Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
- url
- Link to the original release on the member's official site
- text
- Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
- has_text
- 1 if body text was successfully extracted
- date_source
- How the publication date was determined
- bioguide_id
- Bioguide ID of the member
608 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "MD" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending
This data as json, CSV (advanced)
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-applauds-federal-support-to-garrett-county-health-center | Delaney Applauds Federal Support for Garrett County Health Center | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | delaney.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) applauds the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for its strong recent support for the Mountain Laurel Medical Center in Oakland and thanks the staff and volunteers at Mountain Laurel for their work to provide health care to underserved communities in Garrett County. Recent federal support will help Mountain Laurel open a new facility in Grantsville as well as hire new staff and provide health care to all persons, regardless of insurance status. “Mountain Laurel Medical Center is making a difference for the people of Garrett and Allegany County,” said Congressman Delaney. “Ms. Little Terry and her dedicated staff are working hard to provide care to everyone who walks in the door. I am honored to congratulate the Mountain Laurel Medical Center on the recognition and support they’ve received. Community Health Centers like Mountain Laurel are incredibly important and the impact these grants will have is tangible. By expanding their operations into Grantsville, helping rural and underserved communities, and helping more Marylanders receive coverage, Mountain Laurel is an example of how partnerships can provide positive local outcomes. I’m proud to represent Western Maryland and will make sure Garrett County has a voice in Washington.” In December 2013 Mountain Laurel received approval for continuation funding as a Section 330 Health Center grantee. This was a competitive application that allows Mountain Laurel to continue to provide high quality health care to all persons. In July and December 2013 HRSA provided funds to health centers to be able to hire staff to conduct outreach and enrollment efforts to assist the uninsured to obtain health insurance and to expand existing outreach. These awards build upon the efforts of health centers across the country as uninsured Americans gain health insurance coverage. Mountain Laurel received $68,592 for FY 2013 and recently received $25,000 for FY 2014. Additionally, in October 2013 Mountain Laurel Medical Ce… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-release-of-mikhail-khordorkovsky | Cardin Statement on the Release of Mikhail Khordorkovsky | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 20, 2013 Cardin Statement on the Release of Mikhail Khordorkovsky WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, released the following statement: "Freeing political prisoners is always a good thing and necessary step. Releasing Mikhail Khodorkovsky and others brings Russia closer to where it should be as a modern European state. It is too early to tell if this could lead to broader reform. For now, I share the joyful anticipation of those who may get to greet 2014 in freedom and the company of loved ones." Print Email Tweet Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-says-bipartisan-defense-authorization-bill-will-improve-the-quality-of-life-for-two-million-men-and-women-of-our-all-volunteer-force-and-their-families | Cardin Says Bipartisan Defense Authorization Bill Will Improve The Quality Of Life For Two Million Men And Women Of Our All-Volunteer Force And Their Families | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 20, 2013 Cardin Says Bipartisan Defense Authorization Bill Will Improve The Quality Of Life For Two Million Men And Women Of Our All-Volunteer Force And Their Families WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today praised the Senate for its work on a bipartisan defense authorization bill in the midst of much gridlock on other issues. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 was approved by the Senate Thursday evening. I commend my colleagues for coming together before the end of the year to ensure that the men and women who so honorably defend our nation have the tools and the support they need to carry out their mission. Maryland is home to over 40 thousand active and reserve service members. These men and women have volunteered to defend our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. This bill will improve the quality of life of more than two million men and women of the all-volunteer force and their families through fair compensation, policies and benefits, including first rate health care, and addresses the needs of the wounded, ill, and injured service members. I am pleased that we were able to include my amendment on Service Contract Spending, which is crucial as it will extend the current cap on DoD service contract spending, which expired at the end of FY13.I am also pleased that my amendment on urotrauma was adopted. This amendment directs DoD to address the prevention, care coordination, and research of urotrauma. More than 10% of blast injuries in Operation Enduring Freedom have resulted in some degree of urotrauma. This amendment is a critical step to improving care for some of our most gravely injured troops. Any bipartisan bill that comes forward always requires compromise. In this case, there was insufficient time to consider worthy amendments, including many of my own. I will be looking for future opportunities to bring forward these items and others: Asia-Pacific Maritime Security. In light of recent Chinese actions rega… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-benefits-gained-marylanders-under-affordable-care-act | Cummings Issues Statement on Benefits Gained by Marylanders Under Affordable Care Act | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | BALTIMORE, MD (Dec. 19, 2013) — Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) issued the following statement on the release of a White House report detailing the benefits of the Affordable Care Act in Maryland: “Republicans continue to advocate for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, despite the many benefits it offers to people in my district, and across the country,” said Cummings. “Repealing the law would raise premiums, allow discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, force women to pay for preventive services, and give the keys back to insurance companies. Republicans need to work with us to improve this law — not prevent my constituents and millions of Americans from accessing quality, affordable health insurance, some for the first time.” Among the benefits to Marylanders included in the report: More than 1.5 million individuals on private insurance have gained coverage for at least one free preventive health care service, such as a mammogram, birth control, or an immunization in 2011 and 2012, and an additional 547,600 people with Medicare in Maryland have received at least one free preventive service at no out-of-pocket cost. An estimated 2.5 million residents in Maryland with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, cancer or diabetes – including up to 320,000 children – will no longer have to worry about being denied coverage or charged higher prices because of their health status or history. Approximately 981,000 Marylanders have gained expanded mental health and substance use disorder benefits and/or federal parity protections. In the past year insurance companies have sent rebates totaling $143 per family to approximately 150,000 consumers. This comes as a result of new policies that make sure premium dollars work for the consumer, not just the insurer. In the first ten months of 2013, 45,900 seniors and people with disabilities have saved an average of $916 on prescription medications as the health care law closes Medicare’s so-called “donut hole.” 46,000 young adults in Maryland hav… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-o%E2%80%99malley-and-maryland-democrats-support-mortgage-forgiveness-tax-relief-act | Cummings, O’Malley, and Maryland Democrats Support the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Baltimore, MD (December 19, 2013) ― Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) was joined by Governor Martin O’Malley, and Congressmembers Steny Hoyer, Chris Van Hollen, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Donna Edwards, John Sarbanes, and John Delaney on a letter to the leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee expressing support for the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act (S.1187; H.R.2788; H.R.2994). These bills would extend protections set to expire on January 1 that enable homeowners to negotiate a resolution with their lenders on their underwater mortgage loans without the threat of a large tax bill. “Congress should be doing everything in its power to help hardworking families still struggling to make ends meet as we recover from the recession,” said Congressman Cummings. “The Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act would renew existing protections that ensure struggling homeowners who receive the mortgage modifications they so desperately need are not taxed for these modifications. Renewal of these protections is absolutely critical.” "Extending the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act will go a long way toward mitigating the long-term effects of foreclosure on hardworking families,” said Governor O’Malley. “While Maryland has passed what the Washington Post called some of the most ‘sweeping’ foreclosure reforms in America, we still have much more work to do to protect the dignity of every home. That's why we must exercise every possible option we have to help families get back on their feet again and foster strong, growing communities in Maryland and across the nation." “The housing market in Maryland was hit hard by the economic recession, especially in Prince George’s County,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “We ought to do everything we can to assist struggling homeowners as our economy continues to recover, and extending these homeowner protections beyond January 1 would provide important relief to families here in Maryland and across the country.” "Whil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-hails-senate-passage-of-budget-as-a-return-to-bipartisanship-but-seeks-a-long-term-end-to-sequestration-and-targeting-of-federal-workers | Cardin Hails Senate Passage Of Budget As A Return To Bipartisanship But Seeks A Long-Term End To Sequestration And Targeting Of Federal Workers | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 19, 2013 Cardin Hails Senate Passage Of Budget As A Return To Bipartisanship But Seeks A Long-Term End To Sequestration And Targeting Of Federal Workers WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, lauded passage today of the Bipartisan Budget Act. The measure has already passed the House of Representatives and will eliminate the possibility of a government shutdown in the near future. His remarks on the floor of the Senate can be found here. “The American people want both parties in Congress to work together to get done the business of our nation. This budget, while not the budget I would have written, is a sign that Democrats and Republicans can actually work together. It is truly bipartisan and represents real compromise, which should be encouraging. “I strongly support this budget agreement, but I do so with some concerns about what is included and what is left out. I would have liked to see a long-term agreement or so-called grand bargain. Two years is longer than we’ve had recently. But I am disappointed that it is only a two-year agreement and does not completely remove sequestration. Sequestration equates to mindless, across-the-board cuts that have hurt our economy and cost us jobs in Maryland and nationally. “It is regrettable that this agreement adds a 1.3 percent increase in the retirement contributions for new hires to federal service and that it