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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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262 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "MD" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending

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  • 2023 · 262 ✖

state 1

  • MD · 262 ✖

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  • Democrat 262

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  • Senate · 262 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-administrations-decision-to-bypass-congressional-arms-sale-approval Van Hollen Statement on Administration’s Decision to Bypass Congressional Arms Sale Approval 2023-12-30 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper News Alert: Share how President Trump’s Executive Orders are impacting you or your family News Alert: Share how President Trump’s Executive Orders are impacting y... 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-240-million-for-clean-water-infrastructure-across-maryland Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $240 Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Across Maryland 2023-12-22 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $240,451,000 to modernize clean water infrastructure across Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, will support the Maryland Department of the Environment’s efforts to provide low- or no-interest loans for critical water infrastructure projects, helping communities across the state maintain access to clean water. Most of the funding – $211,862,000 – comes from the once-in-a-generation Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the lawmakers and the Biden-Harris Administration fought to enact to deliver historic federal investments in the country’s water infrastructure. This funding will supplement the $28,589,000 in federal funding appropriated to Maryland's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) that the lawmakers secured through annual appropriations for fiscal year 2023. “Modernizing our water infrastructure is a critical public health priority. That’s one of the reasons why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – to advance our progress in communities across our state and improve their access to clean and safe drinking water. With these funds, we’re delivering on that objective for Marylanders,” said the lawmakers. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-more-than-25-million-to-improve-road-safety-across-maryland Maryland Delegation Members Announce More Than $25 Million to Improve Road Safety Across Maryland 2023-12-21 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $28,505,333 to improve road safety in communities across Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, will help local departments of transportation across the state develop and implement safety action plans and structural improvements to better accommodate and ensure the safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians on roadways. The Safe Streets and Roads for All program will help to save lives on roadways across the country, supporting many local governments’ existing “Vision Zero” plans, which aim to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on roadways. The SS4A program was established and funded at $5 billion over five years by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, legislation the lawmakers worked to pass to support infrastructure initiatives across the country. “Too often, aging infrastructure contributes to accidents that cause serious injuries and even death for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which we fought to pass, will upgrade our roads, make them safer for our communities, and shorten commute times for the millions of hardworking Marylanders who depend on public infrastructure every day. They will enable our local partners to improve safety and accessibility on roadways across our state,” said the lawmakers. The federal funds were awarded as follows: Greater Baltimore Region $9,920,000 to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation to pilot a Complete Streets project, which will reduce dangerous accidents by making city roadways more accessible through temporary lane and street closure events for cyclists and pedestrians as well as sensors that will help plan improvements at the city’s most high-volume intersections; $3,648,000… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-announce-50-million-inflation-reduction-act-investment-for-baltimores-green-and-healthy-homes-initiative-to-fund-environmental-justice-projects-across-the-mid-atlantic Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Announce $50 Million Inflation Reduction Act Investment for Baltimore’s Green & Healthy Homes Initiative to Fund Environmental Justice Projects Across the Mid-Atlantic 2023-12-20 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) joined the Biden-Harris Administration in announcing Baltimore-based Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) has been selected to serve as one of 11 regional grantmakers and will receive $50 million under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program that was created by the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action in history. These funds come from the $3 billion that the EPA received through the Inflation Reduction Act to award grants and fund related technical assistance to benefit disadvantaged communities. This new grant program, which will make it easier for small community-based organizations to access federal environmental justice funding, responds to community feedback about the need to reduce barriers to federal funds and improve the efficiency of the awards process to ensure communities that have long faced underinvestment can access the benefits of this historic funding. Communities will be able to apply to GHHI for a subgrant to fund a range of different environmental project activities, including small local clean ups, local emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency programs, environmental workforce development programs for local jobs reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fenceline air quality and asthma related projects, healthy homes programs, and projects addressing illegal dumping. “Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we took historic action to ensure that all communities can participate in the clean energy revolution, lower energy costs, and improve health outcomes. Green & Healthy Homes has already been a vital partner in advancing that work in Baltimore, and with this major investment, we know GHHI will make an even greater impact on our path to progress for environmental justice, energy savings, and economic opportunity,” said Senator Van Hollen. “In Maryland, we are working at every level of government to take d… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-kaine-marshall-colleagues-in-bipartisan-push-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs Van Hollen Joins Kaine, Marshall, Colleagues in Bipartisan Push to Lower Prescription Drug Costs 2023-12-20 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Department of the Treasury to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs by enforcing a rule limiting the use of harmful “copay accumulators.” Copay accumulators prevent copay assistance from counting towards a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, which makes it harder for patients to afford their medications. Regarding a recent court ruling limiting the use of copay accumulators, the members said, “This decision is an important step in the right direction for low-income and other eligible patients who rely on manufacturer and nonprofit copay assistance programs to alleviate affordability and access challenges for their medicines.” The lawmakers wrote, “Instead of appealing the court’s ruling, we urge you to adopt policies from the 2020 NBPP [Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters] that strike the right balance of preserving a plan’s ability to control costs while also putting the patient first.” In the letter, the senators also push for their Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act to permanently prohibit the use of copay accumulators and require health plans and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to count the value of copay assistance towards a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. In addition Senator Van Hollen, the letter led by Senators Kaine and Marshall, is signed by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Kyrsten Sine… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-merkley-baldwin-booker-colleagues-in-pushing-to-keep-anti-lgbtq-and-anti-abortion-provisions-out-of-critical-government-funding-bills Van Hollen Joins Merkley, Baldwin, Booker, Colleagues in Pushing to Keep Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Abortion Provisions Out of Critical Government Funding Bills 2023-12-19 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) urging them to reject any new poison pill policy riders in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills, including the anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion policy provisions that House Republicans inserted into their appropriations bills. “The Senate has had tremendous success both passing bipartisan bills in committee and on the Senate floor because these bills are free of new poison pill riders. Unfortunately, the House appropriations bills are filled with new highly partisan provisions, including anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ riders, that should be removed from any final appropriations bills,” write the Senators. These poison pill policy riders aim to make changes to laws that would fail to withstand scrutiny of congressional debate by attaching them to “must-pass” measures like appropriation bills. “Our country is facing a reproductive health care crisis, one that has been accelerated by the Supreme Court’s extremist decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization,” the Senators write. “House Republicans have proposed several new anti-abortion policy riders. These riders include a provision to force back in place medically unnecessary restrictions on medication abortion, a measure to stop the implementation of the Biden administration’s executive orders to protect access to abortion care, and a measure that would jeopardize access to essential postgraduate medical training in abortion care,” their letter continues. Not only are there anti-abortion poison pills included in the House bills, there are attacks on the LGBTQ+ community as well. “House Republicans have used the appropriations process to push extremist anti-LGBTQ+ measures, which threaten to disrupt the lives and fundamental dignity of the LGBTQ+ community,” the letter state… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-nearly-13-million-for-coastal-restoration-and-resilience-projects Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $13 Million for Coastal Restoration and Resilience Projects 2023-12-18 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, John Sarbanes and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $12,901,800 in National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funding for restoration and resiliency projects to improve coastal communities and their fish and wildlife habitats. The funding was made available through the National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The federal funds will bolster climate resiliency and reduce the risks and devastating impacts of rising seas, coastal flooding and intense storms in coastal areas and habitats. “Climate change is an existential threat that affects every community, but coastal communities are particularly vulnerable,” said the lawmakers. “This funding will help Maryland communities implement comprehensive solutions to address issues like flooding and coastal erosion. Across the state, we’re investing in projects to restore and protect our shorelines and habitats and create more sustainable, resilient communities.” The federal grants have been awarded to the following: Backyard Basecamp, $202,600, for Design and Permitting for Stream Daylighting and Restoration of Biddison Run in Baltimore City Chesapeake Bay Foundation, $843,500, for Restoring Oyster Reefs and Improving Resilience in the Severn River through Community Engagement Delmarva Resource Conservation and Development Council, $2,253,400, for Advancing Coastal Resilience through Salt Marsh Restoration in Coastal Bays Dorchester County Council, $700,000, for Utilizing Living Shoreline Techniques to Reduce Erosion in the Hoopersville Village District GreenTrust Alliance, $1,519,900, for the Final Design and Permitting for the Blossom Point Shoreline Stabilization Project The Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, $819,300, for Establishing a Nature-Based Resilience Pilot with the Annapolis Maritime Resilience Initiative The Resilience Authority of Annapolis a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-availability-of-over-130000-h-2b-visas-for-fiscal-year-2024-and-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-seafood-industrys-long-term-workforce-needs Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Availability of Over 130,000 H-2B Visas for Fiscal Year 2024 and Bipartisan Legislation to Support Seafood Industry’s Long-Term Workforce Needs 2023-12-18 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) welcomed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) release in November of 130,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year 2024 as they announced that they have joined U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine (both D-Va.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to improve the H-2B program to help ensure Maryland seafood companies can hire the seasonal workforce they need to operate at full capacity. The fiscal year 2024 visa allocation total is comprised of the 66,000 H-2B visas that DHS can release annually under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as well as 64,716 supplemental visas authorized by the fiscal year 2023 government funding legislation and short-term continuing resolution (CR) that the Senators worked to pass. This visa program is essential for the operations of Maryland’s crab and seafood small businesses, which have historically employed foreign workers through it when domestic workers cannot be found to fill these positions. However, in recent years, the H-2B visa program has become an increasingly uncertain source of labor as economy-wide demand for the program has surged, ultimately squeezing out the seafood industry. The Senators’ legislation – the Save Our Seafood Act – addresses this issue by exempting seafood processors from the current annual 66,000-visa cap on the H-2B program. “Maryland’s seafood businesses – most of which are small and family-owned – not only process the iconic blue crabs that our state is known for, they also power an industry that contributes millions of dollars to our economy annually. That’s why we pressed the Administration to provide the maximum number of H-2B visas available in order to ensure these businesses have the workforce they need to operate. This is a key step to support our local businesses for the upcoming season, but it’s just as critical that we secure a long-term solution to provide certainty in the seasons to come. Our legislation offer… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-lead-bipartisan-vote-to-confirm-omalley-for-social-security-commissioner Van Hollen, Cardin Lead Bipartisan Vote to Confirm O’Malley for Social Security Commissioner 2023-12-18 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) praised the confirmation of former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to serve as the next Social Security Commissioner. The bipartisan vote Monday was 50-11. “Martin O’Malley understands the importance of Social Security to millions of Americans – including our seniors and those with disabilities. That’s why I was proud to support his confirmation today to lead the Social Security Administration. As the former chief executive of our state, I know he is committed to serving the American people and that he will be a great team leader for the public servants who power this Maryland-based agency. I’m confident in his commitment to protecting this vital earned benefit and delivering critical service for those who count on it,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Martin O’Malley’s extensive career in public service – including as Mayor of Baltimore and Governor of Maryland — has been underscored by transparency, accountability and progress. He will bring these same values to the Social Security Administration,” said Senator Cardin. “Social Security is a critical insurance policy that tens of millions of working Americans pay into every year so that benefits can be there when they are older, disabled or leave young children after death. Martin is a dedicated public servant who understands what Social Security means to our seniors, disability and survivor beneficiaries, and I am proud to support his confirmation as Social Security Commissioner.” The Social Security Administration (SSA), headquartered in Woodlawn, Md., near Baltimore, administers the Social Security programs (retirement and disability) and the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI, income support for low-income individuals who have not worked enough to qualify for Social Security). The agency has roughly 60,000 employees in Maryland and nationwide across the headquarters and 10 regional offices, six processing centers, 164 hearing offices and approximately 1,230 field offices. The SSA also, E-Verify… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-warner-kaine-push-to-fund-wmata-national-security-needs Van Hollen, Cardin, Warner, Kaine Push to Fund WMATA National Security Needs 2023-12-18 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) and Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-Va.) wrote to President Biden requesting that the administration include at least $30 million in their FY25 budget request for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to specifically address the agency’s operational costs related to national security and counterterrorism. This request comes as WMATA faces a $750 million budget shortfall that threatens safety and services starting next summer. In their letter, the senators stress that WMATA, more than other transit authorities, shoulders a heavy security burden because of its role in federal government operations and national security activities. The agency estimates that it spends between $30 and $33 million annually on operations relating to its national security and counterterrorism mission. “Given this sui generis role played by WMATA, it should come as no surprise that the agency shoulders some burdens that are unique among transit providers. Perhaps most important of these burdens is WMATA’s responsibility to prevent terrorism targeting our Nation’s capital—a responsibility far out of proportion to the size of the system,” the senators wrote. They continued, “Unfortunately, this responsibility is more than hypothetical. In 2010, an anti-government extremist opened fire at the Pentagon station. A year later, a man was convicted in connection with the targeting of four WMATA stations in a terrorist bomb plot. And let us not forget that it was a Metro Transit Police officer who, while assisting Capitol Police, discovered the bomb planted at the Democratic National Committee on January 6, 2021.” Senators Van Hollen, Cardin, Warner, and Kaine have long been active supporters of WMATA, working to secure critical funding, expand service, and improve safety. A copy of the letter is available here and below: Dear President Biden: We write today to respectfully request that the President’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2025 include at… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-padilla-cortez-masto-in-calling-on-treasury-and-irs-to-expand-access-to-vehicle-refueling-infrastructure-credits Van Hollen Joins Padilla, Cortez Masto in Calling on Treasury and IRS to Expand Access to Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Credits 2023-12-15 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and their Senate colleagues in calling on the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to finalize guidance for and maximize inclusive access to the 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included an extension of this tax credit, which provides billions of dollars for eligible refueling infrastructure investments such as zero-emission truck stops, intermodal facilities, and warehouses. Compared to a more restrictive threshold, the recommendations of the letter would expand eligibility to cover an estimated 32 million additional people, including 4.7 million rural residents, 2.1 million people living in poverty, 2.2 million Black people, and 3.6 million Latinos. The letter also requests that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IRS commissioner Daniel Werfel adopt temporary safe harbor conditions in their guidance to protect taxpayers who already installed infrastructure over the last year and to minimize negative impacts on future investment and planning decisions. “Effective implementation of Section 30C is critical to realizing the Administration’s goal of deploying 500,000 chargers by 2030 and facilitating the swift decarbonization of our transportation sector,” wrote the Senators. In addition Senator Van Hollen, the letter, led by Senators Padilla and Cortez Masto, is signed by Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). Full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Secretary Yellen and Commissioner Werfel: We write to urge you to swiftly finalize guidance for the Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, which was significantly expanded through the historic Infla… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-warren-baldwin-democratic-senators-in-introducing-resolution-affirming-support-for-fdas-scientific-judgment-that-medication-abortion-is-safe-and-effective Van Hollen Joins Warren, Baldwin, Democratic Senators in Introducing Resolution Affirming Support for FDA’s Scientific Judgment That Medication Abortion Is Safe and Effective 2023-12-15 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and their Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights have been increasingly under attack, with more than a dozen states banning or restricting access to abortion care, and anti-abortion extremists attempting to ban medication abortion nationwide. Medication abortion is currently used for over half of all abortions. This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the scientific judgment of the FDA that mifepristone is safe and effective should be respected, and that law and policy governing access to life-saving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable and based on science. The resolution affirms that mifepristone is safe and effective, while acknowledging the significant harm that would be posed to both health care providers and patients across the nation if mifepristone were sharply curtailed. This action comes as Americans continue to grapple with the reversal of Roe v. Wade, and follows this week’s announcement that the Supreme Court will hear a challenge to medication abortion access. “Individuals’ health care decisions should be grounded in science and made along with their doctors – not left to the whims of far-right judges and politicians. As Trump-appointed judges and Republican lawmakers continue their ruthless attacks on reproductive freedoms – and the health care providers and resources that support them – we will keep fighting to ensure scientifically tested, safe, and effective options remain accessible to everyone who needs them,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I am fed up with extremists trying to turn back the clock and deny women reproductive health care – especially after decades of science that show that medication abortion is safe and effective. Any threat to the accessibility of this … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-schatz-welch-kaine-booker-call-on-biden-to-urge-israeli-egyptian-governments-to-allow-journalists-into-gaza-protect-free-press Van Hollen, Schatz, Welch, Kaine, Booker Call on Biden to Urge Israeli, Egyptian Governments to Allow Journalists Into Gaza, Protect Free Press 2023-12-15 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) called on President