prisoners of war captured during and after the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh. Rather than face consequences, Azerbaijan has begun politically motivated sham trials under false pretenses, targeting captives solely based on their Armenian identity. Among those detained are former presidents, foreign ministers, and parliamentary leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers urge the following actions:\n\nDemand the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian political prisoners and prisoners of war.\n\nPress Azerbaijani authorities to allow international observers and independent media outlets to monitor proceedings against Armenian political figures.\n\nImpose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on Azerbaijan officials responsible for gross human rights violations against Armenian prisoners.\n\nThis letter was cosigned by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I), Jack Reed (D-R.I), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nThe Republic of Azerbaijan, which has a history of perpetrating grave human rights abuses and war crimes against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, continues to detain and abuse Armenian prisoners of war and political captives. The responsible Azerbaijani officials must be held to account. We write to urge you to demand the release of all Armenian political prisoners, to insist that Azerbaijani authorities open to the press and international observers the legal proceedings against those individuals, and to immediately exercise your authority to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Continued U.S. inaction in the face of Azerbaijan\u2019s authoritarian aggression is unacceptable and will have grave ramifications for U.S. credibility throughout the region, particularly as Armenia seeks to strengthen its ties with the West.\n\nIt is now two years since Azerbaijan\u2019s blockade and military assault on NagornoKarabakh (Artsakh) forcibly displaced the region\u2019s 120,000 Christian Armenians in what international legal experts have characterized as ethnic cleansing. Azerbaijan\u2019s September 2023 assault on the region marked the culmination of a pattern of aggression following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, during which Azerbaijan perpetrated egregious war crimes. These included the summary execution of civilians; the destruction of schools, homes, and hospitals; the deliberate targeting of churches and other Armenian Christian heritage sites; and the arbitrary detention of dozens of Armenian prisoners of war.\n\nTo this day, Azerbaijan continues to illegally detain at least 23 known Armenian prisoners of war captured during and after the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh. Rather than face consequences, Azerbaijan has begun politically motivated sham trials under false pretenses, targeting captives solely based on their Armenian identity. Among those detained are former presidents, foreign ministers, and parliamentary leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh. Reports indicate these political hostages, including former officials Ruben Vardanyan, Davit Manukyan, Davit Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, and Davit Ishkhanyan, have suffered abuse and degrading treatment in custody, while secrecy and irregularities surrounding proceedings in Baku\u2019s military court cast significant doubt on the fairness and legitimacy of these proceedings. The Azerbaijani government\u2019s recent expulsion of the International Committee of the Red Cross \u2014 the only organization authorized to visit Armenian detainees \u2014 further endangers the safety and security of these Armenian political prisoners.\n\nThe sham trials of high-profile Armenian figures undermine confidence-building measures necessary for a durable peace. Releasing political prisoners and prisoners of war is a critical step toward achieving a just and lasting resolution. Therefore, we urge you to take the following actions in your engagements with the government of Azerbaijan:\n\ndemand the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian political prisoners and prisoners of war;\n\npress Azerbaijani authorities to allow international observers and independent media outlets to monitor proceedings against Armenian political figures; and\n\nimpose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on Azerbaijan officials responsible for gross human rights violations against Armenian prisoners.\n\nAlthough we are cautiously hopeful that the recent negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan may usher in a more peaceful future for the region, Azerbaijan\u2019s ongoing hostage diplomacy and unreasonable preconditions jeopardize that progress. The draft agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan omits any provision for releasing Armenian prisoners, Magnitsky Sanctions remain a critical tool to secure the release of POWs and deter further aggression against Armenia.\n\nIt is both a moral and strategic imperative for the United States to take bold action to compel Azerbaijan to release unjustly detained Armenian prisoners and ensure regional peace is predicated on accountability, justice, and the fundamental right of return for NagornoKarabakh\u2019s displaced Armenian population.\n\nWe stand ready to work with you to ensure that U.S. policy aligns with our country\u2019s commitment to justice and stability in the region.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-preserve-crucial-data-noaa-severe", "Elfreth Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Preserve Crucial Data at NOAA for Severe Weather Prediction and Response", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Vice Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced the bipartisan NOAA Data Preservation Act alongside Representative Nick Begich (R-AK-AL).\n\nThe NOAA Data Preservation Act establishes simple requirements that facilitate the preservation of digital scientific data stored in cloud storage systems by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA\u2019s digital data has been crucial in predicting and guiding preparation efforts for severe weather events across the country.\n\nDespite the importance of this data,in April 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce planned to cancel the cloud storage service contract holding data for NOAA as a proposed cost-saving measure. This sudden cancellation would have resulted in a 100% data loss for digitally stored data, including the elimination of the National Severe Storm Laboratory and Earth Prediction Innovation Center, which maintains key data for weather forecasting. Although that decision was reversed, there are currently no safeguards in place stopping the Department of Commerce from suddenly and unilaterally eliminating a cloud storage system and the data it holds.\n\n\u201cAs hurricane season comes to a close, the data collected by NOAA is invaluable in helping our communities prepare for the storms ahead. I am introducing the NOAA Data Preservation Act with Congressman Begich to ensure we can learn the proper lessons from previous weather patterns. This is a commonsense bill that would not only ensure the preservation of crucial data, but would save taxpayer dollars that were used to collect that data,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth.\n\n\u201cNOAA\u2019s research data is crucial for sound decision-making, especially regarding the long-term management of our fisheries. Alaskans depend on reliable, transparent, long-term data to manage our fisheries, wildlife, and understand changing weather patterns,\u201d said Congressman Begich. \u201cThe NOAA Data Preservation Act is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that ensures critical scientific data is preserved, and I\u2019m proud to co-lead this legislation with Congresswoman Elfreth to protect the data that our communities rely on and that American taxpayers have invested in collecting.\u201d\n\nThe bill would set requirements that the Department of Commerce must follow in the event of the planned cancellation of a cloud storage service contract for NOAA. Commerce would be required to:\n\nHave a new cloud data storage contract in place to take effect immediately following the conclusion of the prior contract to ensure continuity of data storage;\n\nPreserve all data in transition from the former storage space to the new cloud storage site; and\n\nProactively communicate with NOAA employees and scientists who contact NOAA regarding the timeline for transition and new access points for existing data sets.\n\nThe NOAA Data Preservation Act is supported by numerous scientific and environmental organizations, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Defenders of Wildlife, American Rivers, National Aquarium, Environmental Defense Fund, Oceana, Ocean Conservancy, and Natural Resource Defense Council.\n\n\u201cProtecting NOAA\u2019s scientific data means protecting lives. Uninterrupted access to NOAA\u2019s vast datasets is essential to keep forecasts accurate, warnings for the public timely, and communities safe from escalating weather and climate threats in a world warmed by fossil-fuel emissions,\u201d said Carlos Martinez, PhD. Senior Climate Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists.\n\n\u201cScientific data is the seedstock for information that powers forecasting, planning, and preparedness to deal with the changes affecting our world and the people who live in it. Ensuring the continuity of data storage for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is vital to creating a brighter future. Supporting the NOAA Data Preservation Act is supporting the science that continues to guide and protect us,\u201d said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re very grateful for Representative Elfreth\u2019s leadership in introducing a bill that addresses the critical need to preserve NOAA\u2019s scientific research and data. This is especially important right now as the administration is censoring or eliminating entirely critical information from government websites,\u201d said Daniel Moss, senior government relations representative at Defenders of Wildlife. \u201cIn addition to preserving NOAA\u2019s weather and climate-related data, this legislation seeks to protect essential data related to marine mammal conservation. NOAA Fisheries leads our federal government\u2019s work on marine mammal conservation, including efforts to prevent critically endangered species like the Southern resident orca, North Atlantic right whale and Rice\u2019s whale from going extinct. This work \u2014 including data collection and data preservation \u2014 is being devastated by the massive cuts slashing staff and research at NOAA Fisheries\u2019 regional science centers.