press: releases: 1,117 rows where chamber = "House", state = "MD" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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1,117 rows where chamber = "House", state = "MD" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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url	title	date ▲	year	month	party	chamber	state	member_name	bioguide_id	domain	date_source	text	has_text	collected_at	updated_at
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-comfort-women-agreement-announced-by-republic-of-korea-and-japan	Cardin Statement on Comfort Women Agreement Announced by Republic of Korea and Japan	2015-12-29	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 29, 2015 Cardin Statement on Comfort Women Agreement Announced by Republic of Korea and Japan BALTIMOREU.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign RelationsCommittee, issued the following statement regarding today's announcement by the foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan in reaching a breakthrough agreement to resolve their long standing dispute regarding comfort women during World War Two. I welcome this agreement and the leadership exhibited by both Prime Minister Abe and President Park to settle this longstanding issue in a way that recognizes the suffering of the comfort women and that is appropriate for both sides. This is a painful and difficult issue in Korea that will forever stir heart-wrenching emotions. It is vital that both nations never forget the past, and while the scars of a painful period in human history will remain, it is my sincere hope that Korea and Japan will build toward a prosperous future together in order to deepen and strengthen their relations in a rapidly changing Asia-Pacific region. Both nations have demonstrated tremendous bravery and fortitude in forging this agreement. This development has the potential to pave the way for a new path forward between two close U.S. allies and I stand ready to work alongside our partners in Seoul and Tokyo to advance this relationship. Up to 200,000 women were estimated to have been forced to serve as comfort women for Japanese soldiers during World War Two, many of them Korean. In Maryland which is home to a dynamic and vibrant Korean-American community, this issue remains a deeply personal one and though I know this announcement can never fully heal the pain caused during that period, the actions taken today by the Korean and Japanese governments demonstrates true courage and I hope will allow for future generations in the region to flourish and thrive. Print Email Tweet …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congress-passes-school-bill-that-includes-environmental-education	Congress Passes School Bill that Includes Environmental Education	2015-12-28	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	On more than one occasion, Ive been walking in the Annapolis 4th of July Parade, and people have yelled out to me, No Child Left Inside, said Rep. John Sarbanes of Maryland, who became one of the causes earliest champions in Congress. So it definitely hit a nerve out there. In December, the work paid off. Congress replaced No Child Left Behind with the new Every Student Succeeds Act. Although other agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have long had environmental education programs, the new law is the first time a bill covering primary and secondary education even mentioned environmental education. It seemed to me to be a grand omission, Sarbanes said. Those other agencys involvement is fine and good and important, but educators look to the Department of Education. They are in large part driven by the grant opportunities that are available from the Department of Education.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-urges-maryland-governor-larry-hogan-leave-no-stone-unturned	Cummings Urges Maryland Governor Larry Hogan To Leave No Stone Unturned In Review of Barriers to Reentry	2015-12-21	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Elijah Cummings	C000984	cummings.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. (December 21, 2015) Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) sent a letter to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to urge the Governor to leave no stone unturned in his Administrations review of the barriers formerly-incarcerated Maryland residents face when trying to reenter society. All too often, a criminal record is like a life sentence, Cummings wrote. For formerly-incarcerated individuals trying to rebuild their lives, a criminal record can be a barrier to accessing employment, housing, professional licensure, transportation, and the ballot box. In December 2014, the Vera Institute of Justice released a report, stating that: Research shows that recidivism is reduced and communities are made safer not by rendering the millions of people with criminal records second class citizens, but by supporting their transition and reintegration into the community. In Maryland, there are over 1,000 provisions that create legal barriers for those with criminal records, according to the American Bar Associations National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction. These consequences prevent many Maryland residents from voting, gaining employment, starting a business or obtaining student loans. Cummings urged the working group to thoroughly analyze all of Marylands regulations and laws that create these barriers, writing, I encourage the group to leave no stone unturned in determining where and how these policies can be safely modified so that those with criminal records can fully contribute to their communities. Maryland can no longer afford to tolerate unnecessary obstacles for so many of its citizens seeking to move beyond their pasts. Cummings is a leader in Congresss bipartisan push to reform our nations criminal justice system and remove barriers to reentry. He is the lead House sponsor of the bipartisan, bicameral Fair Chance Act, which would bring fair chance hiring policies to the federal government by preventing agencies and prime federal contractors from asking about applicants crim…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2550	Hoyer Statement on Retirement of AFGE Legislative and Political Director Beth Moten	2015-12-21	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Steny Hoyer	H000874	hoyer.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after Beth Moten, legislative and political director for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), announced her retirement: Throughout my years in Congress, I have worked with few people as capable, personable, or hardworking as Beth Moten. Federal civilian employees have had a champion in Beth, and as AFGEs legislative and political director she has been a critical resource for me and for every Member of Congress who cares deeply about ensuring that we can recruit and retain the best possible civilian federal workforce in service to our country. My ability to represent the interests and needs of the 62,000 federal civilian employees in Marylands Fifth Congressional District has depended in no small measure on Beths ever-direct and ever-honest advice and counsel. More than an advocate, Beth has been a friend. As she prepares to retire after thirty-one years of exemplary service to AFGE and to our nation, I wish Beth along with her husband Alan and her two children many years of happiness in the future.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-leads-letter-to-president-of-the-french-senate-on-upcoming-visit-to-iran	Delaney Leads Letter to President of the French Senate on Upcoming Visit to Iran	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON -Congressman John K. Delaney led a letter to the President of the French Senate, Gerard Larcher, on his upcoming visit to Iran. The letter asks Monsieur Larcher to reiterate to the Iranian leadership that the international community is united in requiring Tehran to uphold its responsibilities under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), including removing over two-thirds of Irans centrifuges and reducing its enriched uranium stock by 98%, before it will receive sanction relief. The text of the letter is below: Dear Monsieur Le President & Members of the French Delegation: We write to you today with regard to your upcoming trip to Tehran to meet with Iranian officials, including Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani and President Hassan Rouhani. We very much appreciate the role of the Government of France in helping to bring Iran to the negotiating table and to reach a historic agreement to stop Irans nuclear weapons program. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was the result of years of negotiations, and we are acutely aware of the critical work performed by Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius toward its completion. Even though the agreement has several flaws, the international community must now be vigilant and steadfast in holding Iran accountable to fulfilling its commitments. In that spirit, we urge you during your visit to make clear to Irans leaders that before sanctions can be lifted and businesses can re-enter the Iranian market, they must first uphold their responsibilities under the JCPOA. This includes, among other steps, removing over two-thirds of Irans centrifuges and reducing its enriched uranium stock by 98%. As you know, until the IAEA certifies Iranian compliance, Tehran cannot receive sanctions relief. We the international community, led by the United States, France, and other major powers committed to global security must first ensure that Iran fully complies with its obligations. We appreciate your attention to this matter and wish you success in delivering this importa…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-the-passage-of-the-omnibus-appropriations-act	Delaney Statement on the Passage of the Omnibus Appropriations Act	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON - On Friday the House of Representatives passed an omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2016. Congressman John Delaney (MD-06) voted for this bill, which provides funding for the federal government as set by the Bipartisan Budget Agreement of 2015 which was passed earlier this year. This funding level is above the sequester-level caps, allowing many important programs to be funded at increased levels, like a $570 million increase for the Head Start program, increased funding for Contract Towers, and the reauthorization of the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund. It also extends the Renewable Energy Tax Credits. Congressman Delaney released the following statement: I voted for the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus appropriations bill, which included increased funding for programs critical to Marylanders, said Congressman Delaney. I was especially pleased to see funding for the Preschool Development Grants will be continued. Maryland received one of these grants, and it would have been terrible for young Marylanders if preschool expansion had not continued. Early education is one of my top priorities, which is why I introduced legislation this year to offer free pre-k to 4-year-olds across the country. In addition, our military personnel received a well-deserved 1.3% pay raise and funding for veterans services was increased by more than $6.4 billion over last year. The Fisher House, a program to help disabled veterans and their families that I have championed over the years, will receive a 25% increase in its funding. We must continue to do more and do better for our servicemembers and veterans. This spending bill also includes $150 million for WMATA. Thousands of Marylanders rely on WMATA for transportation and WMATA needs to continue to improve its safety and service. I was also pleased to see funding for the National Institutes of Health increased by $2 billion and funding for the National Institute of Standards and Technology increased by over $100 million. These agencies are doing critical work i…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-supports-omnibus-funding-bill-applauds-information-sharing	Ruppersberger Supports Omnibus Funding Bill, Applauds Information-Sharing Provision	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger	R000576	ruppersberger.house.gov	legacy	(Washington, D.C.) Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today voted in favor of the bipartisan $1 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2016, which included a cybersecurity information-sharing provision that he has championed for more than a decade. As an author of information-sharing legislation since 2011, Congressman Ruppersberger said the vote moves us one step closer to stopping increasingly-aggressive cyber attacks before they happen. I am relieved that Congress has finally taken a proactive step against the hackers, terrorists, organized criminals and even state actors who are getting better every day at stealing our information, Congressman Ruppersberger said. Our nations cyber warriors will now be able to tell Target, Home Depot, Sony and other companies when a cyber attack may be coming down the pike. We will also be in a much better position to protect critical infrastructure including our electric grids, phone lines and banking system. Congressman Ruppersberger and former House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers wrote the first cybersecurity bill that saw success in Congress. Their bill, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act, or CISPA, twice passed the House with large bipartisan majorities but stalled in the Senate last year. Like the omnibus provision that passed Thursday, CISPA created a voluntary system of sharing information on potential cyber threats between the public and private sectors. Congressman Ruppersberger was also responsible for securing $10 million for a new Department of Defense clinical research program designed to advance the treatment of trauma injuries both on and off the battlefield. The omnibus, which funds the government for 2016 and avoids a government shutdown, implements the Bipartisan Budget Agreement adopted by Congress in October. It makes strong investments in Congressman Ruppersbergers top priority areas including education, infrastructure, medical research and law enforcement.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2549	Hoyer Announces Fifth District Investments in FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Steny Hoyer	H000874	hoyer.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) today announced that the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (H.R.2029) passed by the House of Representatives included a number of investments that benefit the Fifth District and Maryland.The bill will also fund the Federal government through September 2016. While this is not a perfect bill and there are a number of provisions in it I do not support, Im pleased that Democrats and Republicans compromised and came together on an agreement that will keep the federal government operating, said Congressman Hoyer. This bill includes some important investments in Marylands future, ranging from education to modernizing our transportation infrastructure needs. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make stronger investments that benefit the Fifth District, our state and country, and to give budgetary certainty for the federalgovernment. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the General Services Administration (GSA) Includes $390 million to begin the initial design, engineering and construction of the new consolidated headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Prince Georges County has two sites that are on the shortlist of eligible sites for the new home of the FBI headquarters. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES Includes a provision to provide federal employees who were impacted by the Office of Personnel Management data breaches with 10 years of protection and up to $5 million in identity theft insurance. Also includes a 1.0 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2016 and a 0.3 percent locality pay adjustment. Congressman Hoyer represents 62,000 federal employees in the Fifth District. TRANSPORTATION Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA):Restores the federal commitment of $150 million for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) to help improve safety and the quality of service for the many Fifth District commuters who ride…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/-cardin-statement-on-wmata-and-public-transit-in-the-omnibus-and-tax-extenders-bills	Cardin Statement on WMATA and Public Transit in the Omnibus and Tax Extenders Bills	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2015 Cardin Statement on WMATA and Public Transit in the Omnibus and Tax Extenders Bills WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of theSenate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statementon annual fundingfor the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority(Metro) in the Omnibus spending bill and benefits to encourage the use of mass transit in the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 (tax extenders). "Metro is America's transportation system and we need to make sure it is safe, reliable and efficient. The federal government has long had a special responsibility to support Metro with adequate funding. Every year, millions of workers, students, tourists and business people ride Metro trains and buses. This includes Marylanders, Virginians, Washingtonians and masses from across the country who descend on the Nation's Capital for a variety of reasons. It also includes the federal workforce, which relies on Metro during their daily routines and emergencies. In the years since I helped craft legislation that provided a dedicated stream of funding for WMATA, Congress has fulfilled its commitment each year. I am proud to say that this year, once again, $150 million has been secured for WMATA to further its upgrades and bring safety to the forefront of its priorities. Metro has serious work ahead to restore trust and its dedication to safety and reliability, but we can be assured that lack of funding will not stand in their way of becoming the very best public transit system in the country. "In addition to its financial support for Metro, the Omnibus and the PATH Act put Congress on the record solidly in support of the use of public transit to ease traffic congestion and reduce dangerous air pollution from cars. The legislative package to be voted on shortly makes permanent the mass transit tax benefit, which provides enhanced pre-tax savings for workers who use public transit. Important for federal workers and mid…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-highlights-numerous-successes-on-civil-rights-law-enforcement-and-homeland-security-priorities-in-the-omnibus-spending-bill	Cardin Highlights Numerous Successes on Civil Rights, Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Priorities in the Omnibus Spending Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2015 Cardin Highlights Numerous Successes on Civil Rights, Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Priorities in the Omnibus Spending Bill WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today highlighted success on priority issues related to civil rights, the criminal justice system and homeland security in the Omnibus legislation to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2016. While expressing strong reservations about certain aspects of the emerging legislation, Senator Cardin called the government funding bill overwhelmingly positive for the nation, especially on civil rights, law enforcement and homeland security. The Omnibus bill's Senate report language includes language consistent with Senator Cardin's BALTIMORE Act; the End Racial Profiling Act; and the Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act. It directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to swiftly devise and submit plans to improve training levels in use of force, identifying racial and ethnic bias, and conflict resolution for state and local law enforcement officers. It urges DOJ to partner with national law enforcement organizations to promote consistent standards for high-quality training and assessment, and directs the agency to better collect state and local law enforcement data on use of force. The bill also provides $22 million in competitive grants for body-worn cameras for police officers. A cross-cutting majority of Americans want to see racial and discriminatory profiling outlawed, and the Omnibus legislation moves us away from the practice, said Senator Cardin. The reason for ending discriminatory profiling should be clear: Profiling is against the values that we as Americans stand for and fight to defend. It's counterproductive. We've also seen that it can be deadly. And body-worn cameras for police officers will help restore trust with the community. The Omnibus bill provides $3.4 billion for Federal Bureau of Investigation counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations; more than $50 million for…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-highlights-successes-on-energy-and-environment-in-omnibus-legislation	Cardin Highlights Successes on Energy and Environment in Omnibus Legislation	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2015 Cardin Highlights Successes on Energy and Environment in Omnibus Legislation WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today highlighted success in the areas of energy and the environment in the Omnibus legislation to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2016. While expressing strong reservations about certain aspects of the emerging legislation, Senator Cardin called the government funding bill an overall positive for the nation. This bill will provide stability in operations at federal agencies and improve investments in our federal workers, important to Maryland families and the effectiveness of agencies in accomplishing their missions, said Senator Cardin. These commonsense needs were neglected in the recent era of short-term budgeting, yet we must remain mindful of them if we are to inspire advances in energy security and safeguarding our natural environment. The Omnibus includes almost $28 billion for the Department of Energy, a $1.8 billion increase that restores $40 million for climate change research that House Republicans had attempted to cut. It expands funding for the Office of Science, the largest federal sponsor of basic research, by $279 million to $5.35 billion. And it provides $4.2 billion for the applied energy program a $432 million increase supporting research, development demonstration and deployment of a wide range of clean energy technologies. Thanks to hard-fought negotiations, the Omnibus preserves the ability of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up our water and air. It expands funding for the Department of the Interior by $1.74 billion, increases funding for our national parks by 9 percent and