Joe Biden to urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to protect press freedom and allow journalists into Gaza to cover the war. In their letter to the president, the senators underscored the importance of safe access into Gaza for journalists and the need for accurate and independent reporting from inside the warzone. “We ask you to further urge the Israeli government, as well as the Egyptian government, to respect press freedom by allowing all interested journalists to report without restriction from Gaza, with the exception of operational security requirements for embedded journalists, and provide journalists with the appropriate protections to carry out their essential work,” the senators wrote. “Without protections for journalists in Gaza and access for international journalists, the world is unable to get a complete and accurate understanding of events. Journalists play a vital role in a free society by holding individuals, organizations, and governments accountable for their actions. The lack of transparency caused by limited journalistic access is at odds with the obligation all governments have to allow citizens to access factual information. Especially in a time of rampant mis- and disinformation, journalists both provide the international community with up-to-date news about the war and equip the local population with potentially life-saving information about fast-changing developments.” The senators continued, “American democracy rests on a bedrock commitment to a free press and we must insist on the same from others, including our closest allies and partners. The principles for which the United States advocates send strong messages to foreign governments and help establish essential international norms.” The full text of the senators’ letter to President Biden can be found below and is available here. Dear President Biden, We appreciate you… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-sarbanes-secure-provisions-to-codify-public-access-to-greenbury-point-in-senate-passed-defense-bill Van Hollen, Cardin, Sarbanes Secure Provisions to Codify Public Access to Greenbury Point in Senate-Passed Defense Bill 2023-12-14 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman John P. Sarbanes (all D-Md.) announced their success in securing Senate passage of their provision to prevent the U.S. Navy from unilaterally blocking public access to the Greenbury Point Conservation Area at Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NSA Annapolis). After securing language in the Senate-drafted Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in July to prevent the Navy from making long-term public access restrictions to the Conservation Area without Congressional approval, the lawmakers worked to include and strengthen these protections in the final version of the annual defense bill. The legislation, which passed the Senate Wednesday, will prohibit the Navy from modifying or restricting public access to Greenbury Point, with few exceptions such as for emergencies or temporarily in the interest of public safety, as it currently does for live fire exercises. The lawmakers’ provision also preserves the Navy’s option to transfer or lease the Conservation Area property to another public entity. The annual defense bill is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives later this week. “For years, Annapolis residents and visitors have cherished the opportunity to explore Greenbury Point – one of the few publicly accessible areas of the Bay. As the Navy has considered altering that access, our constituents expressed their strong opposition to changing that policy. That’s why we fought for this provision that says in no uncertain terms – Greenbury Point must stay open to the public,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Preserving Greenbury Point balances the needs of the Navy with the needs of the community,” said Senator Cardin. “Its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay makes it an important place for outdoor recreation and conservation in the region. Ensuring public access and preventing further development will allow Greenbury Point to continue to be a model of coastal stewardship for the Chesapeake Bay.” “For more than two decades… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-tillis-pass-bipartisan-legislation-to-preserve-visa-program-for-us-government-employees-abroad-in-annual-defense-bill Van Hollen, Tillis Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Preserve Visa Program for U.S. Government Employees Abroad in Annual Defense Bill 2023-12-14 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) announced Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to ensure foreign U.S. government employees who have provided exceptional service to our nation abroad have a secure and efficient path to immigrate to the United States, along with their families. This legislation, the GRATEFUL Act, will cut the years-long wait time to receive visas that these employees and their family members now face. The Senators included their bill in the final Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which they voted to pass in the Senate Wednesday. It is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives later this week. “The United States counts on foreign nationals with deep knowledge of their home countries to help us carry out essential operations abroad, and in the process, they often risk their lives through civil unrest, natural disasters, and war. This longstanding immigrant visa program recognizes the exceptional careers of these U.S. government employees abroad by granting them the opportunity to live safely in America with their families. At a time when eligible candidates are facing an estimated 14-year wait to receive their visas, the passage of the GRATEFUL Act will preserve this vital program and help ensure we honor our commitment to those who endured great risk to help advance U.S. missions abroad,” said Senator Van Hollen. “US employees abroad are on the front lines of our foreign policy objectives, and the GIV program is a long standing incentive for recruiting and retaining talent,” said Senator Tillis. “The GRATEFUL Act will ensure we are able to keep our commitment to exceptional employees who serve the US, and to keep our nation safer.” Background on the GRATEFUL Act In 1952, Congress created a visa category to recognize U.S. government employees abroad for their service to the United States. For 70 years, this program has allowed foreign nationals with at least 15 years of exceptional service to the United Sta… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-introduce-biden-fourth-circuit-court-of-appeals-nominee-nicole-berner-to-senate-judiciary-committee Van Hollen, Cardin Introduce Biden Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Nominee Nicole Berner to Senate Judiciary Committee 2023-12-13 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) formally introduced Nicole Berner, President Joe Biden’s nominee for a Maryland seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, to the Senate Judiciary Committee at her confirmation hearing. Ms. Berner has been nominated to fill the vacancy created when Judge Diana Gribbon Motz took senior status in September 2022. “Today, Nicole Berner clearly demonstrated her extensive qualifications and commitment to the rule of law. Drawing on her vast experience that has ranged from providing legal representation for working families and underrepresented communities to working as a litigator advancing civil rights, it’s clear that she is up to the task of serving the American people on the Fourth Circuit. I urge my colleagues on the Committee to quickly advance her nomination to the full Senate,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Nicole Berner has been fighting for civil rights and worker rights throughout her career and breaking glass ceilings along the way. Her vast experience and diverse perspective will be of great benefit to the Fourth Circuit – and Marylanders. She has excelled in a broad range of legal practice at the state and federal levels, and I was pleased to recommend Nicole Berner’s nomination to the White House, along with Senator Van Hollen,’” said Senator Cardin. “Public service is a sacrifice not just for the nominee, but for her family, so I also would like to thank Nicole’s wife and family for agreeing to share Nicole with the American people, given her commitment to public service.” NICOLE BERNER Nicole G. Berner is General Counsel to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where she has practiced as in-house counsel since 2006. Previously, Ms. Berner served as a staff attorney for Planned Parenthood Federation of America in Washington, D.C. from 2004 to 2006. She worked as a litigation associate at Jenner & Block LLP in Washington, D.C. from 2000 to 2004 after working as a visiting attorney at Yigal Arnon & Co. in Jerusale… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-secures-key-provisions-in-annual-defense-bill-passed-by-senate Van Hollen Secures Key Provisions in Annual Defense Bill Passed by Senate 2023-12-13 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) voted to pass the final fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the Senate, which includes critical investments and legislative priorities the Senator worked to secure. The legislation provides more than $1 billion to Maryland military installations as well as a 5.2 percent pay raise for military and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees. “In the face of evolving threats around the world, this year’s defense bill helps keep Americans safe by investing in the resources necessary to counter challenges from our adversaries, advance our development of key emerging technologies, and strengthen our international security partnerships with our allies. With our state playing a key role in these national security missions, I’m pleased that this bill provides over $1 billion for military assets based in Maryland, boosts pay and benefits for our service members, and includes measures to improve the quality of life of our foreign service professionals. This bill is not perfect – and I believe we must continue to look at how we prioritize defense spending. However, on balance, this legislation positions us well to confront the security challenges our nation faces and contains many provisions that are critical to our state and our nation,” said Senator Van Hollen. Having passed the Senate, the FY24 NDAA now advances to the House of Representatives where it is expected to be considered this week. The bill must pass the House and be signed by the President before becoming law. Within the FY24 NDAA, Senator Van Hollen fought to include the following provisions: Public access protection for the Greenbury Point Conservation Area at Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NSA Annapolis). Senator Van Hollen, alongside Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman John Sarbanes (all D-Md.), included language to prevent the U.S. Navy from unilaterally curbing access to the Conservation Area. Senator Van Hollen’s GRATEFUL Act. This legislation, co-led by Senator Thom Tillis… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-bennet-senate-colleagues-in-urging-treasury-to-ensure-families-and-businesses-can-reap-the-benefits-of-clean-energy-tax-credits-for-geothermal-heat-pumps-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions Van Hollen Joins Bennet, Senate Colleagues in Urging Treasury to Ensure Families and Businesses Can Reap the Benefits of Clean Energy Tax Credits for Geothermal Heat Pumps, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2023-12-12 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and their Senate colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen calling on the agency to issue guidance to ensure consumers and businesses can take full advantage of the clean energy tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act to deploy geothermal heat pumps (GHP). Passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, these incentives can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from home heating and cooling and help make GHP systems more affordable for families and businesses in Colorado and across the country. “GHPs are among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems available for buildings, saving up to 50 percent on annual energy bills compared to fossil fuel-based systems. Currently, GHPs are approximately three percent of the residential HVAC market, and increasing their use can play a central role in meeting climate goals while providing reliable, affordable energy,” wrote the senators. The Geothermal Exchange Organization estimates that with this needed guidance from the Treasury Department, GHP systems could help prevent more than 64 million metric tons of greenhouse gas pollution and create more than 90,000 jobs. However, existing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) procedures could severely limit working families' and small businesses’ ability to take advantage of the tax incentives. In their letter, the senators call on the Treasury Department to release new guidance to ensure more Americans can access this technology by enabling third-party ownership models that allow homeowners to avoid expensive installation costs. Low- and moderate-income households particularly stand to benefit since they can least afford the higher up-front cost of GHPs and would gain the most from their efficiency. “The largest barrier to GHP adoption is the up-front cost required to install ground heat exchangers... Third-party ownership models – such as those used for residential solar energy systems – can help make… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-agreement-with-white-house-on-offshore-wind-development-in-central-atlantic Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Agreement with White House on Offshore Wind Development in Central Atlantic 2023-12-11 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) joined the Biden-Harris Administration in announcing the proposed offshore wind lease sale of two previously announced parcels in the Central Atlantic Ocean to be held in 2024, along with a commitment to identify additional acreage off Maryland’s shores to be designated as Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) for lease in a second sale in 2025. This announcement comes after months of engagement between the Senators and Administration officials – including from the White House Climate Policy Office, the Department of Interior and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and the Department of Defense, among others – to ensure expanded acreage off of Maryland’s coasts will be available for offshore wind energy development so the state can continue making progress toward its climate and clean energy goals. “After a series of meetings and much dialogue with Biden Administration and key stakeholders, I am pleased that we have reached an agreement on offshore wind leasing in the Central Atlantic that ensures Maryland can continue to make progress toward achieving our wind energy deployment goals. We have done so while also protecting key national security and navigational safety priorities in these waters. Critically, we have worked with the Administration to identify additional areas to consider for wind development and secured their commitment to hold a second round of offshore wind lease sales in 2025. While there’s more work to do, this agreement is an important step toward increasing our energy security, fighting the climate crisis, and creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs for American workers,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Offshore wind energy is a valuable alternative to fossil fuels, and expanding these projects puts us on the right track in achieving our clean energy goals,” said Senator Cardin. “Together, with the support of the Biden-Harris administration, we have greater opportunity to advance new offshore wind projects, create good-paying jobs … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-doggett-lead-charge-to-curb-foam-container-pollution-to-protect-our-environment-improve-public-health Van Hollen, Doggett Lead Charge to Curb Foam Container Pollution to Protect Our Environment, Improve Public Health 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) introduced bicameral legislation to phase out single-use plastic foam food service products, “loose fill” such as packing peanuts, and non-medical disposable coolers – materials known to cause adverse health effects and pollute waterways. The Farewell to Foam Act will prohibit the sale and distribution of these items beginning January 2026 while aiming to support the transition to alternatives. Additional Senate cosponsors of this legislation are U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ed Markey, (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “Single-use plastics like foam food containers don’t disappear when you throw them away – they end up choking waterways like the Chesapeake Bay and contaminating our food supply. This pollution poses a serious, growing danger to human and environmental health and causes real economic harm to those whose livelihoods depend on our waterways,” said Senator Van Hollen. “By phasing out foam and encouraging the use of more sustainable packaging, we can tackle a major driver of pollution and improve the health of our communities.” “Plastic foam is a permanent polluter,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett. “As trash clutters our waterways, roadsides, and greenspaces, foam doesn’t fully disintegrate. Instead, it ever so slowly degrades into microplastics that pollute our bodies and our planet. This legislation, informed by successful state and local plastic foam bans, seeks a cleaner, more sustainable future for our entire country by saying farewell to foam.” “As anyone who’s been on riverbanks or the coast can tell you, pollution in our waters is on the rise – threatening public health, economic security, and the future of our planet,” said Senator King. “The Farewell to Foam Act would phase out harmful foam food containers and single-use foam storage bins to protect our families and friends… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-durbin-kaine-schatz-and-colleagues-announce-amendment-requiring-that-use-of-us-supplemental-aid-comply-with-us-international-law Van Hollen, Durbin, Kaine, Schatz & Colleagues Announce Amendment Requiring that Use of U.S. Supplemental Aid Comply with U.S., International Law 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin, (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), as well as Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) announced that they are working on an amendment to require that the weapons received by any country under the proposed national security supplemental are used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict. The Senators’ amendment also requires that the president report to the Congress on whether countries receiving military equipment paid for by American taxpayers meet that test and whether the use of U.S-supplied weapons comports with established presidential directives on arms transfers and Defense Department policies for reducing harm to civilians. And it would buttress current law that prohibits U.S. security assistance to any country that prevents or restricts U.S. humanitarian assistance to those in need, subject to a presidential waiver. The amendment does not apply to funds for air defense systems or other systems that the president determines will be used for strictly defensive purposes. “U.S. taxpayer dollars have never come in the form of a blank check. It’s critical that we hold all nations who receive our assistance to the same standards – and that includes ensuring the use of this assistance is in line with U.S. law, international humanitarian law, and the law of armed conflict. We must also insist that our partners cooperate with us in allowing the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Our amendment does all that and puts in place necessary reporting to Congress in order to track these measures. As we work to provide critical funding in the national security supplemental, I look forward to working with my colleagues to address these fundamental issues,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The U.S. is an indispensable co… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-tuberville-relenting-hold-on-military-promotions Van Hollen Statement on Tuberville Relenting Hold on Military Promotions 2023-12-05 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement after U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) announced he will lift his irresponsible hold on more than 400 military promotions awaiting confirmation by the Senate. “Senator Tuberville’s months-long publicity stunt has finally come to an end. It accomplished nothing but hurt our military families, weakened our armed forces’ readiness, and compromised our national security amid armed conflict and instability around the world. After nearly a year of obstruction, we have finally approved nearly all of these well-deserved promotions – including Vice Admiral Yvette Davids’ confirmation as Naval Academy Superintendent – finally making good on our promise to the hundreds of men and women in our armed services who have been waiting for this day.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/team-maryland-joint-statement-on-virginia-delegations-latest-attempt-to-delay-fbi-headquarters-project Team Maryland Joint Statement on Virginia Delegation’s Latest Attempt to Delay FBI Headquarters Project 2023-12-04 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Members of Maryland’s federal, state, and local governments including U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (Md.-05), Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger (Md.-02), John Sarbanes (Md.-03), Kweisi Mfume (Md.-07), Jamie Raskin (Md.-08), David Trone (Md.-06), and Glenn Ivey (Md.-04), and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks released the following statement regarding the Virginia Delegation's letter to OMB, their latest attempt to delay the process: “In 2022, both the Virginia Delegation, as well as the Maryland Delegation, agreed that the GSA ought to make this site selection decision ‘expeditiously,’ to ensure the hardworking men and women of the FBI would have a headquarters that would meet their vital national security mission. “Now, the Virginia Delegation believes that the process should only move expeditiously if that decision benefits Virginia. As we have said before, we remain confident that any Inspector General evaluation will find what we know to be true: the Greenbelt site won on the merits. After assessing the facts, the GSA determined that Greenbelt offers the lowest price and best value to taxpayers, the shortest proximity to public transportation, the most schedule certainty to ensure the FBI can move to a new headquarters that meets its mission and security needs as soon as possible, and the greatest opportunity to advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s equity goals. “These processes can move in tandem and ought to – our national security and the men and women of the FBI deserve no less. The Inspector General evaluation has no bearing on the preparation of a prospectus for the new headquarters; therefore, the only thing the delay requested by the Virginia delegation would accomplish is to subject the FBI employees and the general public to a dangerous, unhealthy environment and substantially increase the cost to the taxpayer.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/team-maryland-joint-statement-on-the-gsa-inspector-generals-notice-of-an-evaluation-of-the-site-selection-process Team Maryland Joint Statement on the GSA Inspector General's Notice of an Evaluation of the Site Selection Process 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, members of Maryland’s federal, state, and local governments including U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-MD), Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), John Sarbanes (MD-03), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), David Trone (MD-06), and Glenn Ivey (MD-04), and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks released the following statement regarding the General Services Administration (GSA) Inspector General's notice of an evaluation of the site selection process: “Let us be perfectly clear: the new FBI headquarters project is moving forward. The GSA selected Greenbelt for the new, consolidated FBI headquarters based on the fact that it is the best site. Any objective evaluation will find that the GSA arrived at this decision after a thorough and transparent process. “After assessing the facts, the GSA determined that Greenbelt offers the lowest price and best value to taxpayers, the easiest access to public transportation, the most schedule certainty to ensure the FBI can move to a new headquarters that meets its mission and security needs as soon as possible, and the greatest opportunity to advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s equity goals. The GSA made its decision accordingly. Although some may not like that outcome, the GSA has clearly demonstrated that this process was transparent. “For the sake of our national security and the hardworking men and women of the FBI, it is imperative that we move expeditiously to build a new, state of the art consolidated headquarters that meets the FBI’s vital national security mission.