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe NOAA Data Preservation Act is a timely, commonsense bill that ensures our nation's hydrological and flood forecast data remains transparent, reliable and accessible. It is imperative that river communities have the tools they need - like the National Water Map and Hydrologic Outlook - to understand emerging threats and changing conditions in their watersheds. We appreciate Representatives Elfreth's and Begich's leadership on this bill to protect rivers and enhance public safety,\u201d said Leda Huta, senior advocacy strategist for American Rivers Action Fund.\n\n\u201cWe all rely on robust scientific data to inform decisions that affect Americans\u2019 health and livelihoods,\u201d said Jennifer Driban, Chief Mission Officer for the National Aquarium. \u201cAs a science-based organization, we appreciate this bipartisan approach toward ensuring that agencies maintain the data which taxpayers have invested in collecting for the benefit of the American people.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe rely on NOAA data to make life- and property-saving decisions in the face of extreme weather, to monitor the health of our fisheries and to understand the patterns of our oceans and atmosphere,\u201d said Environmental Defense Fund VP for Political and Government Affairs Joanna Slaney. \u201cThis legislation comes at a pivotal time because of the Trump administration's repeated attempts to prevent the collection and sharing of data necessary for healthy, thriving communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor more than 200 years, the United States, through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its predecessor agencies, has collected and compiled oceanic and atmospheric data. From water temperature to fish stock assessments, this historical record is critically important to inform decisions and understand our changing planet. The NOAA Data Preservation Act, introduced by Rep. Sarah Elfreth and Rep. Nick Begich, will preserve this priceless trove of information for the future,\u201d said Gib Brogan, Senior Campaign Director at Oceana in the United States.\n\n\u201cEnsuring uninterrupted access to NOAA data is critical as we look to the past to plan for the future,\u201d said Jeff Watters, Vice President of External Affairs at Ocean Conservancy. \u201cAccessing NOAA data helps scientists and decision makers protect the ocean, wildlife, and communities, provide early warnings for severe weather events, and protect lives and property. We encourage Congress to act quickly to pass this critical bill.\u201d\n\nThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, and includes the National Weather Service, which coordinates programs directly related to weather warnings and forecasting for the entire country. Timely warnings and accurate weather reports are crucial for saving lives during severe weather events, with the National Weather Service estimating that timely warnings can reduce the risk of injury and death by up to 50%.\n\nElfreth has led multiple efforts aimed at improving response and resilience to severe weather events, including introducing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to improve readiness against climate events at military bases. Elfreth has also co-sponsored bills like the Stop NOAA Closures Act aimed at protecting the agency and the crucial functions they provide to our country. Finally, Elfreth has spoken out on the importance of NOAA at the House Natural Resources Issue Forum on NOAA.\n\nThe bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Nick Begich (R-AK-AL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), and George Whitesides (D-CA-27).\n\nThe full bill text is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-retirement-rep-nydia-velazquez", "Hoyer Statement on the Retirement of Rep. Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after U.S. Representative Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07) announced that she will not run for reelection in 2026:\n\n\"My friend Rep. Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez is a great New Yorker, Puerto Rican, and American. I have served with her for 32 years in the Congress and am sad to hear that she will retire at the end of the 119th Congress. Passionate, principled, and tenacious, she has proven to be an invaluable Member of this institution time and time again.\n\n\"Throughout the years, we have worked together to address an issue that deserves more attention: self-determination for Puerto Rico. Her commitment to that cause is rooted in the experiences of her upbringing and her conviction that colonial control over Puerto Rico is incompatible with American values of democracy and freedom. Nydia has been a fierce advocate for allowing the people of Puerto Rico to determine the future political status of their island \u2013 whether that is statehood, independence, or free association with the United States. We passed the Puerto Rico Status Act in the House during the 117th Congress in an effort to give them that choice, and we continue to advocate for the adoption of that crucial legislation.\n\n\"Nydia has made her mark on this institution, not only through the legislation she has passed but also through her mentorship of numerous other Members over the years. For 27 years, she has served as the top Democrat on the House Small Business Committee. Her impact extends beyond Congress to her city, to her Puerto Rican community, and to her nation. I thank her for her many years of friendship and service and look forward to continuing to work alongside her in the months to come.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-september-jobs-report-1", "Hoyer Statement on September Jobs Report", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the September jobs report:\n\n\"The September jobs report released this morning captures the uncertainty of this moment for the U.S. economy. Released nearly seven weeks late because of the Republican shutdown, the report offers an economic picture that is incomplete and already outdated. While 119,000 jobs were added to the economy in September, the number of unemployed Americans has increased by 700,000 since this time last year. Additionally, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4 percent in September. These numbers do little to dispel the job market's weak showing this past summer.\n\n\"Republicans' decision to shut down the government, rather than work with Democrats, also prevented the Bureau of Labor Statistics from compiling a jobs report for October. It would have shown thousands of federal employees coming off the books because of Trump's political purge of the federal workforce. Without a clear read on the state of the U.S. job market, the government agencies, businesses, and organizations across the country that rely on this data cannot make informed business decisions.\n\n\"Uncertainty is a poison in any economy. I fear this uncertain moment for our economy is far from over. Donald Trump's erratic tariffs continue to raise consumer costs and scare off potential investors and job creators. The trillions of dollars he added to the debt to provide tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires continue to undermine the full faith and credit of the United States. Now, his party's refusal to extend premium tax credits for the Affordable Care Act will cause millions of Americans' health care costs to more than double on average. Even without the October jobs report, we know the Trump Administration is headed in the wrong direction.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2025/11/raskin-clyburn-huffman-wyden-call-on-trump-administration-to-stop-politicizing-houses-of-worship-defend-separation-of-church-and-state-ahead-of-court-arguments", "Raskin, Clyburn, Huffman, Wyden Call on Trump Administration to Stop Politicizing Houses of Worship; Defend Separation of Church and State Ahead of Court Arguments", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Jared Huffman (CA-02), co-chairs of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, and James Clyburn (SC-06), Chair of the Democratic Faith Working Group, along with Senator Ron Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, led six of their colleagues in objecting to the Trump Administration\u2019s attempts to exempt two specific organizations from the law. In a new letter to Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service Scott Bessent, the lawmakers urged the Trump Administration to withdraw a proposed settlement in National Religious Broadcasters Association v. Bessent which carves out exceptions to the foundational principle of separation of church and state.\n\nFor the past 70 years, a provision of the tax code known as the Johnson Amendment has insulated nonprofits, faith-based organizations and houses of worship from electoral politics. In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits and houses of worship cannot engage in tax-exempt political speech. Despite widespread support for the Johnson Amendment among thousands of nonprofits and houses of worship, the Trump Administration reversed course on a lawsuit targeting the Johnson Amendment in an attempt to exempt two churches from complying with the law.\n\n\u201cCongress has considered and rejected multiple attempts to modify the Johnson Amendment,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cMembers have long understood the moral imperative of shielding nonprofit service organizations, including houses of worship, from electoral politics while protecting taxpayers from being compelled to subsidize political speech. Your Proposed Consent Decree is nothing more than a transparent end-run around Congress, which has consistently rejected attempts to change this 70-year-old law.