provides $481 million for the National Wildlife Refuge system, said Senator Cardin. If you're like me and like to hike on the C&O Canal towpath or explore the coastal marshes of Blackwater, this is big news. It's also huge that the Omnibus reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund for three years and funds i…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-investing-in-infrastructure-means-investing-in-jobs	Cardin: Investing in Infrastructure Means Investing in Jobs	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2015 Cardin: Investing in Infrastructure Means Investing in Jobs WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, today lauded passage of the Omnibus Appropriations Act by the Senate, which keeps the federal government operating through Fiscal Year 2016, providing predictability and stability for our states, businesses and all Americans. While expressing strong reservations about certain aspects of the emerging legislation such as the lack of offsets, Senator Cardin called the government funding bill overall positive for the nation and our economy. Senator Cardin: This appropriations bill will create jobs. For our economy and for the American people, investing in our country's physical infrastructure is one of the most important things that we can do beyond ensuring the safety and security of our nation. For Maryland, steady or even increased funding for our highways, railways and pedestrian walkways furthers development and will help tame the congestion within and around the National Capital Region. We're literally laying the foundation for the livability and economic development with investments in Amtrak, Metro and the prolific TIGER grants for multimodal projects. We've solidified funding for the wide-ranging transit programs in the recently passed transportation bill (FAST Act) and jumpstarted the pipeline for new health-related discoveries and development with an increase of $2 billion for the National Institutes of Health research programs. The funding legislation just passed by the Senate includes: $1.4 billion for Amtrak - $19 million more than FY15 $150 million for WMATA Funding for the FTA's New Starts program at $2.18 billion - $57 million more than FY15 $500 million in funding for the TIGER program $50 million for rail safety and infrastructure grants - $40 million more than FY15 Funding levels for transit/highway grants consistent with the increases …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-legislation-the-global-magnitsky-human-rights-accountability-act-approved-by-senate	Cardin Legislation, the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, Approved by Senate	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2015 Cardin Legislation, the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, Approved by Senate Cardin Legislation, the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, Approved by Senate Senator Cardin: Passage of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act in the Senate is a big victory for champions of human rights and freedoms. We are one step closer to ensuring that human rights violators cannot escape the consequences of their abusive and corrupt behavior. WASHINGTON The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, passed the Senate and now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. The bill would ensure human rights abusers and corrupt officials are denied entry into the United States and barred from using our financial institutions. The legislation would expand the Russia-specific sanctions in the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act to apply globally, and would make significant acts of corruption a sanctionable offense. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed this bill in July 2015. Passage of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act in the Senate is a big victory for champions of human rights and freedoms, said Senator Cardin. We are one step closer to ensuring that human rights violators cannot escape the consequences of their abusive and corrupt behavior. This bill allows the United States to shine a spotlight on human rights deniers and corrupt individuals who threaten the rule of law and attack fundamental human freedoms. The United States must maintain its global leadership in the fight against corruption and human rights abuses. The bill expands upon the Magnitsky Act, which became law in 2012 and placed sanctions on Russian officials responsible for the death of Sergei Magnitsky, an outspoken critic of the corruption exemplified by President Vladimir Putin and his g…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-omnibus-spending-bill-benefits-federal-workers	Cardin: Omnibus Spending Bill Benefits Federal Workers	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2015 Cardin: Omnibus Spending Bill Benefits Federal Workers WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement highlighting funding priorities for the federal workforce contained the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus spending bill. Excerpts from his remarks appear below. Audio and video are available for download. Many important agencies that are located in our state that now will have the resources they need to carry out their missions. The Census Bureau will receive a $228 million increase in their budget to start planning for the next census. The National Institutes of Health will get a $2 billion increase. That's the largest increase they've received since 2003. The work they do is lifesaving. The National Institute for Minority Health & Health Disparities received $278 million; this is an increase of $8.7 million over the FY 2015 enacted level of $271 million. This appropriations bill will save lives in the United States and around the world while creating jobs in Maryland. We know that the basic research done at NIH is so critically important to our economic growth. I'm pleased that in Baltimore, the Social Security Administration will get $150 billion for badly needed renovations to their facilities. The renovations are important for them to be able to carry out their critical mission. Mr. President, I've taken the floor many times to highlight how our federal workforce has made incredible sacrifices during these tough budget years. Although they didn't cause the deficit, they have been called upon over and over again to contribute by being denied pay raises, by being asked to pay more for their pension, by being asked to take on more responsibilities with less personnel. This budget is a reprieve from the past budgets. There's no punitive action against our federal workforce, and I'm pleased for that. The Omnibus provides a modest pay adjustment of 1.3%. Print …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-omnibus-spending-package-prioritizes-veterans-issues	Cardin: Omnibus Spending Package Prioritizes Veterans Issues	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2015 Cardin: Omnibus Spending Package Prioritizes Veteran's Issues WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today underscored the inclusion of key funding priorities related to veteran's issues in the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus spending bill. We have a solemn duty to provide for veterans who have served and sacrificed in defense of our freedom. I am committed to making sure that our veterans receive the services and benefits they have earned and the support they were promised and deserve. The Omnibus codifies our commitment to our veterans, said Senator Cardin. No veteran should ever experience homelessness, so I was especially pleased to see that $1.4 billion will fund grants to help homeless veterans find permanent housing. The federal funding we approved in the omnibus will support Maryland organizations like Way Station, The Baltimore Station, and the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVet). These organizations are on the front lines of the fight against veteran homelessness. The spending package also contains a hard-fought $7.5 billion in funding to provide mental health services to veterans. Our veterans deserve every possible tool we can provide to help ease their transition back to civilian life. For years, I have called on the VA to become more user friendly and responsive. This year, we approved $2.7 billion for improved claims processing and $290 million for a paperless claims processing system that should make progress in clearing the inexcusable backlog. Maryland veterans will also be helped by the allocation of $83.7 million for a replacement community living center in Perry Point, Md. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will receive $91.3 billion in mandatory funding and $71.4 billion in discretionary funding in the Omnibus. The Veterans Health Administration will receive $61.8 billion to ensure that the men and women who served this nation can access the quality care they deserve. Wounded warriors will benefit from the $12 …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-146-million-in-appalachian-regional-commission-funding-in-omnibus-spending-bill	Cardin Statement on $146 Million in Appalachian Regional Commission Funding in Omnibus Spending Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2015 Cardin Statement on $146 Million in Appalachian Regional Commission Funding in Omnibus Spending Bill WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of theSenate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement on the appropriation of $146 million to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in the Omnibus spending bill. This funding is at a level $56 million more than was appropriated in FY2015. The ARC is a relatively small but heavily impactful federal-state partnership that makes a real difference in the lives of Marylanders. These federal investments in people through training and infrastructure help Marylanders living in the western part of our state take an active and experienced-based approach to accessing and improving their skills, education, health services, economic development strategies and technology by connecting federal resources with local knowhow. It is that ability to leverage the unique strengths of the private sector, state, federal and local governments that makes ARC such an asset. I am pleased that Congress is providing ARC with the robust and reliable funding they need to better serve the people of Maryland. I am often impressed with the innovative, job creating programs administered by ARC and look forward to updates on how this funding is improving the quality of life in the region. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-unanimously-passes-electrify-africa-bill	Senate Unanimously Passes Electrify Africa Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2015 Senate Unanimously Passes Electrify Africa Bill Corker-Cardin-Rubio-Coons legislation will support 50 million people receiving access to electricity for the first time in sub-Saharan Africa, stimulate economic growth, improve access to education WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised Senate passage of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015 (S.2152), legislation that will leverage private sector resources through loan guarantees to help 50 million Africans access electricity for the first-time and add 20,000 megawatts of electricity to the grid by 2020. Providing access to electricity will stimulate economic growth while also improving access to education and public health. The bill also was cosponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). With limited foreign aid resources, we need to focus on innovative ways to tackle big challenges that can be self-sustaining and have a transformative impact on millions of lives, said Senator Corker. Leveraging private investment to bring reliable, affordable electricity to millions of people in Africa for the first time will be a real game changer in development throughout the region. By establishing an-all-of-the-above approach for expanding power generation in Africa through private capital, we can help reduce poverty and fuel economic growth. Access to electricity remains one of the fundamental development challenges in Africa, with direct impacts on public health, education, and economic growth, saidSenator Cardin. That's why this bipartisan legislation passed today draws upon American leadership and ingenuity to provide first-time access to clean, affordable, sustainable energy, and consultation with local African communities. By working with African governments to attract private sector investment and partnering…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-the-path-act	Delaney Statement on the PATH Act	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON -Today the House of Representatives passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015. Congressman John Delaney (MD-06) voted for this bill, which permanently extends enhancements to the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit for education expenses. It also permanently extends certain business tax provisions like the Research and Development Tax Credit and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. The bill also temporarily extends several tax provisions. Congressman Delaney released the following statement: Today I voted in favor of a permanent extension of the Child Tax Credit and the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit, which are critical to low- and moderate-income families. And permanently extending the tax credits for Research and Development and Section 179 expensing will help our businesses invest in growing our economy. The Research and Development tax credit will help Maryland businesses invest in technology and continue innovating, which will create new, high-paying jobs for Marylanders. While I dont agree with everything included in the PATH Act, I believed that it was important to make some of these provisions permanent which allow businesses and families to do the long-term planning they need to succeed. But our job on tax reform is far from done. We need comprehensive tax reform. While we dont expect to accomplish that next year, there is an opportunity to do international tax reform which will produce much-needed revenue for infrastructure investments and eliminate the incentive for U.S. companies to invert and move overseas. If we dont act soon on this, it will be too late. ##	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-the-release-of-the-maryland-commission-on-climate-change	Delaney Statement on the Release of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change Report	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON - On Wednesday the Maryland Commission on Climate Change called for the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2006 by 2030. The Maryland Commission on Climate Change (MCCC) was first established in 2007. It is a bipartisan group of business, environmental, labor, and government officials. A 2015 law requires the MCCC to report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly on the status of Marylands efforts to reduce climate change and on any recommendations. Congressman Delaney issued the following statement: The new report from the bipartisan Maryland Commission on Climate Change reaffirms the need for action and the dire consequences if we fail to properly address climate change, said Congressman Delaney. Ive worked on the federal level to tackle this problem by authoring a comprehensive plan to accurately price greenhouse gas emissions. I urge Governor Hogan to take this new report seriously and position Maryland to be a leader in green energy innovation and the job-creation that comes with this kind of investment. The Tax Pollution, Not Profits Act Establishes a federal tax on carbon pollution Places a tax on Green House Gas (GHG) emissions at $30 per metric ton of carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent in 2015, increasing each subsequent year at 4% above inflation. New carbon tax uses market forces and private sector innovation to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Businesses benefit from predictable, market-driven approach. Lowers the corporate tax rate and returns revenues to the economy The legislation reduces the corporate tax rate from 35% to 28%, helping companies mitigate higher energy costs and, importantly, makes U.S. companies more competitive. Increasing U.S. economic competitiveness in a global economy will lead to gains in job creation, economic growth and increased domestic investment. Helps Impacted Coal Industry Workers Creates a new multi-billion dollar aid program administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) to assist workers in the coal industry…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-supports-650-billion-in-tax-relief	Ruppersberger Supports $650 Billion in Tax Relief	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger	R000576	ruppersberger.house.gov	legacy	Gaithersburg, MD The Alliance for Biosecurity presented Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) with the Congressional Biosecurity Champion Award this morning. The award recognizes the leadership and actions taken by Members of Congress to improve U.S. national security, preparedness, and response for biosecurity threats.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-supports-650-billion-in-tax-relief-0	Ruppersberger Supports $650 Billion in Tax Relief	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger	R000576	ruppersberger.house.gov	legacy	(Washington, D.C.) Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today voted in favor of a tax extenders bill that includes $650 billion in tax relief for businesses and individuals, including $560 billion in permanent tax relief. The bill passed in a 318-109 vote, with 77 Democrats supporting the measure. While not perfect, this bill is a balanced package that provides much-needed relief to both businesses and families, Congressman Ruppersberger said. By making many tax breaks permanent, we are creating more jobs and more certainty when our economy can use it most. Id prefer to see the bill fully offset and to address tax reform comprehensively, but now is not the time to let key tax breaks that are helping families make ends meet such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the child tax credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit expire. These three credits alone are helping 24 million working families. As the author of legislation to increase the $1,000 child care tax credit and make it permanent since 2007, Congressman Ruppersberger was particularly pleased to see similar provisions in the legislation that passed Thursday. Child care is the second biggest expense working American families pay after mortgage or rent. Other highlights of the package include: The Research and Development Tax Credit will be made permanent. The Earned Income Tax Credit for low and moderate income workers will be enhanced and made permanent. The American Opportunity Tax Credit of $1,800 for various tuition and related expenses for the first two years of post-secondary education will be enhanced and made permanent. The deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers will be extended. Tax-free distributions from individual retirement plans for charitable purposes will be extended. The 20- percent employer wage credit for employees called to active military duty will be made permanent. The above-the-line deduction for qualified tuition and related e…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-finds-good-and-bad-in-the-omnibus-spending-bill	Cardin Finds Good and Bad in the Omnibus Spending Bill	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 17, 2015 Cardin Finds Good and Bad in the Omnibus Spending Bill WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) called the just-released Omnibus legislation to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2016 an overall positive for our nation, our environment and public health. Senator Cardin released the following statement, citing key successes of the bill, as well as areas of strong concern, while he continues to review the details of this comprehensive package. The federal government should not shut down again because of partisan wrangling. The American public and the federal workers who carry out policy and programs on their behalf, as well as American businesses who continue to push our economy into more positive territory, soon should have the predictability and peace of mind that comes from knowing federal programs and initiatives will be funded for the full fiscal year and without relying on short-term fixes to keep the government functioning. With this bill, we keep our promises to our veterans and their families, make key investments in our nation's public schools and higher education, protect victims of domestic violence and bolster programs for small businesses. And with a $2 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health, every Institute and Center would see an increase in the resources dedicated to support investments to advance science and speed the development of new therapies, diagnostics and preventive measures to improve the health of all Americans. Our dedicated federal workers, who have been needlessly under attack for so many years, should see a slight pay increase. This bill invests in our infrastructure through steady or increased funding for rail, roads and air travel, as well as Baltimore's harbor and other water resources nationwide. We provide full $150 million annual funding for Metro, make permanent a provision to encourage the use of public transit by employees and move one step closer to a fully consolidated headquarters for the Federal…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-one-year-anniversary-of-president-obamas-engagement-policy-with-cuba	Cardin Statement On One-Year Anniversary Of President Obamas Engagement Policy With Cuba	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 17, 2015 Cardin Statement On One-Year Anniversary Of President Obama's Engagement Policy With Cuba WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement marking the one-year anniversary of President Obama's engagement policy with Cuba. One year ago today, President Obama set forth a new course for U.S. policy towards Cuba grounded firmly in the belief that engagement represents the greatest opportunity to advance our national interests and support the Cuban people. With Alan Gross now home and the American flag once again flying over a U.S. Embassy in Havana, the United States and Cuba have opened channels of communication on law enforcement and counter narcotics cooperation, human rights, Internet connectivity, and longstanding property claims. As American business leaders, scientists, academics, and artists are increasingly engaging in purposeful travel to Cuba, they are forging important new relationships with the Cuban people and supporting the country's rising entrepreneurial class. The U.S. Congress should take steps to make the Obama Administration's advances permanent and lift all restrictions on American citizens traveling to Cuba. The dynamism of American society will make a positive contribution to empowering the Cuban people as they strive to build a brighter future for their country. The steps taken to date have resulted in small, but important changes on the island. However, I remain concerned that the Cuban government continues to jail political activists for exercising their rights to free expression and free assembly; restrict widespread Internet access and the emergence of a free press; and limit reforms that would demonstrate a respect for international labor rights. As the second year of renewed engagement is now underway, the Cuban government must make meaningful progress on these most essential matters.I remain committed to advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba, and am…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/twenty-one-democratic-senators-express-profound-concern-over-second-iranian-ballistic-missile-test-in-letter-to-president-obama	Twenty-One Democratic Senators Express Profound Concern over Second Iranian Ballistic Missile Test in Letter to President Obama	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 17, 2015 Twenty-One Democratic Senators Express Profound Concern over Second Iranian Ballistic Missile Test in Letter to President Obama WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Gary Peters (D-MI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bob Casey (D-PA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) expressed profound concern in a letter to President Obama regarding a second ballistic missile test conducted by Iran on November 21st. In the letter, the Senators write: We are deeply concerned by Iran's continued violations of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1929 by testing a second ballistic missile on November 21, 2015If there are no consequences for this violation, Iran's leaders will certainly also question the willingness of the international community to respond to violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and UN Security Council Resolution 2231. The letter sent to President Obama today by the 21 U.S. Senators appears below. Dear Mr. President: We are deeply concerned by Iran's continued violations of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1929 by testing a second ballistic missile on November 21, 2015. Once again, the international community has an opportunity to demonstrate its resolve in the face of Iranian violations of its international obligations. On December 15, a panel of expert monitors working on behalf of the United Nations Security Council reported that, "On the basis of its analysis and findings the Panel concludes that the Emad launch on October 10th is a violation by Iran of paragraph 9 of Security Council Resolution 1929." Unfortunately, some…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://harris.house.gov/press-release/congressman-andy-harris-applauds-nih-release-strategic-plan	Congressman Andy Harris Applauds NIH for Release of Strategic Plan	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	MD	Andy Harris	H001052	harris.