home / press

Menu
  • Search all tables

Press releases

One row per release. Full-text search runs over title + body text.

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

url
Link to the original release on the member's official site
text
Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

300 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "MD" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending

✎ View and edit SQL

This data as json, CSV (advanced)

year 1

  • 2024 · 300 ✖

state 1

  • MD · 300 ✖

party 1

  • Democrat 300

chamber 1

  • Senate · 300 ✖
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/12/24/2024/van-hollen-schatz-booker-introduce-bill-to-harden-our-infrastructure-against-impacts-of-climate-change Van Hollen, Schatz, Booker Introduce Bill to Harden Our Infrastructure Against Impacts of Climate Change 2024-12-24 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have reintroduced their Federal Flood Risk Management Act, legislation to ensure that federally-funded infrastructure projects are built to withstand the impacts of climate change and flooding. “From increasingly devastating storms to more frequent severe flooding, communities across Maryland and the country are contending with the consequences of the climate crisis every day. This legislation will help ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely on infrastructure that is built to withstand the challenges of climate change as we continue the fight to protect our planet,” said Senator Van Hollen. “As temperatures and sea levels continue to rise, the effects of climate change will be more and more acutely felt across the country. As this happens, we must implement more policies to prepare for extreme weather events, like severe flooding. This bill would ensure that the federal government is fully considering and managing the growing flood risk across our nation, investing in resilient infrastructure, and further protecting communities from the threat of climate change,” said Senator Booker. Understanding the dangerous and costly consequences of flooding, the Obama Administration set standards in 2015 to make sure that federal projects were able to stand up to these risks. The order also took into account how climate change is impacting weather and sea levels. But early on in his first Administration, President-Elect Trump signed an executive order undoing this important work. Throughout the four years of the first Trump Administration, the Senators repeatedly pushed back against this effort and introduced the Federal Flood Risk Management Act to codify the standards set forth by President Obama. As Congress prepares for a second Trump Administration, the Senators are reintroducing this important legislation to ensure that we invest in our nation by making resilient investments that take into account the impacts of climate chan… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bill-to-rename-fort-mchenry-visitor-and-education-center-after-senator-paul-sarbanes-passes-congress Bill to Rename Fort McHenry Visitor and Education Center after Senator Paul Sarbanes Passes Congress 2024-12-23 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Last week, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 6826, legislation designating the Visitor and Education Center at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine as the "Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center." This bill was crafted and led in the U.S. House by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), while Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) introduced an identical, companion bill in the U.S. Senate. H.R. 6826 is cosponsored by the entire, bipartisan Maryland delegation in the United States House of Representatives who spearheaded its passage in the House on December 3, 2024. With passage of the measure in the Senate, it will be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. “During his time in the House of Delegates, the U.S. House of Representatives, and as our state’s second-longest serving United States Senator, Paul Sarbanes was a tireless advocate on behalf of all Marylanders. Fort McHenry, a powerful symbol of Maryland’s pride and patriotism, is a fitting place to honor his legacy, and Congress’s passage of this legislation will help pay tribute to all that Paul did for our state and our nation,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “The late Senator Sarbanes was a champion of Fort McHenry, and he firmly believed that the site is critical to understanding and appreciating our national heritage and our national identity,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I am overjoyed that this bill has been triumphantly passed out of the Congress, and I am thankful for the partnership of the bipartisan, Maryland congressional delegation whose unified front made this bill’s advancement attainable,” he concluded. “Senator Paul Sarbanes was known for his strong commitment to his principles, to public service and to the people of Maryland. He had a long and distinguished career, but he never forgot his Baltimore roots. He saw Fort McHenry as a national treasure in the city and a site worth celebrating. This legislation acknowledges his long-term advocacy for the preservation of the site and the improvement of th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-800000-to-improve-railroad-safety Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $800,000 to Improve Railroad Safety 2024-12-23 2024 2024-12 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 U.S. Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $800,000 in federal funding to improve safety on railroads and at train crossings across the state. This investment will allow the Maryland Department of Transportation to perform an assessment of incidents on active railways across the state and develop a program designed to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with trespassing on railroad property. Together, these investments will increase the overall safety of the state’s train transit system. “Improving rail safety can both save lives and reduce costly, time consuming delays that impact travelers and commuters. With this funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Maryland will have the tools to do just that. These federal dollars will help our state increase rail safety, prevent tragic incidents, and improve rail service for all,” said the lawmakers. "Saving lives is MDOT’s top priority and these funds will enable the Department to prioritize high-impact safety projects at highway crossings with railroads and local governments," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. "We appreciate the continued leadership of Team Maryland in securing this critical funding to further enhance safety in Maryland." The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which the lawmakers fought to fund at $5 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-bill-to-rename-post-office-in-honor-of-elijah-cummings-passes-congress Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Bill to Rename Post Office in Honor of Elijah Cummings Passes Congress 2024-12-23 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Last week, the United States Senate passed legislation (H.R. 9544) to designate a Baltimore United States Post Office (USPS) as the ‘‘United States Representative Elijah E. Cummings Post Office Building." The bill to rename the post office at 340 South Loudon Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, in honor of Congressman Cummings will now be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. H.R. 9544 was crafted and led by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) in the U.S. House, and the companion legislation to this bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.). Maryland Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) all cosponsored the U.S. House legislation when it was introduced. “Congressman Elijah Cummings was a man of principle and dignity. His life was shaped by a commitment to serve others, and nowhere did he work harder to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for all than in his beloved Baltimore community. Congress’s passage of this legislation is an important recognition of all that Elijah did for his city, his state, and his country,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. "Congressman Elijah Cummings was a person of deep intellect, unlimited compassion, and a champion for working people everywhere. This House and our nation still feel his loss, which makes the renaming of this post office in his honor a fitting tribute to our dear friend," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "I am elated that this legislation has prevailed out of the Congress. It is a small but important gesture to say thank you to Congressman Elijah Cummings for the work he did, for so many years, for the people of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. Elijah was a trailblazer, consensus builder, peacemaker, and friend. His name and his image will now be a part of this building for all to see," he concluded. “Elijah’s talent for building consensus, as well as his work ethic and dedication to his constituents, propelled him early on … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-moran-introduce-legislation-to-empower-individuals-with-disabilities Van Hollen, Moran Introduce Legislation to Empower Individuals with Disabilities 2024-12-23 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D- Md.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced legislation that would direct the Social Security Administration to change the way it calculates Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to not penalize individuals with disabilities who chose to marry. The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act would exclude a spouse’s income and resources when determining eligibility for (SSI) and disregard marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount for an adult who has a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability. “Supplemental Security Income is critical to allowing people with disabilities to strengthen their financial security and independence,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This legislation will ensure that these Americans won’t be financially penalized simply for marrying.” “Our policies should support and empower individuals with disabilities to live a full and independent life, including the option to get married,” said Senator Moran. “This is sensible legislation that would change how disability payments are calculated to make certain the benefits we provide to individuals with disabilities aren’t diminished because they choose to get married.” This legislation is endorsed by the National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Autism Speaks, Autism society of America, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-vote-to-ensure-full-federal-funding-for-key-bridge-replacement-avert-government-shutdown Van Hollen Statement on Vote to Ensure Full Federal Funding for Key Bridge Replacement, Avert Government Shutdown 2024-12-21 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote to pass a continuing resolution to keep the federal government running through March 14. This stopgap funding package includes the provisions of Team Maryland’s Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act to ensure 100 percent federal funding for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and guarantee that all litigation and insurance proceeds stemming from the collapse are returned to federal taxpayers. Additionally, it replenishes the Department of Transportation’s Emergency Relief Fund, through which Maryland will continue to receive funding for the bridge replacement. “After a months-long push, a united Team Maryland has secured 100 percent full federal funding for the cost of replacing the Key Bridge – and provided the necessary funds our state needs to move full steam ahead with the reconstruction. This is a major victory for our state, and I’m proud that we were able to deliver the resources that Baltimore and Maryland need to rebuild stronger following the Key Bridge disaster. “Despite the Republican chaos that brought us dangerously close to a government shutdown just before the holidays, I’m glad we were able to reach an 11th hour bipartisan agreement. This legislation will move the Key Bridge replacement forward while providing relief to other communities across the country hit by disasters. It also ensures that federal employees can continue to provide the country with the vital services we rely on and receive paychecks for the work they do on behalf of the American people.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-votes-to-pass-bill-ensuring-full-social-security-benefits-for-public-employees Van Hollen Votes to Pass Bill Ensuring Full Social Security Benefits for Public Employees 2024-12-21 2024 2024-12 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 Social Security Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored to ensure public sector workers and their families can receive full Social Security benefits. This bill repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) from the Social Security Act, both of which significantly reduced benefits for nearly 3 million Americans – including over 54,000 Marylanders – many of whom are federal employees, teachers, police officers, and state, county, and local government workers. Having previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives before passing the U.S. Senate today, the Social Security Fairness Act advances to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “From firefighters to teachers to food safety inspectors, we count on the services that public employees provide every day. Our passage of this bill is a critical step toward ensuring all public workers and their families can retire with dignity, receiving the full Social Security benefits that they have paid into – and earned – after years of hard work,” said Senator Van Hollen. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), enacted in 1983, reduced the Social Security benefits of workers who receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government for employment not covered by Social Security. The Government Pension Offset (GPO), enacted in 1977, reduced Social Security spousal benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers whose spouses receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government. Together, these provisions reduce Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million Americans – including many teachers and police officers. The Social Security Fairness Act repeals both the WEP and GPO statutes, ensuring public sector workers and their families receive their full Social Security benefits. This legislation has been endorsed by a diverse array of labor leaders, including the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, International As… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/graham-and-van-hollen-introduce-bipartisan-sanctions-against-turkey Van Hollen and Graham Introduce Bipartisan Sanctions Against Turkey 2024-12-20 2024 2024-12 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 Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced bipartisan sanctions legislation following concerns about military action by Turkey or Turkish-backed groups in northern Syria. The Senators released the following statement upon introduction: “Today, we introduced the Countering Turkish Aggression Act of 2024 while stressing that the United States should work with Turkey – through diplomatic means – to facilitate a sustained ceasefire and demilitarized zone along the border between Turkey and Syria, particularly the city of Kobani. These sanctions seek to prevent further Turkish or Turkish-backed attacks on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which risk the reemergence of ISIS, threatening the national security of the U.S. and the rest of the globe. “We remain hopeful that there will be a peaceful resolution to the problems that plague Syria.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-celebrate-senate-passage-of-historic-92-million-reauthorization-of-the-chesapeake-bay-program-and-other-key-watershed-conservation-measures Van Hollen, Cardin Celebrate Senate Passage of Historic $92 Million Reauthorization of the Chesapeake Bay Program and Other Key Watershed Conservation Measures 2024-12-20 2024 2024-12 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.) celebrated passage this week of America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act in the U.S. Senate. The legislation reauthorizes important habitat and wildlife conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and throughout the country. The bipartisan legislation builds on previous efforts to protect and preserve ecosystems from evolving threats such as invasive species and wildlife diseases. “A healthy Bay is central to the health of our communities and our local economies. That’s why we fought to pass this legislation that includes key investments in protecting and preserving the Bay -- including through the Chesapeake WILD program, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and the Chesapeake Gateways. These resources will strengthen our efforts to improve water quality, restore the Bay, and enhance public access to Maryland’s natural treasures,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The America’s Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE) of 2024 is a victory for the Chesapeake Bay. Collaborative conservation has always been at the heart of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort and the ACE Act of 2024 reaffirms the federal government’s role in the stewardship of the Bay and provides the program stability during this dynamic period in the restoration effort,” said Senator Cardin. The comprehensive wildlife package includes a provision to reauthorize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chesapeake Bay Program at $92 million each fiscal year through fiscal year 2030. The EPA Chesapeake Bay Program is the linchpin of the restoration effort, which coordinates the unique multi-state and federal partnership. Other key reauthorizations include: The Chesapeake Watershed Investment for Landscape Defense (WILD) Act which will allow the program authored by Senator Van Hollen and supported by Senator Cardin to continue to serve the region. It provides resources to conserve, steward, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats in addition to advancing related conservation values… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-over-7-million-to-increase-safety-and-security-in-places-of-worship Maryland Delegation Announces Over $7 Million to Increase Safety and Security in Places of Worship 2024-12-19 2024 2024-12 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.) today announced $7,393,350 in federal funding to strengthen security at 50 churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious community centers across Maryland. The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps high-risk nonprofits, including faith-based institutions, obtain the resources required to support and integrate preparedness activities with broader state and local efforts. The lawmakers fought to fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program at $454.5 million through Fiscal Year 2024 annual appropriations, an increase from $305 million in Fiscal Year 2023. “Religious freedom is protected under our Constitution, and every Marylander must be able to worship without fear for their safety,” said the lawmakers. “With threats and attacks against faith communities on the rise, we must not only speak out against those hateful actions – we also must invest in protecting these institutions that support communities across our state. Maryland families can trust that these federal grants will help ensure houses of worship have the resources they need to keep them safe.” A full list of the recipients, selected by DHS, is below: Western Maryland - $968,500 $150,000.00 – Beth Sholom Congregation $150,000.00 – Chabad Lubavitch of Frederick $150,000.00 – Crossroads Apostolic Church $150,000.00 – Heritage Academy, Inc. $148,500.00 – Islamic Society of Frederick $150,000.00 – Islamic Society of Western Maryland $70,000.00 – LaVale Methodist Church Baltimore Area - $4,050,000 $150,000.00 – Adamah, Inc. $150,000.00 – Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church $150,000.00 – Berea Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church $150,000.00 – Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church $150,000.00 – Cedar Grove Methodist Church $150,000.00 – Chabad of West Pikesville $150,000… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-celebrate-maryland-victories-in-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act Maryland Delegation Members Celebrate Maryland Victories in Senate Passage of Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act 2024-12-19 2024 2024-12 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, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) applauded the Senate passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA 2024), which is the primary authorization for the Civil Works programs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and enables their critical work to manage our nation’s water resources. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works to maintain our ports, harbors, and inland navigation, as well as provide communities with flood and storm protection. “The Maryland Delegation has always fought to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their efforts to support complex projects that are essential to our state. From working tirelessly to reopen the Port of Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge to maintaining our shipping channels through frequent dredging and enabling the conservation of the Bay, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plays a critical role here in Maryland. The bill that now heads to the President’s desk includes a wide range of provisions that will enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to execute its mission and advance several projects important to Maryland’s economy, environment, and climate resilience,” said the lawmakers. “This legislation supports our long-standing effort to protect our environment and the Bay, restore our oyster population, support the flow of commerce and boost our economy – which are all vital to the health, safety, and livelihoods of Marylanders.” Key Maryland Wins in WRDA 2024: Seagirt Loop Channel WRDA 2024 authorizes $53.8 million in federal funding for deepening the federal channel at Seagirt Marine Terminal. Seagirt is the Port of Baltimore’s main container terminal, handling 97 percent of its container volume. This project proposes to further widen and deepen (to a 50-foot depth) a channel near the terminal so that large container vessels can more efficiently and safely enter and depar… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-jacobs-announce-administration-has-received-assurances-from-uae-will-monitor-compliance-in-response-to-the-lawmakers-push-on-us-uae-weapons-sale-and-uae-support-for-rsf-in-sudan Van Hollen, Jacobs Announce Administration has Received Assurances from UAE, Will Monitor Compliance in Response to the Lawmakers’ Push on US-UAE Weapons Sale & UAE Support for RSF in Sudan 2024-12-19 2024 2024-12 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 Representative Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) announced that, in response to their legislation to block arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Administration has received assurances that the UAE will not supply weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan and that the Administration will monitor compliance with those assurances. After filing their Joint Resolution of Disapproval on the Administration’s proposed $1.2 billion arms sale to the UAE, the lawmakers wrote to President Biden that their objective was to stop the transfer of arms from the UAE to the RSF, which the United States has charged with war crimes and ethnic cleansing in Sudan. In response to their letter, Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, wrote, “Despite reports we have received suggesting the contrary has occurred to date, the UAE has informed the Administration that it is not now transferring any weapons to the RSF and will not do so going forward. The Administration will work with relevant departments and agencies to monitor for indicators of the credibility and reliability of these assurances provided by the UAE. By January 17, I commit to providing you with the executive branch’s up-to-date assessment in that regard.” Following receipt of the Administration letter, Senator Van Hollen said, “I’m glad that the Biden Administration has worked with us to stop the flow of weapons from the UAE to the murderous Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, which the U.S. has charged with war crimes and ethnic cleansing. The United States should not provide weapons to any nation fueling the horrific violence, mass killing, and destruction that we are witnessing in Sudan. Our goal has been to use our leverage to help bring an end to the suffering in Sudan – and that includes ensuring that the UAE is not transferring weapons to the RSF. I appreciate the Administration’s willingness to work with us to obtain such assurances from t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/18/2024/van-hollen-secures-key-provisions-in-annual-defense-bill-passed-by-senate Van Hollen Secures Key Provisions in Annual Defense Bill Passed by Senate 2024-12-18 2024 2024-12 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 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the Senate, which includes important investments in Maryland’s military installations, our servicemembers, and our national security. The legislation provides more than $250 million to Maryland military installations, as well as a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other servicemembers. “Investing in our military installations and the men and women of our armed forces is important to maintaining our national security. This year’s defense bill includes a significant pay raise for junior enlisted members along with improvements in housing and other key supports for all servicemembers’ families. These are critical steps to ensure we continue to recruit and retain the best fighting force in the world. And as we confront increasingly complex threats across the globe, this legislation also enhances our national security readiness, including through forward-looking investments in Maryland’s military assets and the development of next generation technologies. Recognizing the essential role our foreign service plays in promoting U.S. interests around the world – and the sacrifices they make to do it – this bill also takes meaningful steps to improve the quality of life of our diplomatic corps and the family members who travel with them to their posts. “For all its benefits for America’s national security, this legislation is still far from perfect. I am deeply concerned about the harmful language unfairly targeting transgender youth and their families. In addition, the bill does not make crucial revisions to the recent reauthorization of Section 702 of FISA, opening the door to increased abuse of a powerful surveillance authority. And I continue to believe we must find ways to streamline our defense spending so we can invest more in priorities here at home. That being said, on balance this compromise NDAA will strengthen our common d… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-sarbanes-announce-senate-passage-of-chesapeake-national-recreation-area-act Van Hollen, Sarbanes Announce Senate Passage of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act 2024-12-18 2024 2024-12 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 and U.S. Representative John Sarbanes (both D-Md.) announced the unanimous passage of the Chesapeake National Recreation Act by the United States Senate. The bipartisan, bicameral bill, introduced in July 2023 by Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Sarbanes, would unite a series of voluntarily contributed sites and iconic Bay properties under the National Park Service (NPS) to create a Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). The creation of the CNRA would spur more federal resources for environmental conservation, celebrate the Chesapeake’s diverse cultural and economic history, foster sustainable and equitable access to the Bay, and support responsible economic growth in the region. After passing this major hurdle, the CNRA Act must next be passed by the House and signed by the President in order to become law. The legislation was cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.). “The Bay is a treasure to Maryland and to the entire country. And with today’s passage of our Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act, we’re one step closer to recognizing its importance and the opportunities it holds on the national stage. The CNRA will provide greater resources for conversation, increase public access, and support economic opportunity around the Bay. We’ll continue working to get this legislation across the finish line,” said Senator Van Hollen. "The Senate's passage of the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act marks a crucial milestone in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the Chesapeake Bay for the well-being and enjoyment of future generations. This achievement reflects years of bipartisan, bicameral collaboration and the dedicated work of countless stakeholders, including the National Park Service, who have helped shape the vision for the CNRA. I am grateful to all those who have contributed to this effort and look forward to the continued partnerships that will ensure the Bay remains protected, accessible and celebr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-398000-to-support-environmental-historical-conservation-of-the-chesapeake-bay Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $398,000 to Support Environmental, Historical Conservation of the Chesapeake Bay 2024-12-17 2024 2024-12 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 U.S. Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md) announced $398,000 in federal funding to support five Maryland-based projects focused on environmental, cultural, and historical conservation efforts within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. “The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and plays a central role in Maryland’s rich history. These federal investments will help protect the Bay and provide Maryland residents and visitors alike with new opportunities to explore the watershed's natural beauty while honoring the cultural heritage that has shaped our region,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $150,000 to Anacostia Watershed Society to expand its volunteer program, which is working to restore 20 acres of native forest and wetland habitat across the Anacostia Watershed, as well as train and deploy community members to become citizen scientists. $25,000 to Baltimore Heritage to develop a public boat tour of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor that connects diverse stories and history to ecology, launch a companion interactive virtual map, and hold public service stream clean-ups with guided history walks. $124,000 to Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation to create and implement a plan to build an education center at the new Elktonia Heritage Park. $49,000 to the Maryland Humanities Council to develop and implement a workshop series, provide online resources, and coordinate a conference aimed at amplifying the work of Maryland-based organizations, communities, and humanities experts. $50,000 to Nature Forward to collect stories from local underrepresented communities within eight tributary streams in the Washington D.C. region and correlate them with relevant stream health data to highlight the interconnectedness of human activities with the environment and inspire action for conservation. These federal awards are provided through the National Par… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-full-federal-funding-for-francis-scott-key-bridge-replacement Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Full Federal Funding for Francis Scott Key Bridge Replacement 2024-12-17 2024 2024-12 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.) released the following joint statement on the Continuing Resolution and cost-share provisions for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore: “Following the tragic collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore in March, we led a federal response that was both immediate and all-encompassing. Working alongside Governor Wes Moore, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and Team Maryland, this all-hands-on-deck approach was necessary to face a catastrophe of the magnitude we experienced in Baltimore on March 26. Since that day, we have fought to deliver the full support of the federal government -- including 100 percent federal funding for the replacement of the bridge. “With the inclusion in the Continuing Resolution of our Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, Congress is now committed to covering the full cost of replacing the bridge. This will allow the bridge it to be built as quickly as possible. Our provision also ensures that the federal taxpayers will be reimbursed through proceeds from insurance payments and litigation taken on by the Department of Justice, the Maryland Attorney General and others. This legislation also includes critical funding for the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Fund to provide this project and others around the country with the resources they need. We were proud to work alongside the governor and Senate and House leadership to secure Congress’s recognition of the severity of this national disaster and the essential role the federal government should play in the response and the rebuilding.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-graham-express-bipartisan-support-for-syrian-kurdish-partners-in-fight-to-prevent-resurgence-of-isis-announce-intent-to-introduce-sanctions-legislation-should-turkey-not-renew-ceasefire Van Hollen, Graham Express Bipartisan Support for Syrian Kurdish Partners in Fight to Prevent Resurgence of ISIS; Announce Intent to Introduce Sanctions Legislation Should Turkey Not Renew Ceasefire 2024-12-17 2024 2024-12 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 Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) released the following statement after their call yesterday with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Mazloum Abdi: “The 2019 ceasefire between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds has saved lives, increased regional stability, and ensured that the SDF can continue its vital efforts as the tip of the spear in our fight against ISIS. But now in the wake of the Assad regime’s fall, Turkish-backed forces have ramped up attacks against our Syrian Kurdish partners, once again threatening the vital mission of preventing the resurgence of ISIS. What’s more, the temporary ceasefire between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and the SDF enacted last week has now expired, and Turkey has refused to extend the ceasefire, including an offer for a demilitarized zone along the border, particularly the city of Kobani. While Turkey has some legitimate security concerns that can be addressed, these developments are undermining regional security, and the United States cannot sit idly by. Yesterday, we spoke to SDF General Mazloum Abdi and once again reiterated our support for our Syrian Kurdish partners. The United States must immediately use all the tools at our disposal to press for a sustained ceasefire and a demilitarized zone. If Turkey doesn’t immediately accept these terms, we intend to introduce bipartisan sanctions legislation this week, similar to the bill we jointly introduced in 2019.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-reverend-warnock-in-calling-for-investigation-into-russian-linked-election-day-bomb-threats-in-georgia-across-the-country Van Hollen Joins Reverend Warnock in Calling for Investigation into Russian-linked Election Day Bomb Threats in Georgia, Across the Country 2024-12-13 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and eight lawmakers in calling on several federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies to investigate bomb threats from Russian email domains at multiple polling locations on Election Day and provide proposals to prevent it from happening in the future. At least 67 polling locations in 19 counties across the country, in Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, received threats on Election Day, with many shutting down temporarily. This included 13 polling locations in Georgia that temporarily closed following hoax bomb threats. Many were located in majority-Black precincts in the metro Atlanta area. Notably, Senator Warnock highlighted in his letter how foreign interference is heightened from previous years, which focused around spreading misinformation on social media channels. The Senator’s letter also called for federal officials to provide a classified briefing to Senators examining the facts behind the Election Day bomb threats. “The right to vote is a sacred cornerstone of our democracy. It is unacceptable that any foreign actor interferes, or attempts to interfere, with this right…”wrote the lawmakers. “Online disinformation intended to sow doubt about election integrity is alarming enough. That foreign actors would take direct steps to shut down polling locations on Election Day is a new and deeply concerning escalation, and it must not stand. No voter should ever be turned away from a polling booth because a foreign actor falsely reported a bomb threat. A failure to respond to these egregious actions will only embolden foreign actors and invite more severe activity in future elections.” Senator Warnock secured support from Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). Senator Warnock is a champion for safeguarding our democracy … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-debt-ceiling-looms-van-hollen-joins-schatz-colleagues-in-introducing-legislation-to-avoid-catastrophic-default As Debt Ceiling Looms, Van Hollen Joins Schatz, Colleagues in Introducing Legislation To Avoid Catastrophic Default 2024-12-12 2024 2024-12 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 Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today and a group of 15 colleagues in reintroducing the End the Threat of Default Act, legislation that would permanently remove the threat of a default by repealing the national debt ceiling, an arbitrary limit restricting the amount that the United States Treasury can borrow to pay its debts. In June 2023, the president signed legislation that suspended the statutory debt ceiling until January 2, 2025. “Defaulting on our national debt would be an economic catastrophe for everyone, especially families, veterans, and seniors. Congress has the chance to debate federal spending, and it’s well before the bill comes due,” said Senator Schatz. “We need to stop playing this dangerous game with the nation’s economy and get rid of the debt ceiling for good.” A default would be catastrophic and would likely trigger a recession. Military pay, Social Security and Medicare payments, and Treasury bond yields would all be disrupted. In practice, the debt limit has no impact on government spending, which is authorized and approved through the federal budget and appropriations process. Instead, the ceiling restricts the U.S. Treasury from paying for expenditures already approved by Congress therefore requiring Congress to constantly raise the ceiling before it is reached. In recent years, this has become a politicized procedure that often leads to threats of defaulting on the government’s obligation to pay its bills. The United States is one of only two democratic countries with a statutory debt ceiling, and the only one that could single-handedly cause a global recession. Since 1960, Congress has acted more than 75 times to raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit. In 2011, the crisis surrounding raising the debt ceiling led credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s to downgrade the U.S. government’s credit rating for the first time ever. Fitch downgraded the U.S. government’s credit rating following debt limit brinksmans… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sarbanes-van-hollen-scanlon-introduce-bill-to-improve-fairness-and-equality-in-americas-civil-justice-system Van Hollen, Sarbanes, Scanlon Introduce Bill to Improve Fairness and Equality in America’s Civil Justice System 2024-12-12 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.), and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Penn.) introduced the Fair Access to Legal Counsel Act (FALCA), legislation to help more Americans secure legal representation in civil court. Reps. Sarbanes and Scanlon first introduced FALCA in the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress. “Many Americans facing civil court can’t afford or don’t have access to a lawyer. Our legislation will help facilitate access to legal representation for those Americans – and better ensure their right to equal justice under the law,” said Senator Van Hollen. "Our civil justice system is difficult to navigate, especially for far too many Americans who cannot afford representation," said Congressman Sarbanes, who before coming to Congress worked with the Public Justice Center in Baltimore to help deliver legal services to underserved and underrepresented communities. "This bill ensures that more people can access a lawyer to help them through the legal process.” “Throughout 35 years as a public interest lawyer, I saw firsthand how timely and affordable access to legal representation can make all the difference in a person’s life -- whether by keeping a family in their home, securing the right to vote, lifting a person out of poverty, or ensuring that children have a safe, caring home and access to appropriate educational and other services,” said Rep. Scanlon, Co-Chair of the Congressional Access to Legal Aid Caucus. “But too many Americans are forced to navigate critical legal challenges without representation. I’m proud to join Rep. Sarbanes and Senator Van Hollen in taking this important step to narrow the legal aid gap and advance access to justice.” In civil cases, pro se litigants – people who represent themselves in court, including many who cannot afford legal representation – often bring complex claims involving civil rights abuses. Under current law, these individuals do not have a guaranteed right to counsel, and in the absence of a single, fed… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-welch-colleagues-in-introducing-bicameral-bill-to-codify-biden-era-executive-order-on-west-bank-sanctions Van Hollen Joins Welch, Colleagues in Introducing Bicameral Bill to Codify Biden-Era Executive Order on West Bank Sanctions 2024-12-12 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in introducing the Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security (SANCTIONS) in the West Bank Act, bicameral legislation to codify the Biden Administration’s Executive Order allowing for sanctions against extremists in the West Bank who promote or engage in violence, displacement of civilians, or the destruction of property. U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-Pa.) led companion legislation in the House. The legislation provides a clear framework for lifting sanctions under appropriate conditions and strengthening oversight and accountability on imposed sanctions. “The Netanyahu Government’s rapid expansion of settlements in the West Bank, and its complicity in increased settler violence against Palestinians, undermine stability in the West Bank and the prospects for achieving a two-state solution. This legislation will strengthen the U.S. government’s ability to hold accountable those who are fueling this illegal activity – and use the leverage we have to help preserve a path to peace, security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Growing settler violence in the West Bank harms civilians, jeopardizes regional stability, and is a serious threat to U.S. national security. President Biden’s Executive Order has been crucial in addressing the Netanyahu government’s failure to take action against those who instigate heinous acts of fear and hate, and it should become statute,” said Senator Welch. “Sanctions have been an effective tool to deter violence in this deadly year for those living in the West Bank, where lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed, and families have been forever changed. We must ensure accountability for extremists who perpetrate violence against civilians in the West Bank and reaffir… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-reaffirms-support-for-our-syrian-kurdish-allies-following-call-with-sdf-general-mazloum-abdi Van Hollen Reaffirms Support for Our Syrian Kurdish Allies Following Call with SDF General Mazloum Abdi 2024-12-12 2024 2024-12 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 speaking with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Mazloum Abdi: “As the situation on the ground in Syria rapidly evolves, the United States’ steadfast support for our Syrian Kurdish allies must remain unshakeable. In my call this afternoon with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander, General Mazloum Abdi, I reaffirmed this support and underscored the importance of our partnership with the SDF, who serve as the tip of the spear in our fight against ISIS. It is in the United States’ best interest to maintain this strong alliance – including the U.S. military presence in Northeast Syria – in order to prevent the resurgence of ISIS. The United States should not allow Turkish-backed militants to attack the SDF with impunity and should push for a sustained ceasefire to support our allies and regional security.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-over-31-million-to-support-use-of-low-carbon-construction Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $31 Million to Support Use of Low Carbon Construction 2024-12-11 2024 2024-12 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 U.S. Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $31,933,577 in federal funding to support the use of low carbon materials in federally funded construction projects statewide. Incorporating the use of low carbon materials in construction will help reduce pollution while supporting the continued growth of America’s clean manufacturing sector. “The Inflation Reduction Act is the single largest investment we've made in fighting the climate crisis – and it is powering projects like these that will help reduce emissions, support the growing low carbon construction material market, create jobs, and build a better, healthier future for our communities,” said the lawmakers. “Having a world-class transportation system includes using and investing in materials that are better for the environment and create green jobs. This is another example of MDOT leading the way to reduce carbon emissions and support the state’s climate goals,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Thank you to Maryland’s fantastic federal delegation for helping secure this grant.” The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Low Carbon Transportation Materials (LCTM) Program, which the lawmakers fought to create and fund at $2 billion under the Inflation Reduction Act. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-beyer-reintroduce-their-bicameral-cap-and-dividend-legislation Van Hollen, Beyer Reintroduce Their Bicameral Cap & Dividend Legislation 2024-12-11 2024 2024-12 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 Congressman Don Beyer (D-Va.) reintroduced the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act, legislation to price carbon through a ‘cap and dividend’ approach. This simple, fair, and effective plan would address the dangers of climate change and put more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans, increasing their spending power and growing our entire economy. "This legislation takes a straightforward approach to tackling the climate crisis — it requires the biggest polluters to pay for the emissions they generate within established caps and returns the proceeds to American households. The result: less pollution and more money in the pockets of the American people,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “As carbon emissions continue to rise and increasing global temperatures lead to more frequent and calamitous weather events, we must take concrete steps to reduce emissions and tackle the climate crisis,” said Congressman Don Beyer. “Our legislation offers a practical and efficient solution to address the climate crisis, spur clean energy innovation and boost economic growth by holding polluters accountable through the auctioning of permits to emit carbon under a continually tightening emissions cap. The revenue raised would then be returned directly into the pockets of American families in the form of a Healthy Climate Dividend. I thank Senator Van Hollen for his leadership on the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act and urge my colleagues to support this measure.” The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act aims to cap carbon pollution and reduce CO2 emissions gradually but steadily. The legislation would cap emissions at 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and then 90 percent below 2005 levels by 2050 — in keeping with the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finding. It auctions carbon pollution permits to the first sellers of oil, coal, and natural gas into the U.S. market, and returns 100 percent of the auction proceeds electronically each quarter t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schatz-colleagues-in-renewing-calls-to-biden-administration-to-urge-israeli-government-to-allow-journalists-into-gaza-protect-free-press Van Hollen Joins Schatz, Colleagues in Renewing Calls to Biden Administration to Urge Israeli Government to Allow Journalists into Gaza, Protect Free Press 2024-12-06 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and a group of ten other senators in renewing calls to the Biden Administration to urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to protect press freedom and allow journalists into Gaza to cover the ongoing war. In addition to Van Hollen and Schatz, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) In their letter to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators underscored the dangerous conditions for reporters, the importance of safe access into Gaza for journalists, and the need for accurate and independent reporting from inside the warzone. They also raise concerns about violence against journalists in Lebanon and the West Bank. The new letter follows calls led by Schatz a year ago to protect journalists in Gaza. “Since October 7, 2023, over 130 journalists have been killed, the vast majority of whom were Palestinians killed in Gaza. The lack of safe working conditions for journalists in Gaza makes it almost impossible to have an accurate understanding of the humanitarian devastation taking place in the territory,” the senators wrote. They continued, “The United States must make clear to Israel that targeting media organizations and members of the press is unacceptable. It is also important that the United States support UN efforts calling for accountability and protection of journalists in Gaza and the West Bank. The absence of U.S. government support for accountability efforts by the UN and press freedom defenders only undermines U.S. leadership. Promoting press freedom globally, protecting journalist safety, and advancing international laws and norms are essential to sustaining a rules-based international order.” The full letter can be found below and is available here. Dear Secretary Blinken, We a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-tillis-lead-bipartisan-push-on-tax-relief-for-taiwan Van Hollen, Tillis Lead Bipartisan Push on Tax Relief for Taiwan 2024-12-06 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) led 27 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) highlighting the importance of passing U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures this year. “As you are aware, Taiwan is a significant economic partner to the United States and yet Taiwan is the only one of the United States’ top 10 trading partners without a formal double taxation agreement. Taiwan has also become an increasing source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the U.S., with TSMC’s investment in Arizona being the largest greenfield FDI project in U.S. history. However, existing tax barriers—including the double taxation of income, interest, and dividends—add financial burdens for businesses from both nations, making it more expensive for them to expand in each other’s markets,” the senators wrote. “The 118th Congress has made significant strides in tackling this issue, with the Finance and Foreign Relations Committees working together with the House on Taiwan tax relief legislation. If enacted, this legislation would provide specific relief from double taxation on U.S.