\n\n\u201cThe Proposed Consent Decree seeks to exempt two specific organizations favored by the government out of the more than 1.5 million 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States from following the law,\u201d the lawmakers continued. They noted that the reasoning in the proposed settlement \u201cblows the door wide open for both secular nonprofits and all other religious organizations to petition the courts for their own free pass to engage in tax-exempt electoral speech. This settlement radically reinterprets the law and creates another opening for political actors to use charitable nonprofits to anonymously funnel unlimited money into elections.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe IRS should reject the false tension that the religious Right has tried to create between these two principles,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cThe Religious Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses are equally essential, and they stand best when they stand together.\u201d\n\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07).\n\nRead the full letter below and here.\n\nDear Acting Commissioner Bessent,\n\nThe great Congressman John R. Lewis, an ordained Baptist Minister and hero of the Civil Rights Movement, issued a moral call to his colleagues on November 8, 2017:\n\n\u201cFifteen years ago\u2026Democrats and Republican came together to preserve the last remaining sanctuary that was free from partisan politics. In our heart of hearts, we understood that we had a moral responsibility to put the good of our nation before campaigns. My friends, we need that vision and unity again today.\u201d\n\nCongressman Lewis was defending the Johnson Amendment\u2014a foundation stone in the nation\u2019s wall of separation between church and state and a shield for tax-exempt organizations\u2019 integrity\u2014as the House Committee on Ways and Means considered an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to demolish it. In this same spirit, we are writing to express our serious concerns regarding the settlement that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has proposed in the matter of National Religious Broadcasters Association et al v. Bessent.\n\nThe Proposed Consent Decree asks the Court to exempt two religious organizations from obeying the law by reinterpreting the verbs \u201cparticipate\u201d and \u201cintervene\u201d and classifying communications from houses of worship to their congregations as compliant with the Johnson Amendment without any accompanying explanation for that classification. This reinterpretation is not permissible under the statute as enacted and sustained by Congress; presents serious constitutional concerns as a potential violation of the Equal Protection Clause; fails to disclose any fiscal effects of reinterpreting the law; and sidelines the principled and compelling opposition expressed by thousands of nonprofits, houses of worship and faith-based organizations that would be harmed by adopting this proposal.\n\nCongress was in the process of modernizing the tax code in 1954 when then-Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson offered a provision clarifying reasonable boundaries between electoral politics and tax-exempt activities, including religious exercise. It was so noncontroversial at the time that Congress incorporated the Johnson Amendment without extended debate and Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law. Congress has considered and rejected multiple attempts to modify the Johnson Amendment because, as Congressman Lewis noted, Members have long understood the moral imperative of shielding nonprofit service organizations, including houses of worship, from electoral politics while protecting taxpayers from being compelled to subsidize political speech. Your Proposed Consent Decree is nothing more than a transparent end-run around Congress, which has consistently rejected attempts to change this 70-year-old law.\n\nAs explained in a letter sent to then-Commissioner Billy Long on July 18, 2025, the Proposed Consent Decree seeks to exempt two specific organizations favored by the government out of the more than 1.5 million 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States from following the law. In exempting two religious entities in terms limited to religious activities, the IRS is creating an Equal Protection Clause violation which could spread as organizations seize upon this Proposed Consent Decree to sue for their own exemptions. The settlement\u2019s reasoning blows the door wide open for both secular nonprofits and all other religious organizations to petition the courts for their own free pass to engage in tax-exempt electoral speech. This settlement radically reinterprets the law and creates another opening for political actors to use charitable nonprofits to anonymously funnel unlimited money into elections.\n\nThe Proposed Consent Decree also fails to acknowledge the potential costs of implementing this ill-judged settlement. The Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation evaluated the Johnson Amendment repeal measure that Congressman Lewis opposed in 2017 and determined that such legislation would cost taxpayers $2.1 billion over 10 years. While the ultimate cost of the Proposed Consent Decree would ultimately depend on the extent of the exemptions granted, we are concerned that there will be very real costs to taxpayers if more nonprofits are able to engage in electoral activity. Under current law, political donations are subject to federal and state taxes. If this Proposed Consent Decree takes effect, contributions could be redirected from taxable sources to the churches covered by the settlement to become newly tax-deductible, with more to follow if and when other religious organizations and nonprofits seek the same allowance. The result would be reduced federal revenue. If you have prudently estimated the potential costs of this settlement and its aftermath, we urge you to publicize the results of your calculations.\n\nWe are also concerned that your Proposed Consent Decree would harm the many religious institutions and people of faith who oppose weakening the Johnson Amendment. During previous attempts to weaken the law, more than 4,600 faith leaders, 5,800 nonprofit organizations and 106 religious and denominational organizations expressed strong and principled opposition. Faith leaders across religious denominations united across their differences to affirm that \u201cfaith leaders are called to speak truth to power, and we cannot do so if we are merely cogs in partisan political machines.\u201d If this decree weakening the Johnson Amendment shield goes into effect, houses of worship in which the clergy and congregation wish to remain apolitical could be pressured to engage in taxpayer-subsidized electoral politics by elected officials, candidates or donors. Such an outcome would be highly detrimental to religious freedom in America.\n\nThe First Amendment protects religious communities in two different ways\u2014through the Establishment Clause, which prevents the government from imposing or endorsing one or more religions, and the Free Exercise Clause, which protects every person\u2019s right to worship in whatever manner they choose. The IRS should reject the false tension that the religious Right has tried to create between these two principles. The Religious Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses are equally essential, and they stand best when they stand together. Neither has been violated by the Johnson Amendment as it has been interpreted since 1954, with equal applicability to all nonprofit organizations.\n\nCongress has repeatedly chosen to maintain the Johnson Amendment in statute, and we reject the notion that the IRS can unilaterally reinterpret 70 years of this settled law. We urge you to withdraw your Proposed Consent Decree.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-durbin-press-bondi-patel-for-answers-on-unprecedented-political-purge-of-doj-employees", "Van Hollen, Durbin Press Bondi, Patel for Answers on Unprecedented Political Purge of DOJ Employees", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ranking Member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, are pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel for answers on the unprecedented political purge of career Department of Justice employees.\n\n\u201cIt appears your unprecedented political purge of career Department of Justice (DOJ) employees is continuing at a rapid pace. Multiple public reports, including a statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association (FBIAA), suggest that DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have disregarded the law and fired even more FBI agents out of political spite over the past weeks. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) and the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversee and direct funding for both the DOJ and the FBI, we are writing to express our continued objections to such unprecedented and blatantly political actions. Your actions are having a direct and detrimental effect on FBI\u2019s ability to maintain its national security mission. We urge you to stop the purges\u2014our nation\u2019s security is too important to be sacrificed for political games,\u201d the Senators begin.\n\nThey go on to cite examples of employees being targeted, and note, \u201cAll indications suggest these are illegal actions, which will undoubtedly have severe consequences for DOJ and FBI when these terminated employees join their other former colleagues in lawsuits against the agencies you are entrusted with protecting.\u201d\n\nThe Senators press for answers, stating, \u201cIn addition, we request that DOJ and FBI provide the Senate CJS Subcommittee and the Senate Judiciary Committee the following information along with a follow-up briefing: 1) A full accounting on the scope of the FBI firings that occurred between October 27 and November 4, 2025; 2) The authority under which DOJ/FBI acted to terminate those employees; and 3) The precedent that exists for DOJ/FBI to terminate employees related solely to their case assignments.