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-brown-gillibrand-lujan-introduce-legislation-to-expand-community-schools-to-improve-student-outcomes Van Hollen, Brown, Gillibrand, Luján Introduce Legislation to Expand Community Schools to Improve Student Outcomes 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2023, a comprehensive bill to improve student outcomes by helping public schools and districts bring in wraparound support services including medical, mental, and nutrition health services, mentoring and youth development programs, technical assistance, and continuing education courses. Full-service community schools have a proven track record of producing tangible results for students – including advancing academic achievement and improving attendance. There are more than 450 community schools serving students across 22 of Maryland’s school districts. “Community schools provide for our students’ needs both inside and outside of the classroom – helping break barriers to success that underserved young people often face. Across Maryland these schools have made a positive difference in the lives of our students and their families. This bill will further invest in and expand community schools across the country to provide students with the top-notch education and resources to help them on their way to a bright future,” said Senator Van Hollen. This legislation would also provide essential resources for school districts to plan for, implement, expand, and renew full-service community schools, and would further develop the infrastructure to support these schools. The legislation is also sponsored by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). U.S. Representative Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Ohio has proven how successful full-service community schools can be at improving academic achievement and student attendance. By expanding the successful community s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-pcaobs-historic-action-sanctioning-foreign-firms-to-better-protect-american-investors Van Hollen Statement on PCAOB’s Historic Action Sanctioning Foreign Firms to Better Protect American Investors 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s announcement today that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has imposed sanctions on three PCAOB-registered public accounting firms in China and Hong Kong. These sanctions represent the first time ever – pursuant to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, authored by Senators Van Hollen and Kennedy – that foreign companies operating on U.S. markets are held accountable following the law’s implementation of rigorous audits to ensure all companies operating on U.S. markets are held to the same standards and to reduce risk for American investors. “Foreign companies operating on U.S. markets should be held to the same standards across the board. That’s why I introduced – and worked to enact into law – the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. Today’s action by the PCAOB confirms what we long expected: not all companies are playing by the rules. This historic move both holds accountable bad actors attempting to take advantage of our markets and protects American investors, including retirees, parents building their child’s college funds, and many others. I’m glad to see the PCAOB crack down on these firms to ensure compliance with our market standards, just as our Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act intended.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T22:33:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-schatz-reed-release-statement-following-white-house-meeting-on-situation-in-israel-and-gaza Van Hollen, Schatz, Reed Release Statement Following White House Meeting on Situation in Israel & Gaza 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) released the following statement on their meeting yesterday with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and over a dozen of their colleagues to discuss the letter the Senators led with 23 of their colleagues to President Biden condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel’s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. “Following the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel, America has stood united in our support for Israel’s duty to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. As we noted in our letter, we believe the U.S. should immediately provide Israel with funding to support this effort, including funds to replenish its defensive systems. “But to better understand the efficacy of U.S. funding that supports Israel’s operations inside Gaza, we requested answers from the President on how these funds are being used in order to ensure they support an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas while taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. In our letter to President Biden, we raised several key issues, including maintaining a focus on returning hostages, reducing civilian casualties, delivering humanitarian aid, establishing a plan for post-war governance and the future of the region, and addressing extremist violence in the West Bank. During yesterday’s briefing, we had an opportunity to discuss with the Administration each of the questions raised in our letter. “As we expressed in the meeting, we are grateful for their leadership in negotiating a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of many hostages and to allow some desperately needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza. We a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-baldwin-kaine-lead-colleagues-in-calling-for-immediate-steps-to-deliver-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-and-protect-civilians Van Hollen, Baldwin, Kaine Lead Colleagues in Calling for Immediate Steps to Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Gaza and Protect Civilians 2023-11-20 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) led their colleagues in urging President Biden to work with Israel and international partners to implement a plan that will protect innocent civilian life in Gaza, deliver sustained humanitarian aid, and work toward the long term goals of ending Hamas’s threat, bringing hostages home, and achieving sustainable peace in the region through a two-state solution. In the letter to President Biden, the senators call for the protection of civilians and civilian sites, the opening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, and access to prompt medical attention for civilians injured to help address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “As you and your administration work with Israel and international partners to secure the release of hostages and respond to the terror attack on Israel, we join you in your urgent call for humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We encourage you to work with international partners to achieve expeditious implementation of a plan for sustained humanitarian aid in Gaza. We hope you’ll join us in encouraging our ally Israel to take immediate steps to help provide critical humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians in Gaza, including re-opening the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow life-saving water, food, and fuel to reach vulnerable civilians,” the senators wrote. The senators continued, “We are concerned that increased and prolonged suffering in Gaza is not only intolerable for Palestinian civilians there but will also negatively impact the security of Israeli civilians by exacerbating existing tensions and eroding regional alliances.” The senators concluded, “This conflict will not be solved by force alone. Preservation of and respect for innocent life is both morally right and the best hope for a long-term strategy to accomplish security, stability, and peace in the region.” In addition to Senators Van Hollen, Baldwin, and Kaine, Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Brian Schatz (… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-response-to-the-peoples-republic-of-chinas-dominance-in-the-industry-van-hollen-joins-warner-rubio-colleagues-in-push-to-support-critical-mineral-projects In Response to the People’s Republic of China’s Dominance in the Industry, Van Hollen Joins Warner, Rubio, Colleagues in Push to Support Critical Mineral Projects 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper In response to China’s continued dominance of the critical mineral supply chain, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) alongside a group of bipartisan colleagues in a call for action to secure supply chains and reduce U.S. reliance on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for minerals that are inputs for critical technologies, including through increased government support to U.S. private sector companies investing and operating in critical mineral projects. This is the latest step that the Intelligence Committee leaders have taken to counter China’s dominance of this growing industry. In a letter to the Biden administration, the senators highlighted the exploding demand of critical minerals and their growing importance to U.S. national security, while pointing out the U.S. is falling behind its adversaries in efforts to secure the global critical mineral supply chain. The senators wrote, “Demand for critical minerals is growing exponentially, yet the U.S. substantially lags behind its adversaries in securing critical mineral supply chains. In fact, in many cases China controls nearly 100 percent of the end-to-end supply chain, and is actively seeking to maintain and increase its control of these resources around the globe.” Outlining key areas where improvement is needed to expand domestic capabilities, the senators requested that the administration take a series of steps to ensure U.S. support to domestic industry, to strengthen internal coordination across government agencies, and to formulate a strategy for U.S. collaboration with our allies, to combat China’s growing dominance in this space. They continued, “Focusing the efforts of the U.S. government, in coordination with our allies, upon standing up processing, refining, and metallurgical capacity must be a priority if we are going to succeed in reducing our reliance on China for critical minerals.” In addition to Senator Van Hollen, the letter led by Senators Warner and Rubio was signed … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-foreign-relations-democratic-senators-statement-on-president-bidens-meeting-with-prc-president-xi-jinping Van Hollen, Cardin, Foreign Relations Democratic Senators Statement on President Biden’s Meeting with PRC President Xi Jinping 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in issuing the following statement on President Biden’s meeting with President Xi. “We welcome the progress between President Biden and the People’s Republic of China’s President Xi, particularly on fentanyl, climate cooperation, and military-to-military communications. These are some of the most pressing issues in our bilateral relationship and we applaud President Biden for his leadership in engaging with the People’s Republic of China to address them. While China has taken some long-overdue steps to curb the production and shipment of fentanyl and fentanyl precursors, Beijing must do much more to stop this illicit trade. It is absolutely critical that we have bilateral mechanisms in place for regular follow up with Beijing in order to measure tangible progress on ending this deadly trade that has led to the loss of countless American lives. We stand ready to work to ensure Beijing lives up to their commitments. “Responsible management of the U.S.-China relationship is critical to the United States and to our allies and partners around the world. While challenges between Washington and Beijing persist on a number of issues, including Taiwan, human rights, and the unjust and unlawful detention of American citizens in China, open dialogue between our two leaders remains critical. We hope that the U.S. and China can build on this progress going forward.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-cardin-democratic-senators-in-letter-supporting-the-biden-administrations-recent-diplomatic-efforts-with-venezuela Van Hollen Joins Cardin, Democratic Senators in Letter Supporting the Biden Administration’s Recent Diplomatic Efforts with Venezuela 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ben Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) in sending the following letter to the Biden administration expressing their support for the recent use of sanctions relief as leverage to facilitate a negotiated electoral agreement between Venezuela’s democratic opposition and the Maduro regime. The letter also urges the Biden administration to stand ready to impose new sanctions should the Maduro regime fail to abide by their commitments and make additional progress on human rights issues. “We write to express our support for the Biden administration’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to forge a negotiated solution to resolve Venezuela’s political and humanitarian crisis, including your decision to provide limited sanctions relief in response to the electoral agreement reached between the democratic opposition’s Unitary Platform and the Maduro regime in Barbados on October 17,” wrote the Senators. “The decision to provide such sanctions relief is consistent with our long-standing belief that U.S. sanctions are most effective when we use them as a tool to prompt changes that advance U.S. national interests. Our message is clear: free and fair elections in which all candidates are able to participate provide the best pathway for Venezuelans to determine their future.” “At the same time, though, we are aware of the Maduro regime’s failure to honor past commitments and the credible accusations of its involvement in crimes against humanity,” the Senators continued. “To that end, we urge you to reimpose sanctions absent concrete steps by the regime to implement the Barbados agreement. Consistent with the agreement, the Maduro regime must also make additional progress on human rights issues, including taking steps to release, by the end of November, opposition figures and the thre… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-hirono-murkowski-kaine-in-reintroducing-resolution-calling-on-us-senate-to-ratify-un-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea Van Hollen Joins Hirono, Murkowski, Kaine in Reintroducing Resolution Calling on U.S. Senate to Ratify UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, on the 29th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) entering into force, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in introducing a resolution calling on the U.S. Senate to ratify UNCLOS. UNCLOS, which has been ratified by 168 nations and the European Union, details the rights and responsibilities of countries regarding the world’s oceans, including guidelines for businesses and the management of marine natural resources, and provides a legal framework to protect those rights while avoiding conflict. “Sitting on the sidelines of UNCLOS not only undermines our standing to advocate for international freedom of navigation and the protection of our oceans – it also undercuts our ability to protect our own national security and commercial interests in the seas. It is critical that the U.S. ratify this Convention so we can more credibly defend international law of the sea,” said Senator Van Hollen. “More than twenty years after UNCLOS took effect, the U.S. is one of just a handful of signatories that has not ratified it, preventing us from engaging in important international conversations about our oceans and seas,” said Senator Hirono. “This long overdue step would help strengthen our national security, expand oceanic access for maritime industries, and support efforts to preserve the environmental health of our oceans. Ratifying UNCLOS enables the U.S. to participate in the decision making process regarding our planet’s oceans and seas.” “The longer we sit out, the longer the rest of world will continue to set the agenda of maritime domain, from seabed mining to critical subsea infrastructure,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “Ratifying the Law of the Sea Treaty will help us keep China’s illegal territorial advances at bay in the South China and is also critical to our national interest in the maritime domain, especially as other Arctic nations look to define their rights to seabed areas… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-over-2-million-to-strengthen-infrastructure-resiliency-at-the-city-of-havre-de-grace Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Over $2 Million to Strengthen Infrastructure Resiliency at the City of Havre de Grace 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced $2,505,500 for critical infrastructure improvements to the City of Havre de Grace in Harford County. The federal funding, provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) grant program, will support efforts to strengthen resiliency and reduce flood risk in the community while protecting endangered, threatened, and declining species in the Chesapeake Bay. These improvements are critical to the preservation and protection of this waterfront community, and were made possible in part by the senators’ work to pass the Inflation Reduction Act. “Flooding and shoreline erosion threaten our waterfront communities, our Bay economy, and the renowned charm of towns like Havre de Grace. That’s why we fought to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, and invest in boosting our infrastructure resiliency. This federal funding will help improve the safety of Havre de Grace’s homes and businesses while protecting our treasured Chesapeake Bay,” said Senator Van Hollen. “In Maryland, our wetlands are some of our best defenses against rising sea levels and storm surge. Preparing our coastal communities for the impacts of climate change and strengthening coastal habitats can and should go hand in hand,” said Senator Cardin. “This grant, awarded from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund, understands that. Strengthening Maryland’s coastal resiliency is more important than ever as we continue facing the impacts of climate change.” The City of Havre de Grace faces threats from rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and changing rainfall patterns. Senators Van Hollen and Cardin have long fought for efforts to strengthen Maryland’s coastal resiliency which also advance Chesapeake Bay restoration. In addition to the $2.6 billion the senators secured in the Inflation Reduction Act to support coastal resiliency across the country, the senators also secured historic investments throu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-praise-biden-nominee-nicole-berner-for-us-court-of-appeals-for-4th-circuit-maryland-seat Van Hollen, Cardin Praise Biden Nominee Nicole Berner for U.S. Court of Appeals for 4th Circuit Maryland Seat 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today praised President Joe Biden’s nomination of Maryland attorney Nicole Berner to fill a vacant Maryland seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. “Throughout her career, Nicole Berner has provided outstanding legal representation to advance the rights of working families and historically underrepresented communities — demonstrating her commitment to delivering equal justice to all. Her diverse legal experience shows that she is dedicated to the rule of law, fairness, and the principles of democracy, which is why I enthusiastically support her nomination to serve the American people on the Fourth Circuit. As the first openly LGBTQ nominee for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, Nicole would also break glass ceilings in our judicial system. We look forward to advancing her nomination through the Senate,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Nicole Berner has been fighting for civil rights and worker rights throughout her career and we are excited to have her bring this experience and deep knowledge of the law to the federal bench in Maryland. As the general counsel of the 2-million-member strong Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Ms. Berner oversees their legal work in complicated areas of the law, including labor, healthcare regulation, and immigration. With this background, I am confident that she will uphold the judicial oath to ‘do equal right to the poor and to the rich,’” said Senator Cardin. “I also appreciated the opportunity to meet with Ms. Berner recently and was pleased to hear that she intends, if confirmed, to have her judicial chambers in the Baltimore Courthouse to better be a part of the diverse and vibrant Maryland legal community.” Ms. Berner has been nominated to fill the vacancy created when Judge Diana Gribbon Motz took senior status in September 2022. Judge Motz was appointed to the Fourth Circuit by President Bill Clinton in 1994. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is one of twelve regional appe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-president-bidens-meeting-with-president-xi Van Hollen Statement on President Biden’s Meeting with President Xi 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, & International Cybersecurity Policy, released the following statement in advance of President Biden’s meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China (PRC): “The rise of a more assertive and aggressive PRC presents strategic challenges that the United States must address. President Biden has taken the right approach on these issues – including advancing U.S. national security interests while pursuing opportunities for diplomacy with China, as exemplified by today. This meeting comes at an important moment in our relationship with China as we seek to reduce the risk of miscalculations by resuming military-to-military communications and making incremental progress on other fronts. I am confident President Biden will press President Xi to reduce the flow of precursor fentanyl chemicals into Mexico, and I urge President Biden to call for the release of wrongfully detained Americans in China. Lastly, as we continue to seek out areas of cooperation like combatting climate change, we must keep working to hold China accountable for its human rights abuses and imprisonment of activists and journalists, preserve the status quo on Taiwan, and urge the PRC to act as a responsible actor on the world stage.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-vote-to-avert-shutdown Van Hollen Statement on Vote to Avert Shutdown 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government running through early 2024. “Keeping our government open and pursuing national objectives is one of our most basic responsibilities as lawmakers. And while I’m disappointed with yet another short-term continuing resolution, I’m glad to see House Republicans take a step back from the brink in holding our government hostage. This legislation will prevent, at least for now, economic uncertainty and disruptions to vital services that Americans count on while ensuring our federal workers and servicemembers are paid. Just as the passage of this measure was bipartisan, our work to pass funding legislation for the rest of fiscal year 2024 and address our urgent national security obligations must also be bipartisan. Over the next several weeks, we must work together to responsibly fund our FY24 domestic priorities, provide critical military assistance to the people of Ukraine, support Israel’s defense needs, and extend desperately needed humanitarian aid to areas in critical need – including to civilians in Gaza. The American people and our allies around the world are watching – and counting on us to get this done.