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), the only physician member of Congress to have conducted research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), commended NIH Director Francis Collins today in releasing the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan. Dr. Collins deserves credit for listening to the will of Congress and preparing a strategic plan. NIH receives nearly thirty billion dollars a year, and yet up until now, it has had no NIH-wide strategic plan,said Dr. Harris.As we look for ways to fund more biomedical research, Congress needs to know NIH is wisely spending the money it currently receives. The plan outlines the main objectives for the NIH, as well as specific medical and research goals they hope to achieve over the next five years. It works to streamline the agency in order to enhance medical research and breakthroughs. This groundbreaking NIH-wide strategic plan is an important first step toward increasing accountability and resource prioritization at NIH. As this Congress works to increase funding for NIH, the strategic plan will provide a roadmap for where the additional investments should be made. The strategic plan also makes it clear that no disease deserves an automatic specific percentage of funding which is an important shift in policy. The commitment to young investigators, basic scientists, and innovative new funding models is particularly encouraging. I look forward to partnering with NIH to help the brilliant scientists funded by the NIH achieve this vision, added Dr. Harris. Dr. Harris, through both House Appropriations bill language and the House Energy and Commerce 21st Century Cures Act, has been urging the NIH to take this action. In May, Dr. Harris introduced H.R.2447 - to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for an NIH research strategic plan. Congressman Harris, a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that determines NIH funding, performed research into fetal cerebral blood flow while on the faculty at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-let-s-pass-assault-weapons-ban	Ruppersberger: Lets Pass Assault Weapons Ban	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger	R000576	ruppersberger.house.gov	legacy	(Washington, D.C.) Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today announced his support of legislation banning the sale, transfer, production and importation of assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. The Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 was introduced today following horrific mass shootings and terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, Colorado Springs, Sandy Hook, Newtown, Aurora and elsewhere across the country, all of which involved military-style firearms. When assault weapons or high-capacity magazines have been used in a shooting, the number of casualties has increased 63 percent. I strongly believe in the Second Amendment, but we also have a Constitutional responsibility to protect American citizens from harm, Congressman Ruppersberger said. Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines are the weapon of choice for mass shooters because their sole purpose is to inflict as much damage as possible as quickly as possible. A ban may not stop these attacks, but it will help drastically reduce the bloodshed. This will be even more important as we continue to fight domestic terrorism and radicalization such as the ISIS-related attack we saw in San Bernardino. Specifically, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 will prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of: Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a military-style feature that can accept a detachable magazine; Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a fixed magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds; Semi-automatic shotguns with a military-style feature; Any ammunition feeding device that can hold more than 10 rounds; And 157 specifically-named and listed firearms. The bill also sets new standards to prevent default proceeds the standard that allows firearms dealers to complete a sale if a buyers background check is not completed within three days.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-statement-mistrial-state-maryland-v-william-porter	Cummings Statement on Mistrial In State of Maryland v. William Porter	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Elijah Cummings	C000984	cummings.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. (December 16, 2015) Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) issued the following statement on the mistrial declared today by Judge Barry G. Williams in State of Maryland v. William Porter: It is my understanding that the jury in Officer Porters trial was deadlocked unable to reach a unanimous verdict of either guilt or innocence on all four charges. This is why Judge Barry G. Williams declared a mistrial. I have also been informed that the Baltimore City States Attorneys Office intends to retry Officer Porter. There will also be the trials of the other officers who have been charged. I know that many of my neighbors have been following this trial closely, and many may be disappointed by todays outcome. Each of us will continue to struggle with the very raw, very real emotions the death of Mr. Freddie Gray invokes. I commend Baltimore City States Attorney Marilyn Mosby in her efforts to pursue justice; the jurors for faithfully carrying out their civic duty; and all who have worked to ensure full and fair trials for each defendant involved. With the eyes of the world on Baltimore City, we must ensure that any protests that take place are peaceful, and we must ensure that the process of healing our community continues. We must continue to channel our emotions into strong, positive change, so that, as a city, we truly see our young men of color before it is too late. This is the road to more equal justice in our community.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2547	Hoyer Receives Congressional Fire Services Institute Legislator of the Year Award	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Steny Hoyer	H000874	hoyer.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DCToday, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) received the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) Legislator of the Year Award at the Phoenix Park Hotel in Washington, DC. Each year, CFSI chooses legislators who have made a significant contribution to the fire service to receive their Legislator of the Year Award. Congressman Hoyer currently serves as a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. I was humbled to receive this award today from the Congressional Fire Services Institute, said Congressman Steny Hoyer. As much as I am honored to be receiving it, what I am most honored to do is stand up for the courageous men and women of the fire services each and every day in Congress. They are the ones who deserve all the recognition. Ive been proud to serve as co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, working to ensure that the unique challenges of firefighters, EMS technicians, and their families are heard in the halls of Congress. I look forward to ensuring that our men and women of the fire services have the resources they need when responding to calls and I will keep fighting to secure funding for grant programs like Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) each year. I will also continue advocating for firefighters killed in the line of duty and for their families to receive the benefits they deserve. For 24 years, Congressman Hoyer has stood by the side of firefighters offering his support in so many different ways, said Dr. William F. Jenaway, President of the Congressional Fire Services Institute. We are honored to work with him and truly grateful for his continued support. CFSI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute designed to educate members of Congress about the needs and challenges of our nation's fire and emergency services so that the federal government provides the types of training and funding needed by our first responders.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2548	Hoyer Remarks at Press Conference Announcing Inclusion of $390 Million in FY16 Spending Bill for Fully Consolidated FBI Headquarters	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Steny Hoyer	H000874	hoyer.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) today joined U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, and Prince Georges County Executive Rushern Baker (all D-Md.) to announce the inclusion of $390 million in the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) division of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 as a major down-payment to begin the initial design, engineering, and construction of a new fully-funded consolidated headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The House is expected to vote on the bill on Friday. Below is a transcript of his remarks: I want to congratulate Senator Mikulski. We have been so advantaged to have someone in leadership on the United States Senate Appropriations Committee as chairman and as ranking member like Barbara Mikulski, who is so focused and has worked so hard in making sure that we accomplished the objective that the FBI wants to accomplish and that the Administration wants to accomplish and certainly we want to accomplish. Senator Cardin and Senator Mikulsi both worked closely with Governor Hogan as well. I think that bears further application because we had a press conference together and a meeting with Governor Hogan. He is 100 percent committed to this project. Governor OMalley, of course, dedicated resources to this project so this is a culmination of the initial effort to ensure that this project goes on the drawing board for full consolidation. We all emphasize full consolidation because partial consolidation will not achieve the ends of greater synergy for the FBI offices that will make them much more effective. Furthermore, I want to say to Rushern Baker: One of the reasons I think Prince Georges County is in the leadership of this is because of the integrity and the attention that Rushern Baker has brought to Prince Georges County. It is a county on the move. It is a county that is respected throughout the country for the programs and the policies that it offers and that is Rushern Bakers legacy…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/mitch-mcconnell-loses-campaign-finance-budget-fight	Mitch McConnell Loses Campaign Finance Budget Fight	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	Sarbanes, who led this year's effort to beat back the McConnell rider, says that Democrats who oppose efforts to roll back campaign finance limits learned from the 2014 episode. He made sure Democrats were prepared to voice their opposition to these amendments and that leadership would actively work to exclude them from a bill. "The difference between this year and last year is we got organized and got organized early," Sarbanes said.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/sarbanes-refloats-primary-care-physician-reentry-act	Sarbanes Refloats Primary Care Physician Reentry Act	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	"We have begun, wisely, to turn our healthcare system in the direction of prevention and primary care and delivery of care at the community level and that all make sense. But if you don't have enough caregivers, physicians in place to deliver those services then you aren't going to make progress on that overall vision," Sarbanes said in a recent phone interview.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-statement-on-retirement-rule-rider-left-out-of-omnibus-bill	Sarbanes Statement on Retirement Rider Left Out of Omnibus Bill	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) issued the following statement today after Democratic and Republican lawmakers announced that an agreement on this years spending bill would not include a controversial policy rider to upend the Department of Labors fiduciary rule: This is a tremendous win for hardworking Americans who are saving for retirement. Wall Street donors and lobbyists have thrown millions of dollars at Congress to block the fiduciary rule in an attempt to continue to allow unscrupulous financial advisors to ignore the best interest of their clients. Were going to continue fighting on behalf retirement savers to ensure that Americans are protected from unscrupulous financial practices. The Department of Labors soon-to-be finalized fiduciary proposal seeks to update the rules and requirements governing retirement advisors, making sure they operate in the best interest of their clients. Representative Sarbanes was joined in fighting to protect the DOLs rule by the Save Our Retirement coalition, which includes AARP, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Americans for Financial Reform, Better Markets, Consumer Federation of America and the Pension Rights Center. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-mistrial-in-freddie-gray-case	Cardin Statement on Mistrial in Freddie Gray Case	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 16, 2015 Cardin Statement on Mistrial in Freddie Gray Case WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) issued the following statement on the declared mistrial in the criminal case of Officer William Porter. The death of Freddie Gray was a tragedy that fueled a national conversation about the need for equal justice and expanded opportunities in the African-American community. We cannot bring Freddie Gray back to his family, but we as a community can work together to repair and rebuild the trust between our police and the neighborhoods they are sworn to protect and serve. As the trials related to Freddie Gray's death continue, let us join together to honor his memory by raising our voices in the name of peace and unity. We must push forward in the fight to make historic changes in our criminal justice system and simultaneously work to bring more economic development and economic opportunities to all corners of our city. I urge residents to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully. As this process unfolds, let us reject violence, vandalism or other actions that might hurt our communities and local businesses.I am committed to working closely with all of our federal partners to bring Baltimore the diverse resources it needs to fully mend the divisions in the city and ensure equal justice under the law and real opportunity for all its residents. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-hosts-entrepreneurship-workshop-in-rockville	Delaney Hosts Entrepreneurship Workshop in Rockville	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	ROCKVILLE - Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) hosted an Entrepreneurship Workshop Monday at the Universities of Shady Grove. Over 250 attended the workshop, which provided constituents with a one-stop-shop to meet with entrepreneurs and federal, state and local business organizations and advocates. The event featured Cabinet member Maria Contreras-Sweet, the top official and Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Rep. Delaney founded and led two successful businesses and is the only former CEO of a publicly-traded company in the House of Representatives. Delaney received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and his business, CapitalSource, provided over 5,000 small and mid-sized businesses with access to capital, helping them grow. Small businesses are jobs engines, innovation injectors and are essential to a strong economy and thats why its so important that we encourage entrepreneurship, said Congressman Delaney. Before coming to Congress, I was proud to work with entrepreneurs around the country and to provide capital to help thousands of businesses grow and create jobs. In Maryland and across the country, the talent is there, the expertise is there and the dedication is there, but we have to do more to help entrepreneurs succeed. To encourage small business growth, we need the right federal policies, we need the right state and local policies and we need to listen to business leaders and this workshop is designed to bring those voices together. My message to aspiring business owners is that you are not alone. Id like to thank Administrator Contreras-Sweet for coming to Rockville to meet with my constituents and thank all the individuals and organizations that participated. The overwhelming turnout for todays event shows that there is tremendous interest in entrepreneurship in Maryland and we should remain focused on creating the next generation of business leaders. Entrepreneurship is an essential ingredient for economic growth, a pathway out of poverty and a powerful tool f…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-adoption-of-the-iaea-board-of-governors-resolution-on-irans-nuclear-program	Cardin Statement On Adoption Of The IAEA Board Of Governors Resolution On Irans Nuclear Program	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 15, 2015 Cardin Statement On Adoption Of The IAEA Board Of Governors Resolution On Iran's Nuclear Program WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement following the adoption of the IAEA Board of Governors Resolution on Iran's nuclear program. The Resolution adopted today by the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors to close its investigation into the possible military dimensions (PMDs) of Iran's nuclear program leaves us with more questions than it does answers. What we do know is that Iran, through covert activities, attempted to advance a nuclear weapons program. During the investigation, however, Iran was not honest about its nuclear weapons program nor was the IAEA given unfettered access to all the people, places, and documents necessary for a comprehensive investigation into Iran's past activities. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-urges-maryland-general-assembly-leaders-support-universal-voter	Cummings Urges Maryland General Assembly Leaders to Support Universal Voter Registration Legislation	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Elijah Cummings	C000984	cummings.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. (December 14, 2015) Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) urged President of the Maryland Senate Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. and Maryland House Speaker Michael E. Busch to support universal voter registration legislation that has been pre-filed for the 2016 legislation session. In a letter to the Democratic leaders, Cummings wrote, I write today to express my strong support for the creation of a Universal Voter Registration program that would automatically add to state voting rolls all Maryland residents who are eligible to vote. Last week, State Senator Roger P. Manno (D-Montgomery) pre-filed legislation to implement Universal Voter Registration in Maryland. If passed, Maryland would be only the third state to adopt the policy. Cummings continued, I also believe that Maryland should seize every opportunity to be a national leader in eliminating all impediments that stand between eligible citizens and the voting booth. The Congressman noted that any Universal Voter Registration program must use data from several state sources, not just the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in order to identify citizens eligible to vote. More than 9 percent of U.S. householdsand 30 percent of Baltimore householdsdo not own a vehicle. Many Maryland residents who do not own cars have never obtained a drivers license and limiting a Universal Voter Registration program to the use of data collected by the MVA would exclude these individuals from the voter rolls, Cummings wrote. Click here to view the letter, the full text follows: December 14, 2015 The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. President of the Maryland Senate State House, H-107 Annapolis, MD 21401 The Honorable Michael E. Busch Maryland House Speaker State House, H-101 Annapolis, MD 21401 Dear President Miller and Speaker Busch: I write today to express my strong support for the creation of a Universal Voter Registration program that would automatically add to state voting rolls all Marylan…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2546	Hoyer Congratulates White Marsh Elementary School on Maryland Blue Ribbon Recognition	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Steny Hoyer	H000874	hoyer.