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Ranking Member of the Senate CJS Appropriations Subcommittee and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, we will continue to work to ensure the Department is following the letter of the law and the will of Congress. Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to receiving your response no later than December 3, 2025,\u201d they close.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel:\n\nIt appears your unprecedented political purge of career Department of Justice (DOJ) employees is continuing at a rapid pace. Multiple public reports, including a statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association (FBIAA), suggest that DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have disregarded the law and fired even more FBI agents out of political spite over the past weeks. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) and the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversee and direct funding for both the DOJ and the FBI, we are writing to express our continued objections to such unprecedented and blatantly political actions. Your actions are having a direct and detrimental effect on FBI\u2019s ability to maintain its national security mission. We urge you to stop the purges\u2014our nation\u2019s security is too important to be sacrificed for political games.\n\nNotably, earlier this month, the FBIAA said in a statement that \u201cDirector Patel has disregarded the law and launched a campaign of erratic and arbitrary retribution. FBI Agents deal in facts, and we urge Director Patel to do the same.\u201d\n\nAssuming the reporting is true, the facts here are as staggering as they are inexplicable. In the last week of October, at least two FBI agents were fired who had worked on Special Counsel Jack Smith\u2019s \u201cArctic Frost\u201d investigation, which was initiated to investigate efforts to overturn the 2020 Presidential election results. The purge continued when at least four additional FBI agents who had worked on Smith\u2019s team or had worked on cases related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol were fired. However, those agents were reinstated the same day, apparently after U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro intervened. Reporting suggests that on the following day, the agents were\u2014again\u2014abruptly fired.\n\nThe FBI, as our nation\u2019s top investigative agency, played a critical role in investigations related to both 2020 election interference and the January 6 attack. For example, many of the Bureau\u2019s 38,000 dedicated staff\u2014with no personal agendas\u2014were assigned to investigate the assaults on U.S. Capitol Police officers and District of Columbia law enforcement in accordance with the law and FBI policy. Agents and support staff around the country dedicated time and resources to these investigations, which as of November 2024 had yielded 1,561 defendants federally charged with crimes associated with the attack on the U.S. Capitol. This is a prime example of how our system of law and order should still be working.\n\nWe will continue to remind you that the FBI and its workforce are critical to our nation\u2019s security. The FBI\u2019s rank-and-file agents, intelligence analysts, and support staff help keep our country safe. As the FBIAA put it, \u201c[a]n agent simply being assigned to an investigation and conducting it appropriately within the law should never be grounds for termination.\u201d We wholeheartedly agree with the FBIAA\u2019s position.\n\nThese actions appear to flout long-standing procedures to protect FBI employees. These protections were put in place to guard against the very conduct that DOJ and FBI leadership is employing. At best, it is unclear whether these procedural protections were followed; at worst, they were flagrantly ignored.\n\nWe will\u2014again\u2014reiterate to you our demand that you halt efforts to target the dedicated public servants in the FBI, and DOJ writ large, to fulfill President Trump\u2019s partisan political revenge agenda. All indications suggest these are illegal actions, which will undoubtedly have severe consequences for DOJ and FBI when these terminated employees join their other former colleagues in lawsuits against the agencies you are entrusted with protecting.\n\nIn addition, we request that DOJ and FBI provide the Senate CJS Subcommittee and the Senate Judiciary Committee the following information along with a follow-up briefing: 1) A full accounting on the scope of the FBI firings that occurred between October 27 and November 4, 2025; 2) The authority under which DOJ/FBI acted to terminate those employees; and 3) The precedent that exists for DOJ/FBI to terminate employees related solely to their case assignments.\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate CJS Appropriations Subcommittee and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, we will continue to work to ensure the Department is following the letter of the law and the will of Congress. Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to receiving your response no later than December 3, 2025.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-discuss-protecting-chesapeake", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) joined members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation to discuss continued federal efforts to support Bay restoration and the goals of the revised \u201cBeyond 2025\u201d watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.\n\nIn the meeting, members of the federal delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources.\n\n\u201cHaving dedicated the majority of my career to preserving the Chesapeake Bay, I know the hours of tireless negotiation and deliberation that went into this Bay Agreement to guide the next decade of collaboration. I\u2019m grateful to Secretary Kurtz, Secretary Atticks, Secretary McIllwain, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program for their continued commitment. The Bay is the cornerstone of our state\u2019s economy and culture, and together, we are moving the ball forward to improve water quality, combat pollution, protect against invasive species, and ultimately make sure future generations can enjoy the Bay for years to come,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is an economic and environmental lifeline in our state. Over the past few years, we\u2019ve made progress in our efforts to preserve the Bay, but we\u2019ve also faced setbacks \u2013 including in the failure to meet the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Today\u2019s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the new Beyond 2025 Agreement. I\u2019m encouraged that the latest agreement includes recommendations proposed by members of our delegation and other Bay state representatives in Congress, including ensuring that pollution-reduction and water-quality improvement goals are better defined and adaptable to the latest science. And while I believe the agreement could have set a more aggressive timeline for achieving the outlined goals, I recognize that it reflects compromise. Going forward, we will continue working together to support the full implementation of the agreement and these commitments to make meaningful progress towards a stronger, healthier Chesapeake Bay,\u201d said Senator Chris Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is the heart of Maryland. For that reason, the final Beyond 2025 must be comprehensive and include clear, ambitious, and achievable targets. Team Maryland is committed to doing all we can to conserve and restore our Bay as it is one of our state\u2019s key economic drivers \u2013 supporting the tourism industry, our watermen, farmers, and access to clean drinking water. I will continue to fight for strong federal funding for Chesapeake Bay programs. Together, we will meet our restoration goals, and our state will continue to benefit from our bay,\u201d said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is the beating heart of Maryland. It is central to our state not only geographically but also economically and culturally. That's why Team Maryland has worked so hard to protect the Bay. Our delegation had a meaningful discussion today about how we can best advance that mission in Congress in the years to come,\u201d said Congressman Steny Hoyer.\n\n\u201cI was glad to meet with the relevant stakeholders and learn more about their efforts to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \"As a steadfast supporter of environmental conservation, preserving the Bay's vitality is critically important to all of us. I look forward to continuing these discussions and fighting to safeguard our precious natural resources,\u201d said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a treasured natural resource and a cornerstone of our local environmental and economic ecosystem,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin. \u201cTeam Maryland will work to ensure the Trump Administration honors the watershed agreement which is essential to sustaining our progress in restoring these precious waters.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is one of Maryland\u2019s greatest environmental and economic treasures, a living symbol of our natural beauty and maritime heritage. The Maryland Federal Delegation and I are fighting to uphold the protections and restoration goals set out in the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement and the Beyond 2025 Agreement. We will not allow polluters or poachers to treat the nation\u2019s largest estuary as their private dump or domain. The Bay belongs to all Marylanders, and its future depends on clean water and sustainable, resilient fisheries. My team and I will keep pushing to ensure Maryland families can enjoy this irreplaceable treasure for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Ivey.