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

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1 if body text was successfully extracted
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bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

342 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "MD" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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  • Senate · 342 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-schatz-colleagues-press-for-media-access-to-gaza Van Hollen, Schatz, Colleagues Press for Media Access to Gaza 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) were joined by over a dozen of their colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration to demand free and independent press access to Gaza immediately. In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators urge the Administration to do more to secure the lifting of the Netanyahu government’s ban on press access to Gaza, underscoring the need for this access to ensure the international community has unbiased information to understand the conflict, current conditions, and ceasefire implementation. In addition to Senators Van Hollen and Schatz, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). The Senators began, “We write to urge the Trump administration to swiftly demand that Israel allow free and independent press access to Gaza. We welcome reports that the Trump administration has been requesting that the Netanyahu government allow foreign journalists into Gaza now that a ceasefire is in place, and we urge the administration to amplify this pressure and prioritize this request as part of the ongoing talks with the Netanyahu government on the path to peace in the region. Free and independent press access to Gaza is crucial to facilitate the public’s right to uncensored and impartial information, to monitor implementation of the current ceasefire, and to ensure that Americans, Israelis, and the rest of the world have a factual accounting of what is occurring on the ground in Gaza.” “Foreign journalists have consistently reported in high-risk, high-casualty, and volatile armed conflicts - including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine – without military or government approval or monitoring. In fact,… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-for-firefighters-first-responders-across-maryland Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments’ emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment. “We can always count on Maryland’s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,” said the lawmakers. The lawmakers announced the following grants: Baltimore Region $2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response $1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties $516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities $320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities $309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park’s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training $379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers Eastern Shore $436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schiff-colleagues-in-urging-trump-administration-to-end-staffing-crisis-at-fish-and-wildlife-service-warning-of-devastating-impacts-to-ecosystems-and-public-lands Van Hollen Joins Schiff, Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to End Staffing Crisis at Fish and Wildlife Service, Warning of Devastating Impacts to Ecosystems and Public Lands 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, and their colleagues in urging the administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which has lost the capacity to properly manage most of America’s wildlife refuges — putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service’s care. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country — with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. “Americans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,” the Senators wrote. “This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem—it has made the situation far worse. The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS’s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies,” the Senators continued. The Senators also emphasized that operating with few or no employees has also hurt disaster resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires. The letter w… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-markey-whitehouse-dingell-statement-on-dc-circuits-decision-to-rehear-case-on-greenhouse-gas-reduction-fund-grants Van Hollen, Markey, Whitehouse, Dingell Statement on D.C. Circuit’s Decision to Rehear Case on Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Grants 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) welcomed the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to reinstate a prior administrative stay blocking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from clawing back legally obligated funds from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) as the full active bench of the D.C. Circuit prepares to rehear the case early next year. In September, the lawmakers were joined by over three dozen additional members of Congress in filing an amicus brief at the D.C. Circuit, urging it to take this action. “We created the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to spur investment in innovative clean energy solutions that create jobs, lower Americans’ energy costs, boost our economy, and reduce harmful emissions. The EPA stood up this program according to the letter of the law, awarding and disbursing funds after a rigorous and transparent process. As we have said since the day that the Trump Administration launched its politically motivated attacks on the GGRF, its brazen attempt to seize these legally awarded federal funds from private bank accounts is both unfounded and unlawful. As the full D.C. Circuit prepares to rehear the case, we will continue fighting to protect these essential investments to support good-paying jobs, reduce Americans’ energy bills, and strengthen our energy independence.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/17/2025/van-hollen-statement-on-national-defense-bill-vote Van Hollen Statement on National Defense Bill Vote 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote against the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “Every year, the national defense bill is Congress’ opportunity to conduct oversight of our military operations and realign our defense policies to ensure we’re ready to take on the threats we face around the world. This year’s legislation includes many positive elements that I fought for and support, from a pay increase for our servicemembers – including the thousands based in Maryland – to investments in our veterans and military families to funding for Maryland-based military installations. It also includes a provision I authored to ensure continued public access to Greenbury Point near the Naval Academy and bipartisan legislation I led with Senator Kennedy to protect investors from foreign insider trading. “However, I ultimately could not support this year’s NDAA while we are confronting a president who is playing politics with our nation’s military and using our troops to advance his authoritarian agenda both here at home and abroad. From missile strikes on boats that lack Congressional authorization and are extrajudicial killings amounting to state-sanctioned murder, to the deployment of the National Guard to American cities to support the President’s indiscriminate mass deportation agenda, it’s clear this Administration no longer respects our laws, including those around the use of the U.S. military. These concerns have only deepened my existing reservations around the continued unchecked growth in defense spending. “We deploy a strong military to protect our nation and democracy from foreign threats and adversaries. Unfortunately, the attack on our democracy, freedoms and the rule of law is now mainly from the president himself – including the fact that the current Commander in Chief is ignoring the laws governing the use of our military. And for those reasons, I refused to sign a blank check to the lawless Trump Administration.” Senator Van … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-to-discuss-future-of-nasa-marylands-role-in-space-innovation Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Future of NASA, Maryland’s Role in Space Innovation 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met with NASA officials and stakeholders to discuss protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. They received updates on and discussed the importance of NASA Goddard’s workforce and missions, as well as other missions being built, led, and supported across Maryland. Video of the members’ press availability following the meeting is available here. “From NASA Goddard to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to nearby Wallops Flight Facility and the many additional science centers and related enterprises across the state, Maryland has been at the center of American space exploration and the forefront of technological advancements that have made our country stronger and safer. The dedicated scientists, engineers, and contractors who power these facilities are central to America’s leadership in space and innovation, but these workers – and the critical work they do – have been under attack from the Trump Administration since day one. For America to continue leading the world in space science, the Administration must start respecting the people who put us in that position. Federal Team Maryland will continue pushing to maintain our leadership in cutting-edge missions while fighting to ensure the workers who drive them have the support they need to carry out these critical missions,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “The work being done every day at Goddard Space Flight Center and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory are the reason Maryland – and our nation – is a leader in science, technology, and research. We are exceptional because of the scientists and engineers doing this incredible work - their innovation and talent is unmatched. But this Administration doesn't seem to care. They have ripped apart the federal government including our work at NASA – ceding ground to global competitors. I will continue to stand up to this Administration and keep fighting for investments that keep … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-statement-on-court-decision-blocking-trump-administration-from-canceling-disaster-preparedness-grants Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Statement on Court Decision Blocking Trump Administration from Canceling Disaster Preparedness Grants 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) released the following statement on today’s decision by U.S. District Court Judge Richard Stearns finding that the Trump Administration unlawfully canceled the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, which supports local efforts to protect and harden our communities from natural disasters. Earlier this year, Senator Van Hollen led a bipartisan effort, joined by Senator Alsobrooks and over 80 members of the House and Senate, to restore the BRIC program. “The Trump Administration’s attempt to cancel smart investments in disaster preparedness threatened to leave countless lives and communities needlessly vulnerable to ruin by extreme weather, which is why we’ve been fighting to restore the BRIC program. A federal judge made the right decision in ordering the Administration to reinstate the program, calling this out for what it was – an unlawful money grab. We applaud the efforts by Attorney General Brown and others to hold the Trump Administration accountable to the law and ensure Maryland can better prepare for disaster before it strikes,” said Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks. Millions of dollars of federal funding have been withheld from disaster mitigation projects in Maryland due to the Trump Administration’s unlawful cancellation of the BRIC program. This includes $26.7 million for the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative in South Baltimore, an effort to rebuild wetlands that were damaged or lost due to industrialization and pollution while protecting the nearby coastal communities from rising waters and flooding; and $36 million for flood mitigation and resilience work in the City of Crisfield. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-fetterman-reintroduce-legislation-to-bolster-public-transit-across-the-country Van Hollen, Fetterman Reintroduce Legislation to Bolster Public Transit Across the Country 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) reintroduced their Moving Transit Forward Act, legislation to boost federal funding for state and local transit to improve service, safety, and reliability for riders. The lawmakers’ bill creates a new federal funding program under the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide state and local transit agencies with additional resources to cover the costs of adding new routes, increasing service frequency, preventing cuts to current services, and improving safety for customers and workers, among other investments to improve rider experiences. In addition to Senators Van Hollen and Fetterman, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). “Public transit connects our communities and boosts our economy while creating jobs and reducing congestion on our roads. That means there’s a lot riding on these systems to run at their best,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This bill will help ensure that transit agencies have the resources they need to provide consistently safe and efficient service to the millions of Americans who depend on public transit every day.” “Like I’ve said before, public transit is the backbone of our communities. Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians in both red and blue counties rely on these services every day to get where they need to go,” said Senator Fetterman. “As transit agencies like SEPTA and PRT are being forced to divert critical capital improvement and maintenance funds just to keep trains and buses running, it’s more important than ever that we step up to provide them with the support and reliable funding they need to deliver for our communities. I’m proud to join Senator Van Hollen once again in leading the Moving Transit Forward Act, which will help our public transit systems avoid service cuts, add… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-judge-ordering-release-of-kilmar-abrego-garcia Van Hollen Statement on Judge Ordering Release of Kilmar Ábrego García 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on today’s ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis ordering the immediate release of Kilmar Ábrego García from custody: “For months the Trump Administration has sought to deny Kilmar Ábrego García his rights to due process and fair treatment by our justice system. Today’s ruling by Judge Xinis – requiring the government to immediately release him – is a clear repudiation of those attempts and a forceful stand for our Constitution and the rights of all those in our nation.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-aid-workers-in-conflict-zones Van Hollen, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Aid Workers in Conflict Zones 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, on Human Rights Day, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation to protect humanitarian aid workers operating in conflict zones. The lawmakers’ legislation, the Commitment to Aid Workers Act, would strengthen U.S. efforts to safeguard those who risk their lives to deliver humanitarian assistance. The bill creates new oversight and enforcement mechanisms to hold foreign militaries accountable for actions that endanger humanitarian workers as they deliver American aid. U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) has previously introduced companion legislation in the House. “Humanitarian workers do some of the most vital but dangerous jobs in the world as they come to the aid of civilians caught in the middle of armed conflict. After two extremely deadly years for these workers, we must do more to protect them. This bill will employ U.S. leverage to help ensure the safety of humanitarian workers as they conduct their lifesaving missions,” said Senator Van Hollen. “When conflict or disaster strikes, humanitarian aid workers are the first line to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter,” said Senator Merkley. “Our top priority must be to support and protect those who serve on the frontlines of crisis, and the Commitment to Aid Workers Act does just that.” “Humanitarian aid workers put their lives on the line to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter to civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict. Their work is guided by a basic principle: that even in war, human dignity must be preserved,” Representative Pingree said. “Tragically, we are seeing aid workers targeted like never before. This year, 326 have been killed—and last year was the deadliest on record, with over 370 killed across the globe. These are attacks on the very foundation of humanitarian law. The United States cannot stand by while those delivering life-saving assistance are treated as collateral damage. The Commitment to Aid Workers Act ensures accountability, adv… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-merkley-trump-administration-weaponizing-us-park-police-to-further-its-authoritarianism Ranking Member Merkley: Trump Administration Weaponizing U.S. Park Police to Further Its Authoritarianism 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) — the top Democrat overseeing funding for the National Park Service — and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in sounding the alarm over President Trump’s proposed plans to turn the U.S. Park Police into a federal police force under his direct control for deployment across Washington, D.C. rather than following its mission of safeguarding national monuments and visitors. The Senators launched their probe in response to a report from The Washington Post, which outlined the unprecedented and dangerous nature of Trump’s plans to transform the U.S. Park Police. The Senators wrote to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, “The administration is on a deliberate hiring spree to exploit the U.S. Park Police’s jurisdiction and turn it into a tool of the President for him and his ideological extremists to impose their will on the streets of D.C.” “Commandeering the U.S. Park Police is not an earnest effort to help protect the Lincoln Memorial or improve motorists’ safety on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway,” the Senators stated. “According to a strategy memo obtained by The Washington Post, a goal for the force is to ‘establish the U.S. Park Police as the premier law enforcement agency in DC, capable of keeping DC safe regardless of inaction by MPD [Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia] or inaction by the DC City Council.’” “There is no evidence of an uptick in crime on park service land or increased threats to national monuments – this haste in both a hiring spree and waiving of [critical testing and standards for new officers] are clear signs that the administration is hijacking this federal police force for its own authoritarian purposes. And the administration may seek other mechanisms (legal or otherwise) to further expand the U.S. Park Police, increasing this authoritarian threat,” the Senators strongly emphasized. The Senators concluded their inquiry by demanding the … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-welch-bonamici-bicameral-lawmakers-in-call-to-provide-additional-funding-for-the-federal-public-defender-program-in-fy26-budget Van Hollen Joins Welch, Bonamici, Bicameral Lawmakers in Call to Provide Additional Funding for the Federal Public Defender Program in FY26 Budget 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate’s only former Public Defender, U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), and a group of over 40 bicameral lawmakers in calling on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to provide additional funding to the Federal Defender Services program in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, beyond the recently released Republican budget proposal. In their letter, the lawmakers urge committee leaders to fully fund the program at $1.76 billion, as requested by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to maintain baseline constitutional requirements for federal public defense instead of the lower amounts in House and Senate Republicans’ appropriations bills. “As you are aware, in FY24, an inadvertent failure to account for the federal defender program’s carryforward funding structure resulted in initial funding levels that were more than $100 million less than what the program needed. In response to those marks, the program implemented a set of cost-savings measures, including a hard hiring freeze, suspension of most in-person training opportunities, and deferral of other programmatic needs such as cybersecurity upgrades. In FY25, the Defender Services budget was frozen at the artificially low FY24 levels, leaving the program with a critical shortfall woefully inadequate to meet its identified needs,” wrote the lawmakers. “As a result of two years of underfunding because of a calculation error, Defender Services began FY26 significantly in the red. The current funding level, based on the recent anomaly, is still $194 million short of what is required to fund the program.” The lawmakers continued: “We are very appreciative of your inclusion of a $1.564 billion anomaly for Federal and Community Defenders in the Continuing Resolution. This is an important step in addressing the underfunding. Now we must fully fun… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-mfume-introduce-legislation-to-designate-the-museum-of-the-blind-peoples-movement-as-a-national-museum Van Hollen, Mfume Introduce Legislation to Designate the Museum of the Blind People's Movement as a National Museum 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Last week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) announced their joint introduction of legislation to designate the new Museum of the Blind People's Movement in Baltimore as the official National Museum of the Blind People's Movement. Once established, this museum will be the first to be blind-owned, operated, and led. “We can all learn from stories of the pioneering blind Americans who have organized and led the movement that reshaped our nation in the direction of equality. With this legislation, we are working to honor eight decades of leadership and ensure this history is preserved, shared, and celebrated not just locally, but nationally as well. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ve been proud to support this mission with $301,000 in direct federal funding, and, now, to team up with Congressman Mfume on this legislation to designate it as the National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement,” said Senator Van Hollen. "Blind Americans have long faced discrimination and low expectations, but that has never stopped them from making vital contributions to our society that are far too often under-recognized," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "By acknowledging this institution as the National Museum of the Blind People's Movement, Congress honors an important American story and supports a first-of-its-kind, blind-owned and blind-led cultural institution that will serve students, researchers, veterans, workers, families, and visitors from every corner of these United States of America." "The introduction of this legislation marks a historic moment in our movement's journey. The National Museum of the Blind People's Movement will be the first blind-led and blind-centered museum that authentically preserves and shares our stories of advocating, innovating, and transforming society. This museum will be about the people who have demonstrated that with proper training and opportunity, we achieve equality and full participation in all aspects of American life,” sa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cassidy-announce-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act Van Hollen, Cassidy Announce Senate Passage of Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) announced the unanimous passage of their resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by the United States Senate. The bipartisan resolution, introduced earlier this week by Senators Van Hollen and Cassidy, recognized the historic step IDEA took 50 years ago by mandating that every child in America, including those with disabilities, be given equal access to a free, appropriate public education. The resolution was cosponsored in the Senate by Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Penn.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), and John James (R-Mich.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “The Senate’s passage of this resolution honors all those who fought to make IDEA a reality. As we celebrate the anniversary of this landmark legislation and the opportunities it created for millions of students with disabilities across the country, I remain committed to the fight to fully fund IDEA – fulfilling the promise made 50 years ago to provide every student in America equal access to a high-quality education,” said Senator Van Hollen, who has also introduced the IDEA Full Funding Act. “All children deserve an education that gives them… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-urge-action-from-trump-administration-to-end-violence-promote-stability-in-burma Van Hollen, Colleagues Urge Action from Trump Administration to End Violence, Promote Stability in Burma 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and eight of his Senate colleagues urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take strong actions in response to escalating violence and human rights violations committed by the Burmese military junta as well as the junta’s upcoming sham elections. Pointing to increasing instability and a worsening humanitarian crisis fueled by the junta’s mass killings, forced displacement of civilians, and persecution of minorities – as the country is still reeling from the destruction caused by a historic earthquake earlier this year – the Senators urged Secretary Rubio in a letter to focus on diplomatic efforts to restore stability in Burma while countering the growing influence of China and Russia in the region. To that end, they outlined specific steps the Trump Administration should take to reassert U.S. leadership on human rights, help end the violence, and support a path toward inclusive governance and democracy in Burma. Senator Van Hollen was joined on this letter by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). “We write to express our profound concern regarding the ongoing bloodshed and oppression in Burma, which has lasted far too long. The systematic persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, and other vulnerable communities, requires urgent attention and decisive leadership from the United States. The upcoming sham elections in December and January further damage Burma’s democracy, rule of law, and further consolidate the junta’s repressive power,” the Senators began. “We urge you to prioritize addressing the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Burma, condemn the junta’s planned elections, and champion justice, accountability, and the protection of basic human dignity. We ask this not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is also in our core national inte… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-kelly-blumenthal-markey-in-introducing-legislation-to-protect-airline-passengers-from-flight-cancellations-and-delays Van Hollen Joins Kelly, Blumenthal, Markey in Introducing Legislation to Protect Airline Passengers from Flight Cancellations and Delays 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in introducing the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, new legislation that will protect passengers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The bill would also direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) to mandate airlines reimburse passengers for hotels, meals, and transportation to lodging as a result of flight disruptions, regardless of the cause of the delay. The Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act comes in response to the Trump administration’s cancellation of a popular consumer protection rule in the making that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for preventable travel cancellations or delays. It is also cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Wash.). “The Trump Administration’s decision to abandon commonsense consumer protections and force passengers to pay the price for flight delays and cancellations they didn’t cause is a major giveaway to the big corporations at the expense of everyone else. This legislation will put travelers first and ensure they get the reimbursements and accommodations they deserve when their flights are disrupted,” said Van Hollen. “Flying is already stressful and expensive. Airlines have to be accountable when they cost the American people money and travelers are left stranded,” said Kelly. “We’re working to make sure that passengers are protected so that cancellations and delays don’t cost them money out of their own pockets.” “This commonsense legislation holds airlines accountable and properly compe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-merkley-kaine-no-funds-for-war-against-venezuela Van Hollen, Merkley, Kaine: No Funds for War Against Venezuela 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in introducing the Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025 to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Venezuela without explicit Congressional authorization. “The Trump Administration has amassed the largest naval buildup in the Caribbean in decades and committed extrajudicial killings in international waters amounting either to murder or war crimes. Congress has not authorized this Administration to take these offensive actions, and with good reason – the American people do not want to start another war. We must put a stop to this by passing this simple measure to prevent U.S. taxpayer dollars from funding the Trump Administration’s manufactured conflict with Venezuela,” said Van Hollen. “Congress cannot stand by while Donald Trump wages war without authorization,” said Merkley. “Nicolás Maduro is a brutal dictator, but that does not provide justification for the Trump Administration to ignore U.S. law to carry out these unconstitutional military strikes. Donald Trump cannot be trusted, and we must say no to another endless war, reckless regime change, and lethal operations—which are essentially extrajudicial killings—and do nothing to make the American people safer.” “We shouldn’t stumble into an unnecessary war with Venezuela—risking U.S. servicemembers’ lives—with no congressional authorization and incomplete information about the Administration’s objectives, its legal rationale, and the potential consequences of a long-term conflict that could drive migration and irreparably fracture Venezuela,” said Kaine. “This legislation would prevent us from doing that, and I urge my colleagues to support it and reclaim the solemn responsibilities on matters of war and peace assigned to Congress by the Constitution.” The Senator's bill does not prevent the United States from acting to defend itself or its citizens from an armed attack or threat of an… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schiff-vargas-in-introducing-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration Van Hollen Joins Schiff, Vargas in Introducing Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in introducing the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump administration’s abuse of loopholes in current regulations. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following the Trump administration’s mass firing of immigration judges and authorizing of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the administration has been utilizing to speed up their mass deportation agenda – such as the lack of due process protections for individuals in immigration court proceedings. “Everyone who comes before an immigration court has a right under our Constitution to a fair trial – but the Trump Administration is undermining that right as they replace scores of qualified judges with temporary judges who have little to no immigration law experience. Enacting stronger qualification and training standards for temporarily appointed judges will help ensure due process rights are upheld in our immigration courts,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The Trump administration’s willingness to fire experienced immigration judges and hire inexperienced or temporary “deportation judges,” especially in places like California, has fundamentally impacted the landscape of our justice system. Given the administration’s unlawful terminations of qualified judges, and their plan to leverage the power of temporary positions to speed up their mass deportation agenda, the risks of grave injury to families, fairness, and due process have expanded. The administration’s unlawful mass firing of immigration judges at an alarming rate is their latest aggressive enforcement tactic that jeopardizes our judicial workforce. Amidst the growing number of pending cases in immigration courts, this legislation will ensure that only experienced and trai… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cassidy-huffman-thompson-scholten-james-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act Van Hollen, Cassidy, Huffman, Thompson, Scholten, James Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), and John James (R-Mich.) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the historic step this legislation took by mandating that every child with a disability in America be given equal access to a free, appropriate public education. This resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). In the House, it is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Emily Randall (D-Wash.-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.-08), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.-01), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.-01), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-Northern Mariana Islands), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif-01), Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) Laura Friedman (D-Calif-30), John Mannion (D-N.Y.-22), James Moylan (R-Guam), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.-27), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.-24), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22). “Since its passage fifty years ago, IDEA has opened the doors to a quality education for millions of students with disab… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-ossoff-colleagues-in-launching-inquiry-into-dhs-obstruction-of-congressional-oversight Van Hollen Joins Ossoff, Colleagues in Launching Inquiry into DHS’ Obstruction of Congressional Oversight 2025-12-01 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and their colleagues in launching an inquiry with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pressing the administration for answers about obstruction of Congressional access to detention facilities. Since the beginning of 2025, there have been numerous, publicly reported examples of members of Congress and their staff facing obstructed access to ICE facilities nationwide, including to ICE field offices where people are being detained. Sen. Ossoff is joined by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). “Obstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress’s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals’ human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse,” the Senators wrote. “Members of Congress and their staff must be allowed, pursuant to Congress’s inherent oversight authority and as required by Federal law, to access any facility where individuals are held in federal custody to monitor and prevent these abuses and ensure accountability and compliance with standards for detention,” they continued. The text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Secretary Noem: We write with alarm regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) arbitrary and illegal obstruction of Congressional access to detention facilities. Obstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress’s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals’ human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse. The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 requires DHS and its component and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-elfreth-olszewski-announce-72-million-authorized-to-rehabilitate-the-piney-run-watershed-dam Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Elfreth, Olszewski Announce $7.2 Million Authorized to Rehabilitate the Piney Run Watershed Dam 2025-11-26 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Sarah Elfreth and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) announced the authorization of up to $7,229,850 in federal funding to support the rehabilitation of the Piney Run Watershed Dam to mitigate the risk of breaches. Piney Run Dam is classified by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Dam Safety as “High Hazard” – meaning that the county and MDE take extra precautions to ensure it is inspected annually and well-maintained. A breach of Piney Run Dam would put hundreds of lives and properties at risk and potentially damage critical transportation infrastructure, including an interstate highway and a freight railroad. This investment will address key dam safety concerns, reduce the risk of loss of life in the event of a structural failure, enhance flood protection capabilities, and ensure it meets all current federal and state safety criteria for a “high” hazard potential dam. The upgrades to the dam include widening the auxiliary spillway, installing a concrete weir spillway structure, raising the dam crest, and installing roller-compacted concrete along the auxiliary spillway exit channel – critical measures to prevent rising waters from flowing over the crest. “Piney Run Park is a beloved piece of the Sykesville community, and maintaining the Piney Run Dam is critical to ensuring Marylanders can continue to enjoy it for years to come. This federal investment will help bolster the safety of the dam so folks can keep experiencing all Piney Run Park has to offer,” said the lawmakers. The federal investment comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Watershed Rehabilitation (REHAB) Program, which Federal Team Maryland fought to fund at $118 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The FY25 government funding bill included an additional $1 million for the REHAB program, and the FY26 funding bill for the Department of Agriculture included an additional $3 million. Carroll County is expected to apply for th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-reed-lead-colleagues-in-pressing-rubio-for-accounting-of-hundreds-of-potential-violations-of-us-human-rights-law-in-gaza Van Hollen, Reed Lead Colleagues in Pressing Rubio for Accounting of Hundreds of Potential Violations of US Human Rights Law in Gaza 2025-11-26 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a member of the Appropriations Committee, and their colleagues are pressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio for an accounting of the hundreds of reported potential violations of U.S. human rights law in Gaza. The Senators were joined in sending the letter by Senators Jeff Merkley, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Peter Welch, Brian Schatz, Tim Kaine, Patty Murray, Tina Smith, and Ed Markey. “The U.S. Department of State Office of Inspector General (State OIG) issued a report in September 2025 titled ‘Classified Review of the Department of State’s Implementation of Leahy Non-Traceable Assistance Requirements.’ While the report itself is classified, the Washington Post recently cited an unclassified section describing that State OIG ‘found that Israeli military units committed “many hundreds” of potential violations of U.S. human rights law in the Gaza Strip that would take the State Department “multiple years” to review.’ Given these findings, we urge you to quickly implement the OIG’s recommendations and adjudicate these cases in a timely manner in order to ensure compliance with U.S. law,” the Senators begin. “As you know, Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act, also known as the Leahy Law, prohibits the U.S. Government from providing assistance to any unit of a foreign security force when the Secretary of State has credible information implicating that unit in the commission of gross violations of human rights (GVHR). […] The aforementioned OIG report examined the Department’s implementation of the Leahy law and, for select countries, Leahy vetting practices where the assistance’s ultimate recipient is not known before transfer,” they continued. “According to the Washington Post, State OIG further found that ‘the protocol, known as the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum, involves higher-level U.S. officials and a … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-over-670-million-for-maryland-military-installations Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $670 Million for Maryland Military Installations 2025-11-25 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) announced $676,800,000 for military installations across Maryland within the fiscal year 2026 Senate Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill – which was enacted into law as part of the government funding agreement passed earlier this month. These projects – funded at the Senators’ request – support infrastructure upgrades for Maryland’s National Guard and at construction projects at U.S. military installations across the state. This legislation also makes important nationwide investments in housing for servicemembers and their families, veterans’ health care, and more. “Maryland is the proud home to critical military installations as well as hundreds of thousands of servicemembers, civilian employees, and veterans. We fought to secure federal investments in this legislation to advance important military projects across our state, boost health care and other services for our veterans, and more. As the appropriations process for next year moves forward, I will continue to do all I can to ensure our funding bills meet the needs of Maryland, our active-duty servicemembers and veterans, and our nation as a whole,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “I am proud to announce essential funding for Maryland included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Funding Bill. This funding includes building a contained burn facility at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head to support our environmental goals as well as critical funding for veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness in our state. This funding reminds us of our duty to support our veterans, to fight for those in active service, and to maintain and protect the military facilities across our state,” said Senator Alsobrooks. The Senators worked to secure these funds and provisions, but ult… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-protections-for-barc-and-over-25-million-in-direct-funding-for-local-projects-supporting-economic-development-emergency-response-veterans-infrastructure_more Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Protections for BARC & Over $25 Million in Direct Funding for Local Projects Supporting Economic Development, Emergency Response, Veterans, Infrastructure, & More 2025-11-25 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) announced $25,076,500 in direct federal funding for community-led projects throughout Maryland within the fiscal year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies appropriations bill – which was enacted into law as part of the government funding agreement passed earlier this month. These projects – funded at the Senators’ request – support first responders, economic development, agricultural research, and more for local communities across Maryland. Also critical for Maryland, the Senators secured provisions to support the continued operations of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Prince George’s County – which has been targeted for closure under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reorganization plan – along with $6 million to modernize aging buildings on its campus. “In partnership with community leaders across our state, we fought to secure direct federal investments in this legislation to advance local priorities – from better equipping our first responders to spurring economic development. Within this bill, we also worked to ensure BARC can continue its vital efforts to bolster the success of America’s farmers, halting this Administration’s misguided attempts to shutter this crown jewel of agricultural research – while also providing additional resources to support conservation in and around the Chesapeake Bay. As the appropriations process for next year moves forward, I will continue to do all I can to ensure our funding bills meet the needs of Maryland and our nation,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “I am so proud to have worked alongside Senator Van Hollen in pushing back against this Administration to ensure the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) – a hub for agricultural research that supports 1,000 jobs in our state – was fully funded in Fiscal Yea… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-introduce-bill-to-rename-post-office-in-olney-after-beloved-employee-edward-ramsey Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Introduce Bill to Rename Post Office in Olney After Beloved Employee, Edward Ramsey 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) introduced legislation to name the U.S. Post Office located at 3570 Olney Laytonsville Road in Olney, Maryland, after Sergeant Edward Lawrence Ramsey, an Army veteran and 27-year employee of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) who passed away in 2022. Ramsey served honorably in the United States Army for over 20 years, His service included time in Panama, Louisiana, Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas. During his 27-year USPS career, he served as a clerk in at the Olney Post Office, where he became a beloved fixture of the Olney community. “Ed Ramsey was a public servant through and through, joining the Army to defend our nation then going on to serve his community in the local post office for many years. During those years, he was the welcoming and genuinely friendly presence that his neighbors looked forward to finding when they walked through the doors of the Olney Post Office – so much so that many of those who came to know him launched a grassroots effort to rename it in his memory after his passing. I’m honored to stand with them and lead this charge in the Senate – it’s a fitting tribute for a good man who made a lasting impact on his community,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Ed Ramsey spent 20 years serving our country in the Army followed by another 27 years working for USPS. He is a patriot and a public servant who served with courage, kindness, and conviction. At Olney Post Office, every member of our community became a quick friend of Ed’s. It is most appropriate that we rename the Olney Post Office in his honor, so every day, we can all be reminded of his great service and continue to cherish his memory,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “Ed never sought recognition; he simply cared deeply about the customers. Knowing this post office could soon carry his name means the world to our family. It’s a beautiful reminder of the patience, kindness, and quiet generosity he shared with everyone he met.… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-maryland-congressional-delegation-announce-over-60-million-to-modernize-maryland-bus-systems Maryland Congressional Delegation Announce Over $60 Million to Modernize Maryland Bus Systems 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) announced $60,322,396 in federal funding to upgrade the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) bus transit system and to support the construction of a new transit maintenance and operations facility in Charles County. WMATA will receive $50,322,380 to purchase 50 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid replacement buses, an investment that is expected to cut the system’s fuel consumption by 51,000 gallons each year. Charles County will receive $10,000,016 to build its modernized maintenance and operations facility that will better support bus operators and riders. “Upgrading our public transit with cleaner, more efficient buses and improved bus infrastructure will help provide greater reliability for the thousands of Marylanders who ride WMATA and VanGO every day. Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we are continuing to invest in public transportation that supports our growing communities while producing fewer emissions and keeping the region’s economy moving forward,” said the lawmakers. The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Low or No Emission Grant Program and Buses & Bus Facilities Program, which Federal Team Maryland fought to fund under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-king-colleagues-in-introducing-bipartisan-bill-to-track-benefits-of-preventive-health-care-legislation Van Hollen Joins King, Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Bill to Track Benefits of Preventive Health Care Legislation 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and thier colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to better measure the cost savings that come with improved investments in preventive health care for Maine people. The Preventive Health Savings Act would instruct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to fully study the costs and benefits that could be seen with proposed preventive health care legislation. CBO analyses are essential benchmarks that members of Congress use to determine the cost of legislation to the American taxpayer. By taking a longer-term view into consideration past the current 10-year window and incorporating prevention interventions into CBO scoring, Congress could make more informed decisions and better measure the return on investment of Americans getting ahead of health problems before they get more serious and costly. “Preventive care and early detection can help patients live longer and healthier lives while also saving on long-term costs for everything from treatments to hospital visits,” said Senator Van Hollen. “By accounting for preventive care, we can make smarter health care policy decisions that work better for patients and taxpayers alike.” “I often say, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to keep Maine people healthy and save money for patients and taxpayers alike, and as we work to expand this care, we must first learn how we can best measure it,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Preventive Health Savings Act will allow Congress a more complete view of how preventative healthcare legislation can help patients stay healthy and cut costs. The cheapest surgery or treatment is the one that we avoid by getting ahead of the issue, and this bill is a simple step to reduce health care expenses, save taxpayer dollars and support Americans’ long-term health.” “It is important we have a clear, long-term picture of the return on investment from preventive health care measures,” said Senat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-markey-colleagues-in-urging-trump-administration-to-take-action-to-protect-armenian-prisoners-of-war Van Hollen Joins Markey, Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to Take Action to Protect Armenian Prisoners of War 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and 25 colleagues in writing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the United States take immediate action to halt the human rights abuses and war crimes being committed by the Republic of Azerbaijan against the Armenian Population of Nagorno-Karabakh. For the past two years, Azerbaijan has committed what international legal experts characterize as ethnic cleansing. The United States can no longer adopt a path of inaction in the face of these war crimes and instead must demand that Azerbaijan release unjustly detained Armenian prisoners and usher in an era of regional peace. In the letter, the lawmakers write, “It is now two years since Azerbaijan’s blockade and military assault on Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) forcibly displaced the region’s 120,000 Christian Armenians in what international legal experts have characterized as ethnic cleansing. Azerbaijan’s September 2023 assault on the region marked the culmination of a pattern of aggression following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, during which Azerbaijan perpetrated egregious war crimes. These included the summary execution of civilians; the destruction of schools, homes, and hospitals; the deliberate targeting of churches and other Armenian Christian heritage sites; and the arbitrary detention of dozens of Armenian prisoners of war.” The lawmakers continue, “To this day, Azerbaijan continues to illegally detain at least 23 known Armenian prisoners of war captured during and after the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh. Rather than face consequences, Azerbaijan has begun politically motivated sham trials under false pretenses, targeting captives solely based on their Armenian identity. Among those detained are former presidents, foreign ministers, and parliamentary leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh.” The lawmakers urge the following actions: Demand the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian political prisoners and prisoners of war. Press Azerbaijani authorities to allow internatio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-durbin-press-bondi-patel-for-answers-on-unprecedented-political-purge-of-doj-employees Van Hollen, Durbin Press Bondi, Patel for Answers on Unprecedented Political Purge of DOJ Employees 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ranking Member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, are pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel for answers on the unprecedented political purge of career Department of Justice employees. “It appears your unprecedented political purge of career Department of Justice (DOJ) employees is continuing at a rapid pace. Multiple public reports, including a statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association (FBIAA), suggest that DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have disregarded the law and fired even more FBI agents out of political spite over the past weeks. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) and the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversee and direct funding for both the DOJ and the FBI, we are writing to express our continued objections to such unprecedented and blatantly political actions. Your actions are having a direct and detrimental effect on FBI’s ability to maintain its national security mission. We urge you to stop the purges—our nation’s security is too important to be sacrificed for political games,” the Senators begin. They go on to cite examples of employees being targeted, and note, “All indications suggest these are illegal actions, which will undoubtedly have severe consequences for DOJ and FBI when these terminated employees join their other former colleagues in lawsuits against the agencies you are entrusted with protecting.” The Senators press for answers, stating, “In addition, we request that DOJ and FBI provide the Senate CJS Subcommittee and the Senate Judiciary Committee the following information along with a follow-up briefing: 1) A full accounting on the scope of the FBI firings that occurred between Octob… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-to-discuss-protecting-the-chesapeake-bay Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met to discuss continued federal efforts to support Bay restoration and the goals of the revised “Beyond 2025” watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. In the meeting, members of the federal delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources. “The Chesapeake Bay is an economic and environmental lifeline in our state. Over the past few years, we’ve made progress in our efforts to preserve the Bay, but we’ve also faced setbacks – including in the failure to meet the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Today’s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the new Beyond 2025 Agreement. I’m encouraged that the latest agreement includes recommendations proposed by members of our delegation and other Bay state representatives in Congress, including ensuring that pollution-reduction and water-quality improvement goals are better defined and adaptable to the latest science. And while I believe the agreement could have set a more aggressive timeline for achieving the outlined goals, I recognize that it reflects compromise. Going forward, we will continue working together to support th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-beyer-raskin-introduce-legislation-to-improve-atf-crack-down-on-bad-apple-gun-dealers Van Hollen, Beyer, Raskin Introduce Legislation to Improve ATF, Crack Down on “Bad Apple” Gun Dealers 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) reintroduced the ATF Improvement and Modernization (AIM) Act, legislation to strengthen the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) ability to combat gun crime in our communities. The lawmakers’ effort comes as the Trump Administration seeks to undermine the ATF, including by working to eliminate it as a standalone agency – merging it with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – and proposing a nearly 30 percent decrease in its budget. In the face of these actions, the lawmakers’ legislation would reassert the ATF’s authority to keep our communities safe, including by removing irresponsible statutory restrictions that stand in the way of the ATF’s mission to protect the public from violent offenders, criminal organizations, and the illegal use and trafficking of firearms. “Too many American lives have been torn apart by gun violence in our country – yet gun industry hardliners have conspired to put up roadblocks that hamper law enforcement efforts to combat this deadly scourge. Our legislation eliminates these barriers and strengthens the ATF’s ability to crack down on gun crime and illegal firearm trafficking that allows deadly weapons to fall into dangerous hands. This is a common-sense way to tackle the gun violence epidemic and save lives,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The gun violence epidemic continues to take a huge toll on our country, killing nearly 50,000 Americans every year,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “We cannot accept Trump’s efforts to stop law enforcement from addressing gun violence, which includes mass transfers of agents away from the ATF. Congress owes it to American families to take decisive action to ensure the ATF has the tools it needs to make American communities safer, and our AIM Act would do just that by removing barriers that hamper the ATF’s mission. I appreciate Senator Van Hollen, Ranking Member Raskin, and the gun violence prevention leaders who worked … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-press-administration-for-answers-on-reported-changes-at-nasa-goddard Maryland Delegation Members Press Administration for Answers on Reported Changes at NASA Goddard 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) pressed National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Acting Administrator Sean Duffy, to provide detailed answers on reported consolidation and reorganization activities at the NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland. In their letter, the delegation members highlighted Goddard’s legacy of groundbreaking achievements over the years – including its leadership in the development of GPS technology as well as the Hubble and James Webb telescopes – and expressed grave concern that recent operational changes will impact its research capabilities, undermine Goddard’s workforce, and threaten to drive top scientists to space programs abroad. The lawmakers requested answers to a series of questions around recently reported changes and urged acting Administrator Duffy to safeguard Goddard’s status as a world-leading space and earth science institution by keeping its workforce stable and sustaining its world-class research capacity. “The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland is the premiere Space and Earth Science research center in the world. Goddard’s research and innovation has helped us answer questions about our planet, the Sun, the solar system, and the Universe. The dedicated civil servant scientists, engineers, and contractors who work at Goddard’s facilities from Greenbelt, to the Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops, Virginia, to the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas have pushed scientific boundaries. Decades of pathbreaking work mean that today, the Global Positioning System (GPS) that we all rely on daily for navigation, the satellites that help us map fires for large scale firefighting, and telescopes in outer space are all being operated by the experts at the Goddard Space Flight Center. We urge you to support the patriotic Americans th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-wasserman-schultz-lead-over-120-members-in-filing-amicus-brief-urging-court-to-uphold-temporary-protected-status-for-venezuela Van Hollen, Wasserman Schultz Lead Over 120 Members in Filing Amicus Brief Urging Court to Uphold Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela 2025-11-12 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) were joined by 125 members of Congress in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in the case of National TPS Alliance et al. v. Noem, urging the reversal of the Trump Administration’s baseless decision to vacate and terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela. First granted for Venezuela in 2021, TPS has provided approximately 600,000 Venezuelans in the U.S. refuge from economic turmoil and humanitarian crisis in their home country, and authorization to live and work legally in America. A District Court ruled in September that the Trump Administration’s decision to vacate and terminate Venezuela’s TPS designation was unlawful. After the Trump Administration appealed the decision to the Supreme Court to request a stay of that ruling, Senator Van Hollen, Representative Wasserman Schultz, and their colleagues filed an amicus brief calling for the District Court decision to be upheld. The Supreme Court later sided with the Administration – allowing the Department of Homeland Security to continue stripping Venezuelans of their protections to remain lawfully in the U.S. while the case is fully considered in the Ninth Circuit. As they argued in their amicus brief submitted to the Supreme Court, the lawmakers again stressed to the Ninth Circuit that the District Court correctly ruled in alignment with the intent of Congress – that the Executive Branch is to determine humanitarian protections such as TPS according to set criteria as opposed to political preferences. “The Northern District of California properly determined that the plain text of the TPS statute does not support the Secretary’s argument that her actions are unreviewable. Nor does it support the Secretary’s actions with respect to Venezuelan TPS. Instead, the Executive Branch’s interpretation of the TPS statute essentially rewrites the statute to claim a power that Congress did not delegat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-intent-to-vote-no-on-funding-bill Van Hollen Statement on Intent to Vote No on Funding Bill 2025-11-09 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his intent to vote against the government funding bill that is expected to be considered on the Senate floor this evening: “I have voted seven times for a responsible funding agreement to end the shameful Republican shutdown, hold the president accountable to the law, and prevent health care costs from skyrocketing for tens of millions of Americans. I am prepared to work toward a compromise, but this funding bill before us tonight does not come close to meeting those terms. Not only does it fail to address the impending explosion in working Americans’ health insurance costs, it also lacks the necessary guardrails to stop President Trump from ignoring the law and withholding funds for important priorities. That is why I am voting NO. “Should this bill become law, the Administration must follow the law that Senator Cardin and I passed after the first Trump shutdown to ensure all federal employees receive the full backpay they are owed once the government reopens. We must also continue working to pass my legislation guaranteeing backpay to federal contractors – from maintenance and custodial staff to construction and security workers. Like federal civil servants, these workers had nothing to do with causing this Republican shutdown, and likewise do not deserve to bear the brunt of it. I will continue working to support our federal workers and stand up to this Administration’s attacks on our communities and their disregard for the unacceptable rising costs Americans are facing.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-statement-on-republicans-inadequate-proposal-to-pay-federal-workers-during-shutdown Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Statement on Republicans’ Inadequate Proposal to Pay Federal Workers During Shutdown 2025-11-07 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding their vote against Republicans’ inadequate proposal to prevent federal workers, servicemembers, and contractors from financial harm during Trump’s shutdown: “Every federal worker, servicemember, and federal contractor should get paid as they do not deserve to endure the harm of this Republican shutdown they had no role in causing. Our True Shutdown Fairness Act ensures all federal workers, servicemembers, and contractors get their paychecks while shielding employees from the threat of this Administration’s mass firings, but Republicans rejected it for a proposal that still leaves our federal workforce exposed to an Administration that wants to inflict ‘trauma’ on them. Their bill fails to prevent the president from further slashing the federal workforce during this shutdown – allowing Donald Trump free rein to pick winners and losers. “The continuing Trump shutdown harms our constituents in the federal workforce and contracting community, and deprives the American public of the services they deserve. The most straightforward way to stop this pain is by reopening the government altogether – and we have voted seven times to do just that in a responsible way, while reining in Trump’s lawlessness and preventing health care costs from skyrocketing for millions of Americans. This shutdown is now the longest in history, and still Trump refuses to negotiate. It’s long past time for him to come to the table to make a deal to end his shameful shutdown.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-welcome-maryland-attorney-general-and-prince-georges-county-lawsuit-to-keep-fbi-hq-project-in-greenbelt Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Welcome Maryland Attorney General and Prince George’s County Lawsuit to Keep FBI HQ Project in Greenbelt 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) welcomed Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy’s lawsuit to stop the Trump Administration from canceling the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters project in Greenbelt, Maryland and diverting Congressionally appropriated funds for its construction to another site. “A thorough and transparent selection process concluded that Greenbelt, Maryland, is the site best for a new FBI headquarters that meets the Bureau’s security and mission needs. The Trump Administration has no grounds to ignore this selection, or redirect even one penny that Congress specifically appropriated for construction of the competitively selected site. Yet the Administration clearly intends to do just that, while refusing to answer basic questions around the costs to taxpayers and security of the new site, or provide additional details on their plans. That’s why we’re glad the State and Prince George’s County are challenging this Administration in court—not only to hold them accountable to the intent of Congress, but also to ensure we fulfill our promise to the men and women of the FBI to deliver a new, secure headquarters so they can do their work without compromising their safety or our national security,” said Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-beyer-colleagues-urge-power-grid-operator-pjm-to-prioritize-consumers-access-to-reliable-affordable-electricity-over-large-corporate-interests Van Hollen, Beyer, Colleagues Urge Power Grid Operator PJM to Prioritize Consumers’ Access to Reliable, Affordable Electricity Over Large Corporate Interests 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-Va.) were joined by 10 of their colleagues in urging PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM), the grid operator responsible for coordinating electricity transmission in the region, to take steps to protect the reliable supply of electricity and prevent skyrocketing costs for consumers amid rapid growth in data center energy demand. In their letter to PJM Board of Managers Chair David Mills, they expressed serious concerns over PJM’s handling of mounting affordability and reliability challenges, pointing out that data centers have already resulted in over $16 billion in additional capacity costs to consumers in the past two years – with total capacity costs alone potentially reaching $163 billion by 2033 if new energy capacity is not added to the grid fast enough to meet soaring demand. They also criticized PJM for favoring corporate interests over consumers by weakening a proposed reform that would have required large energy users such as data centers to limit their usage during capacity shortages, which threatens to worsen existing electricity affordability and reliability issues. The lawmakers urged the grid operator to put forward strong protections and implement reforms that prevent customers from bearing the costs of increasing data center energy consumption. Joining Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Beyer on this letter are Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.); and U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Sarah McBride (D-Del.), and Dwight Evans (D-Pa.). “We write as Members of Congress representing tens of millions of Americans in states within the PJM Interconnection (PJM) territory to express our concern with PJM’s proposed approach to managing rapidly increasing energy demand and skyrocketing electricity costs for our constituents. The projected increase in energy demand within PJM in the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-rsf-agreement-to-humanitarian-truce-in-sudan Van Hollen Statement on RSF Agreement to Humanitarian Truce in Sudan 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreement to a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan: “For more than two years, death and destruction have torn apart Sudan, largely fueled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been armed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Amidst a surge in violence in the last few weeks, today I was preparing to call on the Senate to pass my Stand Up for Sudan Act, legislation to pause arms sales to the UAE until it ceases supplying weapons to the RSF. With the RSF’s agreement to a humanitarian truce today, I will instead continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground in Sudan. While their agreement to a ceasefire is welcome news, it remains to be seen whether the RSF is truly willing to halt its attacks on the people of Sudan, and the Sudanese Armed Forces have yet to agree to this proposal. The United States must continue to use all its leverage to end this war and stop the heinous violence that has devastated the people of Sudan.