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) congratulated White Marsh Elementary School in St. Marys County on its selection as a 2016 Maryland Blue Ribbon School by the Maryland State Department of Education. The school, located in Mechanicsville, was one of six Maryland public schools to receive the honor. I congratulate the administrators, teachers, staff, and students at White Marsh Elementary for their hard work, exceptional accomplishments, and dedication to education that has earned them this special honor as a Maryland Blue Ribbon School, said Congressman Steny Hoyer. Im proud that White Marsh Elementary has particularly excelled in Maryland and nationwide requirements in the areas of math and reading. I am encouraged that the work being done at this school will serve as a model for schools around the state in order to ensure that we are closing achievement gaps and opening pathways for success to all students. White Marsh Elementary will be invited by the U.S. Department of Education to apply to be a National Blue Ribbon School. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was founded in 1982 to recognize our nations top schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-statement-on-paris-climate-agreement	Sarbanes Statement on Paris Climate Agreement	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) issued the following statement today after representatives from 195 countries reached an agreement in Paris to reduce carbon emissions and to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius: "The historic agreement achieved in Paris this weekend is a defining moment in our effort to tackle global climate change. It will help minimize some of climate changes worst effects including severe drought, extreme weather, sea-level rise and nuisance flooding which many communities in Maryland and around the country already experience on a regular basis. The ambitious Paris agreement requires every nation developed and developing to commit itself to meaningful emissions reduction goals. It also creates a robust and transparent reporting system to ensure that all countries live up to their commitments. Importantly, the agreement presents an opportunity for the United States to pave the way in clean energy innovation. I am confident that with American ingenuity and with a deep sense of commitment from the public and private sectors, we can realize our carbon reduction goals and help other nations reach their targets as well. I want to congratulate President Obama, Secretary Kerry, chief negotiator Todd Stern, White House Climate Advisor Brian Deese and the entire U.S. negotiating team for their tireless efforts in reaching this tremendous agreement." ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-passes-cardin-measure-to-clarify-pension-rules-for-clergy-and-other-religious-institutions	Senate Passes Cardin Measure to Clarify Pension Rules for Clergy and Other Religious Institutions	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 14, 2015 Senate Passes Cardin Measure to Clarify Pension Rules for Clergy and Other Religious Institutions WASHINGTON The Church Plan Clarification Act of 2015 (S. 2308), authored by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), was approved by the Senate late last week. The bill, which clarifies the application of certain tax and retirement laws and regulations to the unique structures of church pension plans, heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Companion legislation (H.R. 4085) has previously been introduced. Retirement security should not be based on faith when you dedicate your working life to serving a church, synagogue or other religious entity. Many so-called church plans' date back to the 18thcentury. While their unique structures have been recognized by the law, our modern, complicated tax system hasn't always been accommodating,said Senator Cardin., said Senator Cardin. More than 1 million clergy, faith institution workers, and their dependents are closer now to having the well-deserved peace of mind that comes with the financial security during retirement that we wish for every American. In recognition of their unique status, most church retirement plans are exempt from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and are instead subject to special laws and regulations that reflect the distinctive issues that these plans and churches confront. Church retirement plans are subject to stringent state and federal laws and Church Alliance regulations, including state fiduciary standards, state contract law, and Internal Revenue Code requirements. Due to their distinctive structure, certain legislative and regulatory changes have unintentionally resulted in uncertainty and/or compliance issues for these plans. The Church Plan Clarification Act of 2015 corrects five legal/regulatory issues confronting church retirement plans: Controlled Group Rules Grandfathered Defined Benefit (DB) Plans Automatic Enrollment Transfers Between 403(b) a…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/fighting-back-against-big-money-politics	Fighting Back Against Big-Money Politics	2015-12-12	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	At the federal level, were also advancing real solutions that put everyday people back in charge of our democracy. Thats the idea behind H.R. 20, the Government By the People Act, a reform that would create a new way for candidates to fund their campaigns. Under this proposal, Americans would receive a My Voice tax credit for small-donor political contributions, enabling them to support a candidate running for Congress. Then, if that candidate agrees to voluntary contribution limits, H.R. 20 would boost each small donation using a Freedom From Influence matching fund. The combination of the tax credit, which allows more Americans to participate in the political process, and the matching fund, which amplifies the power of each voters donation, would empower the voices of everyday citizens against the special interests that dominate the political process.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/physician-retraining-bill-reintroduced	Physician Retraining Bill Reintroduced	2015-12-12	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) reintroduced a bill Thursday that would help train doctors who have stopped practicing return to the profession at a veterans' center, school or community center. The Primary Care Physician Reentry Act was introduced last year but stalled mostly because of partisan politics. The team is working now to get co-sponsors, including Republicans. There isn't much opposition to the act, a Sarbanes staffer said.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-praises-climate-change-agreement	Cardin Praises Climate Change Agreement	2015-12-12	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 12, 2015 Cardin Praises Climate Change Agreement BALTIMORE U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, the Ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, praised the agreement announced today at the COP 21 negotiations in Paris. U.S. leadership played a critical role in bringing the international community together to this moment and for this purpose, said Senator Cardin. We will ensure that progress prevails, that momentum continues and that commitments are respected. The Congress will not be a spoiler of this landmark agreement because the United States is acting in a manner fully consistent with existing U.S. law. No country is immune from the impacts of climate change and the scientific consensus is that failure to act at this moment in history will result in catastrophic impacts to the environment, global food security, and public safety. This is a once-in-a-lifetime agreement that 187 nations have developed together to forge cooperative solutions to the global climate crisis. The safety and security of future generations are at risk if this generation does not act responsibly. President Obama, Secretary Kerry, and the U.S. negotiating team ably led by Special Envoy Todd Stern deserve high praise for this effort and their success will benefit the entire world. Earlier this month, Sen. Cardin led a 10 member delegation of U.S. Senators who traveled to COP 21 for the Paris talks. The group attended the Climate Summit for Local Leaders at Paris City Hall and held meetings at Le Bourget, site of the climate negotiations. Bilateral meetings occurred with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, former Vice President Al Gore, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, the U.S. delegation participating in the climate talks, as well as contingents from other countries. Senators who participated in the trip to COP 21 included: Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Senator Ed Markey (D-Massac…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-delivers-floor-speech-in-support-of-cop-21	Cardin Delivers Floor Speech in Support of COP 21	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2015 Cardin Delivers Floor Speech in Support of COP 21 BALTIMORE U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, yesterday took to the floor of the United States Senate to support efforts underway at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) to avert the most disastrous impacts of climate change. Last weekend, Senator Cardin led of delegation of nine other U.S. Senators attending the COP 21 climate negotiations in Paris, France. An excerpt of his prepared remarks appear below: I was very proud of our delegation consisting of Senators Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Franken (D-Minn.), Markey (D-Mass), Merkley (D-Ore.), Udall (N.M.), Shaheen (D-N.H.), Booker (N.J.) Schatz (H.I.) and Coons (D-Del.). We were impressed that over 150 world leaders were in Paris showing their support for a successful outcome and recognizing the urgency of dealing with this issue. Whether we're talking about our own individual states, and I could talk about the people on Smith Island as they see their island disappearing or the health of the Chesapeake Bay, or my colleagues in the western part of this country could talk about the wildfires, the impact of climate change is happening now. Video of his remarks can be streamed here. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-announce-federal-funding-to-enhance-appalachian-regional-commissions-effectiveness-in-western-maryland	Cardin, Mikulski Announce Federal Funding to Enhance Appalachian Regional Commission’s Effectiveness in Western Maryland	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2015 Cardin, Mikulski Announce Federal Funding to Enhance Appalachian Regional Commissions Effectiveness in Western Maryland WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) has received a $50,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The funds will be used to support staffing for projects undertaken by the Maryland Department of Planning ARC Program Manager in Washington, Garrett and Allegany Counties. By connecting the resources of the federal government with impactful programs and development strategies on the ground, the Appalachian Regional Commission has made a real difference in Western Maryland, said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance and Environment and Public Works Committees.From 21st century job training, to infrastructure projects, broadband expansion and beyond, federal investment in the ARC means more jobs and meaningful growth in the region. This specific investment in Washington, Garrett, and Allegany Counties will allow the ARC to partner more efficiently with regional shareholders. Im on the side of rural communities, especially those that have lost manufacturing jobs in Western Maryland,Senator Mikulskisaid. Im proud to fight for federal investment in Maryland communities that attract new business, increased economic development and create jobs. ARC makes investments in jobs today and tomorrow to keep Maryland and America moving. ARC funds will partially cover of salaries for the program manager, other staff and operating costs. Operating costs include travel expenses to attend ARC meetings and visit current and potential projects in the region, supplies, and other office expenses. The program manager will oversee the preparation of the Annual Strategy Statement and the State Development Plan. The manager will also develop ten to fifteen area development projects and two to three access road projects for submission to ARC. Additionally, …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bill-takes-aim-at-primary-care-physician-shortages	Bill Takes Aim at Primary Care Physician Shortages	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	Rep. John Sarbanes reintroduced a measure aimed at combating the shortage of primary care physicians by supporting programs that retrain doctors who have left the profession. Participating doctors would be retrained and credentialed to work at VA medical centers, community health centers and school-based health centers.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/sarbanes-reintroduces-bill-to-bring-more-doctors-to-veterans-health-clinics	Sarbanes Reintroduces Bill to Bring More Doctors to Veterans Health Clinics, Community Health Centers and Schools	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.)recently introduced the Primary Care Physician Reentry Act, which would tackle Americas shortage of primary care physicians by supporting programs that retrain doctors to work in health centers that serve veterans, local communities and schools.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-on-eastern-shore-to-co-host-grants-workshop-for-non-profit-organizations	Cardin on Eastern Shore to Co-Host Grants Workshop for Non-profit Organizations	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2015 Cardin on Eastern Shore to Co-Host Grants Workshop for Non-profit Organizations WYE MILLS, Md. U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chesapeake Charities and the Maryland Governor's Grants Office today co-hosted a workshop at Chesapeake College that brought together a wide array of federal and state agencies with non-profit organizations to exchange ideas on crafting successful grant applications. Now more than ever, our state and nation rely on the good work and generosity of our non-profit organizations. Our workshop gave mission-driven organizations the chance to hear directly from grantmakers about what sets apart winning proposals, said Senator Cardin. We hope to help ensure the prosperity of these worthy organizations, and to help position them to continue playing critical roles in the Maryland communities they serve. This was a rare opportunity for Chesapeake Bay area nonprofits to learn directly from government agencies what grants are out there and the best ways to apply for them, said Linda Kohler, Executive Director of Chesapeake Charities. We are very grateful to Senator Cardin and his staff for recognizing the need for help and offering this special workshop. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-sec-proposed-rule-for-oil-and-mining-industries	Cardin Statement on SEC Proposed Rule for Oil and Mining Industries	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2015 Cardin Statement on SEC Proposed Rule for Oil and Mining Industries WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announcement of a proposed rule that would require resource extraction issuers to disclose payments made to the U.S. federal government or foreign governments for the purpose of commercially developing oil, natural gas or minerals.Senator Cardin, along with former SFRC Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), authored the Cardin-Lugar provision in Section 1504of Dodd-Frank to bring transparency and accountability to the extractive industries. Congressional intent was to lessen the risk for U.S investors and provide additional information so that citizens in resource-rich countries can hold their leaders accountable. America led the international community in promoting transparency in the extractive industry by adopting Cardin-Lugar but delays by the SEC and a spurious court challenge by the oil and gas industry have allowed other countries to surpass us. I am pleased to see the SEC moving forward this process of defining how publicly traded oil and mining companies should disclose their payments to governments. This provision is a critical part of the increased transparency and corporate responsibility that we are striving to achieve, said Senator Cardin. Secrecy breeds corruption and corruption can breed instability and violence in resource rich countries. Revenue transparency increases energy security and creates U.S. jobs by reducing the operating risks U.S. companies face in inherently unstable markets. I will be reviewing the proposed rule to ensure that it does meet the letter and spirit of Congressional intent. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-condemns-us-supreme-court-justice-antonin-scalia-s-comments	Cummings Condemns U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalias Comments in Fisher v. University of Texas	2015-12-10	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Elijah Cummings	C000984	cummings.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. (December 10, 2015) Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) issued the following statement condemning U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalias comments in Fisher v. University of Texas: Justice Antonin Scalias remarks regarding African American students ability to perform at elite universities are a disgraceful contemporary example of views that were typical of segregationists in pre-Civil Rights era America. Justice Scalias comments suggest that because some Black students struggle academically at the University of Texas, then all Black students should be tracked to attend schools that are less academically rigorous. His argument ignores the fact that many students of color do perform well at, and graduate from, the University of Texas every year. His argument begs the question about the many White students who struggle academically at the University of Texas. If you carry Scalias argument to its logical conclusion, then White students should also be stereotyped as a racial group and tracked en mass to a slower track. Scalias reasoning is not only illogical, it is dangerous, shortsighted and detrimental for our increasingly diverse nation. As recent events and an abundance of data show, the United States has not yet overcome the legacy of slavery and segregation that led to the creation of affirmative action in the 1960s. Affirmative action is a policy that remains as relevant today as it was then. African Americans and other people of color are taxpayers and deserve to have robust representation at state universities that they help to fund. It is insufficient and disingenuous for courts to single out race as a disqualifying variable when so many other variables and preferences are deemed acceptable in the university admissions process.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-reintroduces-bill-to-bring-more-doctors-to-veterans-health	Sarbanes Reintroduces Bill to Bring More Doctors to Veterans Health Clinics, Community Health Centers and Schools	2015-12-10	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today introduced the Primary Care Physician Reentry Act, which would tackle Americas shortage of primary care physicians by supporting programs that retrain doctors to work in health centers that serve veterans, local communities and schools. The bill would help medical schools, hospitals and nonprofit organizations provide training and education programs to physicians who have left medical practice for a variety of reasons, including to raise their families, to retire or for a career in administration or academia. Participating doctors would be retrained and credentialed to serve as primary care physicians at VA medical centers, community health centers and school-based health centers. Many communities across the nation are in need of qualified primary care physicians, said Congressman Sarbanes. This bill will help fill the doctor shortage in these communities by enabling qualified and well-trained physicians to reenter the medical workforce. The Primary Care Physician Reentry Act is supported by the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American Osteopathic Association, the Federation of State Medical Boards and the School-Based Health Alliance. To learn more about physician reentry, visit: http://physician-reentry.org/. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-honors-damascus-swarmin-hornets-in-congressional-record	Delaney Honors Damascus Swarmin Hornets in Congressional Record	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has submitted a statement honoring the Damascus High School Swarmin Hornets into the official Congressional Record. Damascus won the Maryland Class 3A State Football Championship last week in Baltimore. The Congressional Record is an official record of House and Senate proceedings and has been published since 1873. The Congressional Record is archived online and is distributed in print to each Congressional office. The statement honoring Damascus reads: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Damascus High School Swarmin Hornets for capturing the 2015 Maryland Class 3A State Football Championship last week in Baltimore. The victory by Damascus capped a perfect 14-0 season and is the schools eighth state championship. Id like to congratulate the Swarmin Hornets, Coach Eric Wallich and his staff, and everyone associated with the team who made this championship season possible. The Swarmin Hornets defeated Dundalk 55-14, a dominating victory that included a record-setting performance by running back Jake Funk, who broke the state mark for touchdowns in a championship game. The team also set the state record for the most points scored in a season. As the Washington Post headline made clear, the Swarmin Hornets left no doubt that they were the best team in the state. Importantly, the team reached these heights after facing adversity and heartbreak. Last season, the team was defeated in the championship game, but rebounded with an even stronger performance in 2015. That experience working together for months to persevere and accomplish a goal even after a painful setback will inform and inspire the young people who compose this team for years to come. The Damascus community is extremely proud of their team and their achievement, excellence and perseverance should be permanently reflected in the official record of the House of Representatives. ##	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-honors-fort-hill-sentinels-in-congressional-record	Delaney Honors Fort Hill Sentinels in Congressional Record	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has submitted a statement honoring the Fort Hill High School Sentinels into the official Congressional Record. Fort Hill won the Class 1A Maryland State Championship last week. The Congressional Record is an official record of House and Senate proceedings and has been published since 1873. The Congressional Record is archived online and is distributed in print to each Congressional office. The statement honoring Fort Hill reads: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of the Fort Hill Sentinels, an extraordinary group of young men from Western Maryland who have inspired their community and gained recognition across the state. This month, Fort Hill High School of Cumberland won their third consecutive state football title, winning the Class 1A Maryland State Championship. On December 5, the Sentinels defeated Havre de Grace 44-14 behind a powerful rushing attack and a strong defense. The Sentinels averaged over 10 yards per play, led by fullback Raen Smith who ran for 234 yards. Fort Hill is 40-1 over the last three seasons. The results produced by the Sentinels win after win after win for three seasons are a testament to their dedication, teamwork and intelligence, all qualities that we should celebrate. After winning the state title Coach Todd Appel told the Cumberland Times-News the team would be back in the weight room the next week, a testament to the hard work and commitment of the team. The achievement of the Fort Hill Sentinels should be recognized and recorded within the Congressional Record for posterity. Congratulations to the Fort Hill Sentinels, Coach Appel and his staff and everyone who played a part in this championship season. ##	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-heller-offer-no-cost-bipartisan-plan-to-expedite-home-based-therapy-services-for-medicare-patients	Cardin, Heller Offer No-Cost Bipartisan Plan to Expedite Home-Based Therapy Services for Medicare Patients	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2015 Cardin, Heller Offer No-Cost Bipartisan Plan to Expedite Home-Based Therapy Services for Medicare Patients WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) have joined together on a no-cost, bipartisan bill to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries receive timely access to essential home health therapy services. The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2015 (S. 2364) would allow occupational therapists to perform the initial home health assessment in cases in which occupational therapy is ordered by the physician, along with speech language pathology and/or physical therapy services, and skilled nursing care is not required. Delays in therapy can mean delays in recovery for seniors in need, said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee. By permitting occupational therapists to perform initial home health assessments in limited circumstances, the Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act can help prevent delays in Medicare beneficiaries receiving essential home health therapy services. This is especially important in areas where access to physical therapists and speech language pathologists may be limited. In states like Nevada with many rural communities, Medicare beneficiaries depend on in-home occupational therapy. Unfortunately, there are barriers prohibiting them from receiving needed-treatment. The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act is a simple fix that eliminates barriers, increases access, and reduces costs for those dependent on in-home health services, said Senator Heller. I am proud to work with Senator Cardin, and I look forward to working with him to move this important legislation through the Senate. The full text of the Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act of 2015 (S. 2364) can be found here. Occupational therapy is frequently ordered as part of a physicians plan of care for patients requiring home health services, and, under certain circumstances, an occupational therapist is allowed to perform the co…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-release-of-azerbaijani-rights-activist-leyla-yunus-from-prison	Cardin Statement on the Release of Azerbaijani Rights Activist Leyla Yunus from Prison	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2015 Cardin Statement on the Release of Azerbaijani Rights Activist Leyla Yunus from Prison WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the release of Azerbaijani rights activist Leyla Yunus from prison: Although I welcome todays release of Leyla Yunus from her unjust imprisonment in Azerbaijan, the fabricated charges against her remain in place. All charges against Arif and Leyla Yunus should be unconditionally dismissed. I strongly urge that she be provided the best medical care as her health has deteriorated significantly over the course of her detention. The imprisonment of the Yunuss on trumped up charges represent a troubling crackdown on civil society in Azerbaijan that has included the harassment and imprisonment of journalists, human rights defenders, and the attorneys that represent them. I welcome the release of Leyla Yunus today, but many other human rights defenders and civil society activists remain detained. I again urge Azerbaijan to provide an environment in which all Azerbaijanis are able to express freely their views and beliefs without recrimination or punishment. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-cardin-introduce-legislation-protect-state-and-local-witnesses	Cummings, Cardin Introduce Legislation to Protect State and Local Witnesses from Violence and Intimidation	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Elijah Cummings	C000984	cummings.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. (December 9, 2015) Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings and Senator Ben Cardin (both D-MD) introduced the Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2015, legislation that directs the U.S. Attorney General to award competitive grants to state and local governments to establish and maintain short-term witness protection programs in cases involving homicides, violent felonies, serious drug offenses, gang related crimes or organized crime. With the spikes in homicides weve been seeing this year in major cities like Baltimore, securing the safe cooperation of witnesses is more crucial now than ever, Congressman Cummings said. Without witnesses who feel safe working with police officers, the wheels of justice will come to a screeching halt. This legislation will help state and local governments provide the specific kinds of services needed to protect witnesses and ensure they feel safe enough to testify in court. Our criminal justice system is not working effectively when prosecutors are forced to choose between funding costly investigations and protecting witnesses, said Senator Cardin. This legislation will help ensure that prosecutors in Baltimore and elsewhere around the country at the state and local levels are equipped with the necessary resources to fight this epidemic that is poisoning our communities. Witnesses want to do the right thing and testify, but they need to know that they and their families are safe from harm. In January, The Washington Post reported that since 2004, at least 37 people in Washington, D.C. and Maryland have been killed for cooperating with law enforcement or out of fear that they might [cooperate]. In August, according to the New York Times, over 30 cities were reporting increases in violence from the year prior, and many large U.S. cities were seeing spikes in murders this year, including Baltimore, Maryland; New Orleans, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; St. Louis, Missouri; and others. According to the Baltimore Sun, there was a total of 211 homicides in Ba…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-tells-schools-to-take-it-outside	Congress Tells Schools to Take It Outside	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congress passed a new K-12 education law that empowers schools, promises more flexibility for states, and reduces the reliance on high-stakes testing in public schools while maintaining strong oversight of student achievement. Included in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a bipartisan bill that replaces the widely-criticized No Child Left Behind Act, is a key provision co-authored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) that will strengthen environmental education programs in schools across the country. The Reed-Sarbanes bill known as the No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Act authorizes funding to help states create environmental education plans and support outdoor learning programs and integrates environmental literacy activities into other key programs. The Every Student Succeeds Act will allow school districts to integrate environmental education into their programs for well-rounded education as well as their afterschool programs. The measure will support environmental education and hands-on, field-based learning experiences in participating schools nationwide. Reed and Sarbanes have been working together since 2007 to pass NCLI to help states and schools build environmental literacy programs, strengthen teacher training, and provide competitive grants to allow schools and non-profits to pay for quality outdoor education programs. Research by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that children who are allowed to get outdoors during the school day are more attentive in class and better off socially and physically. Environmental education can have a positive impact on kids health, academic achievement, and understanding of the natural world.This bill represents a major step forward, giving schools new opportunities to engage students through environmental education, said Senator Reed.Teaching children about the environment and giving them a hands-on opportunity to experience nature should be an important part of the curriculum in our schools.This new…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-introduces-bill-to-modernize-america-s-electric-grid	Sarbanes Introduces Bill to Modernize Americas Electric Grid	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today introduced the 21st Century Power Grid Act (H.R. 4206), a bill that would make Americas electric grid more efficient and secure. The legislation would empower the Department of Energy to support projects that improve grid performance and security through grant making and cooperative agreements. This includes the research, development and deployment of digital technologies, advanced communications and control systems, distributed energy resources, more resilient grid infrastructure, strengthened cybersecurity defenses and cost-saving mechanisms for consumers. Todays electric grid is outmoded and obsolete, making consumers vulnerable to higher utility prices and leaving us defenseless against the threat of cyberattack, said Congressman Sarbanes. Thats why improving grid reliability, flexibility, efficiency and security must be a top priority for this nation. Modernizing our electric grid is a win-win-win for consumers, for utilities and for the country as a whole. Its past time for us to upgrade our electric grid to meet current energy demands and security threats to our infrastructure, said Rep. Jerry McNerney. Modernization starts with funding innovative research and development of new technologies that boost reliability and efficiency, and promote better protection against cyber threats. As a former engineer and co-founder of the Grid Innovation Caucus, I believe this bipartisan legislation will benefit consumers and utilities, and will serve as a critical investment to secure our energy infrastructure for the future. Click here for more information about the 21st Century Power Grid Act. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/04/04/2018/cardin-statement-on-efforts-by-montenegro-to-join-nato	Cardin Statement On Efforts By Montenegro To Join Nato	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2015 Cardin Statement On Efforts By Montenegro To Join Nato WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the recent announcement by NATO extending an invitation for Montenegro to join the Alliance. I welcome the recent announcement that NATO will extend an invitation to the country of Montenegro. I strongly support this invitation and look forward to welcoming Montenegro into the Alliance at the Warsaw summit in July 2016. Last month's horrific attacks in Paris were a stark reminder of the new and evolving security threats that NATO members face. As we respond to these attacks, renewed Russian aggression in the East, and the influx of refugees, we must commit to reinforcing and expanding our core values by enhancing membership in our shared transatlantic institutions, anchored under NATO's security umbrella. Since its founding close to 70 years ago, the promise of NATO membership has motivated societies to improve not only their military capabilities, but their governance capacity as well. As NATO faces simultaneous crises along its eastern and southern flanks, we must ensure that the Alliance is equipped militarily toaddressthese threats, while also using the promise of NATO membership to encourage better governance in aspirant countries. I congratulate Montenegro on the significant steps it has taken in preparation for this moment and urge its continued progress on efforts to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law. Progress in these areas is critical for Montenegro's membership bid, and we will closely monitor their efforts. Welcoming Montenegro into NATO is recognition of its important reform work to date.In a region that has been held back by conflict and corruption, we must show that NATO's door is open to those who are willing to undertake the necessary reforms to join the Euroatlantic community. I commend all NATO for supporting Montenegro's bid and look forward to welcoming…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/2015/12/09/cardin-lauds-senate-passage-of-elementary-and-secondary-education-reauthorization-bill	Cardin Lauds Senate Passage of Elementary and Secondary Education Reauthorization Bill	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2015 Cardin Lauds Senate Passage of Elementary and Secondary Education Reauthorization Bill WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) issued the following statement after the Senate voted with an overwhelming bipartisan majority to approve S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The bill reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was first enacted by Congress 50 years ago, and replaces the 13-year-old No Child Left Behind Act. The vote was 85-12. Education is the great equalizer and it is incredibly important that all Maryland public schools are able to provide the same high-quality education to their students, regardless of a child's zip code. Enacted more than a decade ago, the No Child Left Behind Act had the best of intentions and a comforting name, but was beset with red tape and an over-reliance on assessments. The legislation we have just passed was the product of thoughtful work by Democrats and Republicans to put children before partisanship. The ESSA will allow states to develop accountability systems that more accurately represent student progress in the classroom, while still ensuring that students are held to the high-yet-achievable standard of being college- and career-ready upon completion of high school. I'm proud that the ESSA takes additional positive steps to ensure schools support the whole child, both physically and mentally. The approved bill includes an amendment I offered with Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) to allow schools in low-income areas to use federal resources under Title I to provide school-based mental health programs. School-based mental health programs have been proven to increase educational outcomes, decrease absences and improve student achievement. In an effort to ensure that all students future active participants in our civic society have a basic understanding of how our government functions, I was pleased to work with Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) to mod…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-cummings-introduce-legislation-to-protect-state-and-local-witnesses-from-violence-and-intimidation	Cardin, Cummings Introduce Legislation to Protect State and Local Witnesses from Violence and Intimidation	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 09, 2015 Cardin, Cummings Introduce Legislation to Protect State and Local Witnesses from Violence and Intimidation Washington Today, Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (both D-MD) introduced the Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2015, legislation that directs the U.S. Attorney General to award competitive grants to state and local governments to establish and maintain short-term witness protection programs in cases involving homicides, violent felonies, serious drug offenses, gang related crimes or organized crime. Our criminal justice system is not working effectively when prosecutors are forced to choose between funding costly investigations and protecting witnesses, said Senator Cardin. This legislation will help ensure that prosecutors in Baltimore and elsewhere around the country at the state and local levels are equipped with the necessary resources to fight this epidemic that is poisoning our communities. Witnesses want to do the right thing and testify, but they need to know that they and their families are safe from harm. With the spikes in homicides we've been seeing this year in major cities like Baltimore, securing the safe cooperation of witnesses is more crucial now than ever, Congressman Cummings said. Without witnesses who feel safe working with police officers, the wheels of justice will come to a screeching halt. This legislation will help state and local governments provide the specific kinds of services needed to protect witnesses and ensure they feel safe enough to testify in court. In January, The Washington Post reported that since 2004, at least 37 people in Washington, D.C. and Maryland have been killed for cooperating with law enforcement or out of fear that they might [cooperate]. In August, according to the New York Times, over 30 cities were reporting increases in violence from the year prior, and many large U.S. cities were seeing spikes in murders this year, including Baltimore, Maryland; New Orleans, Loui…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2545	Hoyer and the National Capital Region House Delegation Meet with New Metro General Manager	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Steny Hoyer	H000874	hoyer.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) hosted a meeting on Capitol Hill with the National Capital Region House Delegation and the new General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Paul Wiedefeld. Members in attendance included Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD), Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD), Congressman John Delaney (D-MD) and Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA). I was pleased to welcome Mr. Wiedefeld to Capitol Hill today to discuss his top priorities and plans to address some of Metros immediate challenges, said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD).I hope that he will take our Delegation concerns and those of our constituents into consideration as he works to improve the safety and quality of Metro services. I look forward to working with him and continuing to advocate for federal resources to ensure that Metro is a reliable source of transportation to commuters who ride Metro each day and to visitors who travel to our region. I believe Mr. Wiedefeld is serious about ensuring safety and restoring rider confidence in Metro, two of the chief concerns among our congressional delegation, said Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). We have now achieved federal safety oversight over WMATA, which we hope will help the agency turn a new page and meet the standards that our constituents are rightfully demanding. Congressman Van Hollen (D-MD) said, I thank General Manager Paul Wiedefeld for meeting today to discuss strategies for addressing the pervasive safety and service deficiencies at WMATA. My constituents expect Metro to be reliable and safe, and significant work must be done to meet that standard. I look forward to working with Mr. Wiedefeld to address rider frustrations and fix the system, and to working with my colleagues in the Congressional delegation to hold WMATA accountable. I was encouraged to hear Mr. Wiedefelds ideas for improving th…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dmv-house-delegation-meets-with-new-metro-general-manager	DMV House Delegation Meets with New Metro General Manager	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,the National Capital Region House Delegation met withthe new General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Paul Wiedefeld. Members in attendance included Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.), Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-Md.), Congressman John Delaney (D-Md.) and Congressman Don Beyer (D-Va.). I was pleased to welcome Mr. Wiedefeld to Capitol Hill today to discuss his top priorities and plans to address some of Metros immediate challenges, said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.).I hope that he will take our Delegation concerns and those of our constituents into consideration as he works to improve the safety and quality of Metro services. I look forward to working with him and continuing to advocate for federal resources to ensure that Metro is a reliable source of transportation to commuters who ride Metro each day and to visitors who travel to our region. I believe Mr. Wiedefeld is serious about ensuring safety and restoring rider confidence in Metro, two of the chief concerns among our congressional delegation, said Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.). We have now achieved federal safety oversight over WMATA, which we hope will help the agency turn a new page and meet the standards that our constituents are rightfully demanding. Congressman Van Hollen (D-Md.) said, I thank General Manager Paul Wiedefeld for meeting today to discuss strategies for addressing the pervasive safety and service deficiencies at WMATA. My constituents expect Metro to be reliable and safe, and significant work must be done to meet that standard. I look forward to working with Mr. Wiedefeld to address rider frustrations and fix the system, and to working with my colleagues in the Congressional delegation to hold WMATA accountable. I was encouraged to hear Mr. Wiedefelds ideas for improving the safety and quality of WMATA, said Congressman Sarbanes (D-Md.). With …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/blogs/on-the-house-floor-this-week-12715	On the House Floor This Week - 12/7/15	2015-12-07	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	This week, the House of Representatives is in session. The legislative calendar, including which bills are brought to the floor for a vote, is set by the Speaker of the House. If you have questions of concerns about any of these bills, please contact my office by email or call 202-225-2721. MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 On Monday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for Morning Hour debate and at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Suspensions (2 bills) S. 614 Federal Improper Payments Coordination Act of 2015 (Sen. Carper Oversight and Government Reform) H.R. 1321 Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 (Rep. Pallone Energy and Commerce) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2015 On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. Suspensions (13 bills) H.R. 2795 FRIENDS Act, as amended (Rep. Jackson-Lee Homeland Security) H.R. 3842 Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reform and Improvement Act of 2015, as amended (Rep. Carter (GA) Homeland Security) H.R. 3859 HSA Technical Corrections Act, as amended (Rep. Perry Homeland Security) H.R. 3869 State and Local Cyber Protection Act of 2015, as amended (Rep. Hurd Homeland Security) H.R. 3875 Department of Homeland Security CBRNE Defense Act of 2015, as amended (Rep. McCaul Homeland Security) H.R. 3578 DHS Science and Technology Reform and Improvement Act of 2015, as amended (Rep. Ratcliffe Homeland Security) H.R. 158 Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015, as amended (Rep. Miller Judiciary) S. 808 Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Sen. Thune Transportation and Infrastructure) H.R. 3750 First Responders Passport Act of 2015 (Rep. Issa Foreign Affairs) H.R. 3766 Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act, as amended (Rep. Poe Foreign Affairs) H.R. 2241 Global Health Innovation Act of 2015, as amended (Rep. Sires Foreign Affairs) Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2297 Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015(Rep. Royce Foreign Affa…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2544	Hoyer Statement on Renaming University of Maryland Football Stadium	2015-12-07	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Steny Hoyer	H000874	hoyer.