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a lifeline to communities across Maryland \u2014 a symbol of our state's natural beauty and a cornerstone of commerce. I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues in Congress and our partners across the Chesapeake region for their shared commitment to restoring the Bay and advancing the new watershed agreement. Further, it is vital that we retain federal funding for the data collection, research, and innovation that underpin this work for our state. Together, we\u2019re building a healthier, more resilient Chesapeake Bay for generations to come,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is an invaluable treasure for our region \u2014 protecting it means safeguarding our jobs, our health, and our future. I\u2019m proud to join the Maryland Congressional delegation in supporting efforts to restore and protect the Bay so it remains strong for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Johnny Olszewski.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-maryland-congressional-delegation-hold-meeting-discuss-protecting", "Hoyer, Maryland Congressional Delegation Hold Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation met to discuss continued federal efforts to support Bay restoration and the goals of the revised \u201cBeyond 2025\u201d watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.\n\nIn the meeting, members of the federal delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is the beating heart of Maryland. It is central to our state not only geographically but also economically and culturally. That's why Team Maryland has worked so hard to protect the Bay. Our delegation had a meaningful discussion about how we can best advance that mission in Congress in the years to come,\u201d said Congressman Steny Hoyer.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is an economic and environmental lifeline in our state. Over the past few years, we\u2019ve made progress in our efforts to preserve the Bay, but we\u2019ve also faced setbacks \u2013 including in the failure to meet the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Today\u2019s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the new Beyond 2025 Agreement. I\u2019m encouraged that the latest agreement includes recommendations proposed by members of our delegation and other Bay state representatives in Congress, including ensuring that pollution-reduction and water-quality improvement goals are better defined and adaptable to the latest science. And while I believe the agreement could have set a more aggressive timeline for achieving the outlined goals, I recognize that it reflects compromise. Going forward, we will continue working together to support the full implementation of the agreement and these commitments to make meaningful progress towards a stronger, healthier Chesapeake Bay,\u201d said Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is the heart of Maryland. For that reason, the final Beyond 2025 must be comprehensive and include clear, ambitious, and achievable targets. Team Maryland is committed to doing all we can to conserve and restore our Bay as it is one of our state\u2019s key economic drivers \u2013 supporting the tourism industry, our watermen, farmers, and access to clean drinking water. I will continue to fight for strong federal funding for Chesapeake Bay programs. Together, we will meet our restoration goals, and our state will continue to benefit from our bay,\u201d said Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).\n\n\u201cI was glad to meet with the relevant stakeholders and learn more about their efforts to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \"As a steadfast supporter of environmental conservation, preserving the Bay's vitality is critically important to all of us. I look forward to continuing these discussions and fighting to safeguard our precious natural resources,\u201d said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07).\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a treasured natural resource and a cornerstone of our local environmental and economic ecosystem,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08). \u201cTeam Maryland will work to ensure the Trump Administration honors the watershed agreement which is essential to sustaining our progress in restoring these precious waters.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is one of Maryland\u2019s greatest environmental and economic treasures, a living symbol of our natural beauty and maritime heritage. The Maryland Federal Delegation and I are fighting to uphold the protections and restoration goals set out in the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement and the Beyond 2025 Agreement. We will not allow polluters or poachers to treat the nation\u2019s largest estuary as their private dump or domain. The Bay belongs to all Marylanders, and its future depends on clean water and sustainable, resilient fisheries. My team and I will keep pushing to ensure Maryland families can enjoy this irreplaceable treasure for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04).\n\n\u201cHaving dedicated the majority of my career to preserving the Chesapeake Bay, I know the hours of tireless negotiation and deliberation that went into this Bay Agreement to guide the next decade of collaboration. I\u2019m grateful to Secretary Kurtz, Secretary Atticks, Secretary McIllwain, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program for their continued commitment. The Bay is the cornerstone of our state\u2019s economy and culture, and together, we are moving the ball forward to improve water quality, combat pollution, protect against invasive species, and ultimately make sure future generations can enjoy the Bay for years to come,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03).\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a lifeline to communities across Maryland \u2014 a symbol of our state's natural beauty and a cornerstone of commerce. I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues in Congress and our partners across the Chesapeake region for their shared commitment to restoring the Bay and advancing the new watershed agreement. Further, it is vital that we retain federal funding for the data collection, research, and innovation that underpin this work for our state. Together, we\u2019re building a healthier, more resilient Chesapeake Bay for generations to come,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06).\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is an invaluable treasure for our region \u2014 protecting it means safeguarding our jobs, our health, and our future. I\u2019m proud to join the Maryland Congressional delegation in supporting efforts to restore and protect the Bay so it remains strong for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/67-million-community-projects-marylands-6th-district-secured-congresswoman", "$6.7 Million for Community Projects in Maryland\u2019s 6th District Secured by Congresswoman McClain Delaney, Signed into Law", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) announced $6,691,000 in federal Community Project Funding (CPF) has been signed into law for seven projects across Maryland\u2019s 6th District, maintaining full funding levels approved by the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration in July.\n\nThese allotted funds provide crucial, community-level support to Western and Mountain Maryland, enhancing public safety, accessible health care, and support for our rural populations. For towns like Westernport, who faced historic flooding back in May and were denied essential aid from the Trump Administration\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency, these funds will be an incredible step forward for disaster recovery and prevention.\n\n\u201cWhen I first took office, I traveled far and wide across Maryland\u2019s 6th District, meeting with community leaders and advocates to identify local projects that could make the greatest impact on our communities with federal dollars,\u201d said Rep. McClain Delaney. \u201cI\u2019m proud to announce that seven of those projects have been signed into law, and I am eager to see firsthand how these funds will make life easier and safer for our families.\u201d\n\nThese projects do not encompass all requested funding for Maryland\u2019s 6th District \u2014 15 total were requested by Rep. McClain Delaney in May and approved by committee. The 8 other projects are awaiting final passage through other spending packages and will be voted on by Congress in the near future.\n\nThe following funds were awarded to their designated projects by the House Committee on Appropriations and have received final approval from Congress for inclusion in the FY 2026 federal funding package:\n\nAllegany County\n\n$986,000 for the Town of Lonaconing\u2019s New Georges Creek Waterline\n\n\u201cThe Town of Lonaconing deeply appreciates Congresswoman April McClain Delaney\u2019s dedication to securing funding for the installation of water lines on New Georges Creek Road. This investment in our Western Maryland community will aid in improving the quality of life by ensuring reliable access to clean and safe drinking water for our residents and providing peace of mind by reducing concerns about water quality or potential service disruptions,\u201d said Jack Coburn, Mayor of Lonaconing.\n\n$675,000 for the Potomac Fire Company\u2019s No. 2 Engine Replacement\n\n\u201cCongresswoman McClain Delaney has consistently demonstrated her commitment to public safety, and her support for replacing our over 30-year-old engine is a testament to that dedication. In light of the recent floods that impacted Westernport and southern Allegany County, her efforts couldn't be more timely. This new apparatus will greatly enhance our ability to serve and protect our neighbors when seconds matter most,\" said Jonathan Dayton, FF/EMT & Public Information Officer.\n\n$1,000,000 for the City of Cumberland\u2019s Membrane Filtration Building\n\n\u201cThe City of Cumberland's Water Filtration Plant began serving the community in 1913 and continues to serve 46,000 community members with the original conventional filtration process. The existing plant is reaching the end of its useful life and is incapable of addressing emerging contaminants. With the support of the City's Federal partners, this grant will allow the City to begin design work on a new Water Filtration Building that will utilize state-of-the-art membrane filtration, which is capable of removing disinfection byproducts as well as emerging contaminants such as PFAS. This grant will aid in protecting our community's water supply for future generations,\u201d said Ray Morriss, Mayor of Cumberland.