-Taiwan cross-border investments and authorize the President to negotiate a tax agreement with Taiwan. Earlier this year, the House passed Taiwan-related provisions as part of H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 and the Senate Committee on Finance passed Taiwan tax relief legislation out of Committee unanimously,” the senators continued. “By passing the U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures this year, we can make significant headway in eliminating tax disincentives on cross-border investments between the U.S. and Taiwan. We believe there is strong support for these measures with Taiwan in the Senate, just as there was in the House. We are eager to work with you to see Taiwan tax relief legislation enacted before the 118th Congress comes to a close. U.S. and Taiwanese investor… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-van-hollen-honors-the-legacy-of-maryland-veteran-and-tuskegee-airman-brigadier-general-charles-mcgee-in-video-tribute-at-memorial-unveiling VIDEO: Van Hollen Honors the Legacy of Maryland Veteran & Tuskegee Airman Brigadier General Charles McGee In Video Tribute at Memorial Unveiling 2024-12-05 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, in a recorded video address, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) honored the legacy and accomplishments of Brigadier General Charles McGee as part of a memorial unveiling for the late Tuskegee Airman hosted by the Distinguished Flying Cross Society at the public library in Silver Spring, Md. that bears his name. General McGee was a decorated combat pilot who served in the United States Military for over 30 years and fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam – amassing a record three-war total of combat missions – 409 – of any Air Force fighter pilot, with 100 missions or more in each. He passed away on January 16, 2022, at 102 years old, at his home in Bethesda, Maryland. The memorial unveiling coincides with what would’ve been Brig. Gen. McGee’s 105th birthday on December 7th. In July of 2019, Senator Van Hollen introduced legislation to authorize General McGee’s honorary promotion to Brigadier General, which was then passed unanimously by the full Senate. Senator Van Hollen and former Congressman Anthony Brown also pushed to include their provision within the House and Senate NDAA. In December of 2019, Senator Van Hollen announced the successful inclusion of the provision within the NDAA, and the legislation was then passed by both the House and the Senate. On December 20, 2019 it was signed into law by the President. Following the Senator’s urging, the U.S. Air Force granted McGee’s promotion in February 2020. Senator Van Hollen’s recorded remarks can be viewed here, and a transcript is below. SENATOR CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D-Md.): Hi, I’m Chris Van Hollen, and I am proud to represent the great state of Maryland in the United States Senate. And I am especially honored to join you today to celebrate the life of Brigadier General Charles McGee, an American hero and a deeply missed friend. I first met General McGee in 2016, when I was a member of the House of Representatives. He reached out to ask for help getting a replacement set of silver Air Force pilot wings. Pilot wings are, in one sense, a mark of… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-markey-durbin-waters-lead-72-colleagues-in-calling-on-department-of-education-to-discharge-loans-for-defrauded-borrowers Van Hollen, Markey, Durbin, Waters Lead 72 Colleagues in Calling on Department of Education to Discharge Loans for Defrauded Borrowers 2024-12-04 2024 2024-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), called on the Department of Education to discharge student loan debt for hundreds of thousands of students who were defrauded by predatory schools. During the first Trump administration, defrauded borrowers’ applications for debt relief were left to languish for years, and if reviewed, were often denied. In their letter today, the lawmakers called for the Department to use its authority to immediately discharge debt. Since 2022, the Department has announced group discharges for more than 1.2 million individuals who attended schools that engaged in documented fraud and misconduct, including ITT Technical Institute and Corinthian Colleges. Yet, hundreds of thousands of borrowers are still awaiting their discharges. Many additional borrowers are eligible for borrower defense group discharge because they attended schools for which the Department possesses evidence of fraud and misconduct; 400,000 borrowers have submitted individual applications for borrower defense discharges that the Department has yet to process. “The Department of Education must deliver justice to borrowers who were scammed by for-profit colleges and saddled with unpayable debts before the Trump Administration slams the door shut on borrowers in January,” said Senator Markey. “Borrowers who have struggled with debt for years or even decades cannot afford to wait any longer.” “Time and time again, for-profit schools make false promises to students, claiming that they can push them ahead in life. Instead, these schools siphon off federal student aid dollars while leaving students in crushing debt and with a near useless degree,” said Senator Durbin. “The incoming administration has a troubling track record of favoring for-profit colleges over scammed students. It’s critical that the Biden administration swiftly approves any and al… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-introduction-of-jrd-to-pause-arms-sales-to-uae-van-hollen-and-jacobs-seek-assurances-from-administration-on-uae-support-for-rsf Following Introduction of JRD to Pause Arms Sales to UAE, Van Hollen & Jacobs Seek Assurances from Administration on UAE Support for RSF 2024-12-03 2024 2024-12 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.) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) have sent a letter to President Biden regarding their recent introduction of a joint resolution of disapproval (JRD) in response to the Administration’s notice of an offensive weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In their letter, the lawmakers note deep concern about reports that the UAE has provided materiel support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), given the RSF’s role in the ongoing civil war and atrocities taking place in Sudan. The lawmakers request that the Administration provide written assurances that the UAE is not supplying the RSF with weapons and that the UAE will refrain from future such transfers. The lawmakers begin, “We write concerning a joint resolution of disapproval (JRD) that we filed on November 21, 2024, on the U.S. sale of offensive weapons – including rockets and missiles worth $1.2 billion – to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We are deeply concerned about reports that the UAE has provided materiel support, including arms and ammunition, to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the civil war in Sudan and believe that the United States should pause offensive arms sales until such support has ceased. If your administration provides written confirmation that the UAE is not supplying the RSF with weapons and has committed to refrain from future such transfers, then we will have accomplished our goal and will not need to call for a vote on this legislation in Congress.” “The current war in Sudan has led to a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe. Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, a staggering 11.8 million people have been displaced within Sudan and in neighboring countries. More than half the population, over 25 million people, reportedly face acute food insecurity, including 13 million children, and 1.5 million are at risk of or facing famine. In July 2024, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Famine Review Committee (FRC) confirmed that famine conditions are prevalent in… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-2024-election Van Hollen Statement on 2024 Election 2024-11-06 2024 2024-11 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 regarding the 2024 presidential election: “Like many Americans, I am deeply disappointed and disheartened by the results of this election. But the democratic process has run its course, and I will respect the outcome. That being said, I will never – not for a moment – stop fighting for the values that I know our nation and our people strive to uphold. I will never stop pursuing the freedoms and the rights that our citizens are promised – and working to ensure that all Americans have equal access to these rights and opportunity. I will never back down from standing up for what we believe in, and I will continue to demand accountability from our government. Serving Marylanders in the United States Senate is an honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly – this is all the more true during turbulent times. And even as we face this challenging moment, I am heartened by the history Maryland made last night in electing Angela Alsobrooks to the Senate. I will continue working every single day to represent our great state and the values we hold so dear.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-announce-5-million-to-boost-morgan-state-universitys-research-capabilities Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Announce $5 Million to Boost Morgan State University’s Research Capabilities 2024-11-04 2024 2024-11 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 Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education for Morgan State University (MSU) to strengthen its research capacity to better serve its students, faculty, the Baltimore community, and the nation. Morgan State, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Baltimore City, is currently classified as a “high research activity status” (R2) university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education; this funding will support the University’s efforts to achieve the Carnegie classification of “very high research activity status,” (R1), by 2030. An R1 classification would provide more opportunities for MSU students and faculty to conduct even more transformative and impactful research. Among the 146 R1-designated colleges and universities in the U.S., none are HBCUs. “Morgan State not only provides a quality education to thousands of students, it also serves as a hub for cutting-edge innovation. With this $5 million in federal funding – along with support from the HBCU RISE Program – we are furthering Morgan State’s goal of becoming one of the first HBCUs to achieve R1 status while diversifying the pipeline of leaders working to solve our most pressing challenges,” said Senator Van Hollen, who introduced legislation and then worked to pass the language to create the HBCU RISE program as a provision of the FY23 national defense bill in order to spur greater research investment in R2 HBCUs such as Morgan State to help them achieve R1 status while strengthening our national defense research. “Morgan State has become a central part of our engine of economic growth despite decades of underfunding. The university is leading research that strengthens key industries like technology and health care and prepares students to compete in a global economy,” said Senator Cardin. “This funding will support new and existing programs that will help Morgan State reach new heights and rei… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-kaine-shaheen-express-concern-about-violence-in-lebanon-and-push-for-de-escalation Van Hollen, Kaine, Shaheen, Express Concern About Violence in Lebanon and Push for De-Escalation 2024-10-31 2024 2024-10 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.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concern about Israeli military actions that resulted in the deaths of members of the U.S.-supported Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and reiterated the need for de-escalation in the Middle East. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the senators request additional information related to recent reports regarding incidents of the Israeli Defense Forces killing LAF members, U.S. weapons transfers to the region, and U.S. engagement with partners in the region to protect LAF members and civilians. “We write to express our serious concern about recent reports that Israeli military actions in Lebanon have, on multiple occasions, resulted in the deaths of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) members,” wrote the senators. “We have all stood firm for Israel’s ability to defend itself from external threats posed by Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. But the United States has also made a commitment to the people of Lebanon to provide humanitarian assistance and continue to support the LAF.” The senators continued, “Reports that Israel is harming LAF forces in its war against Hezbollah run contrary to the U.S. interest in de-escalating violence in the region. Actions that destabilize the one institution in Lebanon that can be a bridge to a more peaceful future are also contrary to Israel’s security interests.” Earlier this month, Kaine, Shaheen, Van Hollen, and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) expressed concern about the escalation of violence in Lebanon, including the deaths and displacement of civilians and attacks on United Nations peacekeepers. Full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Secretaries Blinken and Austin: We write to express our serious concern about recent reports that Israeli military actions in Lebanon have, on multiple occasions, resulted in the deaths of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) members. The m… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-hoyer-ruppersberger-announce-over-75-million-for-carroll-county-regional-tipton-and-martin-state-airports Van Hollen, Cardin Hoyer, Ruppersberger Announce Over $7.5 Million for Carroll County Regional, Tipton, and Martin State Airports 2024-10-30 2024 2024-10 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, Congressmen Steny Hoyer and Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-Md.), today announced $7,556,842 in U.S. Department of Transportation awards to Carroll County Regional, Tipton and Martin State Airports for necessary upgrades to modernize their facilities and improve passenger comfort. “Our local airports are important transportation hubs that support our state’s economy, ensuring that travelers and goods get where they need to go. We fought for these investments to support the Carroll County Regional, Tipton, and Martin State airports in serving the growing needs of Maryland’s businesses, residents, and visitors,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The landmark infrastructure law enacted by President Biden in 2021 continues to invest in Maryland,” said Senator Cardin. “It recognized that our airports, both large and small, have aging and outdated facilities that require upgrades to meet the changing demands on our aviation system and keep it safe and competitive.” “President Biden and Vice President Harris’ Investing in America agenda continues to deliver for Maryland’s airports and boost our economic competitiveness,” said Congressman Hoyer. “As Chair of the Regional Leadership Council, I have worked with House Democrats and top officials in the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that every community in America can see and feel the impact of the historic laws that Democrats passed in the 117th Congress. I was pleased to work with Team Maryland to secure these Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for Carroll County Regional Airport, Martin State Airport, and Tipton Airport, which will create good jobs and provide a more reliable air travel experience. Together, we will continue to lower costs, create jobs, and ensure our state's economy works for all Marylanders.” “The bipartisan infrastructure law continues to reap rewards for Maryland and Marylanders including this funding for local airports, which provide a critical connection to communities and economies throughout the regio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-trone-announce-77-million-for-airport-infrastructure-projects-in-western-maryland Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $7.7 Million for Airport Infrastructure Projects in Western Maryland 2024-10-30 2024 2024-10 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 $7,705,850 in federal funding for infrastructure and expansion projects at the Hagerstown Regional Airport and Garrett County Airport. The funding, provided through the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program and Airport Terminal Program, will increase the airports’ capacities to meet operational needs and safety standards. “Hagerstown Regional and Garrett County airports help connect Western Maryland with greater economic opportunity. We fought for these investments to provide both airports with resources to continue to serving Maryland’s businesses, residents, and visitors in the years to come,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $6,786,262 to Hagerstown Regional Airport to remove a building and relocate fencing identified as obstructions by the FAA and to renovate and expand the existing terminal building to accommodate existing and projected airline passenger demand $919,588 to Garrett County Airport to rehabilitate 7,300 square yards of the existing Terminal Apron pavement The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds various types of airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting and markings – all while creating thousands of good-paying, local jobs. The members have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including through the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process, which makes $3.35 billion available from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and an additional $532 million from the general fund for AIP projects. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-knesset-move-to-effectively-ban-unrwa-operations Van Hollen Statement on Knesset Move to Effectively Ban UNRWA Operations 2024-10-28 2024 2024-10 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 the Knesset’s votes to effectively ban UNRWA operations: “Today’s move by the Knesset will undermine the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians at a time when millions of civilians are living in a full-blown humanitarian crisis and are on the brink of starvation. UNRWA plays a critical role in supporting civilians in Gaza as well as the West Bank and elsewhere in the region, and as countless international organizations have attested to, its efforts cannot simply be replicated or replaced quickly. Once again, the Netanyahu Government and its allies are throwing up insurmountable roadblocks to providing for the basic rights and needs of Palestinian civilians. And once again the Netanyahu Government continues to ignore urging by the United States and the international community, who have repeatedly expressed concern over this proposal, given its ramifications on humanitarian assistance and its interference with Israel’s obligations under international law. The Biden Administration must wholly condemn this move, and beyond that – it must put words into action when it comes to enforcing its demands that Israel facilitate immediate humanitarian relief to civilians in Gaza.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-react-to-federal-governments-initial-1019-million-settlement-with-dali-owner-operator Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume React to Federal Government’s Initial $101.9 Million Settlement with Dali Owner, Operator 2024-10-25 2024 2024-10 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 Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) $101,980,000 settlement with the owner and operator of the Dali, the vessel that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The settlement, according to DOJ, will cover federal costs incurred to restore access to the Port of Baltimore. “The catastrophic loss of the Francis Scott Key Bridge required a massive and coordinated response from all levels of government and the private sector. Those efforts removed about 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River and cleared the shipping channel faster than anyone predicted. The initial settlement that the U.S. Justice Department reached for cleanup costs is an important step in holding accountable the owner and operator of the Dali, the ship that caused this disaster,” said the lawmakers. “The federal government has properly stepped up to underwrite urgent and essential needs with an expectation that the appropriate parties will be held financially responsible for their actions. Congress should now act quickly to pass the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, which will ensure full federal backing of the bridge replacement costs, while the Justice Department, State of Maryland and other stakeholders keep up their work to reimburse the taxpayers to the fullest extent possible and provide justice for the families of those we lost.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-king-rounds-in-seeking-maximum-h-2b-work-visas-to-support-small-businesses-in-2025 Van Hollen Joins King, Rounds in Seeking Maximum H-2B Work Visas to Support Small Businesses in 2025 2024-10-24 2024 2024-10 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 joined Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), alongside a bipartisan group of their colleagues, in writting to the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. H-2B visas fill needs for American small businesses when there are not enough able and willing American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions; when the local workforce is insufficient, H-2Bs are seen as a necessary tool to support local economies. With Maine continuing to see a shortage of seasonal and temporary employees, these special visas provide a lifeline for the economy and ensure small businesses can meet the demand for their products and services. “Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that ‘counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers,’” wrote the senators. “The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and win… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-bipartisan-push-maryland-virginia-lawmakers-call-on-president-to-address-venezuelan-crab-imports In Bipartisan Push, Maryland, Virginia Lawmakers Call on President to Address Venezuelan Crab Imports 2024-10-23 2024 2024-10 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, Ben Cardin (both D-Md.), Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine (both D-Va.) along with U.S. Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), John Sarbanes (D-Md.), Rob Wittman (R-Va.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), David Trone (D-Md.), and Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) wrote to President Joe Biden outlining their concerns with the recent surge of crabmeat imports from Venezuela and its impact on the Chesapeake Bay region’s seafood economy as well as public health. In their letter, the lawmakers urge the President to launch an investigation through the International Trade Commission into the harm that these imports pose to our domestic seafood industry, and press the Administration to encourage a fairer seafood trade relationship. “We write to express our significant concerns with the influx of crabmeat from Venezuela, which has threatened the viability of local fisheries across the Chesapeake Bay. Domestic seafood producers in Maryland and Virginia have experienced significant strain due to the influx of imported Venezuelan crabmeat, some of which is mislabeled and contaminated. In 2018, Venezuelan crabmeat mislabeled as originating from Maryland caused an outbreak of foodborne illnesses, resulting in multiple hospitalizations,” the lawmakers began. Highlighting the economic damage caused by Venezuelan imports, they wrote, “Since then, the supply of imported crabmeat has increased, threatening the future livelihood of domestic industry and creating the conditions for a 62 percent decrease in the domestic supply. This has harmed crab fishing industries throughout the Chesapeake Bay, which produces 50 percent of the United States’ total blue crab harvest, a proportion that is now diminishing year over year. There are now fewer than 20 Maryland crab picking and seafood processing companies, down from 53 in 1995.” They go on to urge the President to: Direct the United States International Trade Commission to conduct an investigation, per Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974, looking into… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/team-maryland-announces-more-than-38-million-for-critical-transportation-and-port-infrastructure-projects-in-baltimore Team Maryland Announces More Than $38 Million for Critical Transportation & Port Infrastructure Projects in Baltimore 2024-10-21 2024 2024-10 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, Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Governor Wes Moore (all D-Md.), and Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld today announced $38,406,076 in U.S. Department of Transportation awards to rehabilitate the Dundalk Marine Terminal and the Curtis Creek Drawbridge. This investment will improve vital infrastructure at and around the Port of Baltimore, which is critical to Maryland's economy. “Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we continue to deliver historic resources to upgrade everything from our transportation network to the Port of Baltimore. With these major federal investments, we are priming the Port for future growth – while sustaining the thousands of jobs it already supports – and modernizing an essential bridge for commuting and commerce. These efforts will help drive Baltimore’s economic success and create more good paying jobs for Marylanders,” said Senator Van Hollen. “With these grants, the federal government is recognizing that Baltimore is home to nationally significant supply chain infrastructure that is overdue for investment and improvement. We are seeing once again how the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is delivering for Maryland, and we will continue to push for federal commitments to our infrastructure, including the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” said Senator Cardin. “This monumental federal investment is a transformative display of the continued unity among us in Team Maryland to deliver for all of those who have been personally affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and continue to navigate the recovery alongside us. After speaking with so many of those impacted, I was and remain inspired by their grit, fierceness, and commitment to getting through this disaster together,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “These two projects reinforce the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to making Maryland more competitive by investing in our critical infras… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-shaheen-murphy-kaine-issue-statement-expressing-concern-about-the-escalation-of-violence-in-lebanon Van Hollen, Shaheen, Murphy, Kaine Issue Statement Expressing Concern About the Escalation of Violence in Lebanon 2024-10-21 2024 2024-10 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.