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today following University of Maryland President Wallace Lohs recommendation to change the name of the universitys football stadium from Byrd Stadium to Maryland Stadium: I join in supporting calls from President Wallace Loh and student leaders to rename the University of Marylands football stadium. Given Harry Curley Byrds support for segregationist policies during his time as President of the University of Maryland, I believe the stadiums name is not in line with the universitys mission and its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. Our campus and its facilities should be a welcoming place for all. As a proud Terp alumni, I value that our university has been an example of progress, and we should continue that tradition as the flagship university of the University System of Maryland. I urge the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, who has the final authority to rename school buildings, to act promptly and to vote to rename the stadium.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/backlash-grows-over-mcconnells-campaign-spending-measure	Backlash Grows Over McConnell's Campaign Spending Measure	2015-12-05	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	In a letter sent to leaders in both House and Senate late Thursday, 115 House Democrats said that such a change to the current rules governing political party spending would greatly increase the power of a select group of wealthy donors who are capable of contributing large sums to the political parties. Urging the leaders to reject McConnells idea, the letter -- circulated by Reps. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) and John Sarbanes (D-Md.) -- said that including the measure in the year-end bill would only further surrender the party apparatus to the influence of millionaires and billionaires.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/blogs/delaney-to-hold-entrepreneurship-workshop-december-14-in-rockville	Delaney to Hold Entrepreneurship Workshop December 14 in Rockville	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	On Monday December 14 Congressman John K. Delaney will host an Entrepreneurship Workshop with local entrepreneurs and national, state and local business advocates. The workshop will take place at The Universities at Shady Grove at 4:30-7:00 PM. The event is free to attend and open to the public. To register for the Entrepreneurship Workshop, click here. WHO: Rep. John K. Delaney, Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates WHAT: Entrepreneurship Workshop WHERE: The Universities of Shady Grove, Conference Center, 9639 Gudelsky Dr, Rockville MD 20850 WHEN: Monday December 14, 4:30-7:00 PM The event will be an opportunity to hear from federal, state and local leaders in business including: The top official at the Small Business Administration, Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet George H. Harrop, Managing Director of Small Business Lending of CapitalSource Christy Wyskiel from Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures Evelyn Rodgers, a local entrepreneur who founded Pinky & Pepe's Grape Escape in Gaithersburg The Maryland Women's Business Center The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce and The Maryland Small Business Development Center Constituents seeking more information on the event can call Rep. Delaneys office at 301-926-0300.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-votes-for-surface-transportation-bill-citing-benefits-of-infrastructure-investments-but-highlights-major-flaws-in-funding-mechanisms	Cardin Votes for Surface Transportation Bill Citing Benefits of Infrastructure Investments, but Highlights Major Flaws in Funding Mechanisms	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 04, 2015 Cardin Votes for Surface Transportation Bill Citing Benefits of Infrastructure Investments, but Highlights Major Flaws in Funding Mechanisms We have missed an opportunity here to stick to the user pays principle with regard to the federal gasoline excise tax. WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that has oversight responsibility for major portions of surface transportation programs funded by the federal government, praised the conferees for reaching an agreement on a five-year transportation bill but issued a stern warning about the flaws in the final accord. Senator Cardin's full statement on adoption of the Conference Report to H.R. 22, Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), can be found here. I congratulate the House and Senate conferees for reaching an agreement; I know it has been an arduous process. The reauthorization contains many good provisions and provides five years of desperately needed funding for our Nations crumbling transportation infrastructure. I will vote for the Conference Report. But I will do so with serious reservations about how this bill is funded. Our surface transportation infrastructure is a crucial component of our national security and economic competitiveness. Reauthorizing our surface transportation programs used to be a relatively routine matter; now, it is becoming harder and harder to do and we are relying more and more on gimmicky funding mechanisms. These are worrisome precedents. Senator Cardin praised the bill for retaining Americas commitment to transportation alternatives: This bill includes more than $4 billion for bike and pedestrian infrastructure, making our roads safer for everyone who uses them. My bill creating a dedicated program for non-motorized safety is also included in the reauthorization, which will support things like bike safety tr…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/ten-us-senators-arrive-in-paris-to-attend-cop-21-climate-talks	Ten U.S. Senators Arrive in Paris to Attend COP 21 Climate Talks	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 04, 2015 Ten U.S. Senators Arrive in Paris to Attend COP 21 Climate Talks Delegation of Democratic U.S. Senators to Express their Strong Support for Climate Talk Negotiations PARIS Ten U.S. Senators arrived in Paris on Friday to attend the COP 21 climate talks that are now underway. The Senate delegation, led by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), will attend the Paris talks and participate in a series of events and bilateral meetings with world leaders in support of achieving solutions to the challenges of climate change. On climate change, we are approaching a now or never moment. U.S. leadership has played a critical role in bringing us to this time in history and we will not walk away from this global opportunity. No country is immune from the impacts of climate change if we fail to act. No future generation will be protected if this generation does not act responsibly, said Senator Cardin, the Ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The Paris agreement will help create jobs in America and around the world. It will continue to diversify and strengthen economies, as well as protect public health and the environment. Participating U.S. Senators include: Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Senator Tom Udall (D-New Mexico), Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Senator Al Franken (D-Minnesota), Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey). The delegation will attend the Climate Summit for Local Leaders at Paris City Hall and hold meetings at Le Bourget, site of the climate negotiations. Bilateral meetings are scheduled with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, former Vice President Al Gore, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2543	Hoyer Speaks at Collective Empowerment Group's 20th Anniversary Platinum Celebration	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Steny Hoyer	H000874	hoyer.house.gov	legacy	UPPER MARLBORO, MD Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) delivered brief remarks last night at the Collective Empowerment Groups 20th Anniversary Platinum Celebration in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The event honored several individuals including Senator Barbara Mikulski. I join in congratulating last nights honorees for exemplifying the values the Collective Empowerment Group has successfully promoted over the past two decades, said Congressman Steny Hoyer. For 20 years, the Collective Empowerment Group has been working hard to bring opportunities to those who need them, whether through financial literacy and homeownership workshops, support for public health programs, education programs, gun buy-backs, and advocacy for a higher minimum wage. As I continue to work with my colleagues in the Maryland delegation on these issues at the federal level, we will continue to rely on the Collective Empowerment Group as our local partners in carrying forward this critical work. I applaud their members for everything they do to improve lives and bring hope to those seeking a better tomorrow, and I look forward to continuing to perform this work together in the months and years ahead. The Collective Empowerment Group brings together Prince Georges County and Washington, D.C. area pastors and church members to focus on financial literacy, education, healthcare, homeownership preservation, public safety and public policy.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/democrats-oppose-new-effort-to-loosen-campaign-finance-rules	Democrats Oppose New Effort to Loosen Campaign Finance Rules	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	Reps. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) are circulating a letter among Democrats calling on congressional leaders to oppose the inclusion of a provision that would allow political parties to spend unlimited money on coordinated expenditures with candidates. The letter, which will be sent to McConnell, along with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.),has 113 signatures so far.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-conference-highway-bill-woefully-deficient-missed-opportunity-for	Delaney: Conference Highway Bill Woefully Deficient, Missed Opportunity for Economic Growth	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON The House considered today a new conference Highway Bill, the FAST Act, legislation that broadly maintains current federal investment in infrastructure for the next five years. The legislation, which passed the House, patches the funding gap in the Highway Trust Fund with a variety of one-time offsets, including contracting out IRS services, selling off a portion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, using revenues from the Federal Reserve and increasing customs fees. Over the last three years Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has led the effort to rebuild Americas infrastructure and create millions of new jobs by using revenues from international tax reform. Dozens of members from both parties have endorsed this approach. Delaneys Infrastructure 2.0 Act (H.R. 625) adds $120 billion to the Highway Trust Fund as opposed to the $70 billion added by the FAST Act and creates a new $50 billion dollar infrastructure fund to finance state and local projects nationwide. A five-year highway bill is better than more short-term patches and budgetary chaos, but we should not fool ourselves into thinking that Congress has achieved a great victory with this legislation. While it is good that we will have infrastructure funding certainty for the next five years, the funding levels are woefully deficient. Instead of using revenue from international tax reform, which would be massively pro-growth, eliminate the incentive for U.S. companies to invert or continue to keep their profits overseas, and provide funding for higher levels of infrastructure investment, were using a hodgepodge of budget gimmicks, said Congressman Delaney. This bill abandons the huge opportunity we have before us to create jobs and build a world-class level of infrastructure that our domestic businesses need and that will attract new investment into our economy. We cant wait another five years to solve this problem and I will continue to work with my colleagues to build support for a pro-growth solution that creates jobs. The time to invest in o…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-leads-letter-calling-for-increased-funding-for-refugee-screening-and	Delaney Leads Letter Calling for Increased Funding for Refugee Screening and Resettlement	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) led a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees calling for more resources to be dedicated to refugee processing in the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. I believe we have the capabilities to speed up the process to accept refugees from places like Syria so that it doesnt take 18-24 months. These are people in need and as a country we have the ability to accept more innocent people fleeing ISIS. However to accomplish this, we need to provide the agencies vetting refugees with enough resources to expedite the process while maintaining effective screening procedures. That is why I am requesting supplemental funding to ensure the appropriate agencies have the necessary resources to both improve and expedite the refugee screening process to address this humanitarian crisis, said Congressman Delaney. The letter was authored by Delaney and signed by 30 additional members of Congress and was sent to Sen. Thad Cochran, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations; Sen. Barbara Mikulski, Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations; Rep. Hal Rodgers, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and Rep. Nita M. Lowey, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Appropriations. The text of the letter is below: Dear Chairman Cochran, Vice Chairwoman Mikulski, Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey, We have all seen and heard about the horrors Syrians have faced due to civil war and terrorism. Millions have fled their homeland in the hopes of seeking safety. While the United States has a thorough system in place for screening at-risk refugees, it is lengthy and not as efficient as it could be for low-risk refugees. Most Syrians first register with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year before a very select few are referred to the United States for our own stringent checks, which on average, take between 18-24 months. W…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-democrats-warn-against-anti-environmental-riders-in-omnibus-secure-votes-to-sustain-presidential-veto	Senate Democrats Warn Against Anti-Environmental Riders in Omnibus, Secure Votes to Sustain Presidential Veto	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 03, 2015 Senate Democrats Warn Against Anti-Environmental Riders in Omnibus, Secure Votes to Sustain Presidential Veto Anti-environmental riders should have no place in the FY16 spending package WASHINGTON Nearly two-thirds of the Senate Democratic Caucus, led by Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, are urging Senate appropriators to keep out and remove anti-environmental policy riders in forthcoming legislation to fund the federal government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2016. The senators also are calling on President Obama to veto any omnibus spending package that includes policy riders that threaten environmental and public health by weakening or eliminating laws protecting air, land, water and wildlife. With the added support of Democrats in leadership positions, the senators are in a position to sustain a presidential veto, if needed. At stake is access to clean water and clean air across our country, said Senator Cardin. After enduring previous government shutdowns and the crippling effects of sequestration, the American public is justifiably tired of divisive ideology and loyalty to special interests that threatens public health and the environment. We thought the two-year budget deal passed last month signaled a potential end to such gridlock. Anti-environmental riders that cater to special interests or reflect individual members distaste for certain agencies should have no place in the FY16 spending package. Mother Nature and the public health face enough external threats; Congress should not be one of them. In the letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Vice Chairwoman Mikulski (D-Md.), the senators wrote, Unfortunately, many of the appropriations bills approved this year have included deeply divisive policy riders that have no place in must pass legislation or in complicating the b…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-warren-issue-staff-report-finding-expiration-critical-tax	Cummings, Warren Issue Staff Report Finding Expiration of Critical Tax Credits Could Push Hundreds of Thousands of Maryland Residents into Poverty	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Elijah Cummings	C000984	cummings.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. (Dec. 3, 2015) Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Senator Elizabeth Warren issued a staff report on the benefits of the child tax credit (CTC) and the earned income tax credit (EITC) for Maryland families. The staff report warns that unless Congress acts, the expiration of these tax credits will push millions of American families nationwide, and thousands in Maryland, into poverty. Every child deserves an opportunity to grow and flourish, but childhood poverty robs millions of American children of that opportunity, Cummings said. If Congress is going to give Wall Street billions of dollars in tax breaks, we have the moral obligation to also make permanent the expanded child tax credit and earned income tax credit, which lift millions of American families out of poverty every year. In Maryland alone, the expiration of these tax credits could push 114,000 children into poverty. It is shameful that in 2015, in the richest country on Earth, millions of kids are growing up in abject poverty. ... but we know how to give these children a better start in life, said Warren. We hand out tax breaks to big corporations nearly every year, because Washington works great for these big corporations. But millions of working Americans will be plunged into poverty if we dont extend their tax breaks too. Congress should make tax breaks for working families permanent and it should expand them before committing to any package of corporate tax giveaways. Key findings of the report include: Tens of thousands of Maryland families and children are at risk of losing tax credits: Statewide, 158,000 families and 315,000 children are at risk of losing tax credits if key provisions in the EITC or CTC expire. The expiration of these tax credits could push 243,000 people including 114,000 children into poverty in Maryland alone. Cuts will cost middle- and low-income families with children the equivalent of months worth of groceries, utility bil…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-sarbanes-deutch-and-more-than-110-members-call-on-congressional	Reps. Sarbanes, Deutch and More Than 110 Members Call on Congressional Leadership to Walk Away from Controversial Campaign Finance Rider	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressmen John Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Ted Deutch (D-Fl.) today led more than 110 Members of Congress in penning a letter to House and Senate leadership in an effort to fight back against an attempt to include a controversial campaign finance rider into this years omnibus spending bill. As negotiations over the omnibus agreement continue, we urge you to resist any attempt to include a controversial campaign finance provision relaxing political party coordination limits, the Members wrote. This change would be a travesty coming on the heels of last years erosion of the limits on big donor contributions to the parties. Americans have a right to expect that political parties and candidates will answer to them, but this change in the law would only further surrender the party apparatus to the influence of millionaires and billionaires. Moreover, the 114th Congress has not held one hearing, commissioned a single study, nor investigated in any serious way the impacts of changing the current coordination rules governing political party spending. We owe it to the American people to ensure that any proposal to change our campaign finance laws be subject to deliberative study and public debate. Click here for a full copy of the letter. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/the-fast-act-conference-report	The Fast Act Conference Report	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 03, 2015 The Fast Act Conference Report Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) and the Conference Report we will be considering shortly to accompany the surface transportation reauthorization bill, which is called the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). First, I am pleased to see that this bill provides five years of funding for our Nation's transportation infrastructure. That is the kind of long-range certainty our state and local officials and the private sector need to plan transportation infrastructure projects in a thoughtful and responsible way. While there are many excellent provisions in the bill, I do have significant concerns about the way our Nation's surface transportation infrastructure is being funded. First, I will speak about the policy within the bill. I am pleased that the Conference Committee has retained this Nation's commitment to transportation alternatives. This bill includes more than $4 billion for bike and pedestrian infrastructure, making our roads safer for everyone who uses them. My bill creating a dedicated program for non-motorized safety is also included in the reauthorization, which will support things like bike safety training programs for both bicyclists and drivers, again making our streets safer for all who use them. Furthermore, the Section 5340 bus program has been kept intact. This program is for high-density areas like Baltimore and Washington, DC, which cannot simply widen a road to accommodate extra travelers. The FAST Act provides more than $2.7 billion to high density areas. This is significant for Maryland in particular. Over the life of this bill, Maryland should receive more than $4.4 billion in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding combined. That is an extraordinary amount of funding for a State that sorely needs it. I am concerned, however, that the FAST Act undermines the public input, environmental analysis, and …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-corker-outline-iran-nuclear-deal-oversight-plan	Cardin, Corker Outline Iran Nuclear Deal Oversight Plan	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 03, 2015 Cardin, Corker Outline Iran Nuclear Deal Oversight Plan Send Letter to President Obama Detailing Congressional Oversight Required by Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in a letter to President Barack Obama presented their plans for ongoing oversight of the Iran nuclear deal, or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that was reached in July with members of the P5+1 and Iran. Full text of the letter is included below and is available online here. Dear President Obama: Thank you for providing senior Administration officials for public hearings, classified briefings, and numerous consultations during the period of Congressional Review of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Your engagement with Congress was important in informing our deliberations and assessment of the JCPOA. As the JCPOA with Iran moves toward Implementation Day, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will initiate a rigorous program to ensure effective Congressional monitoring and oversight of this agreement as well as its regional and nonproliferation implications. We hope that your Administration will remain committed to engaging Congress going forward. In anticipation of this program, we request that you make available Administration witnesses to testify in public hearings and provide classified briefings. The Committee anticipates holding the following hearings at to-be-determined dates: December 2015: Hearing on the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Report on Possible Military Dimensions of Iran's Nuclear Program. This report will be due to the IAEA Board of Governors by December 15, 2015. This is a significant milestone toward the JCPOA's implementation and thus merits a public discussion and debate. We request that the Lead Coord…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-applauds-passage-of-every-student-succeeds-act	Delaney Applauds Passage of Every Student Succeeds Act	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON Wednesday the House passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (S. 1177), a bipartisan and bicameral conference agreement. The legislation replaces No Child Left Behind and is designed to ensure all students have access to high quality education, improve accountability, help states target low-performing schools and at-risk students and provide resources for states to increase teacher quality and professional development. Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) voted for the legislation, which was supported by leading education, teacher and business groups. The legislation also authorizes the Preschool Development Grants program, a competitive grant program to support state-based early childhood education. In September, Delaney introduced The Early Learning Act (summary below), legislation that provides states with funding to establish or expand pre-k programs. Delaneys legislation will give parents nationwide the ability to enroll their children in free pre-k. I am pleased to see Congress work together on major legislation that updates our education policy around a clear goal: making sure that every kid in America, wherever they live, has access to a world-class education, said Congressman Delaney. After fourteen years, it was time to replace the outdated No Child Left Behind law with new legislation that reflects current needs and draws on the insights gained over the last decade and a half. I believe the Every Student Succeeds Act strikes the right balance between maintaining high levels of accountability, while moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. Importantly, this legislation focuses on reducing the achievement gap by helping states improve low-performing schools and targeting funds to at-risk populations. I am encouraged that the legislation also expands our investment in early education, an area in which we must do more, which is why I will continue to build support for my Early Learning Act, which creates nationwide free pre-k for all. The Early Learning Act (H.R. 3542) Universal, High Quali…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-k-12-education-bill-passes-house-will-strengthen-environmental	New K-12 Education Bill Passes House, Will Strengthen Environmental Education	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a bipartisan bill that replaces the widely-criticized No Child Left Behind Act and includes numerous policies to improve K-12 education across the country including one provision introduced by Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) that would bolster environmental education programs for young students. ESSA is a tremendous victory for advocates of environmental education whove fought long and hard to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards with outdoor, hands-on learning programs, said Congressman Sarbanes. I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing a comprehensive education reform package that has immense benefits for students, teachers and schools across the country. The environmental education provision contained in ESSA comes from the No Child Left Inside Act (NCLI), a bipartisan bill authored by Congressman Sarbanes that is designed to enhance American students environmental literacy. First introduced in 2007, NCLI was reintroduced this year in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Sarbanes and Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) with the support of 41 original co-sponsors. It was also reintroduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.). NCLI would provide federal grant funding for teachers who design and implement environmental education programs in, and importantly, outside of the classroom. By encouraging new environmental curricula, the bill would also cultivate partnerships and strengthen relationships between school districts, colleges, environmental nonprofits, parks and other community-based organizations. ESSA is expected to pass the Senate next week and advance to the Presidents desk, where he is expected to sign it into law. In addition to improving environmental education, the bill contains a number of reforms that will help provide American students with a high-quality, twenty-first century education, including: Hel…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-explores-innovative-approaches-to-family-health-care-at-greater-baltimore-medical-center	Cardin Explores Innovative Approaches to Family Health Care at Greater Baltimore Medical Center	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 02, 2015 Cardin Explores Innovative Approaches to Family Health Care at Greater Baltimore Medical Center WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) this week joined the leadership and employees of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) HealthCare system to tour the recently updated Family Care Associates facility and to meet with GBMC staff and board members to discuss the continued evolution of the American healthcare system. We know that the Affordable Care Act is working, but need to ensure that it continually evolves to best meet the needs of Maryland communities. To do this, we must learn from the experiences of those on the front lines of healthcare delivery, like the professionals at GBMC who are committed to providing top-notch care, said Senator Cardin. GBMC's new approach to family medicine includes several enhancements to the patient experience, along with some truly thoughtful measures to promote staff satisfaction and collaboration. As our national healthcare system evolves, GBMC has been able to maintain its status as a provider of the highest quality medical care to our community. We have transformed our philosophy and organizational structure and developed a model system for delivering patient-centered care, said Dr. John B. Chessare, President and CEO of the GBMC HealthCare system. The GBMC Family Care Associates office has no waiting room. Patients go straight to an exam room after stopping at a greeter station. As such, the office is the GBMC system's first physical embodiment of truly patient-centered care design. It offers patients the privacy of being in a single wellness room for their physician appointments, lab work and other clinical processes. Designed using the concept of lean production, a concept popularized by Toyota and Boeing, the facility promotes efficiency for patients and providers alike. Based on my ongoing conversations with medical practitioners and the patients they serve, I have and will continue to shape legislative prop…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-mass-shooting-in-san-bernardino	Cardin Statement on the Mass Shooting In San Bernardino	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 02, 2015 Cardin Statement on the Mass Shooting In San Bernardino WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement: I send my most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to families who have been impacted by this latest scourge of gun violence. I thank the first responders who are tending the wounded and placing their lives on the line to bring the perpetrators to justice. Once again, America is reeling after reports of another mass shooting. Once again, we will learn the names and stories of victims who were killed or injured for no other reason than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Once again, I ask why? Not only why did this happen, but why do the most common sense solutions seem out of reach despite the growing bloodshed? We must be outraged by these shootings. We cannot allow such violence to become merged into the background of daily life as we know it. There has been a mass shooting in this country at a rate of nearly one a day for almost a year. Now is precisely the time to get serious about taking steps to reduce the frequency of these horrible attacks. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-urges-hungarian-government-dont-build-tribute-to-architect-of-hungarys-anti-jewish-laws	Cardin Urges Hungarian Government: Dont Build Tribute to Architect of Hungarys Anti-Jewish Laws	2015-12-02	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 02, 2015 Cardin Urges Hungarian Government: Don't Build Tribute to Architect of Hungary's Anti-Jewish Laws WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism, and Intolerance for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, issued the following statement regarding plans by the Hungarian government to fund a statue honoring Balint Homan, one of the architects of Hungary's anti-Jewish laws and member of the Arrow Cross regime. I am deeply distressed that the Hungarian Government, even during their year-long chairmanship of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, continues to shamelessly whitewash history. Plans to honor a man known as the architect of Hungary's anti-Jewish laws come on the heels of the erection of the much criticized occupation memorial' in Budapest last year and while controversies about the government's alternative Holocaust museum remain unresolved. Plans to build a tribute to Balint Homan cannot be reconciled with Prime Minister Viktor Orban's stated policy of zero tolerance' for anti-Semitism. I urge Hungary to end the rehabilitation of anti-Semitic figures and to disavow efforts to honor members of the murderous wartime regime. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-and-becerra-introduce-plan-to-protect-taxpayers-rights	Cardin and Becerra Introduce Plan to Protect Taxpayers Rights	2015-12-01	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	December 01, 2015 Cardin and Becerra Introduce Plan to Protect Taxpayers' Rights WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Xavier Becerra (D-CA), theHouse Democratic Caucus Chairman anda member of the House Ways & Means Committee, today introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives the Taxpayer Rights Act of 2015 (S. 2333/H.R. 4128). The Act aims to improve Internal Revenue Service (IRS) services and procedures and to protect the rights of all U.S. taxpayers. The Taxpayer Rights Act codifies 10 primary taxpayer rights; strengthens programs and other rules related to the preparation of tax returns; improves IRS lien and levy procedures, including procedures related to retirement accounts; and enhances the ability of the Office of the National Taxpayer Advocate to further aid and protect taxpayers. The provisions of the Taxpayer Rights Act are drawn from recommendations included in the National Taxpayer Advocate's Annual Reports to Congress. The Act also builds on the Portman-Cardin Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, which, among other things, created the National Taxpayer Advocate and improved the IRS's lien and collection practices to better protect taxpayers. Americans of all income levels deserve to know their basic rights as taxpayers and that the federal government, including the IRS, is protecting those rights, said Senator Cardin. Our current tax system is complicated and the Taxpayer Rights Act will ensure that U.S. households with modest means have access to quality return preparation, along with the same knowledge and protection of their rights as other U.S. households. We have an obligation to strengthen the financial security and privacy of taxpayers. "Any discussion of tax reform needs to include ideas to boost access to IRS service and information, especially for modest income Americans, to help taxpayers complete one of their most important financial t…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/blogs/on-the-house-floor-this-week-113015	On the House Floor This Week - 11/30/15	2015-11-30	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	This week the House of Representatives is in session. The legislative calendar, including which bills are brought to the floor for a vote, is set by the Speaker of the House. If you have questions of concerns about any of these bills, please contact my office by email or call 202-225-2721. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2015 On Monday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30 p.m. Suspensions (9 bills) S. 611 Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act (Sen. Wicker Energy and Commerce) H.R. 3490 Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act (Rep. Ratcliffe Judiciary) H.R. 3279 Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act, as amended (Rep. Collins Judiciary) H.R. 1755 Amending title 36, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the congressional charter of the Disabled American Veterans, as amended (Rep. Miller (FL) Judiciary) H.R. 2288 Removing the use restrictions on certain land transferred to Rockingham County, Virginia, and for other purposes (Rep. Goodlatte Natural Resources) H.R. 1541 Amending title 54, United States Code, to make Hispanic-serving institutions eligible for technical and financial assistance for the establishment of preservation training and degree programs (Rep. Grijalva Natural Resources) H.R. 2212 Taking certain Federal lands located in Lassen County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Susanville Indian Rancheria (Rep. LaMalfa Natural Resources) H.R. 2270 Billy Frank Jr. Tell Your Story Act (Rep. Heck (WA) Natural Resources) S. 1170 Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Sen. Feinstein Oversight and Government Reform) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015 AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK On Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business, with last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m. On Friday, no votes are expected i…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-welcomes-launch-of-mission-innovation	Cardin Welcomes Launch of Mission Innovation	2015-11-30	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	November 30, 2015 Cardin Welcomes Launch of Mission Innovation WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a senior member of Environment and Public Works Committee welcomed the launch of Mission Innovation in Paris by President Obama, President Hollande, and other world leaders. Mission Innovation is a game changer with the potential to create brand new energy technologies that can revolutionize the world, said Senator Cardin. The possible breakthroughs in five years thanks to this groundbreaking U.S.-led effort should create new, clean, reliable and affordable energy projects spurring economic development and improving global energy security. Mission Innovation is an international effort supported by governments of 20 countries, while the Breakthrough Energy Coalition is comprised of renowned international private investors led by American Bill Gates, who will offer critical early stage capital to worthwhile energy initiatives. This public-private effort is unparalleled in scope, ingenuity, and progressive thinking and underscores the U.S.'s firm international commitments to improve access to affordable clean energy technology solutions. For the Department of Energy led so skillfully by Secretary Moniz, at our National Laboratories, cutting-edge research universities and scientific incubators nationwide, the future is now and it must be seized. Mission Innovation is an initiative spearheaded by 20 countries representing 80 percent of global clean-energy research and development budgets. These nations, including the United States, have committed to double their investments in clean, affordable, and reliable new technologies. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/a-campaign-finance-reform-proposal-for-the-people	A Campaign-Finance Reform Proposal for the People	2015-11-24	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	Sarbanes says his bill would give people the feeling their voice matters and help to restore faith in government. People can see themselves in it, he told the editorial board. Thats an important goal for any political reform. Congressional Republicans should allow a full discussion of this proposal.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-statement-on-senator-mikulski-receiving-the-presidential-medal	Sarbanes Statement on Senator Mikulski Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom	2015-11-24	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) issued the following statement today after Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Americas highest civilian award: "As the longest-serving female member of the U.S. Senate, Senator Mikulski has not only been a staunch advocate for Marylanders but also a champion for working families across the country. I count myself among the many people who have been, and who continue to be, inspired by her commitment to public service. Senator Mikulskis legacy will extend long beyond the time she leaves office. Her unwavering fight for equality, her tireless work expanding access to health care and higher education and her dedication to the people of Maryland will endure for generations to come." ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-toomey-legislation-supporting-emergency-psychiatric-care-headed-to-president-for-signature	Cardin-Toomey Legislation Supporting Emergency Psychiatric Care Headed to President for Signature	2015-11-23	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	November 23, 2015 Cardin-Toomey Legislation Supporting Emergency Psychiatric Care Headed to President for Signature WASHINGTON A bill introduced by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) to extend the duration of a demonstration program that allows individuals with chronic mental illnesses to seek the help they need without becoming stuck in the revolving door of emergency room visits, relapses, jail, homelessness, and death, is now on track to be signed into law. The just-passed S. 599, Improving Access to Emergency Psychiatric Care Act of 2015, will allow Medicaid to provide matching funds to states to reimburse the treatment of severely mentally ill individuals between the ages of 21 and 64 at psychiatric hospitals with more than 16 beds. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) was an original cosponsor of the legislation. Representatives John Sarbanes (D-Md.-03) and Susan Brooks (R-Ind.