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-announces-senate-passage-of-appropriations-package-with-over-40-million-for-maryland-infrastructure-rural-development-military-construction-projects Van Hollen Announces Senate Passage of Appropriations Package with Over $40 Million for Maryland Infrastructure, Rural Development, Military Construction Projects 2023-11-14 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced the Senate’s passage of $41,921,000 in direct federal investments for community-led projects throughout Maryland as part of a package of three fiscal year 2024 government funding bills. These funds, included at the Senator’s request, support a wide array of projects to improve public transit, trail networks, roads, affordable housing, and more; boost development in rural communities; and invest in Maryland military installations and veterans, among other critical priorities for the state. The package, which the Senator voted to pass earlier this month, is comprised of the FY24 funding bills for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD); Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. While passing the Senate is an important step forward, these funds are not finalized until the appropriations bills are reconciled with the House of Representatives and signed by the President. “Targeted federal investments in key community initiatives go a long way toward expanding opportunity and improving crucial services in our state. With these funds, we can help modernize local infrastructure, spur economic growth, strengthen our military facilities and veterans’ services, and more. I’ll keep working to get these federal investments across the finish line and deliver them to our partners across Maryland,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee. Projects funded through the THUD funding legislation: Project Name: Baltimore Franklin-Mulberry Corridor - Reconnecting Communities Applicant: Baltimore City Project Location: Baltimore City Amount Included: $500,000 Description: Funds will be used to support public engagement and outreach to develop community-led plans to enhance transportation connectivity and access for the neighborhoods in West Baltimore impacted by the Highway to Nowhere. Project Name: Benedi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-merkley-huffman-barragan-mcclellan-colleagues-new-liquified-fossil-gas-licenses-not-in-the-publics-interest Van Hollen, Merkley, Huffman, Barragán, McClellan, Colleagues: New Liquified Fossil Gas Licenses Not in the Public’s Interest 2023-11-14 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), along with Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), in sending a bicameral letter alongside their colleagues to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) urging the agency to update how it determines if new licenses for liquified natural gas (LNG) exports to non-free, U.S. trade countries are in the public interest. The letter highlights concerns that DOE’s current approach to making these determinations does not fully or accurately consider how these exports impact the climate, environmental justice, or domestic energy prices. The lawmaker’s letter comes just as Data For Progress and Fossil Free Media released a new polling report finding voters are in strong support of limiting natural gas exports “by a 2-to-1 margin and want to see new export facilities paused until the proper reviews are completed.” The letter highlights that DOE has never rejected an LNG export application on the basis of negative impacts to the American people, and urges meaningful consideration of the costs to the climate and consumers when reviewing new export licenses. “U.S. LNG exports have doubled over the past four years, and projects currently under development are set to almost double exports again. DOE’s case-by-case approach to approvals ignores the aggregate impact that the explosive growth in U.S. LNG exports is having on climate, communities, and our economy,” the lawmakers write. The lawmakers’ letter comes as DOE is approving LNG exports—and, as the lawmakers note, “scientific reports, including a recent peer reviewed study from Brown University and RMI, have found that natural gas can be as bad for the climate as coal, when only small methane leaks are factored in.” The lawmakers strongly encourage DOE to develop an approach that is informed by the latest climate and economic analysis, and which is transparent and open for public comment. “By exacerbating climate change, LNG exports also po… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-kaine-connolly-colleagues-in-urging-protections-for-merit-based-federal-workforce-system Van Hollen Joins Kaine, Connolly, Colleagues in Urging Protections for Merit-Based Federal Workforce System 2023-11-13 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11) and their colleagues in sending a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kiran Ahuja in support of a proposed rule that would protect the merit-based federal workforce system and safeguard federal employees from losing due process rights. OPM announced the proposed rule in September and is now accepting public comments on it. The public comment period closes on November 17, and then OPM will issue a final rule. “We fully support OPM’s proposed regulation as it would clarify and reinforce statutory protections for career civil servants and advance the importance of nonpartisan public service,” wrote the lawmakers. “These efforts to strengthen civil service protections underpin a well-functioning merit system, which is critical to preserving our democracy.” “Roughly 2.2 million federal employees work tirelessly to serve the American people. From protecting national security and administering Social Security and veterans benefits to researching terminal diseases and ensuring food and water safety, federal employees uphold essential programs and ensure the American public can access vital resources,” the lawmakers continued. “This proposed rulemaking is an important first step to protect civil servants from the threat of politically motivated removal and ensure the civil service continues to rely on merits and expertise to deliver for the American people.” “It is vital to the mission of every federal agency that the career employees who execute daily operations be impartial and objective in their work without fear of politically motivated retaliation,” the lawmakers concluded. “As Members of Congress, we understand the critical role of our civil servants and strongly support OPM’s efforts to uphold our country’s competitive civil service.” In addition to Senator Van Hollen, the letter led by Senator Kaine and Representative Connolly was also signed by U.S. Senators Mark R. Warne… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-usfws-and-nfwf-announce-74-million-in-new-grants-to-restore-and-protect-habitats-in-chesapeake-bay-watershed Van Hollen, USFWS, and NFWF announce $7.4 Million in New Grants to Restore and Protect Habitats in Chesapeake Bay Watershed 2023-11-13 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) was joined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), and Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) to announce 25 grants totaling $7.4 million to support wildlife habitat, climate resilience, community conservation partnerships, and equitable access to nature in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This includes $1,392,200 for nine projects in Maryland. These grants, provided through the Chesapeake Watershed Investments in Landscape Defense (Chesapeake WILD) Program, will help protect and preserve the Chesapeake Bay and leverage more than $12 million in grantee matching funds, for a total conservation impact of $19.4 million. The Chesapeake WILD program was established through legislation authored by Senators Van Hollen and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), and enacted into law within the America’s Conservation Enhancement Act in 2020. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Congressman Sarbanes were among the cosponsors of the legislation. “The Chesapeake WILD program is a critical new tool for protecting?native?habitats, preserving wildlife, and boosting the health of our outdoor economy,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “Delivering these resources to our partners in Maryland – who are working on the front lines of this effort – is exactly what I had in mind when authoring this legislation. These federal dollars will help local stewards of the Chesapeake Bay improve its water quality, restore our wetlands, and protect wildlife that has been threatened by development and pollution.” “The goal of the Chesapeake WILD Act is to equip our on-the-ground partners with resources to improve the long-term health of the Bay watershed and its inhabitants," said Congressman John Sarbanes. "That's why I am so proud to be at the National Aquarium today to announce the second round of Chesapeake WILD grant recipients. So far, these grants have aided our local, state, and regional partners' abilities to conserve land, increase resiliency, and restore critical habitat. … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-welch-colleagues-urge-usda-and-usaid-to-provide-food-aid-to-palestinians-in-gaza Van Hollen Joins Welch, Colleagues Urge USDA and USAID to Provide Food Aid to Palestinians in Gaza 2023-11-10 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack and U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator (USAID) Samantha Power to request the immediate release of crucial food aid administered by the agencies, including from the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust, for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Programs such as the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust were created to respond to food relief needs internationally in times of crisis. Over half of Gaza’s population was food-insecure before October 7. The conflict following Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel has displaced one and a half million Gazans and Israel’s limitation of aid trucks has put civilian Palestinians at risk of starvation. “Gaza is home to approximately two million Palestinian civilians, including more than one million children. Since Hamas’s brutal October 7th attacks on Israel, and the ensuing war in Gaza, more than one and a half million Gazans have been displaced. In addition, Israel’s near-total siege of Gaza and the ongoing bombing campaign has turned a humanitarian crisis into a full-blown catastrophe with acute shortages of water, food, medicine, and fuel,” wrote the Senators. “We need to facilitate and provide additional emergency assistance to Gaza to prevent a deepening of the humanitarian disaster and help save countless lives. “Though the United States has provided financial assistance for humanitarian relief in Gaza and the West Bank, additional aid is necessary to address the intensifying food emergency faced by Palestinians in Gaza. We should do all we can to alleviate that burden,” the Senators wrote. “We strongly urge you to utilize the [Bill Emerson Humanitarian] Trust and other available resources to save the lives of Palestinian citizens during this unprecedent… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-merkley-colleagues-urge-inclusion-of-full-humanitarian-assistance-in-supplemental-funding-package Van Hollen, Merkley, Colleagues Urge Inclusion of Full Humanitarian Assistance in Supplemental Funding Package 2023-11-10 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) led 21 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Democratic and Republican Senate and Appropriations leadership urging the inclusion of the full $10 billion in humanitarian assistance requested by the President in the national security supplemental. “Beyond the moral significance of continuing our country’s tradition as the world’s leader in delivering life-saving humanitarian aid, this assistance promotes global stability and security by helping manage and provide for displaced populations, preventing recruitment to extremism, and mitigating economic pressure on partner governments,” wrote the Senators. The letter highlights the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and the devastating impacts these global crises have on millions of innocent civilians caught in the middle. The Senators urge U.S. leadership in ensuring aid reaches sick, wounded, and displaced civilians. “Without these funds, global efforts led by the United States to address ongoing and expanded crises in Sudan, Nagorno-Karabakh, Burma, Syria, and other humanitarian responses will suffer reductions in support. This would directly threaten U.S. national security and the security of our partners,” the letter continues. Joining Senators Van Hollen, Merkley, Kaine, Welch, and Schatz, this letter is signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Full text of the letter can be found here and follows below: Dear Majority Lea… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-raskin-lead-resolution-recognizing-young-adults-who-have-chronic-health-conditions-highlighting-challenges-they-face Van Hollen, Raskin Lead Resolution Recognizing Young Adults Who Have Chronic Health Conditions, Highlighting Challenges They Face 2023-11-10 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Jamie Raskin (both D-Md.) are leading a resolution to raise awareness about the growing population of young adults in the United States who have chronic health conditions and the unique challenges they face. “While many understand that older Americans are susceptible to chronic conditions, it’s often overlooked that millions of young adults also struggle with these challenges – holding them back from reaching their full potential. This resolution is about bringing this invisible population into the light – recognizing the strength of the millions of young Americans fighting chronic health challenges and reaffirming our commitment to supporting comprehensive care as they transition to adulthood, funding additional research in this area, and improving health, education, and employment outcomes for these young adults with chronic conditions to ensure they can lead healthy and fulfilling lives,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Across America, young adults living with chronic health conditions demonstrate remarkable resilience and extraordinary tenacity,” said Rep. Raskin. “However, our health care system is often ill-equipped to serve this population, and the transition from pediatric care to adult care can be especially difficult and confusing. I’m grateful to the dedicated advocates and activists who’ve joined me in uplifting this resolution and raising public consciousness about the urgent need for us to better serve this vulnerable and growing population.” Due to extraordinary advancements in medicine, many young people who have serious conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes or complex congenital heart disease are now living into adulthood. Unfortunately, many adult providers lack training in childhood-onset conditions, and many young adults who have chronic conditions do not receive coordinated and timely care. Notably, the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine has found that young adults with chronic conditions wh… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-veterans-day-van-hollen-joins-brown-colleagues-in-urging-credit-reporting-agencies-to-better-protect-servicemembers-credit-reports Ahead of Veterans Day, Van Hollen Joins Brown, Colleagues in Urging Credit Reporting Agencies to Better Protect Servicemembers’ Credit Reports 2023-11-08 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) along with Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) in sending letters urging TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax to ensure servicemembers receive free credit monitoring services, active-duty alerts, and free access to credit reports, to protect these crucial reports from financial scams, identity theft, and other errors. Credit reports have a substantial impact on many servicemembers’ work. Some servicemembers, and all officers, must pass a national security clearance check that includes a detailed review of their credit history. An error on a credit report may result in denial or loss of a security clearance, which could cost someone in the military their job. 80 percent of security clearance revocations are related to financial difficulties. Deployed servicemembers may be out of the country and not able to actively monitor their credit report. Servicemembers are also often targets of identity theft, because they must change addresses frequently. The law guarantees servicemembers protections like free credit monitoring services and the ability to place an active-duty alert on their credit reports. However, credit bureaus often fail to provide servicemembers with these protective services, and errors are common. According to the CFPB, credit reports are the most common issue servicemembers register complaints about with the agency. In 2022, servicemembers sent in nearly 36,000 complaints to the CFPB related to credit reports. “These protections allow servicemembers to perform their duties with peace of mind that their credit histories are being actively monitored for changes and threats. Reducing or alleviating these stressors for servicemembers and their families directly supports the operational readiness of our armed forces,” the senators said in the letter. A copy of the letter can be found HERE or below. Dear Mr. Cartwright: We are writing to express our concern that servicemembers… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/team-maryland-joint-statement-on-the-selection-of-greenbelt-for-the-fbis-new-headquarters Team Maryland Joint Statement on the Selection of Greenbelt for the FBI's New Headquarters 2023-11-08 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Members of Maryland’s federal, state, and local governments including U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.), Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (Md.-05), Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger (Md.-02), John Sarbanes (Md.-03), Kweisi Mfume (Md.-07), Jamie Raskin (Md.-08), David Trone (Md.-06), and Glenn Ivey (Md.-04), and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks released the following statement regarding the General Services Administration’s decision to select Prince George’s County as the home for the new, consolidated FBI headquarters: “This is a historic moment for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and our nation. For decades, the dilapidated J. Edgar Hoover Building has failed to meet the FBI’s operational needs, which has undermined our national security. The once fabled building has crumbled before our eyes, with nets surrounding the facility for years to protect pedestrians from falling debris. Today’s decision by the General Services Administration (GSA) will ensure we fulfill the FBI’s dire, longstanding need for a new consolidated headquarters that meets the modern-day demands on the Bureau’s work to protect Americans and our nation. “After a thorough deliberation process and consideration of stakeholder input, the GSA selected the Greenbelt site as the location for the new FBI headquarters. The GSA’s analysis of the facts and its consultations revealed that the Greenbelt site is the most fitting site of the three final candidates when all factors were considered together. “We agree with the GSA’s determination that based on merit the Greenbelt site is best suited to serve the present and future FBI and the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly to protect America and uphold the law. Considering cost to the taxpayer, equity, construction timeline, transportation access, and the FBI’s mission requirements, we have long believed that Greenbelt is the best site for this crucial facility. We are pleased that the GSA … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-durbin-jayapal-schakowsky-colleagues-in-urging-biden-administration-to-designate-palestinian-territories-for-temporary-protected-status-or-authorize-deferred-enforcement-departure-for-palestinians-in-us Van Hollen Joins Durbin, Jayapal, Schakowsky, Colleagues in Urging Biden Administration to Designate Palestinian Territories for Temporary Protected Status or Authorize Deferred Enforcement Departure for Palestinians in U.S. 2023-11-08 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09) and their colleagues in a letter to President Joe Biden calling on his Administration to designate the Palestinian territories for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and/or authorize Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Palestinians present in the United States. TPS and DED offer temporary relief from removal and work authorization for eligible foreign nationals already in the United States who are unable to return safely to their home country. “In light of ongoing armed conflict, Palestinians already in the United States should not be forced to return to the Palestinian territories, consistent with President Biden’s stated commitment to protecting Palestinian civilians,” the lawmakers wrote. Following the horrific October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas and Israel’s ensuing military response, conditions in the Palestinian territories have greatly deteriorated. According to reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of November 6, at least 10,000 Palestinians have been killed. This includes more than 4,100 children, which, according to Save the Children, is more than the number of children killed in all of the world’s armed conflicts on an annual basis since 2019. The United Nations reports that almost 1.5 million of Gaza’s population of 2.2 million have been displaced. Thousands are unable to access clean water and nutrition; access to medical care has become increasingly difficult, with some health facilities in Gaza hit by bombardment and many others crippled by a lack of fuel for electricity. And in the West Bank, unrest and settler violence have resulted in the deaths of 149 Palestinians and the forcible displacement of hundreds more. “Given these conditions, it is no surprise that the U.S. Department of State extended a Level 4 Travel Advisory for Gaza due to ‘terrorism, civil unrest and a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-markey-meng-statement-on-expansion-of-e-rate-program Van Hollen, Markey, Meng Statement on Expansion of E-Rate Program 2023-11-08 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) issued the following statement today after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed expanding the E-Rate program to allow schools and libraries to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators: “The FCC’s action to expand E-Rate is a critical step to ensure millions of students and educators do not lose access to high-speed internet at home, as well as an important recognition that education extends beyond the classroom. This action could not have come at a more important time for our students. With the Emergency Connectivity Fund running out of money, millions of students could lose access to broadband internet, deepening educational inequalities and reversing our critical progress in closing the homework gap. While we work in Congress to expand upon the incredible success of the ECF program, we are pleased that the FCC is stepping up to support students and their families. We applaud Chairwoman Rosenworcel for advancing this proposed rule and look forward to working with her and the Commission to continue closing the digital divide.” The expansion will help maintain the progress made by the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), a $7 billion program that the lawmakers created within the American Rescue Plan to provide devices and connectivity for students and educators at home. The ECF program has helped connect roughly 18 million students across the nation to their schools and teachers at home. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-murphy-schatz-and-reed-lead-majority-of-democratic-caucus-in-push-for-more-information-around-strategy-to-defeat-hamas-protect-civilians-in-gaza Van Hollen, Murphy, Schatz, and Reed Lead Majority of Democratic Caucus in Push for More Information around Strategy to Defeat Hamas, Protect Civilians in Gaza 2023-11-08 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) led the majority of the Senate Democratic Caucus in a letter to President Biden condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel’s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. In addition to Senators Van Hollen, Murphy, Schatz, and Reed the letter was signed by Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). “We have joined you in condemning the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel and agree with you that Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. We applaud your actions to secure the release of two American citizens held hostage and support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages. In the days and weeks since these attacks, you have rightly demonstrated America’s commitment to support Israel in this dark hour,” the Senators begin. They continue, “The attacks of October 7th brought back chilling memories of the United States’ own confrontation with terror twenty-two years ago. In light of our own experience, we want to underscore how critical it is that Israel: (1) learn from the mistakes the United States made in our fight against terrorism by focusing on realistic and achievable military goals; and (2) abide by th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-47-million-for-baltimore-county-manufacturing Maryland Delegation Announces $47 Million for Baltimore County Manufacturing 2023-11-07 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume and Jamie Raskin (all D-Md.) announced $47,392,500 from the Port Infrastructure Development Program of the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to further develop the Baltimore County Offshore Wind Manufacturing Hub at Tradepoint Atlantic. The federal dollars will be used to prepare the former site of the Bethlehem Steel shipyard and the future site of Sparrows Point Steel—Maryland’s first permanent offshore wind component factory – to accommodate heavy cargo onsite. Funds will also be used for site remediation and environmental activities. “Through both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. and back to Maryland, and this investment will help make Baltimore a competitive manufacturing hub for offshore wind and a premier destination for clean energy growth,” said the lawmakers. “In addition to the estimated 500 union jobs and highly sought after storage space supported by this project, these funds will help further establish Maryland as an innovation hub for clean energy and offshore wind manufacturing.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-nearly-7-billion-for-major-northeast-corridor-rail-infrastructure-improvement-projects Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $7 Billion for Major Northeast Corridor Rail Infrastructure Improvement Projects 2023-11-06 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $6,967,506,656 for six passenger rail projects in Maryland. These major investments will support the construction of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel – which will replace the 150-year-old B&P Tunnel in Baltimore City – as well as the replacement of the Bush River, Gunpowder River, and Susquehanna River Bridges; all of which regularly cause delays in Amtrak and MARC service due to their decades-old age. Funds will also help facilitate significant renovations at Baltimore’s Penn Station, as well as speed improvements along the Northeast Corridor. The historic level of funding for these projects comes in large part from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is making the largest federal investment in passenger rail since Amtrak’s creation. “This transformative funding is driving a once-in-a-generation effort to reinvent rail travel as we know it in Maryland. Projects like these are exactly why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said the lawmakers. “With these federal funds, we’re creating good-paying union jobs and improving safety, efficiency, and the entire rail travel experience for the millions of passengers traveling through Maryland each year. Together with President Biden, we’re working to implement his Invest in American agenda to positively impact the lives of Marylanders in every corner of our state.” The federal dollars were made available under the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program—a historic federal commitment under the infrastructure law to improve passenger rail in the United States. Awarded funds will support the following projects that will deliver long-overdue replacements and upgrades to aging infrastructure: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-join-colleagues-in-bipartisan-vote-to-confirm-judge-matthew-maddox-for-the-us-district-court-of-maryland Van Hollen, Cardin Join Colleagues in Bipartisan Vote to Confirm Judge Matthew Maddox for the U.S. District Court of Maryland 2023-11-06 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) praised confirmation of U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Maddox to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Maryland. The bipartisan vote Tuesday was 55-42. Earlier this month, the Senate confirmed Marylander Brendan Hurson to fill the other opening on the federal district court. “Judge Maddox has a proven commitment to upholding the highest standards of equal justice under the law. With his confirmation to the U.S. District Court of Maryland bench, he’ll bring his extensive years of public service and courtroom experience – including as a former federal prosecutor and magistrate judge – and a long record of legal expertise. We were proud to support Judge Maddox’s nomination and confirmation and grateful he has answered the call to serve the public on this court,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Judge Maddox has the skills and the Maryland experience we need on the federal bench at this time,” said Senator Cardin. “A former prosecutor who is dedicated to public service, Judge Maddox has a long history of integrity and judicial competence, and I am pleased to see the Senate elevate him from Magistrate to District Judge. We recommended Judge Maddox to President Biden for this judicial vacancy because of our confidence that he will safeguard the rights of all Marylanders, and uphold the Constitution and rule of law, as he has done throughout his legal career.” With Judge Maddox’s confirmation, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland has its full complement of 10 active judges. However, United States Chief District Judge James Bredar has informed the White House and the U.S. Senate of his intention to take senior status in April 2024, which will open a new vacancy. Senators Van Hollen and Cardin are now accepting applications for lawyers interested in this position. The senators anticipate making recommendations to President Biden from among the applicants. Application details are available here: https://www.cardin.senate.gov/jud… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-5-million-to-strengthen-maternal-health-care-across-maryland Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $5 Million to Strengthen Maternal Health Care Across Maryland 2023-11-02 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $5,230,218 to support better access to maternal health care across Maryland. This federal funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Maternal Health Awards, will provide five maternal health programs with additional resources to combat maternal mortality and improve maternal and infant health outcomes, especially in underserved communities across the state. “Our nation’s unacceptable maternal mortality rate has left far too many children to grow up without their mothers. Our health care system is failing pregnant women, especially Black and Latina women, who experience higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and death. As we continue our work in Congress to address the systemic drivers of maternal mortality, these investments to improve health care for women before, during and after pregnancy will help tackle health disparities, save moms’ lives and ensure more women can deliver healthy babies,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $1,798,769 to the Maryland Department of Health to foster the development and demonstration of integrated maternal health services models; $1,670,233 to The Johns Hopkins University to reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity through demonstrations focused on improving maternal health and addressing maternal health disparities through quality services, a skilled workforce, enhanced data quality and capacity, and innovative programming; $1,078,539 to Medstar Health Research Institute, Inc. in Hyattsville to improve health outcomes before, during and after pregnancy and reduce the well-documented racial/ethnic differences in rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes; $483,400 to Morgan State University to help establish a mul… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-lujan-merkley-urge-biden-administration-to-protect-palestinian-communities-in-the-west-bank Van Hollen, Luján, Merkley Urge Biden Administration to Protect Palestinian Communities in the West Bank 2023-11-02 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to urge the Israeli government to uphold the rule of law in the West Bank and discourage extremist settlers from violent attacks against Palestinian communities. The destabilizing impact of such violence and the displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank further threatens stability in the region, including by strengthening Hamas, undermining the Palestinian Authority, and threatening to open another front in this conflict. After visiting Susya earlier this year, the Senators were deeply moved by the villagers’ stories. Recent reports have detailed a disturbing incident in which Israeli settlers, possibly accompanied by Israel Defense Forces personnel, attacked the residents living in the Palestinian community. In August, the Senators called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to ensure Susya residents have access to the water pipeline that runs through the area. “We personally visited Susya earlier this year and were deeply moved by the villagers’ stories of displacement, of ongoing deprivation of resources and of intimidation by neighboring settlers. As one of the largest unrecognized Palestinian communities in the Masafer Yatta region, Susya has received significant international attention and support in the face of similar threats and attacks,” the Senators wrote. “We are profoundly concerned that the forced displacement of Susya would further embolden violent settler attacks and intimidation against the surrounding communities. Since the Israel-Hamas War began, there has been a growing number of incidents in which settlers have been documented attacking nearby Palestinian communities, at times escorted by Israeli soldiers. These actions endanger the possibility of a two-state solution,” the Senators continued. “Therefore, we urge you to immediately and strongly convey to the Israeli government its responsibility to uphold the rule of law in the West Bank and protect civilians… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-senators-release-statement-regarding-humanitarian-aid-to-civilians-in-gaza Van Hollen, Senators Release Statement Regarding Humanitarian Aid to Civilians in Gaza 2023-11-02 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), released the following statement: “The tragic war in Gaza, initiated by Hamas terrorist attacks on innocent civilians on October 7, is causing heartbreaking suffering among Israelis, Palestinians and citizens of other nations living in the region. “Israel has the right and obligation to defend itself against Hamas, whose leadership continues to state clearly that their goal is the complete annihilation of Israel. Israel also has the obligation, pursuant to international law, to conduct that defense in such a way as to minimize harm to civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those who are suffering. We acknowledge the increased burden that this necessarily places on Israel to accomplish these obligations. “Hamas’s horrific actions cannot be ascribed to all Palestinians. Indeed, Palestinian residents of Gaza have often been victimized by Hamas. “As Senators, we have been closely monitoring the war in Gaza and believe that much more must be done to protect civilian life. We have been in ongoing dialogue with government officials in the United States, Israel and other nations in the region. We have communicated extensively with international aid officials doing work in Gaza, including those working together with the U.S. Agency for International Development. And we have talked at length with our own constituents who have family and friends in the region. “The failure to adequately protect non-combatant civilians risks dramatic escalation of the conflict in the region and imposes severe damage on prospects for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. Based on the consensus opinion of U.S. and international aid officials, it is nearly impossible to deliver sufficient humanitarian aid to pro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-sanders-padilla-introduce-legislation-to-extend-social-security-benefits-for-students Van Hollen, Sanders, Padilla Introduce Legislation to Extend Social Security Benefits for Students 2023-11-01 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to extend Social Security benefits to age 26 for students who are survivors, children of disabled workers, and eligible grandchildren of retired workers. The Senators’ legislation, the Helping Students Successfully Overcome Adversity and Rise (SOAR) with Social Security Act, would restore critical support for families enduring financial struggle and bolster the future success of their children. “Children who receive Social Security benefits have been dealt challenging hardships – like the loss of a parent – through no fault of their own. These young people face real financial burdens that often require them to work to make up for limited family income, which can cause them to fall behind in school. This legislation will provide the support these students and their families need to overcome barriers to educational success and future economic stability,” said Senator Van Hollen. “With college tuition costs increasing exponentially, we need to do more to support our students and families struggling to pay for postsecondary education,” said Senator Padilla. “Social Security children’s benefits are an essential resource to help families make up for lost income. Removing barriers and extending these benefits until age 26 for eligible postsecondary students would improve access to higher education for thousands of young Americans.” Social Security provides critical benefits to nearly 3 million children ages 19 and younger. For the families of these children, the benefits serve as critical wage replacement when income is lost due to retirement, disability, or death. After Lyndon B. Johnson expanded the Social Security program in 1965, eligible child Social Security dependents were permitted to continue benefits as qualifying post-secondary students. The program, whose beneficiaries were disproportionately first-generation college students, low-income, or from underrepresented backgrounds, was repe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-questions-blinken-and-austin-on-hamas-attack-israeli-and-palestinian-civilian-casualties-status-of-humanitarian-assistance-and-extremist-settler-violence-in-the-west-bank-at-national-security-supplemental-funding-hearing VAN HOLLEN QUESTIONS BLINKEN AND AUSTIN ON HAMAS ATTACK, ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN CIVILIAN CASUALTIES, STATUS OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE, AND EXTREMIST SETTLER VIOLENCE IN THE WEST BANK AT NATIONAL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING HEARING 2023-10-31 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) questioned Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III during a hearing on President Biden’s proposed national security supplemental request. A transcript of his questions and Secretary Blinken’s and Secretary Austin’s responses is available below and video is available here. SENATOR CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D-Md.): Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Secretary, in the aftermath of the horror visited upon Israel by Hamas and the ongoing war in Gaza, much of the world has turned its eye away from what's happening on the West Bank. And what we're seeing – and our own folks on the ground have been reporting this on a daily basis – is that with support of extremists in the Netanyahu government, people like Smotrich and Ben Gvir, extremist settler violence against Palestinians has skyrocketed as more Palestinians are pushed off their land in Area C. As you know, all this does is strengthen Hamas, undermine the already weak P.A. and open another front in this war. I know the President has raised this issue with Prime Minister Netanyahu. But, according to every report I get – and I know both you Secretaries get these – we've seen no improvement. So, my question is pretty simple: what is your plan beyond urging that something be done, when our pleas continue to be ignored? ANTONY J. BLINKEN, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: Senator Van Hollen, with regard to the West Bank, we very much share the concern that you've expressed. The Palestinian Authority is doing everything that it can to keep security, to keep stability, in the West Bank. It's vastly under-resourced – this is another aspect of the problem. And we've urged the Israelis, for example, to provide the Authority with the resources that it needs that are being held back – tax revenues and other fees that it collects and then normally gives to the Authority – so that it can do its business to release those. And at the same time, the President himself has been very clear, very direct, and ve… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-murray-sanders-wyden-baldwin-senators-in-urging-the-biden-administration-to-require-insurers-to-fully-cover-over-the-counter-birth-control-with-no-out-of-pocket-costs-or-prescription-barrier Van Hollen Joins Murray, Sanders, Wyden, Baldwin, Senators in Urging the Biden Administration to Require Insurers to Fully Cover Over-the-Counter Birth Control, With No Out-of-Pocket Costs or Prescription Barrier 2023-10-30 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and their Senate colleagues in sending a letter urging the Biden Administration to require federally and state-regulated health insurance plans to fully cover over-the-counter contraceptives, including Opill—the first-ever FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill, which will become available in early 2024—with no copays or out of pocket costs, and without a prescription requirement. “We urge you to improve health insurance coverage, both public and private, of the full range of FDA-approved, granted, or cleared contraceptive products—including birth control that is available over-the-counter (OTC) without requiring a prescription for coverage,” the senators wrote today in their letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and the Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su. “Over 19 million women live in counties with limited access to health care providers that offer comprehensive contraceptive services, and about one-third of women who have received prescription contraceptives have reported barriers to access. Expanding access to affordable coverage for eligible, uninsured populations would improve the quality of contraceptive care that patients receive.” “The availability of safe and effective OTC birth control products has enormous potential to help people overcome significant barriers to consistent contraceptive use, including the many logistical and financial challenges to obtaining a prescription. The FDA’s approval of Opill is a milestone; however, for an OTC birth control pill to meet its potential and be truly accessible, federal departments must ensure that it is covered without cost-sharing and without the need for a prescription as a condition of coverage,” the senators continued. “To expand access to affordable contraception, we urge the tri-departments to issue new g… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-ossoff-senators-in-urging-access-for-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza Van Hollen Joins Ossoff, Senators in Urging Access for Humanitarian Aid to Gaza 2023-10-27 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and their colleagues in warning a humanitarian collapse in Gaza would threaten regional stability and jointly issued the following statement: “We urge the swift implementation of sustained access for humanitarian aid, including water and medical supplies, to save civilian lives in Gaza,” the group wrote. In addition to Senator Van Hollen, Senator Ossoff is joined by Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Angus King (I-Maine), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-murphy-schatz-welch-merkley-lead-20-senate-colleagues-calling-for-fuel-deliveries-to-hospitals-and-water-treatment-centers-in-gaza Van Hollen, Murphy, Schatz, Welch, Merkley Lead 20 Senate Colleagues Calling for Fuel Deliveries to Hospitals and Water Treatment Centers in Gaza 2023-10-27 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led 20 of their Senate colleagues in releasing the following statement: “We condemn Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, for which Israel must hold Hamas accountable. In the course of that endeavor, every effort must be made to protect innocent civilians. Right now, hospitals in Gaza are hours away from running out of fuel that powers ventilators, incubators for babies, and other lifesaving equipment, and diseases are rapidly spreading without power to treat and pump clean drinking water. To prevent a potential health crisis and help save countless lives, we believe it is possible to transport fuel directly to these hospitals, desalination plants, and water pumping stations with full transparency to prevent diversion to Hamas. There are extensive oversight mechanisms in place that will track the fuel deliveries directly to the intended sites where they can be used immediately to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians, including babies and children. We encourage the Biden administration to work with our Israeli, Egyptian, and UN partners to enable these lifesaving deliveries.” Senators Van Hollen, Murphy, Schatz, Welch, Merkley are joined by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-warren-senators-call-for-humanitarian-pauses-and-hostage-releases-in-israel-hamas-war-echoing-united-states-resolution-at-united-nations Van Hollen, Warren, Senators Call for Humanitarian Pauses and Hostage Releases in Israel-Hamas War, Echoing United States Resolution at United Nations 2023-10-27 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on the Israel-Hamas War: “Israel has a right to defend its citizens after Hamas’s terrorist attacks, which have driven the region into turmoil and cost thousands of lives. The war in Gaza has become a humanitarian crisis and has claimed the lives of innocent Palestinians. As the United States put forward at the United Nations, we are calling for humanitarian pauses to allow full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance for civilians and the immediate, unconditional release of all remaining hostages.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-approves-van-hollen-cardin-amendment-to-fund-invasive-catfish-control-measures Senate Approves Van Hollen, Cardin Amendment to Fund Invasive Catfish Control Measures 2023-10-26 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) praised the unanimous approval by the Senate this week of their amendment to provide targeted resources to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS), to help the State of Maryland control the population of invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. The measure was adopted as an amendment to a package of spending bills for Fiscal Year 2024 that includes Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies; Agriculture and the Food & Drug Administration; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies. “Invasive catfish have spread in the Chesapeake Bay, inhabiting nearly all major tributaries. They are preying on local species, including the iconic blue crab,” the senators said. “Our amendment will help better control the spread of invasive blue catfish and limit their harmful impacts by providing new resources and facilitating critical partnerships between the federal government and Maryland state agencies. We will continue to seek out federal resources to support this effort.” The amendment provides funding to support state natural resource agency partners with science as well as design and implement control methods for invasive catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. Example activities include population monitoring to understand seasonal movement and diet patterns and purchasing appropriate electrofishing equipment. Increased monitoring in tributaries that are vulnerable to colonization by invasive blue catfish will allow the state to develop comprehensive mitigation plans in the Chesapeake Bay region. Van Hollen is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Cardin is a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-blackburn-rosen-lankford-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-antisemitism-passes-senate-unanimously Van Hollen, Blackburn, Rosen, Lankford Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Antisemitism Passes Senate Unanimously 2023-10-26 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, the bipartisan resolution condemning antisemitism led by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jacky Rosen (D-N.V.