\n\nFrederick County\n\n$1,015,000 for the Brunswick Reservoir\n\n\"The City of Brunswick\u2019s storage reservoir has been a cornerstone of our municipal potable water distribution system for over a century. However, due to the inevitable effects of aging and structural degradation, the reservoir has experienced persistent leakage. The city plans to construct a modern, one-million-gallon concrete ground storage tank,\u201d said Nathan Brown, Mayor of Brunswick. \u201cThis infrastructure investment is designed to ensure reliable water storage and fire protection for our community, with the hope that it will serve future generations for the next hundred years. Continued partnerships with our federal representatives remain critical for small communities and our infrastructure needs. We are pleased to see Congresswoman McClain Delaney include the Brunswick reservoir project as one of her community funding requests.\"\n\n$1,000,000 for Mount Saint Mary\u2019s Quality Drinking Water Project\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman McClain Delaney for her support of our rural community\u2019s quality drinking water project. The impact of this project will be felt by students and employees at the Mount, patients at Frederick Health Urgent Care, visitors at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, and residents of the Town of Emmitsburg. A new water treatment plant will improve the water system\u2019s reliability, efficiency, capacity, and resiliency\u2014and strengthen our local, rural economy,\u201d said Gerard J. Joyce, President of Mount Saint Mary's University.\n\nGarrett County\n\n$1,000,000 for the Garrett Regional Medical Center\u2019s Radiology/Oncology Department Expansion\n\n\u201cWe are very excited and grateful to be included as a top priority for funding by Congresswoman McClain Delaney. This funding, which supports the design and engineering phase of adding radiation oncology to our Cancer Center, means we will largely eliminate the need for cancer patients to travel to receive the care they need. Congresswoman McClain Delaney's leadership on this project will enable GRMC to provide lifesaving care close to home while improving health outcomes among some of Maryland\u2019s most vulnerable, rural populations,\u201d said Mark Boucot, Chief Executive Officer of WVU Medicine, Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Maryland.\n\nWashington County\n\n$1,015,000 for San Mar\u2019s Full Service Housing for Transition-Age Youth\n\n\u201cSan Mar Family & Community Services shares gratitude and sincere appreciation to Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and her team for their invaluable leadership and unwavering support in addressing the critical needs of transition-age youth across Western Maryland. This vital support ensures that our organization can continue the implementation of our plan for full-service housing for transition-age youth\u2013more than just a housing solution, enabling the provision of comprehensive wraparound services tailored to the unique challenges and aspirations of each young person we will serve. This aligns perfectly with the shared vision of fostering environments where all young people can not only survive but truly thrive, achieving the kind of fulfilling outcomes that every family desires for its children,\u201d said Keith Fanjoy, CEO, San Mar Family and Community Services, Inc.\n\n###\n\nFor updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.\n\nCongresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland\u2019s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland\u2019s 6th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcclain-delaney-introduces-bill-support-american-farmers-harmed-presidents", "Rep. McClain Delaney Introduces Bill to Support American Farmers Harmed by the President\u2019s Trade War", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "April McClain Delaney", "M001232", "mcclaindelaney.house.gov", "mcclaindelaney", "https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill Would Redirect $20 Billion for Argentina and Reinvest it in American Farmers Struggling Under Rising Tariffs\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013This week, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) introduced the American Farmers First Act, legislation that would support American farmers who are facing devastating losses due to the President\u2019s ongoing trade war. Specifically, this bill would redirect the Administration\u2019s bailout payments to Argentina back into American farm country, providing direct relief to producers hit hardest by tariffs and shrinking export markets.\n\nU.S. farmers are struggling to break even during the 2025 harvest as tariffs raise operating costs and cut demand for American crops. For example, in Maryland, nearly 13,000 families are involved in soybean farming which produces 16 million bushels annually and contributes $200 million to the state\u2019s economy. Yet, their livelihoods are at risk, as U.S. soybean exports have dropped by more than half as China turns to competitors in Argentina and Brazil. U.S. cattle producers were also slighted by the President recently when he pledged increase imports of Argentinian beef, an action that would only put American cattlemen at a disadvantage.\n\nMeanwhile, the Administration is providing a $40 billion aid package to Argentina, half funded by American taxpayers, a move usually reserved for economic disasters. The American Farmers First Act would redirect $20 billion from the Treasury Department\u2019s Exchange Stabilization Fund slated for Argentina to provide essential aid to American farmers and producers who have been adversely impacted by the tariffs.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve visited farms and met directly with producers across Maryland\u2019s 6th District, and nearly all tell me the same thing: these tariffs are crushing our farms and destabilizing our economy,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \u201cPrioritizing international competitors insults the hardworking Americans who feed our nation. By redirecting these corrupted funds, we\u2019re investing in domestic agriculture and standing up for those who keep America\u2019s food supply strong.\u201d\n\nCo-sponsors include: Houlahan (D-PA), Ivey (D-MD), Mannion (D-NY), Mfume (D-MD), Riley (D-NY), Salinas (D-OR), Stevens (D-MI).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-to-discuss-protecting-the-chesapeake-bay", "Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation met to discuss continued federal efforts to support Chesapeake Bay restoration and the goals of the revised \u201cBeyond 2025\u201d watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.\n\nIn the meeting, members of the delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources.\n\n\u201cI was glad to meet with the relevant stakeholders and learn more about their efforts to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \"As a steadfast supporter of environmental conservation, preserving the Bay's vitality is critically important to all of us. I look forward to continuing these discussions and fighting to safeguard our precious natural resources.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-discuss-protecting-chesapeake", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Johnny Olszewski, Jr.", "O000176", "olszewski.house.gov", "olszewski", "https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation met to discuss continued federal efforts to support Bay restoration and the goals of the revised \u201cBeyond 2025\u201d watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.\n\nIn the meeting, members of the federal delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is an economic and environmental lifeline in our state. Over the past few years, we\u2019ve made progress in our efforts to preserve the Bay, but we\u2019ve also faced setbacks \u2013 including in the failure to meet the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Today\u2019s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the new Beyond 2025 Agreement. I\u2019m encouraged that the latest agreement includes recommendations proposed by members of our delegation and other Bay state representatives in Congress, including ensuring that pollution-reduction and water-quality improvement goals are better defined and adaptable to the latest science. And while I believe the agreement could have set a more aggressive timeline for achieving the outlined goals, I recognize that it reflects compromise. Going forward, we will continue working together to support the full implementation of the agreement and these commitments to make meaningful progress towards a stronger, healthier Chesapeake Bay,\u201d said Senator Chris Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is the heart of Maryland. For that reason, the final Beyond 2025 must be comprehensive and include clear, ambitious, and achievable targets. Team Maryland is committed to doing all we can to conserve and restore our Bay as it is one of our state\u2019s key economic drivers \u2013 supporting the tourism industry, our watermen, farmers, and access to clean drinking water. I will continue to fight for strong federal funding for Chesapeake Bay programs. Together, we will meet our restoration goals, and our state will continue to benefit from our bay,\u201d said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is the beating heart of Maryland. It is central to our state not only geographically but also economically and culturally. That's why Team Maryland has worked so hard to protect the Bay. Our delegation had a meaningful discussion today about how we can best advance that mission in Congress in the years to come,\u201d said Congressman Steny Hoyer.