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), all senior members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following joint statement regarding the deteriorating situation in Lebanon: “Over the past few weeks, there has been a concerning escalation of violence in Lebanon, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds, the displacement of over one million civilians and unacceptable attacks on United Nations peacekeepers. “There is no question that Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorism on its northern border and that Hezbollah is a terrorist organization whose actions have led to Lebanese, American and Israeli deaths. By preventing the formation of a functioning government, Hezbollah has exacerbated an economic crisis and perpetuated the suffering of everyday Lebanese citizens. We also assert firmly that Iran must be stopped from supplying Hezbollah with resources and weapons, which is essential to securing peace on the border and ensuring that Israelis in the north can return safely to their homes. “At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces have an obligation to conduct their operations in a way that limits civilian harm and does not impede humanitarian access. We also strongly condemn the attacks against United Nations peacekeepers who operate in Lebanon under UN Security Council resolutions 1701 and 2749. Peacekeepers must be allowed to fulfill their mission of ensuring peace along the Blue Line. “We must work towards de-escalation and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in Lebanon while also urging all parties involved to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release deal. We must do all we can to prevent further civilian casualties, dangerous destabilization and expansion of this conflict into a full-out war.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-raskin-mcclellan-and-beyer-lead-30-colleagues-in-urging-regional-power-grid-operator-to-lower-electricity-prices-and-improve-reliability-for-working-families Van Hollen, Raskin, McClellan, and Beyer Lead 30 Colleagues in Urging Regional Power Grid Operator to Lower Electricity Prices and Improve Reliability for Working Families 2024-10-17 2024 2024-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Representatives Jamie Raskin (Md.-08), Jennifer McClellan (Va.-04), and Don Beyer (Va.-08) led 30 members of Congress in writing a letter calling on PJM Interconnection (PJM), the region’s power grid operator, to swiftly improve the reliability of the electricity grid, deliver cheaper electricity prices, and address the biggest roadblocks to transitioning to renewable energy. In their letter sent today to PJM—the country’s largest electricity market serving 65 million customers across 13 states in the Mid-Atlantic region and the Great Lakes—the lawmakers urged the grid operator to swiftly and fully comply with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) Order No. 1920 and Order No. 2023 and pursue proactive transmission planning and interconnection reforms to help the electricity grid maintain reliability and increase the supply of clean energy. “Our region must add new energy sources to our electric grid to meet our constituents’ and businesses’ growing energy needs,” wrote the lawmakers. “Renewable energy is now the cheapest form of energy, and a recent PJM report shows that renewables can meet our region’s increasing energy demands. Federal investments in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state policies on fostering renewable energy have created an opportunity for billions of dollars of investment in low-cost, low-carbon electricity supply and storage. The PJM region can seize this opportunity to facilitate the replacement of old, costly, increasingly unreliable, and polluting power plants with lower-cost clean energy—and score a triple win for public health, the environment, and consumers’ energy bills.” PJM expects energy demands to increase nearly 40% by 2039. As the region’s energy needs grow, energy supply must keep pace with rising demand—or consumers will face higher utility bills. In PJM’s most recent electricity capacity auction for 2025, prices increased more than six-fold to about $14.7 billion from $2.4 billion in 2024. The price increases in the elec… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/team-maryland-announces-139-million-in-federal-funds-to-support-workforce-development-and-postsecondary-education-for-individuals-with-disabilities Team Maryland Announces $13.9 Million in Federal Funds to Support Workforce Development and Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities 2024-10-16 2024 2024-10 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, with Governor Wes Moore and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey, announced $13.9 million in federal funding to support workforce development and postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Administered through the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the funding will help increase access to resources, promote data sharing, and improve employment outcomes. “Team Maryland continues to drive federal investment in Marylanders' futures. These new funds will bolster the use of evidence-based strategies to engage individuals with disabilities in careers of their choice, enhancing inclusion, economic mobility, and career growth," said members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation Senators Cardin, Van Hollen, and Hoyer; and Congressmen Ruppersberger, Sarbanes, Mfume, Raskin, Trone and Ivey. “One in four Americans has a disability, and these investments will empower those Americans to achieve greater economic independence while supporting our changing economic and workforce needs. This is an important investment in ensuring people with disabilities are able to continue playing a meaningful role in their community." “'Leave no one behind' is not just a talking point for us, it's a governing philosophy. Today's action reaffirms Maryland's commitment to building a state where every person is seen and supported," said Gov. Moore. “I want to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their partnership. Together, we will open paths to work, wages, and wealth for Marylanders; grow our economy; and create an equitable future for all." The U.S. Department of Education allocated $9.4 million from the Disability Innovation Fund Program to develop a tool that connects students with accessible services, including vocational rehabilitation and long-term support. The tool represents a pioneering data-sharing system that will enable school and state agency personnel—including the Maryla… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-applauds-ftc-approval-of-click-to-cancel-rule-to-ease-cancellation-of-recurring-subscriptions Van Hollen Applauds FTC Approval of “Click to Cancel” Rule to Ease Cancellation of Recurring Subscriptions 2024-10-16 2024 2024-10 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.) welcomed the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) approval of the “Click to Cancel” final rule, which requires companies to seek informed consent from consumers before beginning a subscription service and makes it easier to end a membership or recurring-payment program. The rule mirrors key provisions of the Senator and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke’s (D-N.Y.) Consumer OPT-IN Act, including those requiring informed consent and easing the ability to cancel subscriptions, as well as enforcement authority allowing the FTC to return money to consumers impacted by a company that has violated the rule. Last year, the Senator wrote to the FTC in support of the proposed Click to Cancel rule during the review process. “Too many Americans know the frustration of being blindsided by a charge for a subscription they never meant to sign up for – and jumping through endless hurdles to try to cancel. Using key components of our Consumer OPT-IN Act, the Biden-Harris Administration’s Click to Cancel rule is a critical tool to ensure an easy way out of subscription traps and hold companies accountable for deceptive tactics. We will build on this important progress by working to pass the other provisions of our legislation to further protect Americans from unwanted charges and corporate greed,” said Senator Van Hollen. The FTC’s Click-to-Cancel final rule ensures that consumers aren’t misled when they’re signing up for subscriptions in the first place and requires companies to seek their informed consent before making recurring charges. The rule will require businesses to disclose key terms – such as when trial periods end, the deadline to cancel, and the frequency of charges – before collecting any billing information from people. The rule will allow the FTC to return money to impacted consumers and levy stiff penalties against companies that violate it. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-harris-voice-concerns-with-maryland-piedmont-reliability-project-urge-developer-to-follow-community-input Van Hollen, Harris Voice Concerns with Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, Urge Developer to Follow Community Input 2024-10-16 2024 2024-10 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.) and Congressman Andy Harris (R-Md.) wrote to Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), the corporation awarded the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) by PJM, the regional grid operator, to express concerns with the project’s potential impact on local communities and urge the company to be responsive to public feedback. The MPRP proposes approximately 70 miles of new high-voltage electricity transmission lines through rural areas of Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties to meet the state and region’s growing energy demands. In their letter to PSEG’s Piedmont Project Director Jason Kalwa, the lawmakers call on the company to continue providing opportunities for the communities that could be affected by the project to offer input – and take into account that input – before submitting any proposal to the Maryland Public Service Commission. They also urge PSEG to consider strategies to minimize the need for new construction, transparently share with the public how it is evaluating different route and design alternatives, and elaborate on the specific benefits to Marylanders that the proposed power line would provide. “We are concerned about the impact of the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) on Maryland farmers, rural communities, residents, and conserved lands. As PSEG weighs any plans for the MPRP, we write to urge you to take into account the public feedback PSEG has received and integrate it into any proposal to Maryland’s Public Service Commission (PSC). We also encourage PSEG to consider routes that rely on existing rights-of-way and to ensure that Marylanders are fully informed throughout the process,” the lawmakers began. Underscoring the importance of incorporating community input, they wrote, “PSEG must meaningfully integrate public feedback it has received into any possible proposal to the PSC. In addition, we urge you to conduct additional public input sessions ahead of submitting any proposal to the PSC to ensure that communities have… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-ivey-highlight-115-million-in-direct-federal-investments-for-youth-services-and-restoration-projects-in-prince-georges-county Van Hollen, Cardin, Ivey Highlight $1.15 Million in Direct Federal Investments for Youth Services and Restoration Projects in Prince George’s County 2024-10-15 2024 2024-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Recently, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) were in Prince George’s County to highlight $1,150,000 in direct federal investments they secured for youth services and environmental restoration projects in the community. The lawmakers fought for these investments in the federal funding bills passed and signed into law for Fiscal Year 2024. “We fought for these direct investments in Prince George’s County with key goals in mind: building stronger communities and empowering our future leaders. Funding for the Laurel Boys & Girls Clubs will enable them to maintain safe spaces for after-school activities, and resources for restoring the Laurel Dam ruins will preserve the historic landmark that this City was built around while enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities. These are investments in the preservation of our local history and the wellbeing of Marylanders today and for generations to come,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The dam ruins at Laurel’s Riverfront Park and the Laurel Boys and Girls Club are at the heart of the community and tell the city’s origin story. These are stories that need to be told,” said Senator Cardin. “Investment in these historic places preserves our history and culture while creating economic and educational opportunities for Laurel’s residents,” said Senator Cardin. “Investing in our communities begins with raising the quality of life for residents. Creating a beautiful, safe and environmentally friendly park space in the ruins of a dam along the Patuxent River gives people of Laurel and beyond a look into it’s storied history as a mill town and its future with the walkable Riverfront Park. Keeping kids safe and promoting their wellbeing is a down payment on our leaders of tomorrow. Keeping one of the oldest boys and girls clubs in the region thriving gives a glimpse of that future. With the leadership of Maryland’s federal delegation bringing these grant monies, Laurel’s future is as bright as ever,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04)… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-lead-senate-call-for-humanitarian-protections-for-guatemalans-living-in-the-us Van Hollen, Cardin Lead Senate Call for Humanitarian Protections for Guatemalans Living in the U.S. 2024-10-15 2024 2024-10 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.), along with more than a dozen other senators, wrote to President Joe Biden requesting that his administration “provide temporary humanitarian protections for Guatemalan nationals living in the United States.” The letter asks for the president to designate Temporary Protected Status for Guatemala or authorize Deferred Enforced Departure for Guatemalan nationals. “Guatemala presently faces significant and overlapping natural disasters leading to food insecurity, corruption, and violence that impede the ability of Guatemalan nationals currently in the United States to return home safely at this time. Guatemala has long experienced significant environmental disasters, which have worsened food insecurity and displaced a sizable amount of the population,” the senators wrote. “Providing these humanitarian protections will reinforce the relationship that the United States is developing with the new, democratically elected government under President Bernardo Arevalo” who “has committed to taking steps to try to ameliorate many of the conditions that have long been neglected by previous leaders.” They added, “Despite the efforts underway under the new administration, a sober assessment of conditions in the country today would support the conclusion that Guatemala is unable to adequately handle the return of the significant number of nationals currently in the United States.” Senators Van Hollen and Cardin have previously requested TPS designation for Guatemala in both 2021 and 2022. Joining Senators Van Hollen and Cardin on this Senate letter are Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-Nev.)… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-biden-administration-demanding-netanyahu-government-address-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza Van Hollen Statement on Biden Administration Demanding Netanyahu Government Address Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza 2024-10-15 2024 2024-10 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 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s letter urging Israeli leaders to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza – citing the requirements of National Security Memorandum-20 (NSM-20) and other relevant U.S. law. The NSM is modeled off of an amendment proposed by the Senator earlier this year, along with nearly 20 of his colleagues, to ensure U.S. security assistance is used in line with international law. “As the humanitarian situation in Gaza has gone from horrible to catastrophic, the Biden Administration has failed in its ongoing duty to apply the law and terms of NSM-20. Today’s action falls into the category of better late than never – we will carefully monitor the situation to see if the Administration will finally hold the Netanyahu government to account in meeting the requirements set forth in the secretaries’ letter.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-break-ground-on-new-salisbury-regional-airport-runway-extension Van Hollen, Cardin Break Ground on New Salisbury Regional Airport Runway Extension 2024-10-10 2024 2024-10 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.) joined Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano, Governor Wes Moore, and other state and local leaders to break ground on Salisbury Regional Airport’s (SBY) runway extension project. The project, which the Senators worked to support with $18,565,274 in federal funding – in addition to $500,000 in fiscal year 2022 Congressionally directed spending – involves lengthening the airport’s 6,400-foot runway by 1,200 feet to accommodate traffic from larger aircraft. The extended runway will also enable their airport to expand its commercial and freight services and boost the regional economy. “Salisbury Regional Airport is a gateway to the Eastern Shore, the Delmarva region, and our state as the second busiest airport in Maryland. We fought to provide $19 million in federal funding, including from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, so Salisbury Airport can extend its runway to handle larger planes safely and effectively. These major investments will help keep the Salisbury Airport competitive, while attracting even more commerce to the region,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Federal investment in the Salisbury Regional Airport is another victory for Maryland. Team Maryland has been fighting for a long time to secure these funds. They are not easy to get,” said Senator Cardin. “Runway expansion is critically important for safety and for economic development across the entire region.” The federal funding is provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, and Congressionally directed spending. AIP funds various airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting, and markings – all while creating thousands of jobs in the community. The Senators have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including by helping to pass the fiscal year 2024 appropriations pack… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-break-ground-on-salisbury-regional-airport-runway-extension Van Hollen, Cardin Break Ground on Salisbury Regional Airport Runway Extension 2024-10-10 2024 2024-10 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.) joined Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano, Governor Wes Moore, and other state and local leaders to break ground on Salisbury Regional Airport’s (SBY) runway extension project. The project, which the Senators worked to support with $18,565,274 in federal funding – in addition to $500,000 in fiscal year 2022 Congressionally directed spending – involves lengthening the airport’s 6,400-foot runway by 1,200 feet to accommodate traffic from larger aircraft. The extended runway will also enable their airport to expand its commercial and freight services and boost the regional economy. “Salisbury Regional Airport is a gateway to the Eastern Shore, the Delmarva region, and our state as the second busiest airport in Maryland. We fought to provide $19 million in federal funding, including from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, so Salisbury Airport can extend its runway to handle larger planes safely and effectively. These major investments will help keep the Salisbury Airport competitive, while attracting even more commerce to the region,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Federal investment in the Salisbury Regional Airport is another victory for Maryland. Team Maryland has been fighting for a long time to secure these funds. They are not easy to get,” said Senator Cardin. “Runway expansion is critically important for safety and for economic development across the entire region.” The federal funding is provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, and Congressionally directed spending. AIP funds various airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting, and markings – all while creating thousands of jobs in the community. The Senators have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including by helping to pass the fiscal year 2024 appropriations pack… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-anniversary-of-october-7th-hamas-terrorist-attack Van Hollen Statement on Anniversary of October 7th Hamas Terrorist Attack 2024-10-07 2024 2024-10 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 the anniversary of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israel that killed over 1,200 people and took over 250 people hostage: “Today our nation mourns in memory of one of the darkest days in recent history – October 7, 2023. I remember waking to the horrific news that morning. Only four months earlier, I had visited Kibbutz Kfar Aza, the site of one of the worst massacres committed by Hamas terrorists. On that terrible day one year ago, Hamas murdered over 1,200 people, seized over 250 hostages, and committed acts of sexual violence. People were killed in their homes, ripped from the safety of their neighborhoods, and gunned down at a music festival. Not since the Holocaust has the Jewish community suffered such terrible collective loss and pain. Today, alongside the Jewish community and the people of Israel, and those around the world who lost loved ones, we remember those men, women, and children who were killed on October 7th and the hostages who have been killed since. We also hold in our hearts the hostages who remain in captivity, including American citizens, and all their families who wake up each morning with dread about what the day might bring. Since the horrific October 7th attacks, I have met numerous times with hostage families in both the United States and Israel, and remain committed to doing what they have asked: prioritizing the return of all their loved ones and securing a ceasefire to end the war and the suffering of civilians in Gaza. I also remain committed to combating the alarming rise in antisemitism and rejecting hate in all its vile forms. There must be no more October Sevenths. As we reflect on this dark day, let us, together, dedicate ourselves to doing what is in our power to build a more hopeful and peaceful world.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-lujan-welch-introduce-legislation-to-ban-gifts-for-supreme-court-justices Van Hollen, Luján, Welch Introduce Legislation to Ban Gifts for Supreme Court Justices 2024-10-02 2024 2024-10 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 Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in introducing the High Court Gift Ban Act, legislation that would ban Supreme Court justices from receiving gifts valued at over $50 and help strengthen ethical standards of the Supreme Court. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) introduced companion legislation in the House. Under current law, Supreme Court justices are not held to the same restrictions on accepting gifts that apply to Members of Congress, federal judges, and other federal officials. Recent analysis by Fix the Court estimates that in the last two decades, Supreme Court justices have accepted hundreds of gifts valued at nearly $5 million. “The Supreme Court’s refusal to adopt an enforceable code of ethics, even after revelations that individual justices accepted undisclosed gifts, has contributed to declining public trust in this vital institution. Since the Court remains unwilling to implement an ethical code that prohibits extravagant gifts, Congress must take action. This legislation will help hold the Supreme Court to a higher standard – one that already applies to other federal courts and to Congress – to prevent undue influence on its decision-making from deep-pocketed private interests,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The Supreme Court – our nation’s highest and most powerful court – should be held to the highest ethical standards to protect our democracy from the power of influence and dark money,” said Senator Luján. “Over the past few years, I’ve seen far too many troubling reports detailing how lavish trips and gifts have compromised the integrity of our justices. That is why I’ve partnered with Senator Welch and my colleagues to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act to hold Supreme Court justices to the same ethical standards as other high-ranking federal officials.” "For years, conservative Supreme Court Justices have accept… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-iran-attack-on-israel Van Hollen Statement on Iran Attack on Israel 2024-10-01 2024 2024-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper “I am deeply concerned with Iran’s missile attack today and glad that the United States helped defend the people of Israel. Attacks like these are why I have supported — and will continue to support — critical defensive systems, like the Iron Dome, that protect the Israeli people.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-156-million-to-support-victims-of-crime Maryland Delegation Announces $15.6 Million to Support Victims of Crime 2024-09-27 2024 2024-09 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 Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $15,601,420 in U.S Department of Justice (DOJ) funding for the State of Maryland to provide financial assistance and support services to crime victims. The grants are provided through the DOJ Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) as part of its FY2024 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance and Victim Compensation formula grants. “Improving public safety is one of our top priorities. As we work to build stronger, safer communities, we also need to provide support to those who have been victim to crime,” said the lawmakers. “VOCA funding has been critical in providing resources to support the health and well-being of victims of crime and will continue to enable the important work of Maryland’s victim service programs.” The lawmakers fought to stabilize victim assistance and compensation funding through passage of the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021, which supports services for approximately 120,000 victims of crime in Maryland every year. "Our VOCA grants are literally changing lives," GOCPP Executive Director Dorothy Lennig said. "One of our sub-grantees, Heartly House, recently used our VOCA funding to support a mother experiencing severe domestic abuse. The victim called Heartly House's support line and received education, resources, and safety planning services all in one call. Using the resources provided to her, she created a plan to find a new home for her and her children and utilized an advocate's services to enroll in Maryland's Address Confidentiality Program to keep her new address hidden from her abuser. The impact VOCA funding provides to vulnerable crime victims in Maryland is immeasurable." The two VOCA formula grant programs from which these funds were delivered are administered by the OVC. DOJ’s Victim Compensation formula grants provide funding to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-booker-lee-davis-adams-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-improve-access-to-care-for-americans-with-sickle-cell-disease Van Hollen, Booker, Lee, Davis, Adams Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Improve Access to Care for Americans with Sickle Cell Disease 2024-09-27 2024 2024-09 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.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), and Alma Adams (D-N.C.), reintroduced the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act, legislation to improve access to care for Americans living with sickle cell disease (SCD). In the United States, approximately 100,000 people are affected by SCD, a rare, genetically inherited disorder that causes a person’s red blood cells to become deformed and get stuck in their veins – blocking oxygen flow throughout the body and leading to chronic pain, infections, stroke, as well as kidney, liver, and heart disease. The disease disproportionately affects Black Americans but people from other racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Hispanic Americans, are also susceptible. Despite the prevalence of the disease and the need for consistent and coordinated treatment, SCD care is most often accessible only in specialized medical centers in metropolitan areas – resulting in few patients having access to the multidisciplinary care teams they need. The lawmakers’ bill will grow the network of care for SCD by creating a “hub-and-spoke” framework for the delivery of care. The bill establishes a new annual grant program to provide federal funding opportunities for hospitals with existing SCD programs to expand their services to community health and outpatient centers, in order to help address the shortage of comprehensive treatment centers and so patients can access care and other services closer to their homes. “For the tens of thousands of Americans living with sickle cell disease, the difficulty of finding care is not just an inconvenience – it could be the difference between life and death. Having lost a beloved member of my staff to this disease, improving access to care and services is personal to me. By giving existing sickle cell centers the capacity to share their resources beyond their walls, we can more easily expand treatment to the countless communities that don’t yet have… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-10-million-for-chesapeake-bay-watershed-restoration-preservation Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $10 million for Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration, Preservation 2024-09-26 2024 2024-09 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.) today announced $10,698,764 in National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funding for 11 Maryland projects to protect and restore water quality, species and habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. “Maryland’s ecological and economic identity revolves around the health and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Bay watershed puts food on our tables, supports the livelihood of thousands of people across the region and provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife species,” said the lawmakers. “In order to maintain this legacy, Team Maryland continues to fight for and secure investments to restore our environment and protect public health. Through these projects and the work of our local partners, we’re working to ensure that generations to come can continue to rely on our beloved Bay.” The following agencies and organizations received awards: $2,839,348, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy: To engage Talbot County landowners, the Coastal Conservation Association and high school volunteers to install 280 oyster reef balls and restore 2,700 linear feet of living shoreline, as well as nearly two acres of low-marsh habitat. $1,481,650, Blue Water Baltimore, Inc.: To mitigate stormwater runoff and pollution in Baltimore’s urban watershed by building rain gardens and permeable pavements at more than a dozen sites across the City. $1,274,392, Prince George’s County Government: To restore more than 1,000 linear feet of a degraded, unhealthy tributary to Lower Beaverdam Creek. $1,225,069, Future Harvest, Inc.: To advance the adoption of soil health and climate-smart farm management systems by engaging underserved agricultural producers to improve water quality and habitat restoration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. $1,081,656, Stewardship Network: To accelerate the installation and maintenance of nature-based green infrastructure… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-van-hollen-schmitt-casey-boozman-enable-act-to-support-individuals-with-disabilities Senate Passes Van Hollen, Schmitt, Casey, Boozman ENABLE Act, to Support Individuals with Disabilities 2024-09-26 2024 2024-09 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.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and John Boozman’s (R-Ark.) legislation, the Ensuring Nationwide Access to Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act, recently passed the United States Senate. This legislation extends key provisions of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program, a critical means for individuals with disabilities and their families to save money. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, Senator Van Hollen helped introduce and pass the ABLE Act, which allowed people with disabilities and their families to save and invest through tax-free savings accounts without losing eligibility for federal programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The program was expanded in 2017 with three provisions that make the program accessible to more people with disabilities and make it easier for those in the program to save. The bipartisan ENABLE Act ensures that these provisions do not expire in 2025. It will now proceed to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. “Since our creation of the ABLE program a decade ago, it has empowered tens of thousands of people with disabilities to bolster their financial stability and support critical needs. We’re fighting to make these key ABLE provisions permanent so those Americans and many more can count on this vital program for years to come – giving them the tools to grow their savings and strengthen their economic independence,” said Senator Van Hollen. People with disabilities are more than twice as likely to live in poverty compared to people without disabilities, yet households including a person with a work-limiting disability need, on average, 28 percent more income to obtain the same standard of living as people without disabilities. For a long time, this intersection of disability and poverty was made worse by asset limitations for federal assistance programs that many people with disabilities rely on. Senator Van Hollen, while serving in the House, created the ABLE… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/team-maryland-looks-to-the-future-of-the-chesapeake-bay-after-current-multi-state-agreements-expire-in-2025 Team Maryland Looks to the Future of the Chesapeake Bay After Current Multi-State Agreements Expire in 2025 2024-09-26 2024 2024-09 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 Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.)met Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol with senior representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of the Interior and Maryland Department of Natural Resources to discuss planning for the next stage of the Chesapeake Bay program and restoration efforts. This is a critical time for the Bay and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, which was signed in 2014. Many of the goals and outcomes for the Bay had a target of 2025. As this date approaches, the Chesapeake Bay Program is determining how best to meet these goals and outcomes, incorporate new science and strategies, and strengthen the multi-state partnership. At Wednesday’s meeting, members of the Maryland delegation heard from key federal agency and state leaders working towards the next stage of the agreement. Leading the discussion was Adam Ortiz, who serves as the Administrator for EPA Region 3, which governs the Mid-Atlantic Region. In this role Administrator Ortiz is deeply involved in EPA’s role in the Chesapeake Bay Program. The delegation also heard from Department of Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Matt Strickler, who serves at the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Principal’s Staff Committee Chair. In 2022, the Chesapeake Executive Council tasked its Principal’s Staff Committee with making recommendations for the future of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program’s work. Representing senior state leadership was Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz, who directs Maryland’s role in the multi-state partnership and has deep expertise in the stakeholder community. The planning effort marked a milestone this summer when the Chesapeake Bay Program Beyond 2025 Steering Committee released its Beyond 2025 Draft Report and invited public feedback. “Team Maryland will always fight for the Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a national … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-presents-distinguished-service-cross-to-family-of-d-day-hero-waverly-woodson Van Hollen Presents Distinguished Service Cross to Family of D-Day Hero Waverly Woodson 2024-09-26 2024 2024-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper The full video of the event can be found here; photos of the event are available upon request This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) hosted a ceremony on Capitol Hill to present the Distinguished Service Cross to the family of Maryland World War II veteran Waverly B. Woodson, Jr. for the valor he displayed in saving countless lives on D-Day. The Senator was joined by U.S. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and First Army senior officers as he presented this posthumous award. This event came after Senator Van Hollen and Army officials announced earlier this year that Woodson was approved for the honor following years of advocacy by the Woodson family, First Army, historians, Senator Van Hollen, and others to recognize Woodson’s heroic D-Day actions that were overlooked due to his race. Woodson’s widow, Joann, a resident of Clarksburg, Maryland, was presented with a WWII-era Distinguished Service Cross, which the First Army placed in the sand on Omaha Beach on the 80th anniversary of D-Day at the site where Woodson set up his first aid station. “On D-Day, Waverly Woodson’s valor stood out. That day, he saved dozens of lives, despite being injured himself, and even then, word of his heroism made it all the way across the Atlantic. But at that time, one thing stood in the way of the true recognition he deserved: the color of his skin. It’s past time we right this wrong, and that’s why we’ve been fighting for years to secure the acknowledgment Mr. Woodson’s actions so clearly merited. The awarding of the Distinguished Service Cross is a long-sought and hard-earned triumph in recognition of Waverly Woodson’s valor and heroism, and I’m pleased to have worked alongside Joann Woodson, the Woodson family, historians and others to bring us to this important milestone,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I know what Waverly meant to me and what he gave for the country. It feels so good to finally have him recognized in this way after all these years, and to see how he continues to inspire people to this day,” said … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/09/26/2024/van-hollen-statement-on-vote-to-avert-shutdown Van Hollen Statement on Vote to Avert Shutdown 2024-09-25 2024 2024-09 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 on his vote to pass a continuing resolution to keep the federal government running through December 20, allowing more time to complete full fiscal year 2025 appropriations legislation. “I’m encouraged that we have been able to come together in a bipartisan manner to prevent a government shutdown that would have needlessly disrupted essential government services and left tens of thousands of federal employees working in Maryland without pay. When we return to finish our fiscal year 2025 funding legislation, House Republicans must stay on this bipartisan course so we can get the job done by the end of the calendar year. Delaying any further would be a great disservice to the American people. “As part of the next funding package, Team Maryland’s top priority will be ensuring 100 percent federal support for the replacement of the Key Bridge. We have been there for other states during their times of need, and we’re urging our colleagues to stand with us now.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-shaheen-colleagues-urge-fhfa-to-implement-stronger-energy-efficiency-standards-for-new-federally-backed-homes Van Hollen, Shaheen, Colleagues Urge FHFA to Implement Stronger Energy Efficiency Standards for New Federally-Backed Homes 2024-09-23 2024 2024-09 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.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) were joined by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) in writing to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Sandra Thompson urging the Agency to set a minimum energy efficiency standard for new homes built using loans backed by government-sponsored enterprises, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. In response to a question from Senator Van Hollen during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing earlier this spring, Director Thompson suggested that FHFA would do so this summer – but it has not yet taken such action. In their letter, the Senators ask Director Thompson for an updated timeline for a decision, while calling on FHFA to act swiftly in order to improve home energy efficiency and ultimately save money for American homeowners and renters. “We are writing to urge the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to phase in a minimum energy efficiency standard for Enterprise-backed mortgages on new homes. Such a standard would save homeowners and renters money and make the housing market more consistent and stable,” the Senators began. “When asked at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs last April, you indicated an intention to make a decision about this potential action on or about the end of the second quarter. As we are now rapidly approaching the end of the third quarter, we respectfully request an update on your intended timeline for a decision and for the Enterprises to begin implementation.” Outlining the benefits of a minimum energy standard, they wrote, “Aligning new home energy standards with updated model codes will save money for homeowners and renters across the country. HUD and USDA found that the increased initial costs of construction are more than made up for by lower monthly energy costs. […] Beyond these financial benefits, updat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-sherman-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-eliminate-corporate-insiders-unfair-advantage-in-stock-sales Van Hollen, Sherman Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Eliminate Corporate Insiders’ Unfair Advantage in Stock Sales 2024-09-23 2024 2024-09 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.), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, and Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, have reintroduced the 8-K Trading Gap Act. This bicameral legislation prevents executives and other corporate insiders, including foreign issuers, from profiting off the gap between the occurrence of a significant event – such as bankruptcy or an acquisition – and its legally-mandated disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the general public. Under current law, companies have four days to file the 8-K disclosure form with the SEC, but they are not barred from trading in advance of the filing – giving them an unfair advantage. The 8-K Trading Gap Act would close this gap by requiring the SEC to write a rule to prohibit insiders from making trades during this four-day period. “The 8-K trading gap gives corporate executives a major loophole to cash in on their stocks when major changes are about to hit – before shareholders and the public are made aware. With the 8-K trading gap, insiders get a several-day head start to make lucrative financial moves prior to a major stock price-altering announcement. Our legislation will close this harmful loophole to prevent insiders from benefitting from this unfair advantage while ensuring a fairer market for the public,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The integrity of our capital markets rely on transparency and equal access to information and trading opportunities for all market participants,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, investor protection is at the forefront of my priorities. Our capital markets remain the envy of the world because Congress passed laws to make them transparent and fair. This bill is a vital step toward safeguarding our markets and ensuring that everyone plays by the same set of rules.” This legislation has been endorsed by the Healthy Markets Association. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-welcomes-the-maryland-legislative-black-caucus-to-us-capitol-to-discuss-federal-priorities Maryland Congressional Delegation Welcomes the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus to U.S. Capitol to Discuss Federal Priorities 2024-09-20 2024 2024-09 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 Hoyer, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, and Jamie Raskin (all D-Md.) welcomed Maryland Legislative Black Caucus Chair Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation and members of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus to the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to discuss federal priorities for the state. The meeting covered vital issues such as education equity, Black maternal health, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, federal funding for the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and more. The meeting was the group’s first Congressional Delegation meeting on Capitol Hill and followed last week’s Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in D.C. Maryland has the largest Black caucus of all state legislatures in the country. “One of the keys to our Congressional delegation’s success is our close collaboration with our counterparts in Annapolis. It was a privilege to welcome the formidable Maryland Legislative Black Caucus to the Hill to discuss our efforts on important issues like improving Black maternal health, supporting HBCUs, investing in minority-owned businesses, providing universal early education, and helping communities across the state thrive. Together, we will keep working to deliver on these priorities for our mutual constituents,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Any opportunity to discuss priorities with Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus is a welcome opportunity. Maryland’s HBCUs are leading the state in entrepreneurship, our minority business community is an engine of economic growth, and we are one of the most diverse states in the country. We celebrate and embrace that diversity,” said Senator Cardin. “The issues that uniquely impact Black and minority communities affect our entire state and nation, and we continue to support federal policies that create more equitable pathways to success for these communities.” "Maryland's Legislative Black Caucus has invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities fac… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-murphy-merkley-issue-letter-to-chief-advisor-muhammad-yunus-urging-reforms-and-accountability-in-bangladesh Van Hollen, Cardin, Murphy, Merkley Issue Letter to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Urging Reforms and Accountability in Bangladesh 2024-09-20 2024 2024-09 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.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, congratulating him on assuming leadership at a pivotal time for the country. The letter emphasizes the urgent need for democratic reforms and accountability in response to widespread protests, demanding substantive political and institutional changes. The Senators also call for stronger law enforcement and swift action to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on vulnerable communities, including the Hindu population and Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazaar. “In recent weeks, the world has witnessed how the people of Bangladesh have courageously demonstrated the transformative power of collective action,” wrote the lawmakers. “This transition presents a historic opportunity to reform institutions, protect human rights, and ensure inclusive participation in governance.” Full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, We are writing to congratulate you on becoming the interim leader of Bangladesh during this historic time. In recent weeks, the people of Bangladesh have courageously demonstrated the transformative power of collective action to their own government and the global community. When citizens unite, their voices can compel even the most entrenched and authoritarian leaders to relinquish power. But this historic moment did not come without costs. Rather than engage the legitimate grievances of the protestors, the Bangladesh security forces – including the Rapid Action Battalion – responded with brute force, killing hundreds of protestors, and arresting and injuring thousands more. We mourn the lives that were lost and urge your interim government to create a credible process to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-trone-announce-627000-for-firefighters-first-responders-in-western-maryland Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $627,000 for Firefighters, First Responders in Western Maryland 2024-09-20 2024 2024-09 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 and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $627,785.49 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Western Maryland. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through equipment and facility upgrades, ensuring better protection for the public and the volunteer firefighters. These awards come after the lawmakers previously announced $838,000 last month for Western Maryland fire departments and emergency response agencies. “Western Maryland residents have always been able to count on their firefighters and first responders when emergencies arise. This federal funding will help ensure local fire departments have the resources they need to continue keeping our communities safe,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Firefighters are beacons of their communities, providing life-saving care in our scariest moments. They have our back, and Team Maryland has theirs. We will continue to fight for funding that protects our protectors,” said Senator Cardin. “My responsibility on the House Appropriations Committee is to fight for and secure the funding Marylanders deserve,” said Congressman David Trone. “I’m proud Team Maryland is able to further support the firefighters and first responders keeping our communities safe.” The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $276,254.54 to replace outdated hoses and nozzles at seven Allegany County Fire Departments, including Barton Fire Department, Goodwill Fire Company, Borden Shaft Volunteer Fire Department, LaVale Volunteer Fire Department, Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Company, Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department, and Oldtown Volunteer Fire Department $222,035.23 to Garrett County to replace outdated fire hoses at Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company, Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, and Gorman Fire Department $63,142.85 to Bedford Road Volunteer Fire Company in Allegany County to purchase 17 new sets of personal protective equipment $41,876.68 to Williamsport Volunteer Fire and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schatz-colleagues-in-urging-regulators-to-strengthen-climate-related-financial-risk-management Van Hollen Joins Schatz, Colleagues in Urging Regulators to Strengthen Climate-Related Financial Risk Management 2024-09-20 2024 2024-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, in advance of Climate Week and following a year of record disasters, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and nine Senate colleagues in calling on the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to work with financial institutions to strengthen efforts to plan for and manage climate-related financial risk. Van Hollen and Schatz were joined by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). In their letter to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Chairman Martin Gruenberg, and Acting Comptroller Michael Hsu, the senators said, “Last year, the United States experienced a record 28 disasters that cost at least one billion dollars. Climate-related disasters are increasing in both their frequency and severity, posing threats to the United States’ economy as insurers face rising losses and leave climate-vulnerable markets. Additionally, global clean energy investment is far outpacing investment in fossil fuels. Banks will play an important role in financing clean energy technologies and ensuring the United States’ competitiveness in the clean energy market. We must ensure that our financial institutions understand and prepare for climate-related financial risk.” The senators continued, “It is critical to our economic stability that we plan for climate risks and align investments with the opportunities presented by the clean energy transition.” The full text of the letter can be found here and below: Dear Chair Powell, Chairman Gruenberg, and Acting Comptroller Hsu: We write to inquire about your plans to address climate-related financial risk (CRFR) and conduct further climate scenario analysis (CSA) exercises, following the pilot CSA exercise concluded in May 2024 and your finalization o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-press-nasa-for-answers-on-osam-1-mission Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Press NASA for Answers on OSAM-1 Mission 2024-09-19 2024 2024-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper This week, 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.) wrote to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson, pressing the agency for answers on its decision to cancel the On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) robotic satellite maintenance mission, even after the lawmakers provided $227 million through fiscal year 2024 appropriations legislation to ensure its launch in 2026. The lawmakers also have been working to secure continued funding in the next fiscal year. The OSAM-1 mission, developed at the NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, was expected to offer operators new ways to maintain their satellite fleets more efficiently and help mitigate space debris. In their letter, the Maryland Congressional Delegation members ask Administrator Nelson for a detailed accounting of the review process that led to the cancellation as well as the plan to utilize the nearly complete OSAM-1 satellite. “As members of the Maryland Delegation, we write to request information regarding NASA’s decision to cancel the On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) mission on September 4, 2024. OSAM-1 is a space technology mission developed to demonstrate NASA’s capabilities to extend the lifespans of government-owned satellites and other satellites that were not originally built or intended to be serviced in space,” the lawmakers began. “This demonstration intends to show the ability to repair and restore existing satellites, prolong satellite mission life, and pave the way for more sustainable and cost-effective space missions in the future. […] There is currently no existing operation that demonstrates the unique capabilities of this technology within U.S. public or commercial missions.” “On February 29, 2024, NASA ordered an orderly shutdown of the OSAM-1 mission, citing technical, cost, and scheduling challe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-931000-for-firefighters-first-responders-in-anne-arundel-baltimore-howard-counties Maryland Delegation Members Announce $931,000 for Firefighters, First Responders in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard Counties 2024-09-19 2024 2024-09 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 and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) announced $931,896.84 in federal funding to support Maryland firefighters and first responders in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard Counties. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through personnel recruitment and equipment upgrades, ensuring better protection for the public, firefighters, and other first responders. “Maryland’s firefighters and first responders run towards danger every day to protect us, and we need to have their backs. This federal funding will help ensure our local fire departments have the resources and support they need to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies in our communities,” said the lawmakers. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-adams-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-expand-student-debt-relief-for-parent-borrowers Van Hollen, Adams Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Expand Student Debt Relief for Parent Borrowers 2024-09-19 2024 2024-09 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.) and U.S. Representative Alma Adams (D-N.C.) introduced the Parent PLUS Parity Act, bicameral legislation to ease the burden of student loan debt for parent borrowers who helped their children pay for their higher education. Nationwide, approximately 3.9 million borrowers have outstanding Parent PLUS loan balances totaling $112 billion. While these loans allow parents of dependent undergraduate students to borrow money to pay costs not already covered by the student’s financial aid package, current law excludes borrowers from the Parent PLUS and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) programs from most income-based repayment plans. Among other provisions, the Parent PLUS Parity Act makes parent borrowers eligible for repayment plans created by the U.S. Department of Education under the Biden-Harris Administration. This legislation comes after Senator Van Hollen led several of his colleagues in urging the Biden-Harris Administration – in 2022 and earlier this year – to provide financial relief to parent borrowers, while welcoming its efforts thus far to address the student debt crisis. “Millions of parents who struggled to help their kids pay for college are now trapped in unsustainable debt – and it’s not just hurting them, it’s holding back our entire economy. While the Biden-Harris Administration has taken important steps to expand income-based repayment options so students can pay off their loans, parent borrowers have been excluded from these programs, offering them little to no recourse. Our legislation will help those families chart a path to clear their debt and regain their financial footing,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This legislation is about fairness for families, so that more parents can help their children through college without worrying about how to make ends meet at their current salary level. If we can amend the law to allow income-based repayments then we should, especially for payees who are disabled or retired. It’s unconscionable that disabled and r… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-lujan-colleagues-urge-the-fcc-to-require-disclosure-of-the-use-of-ai-generated-content-in-political-ads-on-radio-and-tv Van Hollen, Luján, Colleagues Urge the FCC to Require Disclosure of the Use of AI-Generated Content in Political Ads on Radio and TV 2024-09-18 2024 2024-09 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.) joined Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt the proposed rule requiring disclosure of the use of AI-generated content in political ads on radio and TV. “We recognize that the use of AI-generated content has many benefits. But like any new technology, AI poses risks to society, risks that are even more pronounced in the context of elections. The use of AI-generated content has the potential to amplify mis and disinformation, incite political violence, and suppress voter participation,” wrote the Senators. “In addition, foreign actors may use deceptive AI to sow discord and undermine our democracy and faith in elections. Lastly, as AI-generated content becomes more and more advanced, voters may find it difficult to recognize video, images, audio and text as fake. For this reason, we believe it is imperative that robust transparency and disclosure requirements are in place as soon as possible.” The full text of the letter is available here and below: We write to express our support for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposal to require disclosure of the use of AI-generated content in political ads on radio and TV. While more must be done to address the risks that AI poses to our elections, we urge the FCC to adopt these rules as the 2024 presidential election is less than two months away and, in some states, voters can begin casting ballots as early as this month. We recognize that the use of AI-generated content has many benefits. But like any new technology, AI poses risks to society, risks that are even more pronounced in the context of elections. The use of AI-generated content has the potential to amplify mis and disinformation, incite political violence, and suppress voter participation. In addition, foreign actors may use deceptive AI to sow di… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-norton-introduce-bill-to-make-union-station-eligible-for-funding-under-federal-transportation-grant-programs Van Hollen, Norton Introduce Bill to Make Union Station Eligible for Funding Under Federal Transportation Grant Programs 2024-09-18 2024 2024-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) today introduced a bill to make the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), a nonprofit responsible for managing and operating Union Station in D.C., eligible for funding under several federal transportation grant programs. “Union Station is the gateway to our nation’s capital for visitors and regional commuters alike, including thousands of Marylanders and District residents every day. We passed the infrastructure modernization law to fund critical upgrades to our nation’s transportation system, and this legislation will ensure those federal resources are available to this important regional hub,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Despite the vital role Union Station plays in the nation’s capital, it has not undergone major renovation since the 1980s,” Norton said. “The planned redevelopment and expansion of Union Station represents a historic transportation and economic development opportunity for the nation’s capital and the national capital region, but billions of dollars are needed to carry it out. This bill would give USRC access to critical funding.” Union Station is a vital local, regional, and national intermodal transportation hub that welcomes approximately 70,000 travelers and visitors each day—more than either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport. It is owned by the federal government, and the nonprofit Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) manages and operates it exclusively under a lease. Due to its federal ownership and management structure, it is currently ineligible for federal grant funding. As such, the station has not undergone major renovation since the 1980s. Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Norton’s Union Station Redevelopment Corporation Funding Eligibility Act allows USRC to apply for funding under four major U.S. Department of Transportation infrastructure funding programs: the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Prog… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-sullivan_co-chairs-of-the-foreign-service-caucus--make-bipartisan-push-for-critical-fix-to-foreign-service-pay Van Hollen, Sullivan – Co-Chairs of the Foreign Service Caucus – Make Bipartisan Push for Critical Fix to Foreign Service Pay 2024-09-18 2024 2024-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper This week, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), co-Chairs of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, sent a letter to Senate Leadership urging the inclusion of provisions reauthorizing Overseas Comparability Pay – a critical measure for Foreign Service members and other overseas federal employees – prior to the end of this Fiscal Year. The Senators begin, “As co-Chairs of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, we write to urge the inclusion of reauthorization of Overseas Comparability Pay (OCP) in any funding agreement that the Senate considers before the end of Fiscal Year 2024. As you know, OCP provides Foreign Service Officers and certain other federal employees who work overseas with compensation comparable to their domestic counterparts. As OCP sunsets on September 30th, the failure to ensure its reauthorization would cut the pay of Foreign Service employees serving abroad by an average of 22 percent.” They underscore the urgency of this issue, noting, “Specifically, a lapse in OCP would result in an immediate pay cut for Foreign Service Officers serving overseas with the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Commerce’s Foreign Commercial Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and the Peace Corps. OCP has been routinely approved by Congress since 2009, and a sudden lapse in authorization would be an abrupt blow to the livelihoods of these overseas public servants.” “The reauthorization of OCP enjoys broad bipartisan support from the Biden Administration, Members of Congress in both chambers and both parties, and the American Foreign Service Association. That’s because the reauthorization of OCP will ensure that Foreign Service Officers can continue to effectively promote American security, economic, and political interests abroad in an era of growing risks and heightened geopolitical competition,” the Senators write in c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-hispanic-heritage-month-van-hollen-joins-padilla-cornyn-castro-to-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-to-honor-hispanic-serving-institutions-week Ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month, Van Hollen Joins Padilla, Cornyn, Castro to Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution to Honor Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week 2024-09-16 2024 2024-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Ahead of National Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), chair of the Senate Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Caucus, and John Cornyn (R-Texas), along with U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Texas-20), co-chair of the Congressional HSI Caucus, in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to designate the week starting on September 9, 2024 as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. The resolution is co-led in the House of Representatives by Congressional HSI Caucus co-chairs Representatives Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.-06). Hispanic-Serving Institutions are accredited, degree-granting, public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25 percent or higher total undergraduate Hispanic or Latino full-time students. There are 600 HSIs in the United States that enroll over 5.2 million Hispanic students, two-thirds of all Hispanic undergraduates, and 32.2 percent of total Pell recipients — empowering and improving communities. California is home to 172 HSIs and 45 Emerging HSIs. “Hispanic-Serving Institutions play a critical role in fostering our nation’s economic growth and vitality,” said Senator Padilla. “California is home to the most HSIs of any state, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how important their work is in providing more equitable access to higher education for Latino students and other underserved student populations. As a founder of the first-ever Hispanic-Serving Institutions Senate Caucus, I’m committed to ensuring HSIs have the support they need to continue uplifting Latino communities across the country.” “As a member of the HSI Coalition in the Senate, I applaud the outstanding work of Hispanic-Serving Institutions to provide quality education for Texas’s growing Hispanic population,” said Senator Cornyn. “I thank educators at these institutions for helping their students achieve their full potential, especially given the challenges of… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-over-560000-for-eastern-shore-fire-departments Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Over $560,000 for Eastern Shore Fire Departments 2024-09-16 2024 2024-09 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 and Ben Cardin announced $566,481.89 in federal funding for three Eastern Shore fire departments to upgrade personal protective equipment. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure better protection for the public and the firefighters. “Our firefighters commit to putting their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. This federal funding will provide local Shore fire departments with the tools they need to better protect themselves and our communities,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Firefighting is a selfless job that requires brave Marylanders to run toward danger. These federal awards reflect our commitment to the men and women who are there for us during our most trying times,” said Senator Cardin. “It is crucial that firefighters on the Eastern Shore and throughout our state have the resources they need to handle any situation they encounter.” The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $265,339.04 to the Ocean City Fire Department to acquire additional personal protective equipment, including 63 structural firefighting helmets, 70 hoods, 40 turnout coats, 35 pairs of turnout pants, 48 pairs of structural firefighting boots, 192 pairs of gloves, 14 complete sets of gear, and 115 equipment bags $257,142.85 to the Marion Volunteer Fire Department in Somerset County to replace 25 sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) $44,000 to the Betterton Volunteer Fire Company in Kent County to purchase 12 sets of personal protective equipment The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, which the lawmakers fought to secure. The Senators additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG program through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-27-million-for-chesapeake-bay-wildlife-habitat-restoration-through-chesapeake-wild-program Maryland Delegation Members Announce $2.7 Million for Chesapeake Bay Wildlife Habitat Restoration through Chesapeake WILD Program 2024-09-13 2024 2024-09 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 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 $2,798,281.01 in federal funding through the Chesapeake Watershed Investments in Landscape Defense (Chesapeake WILD) Program for eight habitat and wetland restoration projects throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Maryland. The Chesapeake WILD Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), was created by bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Van Hollen and co-sponsored by Senator Cardin and Reps. Hoyer, Ruppersberger, Sarbanes, Raskin, and Trone. The legislation was enacted as part of the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act in 2020, creating a new program at FWS to engage regional stakeholders in the preservation of the Chesapeake Bay. “Protecting and preserving the Chesapeake Bay is vital to both our environment and to the many Marylanders whose livelihoods depend on it. The Chesapeake WILD program is central to our efforts to restore wildlife habitat and improve the overall health of the Bay – and these federal funds will go to critical projects across the state to help achieve these important goals,” said the lawmakers. The following Maryland projects received awards: $500,000 for the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy to address salt marsh loss and preserve wildlife habitat corridors between the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Nanticoke River $500,000 for the Maryland Department of Agriculture for habitat restoration on working lands in Maryland $419,250 for the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin to restore access of the American Eel to its historic habitat in the western Potomac River watershed $322,564.11 for the Scenic Rivers Land Trust to restore forest canopy in the South River Greenway in Anne Arundel County to improve habitat for imperiled native wildlife species $300,000… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-nadler-chu-introduce-legislation-to-make-polluters-pay-for-fueling-climate-change Van Hollen, Nadler, Chu Introduce Legislation to Make Polluters Pay for Fueling Climate Change 2024-09-12 2024 2024-09 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.) and U.S. Representatives Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Judy Chu (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to require the biggest polluters to begin paying their fair share to confront the climate crisis. The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, requires the largest U.S.-based fossil fuel extractors and oil refiners and foreign-owned companies doing business in the U.S. to pay into a $1 trillion Polluters Pay Climate Fund, with their contributions based on a percentage of their global emissions. The Fund would then be used to finance a wide range of efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change. “From sweltering heat waves to rising sea levels to ever more intense storms, our planet is screaming out every day for us to take action on global warming. And after fueling the climate crisis for decades, big polluters can no longer run from their responsibility to address the harm they have done. The principle behind this legislation is simple but very powerful – polluters should pay to clean up the mess they made and build a more resilient future, and those who have polluted the most should pay the most,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “For over 60 years, the fossil fuel industry has been fully aware of its role in driving the climate crisis. Despite this, the industry has done little to nothing to address the harmful effects their practices have had on the environment and public health,” said Representative Jerrold Nadler. “Instead, American taxpayers have been unfairly burdened with the costs of mitigating the destructive effects of the climate crisis. It is long past time for our nation to prioritize the health and well-being of our communities over the interests of the fossil fuel industry. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act with Senator Van Hollen and Representative Chu to finally force the fossil fuel industry to pay its fair share to address the damage it has inflicted on our planet, and help the American people tackle this crisis head-on.” “Righ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-praise-bipartisan-confirmation-of-judge-adam-abelson-for-the-us-district-court-for-maryland Van Hollen, Cardin Praise Bipartisan Confirmation of Judge Adam Abelson for the U.S. District Court for Maryland 2024-09-10 2024 2024-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chirs Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today applauded the bipartisan Senate confirmation of Magistrate Judge Adam Abelson to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Judge Abelson fills the seat of former Chief Judge James K. Bredar, who took senior status in April of this year. He was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in July following a June hearing. “As a magistrate judge, a leader in the Baltimore legal community, and an attorney with extensive experience in private practice and pro bono work, Judge Adam Abelson has exemplified integrity and a deep dedication to justice throughout his career. Senator Cardin and I recommended him to President Biden because we knew these qualities and qualifications position him to serve Marylanders well on the U.S. District Court in Maryland. I was pleased to support Judge Abelson’s confirmation in the Senate today, and I’m grateful to him and his family for their commitment to public service,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Congratulations to Judge Abelson and his family on his elevation to the District Court of Maryland. He is a lifelong public servant with diverse experiences and deep ties to Baltimore. Senator Van Hollen and I recommended him to President Biden for nomination because we know he meets the highest standards of integrity, skill and fidelity to the rule of law,” said Senator Cardin. “I am confident that Judge Abelson will safeguard the rights of all Marylanders and uphold the Constitution.” U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE ADAM B. ABELSON Judge Adam B. Abelson has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland since 2023. Prior to his judicial service, Judge Abelson worked in private practice at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP from 2012 to 2023, rising from associate to partner. He served as a law clerk for Judge Andre M. Davis on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 2011 to 2012 and Judge Catherine C. Blake on the U.S. District Court for the District of Mar… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joines-kaine-marshall-in-bipartisan-push-urging-department-of-education-to-help-ensure-schools-can-properly-meet-new-transparency-rules Van Hollen Joins Kaine, Marshall in Bipartisan Push Urging Department of Education to Help Ensure Schools Can Properly Meet New Transparency Rules 2024-09-10 2024 2024-09 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.) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), both of whom serve on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and a bipartisan group of 17 senators in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) in support of delaying the institutional reporting deadline for the new Gainful Employment (GE) and Financial Value Transparency (FVT) regulations to July 2025. The senators’ request comes as ED works through significant challenges in rolling out the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which have temporarily created additional demands for higher education institutions. Ensuring that schools are able to properly meet the GE and FVT rules’ reporting requirements will help prospective students and their families receive accurate information about the costs and risks associated with specific programs. “On March 29, 2024, the Department announced a two-month extension of the reporting deadline to October 1, 2024,” the senators wrote. “Although this delay was welcomed by stakeholders in the higher education community, it still does not provide institutions – particularly financial aid offices – with sufficient time to comply with an entirely new reporting framework while also working to process financial aid that is critical to ensuring students have the resources they need to enroll in the fall semester.” “While schools are making every effort to adhere to the reporting deadline while also processing financial aid for the fall semester, they have been left with very minimal time. Institutions take any reporting obligation seriously, and work to submit accurate data to the Department when a reporting requirement is in effect, especially a new one that will be used to inform publicly-available consumer information. While the new GE/FVT requirements are no exception, it is going to be very difficult, if not impossible, for schools to submit high-quality data by the October 1 deadline given the tight timel… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-951000-for-firefighter-training-equipment-upgrades-in-prince-georges-montgomery-counties Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $951,000 for Firefighter Training, Equipment Upgrades in Prince George’s, Montgomery Counties 2024-09-06 2024 2024-09 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 and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Glenn Ivey, David Trone, and Jamie Raskin (all D-Md.) announced $951,500.90 in federal funding for fire departments in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties – resources that will enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure better protection for the public and the firefighters. The funding will support individual departments as well as the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute’s (MFRI) State Fire Training Academy, based at the University of Maryland, College Park, and its six regional training centers across the state. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line to keep their fellow Marylanders safe. This federal funding is an investment in public safety – providing our first responders with the resources and training they need to protect our communities and protect themselves,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $429,369.56 to the University of Maryland’s MFRI to support the State Fire Training Academy; $37,283.80 to Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a turn-out gear extractor and dryer; $32,673.63 to Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a turn-out gear extractor and dryer. $452,173.91 to Montgomery County Fire & Rescue to support their cancer screening program. The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, which the lawmakers fought to secure. The lawmakers additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG program through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-american-citizen-killed-in-west-bank Van Hollen Statement on American Citizen Killed in West Bank 2024-09-06 2024 2024-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper “The Netanyahu Government – including racist extremists like Smotrich and Ben-Gvir – has fueled settler violence in the West Bank at the same time that it has announced new illegal settlements. The United States cannot turn a blind eye to these actions – including the killing of American citizens. To date, the U.S. has not received satisfactory responses from the Netanyahu Government about the two other Americans killed in the West Bank since October 7th, and the Biden Administration has not been doing enough to pursue justice and accountability on their behalf. I have repeatedly raised these concerns with the Administration, including when I met with Ambassador Jack Lew during my recent trip to the region – where I also met with the families of those Americans killed – as well as in two letters to Secretary Blinken and in further meetings with the Department of State. The Biden Administration must do more to hold the Netanyahu Government accountable and use American influence to demand the prosecution of those responsible for harm against American citizens. If the Netanyahu Government will not pursue justice for Americans, the U.S. Department of Justice must.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-hoyer-announce-over-700000-for-fire-departments-in-southern-maryland Van Hollen, Cardin, Hoyer Announce Over $700,000 for Fire Departments in Southern Maryland 2024-09-05 2024 2024-09 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 and Ben Cardin and Congressman Steny Hoyer (all D-Md.) announced $707,877.04 in federal funding for seven fire departments in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through equipment upgrades, ensuring better protection for both the public and the firefighters themselves. “Our volunteer firefighters in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties work tirelessly to protect the community, and ensuring they have the safety equipment they need is critical. This federal funding will provide our local fire departments with the resources to help keep the public and themselves safe during an emergency,” said Senator Van Hollen. “As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to protect our protectors, providing them with the tools they need to do their job safer and smarter. Volunteering is a labor of love, and we’re so proud that this federal funding will equip these Southern Maryland heroes with state-of-the-art technology to keep their community safe,” said Senator Cardin. “I was pleased to help our volunteer firefighters in Southern Maryland secure the federal resources they need to keep their fellow Marylanders safe,” said Congressman Hoyer. "Our firefighters risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our neighbors and communities. As a co-chair and longtime member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I will do everything I can to back our firefighters as they fulfill their crucial mission.” The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $480,000 for 110 sets of turn out gear for the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department, Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Benedict Volunteer Fire Department, Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department, and Dentsville Volunteer EMS, Fire and Auxiliary in Charles County. The new equipment will replace outdated turn out gear that is no longer compliant with National Fire Protection Association standards. $153,695.23 for the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department in Charles County t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-murphy-colleagues-in-urging-biden-administration-to-withhold-military-aid-to-egypt-over-human-rights-concerns Van Hollen Joins Murphy, Colleagues in Urging Biden Administration to Withhold Military Aid to Egypt Over Human Rights Concerns 2024-09-05 2024 2024-09 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.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the SFRC Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, and eight of their Senate colleagues in urging the Biden administration to withhold the $320 million of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Egypt that Congress made contingent upon specific human rights conditions in the FY23 Appropriations Act. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators lay out the Egyptian government’s failure to make meaningful progress in addressing human rights concerns and argue the U.S. should withhold these funds until Egypt takes sustained and effective steps to improve human rights. U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Tom Carper (D-Del.) also signed the letter. The senators detailed the Egyptian government’s targeting of political opponents and journalists: “Ahead of presidential elections last year, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s government arrested more than 400 demonstrators for protesting a government-sponsored pro-Sisi electoral event. During the election, the Egyptian government manipulated voter turnout through bribery, coercion, and forced mobilization. And after the election, they sentenced presidential contender Ahmed el-Tantawy and 22 of his campaign supporters to one-year in prison, after previously targeting Tantawy’s phone with Predator spyware…The government has also continued to attack and harass journalists and media organizations with new arrests, investigations, bans, and refusals to issue licenses.” “According to the State Department’s latest human rights report, the Egyptian government has not only failed to investigate allegations of human rights abuses, it has also continued to commit ‘significant human rights’ violations such as extraju… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-332000-to-protect-children-from-lead-in-drinking-water-at-schools-and-childcare-facilities Maryland Delegation Members Announce $332,000 to Protect Children from Lead in Drinking Water at Schools and Childcare Facilities 2024-09-03 2024 2024-09 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 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 $332,000 for the Maryland Department of the Environment for the identification and removal of lead sources in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities across the state. The grant is provided through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Voluntary School and Childcare Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program, which the lawmakers fought to fund at $28 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations package. The lawmakers also worked to expand the program through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allows funds to be used for lead pipe remediation in addition to testing. “Protecting our children’s health is essential, and that includes ensuring they have access to clean, lead-free drinking water at their schools and childcare centers. This federal investment will help our state accelerate efforts to find and replace dangerous lead pipes where Maryland kids are meant to learn and thrive – not face lifelong health risks from drinking water. With this critical work to increase access to clean water, we can keep students safer both today and in the future,” said the lawmakers. This funding comes after the delegation members announced in May nearly $30 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to remove and replace lead service lines in communities across Maryland. In all, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides more than $50 billion to EPA over five years to improve the nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure – the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Lead can severely harm children’s mental and physical development, slowing down learning, and irreversibly damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer. The Voluntary School … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-12-million-for-airport-infrastructure-projects-on-the-eastern-shore Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $1.2 Million for Airport Infrastructure Projects on the Eastern Shore 2024-09-03 2024 2024-09 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 and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) announced $1,269,403 in federal funding for infrastructure and expansion projects at the Salisbury Regional Airport, Easton Airport, and Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport. The funding, provided through the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), will increase the airports’ capacities to meet operational needs and safety standards. “Eastern Shore airports play a crucial role in supporting the region’s economy and ensuring people and cargo get where they need to go. We fought for these investments to provide local airports with the infrastructure they need to continue to serve Maryland’s businesses, residents, and visitors safely and efficiently,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $1,000,000 to Salisbury Regional Airport to extend the airport’s existing runway by an additional 1,200 feet to accommodate aircraft with greater passenger capacity; $150,000 to Easton Airport to extend Runway 22’s safety area to 1,000 feet; and $119,403 to Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport to acquire more land for airport operations. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-welcomes-start-of-process-for-potential-second-central-atlantic-offshore-wind-sale Van Hollen Welcomes Start of Process for Potential Second Central Atlantic Offshore Wind Sale 2024-08-27 2024 2024-08 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.) welcomed the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) step forward on a second regional offshore wind energy sale in the Central Atlantic Ocean. BOEM’s Call for Information and Nominations is a key initial step toward identifying additional wind energy areas (WEAs) in the region for a potential second auction next year, following the first sale which was completed earlier this month. BOEM’s action comes after a December 2023 agreement that Senator Van Hollen helped broker which led to BOEM committing to work towards a second round of lease sales in the Central Atlantic in 2025, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in June by BOEM and the State of Maryland to maximize offshore wind energy development off the coast of Maryland. “In Maryland, we have a big opportunity to harness the renewable power of offshore wind to create good-paying jobs, cut energy costs, and combat the climate crisis. This step by the Biden-Harris Administration toward a potential second lease sale in the Central Atlantic is critical for us to fully maximize that opportunity. I’m grateful for the Administration’s continued partnership as we work toward our ambitious wind energy deployment goals,” said Senator Van Hollen. Senator Van Hollen has played a pivotal role in facilitating the necessary state and federal collaboration to support Maryland’s offshore wind growth over the past year and a half. In January 2023, Senator Van Hollen led a letter to the Biden-Harris Administration urging them to maximize the leasing space available for offshore wind energy in the Central Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, in July, he and eight of his Senate colleagues pressed the White House to coordinate with all federal agencies with interests in ocean use in order to keep offshore wind projects across the nation on track. Later that month BOEM released a WEA map that included two leasing areas, – A1 and C2 – which were later found to be viable for development. Senator Van Hollen and Team Maryland co… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-coons-ricketts-colleagues-in-bipartisan-letter-supporting-us-efforts-to-enhance-diplomatic-engagement-with-pacific-islands-countries Van Hollen Joins Coons, Ricketts, Colleagues in Bipartisan Letter Supporting U.S. Efforts to Enhance Diplomatic Engagement with Pacific Islands Countries 2024-08-26 2024 2024-08 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 Coons (D-Del.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of this week’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting where they expressed their support for broader and deeper U.S. engagement with countries of the Pacific Islands region. The 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting taking place this week in Tonga will be attended by 18 member states; the United States is not a member of the PIF, but will send a delegation as a dialogue partner of the Forum. In their letter, the senators urged Secretary Blinken to highlight U.S. accomplishments and efforts to collaborate with countries of the Pacific Islands region in ways that will reinforce and expand our nations’ relations in the years to come, despite heightened international competition and growing economic and environmental challenges. “From publishing the Pacific Partnership Strategy to hosting the first-ever U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit, the United States has elevated our engagement with the Pacific Islands region to a foremost U.S. foreign policy priority,” wrote the senators. “As a dialogue partner of the PIF, it is critical that the United States continues to demonstrate this commitment to the region as a strong ally … [and] push forward tangible implementation of deliverables outlined in the Pacific Partnership Strategy, previous U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum summits, and elsewhere.” The Senators asked the U.S. delegation to provide clear updates at the Forum on several commitments the United States has discussed with PIF members, including: Openings of U.S. embassies in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Tonga; Increasing cabinet and sub-cabinet level visits to the region; Implementation of the Compacts of Free Association; Status of the USAID mission in Fiji and its operations; Implementation of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in Papua New Guinea and coordination on the Defense Cooperation A… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-markey-dingell-carper-welcome-release-of-27-billion-from-national-climate-bank-network-to-spur-clean-energy-projects-nationwide Van Hollen, Markey, Dingell, Carper Welcome Release of $27 Billion from National Climate Bank Network to Spur Clean Energy Projects Nationwide 2024-08-16 2024 2024-08 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 Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) along with Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) obligation of $27 billion through three competitive grant programs from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). This includes $20 billion in National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) funds, and $7 billion in Solar for All funds, which will prioritize clean energy expansion and innovation, access to affordable clean energy in low-income communities, and affordable solar power for families across the country. These investments will spur development of clean energy projects across the nation. The GGRF is modeled on national climate bank legislation authored by Senators Van Hollen and Markey in partnership with Congresswoman Dingell, and includes provisions they then fought to incorporate within the Inflation Reduction Act. Senators Van Hollen, Markey, and Rep. Dingell as well as Chairman Carper and House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.) were instrumental in getting the GGRF enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden signed into law two years ago today. “We never stopped fighting to launch a national climate bank because we knew the plan we designed will catalyze large private investments in clean energy that will help address the climate crisis, generate good paying jobs, cut energy costs for consumers, and directly support disadvantaged communities that are too often left behind — a true win-win-win-win. And, today, two years since the creation of our Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund through the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re officially delivering $27 billion in investments to transformative projects that will drive renewable energy innovation, cut pollution, and address the disproportionate impact of climate change on disadvantaged com… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-announce-20-million-for-johns-hopkins-university-to-improve-cancer-surgery Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Announce $20 Million for Johns Hopkins University to Improve Cancer Surgery 2024-08-15 2024 2024-08 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 Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $20,900,000 for Johns Hopkins University (JHU) to advance surgical abilities to treat cancer. The funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health’s (ARPA-H) Precision Surgical Interventions Program will support the development of new surgical imaging tools that will allow surgeons to better distinguish between healthy tissue and cancer, enabling the removal of all cancer tissue in a single procedure. JHU’s award is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, which aims to reduce the cancer death rate in the United States by at least half – preventing more than 4 million cancer deaths – by 2047, and improving the experience of people who are touched by cancer. As part of the Cancer Moonshot and with Congressional support, President Biden and Vice President Harris established ARPA-H to generate breakthroughs in preventing, detecting, and treating cancer and other diseases. In its first two years, ARPA-H has invested more than $400 million to fast-track progress in the fight against cancer. The members worked to secure $1.5 billion in funding for ARPA-H in fiscal year 2024 and are fighting to sustain this funding level in the final FY2025 bill. “The Cancer Moonshot is driving significant advances in the way we fight this disease. Johns Hopkins has long played a key role in the fight against cancer, and this funding will help the University create innovative new tools to ensure that the cancer surgeries of the future are more successful and less invasive. This major investment will save lives and bring us closer to our goal of ending cancer once and for all,” said Senator Van Hollen, who joined President Biden in 2022 to reignite the Cancer Moonshot and was an early proponent of ARPA-H. “Maryland continues to be on the forefront of cancer research, changing the way we look at and treat cancer. Having long worked to advocate for federal support for cancer care and strong su… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joines-klobuchar-welch-durbin-colleagues-in-urging-justice-department-to-protect-election-workers-in-upcoming-election Van Hollen Joins Klobuchar, Welch, Durbin, Colleagues in Urging Justice Department to Protect Election Workers in Upcoming Election 2024-08-12 2024 2024-08 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 Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over federal elections, Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and 18 of their colleagues sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco urging the Department of Justice to take further action to counter threats targeting election workers ahead of the upcoming election. “We write to express serious concern about ongoing and persistent threats against election workers and to call on the Department of Justice to take additional steps to protect election officials, workers, and volunteers as we approach the election in November,” wrote the senators. “In recent years, we have seen an ongoing barrage of threats and abusive conduct targeting election workers, and, as noted in the Department’s Election Threats Task Force briefing in May, these threats to our public servants ‘endanger our democracy itself.’” “We appreciate the steps that the Department has taken to address these concerning threats, including establishing the Election Threats Task Force and working to raise awareness of federal resources, but more must be done to counter these persistent threats and ensure that election workers can do their jobs,” the senators continued. “It is for these reasons that we urge the Department to continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of threats against election workers, including by allocating sufficient resources to meet these threats head on.” In addition to Van Hollen, Klobuchar, Welch, and Durbin, the letter was signed by Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-N.V.