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) passed the Senate unanimously. The Senators’ resolution condemned cases of antisemitism at institutions of higher education and encouraged college and university leaders to speak out against antisemitism. “There is no place in America for antisemitism. I was proud to join Senators Blackburn, Rosen, and Lankford in introducing a bipartisan Senate resolution that makes that clear. At this time of trauma and turmoil, we must do even more to call out antisemitism and other types of bigotry and hate in all their ugly forms,” said Senator Van Hollen. The text of the resolution is as follows: Whereas, in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, there has been a rise in incidents of antisemitism, including hate speech and intimidation, on college campuses and universities in the United States, creating an atmosphere of fear for Jewish students and faculty; Whereas the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance has developed a widely accepted working definition of antisemitism which can serve as a helpful tool for education administrators and faculty to identify antisemitism; Whereas acts of hate, discrimination, and violence based on religion or ethnicity have no place at institutions that exist to further education and understanding between diverse student bodies; and Whereas freedom of speech and expression are foundational principles of institutions of higher education in the United States, but when these principles are used to promote violence, hatred, or discrimination on the basis of religious beliefs, national origin, or ancestry, higher education leaders have the right and an obligation to respond: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— (1) strongly condemns any instances of antisemitism occurring at colleges and universities in the United States; (2) encourages higher education… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-rounds-kamlager-dove-kim-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-strengthen-us-africa-ties Van Hollen, Rounds, Kamlager-Dove, Kim Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Africa Ties 2023-10-26 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, and U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the bipartisan Young African Leaders Initiative Act to make permanent the State Department’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). U.S. Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. YALI is the United States’ signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Nearly one in three Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60 percent of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35. YALI was launched in 2010 to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across sub-Saharan Africa. “Building stronger people-to-people ties between the many African countries and the United States holds tremendous benefit for all of our nations – from promoting greater understanding to expanding opportunity for all. The Young African Leaders Initiative has been key to strengthening these relationships and realizing these benefits, which is why we should make it permanent. Passing this legislation will ensure we continue our investments in Africa’s emerging leaders and pave the way for a brighter shared future for the nations of Africa and the U.S.,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I am committed to strengthening democracy, prosperity and peace in Africa,” said Senator Rounds. “The Young African Leaders Initiative was created in 2010 to empower young African leaders to gain the skills and education for the advancement of democratic governance and stability across the continent. Continued U.S. engagement in the region is essential to building strategic partnerships while simultaneously deterring influence from our adversaries. I am pleased to join Senator Van Hollen to make this initiative permanent and to foster the next ge… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-74-million-in-energy-assistance-for-low-income-families Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $74 Million in Energy Assistance for Low-Income Families 2023-10-25 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $74,410,147 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funding for Maryland’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federal dollars, made possible in part by the lawmakers’ efforts to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will help reduce costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and energy-related repairs for low-income families to cool and heat their homes. “Access to heat is a health and safety issue. With colder months approaching, these federal funds arrive at a critical time and will help ensure that Maryland families can stay safe and warm this winter,” said the lawmakers. This year, Maryland’s LIHEAP received a boost of more than $1.8 million from the lawmakers’ passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided $100 million to support homeowners in need nationwide for fiscal year 2024. The remainder of the funds were provided by the LIHEAP block grant program authorized by annual appropriations legislation and administered through the Office of Community Services (OCS) at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the HHS. The lawmakers also have consistently worked to secure funding for this program through the appropriations process. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-blackburn-rosen-lankford-in-introducing-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-antisemitism Van Hollen Joins Blackburn, Rosen, Lankford in Introducing Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Antisemitism 2023-10-25 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jacky Rosen (D-N.V.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing a bipartisan resolution condemning antisemitism at institutions of higher education and encouraging college and university leaders to speak out against antisemitism. The text of the resolution is as follows: Whereas, in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, there has been a rise in incidents of antisemitism, including hate speech and intimidation, on college campuses and universities in the United States, creating an atmosphere of fear for Jewish students and faculty; Whereas the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance has developed a widely accepted working definition of antisemitism which can serve as a helpful tool for education administrators and faculty to identify antisemitism; Whereas acts of hate, discrimination, and violence based on religion or ethnicity have no place at institutions that exist to further education and understanding between diverse student bodies; and Whereas freedom of speech and expression are foundational principles of institutions of higher education in the United States, but when these principles are used to promote violence, hatred, or discrimination on the basis of religious beliefs, national origin, or ancestry, higher education leaders have the right and an obligation to respond: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— (1) strongly condemns any instances of antisemitism occurring at colleges and universities in the United States; (2) encourages higher education leaders, including presidents, deans, and administrators, to publicly condemn speech that incites or celebrates violence against any people based on religious beliefs, national origin, or ancestry; and (3) encourages institutions of higher education to engage with Jewish student organizations and ensure that Jewish students, faculty, and staff can pursue their academic and personal aspirations without fear. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-join-biden-harris-administration-in-announcing-nearly-32-million-for-environmental-justice-projects-in-communities-across-maryland-as-part-of-investing-in-america-agenda Van Hollen, Cardin Join Biden-Harris Administration in Announcing Nearly $3.2 Million for Environmental Justice Projects in Communities Across Maryland as Part of Investing in America Agenda 2023-10-24 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in announcing nearly $3.2 million to fund 5 projects in Maryland that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The organizations, selected through the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs, will use the funds to ensure disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions in alignment with the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative. This funding is a part of the largest investment ever announced under these two longstanding EPA programs and was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act – the largest climate investment in U.S. history – which the Senators fought to pass. This is the first in a series of environmental justice grant announcements the agency will announce before the end of the year. “Too many minority and low-income communities have been further marginalized by decades of pollution and harmed by the health hazards that come with it. We made sure that the Inflation Reduction Act would begin righting these wrongs. These investments will bolster community-based organizations’ efforts to advance equity, create jobs, and tackle longstanding pollution in historically underserved Maryland communities,”said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “We know that decades of environmental racism have led to disproportionate health and economic burdens on Black, Brown, Indigenous communities in Maryland and nationwide,” said Senator Ben Cardin. “The Inflation Reduction Act made possible much of this historic investment in environmental and climate justice. These federal funds represent critical support for organizations across Maryland working to reverse the impacts of environmental racism in their communities, including smaller groups that often have difficulty acce… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-bennet-hirono-duckworth-shaheen-bipartisan-colleagues-in-calling-on-pentagon-to-expand-access-to-over-the-counter-contraceptives-for-service-members-and-their-families Van Hollen Joins Bennet, Hirono, Duckworth, Shaheen, Bipartisan Colleagues in Calling on Pentagon to Expand Access to Over-The-Counter Contraceptives for Service Members and Their Families 2023-10-24 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) alongside their senate colleagues in sending a letter urging the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure over-the-counter birth control is available for service members and their families on military bases, without a copay and without a prescription. In July, the Food and Drug Administration approved Opill as the first daily oral contraceptive available without a prescription. “Access to contraception, as well as education about it, increases readiness and improves quality of life for our servicemembers and their families,” wrote the senators. “We write to urge the Department of Defense (DoD) to expand TRICARE coverage to include OTC contraceptives with no cost-sharing or prescription requirement. We also request the DoD stock OTC contraceptives in military treatment facilities, pharmacies, and exchanges.” After the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, 40 percent of active duty service women face limited or no access to reproductive care where they are stationed. This poses serious challenges for the approximately 1.6 million women of reproductive age – including service members, retirees, and their families – who rely on the Military Health System to access essential health care. The senators call on DoD to make Opill available in medical facilities, retail stores, and pharmacies on military bases at no cost to servicemembers or dependents and without a prescription. They ask DoD to respond by the end of the month and to provide reasons in case the Pentagon is unable or unwilling to meet their call to expand access to reproductive care for people currently serving in uniform, military retirees, and their dependents. In addition to Senator Van Hollen, the letter led by Senators Bennet, Hirono, Duckworth, and Shaheen, was signed by U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-durbin-colleagues-in-urging-the-department-of-labor-to-hold-companies-accountable-for-violating-child-labor-laws Van Hollen Joins Durbin, Colleagues in Urging the Department of Labor to Hold Companies Accountable for Violating Child Labor Laws 2023-10-23 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Acting Secretary Julie Su urging the Department to continue holding companies accountable for violations of child labor laws. The letter follows a New York Times Magazine article that raised serious concerns about the influx of unaccompanied noncitizen children that are working long hours in dangerous conditions. In the letter, the Senators commend DOL for holding accountable not just the subcontractors who directly hire child workers for dangerous jobs, but also the brands that hire subcontractors including both Tyson and Perdue. The letter also urges the Department to consider additional workforce development opportunities for noncitizen youth—particularly recently arrived unaccompanied children. The Senators wrote, “There have been multiple reports in recent months regarding the continued use of illegal child labor across the United States. We appreciate the efforts the Biden Administration and the Department of Labor (DOL) are taking to eliminate this scourge. However, these recent reports highlight the need to take further steps to protect children from dangerous employment that could result in injury and even death.” “We also urge you to consider additional means by which to provide eligible vulnerable noncitizen youth—particularly recent arrivals who are unaccompanied—access to safe and appropriate work opportunities. The Department has received funding from Congress to support programs that provide workforce development opportunities to ensure that youth have access to age-appropriate jobs and subsidized training. These programs offer opportunities for training and skills development to attain an on-ramp to quality career pathways. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) authorizes several youth-targeted programs, which are the primary DOL-administered workforce development programs for youth… However, it is often difficult for su… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-judge-andrew-wilkinson Van Hollen Statement on Judge Andrew Wilkinson 2023-10-20 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) made this statement on the murder of Judge Andrew Wilkinson: “I’m appalled and saddened by the news that Judge Andrew Wilkinson was killed in a senseless act of gun violence. Judge Wilkinson was a dedicated public servant with a true appreciation for the rule of law, and his tragic murder represents outright disregard for the institution he was committed to upholding. My thoughts are with his family and with the entire Hagerstown community during this awful time.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-650000-for-opioid-and-drug-prevention-programs-on-the-eastern-shore Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $650,000 for Opioid and Drug Prevention Programs on the Eastern Shore 2023-10-19 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced $650,000 in U.S. Department of Justice funding to help implement Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore mentoring programs for youth affected by opioid and other substance misuse. “As the opioid epidemic devastates communities across the state each year, drug overdose is claiming the lives of more and more young Marylanders. Early prevention is just one of the many ways we can help win the fight against opioids and other substance misuse,” said the lawmakers. “With proper interventions and more community support, we can help curb drug use and improve outcomes for young people who are the most at risk of developing a substance use disorder.” The funding was made available through the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) FY 2023 Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse grant program. The federal funds will be used to help implement the Youth Mentoring Program to benefit children impacted by opioids, their families, mentors, and communities on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Through this program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore will partner with local health departments to provide seminars on opioid and drug use as well as additional training through the learning exchange. The OJJDP FY 2023 Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse grant seeks to enhance and expand mentoring services for children and youth impacted by opioids and other drug misuse. The OJJDP aims to assist youth and their families negatively affected by opioids and other substances, especially youth in historically marginalized and underserved communities who will benefit the most from prevention and intervention programs. The program's goal is to improve outcomes (such as improved academic performance and reduced school dropout rates) for youth impacted by opioids and other substance misuse through mentoring. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-vote-for-bipartisan-resolution-affirming-support-of-israel Van Hollen Statement on Vote for Bipartisan Resolution Affirming Support of Israel 2023-10-19 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding his vote to pass a bipartisan resolution affirming support of Israel. Senator Van Hollen is an original cosponsor of the resolution: “Israel has not only a right but also a responsibility to defend itself and to end Hamas’ operational control in Gaza. Following the horrific Hamas terrorist attack and ongoing violence, we stand by our partner and ally Israel in support of this right, as it prosecutes its fight against Hamas and their indiscriminate attacks that have harmed both Israelis and Palestinians. This bipartisan push underscores our steadfast support for the people of Israel as we continue working to provide tangible support to their defense.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-president-biden-makes-trip-to-israel-van-hollen-welch-and-schatz-urge-administration-to-reinforce-humanitarian-protections-in-gaza As President Biden Makes Trip to Israel, Van Hollen, Welch, and Schatz Urge Administration to Reinforce Humanitarian Protections in Gaza 2023-10-18 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Yesterday, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) sent a letter to President Joe Biden ahead of the President’s meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging him to reinforce the importance of protecting civilians and the need for immediate humanitarian aid into Gaza—including providing civilians with water, food, electricity, fuel, and medicine. Earlier this week, the Senators issued a joint statement condemning Hamas for its brutal actions against Israel and calling for protections for the two million people trapped in Gaza. Full text of the letter can be found here and below. Mr. President, You have expressed eloquently our horror at the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians, including women, children, parents, and grandparents. We share your unequivocal condemnation of these terror attacks and kidnappings. We stand with you in full support of Israel’s right to defend itself, in accordance with international law, and support the provision of additional military assistance to reinforce that mission in this moment of maximum peril. As you have stated, “democracies like Israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law.” As you prepare to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, we urge that every effort be made to avoid civilian harm and to allow access to humanitarian aid for those in need, including but not limited to: Restoring access to food, electricity, water, fuel, and medicine for the approximately two million Palestinian civilians living in Gaza, including more than one million children, who are victims themselves of Hamas’ oppressive rule; Establishing a humanitarian corridor immediately to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and safe passage for U.S. citizens who seek safety outside Gaza; and Mitigating the destruction of Palestinian homes in Gaza from which they are being urged to flee so they may return to live when hostilities end, as well a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-praise-biden-nominee-clint-fuchs-for-us-marshal-for-the-district-of-maryland Van Hollen, Cardin Praise Biden Nominee Clint Fuchs for U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland 2023-10-18 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) praised President Joe Biden’s nomination of Clint Fuchs to be the new U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland. “Maryland needs a U.S. Marshal with a proven track record combating violent crime, including the persistent gun violence that continues to plague Baltimore City. Clint Fuchs meets this mark, and we were proud to recommend him to President Joe Biden for this critical position,” the senators said. “Clint has demonstrated a passion for public service and the rule of law, from his time in the U.S. Marine Corps to his 15 years of service as a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. He has held numerous leadership roles in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with a focus on fighting violent crime in the state, including Baltimore City. The working relationships and solid partnerships he has built with various federal, state, and local agencies will serve the people of Maryland well. In addition to addressing gun, drug, and gang violence in the state, we are confident that Clint will strengthen our justice system by helping protect our federal judiciary and witness security and upholding the rights of all Marylanders. Johnny Hughes has left an enduring mark as U.S. Marshal in Maryland for more than 20 years, but we know Clint is well-equipped to step into this important role – and we look forward to advancing his nomination in the U.S. Senate.” Fuchs was born and raised in Maryland and is a graduate of the McDonogh School in Baltimore. He received his BA cum laude from Georgetown University in 1998. After college, Fuchs enrolled in the United States Marine Corps, and served as an artillery officer in the 2nd Marine Division. He then attended Columbia University Law School and received his JD in 2005. After law school, he clerked for Judge William Quarles in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Fuchs joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland in 2008. He began as an Assistant U.S. Attorney … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-murphy-senate-colleagues-call-for-providing-humanitarian-aid-to-address-emergency-needs-in-gaza Van Hollen, Murphy, Senate Colleagues Call for Providing Humanitarian Aid to Address Emergency Needs in Gaza 2023-10-18 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn) and Senate colleagues in urging the Biden administration to lead the international community in contributing to the United Nations’ emergency appeal of $294 million to address the immediate humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza. “As a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza prompted by Hamas’ horrific terror attacks, more than 1.2 million people are in urgent need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. More than one million people have fled the violence, stretching the already strained ability of the United Nations and humanitarian partners on the ground to provide the food, medical treatment, and shelter they need to survive,” the senators wrote. The senators continued: “We support Israel’s right to defend its people against the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas. Hamas knew that the Israeli government would have to respond to the unconscionable murder and hostage-taking of its citizens and thus bears the blame for initiating this conflict. We also know there are many innocent Palestinians in Gaza who do not support Hamas and urgently need help as they seek to flee the fighting.” The senators highlighted the dire situation facing innocent civilians in Gaza: “More than one million people in Gaza have fled their homes in search of safety, with nearly half of those taking shelter in UN facilities. The United Nations estimates that Gaza will run out of food and water within days. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, running desperately short on supplies and impacted by the lack of electricity. The humanitarian needs on the ground have dramatically increased over the past week, and conditions will likely continue to deteriorate in the days and weeks ahead.” “We therefore urge you to join the international community in answering the call from the United Nations by contributing toward this lifesaving $294 million appeal, and ask that you work with the UN and its partners to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-wicker-norton-introduce-bill-prohibiting-permanent-fencing-around-capitol-complex Van Hollen, Wicker, Norton Introduce Bill Prohibiting Permanent Fencing Around Capitol Complex 2023-10-17 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) introduced the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, legislation to prohibit funding for permanent fencing around the U.S. Capitol complex. “We can’t ever allow the U.S. Capitol to become a fortress where the American people are left on the outside looking in. We can and should secure Congress without walling it off. This bill is about making sure the people can always safely access the heart of our democracy and impact the decisions made in our nation’s halls of power,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Permanent fencing would send an un-American message to the nation and the world, by transforming our democracy from one that is accessible and of the people to one that is exclusive and fearful of its own citizens,” Norton said. “Already, the distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government at historic lows. We should not entrench that distance further by placing intimidating barriers between ourselves as public servants and the people we serve, especially when such barriers are neither effective nor necessary.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-from-senators-van-hollen-schatz-and-welch Statement from Senators Van Hollen, Schatz, and Welch 2023-10-16 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), released the following joint statement: “We are appalled by the unfathomable violence against Israeli civilians and unequivocally condemn Hamas and its brutal actions. We mourn for those who were ruthlessly murdered and injured, as well as for their loved ones and communities who are living through a nightmare. We must do everything possible to rescue the hostages who remain in the hands of Hamas terrorists. “There is no justification for these cruel acts, and our support for Israel as a home for the Jewish people is steadfast. We stand with the President and our allies in our commitment to support Israel as it defends itself, in accordance with international law. That includes protections for the two million civilians currently trapped in Gaza, who must have realistic options for avoiding military operations. Every effort must be made to prevent further civilian death and suffering and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. A just war cannot be won without the strictest adherence to civilian protection, as difficult as that is with a terrorist adversary that does not share those standards. “We welcome the Biden administration’s naming of a special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues, as immense work remains ahead. We all must remain united in our commitment to human rights, and to a just and lasting peace in the region. “Also, in a time of increased anti-Semitic, anti-Arab, and Islamophobic rhetoric and violence here at home and around the world, we must be vigilant, reject hate, and stand with the communities being threatened.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-trone-announce-more-than-500000-for-firefighters-in-western-maryland Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce More Than $500,000 for Firefighters in Western Maryland 2023-10-16 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $534,431 in federal funding for Maryland firefighters in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties. The funding will enhance firefighters’ emergency response capabilities and their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and themselves. It will also support the recruitment and retention of additional firefighters. “Maryland’s firefighters and first responders risk their lives and wellbeing to protect others and the safety of our communities. This federal funding will ensure that our local fire departments have the tools they need to continue doing their jobs more safely and provide critical services to communities throughout Western Maryland,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $218,477.04 to Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Co. in Washington County to purchase 51 sets of turn out gear; $207,753.33 to Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. in Garrett County to replace 25 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units; $93,154.72 to Williamsport Volunteer Fire Department and EMS in Washington County to replace breathing air compressor and fill station; $16,476.19 to Shaft Volunteer Fire Department in Allegany County to acquire a turn-out gear extractor and dryer. In addition to these awards, the lawmakers recently delivered more than $9.7 million in SAFER award funding to hire 32 additional firefighters in Frederick County. Funding is from the Department of Homeland Security's FY2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) awards. The programs are administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-release-statement-on-long-term-solution-for-fort-howard-mail-service Van Hollen, Cardin Release Statements on Long-Term Solution for Fort Howard Mail Service 2023-10-12 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) released statements in response to the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) announcement that it will install mailboxes on Baltimore County-owned property where Fort Howard residents can continue to retrieve their mail following the closure of the nearby Post Office branch. This development comes after the lawmakers sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressing concern over the agency’s initial plan to close the Fort Howard branch, as well as the resulting challenges that their constituents would face in retrieving their mail following the closure. “After a months-long push, Fort Howard residents finally have the certainty of a long-term solution for their mail service. Although it falls short of keeping the Fort Howard branch open, this agreement keeps USPS mail delivery consistent with the standard that the community has grown accustomed to over the years. I’m glad our federal delegation, the Postal Service, and Baltimore County were able to work together to keep mail delivery close to home in Fort Howard,” said Senator Van Hollen. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-trone-announce-200000-to-boost-clean-energy-manufacturing-in-western-maryland Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $200,000 to Boost Clean Energy Manufacturing in Western Maryland 2023-10-10 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $200,000 for the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to support local manufacturing businesses and create job opportunities in Western Maryland. This federal funding, awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) grant program, will provide support to manufacturers of renewable energy, hydrogen power, low-carbon and decarbonized power, smart grid improvements, electric vehicles, and green buildings through training, technical assistance, supply chain mapping, and guidance on factory upgrades. The funding was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the lawmakers fought to pass. “Manufacturing is a key part of our state’s economy – especially for so many communities across Western Maryland – and these federal funds from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will generate quality job opportunities for Marylanders while taking critical steps toward building the clean energy economy of the future. This is a win-win for strengthening our economy and protecting our environment," said the lawmakers. The award is part of a larger $10 million investment to Catalyst Connection based in Pittsburgh, Pa., which is collaborating with MEPs serving the ARC states of Maryland, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia to strengthen the ability of manufacturers to succeed in clean energy and green technology. Since 2013, Maryland MEP has administered the State MEP program, serving a community of nearly 4,000 manufacturers, stakeholders, and partners that are proud to “Make It in Maryland.” These efforts have resulted in a $2 billion economic impact and the creation of more than 8,000 jobs within the manufacturing sector in the State. The ARC is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local governments. Established by Congress in 1965, ARC is comprised of … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-romney-issue-statement-on-112th-national-day-of-taiwan Van Hollen, Romney Issue Statement on 112th National Day of Taiwan 2023-10-09 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, released this statement on the 112th National Day of Taiwan: “We extend our warmest regards to the people of Taiwan on the 112th National Day of Taiwan. We are honored to stand with you in marking this important occasion. “With a foundation of common democratic values, the United States and Taiwan have built a strong partnership that has helped advance our free societies, build our economies, promote stability in the Indo-Pacific, and bring our peoples closer together. Congress has been integral to forging U.S.-Taiwan ties since the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the TRA and the Six Assurances. “As the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, we will continue working to further strengthen our strategic relationship and make progress in these areas. These efforts include boosting Taiwan’s role in global affairs, strengthening its defensive capabilities, and pursuing a formal joint U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement to promote even greater opportunity and shared prosperity. “Taiwan has been a trusted partner to the United States and a voice for positive change on the global stage. It is a privilege to support the U.S.-Taiwan partnership in the Senate, and we look forward to continued cooperation and joining the people of Taiwan in celebrating their 112th National Day.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-horrific-terrorist-attacks-on-israel Van Hollen Statement on Horrific Terrorist Attacks on Israel 2023-10-07 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the attacks on Israel: “I unequivocally condemn the abhorrent attacks against innocent civilians launched by Hamas and other terrorist groups and stand in strong solidarity with the people of Israel as they defend themselves. There is never any justification for terrorism.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-lofgren-johnson-welcome-biden-administrations-re-designation-of-tps-for-cameroon Van Hollen, Lofgren, Johnson Welcome Biden Administration’s Re-Designation of TPS for Cameroon 2023-10-06 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), and Congressman Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) released the following statement on the Biden Administration’s decision to extend and re-designate Cameroon’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This development comes after the lawmakers led over 25 of their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas last month calling for this action. “We’re grateful that the Biden Administration has heeded our calls to expand Cameroon’s TPS status and protect those who have sought refuge in our country given the ongoing conflict there. The many Cameroonians already in the U.S. have become part of the fabric of our communities as neighbors, coworkers, and friends, and forcing them to leave would put them in immediate and grave danger. This decision is in line with our American values and an important step to keep these families safe.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-harris-announce-more-than-2-million-for-eastern-shore-firefighters Van Hollen, Cardin, Harris Announce More Than $2 Million for Eastern Shore Firefighters 2023-10-05 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (all Md.) announced $2,134,583 in federal funding for Maryland firefighters in Cecil, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, and Worcester Counties. The funding will enhance firefighters’ emergency response capabilities and their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and themselves. It will also support the recruitment and retention of additional firefighters. “Maryland’s firefighters and first responders work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe, often putting their lives on the line to protect others. This federal funding will provide our local fire departments with additional tools to better protect firefighters as they work to protect our communities across the Eastern Shore,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $466,900.00 to the Community Fire Company of Perryville, Maryland, Inc. in Cecil County for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. With the opening of Great Wolf Lodge, the Department has received an increase in calls for emergency response; $399,371.42 to Berlin Fire Company, Inc. in Worcester County to purchase 42 sets of new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) to replace units that are outdated and no longer compliant with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards; $368,412.27 to the Water Witch Fire Company, Inc. in Cecil County to provide 86 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for six departments across Cecil County – Water Witch Fire Company in Port Deposit, Cecilton Fire Company, the Singerly Fire Company in Elkton, Hacks Point Fire Department in Earleville, the Volunteer Fire Co. of Chesapeake City, and the North East Fire Co.; $286,363.63 to the Water Witch Fire Company, Inc. in Cecil County to acquire 9 new cardiac monitors; $206,533 to the Fairmount Volunteer Fire Company in Somerset County to purchase 16 sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus to replace units that are outdated and no longer compliant with… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-peters-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-bill-removing-presidential-authority-to-provide-aid-to-azerbaijan-following-attacks-on-armenian-people Van Hollen, Peters, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Bill Removing Presidential Authority to Provide Aid to Azerbaijan following Attacks on Armenian People 2023-10-05 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced legislation that would prevent the U.S. from providing security assistance to Azerbaijan until it has been determined that they are not taking offensive action against the Armenians. The Senators introduced the legislation in response to the unilateral seizure, by force of arms, of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan. “The United States must send a clear message that we will not support the Azeri regime as it continues its campaign of ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Senator Van Hollen. “That’s why, in the face of its continued aggression and its blocking of critical humanitarian assistance, the Administration should immediately revoke Azerbaijan’s access to U.S. security assistance.” “The Azerbaijani government has made it clear – it will use its military resources to eliminate the presence of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.” said Senator Peters. “The United States cannot be complicit in Azerbaijani violence against the Armenian people. We must pass this legislation to block additional American aid to Azerbaijan until it puts an end to its aggression in the region.” “It’s absurd that our nation has provided security assistance to Azerbaijan for decades, despite existing law requiring the President to certify that Azerbaijan is not taking offensive action against Armenian,” said Senator Rubio. “This bill is an important first step, as would be sanctioning Azerbaijani officials under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.” “The United States must take a stand to make sure the Azerbaijani government does not inflict further suffering on ethnic Armenians,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan legislation, which is intended to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its actions in Nagorno-Karabakh.” “Through the 907 waiver authority, Americans saw their tax money us… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-praise-bipartisan-senate-confirmation-of-judge-brendan-hurson-for-the-us-district-court-of-maryland Van Hollen, Cardin Praise Bipartisan Senate Confirmation of Judge Brendan Hurson for the U.S. District Court of Maryland 2023-10-04 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today praised confirmation of U.S. Magistrate Judge Brendan Hurson to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Maryland. “With Brendan Hurson’s confirmation, the U.S. District Court for Maryland has a new judge with an unwavering commitment to providing Americans with fair, just, and equal treatment under the law. From his time volunteering and teaching in underserved communities to his many years working as a public defender in Maryland, Judge Hurson learned firsthand the importance of ensuring everyone has equal access to our judicial system. His record of experience and devotion to upholding the highest standard of the law have prepared him to serve with distinction on this court for years to come,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Judge Hurson brings a tremendous amount of Maryland-based legal experience, including more than a decade as a public defender, to the U.S. District Court for Maryland. We are proud to have him confirmed for this lifetime appointment, as he continues his service on the federal bench in Baltimore,” said Senator Cardin. “Judicial nominees must meet the highest standards of integrity, competence and temperament. I am confident that Judge Hurson will safeguard the rights of all Marylanders and uphold the Constitution and rule of law. Judge Hurson was nominated to fill the vacancy created when Judge George Hazel resigned in February 2023. Acting on the recommendation of Senators Van Hollen and Cardin, President Joe Biden nominated Judge Hurson for this vacancy in March, the Judiciary Committee held his confirmation hearing in April, and he was approved by a bipartisan majority of the committee in May. In September, the Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Maddox to fill the other opening on the federal district court. He awaits a vote by the full Senate. U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE BRENDAN HURSON U.S. Magistrate Judge Hurson received his undergraduate degree in 2000 from Providence Col… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-murphy-durbin-welch-lead-16-senators-in-letter-to-president-biden-on-us-role-in-potential-normalization-agreement-between-saudi-arabia-and-israel Van Hollen, Murphy, Durbin, Welch Lead 16 Senators in Letter to President Biden on U.S. Role in Potential Normalization Agreement Between Saudi Arabia and Israel 2023-10-04 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on Wednesday led 16 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to President Biden, expressing their support for the prospect of normalization and sharing their views on the parameters of the United States’ involvement in a potential normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The senators raised concerns with requests the Saudi government has reportedly made to the Biden Administration, including a potential security guarantee and support for a civilian nuclear program. They also outlined elements that should be included in a potential normalization agreement to preserve the option of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Peace between Israel and its neighbors has been a longstanding goal of U.S. foreign policy, and we are maintaining an open mind about any agreement that would potentially deepen the political, cultural and economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel,” wrote the senators. “As the Administration pursues negotiations to achieve an agreement that may require Senate action, we write to share our views on the parameters of any potential proposal that aligns with U.S. security goals and advances your stated goals for long term peace, stability and justice in the region.” The senators laid out their concerns with Saudi Arabia’s reported requests of the United States for the normalization agreement. On a potential security guarantee in a region where the U.S. has long refrained from committing to treaty-backed security guarantees, the senators wrote: “A high degree of proof would be required to show that a binding defense treaty with Saudi Arabia – an authoritarian regime which regularly undermines U.S. interests in the region, has a deeply concerning human rights record, and… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-warren-whitehouse-sanders-urge-treasury-to-use-rulemaking-authority-to-close-loopholes-make-tax-system-fairer Van Hollen, Warren, Whitehouse, Sanders Urge Treasury to Use Rulemaking Authority to Close Loopholes, Make Tax System Fairer 2023-10-03 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel, urging them to proactively use the Treasury Department’s rulemaking authority to close tax loopholes that create inconsistency and unfairness in the tax system and threaten the government’s ability to raise important revenue. “We commend the Treasury Department for taking action to implement President Biden’s legislative achievements – including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – which lower costs and invest in America while making our tax code fairer. However, to build on these successes and continue to strengthen tax fairness, the Treasury Department should also use the full extent of its existing rulemaking authority and address inequities in implementation of other parts of the tax code,” wrote the senators. In the letter, the senators note that the Biden administration has taken important actions through the Inflation Reduction Act to increase tax fairness and fight decades of corporate lobbying for tax cuts and loopholes – implementing a minimum federal income tax rate of 15 percent for all corporations that report at least $1 billion in profits, establishing a tax on corporate stock buybacks, and providing significant funding for the IRS to go after wealthy and corporate tax cheats. The senators also commended President Biden’s current proposals to make the wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share, including reversing the Trump administration's 2017 tax cuts, closing tax loopholes used by billionaires, and his leadership in establishing a 15 percent global minimum tax. “These are important steps to ensure our tax code works for everyone, not just those at the top. But while Congressional Republicans continue to obstruct these important tax reforms and instead clamor for even more tax giveaways for the weal… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-announce-more-than-700000-for-cancer-heart-disease-research-at-university-of-maryland-baltimore Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Announce More Than $700,000 for Cancer, Heart Disease Research at University of Maryland Baltimore 2023-10-02 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $736,425 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funding for cardiovascular diseases and cancer research programs at the University of Maryland Baltimore. The funding was made available through the National Institutes of Health grant programs. The federal funds will be used to research the underlying causes of cancer, heart and vascular diseases in underrepresented groups and implement disease prevention programs. “Research and data have shown that marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by some heart diseases and cancers,” said the lawmakers. “Greater federal investment in the University of Maryland Baltimore, one of our premier public health institutions, will help further advancements in disease treatment and prevention, reduce health disparities and improve health care across the state.” The federal grants have been awarded to the following projects: $388,800 for Catalyzing Cancer Research among Urban Underrepresented Minority Youths and Teachers (CATALYST) to implement an immersive cancer-focused program for Middle School scholars, their families, teachers, and communities in West Baltimore. $193,125 for Elucidating the Ancestry-specific Genetic and Environmental Architecture of Cardiometabolic Traits across ethnic groups to better understand how genetic, environmental, and social differences impact disease and help address health disparities in underrepresented groups. $154,500 for Leveraging Pleiotropy to Develop Polygenic Risk Scores for Cardiometabolic Diseases to further research on how genetics influences cardiovascular diseases in minority communities. The National Institutes of Health is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, investing more than $32 billion a year to enhance life, and reduce illness and disabilities. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-moore-announce-more-than-20-million-to-advance-critical-maryland-rail-projects Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume, Moore Announce More Than $20 Million to Advance Critical Maryland Rail Projects 2023-10-02 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Kweisi Mfume and Governor Wes Moore (all D-Md.) announced $20,384,317 in U.S. Department of Transportation funding for rail infrastructure projects in Maryland to strengthen the Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) network with a Penn-Camden lines connection and to replace diesel-electric locomotives with clean, battery-electric locomotives at the Port of Baltimore. “Our commuter rail system is essential to getting Marylanders from place to place, and to keeping our economy moving. These federal funds will upgrade rail service and increase efficiency in transit from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., opening more doors of opportunity across the region. It’s a win-win-win: for strengthening our economy; for improving mobility in our area; and for reducing pollution. Projects like these are exactly why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Baltimore history is rooted in rail -- it’s who we are and who we always want to be. With the help of these awards, we are ushering in a new era of rail service by investing in the latest green technology, while strengthening the rail network that is a critical asset for our state,” said Senator Cardin. “Expanded capacity, greater efficiency, less carbon pollution and a bright future for Penn and Union Station are what these federal dollars will deliver, transforming the way we move people and goods in Maryland.” “The Port and MARC train network are invaluable global and regional transportation assets. I am proud of the work we are doing in Congress to ensure these assets are properly sustained for years to come,” said Congressman Mfume. “This critical funding will help us improve MARC reliability and deliver cleaner air for communities near the Port of Baltimore,” said Governor Moore. “We are grateful for the unwavering support and partnership from the Biden Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and our Congressional delegation in helping us deliver a tr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-raskin-trone-announce-over-500000-to-prevent-targeted-violence-against-lgbtq-youth Van Hollen, Cardin, Raskin, Trone Announce Over $500,000 to Prevent Targeted Violence Against LGBTQ+ Youth 2023-10-02 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $530,000 in Department of Homeland Security grants in Montgomery County, MD to develop violence prevention programs focused on LGBTQ+ youth. The federal investment comes through the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023. This funding will help the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) develop programming to address the risk of violence and negative mental health outcomes faced by LGBTQ+ youth in D.C. and Montgomery County. SMYAL's program will provide in-school support and resilience programming for LGBTQ+ youth, training for school staff and youth service providers and support for parents and caregivers. “The rise of targeted violence against LGBTQ+ communities demands additional investments to protect young people at risk. We know that education and training have the power to provide much-needed tools to counter hate and bias,” said the lawmakers. “Funding for these education programs and in-school supports will help expand resources so all Marylanders can feel safe in school and their communities.” The TVTP Grant Program, administered by the DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is the sole U.S. federal government grant program dedicated to helping local communities develop and strengthen their capabilities in combatting targeted violence and terrorism. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-call-for-financial-regulators-to-work-with-banks-and-credit-unions-to-help-federal-workers-harmed-by-government-shutdown Van Hollen, Colleagues Call for Financial Regulators to Work with Banks and Credit Unions to Help Federal Workers Harmed by Government Shutdown 2023-09-30 2023 2023-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) led Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) in calling on financial regulators to issue guidance to regulated banks and credit unions, encouraging them to offer flexibility to federally employed customers impacted by a government shutdown. In their letter to the top financial regulators, the Senators expressed concern that federal employees, contractors, and servicemembers, who face the possibility of missing paychecks during a shutdown through no fault of their own, would be further strained by financial penalties such as overdraft fees and credit card late fees. “As the possibility of a government shutdown approaches, we write to you to address concerns about how this may impact our nation’s government employees, and how this can be addressed through your oversight,” the Senators began. “The Senate continues to work to pass legislation to fund the government and avoid this preventable, shameful shutdown driven by the House Republicans. While federal law mandates that federal employees and the military receive back pay when the government reopens, the lapse in pay creates serious challenges for families. We hope that you will encourage and support banks and credit unions in efforts to provide flexible financial arrangements for their customers who endure temporary financial hardship due to a government shutdown beyond their control.” “A government shutdown will cause pay interruptions for millions of federal employees, servicemembers, and federal contractors. Unexpected income shocks are a key driver of penalty fees, such as credit card late fees, overdraft fees, and minimum balance fees,” they continued. “Unexpected fees further strain government employees and servicemembers already struggling to cope with not being paid through no fault of these employees. Expenses continue even … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-averting-a-government-shutdown Van Hollen Statement on Averting a Government Shutdown 2023-09-30 2023 2023-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper “Passage of this funding bill means we will avoid major disruptions to our economy and vital government services Americans rely on, the nearly 200,000 federal employees and servicemembers living and working in Maryland will stay on the job and receive their pay, and federal relief efforts in the wake of recent natural disasters will proceed. It shouldn’t have taken until the 11th hour, but I’m encouraged that enough House Republicans finally heeded our calls to work in a bipartisan manner and that we were able to keep the government open, allowing more time to make progress on full-year funding legislation. While I would have preferred to pass a bill now with additional assistance for Ukraine, which has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, it is easier to help Ukraine with the government open than if it were closed. That’s why we must spend the next 45 days working together to fully fund the government for the next fiscal year and ensure we provide vital support to the Ukrainian people as they defend themselves against Putin's aggression.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-possible-shutdown-van-hollen-cardin-join-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-provide-back-pay-for-federal-contract-workers Ahead of Possible Shutdown, Van Hollen, Cardin Join Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Provide Back Pay for Federal Contract Workers 2023-09-29 2023 2023-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Ahead of a possible Republican government shutdown, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) joined Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) in introducing legislation to secure back pay for the thousands of federal contract workers who face layoffs without back pay during a potential shutdown. Unlike federal government employees, the thousands of federal contract employees – many of whom serve in modestly paid jobs like custodians and cafeteria workers – have no assurances that they will receive back pay to make up for the wages they miss during a shutdown. The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) The Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act seeks to ensure federal contract workers, including low-wage food service, janitorial and security service workers, are fairly compensated for the wages and benefits lost due to a lapse in appropriations. “From cafeteria workers and maintenance staff to janitors and construction workers, federal contract employees do some of the most thankless yet essential jobs to support our government every day,” said Senator Van Hollen. “These are often low-wage jobs that require these workers to live paycheck to paycheck. They never cause government shutdowns, and they don’t deserve to be punished when they happen. We need to pass this legislation as soon as possible to ensure hardworking Americans are not deprived of their livelihoods.” “Just like federal workers, federal contract workers aren’t the ones responsible for shutting down the government, but they bear the economic brunt,” said Sen. Cardin. “Though we have acted to ensure that all federal employees receive prompt back pay, thousands of federal contractors are currently at risk of losing out on income they rely on, through no fault of their own. It’s not fair, and it’s time to ensure that they get paid for the work they do on behalf of all Americans.” “This is about fairness—contractor workers and their familie… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-romney-introduce-bipartisan-taiwan-international-solidarity-act Van Hollen, Romney Introduce Bipartisan Taiwan International Solidarity Act 2023-09-29 2023 2023-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, & International Cybersecurity Policy and Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee have introduced bipartisan legislation to support Taiwan’s ability to participate in international organizations. “As a thriving democracy with a strong economy, Taiwan has an important role to play within the international community in helping to address shared challenges, such as global health, climate change, and security threats. But the People’s Republic of China continues to block Taiwan from having a seat at many of the tables where these issues are discussed. This is unacceptable. Our bill directs the American government to undertake a concerted effort to counter the Chinese Government’s baseless efforts to block Taiwan from its critical role in international affairs,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Taiwan is a trusted partner of ours for peace, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, yet China works relentlessly to prevent Taiwan from having a seat at the table at international organizations,” Senator Romney said. “The United States must use its stature on the world stage to push back against China’s efforts and ensure that Taiwan can meaningfully contribute to these bodies.” This legislation strengthens the TAIPEI Act of 2019 (P.L. 116-135) to clarify that U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not preclude the United States from using its vote, voice, and influence to resist the reckless campaign against Taiwan’s place on the world stage. It instructs the United States to use its voice, vote, and influence to resist Beijing’s efforts to distort the decisions, language, policies, or procedures of international organizations regarding Taiwan. It also encourages the U.S. to work with allies and partners to oppose the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships and partnerships globally. And the bill expands reporting requirement… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-passing-of-senator-dianne-feinstein Van Hollen Statement on Passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein 2023-09-29 2023 2023-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. “Senator Feinstein was a pioneer. From her time in local politics in San Francisco to her service on behalf of Californians in the United States Senate, she was at the vanguard of a range of critical issues from strengthening women’s rights and equality, to enacting common-sense gun safety reforms, to advancing human rights here and abroad. On these issues and many more she fought fiercely to build a more perfect union, and she worked tirelessly – with members on both sides of the aisle – to accomplish what she set out to. I feel fortunate to have witnessed that drive firsthand, having served together on the Appropriations Committee, and I know that her tenacity and her bipartisan determination will be deeply missed within the halls of the Senate. But her mark on this institution and on the laws of our nation will never be erased. “My thoughts are with the family of Senator Feinstein during this incredibly difficult time. We’ll be praying for you and for all of her loved ones as we take time to remember and honor Senator Feinstein and her legacy of public service.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cohen-graves-introduce-the-newborn-act-to-address-high-infant-mortality-rates Van Hollen, Cohen, Graves Introduce the NEWBORN Act to Address High Infant Mortality Rates 2023-09-28 2023 2023-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper In conjunction with Infant Mortality Awareness Month, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congressmen Steve Cohen (Tenn.-9) and Garret Graves (La.-6) introduced the Nationally Enhancing the Wellbeing of Babies through Outreach and Research Now (NEWBORN) Act to help address America’s unacceptably high infant mortality rate with concrete solutions. If enacted, this bipartisan bill would create infant mortality-focused pilot programs in the highest-risk areas of the country to help those most in need address this devastating crisis. “The pain of losing a baby is unthinkable, but far too many families endure it – often at higher rates in underserved and minority communities where there are significant disparities in prenatal and infant care. We need to continue working to ensure all mothers and families have the support they need. Targeting federal investments to underserved communities to establish and provide wraparound care – much like Baltimore is already doing with its B’More for Healthy Babies Program – is a key step towards making infant mortality a thing of the past,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Memphis and the Mid-South continue to have some of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. Although we have made some progress over the years, we must do more to help mothers and their children in Memphis. This includes ensuring that pregnant mothers have the resources they need to deliver healthy babies and the tools to raise them to become healthy adults. Passing the NEWBORN Act will be a good first step,” said Congressman Cohen. In the United States, more children die before their first birthdays than in 19 other wealthy countries. The U.S. rate per capita is higher than Cuba, Canada, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan. The NEWBORN Act pilot programs would be designed to educate at-risk and potential mothers about pregnancy and prenatal care. This legislation will help create a better understanding of the causes of infant mortality and best practices for preventing it. Grant funding wou… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-lofgren-johnson-lead-call-for-administration-to-re-designate-tps-for-cameroon Van Hollen, Lofgren, Johnson Lead Call for Administration to Re-Designate TPS for Cameroon 2023-09-28 2023 2023-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), and Congressman Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) were joined by over 25 of their colleagues in calling on U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to extend and re-designate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon. TPS is designated for countries that are deemed unsafe for their citizens to return due to extraordinary circumstances such as war, civil unrest, or natural disaster, allowing those countries’ nationals that are already in the U.S. to live and work here on a temporary basis. Cameroon has an active TPS designation that is set to expire in December of this year. In their letter, the lawmakers call on the Biden Administration to renew and re-designate TPS for Cameroon in order to protect the more than 20,000 Cameroonians estimated to be living in the U.S. currently – which includes many who arrived after the original TPS declaration was made – so they are not forced to return amid political instability, violent crime, and serious human rights abuses in the country. “We urge the Department of Homeland Security (Department) to issue an 18-month extension and re-designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon, which will expire on December 7, 2023. The Department determined that the designation was warranted because of ongoing armed conflict and the extraordinary and temporary country conditions, including violence against civilians, widespread internal displacement, heinous war crimes, and acute shortages of vital necessities that render safe return impossible. The devastating consequences of the civil war in Cameroon have persisted since the initial designation,” the lawmakers wrote. “Cameroon continues to grapple with the very same issues the Department highlighted last year in the initial notice of designation. Regrettably, the situation has deteriorated as armed violence persists, and the latest peace process remains at a standstill,” they continued. “Deportees from the U.S. are at particular risk of being t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-schatz-merkley-welch-release-statement-on-designation-of-israel-to-visa-waiver-program Van Hollen, Schatz, Merkley, Welch Release Statement on Designation of Israel to Visa Waiver Program 2023-09-27 2023 2023-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement regarding U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s nomination and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas’s designation of Israel to join the Visa Waiver Program. “As longtime supporters of the close U.S.-Israel relationship, we support Israel’s candidacy to join the Visa Waiver Program, once it meets all of the requirements of the Program required by law – the same standard that we apply to all our other VWP partners. But to date, Israel has failed to meet the ‘Blue is Blue’ requirement. Adherence to this important American tenet of reciprocity and equal treatment of all U.S. citizens is critical to the integrity of the Visa Waiver Program, and we are deeply concerned with the Administration’s decision to move forward in violation of that principle. We will carefully monitor the situation to determine whether Americans continue to face discrimination based on their ethnicity, national origin, or religion. And we will keep pressing for answers as to how the U.S. government will ensure that Israel ultimately comes into full compliance with VWP requirements as well as what mechanisms the U.S. has to monitor the implementation of one system for all U.S. citizen travelers by May 1, 2024.” The U.S. and Israel signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in July setting the conditions for Israel's entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. According to the MOU, Israel is expected to fully implement one system that all U.S. citizen travelers can use for purposes of visa waiver travel by May 1, 2024. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-senator-menendez Van Hollen Statement on Senator Menendez 2023-09-27 2023 2023-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding Senator Bob Menendez: “Having served with Senator Menendez in the Senate, I have seen his hard work on behalf of the people of New Jersey. Now, as he faces serious, specific, and deeply concerning criminal charges, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process. However, as a public servant, he has a duty to uphold the standard of public trust and to protect the integrity of the institution of the Senate and, for those reasons, it is best that he step down.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-blumenthal-brown-coons-introduce-bill-to-protect-consumers-using-generic-medications Van Hollen, Blumenthal, Brown, Coons Introduce Bill to Protect Consumers Using Generic Medications 2023-09-22 2023 2023-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) announced the introduction of the Updated Drug Labeling for Patient Safety Act, legislation to allow all prescription drug manufacturers to revise medication labels to provide accurate, up-to-date warnings to consumers. Current federal law mandates that generic drug labels must match those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their brand-name equivalents. This bill will enable drug companies to update labels for generic medications independently – ensuring patients have the latest information about the potential side effects and risks associated with their prescriptions. “Millions of Americans choose generic medication over brand-name for their lower prices and accessibility – and they should have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information available. That’s why we need to provide all drug manufacturers the ability to update their labels to reflect the most current information. This bill will ensure consumers have the tools they need to make better-informed health care decisions,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Consumers deserve up-to-date warning labels on all of their prescriptions – name brand or generic,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our common sense measure allows all manufacturers to revise labels so patients can be aware of potential side effects and other short and long-term risks. Giving Americans the transparency and information they need will help protect their health and wellbeing.” “Ohioans need to know the most current safety information and potential side effects of the drugs they take,” said Senator Brown. “This legislation will ensure Ohioans have the most up to date information at the pharmacy counter, regardless of whether the drug is generic or branded, and hold any drug company that fails to update its labels accountable.” “Delawareans deserve medication that is affordable, safe to use, and transparent about its side effects,” said Senator Coon… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z

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