\n\n\u201cI was glad to meet with the relevant stakeholders and learn more about their efforts to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \"As a steadfast supporter of environmental conservation, preserving the Bay's vitality is critically important to all of us. I look forward to continuing these discussions and fighting to safeguard our precious natural resources,\u201d said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a treasured natural resource and a cornerstone of our local environmental and economic ecosystem,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin. \u201cTeam Maryland will work to ensure the Trump Administration honors the watershed agreement which is essential to sustaining our progress in restoring these precious waters.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is one of Maryland\u2019s greatest environmental and economic treasures, a living symbol of our natural beauty and maritime heritage. The Maryland Federal Delegation and I are fighting to uphold the protections and restoration goals set out in the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement and the Beyond 2025 Agreement. We will not allow polluters or poachers to treat the nation\u2019s largest estuary as their private dump or domain. The Bay belongs to all Marylanders, and its future depends on clean water and sustainable, resilient fisheries. My team and I will keep pushing to ensure Maryland families can enjoy this irreplaceable treasure for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Ivey.\n\n\u201cHaving dedicated the majority of my career to preserving the Chesapeake Bay, I know the hours of tireless negotiation and deliberation that went into this Bay Agreement to guide the next decade of collaboration. I\u2019m grateful to Secretary Kurtz, Secretary Atticks, Secretary McIllwain, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program for their continued commitment. The Bay is the cornerstone of our state\u2019s economy and culture, and together, we are moving the ball forward to improve water quality, combat pollution, protect against invasive species, and ultimately make sure future generations can enjoy the Bay for years to come,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a lifeline to communities across Maryland \u2014 a symbol of our state's natural beauty and a cornerstone of commerce. I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues in Congress and our partners across the Chesapeake region for their shared commitment to restoring the Bay and advancing the new watershed agreement. Further, it is vital that we retain federal funding for the data collection, research, and innovation that underpin this work for our state. Together, we\u2019re building a healthier, more resilient Chesapeake Bay for generations to come,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is an invaluable treasure for our region \u2014 protecting it means safeguarding our jobs, our health, and our future. I\u2019m proud to join the Maryland Congressional delegation in supporting efforts to restore and protect the Bay so it remains strong for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Johnny Olszewski.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-to-discuss-protecting-the-chesapeake-bay", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Yesterday, members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation met to discuss continued federal efforts to support Bay restoration and the goals of the revised \u201cBeyond 2025\u201d watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.\n\nIn the meeting, members of the federal delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is an economic and environmental lifeline in our state. Over the past few years, we\u2019ve made progress in our efforts to preserve the Bay, but we\u2019ve also faced setbacks \u2013 including in the failure to meet the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Today\u2019s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the new Beyond 2025 Agreement. I\u2019m encouraged that the latest agreement includes recommendations proposed by members of our delegation and other Bay state representatives in Congress, including ensuring that pollution-reduction and water-quality improvement goals are better defined and adaptable to the latest science. And while I believe the agreement could have set a more aggressive timeline for achieving the outlined goals, I recognize that it reflects compromise. Going forward, we will continue working together to support the full implementation of the agreement and these commitments to make meaningful progress towards a stronger, healthier Chesapeake Bay,\u201d said Senator Chris Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is the heart of Maryland. For that reason, the final Beyond 2025 must be comprehensive and include clear, ambitious, and achievable targets. Team Maryland is committed to doing all we can to conserve and restore our Bay as it is one of our state\u2019s key economic drivers \u2013 supporting the tourism industry, our watermen, farmers, and access to clean drinking water. I will continue to fight for strong federal funding for Chesapeake Bay programs. Together, we will meet our restoration goals, and our state will continue to benefit from our bay,\u201d said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is the beating heart of Maryland. It is central to our state not only geographically but also economically and culturally. That's why Team Maryland has worked so hard to protect the Bay. Our delegation had a meaningful discussion today about how we can best advance that mission in Congress in the years to come,\u201d said Congressman Steny Hoyer.\n\n\u201cI was glad to meet with the relevant stakeholders and learn more about their efforts to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \"As a steadfast supporter of environmental conservation, preserving the Bay's vitality is critically important to all of us. I look forward to continuing these discussions and fighting to safeguard our precious natural resources,\u201d said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a treasured natural resource and a cornerstone of our local environmental and economic ecosystem,\u201d said Congressman Jamie Raskin. \u201cTeam Maryland will work to ensure the Trump Administration honors the watershed agreement which is essential to sustaining our progress in restoring these precious waters.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is one of Maryland\u2019s greatest environmental and economic treasures, a living symbol of our natural beauty and maritime heritage. The Maryland Federal Delegation and I are fighting to uphold the protections and restoration goals set out in the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement and the Beyond 2025 Agreement. We will not allow polluters or poachers to treat the nation\u2019s largest estuary as their private dump or domain. The Bay belongs to all Marylanders, and its future depends on clean water and sustainable, resilient fisheries. My team and I will keep pushing to ensure Maryland families can enjoy this irreplaceable treasure for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Ivey.\n\n\u201cHaving dedicated the majority of my career to preserving the Chesapeake Bay, I know the hours of tireless negotiation and deliberation that went into this Bay Agreement to guide the next decade of collaboration. I\u2019m grateful to Secretary Kurtz, Secretary Atticks, Secretary McIllwain, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program for their continued commitment. The Bay is the cornerstone of our state\u2019s economy and culture, and together, we are moving the ball forward to improve water quality, combat pollution, protect against invasive species, and ultimately make sure future generations can enjoy the Bay for years to come,\u201d said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a lifeline to communities across Maryland \u2014 a symbol of our state's natural beauty and a cornerstone of commerce. I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues in Congress and our partners across the Chesapeake region for their shared commitment to restoring the Bay and advancing the new watershed agreement. Further, it is vital that we retain federal funding for the data collection, research, and innovation that underpin this work for our state. Together, we\u2019re building a healthier, more resilient Chesapeake Bay for generations to come,\u201d said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-beyer-raskin-introduce-legislation-to-improve-atf-crack-down-on-bad-apple-gun-dealers", "Van Hollen, Beyer, Raskin Introduce Legislation to Improve ATF, Crack Down on \u201cBad Apple\u201d Gun Dealers", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MD", "Chris Van Hollen", "V000128", "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "vanhollen", "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) reintroduced the ATF Improvement and Modernization (AIM) Act, legislation to strengthen the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives\u2019 (ATF) ability to combat gun crime in our communities. The lawmakers\u2019 effort comes as the Trump Administration seeks to undermine the ATF, including by working to eliminate it as a standalone agency \u2013 merging it with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) \u2013 and proposing a nearly 30 percent decrease in its budget. In the face of these actions, the lawmakers\u2019 legislation would reassert the ATF\u2019s authority to keep our communities safe, including by removing irresponsible statutory restrictions that stand in the way of the ATF\u2019s mission to protect the public from violent offenders, criminal organizations, and the illegal use and trafficking of firearms.