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-key-committee-passage-of-3-million-for-maryland-water-infrastructure-projects-and-investments-in-port-and-shipping-channels Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Key Committee Passage of $3 Million for Maryland Water Infrastructure Projects and Investments in Port and Shipping Channels 2024-08-09 2024 2024-08 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced the inclusion of $3,030,000 in key Senate Committee legislation providing direct federal funding for two water infrastructure projects in Charles and Wicomico Counties. These community projects, funded at the Senators’ request, are within the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development (E&W) proposed funding legislation for fiscal year 2025. In addition, the Senators fought to include critical resources for Army Corps projects in Maryland, including funds for the Baltimore Harbor and Poplar Island projects, supporting dredging of Maryland’s waterways and shipping channels. This subcommittee legislation, released as part of the annual Congressional Appropriations process and approved August 1 in a bipartisan vote by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, will proceed to consideration before the full Senate. Funding is not finalized until the Appropriations bills are passed by the full Senate, reconciled with the House of Representatives, and signed by the President. “From our shipping channels to stormwater drainage – water infrastructure comes in many forms – but across Maryland our communities rely on it to prevent flooding, maintain commerce, and more. These federal funds will support a wide array of Maryland water infrastructure priorities that are vital to our economy and our environment, including dredging the Baltimore Harbor and its channels, restoring Poplar Island, and community projects in Wicomico and Charles Counties. We’ll keep working to deliver these investments to build an even stronger Maryland for all,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Updating our water infrastructure is critical as we adapt to a changing climate, work to make our water cleaner and build more resilient communities. This bill makes federal investments to help address the worst effects of climate change and ensure access to healthy, safe water including in flood mitigation, dred… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-key-committee-passage-of-over-14-million-for-maryland-initiatives-supporting-small-business-and-entrepreneurship Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Key Committee Passage of Over $14 Million for Maryland Initiatives Supporting Small Business and Entrepreneurship 2024-08-09 2024 2024-08 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), and Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee (both D-Md.), announced the inclusion of $14,111,000 in key Senate Committee legislation providing direct federal funding for community-led projects that aim to boost small business throughout Maryland. These community projects, funded at the Senators’ request, are within Senator Van Hollen’s Appropriations FSGG Subcommittee proposed funding legislation for fiscal year 2025. This subcommittee legislation, released as part of the annual Congressional Appropriations process and approved August 1 in a bipartisan vote by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, will proceed to consideration before the full Senate. Funding is not finalized until the Appropriations bills are passed by the full Senate, reconciled with the House of Representatives, and signed by the President. In addition to the funding they secured for local community projects, the legislation includes $375 million for the construction of the new FBI headquarters, which will be located in Greenbelt, Maryland. “When we invest federal dollars in our communities, we’re able to directly support local priorities. These funds will enable our non-profit partners across Maryland to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners from a wide array of backgrounds to grow their businesses and succeed. Within this bill, we also secured critical federal dollars to advance statewide priorities such as building out our broadband infrastructure, combatting the opioid crisis, and building the new FBI headquarters in Prince George’s County. We’ll keep working to deliver these investments to build an even stronger Maryland for all,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Workforce development opportunity creates a strong economy; supporting Maryland’s workers and small business owners remains a top priority. This bill ma… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-key-committee-passage-of-over-25-million-for-maryland-health-care-education-and-workforce-training-projects Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Key Committee Passage of Over $25 Million for Maryland Health Care, Education, and Workforce Training Projects 2024-08-09 2024 2024-08 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee (both D-Md.), announced the inclusion of $25,572,000 in key Senate Committee legislation providing direct federal funding for community-led projects throughout Maryland. These community projects, funded at the Senators’ request, are within the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies’ (LHHS) proposed funding legislation for fiscal year 2025. The projects seek to expand access to health care, education, and job opportunities across Maryland, with a focus on underserved communities. This subcommittee legislation, released as part of the annual Congressional Appropriations process and approved August 1 in a bipartisan vote by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, will proceed to consideration before the full Senate. Funding is not finalized until the Appropriations bills are passed by the full Senate, reconciled with the House of Representatives, and signed by the President. “When we invest federal dollars in our communities, we’re able provide greater opportunity to Maryland students, families, job-seekers, and more. These funds will empower our partners across the state to better serve Marylanders – providing everything from youth after-school programs and educational opportunities to job training to medical and behavioral health care. Within this bill, we’ve also boosted investment in Maryland-based institutions that serve millions of Americans like the Social Security Administration, National Institutes of Health, and our HBCUs, which in turn continue to drive jobs and opportunity in our state. We’ll keep working to deliver these investments to build an even stronger Maryland for all,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Communities thrive when they have access to great health care, education and economic opportunities. This bill will invest federal funds to address critical needs across our s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-doggett-lead-members-in-urging-sanctions-on-former-bangladeshi-officials-over-human-rights-violations Van Hollen, Doggett, Lead Members in Urging Sanctions on Former Bangladeshi Officials Over Human Rights Violations 2024-08-09 2024 2024-08 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) led a group of colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to impose targeted sanctions on former senior Bangladeshi officials responsible for violence against peaceful student protestors. “The use of violent force against peaceful protesters exercising their freedom of expression is an unacceptable violation of human rights. The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we’re calling upon the Administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Now is the time for bold action, not just another tepid expression of concern. Our support of fundamental human rights must apply to those in countries with which we have a friendly relationship as much as to those with which we do not,” said Rep. Doggett. “While greatly encouraged by the naming of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead the new interim government, those responsible for so much recent repression and so many deaths should be sanctioned.” In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “On July 15, the ruling Awami League deployed the police and paramilitary forces to suppress students peacefully protesting unfair quotas in government jobs. Over the next week, security forces used disproportionate, unlawful force and fired rubber bullets, pellet guns, sound grenades, tear gas, and live rounds against student protestors. These violations were part of a broader crackdown on dissent by the Awami League, whose leaders have not been held to account for their human rights abuses. Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned, the need for accountability remains. We urge you to impose targeted sanctions on the Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan under all applicable authorities, including the Global… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-ruppersberger-welcome-starbase-stem-education-program-at-warfield-air-national-guard-base Van Hollen, Cardin, Ruppersberger Welcome STARBASE STEM Education Program at Warfield Air National Guard Base 2024-08-06 2024 2024-08 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 Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-Md.) today announced the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) partnership with the 175th Wing at Warfield Air National Guard Base to establish its newest STARBASE program – an educational program located at the base that will provide outreach in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to local schools, exposing students to new opportunities in these fields. Earlier this year, the lawmakers wrote to the Director of Civil Military Programs, Mr. Mike O’Toole in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Manpower and Reserve Affairs requesting a STARBASE location in Maryland. The Senators also helped secure $20M for the DOD’s STARBASE Program in the bipartisan Senate FY25 Defense Appropriations bill which was passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 1, 2024. “The importance of STEM education cannot be overstated, and in an increasingly technology-driven world, the demand for skilled professionals in these fields is higher than ever. The STARBASE program has a proven track record of success in inspiring young minds and providing them with the foundational skills necessary to pursue careers in STEM,” said the lawmakers. “We look forward to the Maryland National Guard leading this program and leveraging its resources and expertise to provide exceptional educational experiences for our youth.” “The Department of Defense STARBASE program is an outstanding educational initiative designed to spark interest and excitement of 5thgrade students toward a future in STEM”, said Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, the Adjutant General for Maryland. "I'm excited to see both Maryland and DoD investing in the promise of our youth and the power in their future. Our shared goal is to provide a pathway to opportunity for Maryland's fresh young minds -- encouraging them to explore tech fields, sharpening their curiosity, and building confidence in their talent and abilities." The DoD’s STARBASE is a premier educat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cornyn-lead-broad-bipartisan-push-for-the-return-of-american-journalist-austin-tice Van Hollen, Cornyn Lead Broad Bipartisan Push for the Return of American Journalist Austin Tice 2024-08-06 2024 2024-08 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) led over a third of the Senate in a bipartisan push urging the return of American journalist Austin Tice. Following the momentum of last week’s historic prisoner release, the Senators request that President Biden continue to use all available means to secure Austin’s release. Austin, an American freelance journalist, went missing while reporting in Syria nearly 12 years ago. The Senators have worked closely with the Tice family, including meeting with Austin’s mother Debra Tice, to continue pushing for Austin’s release. Senators Van Hollen and Cornyn were joined in sending the letter by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Jacklyn Rosen (D-Nev.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thomas Tillis (R-N.C.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear President Biden: It has now been nearly 12 years since Austin Tice, a veteran Marine Corps Captain who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was detained at a checkpoint near Damascus, Syria while working as a freelance journalist. On August 11, 2022, you publicly indicated your administration knows that Austin has been held by the Syrian regime. On May 2, 2022, you met with Austin’s parents Debra and Marc Tice and committed to continue to pursue all available avenues to secure Austin's long o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-urge-power-grid-operator-pjm-to-address-planning-failures-causing-delayed-retirement-of-brandon-shores-coal-power-plant Maryland Delegation Members Urge Power Grid Operator PJM to Address Planning Failures Causing Delayed Retirement of Brandon Shores Coal Power Plant 2024-08-05 2024 2024-08 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 and Congressman John Sarbanes, along with U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Congressmen Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.), urged PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM), the grid operator responsible for coordinating electricity transmission in the region, to consider strategies that would limit the duration of the “reliability must-run” agreement (RMR) that is keeping the coal-powered Brandon Shores Generating Station in Anne Arundel County open until at least 2028, despite prior plans to close the plant next year. They also urge PJM improve its planning for retirements of legacy power plants to prevent the need for future RMRs at other retiring plants. In their letter to PJM President & CEO Manu Asthana and Board of Managers Chair Mark Takahashi, the lawmakers expressed their concern over the company’s failure to prepare for the retirement of Brandon Shores, which is continuing to burden nearby communities with pollution and may also cause higher energy bills for Maryland consumers. The lawmakers provided examples of strategies that PJM might use to limit the duration of the Brandon Shores RMR. They also outlined concrete steps that PJM should take moving forward to address reliability challenges posed by generator retirements and prevent future situations similar to Brandon Shores. The lawmakers began, “We write to express concern regarding shortcomings in how [PJM] plans for and mitigates the impacts of generator retirements, as demonstrated by the case of Brandon Shores in our home state. We are aware that PJM is undertaking various reform efforts to address some of these challenges, including through the development of a generator replacement process that would streamline the interconnection of newly developed resources on the same site as a retiring plant. We encourage PJM to work even more closely with stakeholders to expediently finalize and approve a proactive and holistic solution for Brandon Shores and other generator retirements.” Outlining the consequences of the dela… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-trone-announce-838000-for-firefighters-first-responders-in-western-maryland Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $838,000 for Firefighters, First Responders in Western Maryland 2024-08-05 2024 2024-08 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 $838,351.13 in federal funding to support Maryland firefighters and first responders in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through both training and equipment upgrades, ensuring better protection for both the public and the firefighters themselves. “Maryland’s firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. This federal funding will help ensure they have the resources and training they need to continue keeping Marylanders safe,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Firefighters and first responders deliver life-saving services in all types of emergencies and need to be prepared in any environment. This funding will better train and equip Western Maryland’s emergency services personnel and help extend and strengthen their critical public safety work,” said Senator Cardin. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to help secure this funding through our annual appropriations process, advancing our communities’ safety and equipping our emergency personnel with the skills and tools necessary to protect Marylanders,” said Congressman David Trone. “It’s a direct investment in our first responders and the security of every resident, and Team Maryland is getting the job done.” The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $392,828.59 to Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue in Frederick County for traffic incident management training; $40,200 to Middletown Volunteer Fire Company in Frederick County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles; $146,846.36 to Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Co. in Washington County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles and install a diesel exhaust extraction system; $68,000 to Boonsboro Ambulance & Rescue in Washington County to install a diesel exhaust extraction system; $95,238.09 to Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. in Garrett Coun… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-reps-mcgovern-and-keating-call-attention-to-worsening-human-rights-conditions-in-bangladesh Van Hollen Joins Markey, McGovern, Keating in Calling Attention to Worsening Human Rights Conditions in Bangladesh 2024-08-02 2024 2024-08 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined his colleagues Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02) and Bill Keating (MA-09) in sending a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing alarm at the declining state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has been experiencing deadly clashes between student protesters and state security forces across the country in recent weeks, shining light on the human rights abuses taking place under the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The lawmakers wrote, “The Bangladeshi government has continued to take actions that undermine democratic processes, including by holding deeply flawed elections in January, failing to improve labor regulations, and, most recently, violently cracking down on demonstrations using guns, tear gas, and imposing a near-total shutdown of Internet services.” The lawmakers continued, “Given these alarming and continuing trends, we hope that you will lead the U.S. Department of State in upholding the shared democratic principles that have long underpinned the U.S.-Bangladeshi relationship. The United States must condemn all acts of violence, ensure critical civil liberties, such as the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, are protected, and take action to hold complicit government officials accountable for the above abuses against the Bangladeshi people. Moreover, in order to prevent the further deterioration of democracy in Bangladesh, the United States must partner with the international community to support the right of the Bangladeshi people to a representative democratic government that upholds human rights and respects individual freedoms. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) co-signed the letter in the Senate, and Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Gabe Amo (RI-0… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-ivey-highlight-over-3-million-in-direct-federal-investments-for-infrastructure-projects-in-prince-georges-county Van Hollen, Cardin, Ivey Highlight Over $3 Million in Direct Federal Investments for Infrastructure Projects in Prince George’s County 2024-08-02 2024 2024-08 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Friday, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) were in Prince George’s County to highlight $3,483,000 in direct federal investments they delivered to upgrade transportation and water infrastructure across the County. They were joined by local partners, including County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Randy Clarke, CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and Kishia Powell, General Manager of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). “Modernizing our infrastructure not only improves Marylanders’ everyday lives, it also lays the foundations for greater economic growth and opportunity. These investments in Prince George's County will do just that by helping our communities bolster their resilience against flooding, improve wastewater management systems, and increase access to public transit,” said Senator Van Hollen. “In Prince George’s County and throughout the state, we’re focused on bringing new investments to communities that have traditionally been overlooked and underserved. With this critical funding, Team Maryland is delivering federal investments that support infrastructure projects to help improve water quality, mitigate flooding, make transit safer and more reliable and build stronger neighborhoods across the region,” said Senator Cardin. “Together we can positively impact our community. From sewer lines to pollution and flood mitigation to promoting public transportation and access while minimizing wastewater run-off, our federal team along with our community and business stakeholders all have important roles to play to ensure a safer, more equitable and green Prince George’s County and region. Friday’s announcement of community project funds is a good step in the right direction towards those goals,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey. The lawmakers secured the following investments within the federal funding bills passed and signed into law for Fiscal Year 2024. $500,000 for Prince George’s County to improve the area surroundi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-appropriations-passes-financial-services-and-general-government-fiscal-year-2025-appropriations-bill Senate Appropriations Passes Financial Services and General Government Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Bill 2024-08-01 2024 2024-08 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 Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, announced the full Committee’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, providing $27.885 billion to fund the operations of the Department of the Treasury, the Executive Office of the President, the federal judiciary, the District of Columbia, the Small Business Administration, and more than two dozen independent federal agencies. The legislation includes $375 million for the construction of the new FBI headquarters, which will be located in Greenbelt, Maryland. “Creating an economy that works for all Americans should be at the heart of everything we do. That’s why, within this bipartisan legislation, we secured funding to support our small businesses and community-based lenders, protect consumers, build out our broadband infrastructure, and ensure the security of our financial system. This bill invests in these key priorities and more—including providing resources to tackle the opioid epidemic and improve our election security as well as continued funding for one of my top Maryland priorities: building the new FBI headquarters in Prince George’s County. While this legislation does maintain some provisions I do not support, on balance, this bipartisan product will strengthen our economy and our communities,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee. “Our economy thrives when working families and small businesses thrive, so I am really glad this bipartisan bill delivers new funding to protect consumers and help people start and grow small businesses. This bill invests in protecting retiree’s nest eggs, promoting stable and fair financial markets, looking out for the little guy, and growing our economy from the middle out,” said Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This bill sustains funding for c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-murkowski-foster-reintroduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-create-national-fab-lab-network-spur-innovation Van Hollen, Murkowski, Foster Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Create National Fab Lab Network, Spur Innovation 2024-08-01 2024 2024-08 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.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-Ill.) have reintroduced the National Fab Lab Network Act, bipartisan legislation to expand Fab Labs across the country. Fab Lab facilities provide access to and training with digitally-controlled tools, such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and automated knives, enabling individuals to create and innovate new products. The legislation creates a nonprofit organization to serve as a central funding source for Fab Labs across the country and to help foster public-private partnerships to create more Fab Labs. This network would encourage the growth and expansion of new and current Fab Labs and help more innovators access these resources to support America’s advanced manufacturing and workforce development. “Just like the creation of the public library system opened the world of knowledge to every American, so will Fab Labs provide all enterprising minds with the tools they need to turn creative ideas into reality. Developing a national network of Fab Labs will open the doors of innovation wider and unleash the creative potential of every American,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Fab Labs are spaces that build community and cultivate local innovation in science and technology. In Alaska, we know that when we give students and entrepreneurs resources, they solve problems, think critically, and bring their ideas to life,” Senator Murkowski said. “I am proud to join Senator Van Hollen in reintroducing the National Fab Lab Network Act, because I believe that these state-of-the-art facilities are key to the success in the 21st century, and it is essential that we make them more accessible around the country.” "Fab Labs are an excellent way to give students of all ages an opportunity to explore STEM fields in an interactive way, encouraging new ideas through curiosity and creativity," Congressman Foster said. "New ideas become the innovations that are vital to economic growth in our country. A National Fab Lab Network wil… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z

Next page

Advanced export

JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object

CSV options:

CREATE TABLE [releases] (
   [url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
   [title] TEXT,
   [date] TEXT,
   [year] TEXT,
   [month] TEXT,
   [party] TEXT,
   [chamber] TEXT,
   [state] TEXT,
   [member_name] TEXT,
   [bioguide_id] TEXT,
   [domain] TEXT,
   [scraper] TEXT,
   [source] TEXT,
   [date_source] TEXT,
   [text] TEXT,
   [has_text] INTEGER,
   [collected_at] TEXT,
   [updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
    ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
Powered by Datasette · Queries took 271.005ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press