-05) were lead sponsors in the House. Too often Americans with emergency mental health needs are unable to receive the care they need due to bureaucratic red tape, said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care.This bipartisan legislation helps ensure individuals in crisis are treated like patients, and not warehoused or -- as is too often the case -- ignored. By working with the states, the federal government can be a partner in saving lives as well as vital resources. A psychiatric bed shortage is causing many severely mentally ill individuals to go without medical treatment, and instead, winding up in prison or on the streets. Our bipartisan, budget-neutral legislation continues an important demonstration project that helps the mentally ill access quality, life-saving care from freestanding psychiatric hospitals, said Senator Toomey. In 2010, Congress authorized this demonstration project to alleviate the shortage of psychiatric beds in 11 states and the District of Colombia by allowing federal Medicaid matching payments to freestanding psychiatric…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-death-of-american-aid-worker-and-maryland-resident-anita-datar-in-mali	Cardin Statement on the Death of American Aid Worker and Maryland Resident Anita Datar in Mali	2015-11-21	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	November 21, 2015 Cardin Statement on the Death of American Aid Worker and Maryland Resident Anita Datar in Mali BALTIMORE U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the death of American aid worker and Maryland resident Anita Datar who was killed during the terrorist attack in Mali on November 20th. "A week of horrifying violence overseas is now painfully felt here at home in Maryland. Anita Datar strove to make the world a better, more compassionate place. Her work was important as she summoned the best of American values and ideals. Her contributions in Mali and to the international community will live on and I hope her family can seek some solace during this painful time knowing that she lived a life of meaning." ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/mikulski-cardin-delaney-announce-50000-in-rural-development-funding-for-garrett	MIKULSKI, CARDIN, DELANEY ANNOUNCE $50,000 IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING FOR GARRETT COUNTY	2015-11-20	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin, together with U.S. Representative John Delaney (all D-Md.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDARD) has awarded the Town of Deer Park in Garrett County $50,000 in federal grant funding for the purchase of a new utility service vehicle. Rural communities need a government on their side when it comes to upgrading and maintaining critical infrastructure, said Senator Mikulski, Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds USDARD. These federal funds will help keep families and businesses on the go by helping the Town of Deer Park clear roads and bridges of snow and debris when severe weather strikes. Rural Marylanders deserve to have roads that are clear in the winter and clear all year round, and this federal grant will help ensure that those who live in Garrett County have both,Senator Cardin said. USDA investments like these in our local communities promote productivity and public safety. Ensuring well-maintained streets and emergency routes is critical to keeping Marylanders safe during severe weather and Im pleased to see the federal government investing in Garrett County, said Congressman John K. Delaney (Md.-06). This grant, through the USDA Rural Development Grants, will help provide funds to maintainthe infrastructure in Western Maryland and prepare for the winter weather ahead. The Town of Deer Park will use this federal funding to purchase a new utility vehicle with a plow and a dump bed, so they can better maintain streets and keep emergency routes open during the inclement weather. The Rural Development grant program was created to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. The program helps support essential services and infrastructure improvements, and promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-delaney-announce-50-000-in-rural-development-funding-for-garrett-county	Cardin, Mikulski, Delaney Announce $50,000 In Rural Development Funding For Garrett County	2015-11-20	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	November 20, 2015 Cardin, Mikulski, Delaney Announce $50,000 In Rural Development Funding For Garrett County WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, together with U.S. Representative John Delaney (all D-Md.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDARD) has awarded the Town of Deer Park in Garrett County $50,000 in federal grant funding for the purchase of a new utility service vehicle. Rural Marylanders deserve to have roads that are clear in the winter and clear all year round, and this federal grant will help ensure that those who live in Garrett County have both,Senator Cardin said. USDA investments like these in our local communities promote productivity and public safety. Rural communities need a government on their side when it comes to upgrading and maintaining critical infrastructure, said Senator Mikulski, Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds USDARD. These federal funds will help keep families and businesses on the go by helping the Town of Deer Park clear roads and bridges of snow and debris when severe weather strikes. Ensuring well-maintained streets and emergency routes is critical to keeping Marylanders safe during severe weather and I'm pleased to see the federal government investing in Garrett County, said Congressman John K. Delaney (Md.-06). This grant, through the USDA Rural Development Grants, will help provide funds to maintainthe infrastructure in Western Maryland and prepare for the winter weather ahead. The Town of Deer Park will use this federal funding to purchase a new utility vehicle with a plow and a dump bed, so they can better maintain streets and keep emergency routes open during the inclement weather. The Rural Development grant program was created to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. The program helps support essential services and infrastructure improvements, and promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses throu…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-the-american-safe-act	Delaney Statement on the American SAFE Act	2015-11-19	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	John Delaney	D000620	delaney.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON- Congressman John K. Delaney voted for the American SAFE Act (H.R. 4038), which would require the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and relevant national security agencies to ensure that each refugee receives a thorough background investigation before U.S. refugee admission. This legislation does not prevent the U.S. from safely accepting refugees that have been carefully screened. Delaney releases the following statement: Regarding Syrian refugees, we should not have an arbitrary cap of 10,000, we should expedite the screening of women and children, and the screening process should be of the highest standard. My vote today reflects that belief. ##	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/floor-statements/ruppersberger-issues-statement-on-legislation-addressing-syrian-and-iraqi	Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Legislation Addressing Syrian and Iraqi Refugees	2015-11-19	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger	R000576	ruppersberger.house.gov	legacy	As a lawmaker who has dedicated the last 12 years to working on issues of national security, I have spent thousands of hours in classified briefings on threats both domestic and abroad. I have traveled to dozens of terrorism hotspots around the globe, meeting with foreign dignitaries and our intelligence workers on the front lines. No one more strongly believes that our first and most important responsibility is the protection of all Americans. We must always scrutinize any foreigner who wants to enter our country for any reason. Today, the highest level of security screening of any category traveler or immigrant belongs to refugees. Those screenings involve health checks, biometric tests to confirm identity and multiple layers of background checks along with in-person interviews by specially trained Department of Homeland Security officers. The process involves not only DHS but the National Counterterrorism Center, the FBIs Terrorist Screening Center, the State Department and the Department of Defense, each of which must certify the refugees status at every stage. If a refugees background or identity cannot be confirmed at any point, their application ends. Syrian refugees receive an additional layer of screening, culminating in a process that usually takes 18 to 24 months before they set foot on U.S. soil, if they are even approved. As a security expert, I know that most terrorists already live in the U.S. or they come via illegal means. But it would be far easier for terrorists to enter the country legally on a tourist visa or through the visa waiver program if they are citizens of eligible nations, including France and Belgium, which is where the Paris attackers were citizens. It is important to note that the legislation under consideration today in the U.S. House of Representatives applies only to Syrian and Iraqi refugees but not refugees from other countries with known terror networks including Yemen, Nigeria and Afghanistan. I am not convinced this bill would protect our country from foreign enemies any …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2541	Hoyer Delivers Remarks at Inauguration Ceremony for USM Chancellor	2015-11-19	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	Steny Hoyer	H000874	hoyer.house.gov	legacy	BALTIMORE, MD Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) today delivered remarks at the inauguration ceremony for University System of Maryland (USM) Chancellor Robert L. Caret. Dr. Caret joined the University System of Maryland as its fourth chancellor on July 1, 2015. I was proud to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. Robert Caret today as the University System of Marylands fourth chancellor, said Congressman Steny Hoyer. For Dr. Caret, this is in many ways, a homecoming. He served the cause of higher education in Maryland so ably for more than a quarter-century as a distinguished member of the faculty, administrator, and president of Towson University. I very much look forward to working with him and his team to ensure that the University System has all the Federal resources it needs to continue graduating the next generation of leaders for our state and country. There are so many exciting things ahead for the University System, with new opportunities in science and technology research as well as efforts to make our campuses safer, more diverse, and charged with the energy of discovery and innovation, continued Congressman Hoyer. Brit Kirwan did an outstanding job of making this University System one of the best in the world and a point of immense pride for all Marylanders. Now we place the work into Dr. Carets hands, with great hope for the future and anticipation for even greater things to come. Congratulations again to Dr. Caret, and to all the students, faculty, and staff of the University System on this beginning to what I am certain will be the next chapter of extraordinary growth and opportunity for higher education in Maryland. Before joining the USM as chancellor, Dr. Caret was president of the University of Massachusetts System (UMass). Dr. Caret was president of Towson University from 2003 to 2011, where he also served as a faculty member, dean, executive vice president, and provost during his 29-year tenure.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/helping-seniors-access-the-benefits-they-deserve	Helping Seniors Access the Benefits They Deserve	2015-11-19	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	This past weekend, I held a Seniors Benefits Workshop at the Pikesville Public Library (pictured below). With help from the Social Security Administration, we were able to provide seniors with valuable information about Social Security and Medicare benefits. We also offered one-on-one sessions with my staff to assist seniors with individual benefits claims and questions. If you or a family member needs help with accessing seniors benefits and could not make the event, please contact my office at (410) 832-8890. Sincerely, Congressman John P. Sarbanes Maryland's Third Congressional District	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/democrats-highlight-global-efforts-to-combat-climate-change-ahead-of	Democrats Highlight Global Efforts to Combat Climate Change Ahead of Paris Negotiations	2015-11-19	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	John Sarbanes	S001168	sarbanes.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. The effects of climate change are being felt worldwide, impacting every corner of the planet and every sector of the global economy. With the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP21) just two weeks away, more than 150 countries, representing roughly 90% of global emissions, have already submitted plans for reducing carbon pollution to the United Nations, and over 80 companies from across the American economy have pledged their support for action on climate change. Despite this overwhelming support from the international and business communities, Congressional Republicans continue to bury their heads in the sand by refusing to hold even one hearing on climate change or commonsense policy proposals ahead of this historic summit. With House Republicans refusing to acknowledge the threats that climate change poses globally, Energy and Commerce Democrats, along with members of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), convened a forum to hear directly from the international community. The forum, entitled Global Solutions to Climate Change, was led by Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy and SEEC Co-Chair. Also in attendance were Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-18); Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01); Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09); Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-06), SEEC Co-Chair; Rep. John Sarbanes (MD-03); Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-09); Rep. Joe Kennedy III (MA-04); Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17), SEEC Vice-Chair; and Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02). Climate change is one of the toughest challenges the world has faced, and no nation is immune from its impacts, said Congressman Tonko. To that end, every nation must be a part of the solution. The United States can and should be a strong leader in this effort, and we must build upon the progress already made as we stand on the eve of a historic global conference on climate change in a few weeks. That's what we heard today. I thank our panelists, Energy and Commerce …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/bicameral-coalition-aims-to-clarify-pension-rules-for-clergy-and-other-religious-institution-workers	Bicameral Coalition Aims To Clarify Pension Rules For Clergy And Other Religious Institution Workers	2015-11-19	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	November 19, 2015 Bicameral Coalition Aims To Clarify Pension Rules For Clergy And Other Religious Institution Workers WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rob Portman (R-OH), both members of the Senate Finance Committee, along with Representatives Pat Tiberi (Ohio-12) and Richard E. Neal (Mass.-01), both members of the House Ways and Means Committee, have introduced the Church Plan Clarification Act of 2015 (S. 2308/H.R. 4085) to support the retirement security of our nation's clergy, church lay workers, and their families. The Church Plan Clarification Act clarifies the application of certain tax and retirement laws and regulations to the unique structures of church pension plans. The Senate legislation is cosponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Senate Member of the Joint Economic Committee. Retirement security should not be based on faith when you dedicate your working life to serving a church, synagogue or other religious entity, said Senator Cardin. Many church plans date back to the 18th century, and our complicated tax system hasn't always kept up with the times. More than 1 million clergy, faith institution workers, and their dependents deserve the peace of mind that comes with the financial security during retirement that we wish for every American. Those who dedicate their life to serving a church, synagogue or other religious organization should be able to have peace of mind when they retire, Senator Portman stated. Our bill will make important reforms to ensure financial security for those who have devoted their lives to faith. Unintended consequences created by our overly complex tax code could impact the retirement security of more than one million clergy and lay workers at faith institutions across the country, said Congressman Tiberi. This bill would correct these inequalities to ensure that those who spend their lives working in the name of their faiths have the same retirement security as their private-sector counterparts. This common sense …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-launches-second-annual-high-school-app-challenge-for-local	Ruppersberger Launches Second Annual High School App Challenge for Local Techies	2015-11-18	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger	R000576	ruppersberger.house.gov	legacy	(Timonium, MD) Are you a tech-savvy high school student who dreams of being the next Mark Zuckerberg? Have an idea for the next Candy Crush or Instagram? Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger is inviting area high school students to compete in his second annual Congressional App Challenge. The academic competition, which is open to all high school students who reside in Marylands Second Congressional District, requires students to create an original software application for mobile, tablet or other computer device on a platform of their choice. The challenge is part of a national effort established by the U.S. House of Representatives to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) innovation. Winners will be selected by a panel of local judges and their apps will be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building with other winning entries from around the country. Experts believe the U.S. may be short as many as 3 million high-skilled workers by 2018 so a smart student knows that many of the jobs of the future are in the STEM fields, Congressman Ruppersberger said. If we want to maintain our countrys competitive edge, we have to invest in our youth today and help them hone these necessary skills. This contest is a great way to do that. The deadline for submissions is January 23. More details on submitting a contest entry, the rules of the competition, and helpful programming resources for both students and teachers can be found on Congressman Ruppersbergers website, www.dutch.house.gov.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-welcomes-the-launch-of-techhire-in-baltimore	Cardin Welcomes the Launch of TechHire in Baltimore	2015-11-18	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	November 18, 2015 Cardin Welcomes the Launch of TechHire in Baltimore I applaud the Obama Administration for recognizing the value and return on investment that comes with investing in the people of Baltimore. WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today welcomed the announcement the new $100 million TechHire program to expand workforce development opportunities and provide Baltimore residents who are unemployed, underemployed or formerly incarcerated with the training and opportunities needed to expand job pathways in the new tech economy that has developed in Baltimore. U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith, Cabinet Secretary and Chair of the My Brothers Keeper Task Force Broderick Johnson and Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez made the announcement from a new Under Armour community facility in Baltimore. The TechHire initiative will target training to those who have historically been left out of Baltimores economy and/or are underrepresented in tech fields. TechHire is poised to change lives by leveraging public-private partnerships and having some of the most impactful non-profits involved in this process, said Senator Cardin. In the days after the unrest in April, I had lengthy conversations with White House and administration officials about the need to invest in Baltimore City. In many of those conversations, I stressed that job creation should be a top priority. Far too many people who want to work face barriers to accessing the needed training to land a solid job. The TechHire initiative will help Baltimoreans find well-paying, 21st century jobs by offering quality job training to populations that have had trouble accessing that training. I applaud the Department of Labor and President Obamas My Brothers Keeper Task Force for recognizing the value and return on investment that comes with investing in the people of Baltimore. Second chances are important. The Obama administration should be given credit for targeting componen…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-senate-democrats-call-for-immediate-federal-study-on-effectiveness-of-public-health-programs-that-promote-gun-safety	Cardin, Senate Democrats Call for Immediate Federal Study on Effectiveness of Public Health Programs that Promote Gun Safety	2015-11-18	2015	2015-11	Democrat	House	MD	Benjamin Cardin	C000141	www.cardin.senate.gov	legacy	November 18, 2015 Cardin, Senate Democrats Call for Immediate Federal Study on Effectiveness of Public Health Programs that Promote Gun Safety Accountability Office (GAO) study into the effectiveness of public health and safety programs designed to improve gun safety, including the storage and security of the 300 million guns in American households nationwide. Citing the facts that 43 toddlers so far this year have shot themselves or others and that the lifetime medical costs of treating gunshot U.S. gunshot injuries is $2.3 billion, almost half borne by taxpayers, the Senators urge U.S. Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro to initiate a report analyzing the full range of programs at the federal, state and local levels designed to raise the awareness of the risk factors associated with having guns in the home. The Democratic Senators also ask the GAO to develop best practices on how families and communities can discuss safe and secure storage of guns in the household, and to detail which federal agencies can influence public health or safety, children's health, criminal justice or violence prevention programs. We have a gun violence epidemic in America and we must employ a multi-faceted approach to address it immediately. This should include better background checks and the closure of chronic loopholes in gun purchase laws, but we also need to work to cure this epidemic as we have with others, by building public awareness of the risks and better ways of dealing with potential danger, said Senator Cardin. Not another toddler should have to be injured or killed before we act. The time is now to find every way possible to keep kids, and our country, safe. Too many families have suffered tragic losses and hardships as a result of gun deaths and injuries, the Senators wrote in their request to GAO. This public health burden demands an assessment of potential actions by the federal government, including the possibility of robust partnerships with established nonprofits and provider organiz…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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Press releases

1,117 rows where chamber = "House", state = "MD" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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