\n\n\u201cToo many American lives have been torn apart by gun violence in our country \u2013 yet gun industry hardliners have conspired to put up roadblocks that hamper law enforcement efforts to combat this deadly scourge. Our legislation eliminates these barriers and strengthens the ATF\u2019s ability to crack down on gun crime and illegal firearm trafficking that allows deadly weapons to fall into dangerous hands. This is a common-sense way to tackle the gun violence epidemic and save lives,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe gun violence epidemic continues to take a huge toll on our country, killing nearly 50,000 Americans every year,\u201d said Rep. Don Beyer. \u201cWe cannot accept Trump\u2019s efforts to stop law enforcement from addressing gun violence, which includes mass transfers of agents away from the ATF. Congress owes it to American families to take decisive action to ensure the ATF has the tools it needs to make American communities safer, and our AIM Act would do just that by removing barriers that hamper the ATF\u2019s mission. I appreciate Senator Van Hollen, Ranking Member Raskin, and the gun violence prevention leaders who worked with us to craft this important bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe AIM Act will revitalize the ATF\u2019s ability to crack down on gun traffickers and \u2018bad apple\u2019 gun dealers and overhaul outdated regulations that hinder the Bureau\u2019s ability to protect our communities,\u201d said House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join this important effort to combat gun trafficking and violent crime.\u201d\n\nThe AIM Act removes irresponsible statutory restrictions that impede ATF\u2019s mission to protect the public from violent criminals, criminal organizations, and the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, as well as its ability to support law enforcement and other public safety partners in communities nationwide. The bill modernizes ATF processes to help law enforcement officials in tracing firearms involved in crimes. Permitting ATF to consolidate and centralize the records it receives from firearms dealers will improve its current non-searchable system, which unnecessarily stalls criminal investigations. With a centralized, searchable digital database, law enforcement will be better able to detect patterns that indicate gun trafficking. The AIM Act also allows the FBI to maintain background check information longer than the current 24-hour limit. This change helps to deter fraud and facilitate firearms retrieval actions if the agency learns, after the fact, that a gun sale was improper.\n\nThis legislation also enhances ATF\u2019s capability to crack down on \u201cbad apple\u201d gun dealers. Permitting stricter compliance requirements and reforming the rules governing federal license revocation will ensure that firearms dealers comply with laws and regulations that protect the public from dangerous weapons. Lastly, the AIM Act will make ATF more responsive to the public, including journalists, researchers, and potential litigants, whose access to ATF gun trace data is currently restricted.\n\nThe text of the AIM Act is available here.\n\nThe AIM Act is supported by March For Our Lives, Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, GIFFORDS, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Newtown Action Alliance, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Enough of Gun Violence.\n\n\u201cThe gun industry has enjoyed decades of special protections at the expense of public safety \u2013 and young people are paying the price. The ATF Improvement and Modernization Act is a critical step toward accountability. By giving the ATF the tools it needs to trace crime guns, hold reckless dealers accountable, and modernize outdated systems, this bill helps protect communities from the daily toll of gun violence. We\u2019re proud to support this legislation and grateful to Senator Van Hollen and Representative Beyer for continuing to lead with urgency and moral clarity,\u201d said Jaclyn Corin, Executive Director, March For Our Lives.\n\n\u201cFor far too long, the agency charged with overseeing gun laws in this country has been underfunded and hamstrung by antiquated systems. This was by design, preventing the ATF from adequately overseeing critical components of the gun industry. We applaud Senator Van Hollen and Representative Beyer for reintroducing The ATF Improvement and Modernization Act (AIM) Act this session. This much needed Act will help bring the ATF into the 21st century,\u201d said Karen Herren, Executive Director, Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence.\n\n\u201cFor too long, ATF has been forced to operate with one hand tied behind its back, unable to fully enforce our country's gun laws and hold bad actors accountable. The AIM Act would change that, reversing outdated restrictions and ensuring ATF has the authority and resources it needs to crack down on illegal gun trafficking, shut down rogue gun dealers, and modernize systems that hinder efforts to trace crime guns. We commend Senator Van Hollen and Representative Beyer for their leadership in strengthening this critical agency and improving public safety,\u201d said Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government & Political Affairs at GIFFORDS.\n\n\u201cOne of the major causes of American gun violence is the unique and unprecedented protections from oversight that the gun industry has been provided,\u201d said Brady President Kris Brown. \u201cThe ATF Improvement and Modernization Act will allow ATF to more effectively and efficiently oversee the corporate firearms industry and hold accountable those actors who are engaging in negligent, irresponsible, or illegal business practices which fuel the criminal gun market. Brady is proud to endorse this legislation and applauds Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Beyer for their leadership on this issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a neighbor of the Sandy Hook shooter and someone who has spent more than a decade working with families devastated by gun violence, I know the deadly cost of tying law enforcement\u2019s hands. For too long, reckless restrictions have stopped the ATF from protecting the public from gun traffickers and bad-apple dealers. Senator Van Hollen\u2019s AIM Act removes those barriers\u2014modernizing gun tracing, strengthening background checks, and restoring transparency\u2014so law enforcement can save lives and protect our children and families,\u201d said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-after-voting-release-epstein-files", "Hoyer Statement After Voting to Release the Epstein Files", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after voting on H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act:\n\n\"Today, I voted to release the Epstein files. I did so not only as a Member of Congress; not only as someone who cherishes my daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters; but as someone who believes the American people deserve the truth. Crucially, the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes deserve justice. I am in awe of their strength, and I thank them for bravely sharing their stories.\n\n\"Donald Trump has the power to release the Epstein files in their entirety and should have long ago. He chose not to. The American people will remember that choice. The Republican Majority also could have acted of its own accord to compel the Trump Administration to disclose the Epstein files. Instead, Republican leadership used every tactic they could to try to quash this effort. It shouldn\u2019t have taken a discharge petition to get this bill a fair vote on the House Floor.\n\n\"I believe it is never too late to do the right thing. I have no doubt, however, that the American people took note of which of their elected leaders waited.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-condemning-trumps-comments-murder-washington-post-columnist", "Hoyer Statement Condemning Trump's Comments on the Murder of Washington Post Columnist Jamal Khashoggi", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Steny H. Hoyer", "H000874", "hoyer.house.gov", "hoyer", "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's remarks about how he does not hold Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, responsible for the murder of Washington Post opinion columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018:\n\n\"Contrary to what Donald Trump said in the Oval Office earlier today, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the brutal assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. That is the consensus of the U.S. Intelligence Community. There is a difference between engaging in diplomacy with the Saudis and downplaying flagrant violations of human rights.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s assertions today were contrary to that consensus, and patently absurd. His plea for politeness to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was in stark and painful contrast to the President\u2019s abominable and shameful treatment of our ally, President Zelensky, as he and Ukraine are under continuing attack by the Russian war criminal Vladimir Putin \u2013 whom the President fawned over in Alaska.\n\n\u201cTrivializing Khashoggi's horrific murder, as Trump did today, only endangers other journalists, dissidents, and purveyors of truth.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1150, "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": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1076, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2025&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 74, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2025&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 808, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2025&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 342, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2025&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "MD", "label": "MD", "count": 1150, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 1150, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-11-18,https~3A~2F~2Fhoyer~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fhoyer-statement-condemning-trumps-comments-murder-washington-post-columnist", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MD&year=2025&_next=2025-11-18%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fhoyer~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fhoyer-statement-condemning-trumps-comments-murder-washington-post-columnist&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 294.25083892419934, "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"}