cuts the COLA for military veterans. After a three-year pay freeze, sequestration-related furloughs and other cuts, federal workers have contributed more than $120 billion toward deficit reduction. Congress should be asking what we need to ensure we have a federal workforce with the necessary skills to execute the responsibilities with maximum effect at a reasonable cost. We should not be asking them to ante up even more. “I am also disappointed that we are recessing without extending unemployment insurance for 1.3 million workers who are in danger of losing benefits on… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-sponsors-bill-to-keep-iran-accountable | Cardin Sponsors Bill To Keep Iran Accountable | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 19, 2013 Cardin Sponsors Bill To Keep Iran Accountable Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013 Proposes Prospective Sanctions on Iran if the regime breaches the Joint Plan of Action or fails to conclude a final agreement, Provides Flexibility to Pursue a Diplomatic Track Senators Call for a Final Agreement that Verifiably Results in the Termination of Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Program WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senator Foreign Relations Committee, and 25 of his colleagues today introduced the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act, bipartisan legislation proposing prospective sanctions on Iran should the regime violate the interim Joint Plan of Action agreed to in Geneva or should Iran fail to reach a final agreement. The legislation is consistent with President Obama’s commitments that no new sanctions would go into effect as long as Iran is in compliance. "We want to give diplomacy a chance to take root. Both Congress and the Administration share a common resolve that the preferred way to get Iran to give up its nuclear weapons program is through diplomacy. But we must be prepared to test Iran's sincerity to comply with these latest efforts to keep them from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities. Iran's track record gives us good reason to have new and stronger sanctions at the ready," said Senator Cardin. The legislation was co-sponsored by 26 senators, including: Senators Cardin, Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Kay Haga… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-majority-calls-on-opm-to-allow-rollovers-for-health-fsa-accounts | Senate Majority Calls On OPM To Allow Rollovers For Health FSA Accounts | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 19, 2013 Senate Majority Calls On OPM To Allow Rollovers For Health FSA Accounts WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and his National Capital Region colleagues Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-Va.), led a majority of the Senate this week, including all 53 Democrats and 2 Independents, in a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kathleen Archuleta urging her to allow the federal workforce to take advantage of the new Treasury/IRS rule allowing a $500 rollover of unused health Flexible Savings Account (FSA) funds. OPM has still not made a determination after the recent rule change by the Department of Treasury that would give employers the ability to choose whether their employees could roll over up to $500 of their FSA fund to the following year, or provide a grace period to use available funds in the following year. This is a notable change that helps keep families and consumers in control of their health care decisions. “It is unreasonable to expect health FSA participants to accurately forecast their out-of-pocket medical expenses a year in advance, and it is unfair to penalize them at the end of the plan year should their estimates prove to be inaccurate,” the Senators wrote in their letter. According to OPM’s own data, in 2012, 30,940 federal employees – nearly 10 percent of participating employees -- forfeited an average of $392 each in contributions because of the “use-or-lose” rule. The Senators noted that the U.S. Treasury and IRS have recognized the value of providing a rollover option for employees nationwide. “We urge you to provide this benefit to federal employees without delay,” they added. A copy of the letter can be found here and below. Director Katherine Archuleta U.S. Office of Personnel Management 1900 E Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20415 Dear Director Archuleta: We write to urge you to modify the “use-or-lose” rule for Health Flexible Spending Arrangements available to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003945/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365057 | Van Hollen, O’Malley, and Maryland Democrats Support the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today, Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-08) was joined by Governor Martin O’Malley, and Congressmembers Steny Hoyer, Elijah E. Cummings, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Donna Edwards, John Sarbanes, and John Delaney on a letter to the leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee expressing support for the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act (S.1187; H.R.2788; H.R.2994). These bills would extend protections set to expire on January 1 that enable homeowners to negotiate a resolution with their lenders on their underwater mortgage loans without the threat of a large tax bill. "While our economy is improving, millions of Americans are still struggling to make ends meet," said Congressman Van Hollen. "We should be helping people get on track with their mortgages, not whacking them with a huge tax bill when they're down. Renewing these protections will go a long way to help families who are working to keep their homes." “Congress should be doing everything in its power to help hardworking families still struggling to make ends meet as we recover from the recession,” said Congressman Cummings. “The Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act would renew existing protections that ensure struggling homeowners who receive the mortgage modifications they so desperately need are not taxed for these modifications. Renewal of these protections is absolutely critical.” "Extending the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act will go a long way toward mitigating the long-term effects of foreclosure on hardworking families,” said Governor O’Malley. “While Maryland has passed what the Washington Post called some of the most ‘sweeping’ foreclosure reforms in America, we still have much more work to do to protect the dignity of every home. That's why we must exercise every possible option we have to help families get back on their feet again and foster strong, growing communities in Maryland and across the nation." “The housing market in Maryland was hit hard by the economic recession, especially in Prince George’… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301140904/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-tours-manna-food-center-and-judith-p-hoyer-child-care-and-family | Delaney Tours Manna Food Center and Judith P. Hoyer Child Care and Family Education Center in Gaithersburg | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | web.archive.org | legacy | GAITHERSBURG – Wednesday, Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) toured two institutions vital to Gaithersburg and Montgomery County. Delaney visited the Manna Food Center and the Montgomery County Public Schools Gaithersburg Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Family Education Center. The Manna Food Center is the primary food bank for area non-profits and feeds over 3,000 families per month. There are 25 Judy Centers across Maryland. The Judy Centers were established to honor the memory of Judith P. Hoyer, an early childhood advocate and the late wife of Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. Judy Centers are early childhood and family learning centers which provide comprehensive services for children five and under. “It was a privilege to visit and tour the Manna Food Center and the MCPS Gaithersburg Judy Center at Summit Hall Elementary School. The work done at Manna Food Center and our Judy Centers is truly admirable” said Congressman Delaney. “This visit highlighted two issues that are very important to me: helping the less fortunate and investing in early childhood education. My commitment to these priorities is even stronger after hearing about the good work done here locally and I will take the perspective I gained here back to my colleagues in Washington. I believe that every one of our kids should be given a chance to live the American Dream and food on the table and early education are essential to that goal.” “I’m pleased Congressman Delaney visited the Gaithersburg Judy Center to see firsthand how Judy Centers are making a difference in the lives of the children and families they serve,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “By integrating early childhood education with health and social service delivery, Judy Centers help students become fully ready for kindergarten and help ensure their parents are prepared to support their children’s education and development. Judy Centers play a crucial role in helping to close the achievement gap here in Maryland, and I thank Congressman Delaney for highlighting their important rol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221102922/http://sarbanes.house.gov/release_details.asp?id=456 | Sarbanes Encouraged by Expansion of Telework at Federal Agencies | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Sarbanes | S001168 | web.archive.org | legacy | Sarbanes Encouraged by Expansion of Telework at Federal Agencies Implementation of Sarbanes’ Telework Enhancement Act is improving government efficiency and flexibility for federal workers TOWSON – U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes applauded a report released today by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that shows substantial progress has been made in implementing the Telework Enhancement Act, a bill he authored and was signed into law three years ago. “Telework provides common-sense workplace flexibility that benefits federal workers, improves traffic congestion in our region, and enhances continuity of operation for our federal government,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “OPM’s new report shows that federal agencies are making good progress in the development of strong telework programs that will increase productivity and efficiency.” The report, available here, details how federal agencies have put comprehensive telework policies in place and increased overall telework eligibility by nearly 50 percent. The number of employees with standing telework agreements has increased by more than 80 percent. By standing up a framework of best telework practices, OPM is coordinating an agency-wide effort to create a productive government and address other pressing issues like traffic congestion and quality of life for federal workers. This month marks the third anniversary of the Telework Enhancement Act. The law has expanded telework opportunities for federal workers, allowing employees to perform their duties and responsibilities from home or at another work site removed from their regular place of employment – saving the federal government money and improving the efficiency and productivity of our federal workforce. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221194150/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/media/ryan-murray-budget-a-return-to-regular-order- | Ryan-Murray Budget: A Return To Regular Order | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | web.archive.org | legacy | Multimedia Senator Cardin discusses the Ryan-Murray Budget part 1/2 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221194200/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/media/ryan-murray-budget-congress-still-has-work-to-do- | Ryan-Murray Budget: Congress Still Has Work To Do | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | web.archive.org | legacy | Multimedia Senator Cardin discusses the Ryan-Murray Budget part 2/2 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221194214/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/media/defending-our-federal-workforce- | Defending Our Federal Workforce | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | web.archive.org | legacy | Multimedia No other group of predominantly middle class Americans has contributed to deficit reduction the way federal workers have | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-hoyer-edwards-stand-united-behind-proposed-greenbelt-site-as-the-best-location-for-a-new-fbi-headquarters | Cardin, Mikulski, Hoyer, Edwards Stand United Behind Proposed Greenbelt Site As The Best Location For A New FBI Headquarters | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 17, 2013 Cardin, Mikulski, Hoyer, Edwards Stand United Behind Proposed Greenbelt Site As The Best Location For A New FBI Headquarters WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski along with Representatives Steny Hoyer and Donna F. Edwards (all D-Md.) today voiced their continued strong support for a proposed site in Greenbelt, Maryland to serve as the future home of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As a leading candidate for the new location for the FBI headquarters, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker today submitted a proposal to meet the GSA’s December 17 deadline. “We stand firmly behind Prince George’s County as the right choice for the new headquarters of the FBI and support County Executive Baker’s proposal for the Greenbelt site. Prince George’s County has the ability to donate, at no cost to the federal government, the proposed location that meets the size requirements and is located directly adjacent to a Metro station,” Team Maryland said. “An honest analysis of the cost of operations, security, convenience of location for staff, transportation options, and the promotion of regional equity in federal facility distribution should make the proposed Greenbelt, Maryland site the choice location for FBI. This project would bring thousands of jobs to the County, boost our local economy and generate additional revenues for our community. As GSA continues to move forward with the process of selecting a site, we will be working closely together to advocate for bringing this project, and the new economic opportunities that will accompany it, to Prince George's County.” Earlier this year, Senators Cardin and Mikulski along with the entire Maryland Congressional delegation, including Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah E. Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards, Andy Harris and John Delaney, sent a letter to the heads of the FBI and GSA that strongly support a site in Prince George’s Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/video/cummings-talks-budget-priorities-msnbcs-morning-joe | Cummings Talks Budget Priorities on MSNBC's Morning Joe | 2013-12-16 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Cummings visits MSNBC's Morning Joe to discuss the most Recent budget deal, budget priorities, and growing inequality in the U.S. (12/16/13). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/video/rep-cummings-talks-inequality-msnbcs-disrupt | Rep. Cummings Talks Inequality on MSNBC's Disrupt | 2013-12-16 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Cummings talks about income inequality with Karen Finney on MSNBC's Disrupt (12/14/13). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011921/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364556 | Rep. Van Hollen Statement on H.Res. 441 – the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2014 | 2013-12-13 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Mr. Speaker – I rise today in support of final passage of the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act. I commend Chairman McKeon, Chairman Levin, Ranking Member Smith, and Ranking Member Inhofe for crafting a bipartisan bill that both strengthens the security of our nation and provides for vital programs that benefit our men and women in uniform and their civilian colleagues. While not perfect, today’s compromise legislation makes many key improvements over the Defense Authorization bill that the House voted on earlier this year. I am particularly encouraged that the final agreement we voted on today includes $80.7 billion in funding for overseas contingency operations (OCO), which is in line with the Pentagon’s request. This is an important change from the $85.8 billion that was included in the House-passed authorization in June. Today’s bill provides sufficient funds to fully meet the President’s FY 2014 request for the war in Afghanistan while ensuring that the overseas contingency operations account will not become a slush fund for unrequested defense spending. The final agreement also eases restrictions on the ability of DoD to transfer Guantanamo detainees and takes an important step in addressing our indefinite detention policy there. In particular, I am pleased that this bill drops a provision that would have barred the use of funds to transfer prisoners to Yemen and authorizes the Pentagon to transfer detainees to other foreign countries under certain conditions. More needs to be done when addressing our indefinite detention policy, but provisions such as these represent significant progress. I am also encouraged by the changes this bill makes with regards to how the military responds to sexual assault cases. It adopts Senate language to bar individuals from joining the military if they have been convicted of a sex-related offense; it imposes a minimum sentence of dishonorable discharge or dismissal on those found guilty; and it prohibits commanders from dismissing a court martial finding or reduc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140223091928/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-calls-for-five-year-farm-bill-after-house-passes-emergency | Delaney Calls for Five Year Farm Bill After House Passes Emergency Extension | 2013-12-13 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed an emergency extension of the farm bill by voice vote. The bill extends the current farm bill through January 31st, as a means to allow further deliberations on a conference version of the House and Senate bills. Sunday, Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) authored an op-ed in the Frederick News-Post calling for a full five year farm bill. Delaney issues the following statement: “The farm bill is absolutely fundamental to insuring that we have a stable, sustainable, and affordable food supply for our country. It doesn’t get more important than that. While I support this brief extension, the debate on the farm bill is not over. Over 350,000 Marylanders are employed in the agricultural sector and agriculture is our largest commercial industry. Maryland farmers have made it very clear to me: they need a long-term farm bill so they can make prudent financial decisions that reflect the rules of the road. “As we approach the prospect of doing serious damage to our economy and harming real people, we have to find a solution. We can’t let the pursuit of extreme cuts to our nutritional assistance programs, which provide needed aid to our least fortunate hold up a compromise. Last night, in passing a budget with broad bipartisan support, members of the House showed that they are ready for compromise and cooperation, let’s carry that spirit forward in January and pass a five year farm bill.” ## | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010503/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364388 | Van Hollen Special Order Speech Honoring the Life of Nelson Mandela | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | I want to thank my friend, Mr. Fattah; my friend, Ms. Fudge; and the entire CBC for organizing this time to honor the life of Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was a man who stood up so bravely to injustice. The power of his beautiful example inspired people around the world, stirred our hearts and stirred our conscience. It was Nelson Mandela and the injustice of apartheid that first moved me to political activism. At the time, I was a student at Swarthmore College in the State of Pennsylvania. I joined the Swarthmore Antiapartheid Committee to urge and petition Swarthmore College to divest from South Africa. Young people at colleges around the country were moved to action. I watched there as members of the Congressional Black Caucus here in the United States Congress worked to make sure that the United States stood up to the meaning that is our founding creed that all people will be created equal. They were people like Congressman Gray and others, and Members who are members today of the CBC that are standing up. And then, in 1985, I had the privilege of going to work as one of the foreign policy advisers to a great Maryland Senator by the name of Mac Mathias, who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was one of the sponsors of the legislation to impose economic sanctions against South Africa because of the evil of apartheid. It was Senator Mathias, Senator Kennedy, and Senator Lugar, the Republican Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, working in the Senate along with CBC in the House of Representatives and others who said the United States cannot stand by while the evil of apartheid is in place. We must answer the call of Nelson Mandela. Certainly, my proudest moment as a staff member to Senator Mathias on those days on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was, first, when the United States Congress passed the legislation and then on a bipartisan basis overrode the veto of then-President Reagan, showing how the democratic process in this country would work to stand up for justice. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301141116/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-delaney-speaks-on-climate-change-during-financial-services | Congressman Delaney Speaks on Climate Change During Financial Services Hearing with Treasury Secretary Jack Lew | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON – At today’s Financial Services Committee hearing with Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) discussed the issue of climate change and questioned the Secretary on his views on a revenue-neutral market-driven carbon tax. The Treasury advises the president on financial, monetary, economic, trade, and tax policy. The exchange is below: Rep. Delaney: Thank you Secretary for joining us here today. I was going to frame my question around the issue of asset managers being systemically important which I don't think they should be deemed systemically important, but my good friend and colleague from Kentucky made me think about another question I want to ask you, kind of a follow up to what you were talking about and I’d just be interested in your opinion on this topic. If you were confronted with the following kind of policy question that was being posed to the president which is that we would implement some form of market-driven and market-based carbon tax and if the revenues produced from that form of a carbon tax were used entirely to provide a variety of tax breaks to individuals and businesses, so that it was a revenue neutral proposal but we actually had a true market-based carbon tax, which is something I am in favor of, but that the revenue is generated from something like that were entirely given back to the American population either through individual tax breaks or through corporate tax breaks. How would you advise the president to think about something like that, what would be your directional view on a step like that? Secretary Lew: Congressman, this has obviously been debated over many decades and I was part of an administration that proposed a BTU tax and was unsuccessful because it had such resistance in the 1990s, I think those are questions we have to look at in the right context in terms of comprehensive tax reform, looking overall at our tax system and how to make it more conducive to a growing efficient economy and the administration has not made any proposals yet.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301141743/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-bipartisan-budget-deal | Delaney Statement on Bipartisan Budget Deal | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON – On Thursday, December 12, 2013 the House voted to approve the bipartisan, bicameral budget compromise brokered by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray. The agreement authorizes funding for federal agencies through the fall of 2015, avoiding a government shutdown for the next two years. Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) voted for the agreement. Delaney issues the following statement: “This budget agreement and today’s bipartisan vote was a small step forward, a small step towards a better functioning Congress. Coming from the private sector, I am of the fundamental belief that good policy comes at the intersection of principle and compromise. I believe that it is vitally important to encourage further agreements by supporting this deal. “We saw this fall what happens when we fail to find common ground: we shut down the government for sixteen days. This was incredibly damaging to the country and was singularly harmful to my district, which is home to thousands of dedicated federal civil servants. This agreement lets our federal workers and our country know that we’re not going to have another shutdown anytime soon. “This budget doesn’t have everything I believe is in the best interest of the country, including additional job-creating investments in infrastructure, extending unemployment insurance, and providing truly world-class support for science, research, and education so we can stay competitive. We also need comprehensive tax reform, including fixing our broken international corporate tax system. I will continue to fight for these priorities and continue to stand up for our federal workers. However, this deal was better than the alternative, which was more chaos, more uncertainty, and continued inability to focus on the real problems facing the country. “This bipartisan agreement keeps the government open, meets our national security needs, and positions us to better invest in our future. We still have much to do make our country competitive in a twent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-calls-for-a-balanced-approach-to-reforming-the-renewable-fuel-standard | Cardin Calls For A Balanced Approach To Reforming The Renewable Fuel Standard | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 11, 2013 Cardin Calls For A Balanced Approach To Reforming The Renewable Fuel Standard WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, used today’s committee hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to call for balanced reforms that consider the concerns of a stakeholders and consumers caught up in the economic and environmental repercussions of this policy. “The RFS is an important policy that has helped foster domestic production of renewable biofuels, but the current policy is in desperate need of reform. The last changes to the RFS seven years ago were based on critical economic assumptions, like rising gasoline consumption, sufficient availability of corn for fuel and food production, and industry’s ability to rapidly developed truly advanced biofuels that turned out to be false. The status quo is unsustainable, yet full repeal of the RFS would set back years of progress and the promise of a clean energy future and destroy thousands of sustainable jobs in a technology sector that has tremendous promise for our nation.” “In Maryland, the people I hear from the most are the stakeholders caught in the crossfire of policies like the Renewable Fuel Standard. These are people like, boaters and watermen, poultry farmers, fuel retailers, and others whose voices were not heard during the development of these policies. Maryland’s large poultry industry has concerns with the RFS and how the diversion of 40% of our annual domestic corn crop is being turned into fuel. Corn is essential to raising chickens, because unlike hogs or cattle, there is very little else a farmer can feed to chickens to raise them to market weight. The RFS creates imbalance in the market place for corn. Ethanol producers have a guaranteed market for their corn ethanol, yet poultry has to compete with beef, pork or meatless meals for a place on the American dinner table. “The reforms that I have been working on for the last several mon… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221102929/http://sarbanes.house.gov/release_details.asp?id=455 | Sarbanes Announces $50,000 for Community Health Centers in Baltimore | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Sarbanes | S001168 | web.archive.org | legacy | Sarbanes Announces $50,000 for Community Health Centers in Baltimore Funding will help uninsured enroll in affordable and reliable health care coverage WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $50,000 to community health centers in Baltimore to provide enrollment assistance for people seeking new health coverage made available by the health care reform law. “The health care reform law is expanding coverage to thousands of uninsured Marylanders, making it possible for them to get to the doctor when they need one,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “But many of these people need help learning about their eligibility for benefits and how to enroll. Community health centers are bridging this gap so people in Baltimore and throughout Maryland have access to the care they deserve.” Baltimore Medical System and Health Care for the Homeless will each receive $25,000 to expand outreach and enrollment efforts that assist uninsured Marylanders access affordable health insurance coverage made possible through the health care reform law. Last year, Maryland’s 16 community health centers served nearly 300,000 patients. More than a quarter of those patients were uninsured. With this funding from HHS, the state’s health centers will be able to assist more than 40,000 people with enrollment in affordable coverage. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221170933/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-lauds-affordable-care-act-investments-in-marylands-community-health-centers- | Cardin Lauds Affordable Care Act Investments in Maryland’s Community Health Centers | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | web.archive.org | legacy | Cardin Lauds Affordable Care Act Investments in Maryland���s Community Health Centers Wednesday, December 11, 2013 WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today highlighted how federal investments in Community Health Centers in Maryland, provided under the Affordable Care Act, are helping deliver higher-quality health care to 292,000 Marylanders. Already, community health centers in Maryland have received nearly $60 million in Affordable Care Act funding to expand capacity in our state. “Federal investment in health centers is a game changer. Greater access to primary and preventive services reduces health disparities for low-income individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, rural communities and other underserved populations. Community health centers are the backbone to providing quality health care for hundreds of thousands of Marylanders,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Committee Health Care Subcommittee. “Federally qualified health centers are leading the way in developing best practices to overcoming geographic, cultural, linguistic, and other barriers. Their efficiency is based on a team approach to care, including physicians, nurses, dental providers, social workers, and many others. I am proud that the Affordable Care Act is working to directly improve the lives of millions of Americans through the innovative use of community health centers.” The Affordable Care Act been crucial for America’s community health centers. The law provides $11 billion in funding over five years to build new health care centers and expand existing ones, effectively doubling their capacity to more than 40 million patients by 2015. By that date, it is estimated that community health care centers will provide affordable health care to two-thirds of low-income Americans. Health centers are an integral source of local employment and economic growth in many communities. Health centers employ more than 148,000 workers nationwide and added more than 35,000 jobs over the last four years… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-lauds-affordable-care-act-investments-in-marylands-community-health-centers | Cardin Lauds Affordable Care Act Investments in Marylands Community Health Centers | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 11, 2013 Cardin Lauds Affordable Care Act Investments in Maryland's Community Health Centers WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today highlighted how federal investments in Community Health Centers in Maryland, provided under the Affordable Care Act, are helping deliver higher-quality health care to 292,000 Marylanders. Already, community health centers in Maryland have received nearly $60 million in Affordable Care Act funding to expand capacity in our state. Federal investment in health centers is a game changer. Greater access to primary and preventive services reduces health disparities for low-income individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, rural communities and other underserved populations. Community health centers are the backbone to providing quality health care for hundreds of thousands of Marylanders, said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Committee Health Care Subcommittee. Federally qualified health centers are leading the way in developing best practices to overcoming geographic, cultural, linguistic, and other barriers. Their efficiency is based on a team approach to care, including physicians, nurses, dental providers, social workers, and many others. I am proud that the Affordable Care Act is working to directly improve the lives of millions of Americans through the innovative use of community health centers. The Affordable Care Act been crucial for America's community health centers. The law provides $11 billion in funding over five years to build new health care centers and expand existing ones, effectively doubling their capacity to more than 40 million patients by 2015. By that date, it is estimated that community health care centers will provide affordable health care to two-thirds of low-income Americans. Health centers are an integral source of local employment and economic growth in many communities. Health centers employ more than 148,000 workers nationwide and added more than 35,000 jobs over the last four years. Cu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/international-human-rights-day | International Human Rights Day | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 10, 2013 International Human Rights Day Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of International Human Rights Day. Sixty-five years ago, on December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which serves as a foundation for human rights initiatives internationally, and is an enduring guide for human rights advocates around the globe. On this annual celebration of International Human Rights Day we all mourn with heavy hearts the loss of Nelson Mandela, a man who devoted his life to promoting human rights, freedom, and harmony. Humanity has lost one of its greatest leaders with the passing of Madiba, or father', as he was lovingly called. My prayers go out to his family and all the people of South Africa. He was a personal hero of mine, and of those who work to uphold human rights around the world. He led his nation not only in overcoming the divisions of racism, but in reconciling and healing. Throughout his life Nelson Mandela never stopped fighting for the oppressed, speaking out for the voiceless, and given hope to the hopeless. One of the greatest leaders may have left this world but the lessons he taught us about human dignity, sacrifice, perseverance, and perhaps the most powerful lesson of allforgiveness will live on forever. In 1964, Nelson Mandela was convicted of treason and sentenced to life in prison for his part in the fight for racial equality in apartheid South Africa. At his trial Mandela said, I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. Thankfully Mandela did not die during his 30 year imprisonment, and instead after enduring the unthinkable with grace and dignity, he emerged to lead a country to se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-applauds-obama-administration-initiative-to-support-aging-holocaust-survivors-in-the-us | Cardin Applauds Obama Administration Initiative To Support Aging Holocaust Survivors In The U.S. | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 10, 2013 Cardin Applauds Obama Administration Initiative To Support Aging Holocaust Survivors In The U.S. WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) lauded the announcement by Vice President Joe Biden that the Obama Administration will take steps to help Holocaust survivors living in the United States access needed services, such as health care and nutritional services, without having to live in a nursing home or assisted living facility. The Holocaust Survivor Assistance Initiative announced today complements bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Cardin and Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) S.999, the Responding to Urgent Needs of Survivors of the Holocaust Act or the RUSH Act which would create a point person within the Administration for connecting nonprofit and community partners with Holocaust survivors in need. S. 999 would also add Holocaust survivors to the list of groups receiving priority for social services through the Older Americans Act (OAA. In October 2013, the HELP Committee approved legislation reauthorizing the OAA that includes Cardin-Kirk language providing for greater Administration focus on the needs of the survivor community. As survivors of terror and torture, these victims of the Holocaust came to our country seeking the American Dream, and they have enriched our nation. Now they need additional social services that will allow them to age in place, said Senator Cardin. Time is running short for this community. The Administration has taken meaningful steps to fulfill our obligation to provide them with community supports. Approximately 120,000 Holocaust survivors live in the United States, with an average age of 80. Nearly one-quarter are age 85 or older and three-in-five are women. Two-thirds of Holocaust survivors live alone, placing them at greater risk of institutionalization. In addition, more than half of all Holocaust survivors who immigrated to the United States after 1965 live below the federal poverty level and have few resources. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-urges-majority-leader-reid-to-leave-feds-alone-in-budget-deal-to-end-sequestration | Cardin Urges Majority Leader Reid To Leave Feds Alone In Budget Deal To End Sequestration | 2013-12-09 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 09, 2013 Cardin Urges Majority Leader Reid To Leave Feds Alone In Budget Deal To End Sequestration “No other group of predominantly middle class Americans has contributed to deficit reduction the way federal workers have.” WASHINGTON – Saying clearly that “federal workers have sacrificed enough,” U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) urging him to abide by budget agreements made last year that “federal workers would not serve as a ‘piggybank’ again, especially for shorter term budget deals.” Senator Cardin, who has been tasked by Majority Leader Reid to keep the Democratic Caucus apprised of matters concerning the federal workforce, was specific in his request: “… in any budget agreement, there should be no further erosion in federal workers’ compensation or benefits, even in exchange for a limited respite from sequestration, however desirable that goal is.” Totally more than $115 billion, federal workers have contributed enough to end our fiscal crisis through multi-year pay freezes, furloughs and budget cuts, Senator Cardin said. “No other group of predominantly middle class Americans has contributed to deficit reduction the way federal workers have. This relentless attack isn’t just devastating to morale; it’s hurting our country and the economy,” he warned in his letter. The impact goes well beyond the National Capital Region. The full text of the letter follows and is available at this link. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) report is available here. Print Email Tweet Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-november-jobs-numbers-0 | Cummings Issues Statement on November Jobs Numbers | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C. (December 6, 2013) – Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and a member of the Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement today in response to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report that the U.S. economy added 203,000 jobs in November and the unemployment rate decreased to 7.0 percent: “This morning’s jobs numbers demonstrate the resilience of the American economy in the face of legislative gridlock. Republicans have largely abandoned efforts to pass responsible bipartisan legislation, instead staking out extremist positions and blocking every commonsense effort to reform things like our immigration system and our tax code, leaving Congress crippled. “With another budget deadline approaching, it is time to stop fighting and instead adopt a pro-growth agenda that will help strengthen of our country, including extending unemployment benefits that are set to expire at the end of this year. Too many Americans are struggling to earn a decent wage or have failed to find meaningful employment and are not benefiting from the economic gains of the last year. A nation as great as ours cannot turn its back on the working and middle class. We can and must do better.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-statement-passing-nelson-mandela | Cummings Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BALTIMORE, MD (December 5, 2013) –Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) released the following statement on the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “Around the world, Nelson Mandela served as a symbol for peace, progress, and unity in the face of hate and discrimination. He sacrificed 27 years of his life behind bars, harnessing immense personal and spiritual strength, to bring his country through the oppression of Apartheid. Above all, he refused to resort to violence, and never returned the vicious and hateful assaults of which he was so often a victim. “With Mandela’s passing, we have all lost an exemplary model of the kind of person we should all aspire to be – selfless, loving, and dedicated to justice for every man and woman. The legacy he leaves behind is not just the liberation of South Africa, nor the impression made during his time as President, but freedom and opportunity for all. My heart and prayers are with his family during this time of loss.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-boxer-casey-leahy-shaheen-blumenthal-and-ayotte-urge-president-hamid-karzai-to-protect-women-in-the-afghan-national-police | Cardin, Boxer, Casey, Leahy, Shaheen, Blumenthal And Ayotte Urge President Hamid Karzai To Protect Women In The Afghan National Police | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 06, 2013 Cardin, Boxer, Casey, Leahy, Shaheen, Blumenthal And Ayotte Urge President Hamid Karzai To Protect Women In The Afghan National Police An Alarming 70 Percent of Afghan Policewomen Report Experiencing Sexual Harassment or Sexual Violence Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) today sent a letter to Afghan President Hamid Karzai urging him to take immediate action to protect women within the Afghan National Police (ANP). “We are deeply concerned by recent reports of endemic sexual violence and harassment of Afghan policewomen by their male counterparts,” the Senators wrote. “These brave women deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.” A recent United Nations report found that 90 percent of Afghan police women viewed sexual harassment and sexual violence as a serious problem and that 70 percent had personally experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence. In the bipartisan letter, the Senators praised the steps the Afghan government has already taken to protect and support women in the ANP, but urged President Karzai to expand efforts to recruit, retain and promote qualified women, who currently make up less than one percent of the ANP force. “As Afghan policewomen work to build a better future for their communities, we hope you agree they deserve nothing less than to know their government will do everything it can to protect them in return,” the Senators wrote. The full text of the letter follows: December 6, 2013 His Excellency Hamid Karzai President, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Dear President Karzai: We write to urge you to take immediate and concrete action to improve the situation of women within the Afghan National Police (ANP). We are deeply concerned by recent reports of endemic sexual violence a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-nelson-mandela | Cardin Statement On Nelson Mandela | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 06, 2013 Cardin Statement On Nelson Mandela Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a senior member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a member of its Subcommittee on African Affairs, and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, released the following statement on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “Humanity has lost one of its greatest leaders with the passing of Nelson Mandela. My prayers go out to his family and all the people of South Africa. He was a personal hero of mine, and of those who work to uphold human rights around the world. Ten thousand days in prison were not enough to break Mandela’s spirit and his devotion to the freedom of all people. He led his nation not only in overcoming the divisions of racism, but in reconciling and healing. “Mandela’s influence does not end with his passing. His story and moral courage has changed countless lives forever. As he once said, ‘the true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.’ State and federal lawmakers across the U.S. looked to Mandela as an inspiration when crafting laws that mandated divestment from South Africa’s cruel Apartheid regime. I had the privilege of serving as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates when we passed such legislation. Years later, our Nation is still striving to follow in Mandela’s footsteps and fully realize his dream of peace and equality for all of mankind. ” Print Email Tweet Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140102224754/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363838 | Van Hollen: IRS Lawsuit Unnecessary with New 501(c)4 Regulations | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement to announce that his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is no longer necessary in light of the IRS’ new regulations on 501(c)4 organizations: “The IRS should have never been in the business of determining how much political activity 501(c)4 organizations could engage in – the plain reading of the law says that these groups should operate ‘exclusively’ social welfare activities. Our lawsuit against the IRS was designed to compel it to develop new regulations on this question, and today we are moving to dismiss this lawsuit in light of the Administration’s willingness to address the rules that govern these organizations. “Last election cycle, 501(c)4 organizations were exploited to funnel millions of dollars of secret money into campaigns. We must put an end to the flow of this secret money, and I will closely monitor the progress of the Treasury Department and the IRS to ensure they establish clear rules that are consistent with the law. The public has a right to know who is spending millions to influence the outcome of our elections.