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-warner-colleagues-act-to-bar-mass-layoffs-during-government-shutdown Van Hollen, Warner, Colleagues Act to Bar Mass Layoffs During Government Shutdown 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) in introducing the Securing Assurance for Federal Employees (SAFE) Act, legislation to explicitly prohibit the federal government from carrying out reductions in force (RIFs) during a lapse in appropriations. The bill would also reverse RIF actions taken during the current government shutdown. The SAFE Act comes in response to recent efforts by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to initiate thousands of RIFs during the ongoing shutdown – an unprecedented step that a federal judge has already said appears “politically motivated,” illegal, and “arbitrary and capricious.” More than 4,000 federal employees have received RIF notices since early October. While the court has temporarily blocked these actions, the threat remains for many other federal employees serving the American public without pay during this shutdown. Current law does not permit agencies to conduct RIFs during a lapse in appropriations. This bill reaffirms and makes explicit Congress’s intent that no administration may use a shutdown as a pretext to initiate layoffs. The SAFE Act makes clear that such actions have no legal force and ensures federal workers cannot be targeted for job cuts during a funding lapse. “Donald Trump and Russ Vought have been deliberately inflicting trauma on our patriotic civil servants since day one, jeopardizing the important work they do on behalf of the American people. This legislation will stop this Administration from weaponizing their shameful shutdown to further their lawless agenda while playing politics with the lives and livelihoods of civil servants and the vital services they provide,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Our civil servants take an oath to serve the American people, not a political party or a president. Weaponizing a shutdown to push out career professionals is not onl… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-press-for-update-on-states-army-corps-infrastructure-projects-following-administrations-threat-to-withhold-funding Maryland Delegation Members Press for Update on State’s Army Corps Infrastructure Projects Following Administration’s Threat to Withhold Funding 2025-11-04 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) pressed the Trump Administration for answers regarding the status of infrastructure projects in Maryland led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers following Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought’s announcement via social media that Army Corps projects in several states, including Maryland, would be paused and potentially canceled. Despite Vought saying in the same post that more information would come from the Army Corps, the lawmakers have yet to receive any further details. Writing to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, they stressed that the Army Corps’ projects in Maryland – which are carried out by funding authorized by Congress – are essential to the safety of Maryland’s coastal communities and the strength of our economy. They pointedly asked which projects have been impacted and how much funding is being withheld. “We are writing today to request detailed information on the recent announcement by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought that President Trump plans to pause or cancel $11 billion in previously appropriated funding for Army Corps of Engineers projects across the country. As you know, these funds were provided by Congress with bipartisan support and communities in our state and across the country depend on these infrastructure investments to fortify coastal communities, keep our ports competitive, and prevent flooding,” the lawmakers began. Outlining the importance of the Army Corps’ work in Maryland, they wrote, “In Maryland, we have wastewater infrastructure projects addressing needs in Western Maryland, flood risk management projects on our coasts, and navigation projects essential to the functioning of the Port of Baltimore and interstate commerce along the entire East Coast. “We respectfully request that you immediate… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-warren-colleagues-press-for-transparency-on-secretive-ice-air-operations-raise-human-rights-concerns-over-reports-of-improper-treatment-of-detainees Van Hollen, Warren, Colleagues Press for Transparency on Secretive ICE Air Operations, Raise Human Rights Concerns Over Reports of Improper Treatment of Detainees 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) were joined by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in pressing the Trump Administration for answers regarding its use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Air Operations (IAO) as part of its mass deportation agenda. In their letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, the Senators raised concerns with the “near-total secrecy” under which IAO operates in light of a series of troubling immigration enforcement actions that this Administration has taken – pointing to examples and credible reports of violations of detainees’ rights and inhumane treatment while in ICE custody. They pressed Secretary Noem and acting Director Lyons for responses to a series of questions in the interest of providing much-needed transparency for Congress and the American public on these issues, including around the costs of operations, treatment of deportees, fleet and operations, carriers and contracting, flight data and destinations, and voluntary returns. “We write to express our concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Air Operations’ (IAO) severe lack of transparency. IAO has been at the center of troubling actions ICE has taken under this administration but provides no public data on its operations,” the Senators began. “IAO has been centrally involved in facilitating several concerning immigration enforcement actions under the second Trump Administration,” they wrote, pointing to the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the relocation of university student Rumeysa Ozturk before a judge could rule on her case, and the attempted deportation of unaccompanied minors to Guatemala without due process. “These cases paint a troubling picture of IAO attempting to shortcut due proce… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-unprecedented-partisan-committee-action-on-fbi-headquarters Van Hollen Statement on Unprecedented, Partisan Committee Action on FBI Headquarters 2025-10-29 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Republicans’ decision to override years of precedent and approve a wholly partisan prospectus for the relocation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters without the support of the Democratic members of the Committee. “After a decades-long thorough, transparent, and competitive selection process, Greenbelt, Md. was chosen as the site of the new FBI Headquarters based on its ability to meet the mission requirements of the men and women of the Bureau – including their security needs. Yet today, after the Trump Administration has presented minimal planning and provided zero transparency, Republican members of the Environment and Public Works Committee approved on a party-line basis a prospectus with few details, no completed security plan, and an incomplete cost assessment for a new FBI Headquarters located in DC. “The prospectus passed by Republicans today fails to address the glaring security issues presented by a headquarters located in the Ronald Reagan building on Pennsylvania Avenue. This is underscored by the prospectus’ failure to even mention Level 5 security requirements – requirements that were developed following the 9/11 attacks on our nation and were included in prior Congressional directives. “In taking this unprecedented step to overrule the Committee’s minority in this decision, Republicans are undermining the mission and safety of the men and women of the FBI and also setting a dangerous precedent for future Committee decisions. They have become rubber stamps for a lawless president. They should be ashamed.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-beyer-walkinshaw-over-60-lawmakers-press-administration-to-reinstate-furloughed-federal-workers-at-agencies-unaffected-by-republican-shutdown-resume-their-pay Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Beyer, Walkinshaw, Over 60 Lawmakers Press Administration to Reinstate Furloughed Federal Workers at Agencies Unaffected by Republican Shutdown, Resume Their Pay 2025-10-24 2025 2025-10 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 Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer and James Walkinshaw (both D-Va.) were joined by more than 60 of their colleagues in the Senate and House urging the Trump Administration to immediately reinstate any furloughed employees of agencies funded entirely by collected user fees and to resume their paychecks. In their letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers pointed out that fee-funded agencies are unaffected by the lapse in appropriations caused by this Republican-driven shutdown, and that they should continue to deliver services to the American people uninterrupted as they have during past shutdowns. The members stressed that OMB’s directive to temporarily lay off and withhold pay from federal workers whose agencies continue to bring in revenue is unjustified and unnecessarily punitive – and must be reversed. “We are deeply concerned by reports of federal employees whose jobs are fee-funded being furloughed or denied pay while working during the current government shutdown at the direction of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These moves are unprecedented during a government shutdown and have no legal or financial justification. They are clearly designed simply to inflict pain on the federal workforce and to deprive the American people of the services these federal employees provide,” the lawmakers began. For example, they took issue with furloughs and withholding of paychecks of employees at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, noting that the Bureau is funded through fees collected for visa and passport processing. “There is no legal or financial reason to deny compensation to these employees as the money necessary to pay them is still being collected for services that are still being rendered,” they wrote. “Passport Services did not suffer any disruption to its operations or payroll during either of the government shutdowns during President Trump’s first term. The only … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-leads-bill-to-pay-all-federal-employees-servicemembers-and-contractors-during-shutdown-on-senate-floor Van Hollen Leads Bill to Pay All Federal Employees, Servicemembers, & Contractors During Shutdown on Senate Floor 2025-10-24 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Yesterday, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) spoke on the Senate Floor and called for unanimous consent to pass his legislation to pay all federal employees – both those excepted and furloughed – as well as our servicemembers and federal contractors during the current Republican-led shutdown. The Senators’ bill, the True Shutdown Fairness Act, would also prevent the Administration’s attempts at mass firings (Reductions in Force or RIFs) while the government is shut down. The True Shutdown Fairness Act is cosponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). Video of Senator Van Hollen’s remarks can be viewed here, and a transcript is below: SENATOR CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D-Md.): I want to thank my colleague from Virginia, Senator Warner, and other colleagues who are joining together to support the proposal that we are putting forward today. But I think we should all say that the best way to make sure that federal employees, all federal employees, get paid and that the American people get the benefit of their services is to reopen the federal government and do it now. Which is why I and my Democratic colleagues have voted seven times now, seven times now, to reopen the government without giving Donald Trump a blank check and while making sure that we prevent a health care crisis in this country when people's health care premiums and costs go through … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-administrations-intent-to-send-kilmar-abrego-garcia-to-liberia Van Hollen Statement on Administration’s Intent to Send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia 2025-10-24 2025 2025-10 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 reports that the Trump Administration intends to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia: “The Trump Administration has been desperately shopping for faraway countries they can ship Kilmar Abrego Garcia to in order to deny his constitutional due process right to defend himself against the charges they have brought. Clearly, Trump’s cronies want to avoid answering for the claim that they are engaged in a vindictive prosecution against Abrego Garcia, after a federal judge concluded earlier this month that his prosecution ‘may stem from retaliation by the DOJ and DHS due to Abrego’s successful challenge of his unlawful deportation in Maryland.’ Kilmar must be allowed his day in court to fight for his rights.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-call-out-trump-administrations-dismantling-of-education-offices-responsible-for-supporting-people-with-disabilities Van Hollen, Colleagues Call out Trump Administration’s Dismantling of Education Offices Responsible for Supporting People with Disabilities 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 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 colleagues called out the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle U.S. special education with its decision to illegally fire the Department of Education workers who provide education services and resources for people with disabilities and their families. In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the Senators stressed that firing nearly all of the employees of the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) – in addition to their earlier moves to cancel dozens of special education grants – will leave the Administration unable to meet its legal obligation to ensure access to a quality education for people with disabilities. The Senators press Secretary McMahon and Director Vought to provide answers to critical outstanding questions around these issues. Senator Van Hollen was joined in sending the letter by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) “We write today with outrage at your reported decision to fire nearly everyone at the Department of Education (the Department) dedicated to delivering services and resources to infants, toddlers, children, youth, and adults with disabilities. A federal judge has paused all of the illegal reductions-in-force issued during the government shutdown, noting that they appear to be ‘the epitome of hasty, arbitrary, and capricious decision-making.’ We call on you to immediately end your illegal effort to fire these workers and ensure the offices are restored so that the staff can effectively implement statutorily required responsibilities assigned to the Secretary of Education,” th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-pay-all-federal-employees-servicemembers-and-contractors-during-shutdown Van Hollen, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Pay All Federal Employees, Servicemembers, & Contractors During Shutdown 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 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.) led over 20 Senators in introducing legislation to pay all federal employees – both those excepted and furloughed – as well as our servicemembers and federal contractors during the current Republican-led shutdown. The Senators’ legislation, the True Shutdown Fairness Act, would also prevent the Administration’s attempts at mass firings (Reductions in Force or RIFs) while the government is shut down. Senator Van Hollen will be calling for a vote on the legislation today. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). The Senators’ legislation is endorsed by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Partnership for Public Service, and The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). “No federal worker or servicemember should be punished for this shutdown that was brought on through no fault of their own. Republicans are hell-bent on letting Trump pick winners and losers here, but every federal worker, servicemember, and federal contractor deserves to get paid. Our legislation would ensure just that, and i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-secures-foreign-relations-committee-passage-of-taiwan-international-solidarity-act-key-critical-minerals-provisions Van Hollen Secures Foreign Relations Committee Passage of Taiwan International Solidarity Act, Key Critical Minerals Provisions 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 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.) secured Senate Foreign Relations Committee passage of his bipartisan Taiwan International Solidarity Act and of key provisions he authored within the Critical Minerals Partnership Act. Senator Van Hollen introduced the Taiwan International Solidary Act in July with Senator John Curtis (R-Utah). Companion legislation was introduced in the House by former Representative Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.), where it passed in May. The lawmakers’ bill supports Taiwan’s ability to participate in international organizations as China continues working to curtail Taiwan’s influence in global affairs. In addition to the passage of this bill, Senator Van Hollen worked to include key provisions he authored within the Committee’s Critical Minerals Partnership Act, legislation led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and John Curtis and passed by the Committee today to bolster our critical mineral supply chains. Critical minerals play a central role in American innovation and national security, and the Senator’s provisions would: Create a report on priority critical minerals which includes assessments of their importance to national security, cases where their supplies are highly concentrated in or controlled by one country, and existing global initiatives and institutions focused on critical mineral issues Require the development of a diplomatic strategy for securing the supply chains of a diverse set of critical minerals Establish a mechanism to support US private sector critical mineral projects abroad “As a thriving democracy with a strong economy, Taiwan brings an important perspective to global affairs. But the People’s Republic of China is working to prevent Taiwan from participating in the international forums where key global issues are discussed. Our bipartisan bill uses American leverage to counter Beijing’s efforts to silence Taiwan on the world stage and ensure it can play a robust role in shaping international affairs. Today’s Committee passage of our … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-merkley-castor-frost-lead-colleagues-in-pressing-trump-administration-on-detention-of-16-year-old-us-citizen-by-israel Van Hollen, Merkley, Castor, Frost Lead Colleagues in Pressing Trump Administration on Detention of 16-year-old U.S. Citizen by Israel 2025-10-22 2025 2025-10 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.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) are leading 13 Senators and 10 House members in pressing the Trump Administration on the detention of Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim, a 16-year-old American citizen who has been held in Israel’s custody since February 16, 2025. The lawmakers begin, “We write with grave concern regarding the detention without trial of Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim. Mohammed is a U.S. citizen from Florida who was reportedly blindfolded, handcuffed, and arrested on February 16th, 2025 when Israeli forces reportedly entered his family home in al-Mazra'a ash-Sharqiya at 3 a.m. He was detained when he was 15 years old and turned 16 in prison. He has been accused of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers, but no evidence has been publicly provided to support this allegation.” They continue, “While U.S. embassy officials have been able to conduct visits, Mohammed has been denied all other contact with the outside world and his family has not been able to contact him since his detention. Senators Van Hollen and Merkley met with Mohammed’s family in the West Bank, and Rep. Castor, Rep. Frost, and other members also met with his family separately. His family has received updates from U.S. embassy staff and former detainees who described his alarming weight loss, deteriorating health, and signs of torture as his court hearings continue to be routinely postponed. His family reports that Mohammed has lost nearly a quarter of his body weight and contracted scabies after being detained in Megiddo Prison and now in Ofer Prison.” “We are concerned about reports of the mistreatment of Palestinians in Israeli detention facilities and prisons, including both of the prisons that have held Mohammed. The mistreatment of Palestinians in Israeli prisons was recently corroborated in Israel’s September 7th Supreme Court ruling, which stated the Israeli government has deprived Palestinian detainees of even a minimum subsistence diet and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-statement-on-administrations-lawless-mass-firings Maryland Delegation Members Statement on Administration’s Lawless Mass Firings 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 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 Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) released the following statement on the reports that the Trump Administration has initiated mass firings of federal workers amid their government shutdown: “The Trump Administration is not only maliciously attacking our patriotic federal employees, but also the vital public services they provide to the American people. Republicans have been weaponizing the Office of Management and Budget to illegally fire federal workers since day one, and now they’re using this shutdown of their own making to inflict even more trauma on the nonpartisan civil servants who have nothing to do with it. Working Americans will ultimately bear the brunt of these actions. We stand in solidarity with those fighting these illegal actions in the courts. It’s critical that we protect our dedicated civil servants and the vital work they do for us while we continue pushing Republicans to reopen the federal government with a responsible funding agreement that stops this lawlessness and prevents a major rise in health care costs for millions of Americans.