{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-meets-discuss-critical-priorities-port", "Maryland Congressional Delegation Meets to Discuss Critical Priorities for the Port of Baltimore", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Sarah Elfreth", "E000301", "elfreth.house.gov", "elfreth", "https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) and members of Maryland\u2019s Congressional Delegation held a meeting at the United States Capitol to discuss their work on a range of issues relating to the Port of Baltimore, including its infrastructure needs, long-term stability, and growth. During the meeting, the lawmakers heard from Port leadership and stakeholders about upcoming modernization projects, investments, general workforce updates, and more. The Port of Baltimore generates $70 billion annually in economic impacts to Maryland, and 273,000 total jobs in Maryland are connected to the Port. Video of the members\u2019 press availability following the meeting is available here.\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore has been able to survive ups and downs of the economy for over 100 years. Now, the President\u2019s economic strategy that prioritizes tariffs over jobs is adding additional hardship. The President\u2019s ongoing, illegal war in Iran is driving up the cost to ship everything, which directly impacts our port and our economy. But Team Maryland will be able to overcome that. We're in Washington and working together to deliver, not just for the Port, not just for the 2,400 Longshoremen who work in the Port, but for our economy and state as a whole,\u201d said Congresswoman Elfreth. \u201cTo write the future of the Port of Baltimore, we will be taking inspiration from what once was \u2013 back to the Baltimore clippers and the hundreds of Liberty ships built during World War II. It is time for Maryland to lead in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing once again.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaryland is a leading hub for trade and commerce \u2013 and the Port of Baltimore is a key part of our success, generating thousands of jobs and bolstering our economy. Yesterday\u2019s meeting was a great opportunity for Team Maryland to come together with Port leadership and key stakeholders to discuss our past efforts and plan for how we will build on those efforts for the future of the Port. Working alongside state and local partners, we will keep fighting to deliver resources and support so communities across Maryland reap the benefits of a strong and vibrant Port,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe Port is more than just the pride of Baltimore. It\u2019s a state treasure, and it\u2019s an economic engine for the nation and the rest of the world. Our support for Baltimore and the Port remains strong, because a strong Port makes us better, makes our economy stronger, and makes us more sustainable. We have to continue looking at every opportunity to invest in this economic engine that consumers, businesses, workers, and economies worldwide depend on. And I look forward to working with Team Maryland on Capitol Hill to continue fighting for the resources that keep us on the cutting edge,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore has always been a mighty force in job creation and economic growth in our state. I was glad to meet with the Maryland Congressional Delegation, Maryland Port Administration leadership, and local Port leaders to discuss the significant economic development accomplishments and opportunities for our nation's exports out of Baltimore. Investing in our infrastructure and transportation systems at the Port will improve shipping capacity, competitiveness, and business opportunities for the communities across Maryland that depend on the port. The delegation will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to secure the investments needed to strengthen the Port of Baltimore, grow our economy, and create jobs here in Maryland and across the country,\u201d said Congressman Hoyer.\n\n\u201cThe Port of Baltimore is a booming economic gateway for the Free State and the nation,\u201d said Congressman Raskin. \u201cWhile President Trump\u2019s chaotic and costly trade war and tariffs have reduced imports, Team Maryland will continue fighting for the federal funding needed to keep the port an accessible, attractive destination for the largest cargo ships and create more high-paying union jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvesting in the Port of Baltimore isn\u2019t just about concrete, cranes, and cargo \u2014 it\u2019s about investing in people,\u201d said Congressman Olszewski. \u201cTwo and a half years after the Key Bridge collapse, we have a responsibility to rebuild stronger and keep investing in the infrastructure that makes the Port a national economic asset. When we prioritize the Port, we are prioritizing jobs, families, and the future of Maryland.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"]], "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"], "primary_key_values": ["https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-meets-discuss-critical-priorities-port"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.8120681159198284, "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"}