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-colleagues-take-action-to-protect-federal-workers-financial-health-as-shutdown-threatens-economic-hardship Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Colleagues Take Action to Protect Federal Workers’ Financial Health as Shutdown Threatens Economic Hardship 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 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 Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) were joined by several of their colleagues to introduce the Shutdown Guidance for Financial Institutions Act, legislation to require federal financial industry regulators to issue guidance encouraging financial institutions to work with federal employees and small businesses impacted by a government shutdown – including offering flexible financial arrangements to prevent them from facing additional financial hardship brought on by penalties for late payments, overdraft fees, and credit damage. The Senators also today sent a letter, co-led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), to the heads of the federal financial regulatory agencies calling on them to immediately issue such guidance as federal workers, contractors, and small businesses face the prospect of struggling to make ends meet due to a crisis that was not of their doing. In the letter that Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and Congressman Mfume sent today with 21 of their colleagues, the lawmakers called on the federal financial regulators to immediately take the steps that would be required under the legislation, noting that similar actions were taken during past shutdowns and financial institutions need clear regulatory assurance to act swiftly. The letter was sent to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Acting Chair Travis Hill, Federal Reserve System Vice Chair Michelle Bowman, Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, National Credit Union Administration Chair Kyle Hauptman, Russell Vought in his capacity as acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and Conference of State Bank Supervisors Chair Tony Salazar. “No federal workers or contractors deserve to face economic ruin because of a shameful Republican shutdown that they have nothing to do with. That’s why we’re pushing to ensure that they have ways to safeguard their financial futures while we work to reopen the government. And we will keep fighting f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-ceasefire-deal Van Hollen Statement on Ceasefire Deal 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas: “This is the first hopeful moment in a long time. At last, we have an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all the hostages, and a surge of desperately needed aid to the people of Gaza. Pressure from the U.S. and others has always been necessary to reach this moment— something that could have been achieved much earlier and prevented the staggering loss of civilian life, starvation, and devastation in Gaza. U.S. leadership will be essential to enforce this plan and convert this moment into real progress toward lasting peace – which can only be achieved by sidelining the extremists on all sides and committing to security, dignity, human rights, and justice for all.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-national-defense-bill-vote Van Hollen Statement on National Defense Bill Vote 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 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 his vote against the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “Every year, the national defense bill offers us an opportunity to re-evaluate our investments in our national security to ensure we stay ahead of the emerging threats we face around the world. As the home to important military installations and tens of thousands of military personnel and civilian defense workers, Maryland plays an important role in these missions. That is why I worked to support our state’s installations along with the servicemembers who power them, our veterans, and their families within this legislation. “However, given the Trump Administration’s consistent actions to undermine the rule of law and use the U.S. military to advance Trump’s authoritarian actions, I could not support this year’s legislation. From missile strikes on boats in international waters that lack Congressional authorization, to the deployment of the National Guard to American cities for domestic law enforcement against the wishes of state and local leaders, it’s clear this Administration no longer respects our laws, including those around the use of the U.S. military. “I offered an amendment to block the President from deploying the National Guard to a state or the District of Columbia if that state’s governor, or the D.C. Mayor, objects – but Republicans once again acted as rubber stamps for this lawless President, and rejected it. “Taken together, these abuses of power reveal a lawless Administration that is misusing defense spending. These concerns only further my existing reservations around the continued growth in defense spending. That is why I voted against this legislation, a decision I do not make lightly. But we cannot and should not authorize almost a trillion dollars in defense spending for an Administration that is currently abusing its power and using the military to police American streets. “We deploy a strong military to protect our democracy … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-urge-major-utility-companies-against-imposing-penalties-service-shutoffs-on-federal-workers-amid-shutdown Van Hollen, Colleagues Urge Major Utility Companies Against Imposing Penalties, Service Shutoffs on Federal Workers Amid Shutdown 2025-10-08 2025 2025-10 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.) was joined by eight colleagues in sending letters to 22 major energy, water, and broadband utility companies urging them to avoid imposing service shutoffs and other penalties for late or missed payments on federal government employees who are not receiving pay during the government shutdown. While noting that many states have laws that protect residents facing economic challenges from utility disconnections, they called on the companies to extend these protections to federal employees nationwide – to prevent them from facing additional financial hardship or dangerous conditions in their homes amid a government shutdown caused through no fault of their own. They also point out that affected workers will receive back pay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, legislation led by Senator Van Hollen and signed into law by President Trump in 2019 – thus allowing any suspended payments to ultimately be repaid. Joining Senator Van Hollen on this letter are Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). “We write to urge you to suspend all utility shutoffs imposed on federal workers who are involuntarily furloughed without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown. Without their paycheck, federal workers are at risk of having their electricity, water, and broadband services terminated due to temporary inability to pay. The families you serve must have uninterrupted access to these essential public utilities,” the Senators began. “A prolonged shutdown could make federal workers temporarily unable to pay their utility bills, they continued. “If a federal worker faces a utility shutoff, they are more likely to be exposed to dangerous conditions in their home due to a lack of safe temperature, drinking water, or broadband connectivity. “Suspending utility shutoffs for federal workers during a government shutd… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-reports-of-white-house-efforts-to-claw-back-federal-employee-pay Van Hollen Statement on Reports of White House Efforts to Claw Back Federal Employee Pay 2025-10-07 2025 2025-10 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 reporting that the White House and the Office of Management and Budget are attempting to violate the law and claw back federal employees’ pay for the period of the government shutdown. Senator Van Hollen worked alongside Senator Cardin in 2018 to pass the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act – which was signed into law by President Trump in 2019 – to ensure federal employees would automatically receive backpay for “any lapse in appropriations that begins on or after December 22, 2018.” “The law is the law. After the uncertainty federal employees faced in the 2019 Trump Shameful Shutdown, Senator Cardin and I worked to ensure federal employees would receive guaranteed back pay for any future shutdowns. That legislation was signed into law – and there is nothing this Administration can do to change that.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/amid-government-shutdown-van-hollen-alsobrooks-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-provide-back-pay-for-federal-contract-workers-including-food-service-and-custodial-staff Amid Government Shutdown, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Provide Back Pay for Federal Contract Workers, Including Food Service and Custodial Staff 2025-10-03 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Amid the Republican-driven federal government shutdown, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) joined Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) in introducing legislation to secure back pay for the thousands of federal contract workers who face furloughs and missed paychecks when the federal government is shut down. Unlike federal employees, the thousands of federal contract workers—including janitorial, food, and security services workers—have no assurances that they will receive back pay to make up for their loss of hours and pay during a shutdown. The?Fair Pay for?Federal Contractors Act?would ensure federal contract workers, including low-wage service workers providing security, food and janitorial services, are fairly compensated for the wages and benefits lost due to a lapse in appropriations, also known as a government shutdown.?It is estimated that more than 327,000 federal contractors make under $15/per hour. “From cafeteria workers and maintenance staff to security and construction workers, federal contractor employees do essential jobs for our government. These employees do not deserve to lose their paychecks due to a political dispute they had nothing to do with. That’s why we’re fighting to ensure that these hardworking people be made whole after this Republican-driven shutdown ends,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This Administration's witch hunt against our patriotic civil servants continues. Republicans control the White House, Senate, and House. They shut down of the government because of their own incompetence – they haven’t brought down grocery costs, they haven’t brought down housing costs, they haven’t brought down health insurance costs. It’s an absolute disgrace. This Republican shutdown hurts our federal workers – my constituents – all of whom this Administration has cruelly targeted. This Republican shutdown also hurts the contractors in Maryland and across the country that help provide critical services for Americans. And most of al… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-call-for-end-to-republican-government-shutdown Maryland Delegation Members Call for End to Republican Government Shutdown 2025-10-02 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Yesterday, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, and Sarah Elfreth (all D-Md.) called on Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans to end their government shutdown. The lawmakers stood in solidarity with federal workers and pressed for a bipartisan agreement to reopen the federal government. Video of the lawmakers’ press conference is available here. “Trump and Republicans have driven the nation into a partisan government shutdown and are holding the American people and our federal employees hostage. Team Maryland will continue to stand with our dedicated federal civil servants and fight to restore government funding with a responsible agreement that holds the President accountable to the law and prevents massive spikes in Americans’ health care costs,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Republicans have the keys to the kingdom. They control the White House, and they have majorities in the Senate and House. Today was the first day of their shutdown, and already, we’re hearing from Marylanders who are hurting. The same Marylanders who have been hurting for nine months. This Administration’s cruelty, combined with their incompetence, has wrecked our economy, gutted our federal workforce, and soon, will drive up our health insurance costs. It’s shameful. We will keep fighting back to reopen the government and defend the middle class,” said Senator Alsobrooks. "For more than eight months, Donald Trump and his Majority in Congress have tried to stop the federal government from functioning for the American people. It is no surprise that Republicans have shut down the government to allow Trump and his administration to continue decimating the federal workforce, disrupting the vital services our government provides, and gutting health care coverage for millions of Americans, many of whom are Marylanders in the Fifth Congressional District and beyond," Congressman Hoyer said. "My colleagues in the Maryland Delegation and I will not sit silently as… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-release-statement-on-administrations-partisan-move-to-cancel-funding-for-maryland-energy-and-infrastructure-projects Maryland Delegation Members Release Statement on Administration’s Partisan Move to Cancel Funding for Maryland Energy and Infrastructure Projects 2025-10-02 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today members of the Maryland Congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.)released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) partisan move to cancel federal funding for infrastructure and energy projects across Maryland: “In a grossly partisan – and likely illegal – act, OMB Director Russell Vought and the Trump Administration have cancelled 12 projects totaling nearly $88 million across Maryland as well as other projects totaling $8 billion nationwide. Terminating these lawfully approved projects will raise energy prices for Maryland families, threaten good-paying American infrastructure jobs, and prevent local energy companies from enhancing grid flexibility and improving the resilience of the power system against extreme weather. Once again, the Trump Administration is telling American families and businesses: You’re on your own. “At a time when Marylanders are facing rising financial strain across the board, the Trump Administration is using the Republican-led government shutdown to further raise energy costs and hurt the security and resilience of our power grid. “Team Maryland will continue fighting back against the Trump Administration’s attempts to politicize this Republican shutdown and hurt Maryland families in the process. We are working to maintain these investments and lower energy costs for working families across our state. We will continue pushing Republicans to responsibly fund the government and end this shameful shutdown.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/transcript-van-hollen-joins-federal-workers-in-calling-for-trump-to-be-held-accountable-in-government-funding-bill TRANSCRIPT: Van Hollen Joins Federal Workers in Calling for Trump to be Held Accountable in Government Funding Bill 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Last night, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined current and former federal workers at a press conference calling for a government funding agreement with meaningful guardrails to stop the Trump Administration’s lawlessness. Video of the Senator’s remarks is available here and a transcript is available below: I want to start by thanking you and all these amazing, dedicated federal employees. Let's give it up for all the federal employees here. These are true patriots. These are the people who deliver important services to the American people every day. They're the people who care for our veterans. They're the people who help develop treatments and cures to diseases. They're the people who help keep our food supply safe. They're the people who respond in cases of national emergency. The list goes on and on. So, thank all of you for what you do for the American people. And thank you for being here to express your views – because as much as they like to do the work of the American people, they recognize that the people who will lose the most in a government shutdown are people all over America who are going to lose the benefit of their good work. I just met, last week, with a man from Atlanta, Georgia, who had been part of one of the clinical trials that had been disrupted. And for a little while, his life was put at risk. He was able to get back in, but he told me the story of a woman who had been part of his clinical trial who – while it was being disrupted because of actions of the Trump Administration – developed complications that disqualified her from continuing to be in that clinical trial on cancer. She's in hospice right now. So, what the Trump Administration has been doing to date has real consequences. They have disregarded and disrespected and gone after hardworking federal employees, and they've done it from day one. Elon Musk said he was going to take a chainsaw to important federal services. He went after federal employees at the Social Security Administration, Medicare, NIH, Department of… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-mfume-announce-28-million-to-support-baltimore-city-parks-and-trails Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Mfume Announce $2.8 Million to Support Baltimore City Parks and Trails 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 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 Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $2,875,000 in federal funding to expand access to parks and trails in Baltimore City. Baltimore City will receive $1,500,000 to build an ADA-accessible shared-use shoreline trail and picnic overlook in Reedbird Park in South Baltimore. The trail will connect residents to the adjacent Middle Branch Park and at the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center. The City is also receiving $1,375,000 to create a contiguous park in East Baltimore from Johnston Square to Broadway East along Hoffman and Ellsworth Streets. “Access to public parks and trails makes our communities stronger and healthier. Through the Great American Outdoors Act, we are continuing to invest in our local parks, connect neighborhoods, and provide more opportunities for Baltimoreans to enjoy all the City has to offer,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Investing in accessibility, recreation, and beauty in Baltimore City makes our entire state stronger. I am proud to join Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Mfume in announcing over $2.8 million in federal funding focused on expanding access to parks and trails. I am fighting in Congress to make sure Maryland families have recreation spaces everyone can enjoy," said Senator Alsobrooks. “Every resident of Baltimore City, deserves access to parks, trails, and other green spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive,” said Congressman Mfume. “These federal funds will make it even more possible for children to play, organizations to gather, and residents to enjoy the great outdoors in South and East Baltimore.” “We want all Baltimoreans to have access to safe, beautiful outdoor spaces—especially in areas like South Baltimore, which have suffered from disinvestment for decades,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Together, we’re making sure these residents are among the first to benefit from projects like this one, which expands accessibility in Reedbird Park. I’m grateful to our federal delegat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-urge-administration-to-preserve-historical-accuracy-at-harpers-ferry-national-park Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Urge Administration to Preserve Historical Accuracy at Harpers Ferry National Park 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 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 Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) urged the U.S. Department of the Interior to reverse any plans to whitewash American history at Harpers Ferry National Park. In their letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the lawmakers expressed serious concerns about reports that the Department directed signs to be removed or covered at Harpers Ferry in response to President Trump’s March 27 executive order demanding that federal museums, parks, and other historical sites minimize or remove references to slavery and other dark chapters in American history. “We are writing to express serious concern about reports that signs within Harpers Ferry National Historic Park will be removed or altered to comply with President Trump’s executive order to whitewash American history. We must face, seek to understand, and learn from our nation’s history in order to continue our pursuit of a more perfect union. Hiding key information about our nation’s history insults the memory of those who lived it and those who fought to uphold our American ideals,” the Senators began. “On September 15, it was reported that Interior Department officials have ordered the removal or covering up of more than 30 signs at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park,” they continued. “The signs reportedly include references to racial discrimination and racial animus toward formerly enslaved people. The National Park Service (NPS) has a record of providing Americans with unbiased information about American heritage, culture, and land. This decision to censor narratives about the darker side of American history—the ramifications of which are still felt today—contradicts NPS’s core mission to preserve historic places and accurately tell the story of American history and heritage.” The Senators concluded, “We urge you to immediately reverse course on any and all efforts to erase important components of American history and maintain the factual historic information included at Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park and all… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-senate-republicans-just-voted-to-shut-down-the-government Van Hollen: “Senate Republicans Just Voted to Shut Down the Government” 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 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 video on Republicans’ vote to shut down the government: A transcript of the video follows: “Senate Republicans just voted to shut down the government. They voted against our proposal to keep the government open without giving Donald Trump a blank check for his lawless activity, and our proposal, which would prevent huge spikes in health care costs for Americans. Because when Republicans passed their so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ – which was beautiful if you're a billionaire but really stunk if you're anyone else – they made big cuts in Medicaid, and they did not turn off this ticking time bomb that's going to explode on people's health care and increase costs ultimately for everybody in America. “So what they did in their ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ was they extended tax credits for the richest in America – for Elon Musk and other people across the country. The tax benefit they did not extend was for working Americans to help them better afford their health care. That's a tax benefit that they're letting die. We want to turn off that ticking time bomb. So we’re saying to Donald Trump, ‘let’s keep the government open, but you don’t get a blank check for your lawless activity.’ “I mean, think about what he's been doing since he was sworn in. He has actually been shutting down parts of the government every day. He brought in Elon Musk. They took a chainsaw to important government services. So they've been shutting down the parts of the government they don't like and simply funding the parts they do like. “That is a lawless president, and I'm not signing up for that. So, we want to keep the government open. We're not going to give Donald Trump a blank check. And we want to focus on what he claimed he was going to focus on, which was bringing down prices – including bringing down the price of health care and certainly preventing this big spike in health care costs that we're going to see very shortly if we don't do something about it.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-press-administration-for-answers-on-cancellation-of-federal-employee-survey-essential-for-government-oversight Van Hollen, Colleagues Press Administration for Answers on Cancellation of Federal Employee Survey Essential for Government Oversight 2025-09-29 2025 2025-09 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.), along with Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Representative James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), a member of the House Oversight Committee, led 17 of their colleagues in pressing the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for answers on its cancellation of the 2025 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS), an important tool for understanding and improving the federal workforce. In their letter to OPM Director Scott Kupor, the lawmakers expressed concerns that the FEVS is being cancelled with no alternative method in place for federal agencies to meet their legal obligation to survey employees and that the loss of the data typically collected by the FEVS will result in less government efficiency and transparency. Senator Van Hollen, Senator Peters, and Representative Walkinshaw were joined on this letter by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.), as well as Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), and Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.). “We write to express our deep concern regarding the recent announcement to cancel the 2025 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS). As you know, the FEVS is a critically important tool for understanding and improving the federal workforce, which assists agencies in meeting a legal requirement to survey their employees and supports Congress in our work to oversee executive branch activities,” the Members began. “This year’s absence of FEVS means OPM will not collect or release governmentwide data on how federal employees currently view their jobs, supervisors, and organizational culture. This loss of transparency is troubling. The data not only aids i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-alsobrooks-elfreth-in-introducing-legislation-to-help-federal-workers-during-shutdowns Van Hollen Joins Alsobrooks, Elfreth in Introducing Legislation to Help Federal Workers During Shutdowns 2025-09-29 2025 2025-09 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 Chirs Van Hollen joined Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (all D-Md.) in introducing the Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns (Help FEDS) Act. The bill ensures federal employees who are required to work during a government shutdown are eligible to apply for unemployment insurance (UI). “Our patriotic, merit-based civil servants work on behalf of the American people every day, delivering essential public services for our country. They should not have to bear the brunt of a political dispute they have nothing to do with, which is why we are fighting to provide them with an economic lifeline should Republicans force a government shutdown,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “President Trump, Elon Musk, and Russ Vought have shown us very clearly over the last 9 months that they do not care about our civil servants – the patriotic men and women that work on behalf of the American people under Democratic and Republican presidents alike. I will fight with all that I have to ensure our civil servants continue to be paid even if Republicans shut down the government because of their own incompetence,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “Government funding runs out in less than 32 hours, and over half of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. If Congress can’t avert a shutdown, that doesn’t mean our constituents should have to suffer. The Help Federal Workers During Shutdowns Act is a small but meaningful fix to allow essential federal workers to be eligible for unemployment insurance during shutdowns,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “If we are asking these essential employees to go without pay and to keep providing their lifesaving services to the American people, the least we can do is provide them with some temporary financial support during these uncertain times.” When there is a government shutdown, federal employees who are deemed “excepted” or “essential” are required to work without pay. The President and OMB Director have wide discretion over how many federal employees m… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-markey-lujan-welch-meng-condemn-fcc-effort-this-week-to-strip-internet-access-from-students Van Hollen, Markey, Luján, Welch, Meng Condemn FCC Effort This Week to Strip Internet Access from Students 2025-09-29 2025 2025-09 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 Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Grace Meng (NY-6) in leading 47 of their colleagues in a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, decrying the FCC’s effort to roll back two decisions helping students and educators connect to the internet. On Tuesday, the FCC is scheduled to vote on two items: (1) Repeal of a rule allowing libraries and schools to use E-Rate funds to provide Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators, and (2) Reversal of the decision allowing E-Rate funds to support Wi-Fi on school buses. In an unusual move, Carr abruptly added these two items to the FCC’s meeting agenda last week, instead of giving the public the traditional three weeks’ notice ahead of Commission votes at an open meeting. In the letter, the lawmakers write, “We write in strong opposition to the items you have circulated at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to repeal the rule allowing libraries and schools to provide Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators and reverse the decision allowing E-Rate funds to support Wi-Fi on school buses. Rolling back the E-Rate hotspot and school bus decisions would undercut some of the most effective tools for addressing inequities in home connectivity and would reverse progress in closing the ‘Homework Gap.’ For millions of students, especially those from low-income households, internet access outside of school walls is not a luxury but a prerequisite for academic success. We urge the Commission to preserve the E-Rate hotspot program and Wi-Fi on buses to ensure that low-income students are not left behind.” The lawmakers continue, “As you know, the FCC typically announces items to be voted on at an open meeting three weeks before the meeting date, including releasing a draft of the proposed items. The public then has two weeks to discuss the proposal with commissioners and their staff before all advocacy with the Commission must cease … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-schiff-demand-answers-on-the-withholding-of-funds-from-the-national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration-critical-programs-put-in-jeopardy Van Hollen, Schiff Demand Answers on the Withholding of Funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Critical Programs Put in Jeopardy 2025-09-29 2025 2025-09 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 Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) are demanding the Trump administration provide answers on why the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) spending plan is $246 million short of the funds Congress directed. In a letter to Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russell Vought and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, the Senators raise concerns about the environmental and economic harms caused by the withholding of funds. “The NOAA spending plan cuts funding across multiple NOAA line offices, including the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, the National Ocean Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service. These cuts impact research labs, competitive research grants, cooperative institutes, and fisheries management programs,”the Senators wrote. “The administration and OMB must make apportionment decisions within the boundaries of laws enacted by Congress, and we expect you to provide NOAA with its full amount of congressionally appropriated funding. We are concerned that the decision to withhold and redirect funding for NOAA could undermine decades of work to ensure the safety of Americans and the economic security of the nation. This work produces economic and public safety benefits that far outweigh the investments Congress has provided for NOAA’s work,” the Senators concluded. The lawmakers emphasized how NOAA supports a variety of critical services including public safety during extreme weather events; providing accurate weather forecasts; supporting the fishing industry, maritime activities, and economic security; and protecting coastal and marine resources. The withholding or redirecting of funds puts these services in jeopardy. The full text of the letter can be found hereand below. Dear Director Vought and Secretary Lutnick: We write to express deep concern regarding the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-omb-memo Van Hollen Statement on OMB Memo 2025-09-25 2025 2025-09 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.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), released the following statement on the Trump Administration OMB memo: “President Trump is engaged in mafia-style blackmail, with his threats ultimately harming the American people. He is threatening to double down on the failed actions of Elon Musk and his chainsaw — going after patriotic civil servants that provide Americans with critical services — despite having to rehire many of these workers after Americans experienced the negative impact of those cuts. These dedicated workers have nothing to do with the ongoing political and policy disputes that have brought us to the brink of a shutdown. These threats are not only an attack on Americans’ services and benefits, they’re also likely illegal. We’ll be fighting back with every tool we have.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-county-executive-fight-to-keep-beltsville-agricultural-research-center-open Maryland Delegation Members, County Executive Fight to Keep Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Open 2025-09-24 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Monday, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, Jamie Raskin, and April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.), and Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy visited the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) for a tour of the facilities and briefing from officials on its critical work, and underscored their commitment to keeping the center open as the Trump Administration plans to shutter it. Their visit followed the release of the USDA’s reorganization plan, which included a proposal to close the facility and relocate its workforce. Last month, the lawmakers submitted a letter for the USDA’s official comment period on the reorganization plan, warning that the proposal would irreparably undermine U.S. agricultural innovation and harm the countless farmers who depend on BARC’s research. “For over a century, BARC has been this country’s premier agricultural research facility – the source of important scientific breakthroughs that have strengthened American agriculture and helped put food on our tables. We saw firsthand that they need additional resources for critical maintenance – which we are actively working to provide. We also know that the dedicated researchers at BARC are engaged in essential work and studies that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Displacing this crown jewel of agricultural research and sidelining its talented scientists would prevent many future discoveries and block the development of new techniques that our farmers need to succeed. That’s why we will keep fighting to keep BARC open – and keep it in Prince George’s County,” said Senator Van Hollen. “BARC is a world leader in agricultural research, a model of American exceptionalism, and a standard we can’t afford to lose. The Trump Administration's attempt to close BARC is misguided and wrong. Team Maryland remains committed and united in saving BARC,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “BARC has been the leading engine of innovative ag… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-seek-answers-from-tv-broadcasters-after-pulling-kimmels-show Van Hollen, Colleagues Seek Answers from TV Broadcasters After Pulling Kimmel’s Show 2025-09-24 2025 2025-09 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.) has joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in pressing broadcasters Nexstar and Sinclair for answers as to why Jimmy Kimmel was pulled off the air and why they are refusing to broadcast his show to their viewers now that it has returned. On September 17, 2025, following comments made by Jimmy Kimmel, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr threatened that he would consider regulatory repercussions for broadcasters who did not take action against Kimmel’s show. Hours later, ABC, Nexstar, and Sinclair suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live!. ABC later announced that it would return Kimmel’s show to the network, but Nexstar and Sinclair are refusing to air the show on local ABC stations they own. Nexstar’s and Sinclair’s decisions to preempt Kimmel’s show come as both companies have business pending before the Trump administration. Nexstar — the nation’s largest owner of local television stations and owner of dozens of ABC affiliates — needs the FCC’s approval of its attempted mega-merger. Sinclair — the nation’s second-largest broadcaster and largest owner of ABC affiliates — is also waiting on FCC authorization for a broadcast deal, and is planning larger upcoming deals. “If you suspended a late-night comedian’s show in part to seek regulatory favors from the administration, you have not only assisted the administration in eroding First Amendment freedoms but also create the appearance of a possible quid-pro-quo arrangement that could implicate federal anti-corruption laws,” the Senators wrote. Notably, Nexstar’s plan to acquire rival broadcaster Tegna would expand its reach to U.S. households from 39% to an unprecedented 80% nationally. “If Nexstar or Sinclair traded the censorship of a critic of the administration for official acts by the Trump administration, your companies are not only complicit in an alarming trampling of free speech rights but also risk running afoul of anticorruption law,” they continued. Th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-details-objections-to-trump-dojs-spend-plan-rebukes-unlawful-funding-cuts-and-transfers Van Hollen Details Objections to Trump DOJ’s Spend Plan, Rebukes Unlawful Funding Cuts & Transfers 2025-09-24 2025 2025-09 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.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), expressed his strong opposition to a series of unlawful actions that the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken with Congressionally appropriated funding for fiscal year 2025. The Senator’s letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi today followed his initial June 13 letter regarding DOJ’s fiscal year 2025 spend plan and laid out in detail his objections to numerous reprogramming and funding requests that the Department carried out against the intent and without the input of Congress. The letter also highlighted the Senator’s objection to a subsequent DOJ proposal to siphon off $163 million in fiscal year 2025 state and local law enforcement and victims assistance grants for the Department’s pet projects, and make deeper cuts to critical resources intended for police and crime prevention organizations in communities nationwide. The Senator expressed his frustration that the DOJ has ignored Congressional authority and broken the longstanding precedent of seeking input and approval from the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee. Expressing his frustration that DOJ proceeded with funding reprogramming requests without bipartisan Congressional approval, the Senator wrote, “This is not normal. The Committee and the Department had, until this year, maintained a tradition of comity in which controversial spend plan proposals would result in a meaningful discourse between the Department and Congress. Most often, the interested parties would find an agreeable path forward. Instead, this Department has made clear that a notification is simply that—a notice of actions to be taken after 15 days have elapsed, regardless of the law and clear Congressional intent to do otherwise.” “I am disappointed by the deterioration of this relationship. I continue to urge the Department to engage with Congress on these spending plan proposals that seek to fundamentally… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-whitehouse-merkley-probe-exxonmobils-guyana-offshore-oil-contract-and-the-companys-us-tax-liability Van Hollen, Whitehouse, Merkley Probe ExxonMobil’s Guyana Offshore Oil Contract and the Company’s U.S. Tax Liability 2025-09-23 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) sent a letter today to ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods asking for information on the company’s accounting of its U.S. tax liability as a result of the 2016 Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement. The letter raises questions about whether American taxpayers are subsidizing ExxonMobil’s foreign oil production in Guyana, which the company carries out in partnership with a Chinese state-owned company. Current U.S. tax rules offer a loophole for big multinational oil companies drilling in a foreign country to shrink their tax bills. Closing this loophole would save American taxpayers an estimated $71.5 billion over ten years. “We are concerned about the possibility that American taxpayers may be subsidizing ExxonMobil’s foreign oil production, which they do in partnership with a Chinese state-owned company,” wrote Whitehouse, Van Hollen, and Merkley. “Payments to a foreign government in exchange for an economic benefit [such as the right to extract oil and gas] are not considered taxes at all and thus cannot qualify for a U.S. foreign tax credit. However special rules allow ‘dual capacity’ taxpayers to divide up such payments into creditable taxes and non-creditable payments. While it is not difficult to distinguish between taxes and payments for economic benefits, current rules allow contracts to be structured in a way that blurs the distinction. This loophole is a particular boon to big multinational oil companies,”added the senators. According to a 2021 IMF report, U.S. effectively subsidizes Big Oil and the fossil fuel industry to over $600 billion annually. Congressional Republicans added even more subsidies with their Beautiful-for-Billionaires bill, which included a $167 billion tax giveaway to companies like ExxonMobil that ship jobs and profits overseas. In February, Whitehouse and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) reintroduced the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act which would reverse the special tax rate for offshore profits that’s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-markey-colleagues-in-urging-trumps-epa-to-reverse-rollback-of-vehicle-emissions-standards-stop-attacks-on-clean-air Van Hollen Joins Markey, Colleagues in Urging Trump’s EPA to Reverse Rollback of Vehicle Emissions Standards, Stop Attacks on Clean Air 2025-09-22 2025 2025-09 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 Chirs Van Hollen joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and 9 of their Senate colleagues wrote to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the agency to reverse course on the elimination of federal standards for greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and medium and heavy-duty trucks. The EPA’s move is enabled by the Trump EPA’s proposal to get rid of the 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions threaten our health and welfare by contributing to climate change, which is the underlying basis for EPA’s regulatory ability to address tailpipe climate pollution. The Trump administration’s proposed clean vehicles rollback would decimate regulations that reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution from cars; the current standards on the books are projected to prevent 2,500 premature deaths, as well as save drivers $6,000 over the next five years by cutting fuel costs. In the letter, the lawmakers write, “If the Trump administration persists with eliminating federal vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards, it will be responsible for damaging the environment, hurting public health, costing drivers money, cutting American jobs and competitiveness, and increasing our dependence on foreign oil.” The lawmakers conclude, “Americans should be able to drive and share the road with cleaner, more efficient vehicles that help clean up our air, save families money at the pump, and strengthen American competitiveness and energy independence. We urge you not to destroy these life- and cost-saving vehicle emission standards on the basis of faulty science and unlawful attacks on the clean air statutes passed by Congress.” The letter is cosigned by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). The full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Administrator Zeldin, To address the … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-statement-on-duffy-key-bridge-letter Maryland Delegation Members Statement on Duffy Key Bridge Letter 2025-09-19 2025 2025-09 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 Angela Alsobrooks, and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume, Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) released the following statement on U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s letter to Governor Wes Moore regarding the reconstruction of the Key Bridge: “The Key Bridge was bigger than Baltimore and Maryland – its collapse took away a vital transportation artery for the broader region and a gateway to the Port of Baltimore. As we have with other major infrastructure disasters with nationwide implications, Congress came together on a bipartisan basis to provide the full resources necessary for reconstruction to ensure it can be rebuilt as quickly and efficiently as possible. The federal government’s commitment to fund the rebuild is enacted into law, and the construction contract was awarded through a legal, competitive, transparent process.We will continue working with the Department of Transportation and our partners to keep delivering on this national priority and commitment.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-underscores-illegality-of-trump-action-to-end-collective-bargaining-agreements-for-nonpartisan-nasa-noaa-employees Van Hollen Underscores Illegality of Trump Action to End Collective Bargaining Agreements for Nonpartisan NASA, NOAA Employees 2025-09-19 2025 2025-09 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.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, underscored the illegality of President Trump’s August 28 executive order to end collective bargaining agreements between public employee unions representing workers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In a letter to the President, the Senator criticizes the order as a continuation of the Administration’s illegal attacks on the rights of federal employees who work to track and predict severe weather, support our fishing industry, and enhance our understanding of earth and our universe, among other vital functions as part of the clear attempt to replace nonpartisan, merit-based workers with political cronies on a massive scale. “I write to express my continued outrage over your executive orders aimed at ending collective bargaining rights for federal employees,” the Senator began. “This executive order, which directs additional agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to cancel their collective bargaining agreements, is another escalation in your administration’s relentless attacks on patriotic and dedicated federal workers.” Stressing that this executive order amounts to serious overreach of presidential authority, the Senator wrote, “the Civil Service Reform Act allows the suspension of collective bargaining in very limited national security circumstances. Yet, your order extends far beyond legitimate national security concerns and threatens the rights of workers who serve in a wide range of critical public services, including providing reliable forecasting of severe weather, managing the health of our nation's fisheries, protecting and promoting American innovation, studying the earth and universe, and conducting cutting-edge research to advance technology. These services are important t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-whitehouse-markey-dingell-and-over-three-dozen-members-file-amicus-brief-urging-reversal-of-dc-appeals-court-panel-decision-allowing-clawback-of-greenhouse-gas-reduction-fund-grants Van Hollen, Whitehouse, Markey, Dingell & Over Three Dozen Members File Amicus Brief Urging Reversal of D.C. Appeals Court Panel Decision Allowing Clawback of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Grants 2025-09-19 2025 2025-09 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.), Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), and 36 of their Congressional colleagues have submitted an amicus brief to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in the case of Climate United Fund, et al. v. Citibank, N.A. et al, urging the reinstatement of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) grants. The lawmakers pressed the Court to grant a rehearing en banc, or hearing of the full active bench, and to overturn the erroneous ruling issued earlier this month by a three-judge panel of the Court. That poorly reasoned ruling allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to proceed with its efforts to illegally claw back GGRF awards that were appropriated by Congress and fully disbursed into private bank accounts. The GGRF is a $27 billion national climate financing network that facilitates investments in affordable clean energy deployment to spur economic development, lower energy costs, and reduce pollution. It was passed into law in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and is based on the National Climate Bank Act, legislation authored by Senators Van Hollen and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.). In the brief, the lawmakers argue that the D.C. Circuit panel’s two-judge majority – both Trump appointees – misapplied precedent and ignored the district court’s well-supported factual findings in a results-oriented bid to greenlight EPA’s unlawful efforts to claw back GGRF funds. Given that Congress mandated that the GGRF funds be spent as appropriated, and the funds were already distributed to private bank accounts, EPA’s cancellation of the program is clear executive overreach. The lawmakers stress that letting this decision stand jeopardizes Constitutional protections of the separation of powers, and would amount to a transfer of Congress’ power of the purse to the executive branch. The lawmak… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-introduce-department-of-defenses-cost-of-war-act Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Introduce Department of Defense’s Cost of War Act 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 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 Angela Alsobrooks (Both D-Md.) introduced the Department of Defense’s Cost of War Act (DoD COW), which if passed will require the costs for the renaming of the Department of Defense to be deducted from the Secretary of Defense’s travel budget. The cost of changing the name from Department of Defense to Department of War in all internal and external communications could rise to hundreds of millions of dollars. Rather than appropriating millions of more dollars and wasting Americans’ taxpayer money, this bill would force the department to take the money from the Secretary’s travel budget first and then from the travel budgets of the military service secretaries. “We should not be wasting taxpayer dollars to stroke Donald Trump’s ego and whims, but that’s what this latest dictate by the Administration would do – with zero benefit to our national security. That’s why our bill requires that this wasteful Trump Administration endeavor not come at the expense of America’s military readiness,” said Senator Van Hollen. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-merkley-colleagues-in-historic-call-for-us-recognition-of-palestinian-statehood Van Hollen Joins Merkley, Colleagues in Historic Call for U.S. Recognition of Palestinian Statehood 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 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 Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in introducing a historic resolution calling on the President to recognize a Palestinian state. The resolution—the first of its kind in the United States Senate—calls for U.S. recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel, in accordance with international law and the principles of a two-state solution. It underscores how urgent U.S. action would preserve the best chance for peace, helping give both Palestinians and Israelis a future grounded in freedom, security, and prosperity. The resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). “The most viable way to create some light at the end of the very dark tunnel in the Middle East, and assure security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike, is a two state solution. Given that the Netanyahu government has obstructed that goal and the Trump Administration has abandoned it, the Congress must make its position clear. Saudi Arabia and others in the region have stated that the establishment of a Palestinian state would result in normalization of relations with Israel and provide for long term peace and stability. For all these reasons, it is time for the United States to recognize a Palestinian state,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Recognition of a Palestinian state is not only a practical step the United States can take to help build a future where Palestinians and Israelis can live in freedom, dignity, and security, but it is the right thing to do. America has a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now,” said Senator Merkley. “This resolution calls for a different course. First, an immediate ceasefire, return of all hostages, and influx of aid. But then, a foundation for peace and prosperity for the future—and the only viable path for that is two states for two peoples. The goal of a Palestinian sta… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-lujan-reintroduce-the-democracy-in-design-act-to-democratize-federal-architecture-design Van Hollen, Luján Reintroduce the Democracy in Design Act to Democratize Federal Architecture Design 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 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 Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Democracy in Design Act, legislation to preserve the Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture, which have been in place since the Kennedy Administration and allow state and local governments to design federal buildings reflecting the specific needs of their communities and the diverse cultures of their regions. The legislation comes following President Trump’s August 28 executive order, directing the General Services Administration to default to classical and other traditional architecture styles when remodeling or constructing federal buildings around the country. U.S. Representative Dina Titus (D-Nev.-1) introduced the companion legislation in the House earlier this year. “There should not be a one-size-fits-all mandate for the design of federal architecture. This legislation will help ensure that federal buildings reflect the diversity of our nation and the American people, and meet the needs of the communities they serve,” said Senator Van Hollen. “From our food to architecture, New Mexico is home to a rich history and culture that enriches our state,” said Senator Luján. “Whether it’s the adobe style architecture or the New Mexico State Capitol, our state’s architecture is distinctly New Mexican and reflects the cultures of our state. Federal buildings should be the same way. That's why I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation to help ensure architectural designs in federal buildings are community-centered." This legislation is supported by the American Institute of Architects. “The Democracy in Design Act ensures that America’s public buildings reflect the people they serve rather than conforming to a single mandated style. We commend Senator Van Hollen, Senator Luján, and Congresswoman Titus for their leadership in preserving democratic values in the design process and recognizing the vital role architects play in creating spaces that are inclusive, functional, and representative of our nation’s character. By … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-urge-epa-not-to-abandon-efforts-to-combat-climate-change-pointing-to-threats-facing-maryland-communities Maryland Delegation Members Urge EPA Not to Abandon Efforts to Combat Climate Change, Pointing to Threats Facing Maryland Communities 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 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 Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain its greenhouse gas emissions “endangerment finding,” a 2009 landmark determination that climate pollution endangers public health and welfare. This determination – which has stood for over 15 years – provides the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. In their letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the lawmakers called on the agency to preserve the endangerment finding in order to protect Marylanders from the increasing risks, costs, and chaos caused by climate change, pointing to the many related threats currently facing Maryland communities. “We are deeply concerned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to eliminate the 2009 Endangerment Finding and what that will mean for Maryland and our constituents’ health and safety. The Endangerment Finding requires the EPA to protect people from the pollution that causes climate change. Denying the danger cannot change the facts: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are heating our planet and endangering us all,” the lawmakers began. “The Endangerment Finding is based on settled science: decades of peer-reviewed scientific research have proven that rising global temperatures fuel stronger hurricanes, sea level rise, increased flooding, record-breaking heat waves, and other forms of extreme weather. The threats have never been more dire to communities across the country, including our constituents in Maryland,” they wrote. The lawmakers went on to highlight threats to Maryland communities, pointing out, “Coastal communities in the Chesapeake Bay region are especially vulnerable to rising sea levels; in this region, seas have already risen one foot over the past century, twice as fast as the worldwide average, and are projected to rise nearly 3 more feet by … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-welch-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-restore-noaas-extreme-weather-database-keep-americans-informed-of-natural-disasters Van Hollen Joins Welch, Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Restore NOAA’s Extreme Weather Database, Keep Americans Informed of Natural Disasters 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 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.) joined Seantor Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, in introducing the Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act, legislation that would reverse the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to terminate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s extreme weather database which has been vital to keeping families, researchers, and policy makers informed on the cost of natural disasters. The legislation would require NOAA to restore and maintain the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database, which collects and publishes information on natural disasters resulting in at least $1 billion in damage each year in the United States. The Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act is cosponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). “The Trump Administration continues to block any transparency when it comes to the cost of extreme weather damage, but that doesn’t make the problem go away – instead it makes it harder for us to help communities prepare for the impacts of extreme weather and leaves them vulnerable when disaster strikes. Bringing this database back online is essential to our efforts to prepare for disasters and the work of rebuilding that comes after,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The Trump Administration is on the warpath to attack science and wreck any progress we’ve made to help fight climate change. That includes the President’s decision to terminate NOAA’s extreme weather tracker, which was vital in sharing information with Vermonters during and after the brutal floods in July of 2023 and 2024. And it’s not just Vermont–this database has been absolutely essential in providing information about the cost of building… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-introduce-resolution-to-designate-community-school-coordinators-appreciation-week Van Hollen, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Designate Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week 2025-09-16 2025 2025-09 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.) introduced a resolution to designate September 14 through 20, 2025 as Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week to recognize the important role that Community School Coordinators and full-service community schools play in students’ education and well-being. Senator Van Hollen was joined in introducing the resolution by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.) will introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Community schools are public schools that provide integrated student support systems, such as counseling, medical and dental services, and transportation. They also offer well-designed and expanded learning opportunities and active family and community engagement. Community school coordinators work with the community and non-profits to identify and source additional resources to benefit students and their families. The resolution recognizes the role community school coordinators play in helping students succeed in their academic years and beyond. There are more than 700 community schools serving students across all 24 of Maryland’s school districts. “Community school coordinators dedicate themselves to helping meet children’s needs both in and outside of the classroom. I’m grateful for their tireless efforts to foster the success of students and families across this country, which is why I’m proud to recognize their hard work with this resolution. Our local community schools are valued partners, and we should support their mission – along with those they serve – to help bring greater opportunity to our students and families,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Community schools create holistic, supportive learning environments for students while building relationships with their families and the surrounding communities,” said Senator Hirono. “I’ve visited community schools in Hawaii and seen firsthand the essential role community school coordina… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-chesapeake-bay-watershed-region-lawmakers-push-for-new-bay-agreement-that-will-tackle-pollution-preserve-the-bay Van Hollen, Chesapeake Bay Watershed Region Lawmakers Push for New Bay Agreement that will Tackle Pollution, Preserve the Bay 2025-09-11 2025 2025-09 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.) – along with 22 bipartisan Members of Congress representing the Chesapeake Bay watershed region – called for a new Chesapeake Bay agreement that sets ambitious, measurable, and achievable targets, especially for water quality improvement and pollution reduction, in order to restore and protect the Bay. The lawmakers’ letter comes as the Chesapeake Executive Council (CEC) seeks public feedback on its “Beyond 2025” Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement Revision Draft. In their letter to the CEC, the lawmakers emphasize their commitment to continuing strong federal funding for Bay restoration while stressing that a robust agreement among the states in the watershed is needed to maximize the use of those resources to address the many factors putting strain on the health of the Bay. Senator Van Hollen was joined on this letter by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), as well as Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Rob Wittman (R-Va.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Sarah McBride (D-Del.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), and Eugene Vindman (D-Va.). The lawmakers wrote, “As federal representatives for the Bay region, we are working hard to ensure that we maintain strong funding for the Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Program as well as the other critical federal programs that support ecosystem restoration in the Bay watershed. While federal resources will continue to play an essential role in achieving our vision of a healthy Bay, we know that we cannot arrive at our many goals through such funding alone. A robust Watershed Agreement that sets measurable targets that are both ambitiou… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-merkley-release-report-detailing-findings-on-humanitarian-situation-in-gaza-following-recent-codel-to-gaza-border-israel-west-bank-jordan-egypt Van Hollen, Merkley Release Report Detailing Findings on Humanitarian Situation in Gaza, Following Recent CODEL to Gaza Border, Israel, West Bank, Jordan, Egypt 2025-09-11 2025 2025-09 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 Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) released a report they have compiled detailing their findings on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, following their recent CODEL to the Gaza border, Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, and Egypt. The Senators returned last Tuesday from the region where they saw firsthand the challenges facing humanitarian aid efforts into Gaza and pressed for an immediate ceasefire and the return of all hostages. During their visit, the Senators witnessed the distribution of humanitarian aid, including at the Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings into Gaza and around the Jordan aid corridor. In their report, the Senators put forward their conclusion that the Netanyahu government is implementing a plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza of Palestinians. The full report is available here. Footage of the Senators’ press conference on the release of the report is available here. “It’s clear that the Netanyahu government has gone far beyond targeting Hamas and is instead imposing collective punishment on all the people of Gaza. In this report, we detail key findings from our trip that support that conclusion and demonstrate that the Netanyahu government is now implementing a plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza of Palestinians and is using hunger as a weapon of war. We hope this report will draw greater attention to these facts both here and around the world. We will do everything in our power to end America’s ongoing complicity in this humanitarian disaster. The world must unite to stop it,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The goals of the Netanyahu government are clear: to ethnically cleanse Gaza of Palestinians through a campaign of destruction and deprivation,” said Senator Merkley. “Our report details what we saw during our recent trip to the region, including the destruction of Rafah that has reduced the city to rubble, and what we heard from experts in the field about how the Netanyahu government is systematically depriving Palestinians of the essentials needed to live - foo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-shaheen-statement-on-violence-and-unrest-in-nepal Van Hollen, Shaheen Statement on Violence and Unrest in Nepal 2025-09-11 2025 2025-09 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.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on reports that hundreds of civilians have been injured and over 20 Nepali citizens killed in protests sparked by the government’s social media ban and citizens’ mounting frustration with economic inequality and corruption: "The violence, loss of life and destruction that have taken place in Nepal in recent days are unacceptable, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and urge full accountability for any disproportionate use of force against civilians. Nepal has made significant democratic gains over the past two decades, and those hard-fought achievements must be preserved, including the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. A peaceful, democratic and stable Nepal is in the interests of its people, the United States and the region. That requires addressing corruption and institutional weaknesses that continue to erode public trust in the Nepali government.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-urge-administration-to-reinstate-fair-pay-rule-for-workers-with-disabilities Van Hollen, Colleagues Urge Administration to Reinstate Fair Pay Rule for Workers with Disabilities 2025-09-10 2025 2025-09 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 eight of his Senate colleagues urged the U.S. Department of Labor to reverse its July decision to cancel a proposed rule to end the subminimum wage program, which permits employers to pay American workers with disabilities far below the federal minimum wage. In their letter to U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the lawmakers stress that the subminimum wage represents a denial of these workers’ rights to equal opportunity amid a decades-long expansion of initiatives that help equip people with disabilities with the tools and skills to compete in the workforce for fair pay. This letter comes after Senator Van Hollen in July introduced the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to phase out the subminimum wage nationwide over five years and provide resources to facilitate this transition in the dozens of states that have not yet phased it out. Senator Van Hollen was joined on this letter by Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “We write today to express our grave disappointment in your Department’s decision to withdraw the proposed rule that would phase out remaining special certificates under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). As long as the subminimum wage program is allowed to continue, people with disabilities are denied their fundamental right to equal opportunity by being paid less than half the federal minimum wage on average with some making pennies per hour,” the Senators began. “In the past ten years alone, sixteen states have eliminated subminimum wages with more states taking steps toward meaningful reform. As you noted during a recent hearing, the subminimum wages for workers with disabilities is not a partisan issue. This is further reflected through the nearly 18,000 comments on the proposed rule with an overwhel… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-dacara-thompson Van Hollen Statement on Da’Cara Thompson 2025-09-10 2025 2025-09 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.) made the following statement on Da’Cara Thompson and law enforcement’s apprehension of her suspected killer: “Da’Cara Thompson’s murder is a horrific tragedy – as a father it is heart-wrenching to imagine the pain her family is feeling right now. My thoughts and prayers are with the family – and I am thankful to our state and local law enforcement, who have prioritized this investigation since she was reported missing and swiftly brought her suspected killer into custody. While nothing will heal the pain of Ms. Thompson’s loss, we must ensure that the perpetrator of this crime faces the full weight of the law and our justice system.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-over-11-million-to-support-students-at-baltimore-area-community-colleges Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce Over $1.1 Million to Support Students at Baltimore-Area Community Colleges 2025-09-05 2025 2025-09 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 Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) announced $1,127,448 in federal funding for community colleges in Baltimore City and Baltimore County to support low-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities as they pursue their degree. “A quality education opens doors to good-paying jobs and meaningful opportunities, but many still face unnecessary and unfair barriers to academic achievement – especially when it comes to college. These federal investments will enable Baltimore-area community colleges to provide students with the resources they need to overcome obstacles and succeed in school and beyond,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $712,158 to Community College of Baltimore County $415,290 to Baltimore City Community College The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education's TRIO Student Support Services grant program, which supports preparation and guidance for students as they pursue education beyond high school. This program was funded at $1.91 billion through the FY25 government funding bill. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-norton-file-bills-to-grant-dc-full-control-over-its-national-guard-police Van Hollen, Norton File Bills to Grant D.C. Full Control Over Its National Guard, Police 2025-09-05 2025 2025-09 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. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) reintroduced their legislation to grant the District of Columbia full control over the D.C. National Guard and the Metropolitan Police Department, as the Trump Administration has asserted federal control over the D.C. police department and kept its National Guard deployed in City streets for weeks. The formal introduction of these bills comes after the lawmakers announced in August their intention to do so in response to President Trump’s federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department and deployment of the National Guard. The urgent need for these measures has only grown as the Administration reportedly has extended the D.C. National Guard’s deployment through November 30 and Congressional Republicans plan more attacks on the District of Columbia’s self-governance. “In a raw power grab, Donald Trump has overtaken D.C.’s police and brought in the National Guard to satisfy his desire to play dictator in our nation’s capital. As he looks to extend his authoritarian control over D.C., it is urgent that we act now to ensure the District’s leaders have the same authority over its National Guard and police force as other states and territories – while we continue to fight for D.C. statehood. If Trump and Republicans actually cared about the people of D.C. and their safety, they’d get out of the way of D.C.’s leaders and residents and allow them to manage the District and their own funds. Trump and Republicans’ continued withholding of over $1 billion of those funds is unacceptable,” said Senator Van Hollen. The Senator introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) to unlock the over $1 billion of D.C.’s own funds that Republicans unnecessarily froze through their funding bill in March. Their bill passed the Senate unanimously, but House Republicans have still not brought it up for a vote – preventing D.C. from investing further in strengthening policing and other vital public services. “D.C.… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-markey-meng-slam-fcc-proposal-to-rip-internet-access-away-from-students Van Hollen, Markey, Meng Slam FCC Proposal to Rip Internet Access Away from Students 2025-09-03 2025 2025-09 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 Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Representative Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) released the following statement after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr announced the FCC would vote to overturn its rule allowing schools and libraries to use their E-Rate funds to loan Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators. “With today’s announcement, the Trump FCC will rip internet access away from students and educators across the country. This decision ignores the needs of American families and instead advances a damaging ideological crusade, ultimately harming students, pushing them to fall further behind their connected classmates, and widening the Homework Gap. It’s unfair, unnecessary, and saves no money. This decision flies in the face of the FCC’s mission and hurts learners and library patrons across the country.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-726497-to-support-students-at-prince-georges-montgomery-county-community-colleges Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce $726,497 to Support Students at Prince George’s, Montgomery County Community Colleges 2025-09-02 2025 2025-09 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 Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey and April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) announced $726,497 in federal funding for community colleges in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties to support low-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities as they pursue higher education. “A quality education opens doors to good-paying jobs and meaningful opportunities, but many still face unnecessary and unfair barriers to academic achievement – especially when it comes to college. These federal investments will enable community colleges in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties to provide students with the resources they need to overcome obstacles and succeed in college and beyond,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $440,388 to Prince George's Community College $286,109 to Montgomery College The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education's TRIO Student Support Services grant program, which supports preparation and guidance for students as they pursue education beyond high school. This program was funded at $1.91 billion through the FY25 government funding bill. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-van-hollen-markey-congresswoman-dingell-slam-decision-on-national-green-bank-funding Van Hollen, Markey, Dingell Slam Decision on National Green Bank Funding 2025-09-02 2025 2025-09 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.), and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) slammed the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that ruled in favor of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The court held that the district court lacked jurisdiction to decide whether the EPA could seize congressionally approved federal funds from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and that the awardees’ claims will have to be litigated in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This ruling dissolved the district court’s injunction ordering the EPA and Citibank to continue to fund the grants, opening the door for the EPA to proceed with its efforts to withdraw grant funding from the awardees’ accounts. These programs, which are part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, leverage private capital to cut energy bills for families and small businesses, improve resiliency against climate change-fueled disasters, and create local economic opportunity while combating climate change. “The EPA under the Biden administration managed the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and awarded funds after a rigorous and transparent process. Taking the Trump EPA’s baseless arguments at face value, today’s D.C. Circuit decision allows the Administration to claw back this important funding and bestows yet another gift to fossil fuel special interests. We won’t stop fighting to ensure that our Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund can continue to work for the American people by lowering energy bills and strengthening our energy independence, despite the Trump administration’s attempt to unlawfully seize these important investments. This program is set to unleash American ingenuity, cut costs, and breathe clean air—we will not stand for Trump’s attempts to break the law to keep that from happening for his own political purposes,” said the lawmakers. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a $27 billion national climate financing network based on the National Climate Bank Act, authored by Senators… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-trump-politicizing-federal-law-enforcement-in-baltimore Van Hollen Statement on Trump Politicizing Federal Law Enforcement in Baltimore 2025-09-02 2025 2025-09 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.) made the following statement on President Donald Trump’s threats to politicize federal law enforcement in Baltimore: “Trump should stop playing political games with federal law enforcement. We’ve already worked successfully to increase the presence of FBI, DEA, and ATF agents in Baltimore and, by working in coordination with the Mayor and local law enforcement, we have made important progress in strengthening public safety. There is certainly more work ahead and we always welcome additional federal resources to reinforce local efforts, but Trump’s threats to invade our cities are not the answer; they are designed to distract from his failures to put forward real solutions to these and other issues facing our communities, like rising prices and the increasing cost of living. Instead of politicizing our great City of Baltimore, Trump should stop bloviating and let federal, state, and local law enforcement do their jobs.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T15:07:37Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-over-12-million-to-support-students-at-eastern-shore-colleges Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $1.2 Million to Support Students at Eastern Shore Colleges 2025-08-29 2025 2025-08 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 Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) announced $1,214,311 in federal funding for higher education institutions on the Eastern Shore to support low-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities as they pursue their degree. “A quality education opens doors to good-paying jobs and meaningful opportunities, but many still face unnecessary and unfair barriers to academic achievement – especially when it comes to college. These federal investments will enable the Eastern Shore’s colleges to provide students with the resources they need to overcome obstacles and succeed in school and beyond,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I believe every person should have access to a great education, which is why I am so proud to work alongside Senator Van Hollen to secure funding for our colleges on the Eastern Shore. Education unlocks opportunities to succeed. Not only will this funding help support students in need of additional resources, it will ultimately fuel our economy and create our next generation of leaders,” said Senator Alsobrooks. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $669583 to Chesapeake College $272,364 to Wor-Wic Community College $272,364 to Salisbury University The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education's TRIO Student Support Services grant program, which supports preparation and guidance for students as they pursue education beyond high school. This program was funded at $1.91 billion through the FY25 government funding bill. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-urge-usda-to-keep-beltsville-agricultural-research-center-open-detailing-harms-to-american-farmers-if-shuttered Maryland Delegation Members Urge USDA to Keep Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Open, Detailing Harms to American Farmers if Shuttered 2025-08-28 2025 2025-08 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 Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey, Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) warned U.S. Department of Agriculture leadership that closing the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Prince George’s County, as proposed in its reorganization plan announced last month, would irreparably undermine U.S. agricultural innovation and harm the countless farmers who depend on BARC’s research. In their letter submitted for the USDA’s official comment period on its reorganization plan, the lawmakers urge the agency to keep BARC open, pointing out that the required Congressional approval has not been granted for the agency to carry out such a large-scale restructuring effort. They also outline how a move or relocation of BARC will waste taxpayer dollars while jeopardizing the success of American farmers in the immediate and long term – upending important research that can’t be replicated elsewhere. “We strongly oppose the USDA’s proposed reorganization plan which includes the closure of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Beltsville, Maryland,” the lawmakers began. “For over 100 years, BARC has been an engine of agricultural research and innovation and the site of numerous research breakthroughs. BARC’s unique capacity has made it the nation’s premier agricultural research facility, and its closure would be deeply harmful to American farmers, as well as a waste of taxpayer dollars. We also have significant concerns about the lack of transparency and the legality of USDA’s proposed plan. We urge you to keep BARC open and to provide a detailed accounting of the full impact of the proposed reorganization plan.” The lawmakers go on to lay out a thorough, detailed case for BARC and its employees to remain operational in the current location, stressing the following points: The plan to close BARC requires Congressional approval; moving forward without it would be illegal; The … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-mcclain-delaney-announce-684537-to-support-students-at-western-maryland-colleges Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Announce $684,537 to Support Students at Western Maryland Colleges 2025-08-27 2025 2025-08 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 Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) announced $684,537 in federal funding for higher education institutions in Western Maryland to support low-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities as they pursue their degree. “A quality education opens doors to good-paying jobs and meaningful opportunities, but many still face unnecessary and unfair barriers to academic achievement – especially when it comes to college. These federal investments will enable Frostburg State University and Allegany College of Maryland to provide students in Western Maryland with the resources they need to overcome obstacles and succeed in college and beyond,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Education is the great equalizer. This funding will support the talented students in Western Maryland to be our next generation of leaders, scientists, doctors, lawyers, and more. As one of the fastest-growing areas in Maryland, Western Maryland continues to spur innovation and change. Investing in our students will only continue to fuel the region and entire state,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “Every student in Western Maryland deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “This week, I had the privilege of visiting Allegany College of Maryland and witnessing firsthand the dedication and drive of its students and faculty. Investing in our students strengthens our local communities, fuels our regional economies, and keeps our nation competitive on the global stage. I’m proud to support our students as they pursue their dreams and build a brighter future for themselves and for all of Western Maryland.” The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $412,173 to Frostburg State University $272,364 to Allegany College of Maryland The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education's TRIO Student Support Services grant program, which supports preparation and guidance for students as they pur… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-kilmar-abrego-garcia-being-taken-into-ice-custody Van Hollen Statement on Kilmar Ábrego García Being Taken into ICE Custody 2025-08-25 2025 2025-08 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.) released the following statement on Kilmar Ábrego García being taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): “While ICE is holding Kilmar Ábrego García and keeping his lawyers in the dark as to what is next for him, Administration officials continue to spread lies about the facts in his case. Instead of spewing unproven allegations in the press and social media, the Trump Administration needs to put up or shut up in court and allow Mr. Ábrego García the opportunity to defend himself. That is the right to due process that he and everyone else living in America is afforded by our Constitution, and we will keep fighting to ensure that right is honored.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-meeting-with-kilmar-abrego-garcia Van Hollen Statement on Meeting with Kilmar Ábrego García 2025-08-24 2025 2025-08 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.) released the following statement after meeting virtually this morning with Kilmar Ábrego García and his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura: “I was glad to have the opportunity to speak with Kilmar Ábrego García this morning and welcome him back to Maryland after what has been a long and torturous nightmare. It was the first time I have talked to him since our meeting in El Salvador. During our conversation, I shared with him that I and many others have been fighting for months to ensure that his constitutional due process rights were respected despite Trump’s efforts to deny them at every turn. The federal courts and public outcry forced the Administration to bring Ábrego García back to Maryland, but Trump’s cronies continue to lie about the facts in his case and they are engaged in a malicious abuse of power as they threaten to deport him to Uganda – to block his chance to defend himself against the new charges they brought. As I told Kilmar and his wife Jennifer, we will stay in this fight for justice and due process because if his rights are denied, the rights of everyone else are put at risk.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-reports-of-administrations-intent-to-send-kilmar-abrego-garcia-to-uganda Van Hollen Statement on Reports of Administration’s Intent to Send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda 2025-08-23 2025 2025-08 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.) released the following statement regarding reports that the Administration intends to send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda: “Kilmar Abrego García deserves his day in court. But Trump Administration officials — who continue to make public statements about his case that have been expressly repudiated by the courts — would rather insult judges and circumvent our justice system than uphold people’s constitutional rights.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-over-1-million-to-support-eastern-shore-airports Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $1 Million to Support Eastern Shore Airports 2025-08-22 2025 2025-08 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) announced $1,088,658 in federal funding for infrastructure projects at local airports on the Eastern Shore. These investments are provided through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, which was created and funded at $15 billion through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021, and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which also receives significant funding from Congress. “The Eastern Shore’s airports support regional commerce and bolster the local economy. That’s why we’ve worked to deliver investments in modernizing our local airports to ensure they can meet growing demands. This funding will support those efforts and help ensure our airports can continue to serve Marylander, visitors and businesses alike,” said Senator Van Hollen. “These regional airports help keep our Eastern Shore connected to the rest of the world, and it is our responsibility that they are functioning with the best infrastructure, most updated technology, and strongest structural integrity. We will keep investing in Maryland’s infrastructure to build a stronger, more resilient state,” said Senator Alsobrooks. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $808,408 to Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport to rehabilitate about 4,500 feet of Runway 16/34 and 1,400 feet of Taxiway A to maintain the pavement’s structural integrity and keep the infrastructure up-to-date, and to improve lighting infrastructure on multiple runways and taxiways. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-kilmar-abrego-garcia Van Hollen Statement on Kilmar Abrego Garcia 2025-08-22 2025 2025-08 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.) released the following statement regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release from custody: “Despite the Trump Administration’s relentless efforts to defy our Constitution, our legal system has worked its will and is upholding Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s right to due process. Following the court’s ruling, I’m glad that he is being returned to his home and his family, where he rightly belongs. While I have no doubt the Administration will continue its attempts to undermine Mr. Abrego Garcia’s rights, we will continue fighting to see them maintained – because due process in this case does not end with his release. Mr. Abrego Garcia must continue to be allowed to defend himself in court, where the Trump Administration must make its case before taking any further action against him. This is a matter that’s greater than just this one case or one man – if one person’s rights are denied, then the rights of all of us are at risk.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T14:57:50Z

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