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140102230639/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363584 | Van Hollen Offers House Democratic Budget Plan | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, offered a budget plan that reflects the priorities of House Democrats: “These budget conference negotiations have dragged on for too long and left important priorities at risk. That is why our plan focuses on growing jobs and the economy, replacing the sequester in a balanced way, and extending unemployment compensation for Americans who are out of work through no fault of their own. House Democrats believe we must reduce the deficit, but we cannot ask working families to shoulder that burden alone. We will continue to fight for these key provisions as part of the budget negotiations.” To read a summary of this plan, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-lauds-new-protections-for-adults-with-pre-existing-conditions-that-begin-january-1 | Cardin Lauds New Protections For Adults With Pre-Existing Conditions That Begin January 1 | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | December 05, 2013 Cardin Lauds New Protections For Adults With Pre-Existing Conditions That Begin January 1 WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today released figures highlighting the more than 2.5 million consumers in Maryland with pre-existing conditions who, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), will be protected from discrimination by insurance companies based on their health status. Beginning January 1, 2014, because of the health care law, insurance companies will be prohibited from denying health coverage for the up to 129 million Americans – including up to 2,543,000 1 in Maryland – with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, asthma, diabetes, or seemingly minor issues like back problems or allergies. Insurance companies also will no longer be able to charge higher premiums based on health status or history. Since 2010, the Affordable Care Act has prohibited insurance companies from denying coverage to the up to 17 million children with pre-existing conditions – including up to 320,000 in Maryland. “Better, more affordable coverage is finally going to be available to the million Americans with pre-existing conditions. For years, constituents have complained to me that they have been blocked from taking better jobs or trapped in subpar policies because they feared a minor pre-existing condition would keep them from getting new coverage. No longer will they be at the mercy of insurance companies that care more about profits than people,” said Senator Cardin. “The fundamentals of the Affordable Care Act continue to pay dividends for Marylanders, including providing access to preventive and lifesaving health services that will help them stay healthy and avoid more serious medical complications.” The ACA contains several patient-friendly protections that Senator Cardin championed, including: universal dental coverage for children; a guarantee of patients’ rights, including access to emergency medical services; patient choice of primary care providers and pediatricians; an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003959/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364555 | Statement of Rep. Van Hollen Regarding the Innovation Act (H.R. 3309) | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Mr. Speaker— I rise in support of the Innovation Act (H.R. 3309). While this legislation is not perfect, it represents an important step in our efforts to prevent patent assertion entities (PAE), commonly referred to as patent trolls, from extracting unfair and exorbitant settlements from innocent businesses through the threat of frivolous and expensive patent litigation. This legislation ensures that when alleging infringement in a lawsuit, a party must at least identify what patents and claims are being infringed upon, and provide specificity as to how they are being infringed. This will provide more clarity and integrity to patent infringement claims, shining a light on the disingenuous claims from patent trolls. Additionally, this legislation will help to protect the small businesses that have been accused of patent infringement for purchasing ubiquitous products and who are clearly not involved in the alleged infringement in a patent lawsuit. H.R. 3309 will allow for the action against the downstream customers to be stayed as the manufacturer of the product litigates the lawsuit. This is done so those with the knowledge of the production process, and not the innocent consumer, can argue the case—and it is only allowed if the customer agrees to be bound by the final judgment of the court. I do, however, continue to have reservations with several provisions in this bill. Primarily, I oppose the provision that allows in some cases for the shifting of court and legal fees from the prevailing parties. I believe this provision has the potential to discourage legitimate patent infringement lawsuits by inventors and owners of intellectual property that may not be deep pocketed. I am also worried about the precedent that this reform could set with respect to protecting access to the courts for all Americans. I voted for the substitute amendment proposed by Ranking Member Conyers and Congressman Watt, which I believe strikes a more equitable balance than this legislation and which did not contain any fee shif… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221102932/http://sarbanes.house.gov/release_details.asp?id=453 | Sarbanes Statement on Nelson Mandela | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Sarbanes | S001168 | web.archive.org | legacy | Sarbanes Statement on Nelson MandelaWASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes today released the following statement on Nelson Mandela:“Nelson Mandela is a hero whose life will be an inspiration for generations far beyond his own. From his prison cell to his country’s highest office, Mr. Mandela never faltered in his determination to lift South Africa out from under the tyranny of apartheid. We honor his legacy by recommitting ourselves every day to the struggle for peace and reconciliation.”### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301142547/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-applauds-house-bill-to-extend-ban-on-undetectable-firearms | Delaney Applauds House Bill to Extend Ban on Undetectable Firearms | 2013-12-03 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today the House passed H.R. 3626, extending the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 for 10 years. The law prohibits the manufacture or possession of firearms undetectable to X-ray machines and metal detectors. The bill, which passed the House by a voice vote, comes on the heels of reports that lethal plastic weapons, invisible to metal detectors, may be manufactured at home using 3-dimensional printing technologies. “We did the right thing today, acting in a responsible manner to maintain public safety standards. Ensuring that all families have safe access to airports and other public spaces is an obligation we all share,” said Congressman Delaney. “Advancements in technology have created new challenges for law enforcement and serious public safety concerns. This commonsense legislation helps to support the men and women working to keep our communities safe by banning lethal firearms that can slip past metal detectors.” In November of 2013, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) published a study detailing the increasing threat of undetectable firearms. In the study, the ATF created a lethal plastic handgun using a 3-D printer and firearm designs available online. H.R. 3626 would outlaw the manufacture or possession of plastic firearms and other guns made from undetectable materials. This legislation now heads to the Senate. ## | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301142610/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delaney-attends-vigil-for-alan-gross-calls-for-maryland-native-s-release | Delaney Attends Vigil for Alan Gross, Calls for Maryland Native’s Release from Cuban Prison | 2013-12-03 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | web.archive.org | legacy | For Immediate Release: December 3, 2013 Contact: Will McDonald, 202-225-2721 Delaney Attends Vigil for Alan Gross, Calls for Maryland Native’s Release from Cuban Prison WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) attended a vigil for Montgomery County native Alan Gross and called for his release. Gross, sent to Cuba as a contractor for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has been captive since 2009. The vigil, held on the fourth anniversary of Gross’s imprisonment, was organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and took place at Lafayette Park, adjacent to the White House. The vigil included elected officials and local Jewish community leaders. “Our message today is clear: Alan, you are not forgotten and you are not alone,” said Congressman Delaney. “Alan Gross is an American who was sent by his country overseas and it is our government’s obligation to do everything we can to bring him home. Alan’s imprisonment is unjust and the hardship suffered by Alan and his family is extreme. Each day that Alan spends locked in a Cuban cell is an affront to our values of a free society. It’s time to bring Alan home.” Gross was sent to Cuba in 2009 as a USAID contractor to assist the Jewish community in Cuba. Following his 2009 arrest, Gross was convicted by Cuba of crimes against the state in 2011 and sentenced to 15 years. In November, 66 Senators wrote to President Obama urging the Administration to prioritize Gross’s release as “a matter of grave urgency.” ## | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-world-aids-day | Cummings Issues Statement on World AIDS Day | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BALTIMORE, MD (December 2, 2013) –Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) released the following statement commemorating World Aids Day on December 1: “Around the world, 33.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. More than 25 million have died since 1981 due this disease, and every year 50,000 more men, women, and children are infected. Baltimore ranks sixth among metropolitan areas for rates of infection. Each year, World Aids Day brings attention to this important cause. “We have the tools to prevent further infections, and treat those with the virus, allowing them to live normal lives. We must work together to halt HIV/AIDS in its tracks by supporting NIH studies, appropriating the highest levels of funding for disease research, and ensuring that HIV/AIDS medicine remains affordable and easy to access for those here at home, and abroad. We can ensure that in the next 20 years, no one dies from HIV/AIDS. “I urge everyone to get tested, know their status, and know that there are options to handle infection. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress, and partners in the advocacy community to achieve the goal of an AIDS-free world.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140103002113/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363146 | Van Hollen on MSNBC: The House Has Become a Totally Dysfunctional Place When It Comes to Doing the Business of the American People | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, appeared on MSNBC with Andrea Mitchell to discuss the latest on the Affordable Care Act, GOP obstruction in the House, and Iran. Below is a transcript of the interview, and the video is available here. ANDREA MITCHELL, MSNBC: And as you just heard the Obama Administration is touting its success today for meeting its self-imposed deadlines to improve HealthCare.gov. How is it viewed in Congress and the rest of the country? Joining me now from Capitol Hill is Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee. Thanks so much for being with us, Congressman. REP. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN: Good to be with you, Andrea. MITCHELL: Now, I know you've all been pressing for improvements. You're a member of the President's own party, but what – what do you say about the – the progress so far of improving the website and the overall experience of getting this thing going? VAN HOLLEN: Well, Andrea, this was a very important step forward. The administration did hit the benchmarks that it set out, the – the main ones, the 50,000 consumers at one time and 800,000 per day. MITCHELL: It's a pretty low benchmark, though. I mean, they were -- they were not setting the bar very high for themselves. VAN HOLLEN: Well, it was – you're right to the extent that this was supposed to be the way the system operated on day one, and so obviously, we had a very bumpy roll-out. And to your question, look, the work can't stop by yesterday. I mean, they're going to have to be working 24/7 to work on some of the issues at the – at the back end. We know that there are currently going to be some issues with the relay of information to the insurance companies to make sure that people are signed up. So this is not an end point, this is not, as they've said, a magic moment. But it is good news for consumers, and now they just have got to make sure they keep their foot on the accelerator in terms of fixing the website. Because what we do kn… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301141145/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/blogs/on-the-house-floor-this-week-12213 | On the House Floor This Week - 12/2/13 | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | web.archive.org | legacy | Here is the tentative legislative calendar for the week of December 2: the House will be in session Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Each week the House is in session the schedule is set by the Speaker of the House, John Boehner. If you have feedback or questions on any of the legislation we’re voting on this week, please contact my office. To look up additional information on any specific bill, you can visit beta.Congress.gov. MONDAY, DECEMBER 2 On Monday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules (suspension bills require a two-thirds majority to pass): 1) H.R. 3547 - The Space Launch Liability Indemnification Extension Act (Sponsored by Rep. Smith / Science, Space, and Technology Committee) 2) H.R. ___ - To extend the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 for 10 years (Sponsored by Rep. Coble / Judiciary Committee) 3) H.R. 3588 - To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt fire hydrants from the prohibition on the use of lead pipes, fittings, fixtures, solder, and flux (Sponsored by Rep. Johnson / Energy and Commerce Committee) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules: H.R. 1095 - TSA Loose Change Act (Sponsored by Rep. Miller / Homeland Security Committee) H.R. 2719 - The Transportation Acquisition Security Reform Act (Sponsored by Rep. Hudson / Homeland Security Committee) H.R. 1204 - The Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Thompson / Homeland Security Committee) H.R. 255 - To amend certain definitions contained in the Provo River Project Transfer Act for purposes of clarifying certain property descriptions (Sponsored by Rep. Chaffetz / Natural Resources Committee) H.R. 2388 - To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to take certain Federal lands located in El Dorado County, California, into trust for the benef… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-thanksgiving-holiday | Cummings Issues Statement on Thanksgiving Holiday | 2013-11-27 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE Washington, DC (Nov. 28, 2013)–Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07), issued the following statement on the Thanksgiving Holiday. “Thanksgiving signals the start of the holiday season, a time to gather with family and friends. On this day each year, Americans across the country will sit down to a meal, give thanks for the people and things that matter most, and reflect on the history of our nation. That history is one of compassion, progress, and equality. Yet for too many Americans, a Thanksgiving meal is just out of reach, the result of a slow economic recovery or other hardship. They are veterans still seeking work, parents with part-time jobs, and children who will shape our future. We will never reach our true potential without reaching back to support them. “While we give thanks and reflect, we must also ensure that we strive to embody the values that built this country. I am thankful every day to live in the greatest nation on earth, and proud to proud to continue the fight to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve the American dream.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-mikulski-sarbanes-call-support-snap-farm-bill | Cummings, Mikulski, Sarbanes Call for Support of SNAP in the Farm Bill | 2013-11-25 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Baltimore, MD (November 25, 2013) ― Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) was joined by Sen. Barbara Mikulski and Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-03) in a call for support of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at a press conference at the Maryland Food Bank. The approach of the holiday season highlights the importance of the program, which could face cuts up to $40 billion if the House and Senate Farm Bill Conference Committee adopts Republican authored changes to SNAP. “Today, we heard firsthand accounts of hunger in our community – families who have found themselves in circumstances outside of their control, struggling to ensure they can put meals on the table,” Congressman Cummings said. “As the richest nation in the world, there is no reason we can’t feed every child – and SNAP is one way we can do that. The immense cuts proposed to programs like this take food out of the mouths of those in need. As a country, we can do better.” “As Maryland families prepare their tables to celebrate Thanksgiving, our most vulnerable need a government on their side so they won’t have to go to bed hungry. I want families to know I’m on their side,” Senator Mikulski said. “As a former social worker, I know the importance of nutrition assistance to those who need it most. I’m a fighter and a reformer. I’m fighting for smart federal investments that reflect our American values of protecting our country and neighbor helping neighbor. The Maryland Food Bank plays a critical role in delivering food to families who need it most. I will continue to fight for the thousands of Marylanders in need while making common-sense reforms and supporting our agricultural economy.” “For families who struggle to put food on their tables, the holiday season can be one of the hardest times of the year,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “Misguided cuts to food stamp benefits and other nutrition programs for the neediest among us make a bad situation worse. I will continue fighting against these dev… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-announce-3-million-federal-grant-to-support-effective-life-skills-through-casa-de-maryland | Cardin, Mikulski Announce $3 Million Federal Grant to Support Effective Life Skills through CASA de Maryland | 2013-11-25 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 25, 2013 Cardin, Mikulski Announce $3 Million Federal Grant to Support Effective Life Skills through CASA de Maryland WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today congratulated CASA de Maryland for being awarded a $3 million through the Department of Education’s Investing in Innovation Fund (i3). The grant will be used to fund the Learning Together Project, a multi-tier, multigenerational program designed to give immigrant families the tools they need in order to navigate themselves and their children through the American educational system. “I am proud that the Department of Education is partnering with CASA de Maryland to develop best practices for strengthening families and communities that will be used nationwide. CASA de Maryland is on the forefront of developing innovative ways to provide immigrant families with critical services,” said Senator Cardin. “The federal dollars going into Langley Park will go far in strengthening our entire county by promoting education as the great equalizer.” “Education is the opportunity ladder of this nation,” said Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “CASA de Maryland is an important part of that ladder for the Latino community in Maryland, providing job training and classes in English, computers and financial literacy. Immigrants have and always will be a part of our nation’s fabric. These federal dollars will help CASA de Maryland provide families with the tools they need to obtain a quality education.” The i3 grants are highly competitive and only the highest-rated applications (HRA’s) are considered. CASA’s Learning Together was the only applicant from Maryland, and the highest rated applicant in its class. Learning Together is collaboration between Casa De Maryland, Prince Georges Public Schools and the Family School Working Group at the University of Maryland’s College of Education (UMD). The program is a multi-partner, commu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011930/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362811 | Van Hollen Statement on Iran Nuclear Agreement | 2013-11-24 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Van Hollen Statement on Iran Nuclear Agreement f t # e Washington, Nov 24, 2013 Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement on the first step agreement on Iran’s nuclear program: “This is a very important first step toward the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. It is essential that we test this diplomatic approach to achieving this goal without a rush to war. “President Obama deserves credit for unifying the international community around the stiff sanctions that brought Iran to the negotiating table. Under this interim agreement, Iran must halt or scale back parts of its nuclear program while we pursue a comprehensive deal. If Iran cheats, it will face even stiffer sanctions. Don’t trust, but verify again and again.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/portman-cardin-urge-treasury-sec-lew-to-fix-a-regulatory-flaw-that-threatens-the-retirement-security-of-american-workers | Portman, Cardin Urge Treasury Sec. Lew to Fix A Regulatory Flaw that Threatens the Retirement Security of American Workers | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 22, 2013 Portman, Cardin Urge Treasury Sec. Lew to Fix A Regulatory Flaw that Threatens the Retirement Security of American Workers Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew expressing concern with a regulation that could unintentionally weaken the retirement security of many American workers. This flaw undermines and runs counter to the original intent of the Treasury regulation—strengthening retirement security. Fortunately, Secretary Lew has the power to prevent the unintended consequences of this regulation without new legislation. In the letter, Cardin and Portman, both members of the Senate Finance Committee, warn that this technical glitch might inadvertently incentivize companies to hard-freeze the defined benefit pension plan of long-time employees and urge Lew to fix it, stating, “This is clearly not the intended effect of the nondiscrimination rules, which were written to strengthen retirement security, rather than to force many older employees into new pension plans that may not provide enough time to accumulate sufficient benefits before retirement.” The full text of the letter is below. Read a signed copy here. November 21, 2013 The Honorable Jacob J. Lew Secretary of the Treasury Main Treasury Building, Room 3330 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Lew: We write to request action concerning a Treasury regulation that could unintentionally weaken the retirement security of many American workers. The regulation in question was created in order to strengthen retirement security, so repairing this flaw would support the Treasury’s original intent. It’s a regulation that can be improved without new legislation. Over the past several years, many companies have transitioned from defined benefit to defined contribution retirement plans. In doing so, many have elected to grandfather existing employees into the defined ben… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301035138/http://cummings.house.gov/video/cummings-joins-host-ed-schultz-discuss-aca | Cummings joins Host Ed Schultz to discuss the ACA | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | web.archive.org | legacy | Contact Congressman Cummings Welcome to the on-line office for Congressman Elijah Cummings. If you are a constituent of Maryland's 7th Congressional District, please visit the Contact Me page to contact the Congressman electronically or click on the office location nearest you for details. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301140926/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-delaney-washington-post-op-ed-driving-the-economy-forward-with | ICYMI: Delaney Washington Post Op-Ed – “Driving the Economy Forward with Infrastructure Investment” | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON – Friday’s Washington Post features an op-ed by Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) calling on the budget conference to focus on rebuilding America’s infrastructure. Delaney is the only former CEO of a publicly traded company serving in Congress. The op-ed can be read below or online here. Driving the economy forward with infrastructure investment By John Delaney Washington Post, 11/21/13 John Delaney, a Democrat, represents Maryland’s 6th District in the U.S. House. Washington has gotten so used to political theater that many here have lost the ability to spot real chances to do the right thing. The budget conference is an opportunity for Congress to craft a bipartisan compromise that serves the common good. Despite low expectations, the conference should be taken seriously. The facts before the conferees are clear: Millions of Americans are out of work, growth remains stagnant, our long-term fiscal trajectory is unsustainable and the American people have said, loudly, that Washington is broken. Policy and political needs are aligned: Washington and the country desperately need a bipartisan, pro-growth compromise. The conferees ought to consider a bipartisan solution that would create jobs in the short term, improve long-term economic growth and lower barriers for private-sector investment. The Partnership to Build America Act (H.R. 2084) is such a solution. The bill has 25 Republican and 25 Democratic co-sponsors, which may make it the most significant piece of unfinished bipartisan economic-oriented legislation in the House. Right now, the loudest voices in the room are also the most partisan. We need to encourage real compromise. I came to Congress after having started and run large publicly traded companies. In my experience, the best deals in business are achieved when both sides feel like they gave up something. Effective process is about compromise and negotiations and being respectful toward your neighbors. That’s the way to get things done. My bill would create an American Infrastructure Fu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-calls-rules-change-a-necessary-step-to-fulfilling-the-senates-constitutional-responsibilities | Cardin Calls Rules Change A Necessary Step To Fulfilling The Senate’s Constitutional Responsibilities | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 21, 2013 Cardin Calls Rules Change A Necessary Step To Fulfilling The Senate’s Constitutional Responsibilities WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement following votes in the Senate regarding cloture votes on nominations: “The Senate is supposed to be the world’s greatest deliberative body. We are supposed to be able to debate issues but then come together to find a compromise that moves our country forward. The Senate is broken. Our rules of consensus and comity have been abused. Respecting the Senate’s Constitutional duty of Advise and Consent with respect to the President’s nominees doesn’t mean automatic confirmation, but it does mean that we should respect the process, the presidency, and these individuals enough to routinely give them an up-or-down vote. “I have been in the Congress sufficient years to have served in the majority and the minority. I understand the consequences of changing the rules, but what we are doing is returning to where the Senate can actually fulfill its Constitutional responsibilities.” Print Email Tweet Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140202160158/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362509 | Van Hollen Statement on HR 1900 | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to HR 1900, which would place new, arbitrary deadlines on the pipeline permitting process at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and related agencies. HR 1900 attempts to solve a problem that simply doesn’t exist. The Government Accountability Office has given FERC’s permitting process good marks, saying that it is predictable and consistent for applicants. Under this bill, FERC would have a year to consider any project, no matter how many miles it may cover or how complex it may be. Other agencies, like the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Fish and Wildlife Service, would have to issue decisions on licenses or permits related to the project within 90 days of FERC’s issuance of its final environmental document, even if the project applicant does not actually apply for a permit or submit the required information within that time frame. If the agency failed to meet this deadline, the permit or license would be “deemed approved” and FERC would be permitted to overrule any conditions the agency requests. By needlessly short-circuiting the review process, this bill jeopardizes the environment and public health. While we all support timely review, we should provide adequate time for analysis of complex projects. A one-size-fits-all process with arbitrary deadlines prevents federal agencies from doing their job to protect taxpayers and communities. I urge a no vote. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221102936/http://sarbanes.house.gov/release_details.asp?id=452 | Sarbanes Applauds President's Recognition of Baltimore County Schools Chief | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | John Sarbanes | S001168 | web.archive.org | legacy | Sarbanes Applauds President's Recognition of Baltimore County Schools Chief S. Dallas Dance recognized by President Obama as "Champion of Change" WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today released the following statement on President Obama’s recognition of S. Dallas Dance, Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, as a "Champion of Change" at the White House:“Congratulations to Superintendent Dance for being honored by President Obama as a 'Champion of Change.' Our kids are growing up in a fast-paced, digital world that requires new skills and the ability to use technology in every medium. Giving them the opportunity to succeed as tomorrow’s fresh crop of inventors, engineers, and researchers must be a top priority in all Maryland schools. “We know the best economic investments are the ones we make in the next generation of our workforce. Mr. Dance has dedicated himself to doing just that and I applaud the excellent work he’s doing.” The “Champions of Change” program highlights individuals, businesses, and organizations doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. Mr. Dance was chosen by President Obama as one of 10 educators from around the country who are taking creative approaches in using technology to enhance learning in America’s schools. To learn more about the White House’s “Champions of Change” program or to nominate a Champion for a future event, please visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-menendez-colleagues-call-on-administration-to-grant-temporary-protected-status-to-filipinos-in-wake-of-devastating-typhoon | Cardin, Menendez, Colleagues Call on Administration to Grant Temporary Protected Status to Filipinos in Wake of Devastating Typhoon | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 20, 2013 Cardin, Menendez, Colleagues Call on Administration to Grant Temporary Protected Status to Filipinos in Wake of Devastating Typhoon Washington, DC – Following the devastation and humanitarian disaster suffered by the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan, Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the SFRC Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the SFRC, were joined by colleagues in calling on President Obama’s administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Filipino nationals currently residing in the United States and to consider additional avenues of relief for certain Filipinos with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members in the U.S. TPS is granted to foreign nationals who cannot safely return to their native country. “Typhoon Haiyan has wrought unparalleled destruction and tragic loss of life in the Philippines,” the Senators wrote. “Victims of Typhoon Haiyan clearly meet the eligibility requirements for TPS, and we urge you to extend this designation as soon as possible. The United States has demonstrated its commitment to assisting the Philippines with the recovery effort through foreign aid, military assistance and relief supplies, but we must also assist the victims’ families in whatever way possible.” A complete copy of the letter is available here. The letter was also signed by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), John McCain (R-AZ), Harry Reid (D-NV), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY),Chris Coons (D-DL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Dean Heller (R-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ). Currently, the United States grants Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, and Syria. As the program is designed, TPS would on… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/healthcare-professionals-donate-15-million-hotel-reward-points-to-wounded-warriors | Healthcare Professionals Donate 1.5 Million Hotel Reward Points to Wounded Warriors | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 20, 2013 Healthcare Professionals Donate 1.5 Million Hotel Reward Points to Wounded Warriors (Washington, DC) –Members of a nonprofit organization representing federal health professionals have donated more than 1.5 million hotel reward points to a program that helps defray the travel costs of wounded warriors. “Hotels for Heroes,” which was created by bipartisan legislation passed by Congress, enables patriotic Americans to donate their hotel reward points to troops receiving care through the military health system as well as their families. Sustaining Members of AMSUS, The Society of Federal Health Professionals, have donated 1,579,300 reward points from their personal accounts since February, enough to provide about 105 nights of free lodging. The organization was inspired to launch a donation drive after its past chairman saw Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger discussing the program on cable television, its leadership said. “We all want what is best for our wounded warriors and now the incredible professionals of AMSUS have provided a generous gift that will help ensure support is available to more of our troops and their families in times of need,” said Senator Cardin. “The success of the ‘Hotels for Heroes’ program continues to be in the great partnerships that allow Americans to help those who have served our country so bravely.” “Hotels for Heroes,” which was authored by Senator Ben Cardin and Senator Congressman Ruppersberger in 2012, is currently available to rewards customers of Marriott, Wyndham, AmericInn and Best Western hotels. The program is modeled off the national “Hero Miles” program, which was created by Congressman Ruppersberger and enables the American public to donate their frequent flyer miles to wounded warriors and their families. “This is a great demonstration of the dedication and commitment of the AMSUS sustaining members on behalf of our fighting forces,” said Vice Admiral Michael Cowan, executive director of AMSUS. “I express our deep gratitude to th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010352/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362453 | Van Hollen Statement on GOP’s New Proposal to Roll Back ACA Medicaid Expansion | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement on reports that House Republicans want to reduce the Medicaid expansion funding in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to replace the sequester cuts to defense: “First, House Republicans shut down the government in an effort to stop the Affordable Care Act and roll back patient protections and important benefits. Now, instead of closing special interest tax breaks to prevent defense cuts, they want to snatch health care back from kids and families working to make ends meet. This is just more tea party brinksmanship that will result in another government shutdown.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-welcomes-sarah-bloom-raskin-to-the-senate-at-her-conformation-to-be-deputy-secretary-of-the-treasury | Cardin Welcomes Sarah Bloom Raskin To The Senate At Her Conformation To Be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 20, 2013 Cardin Welcomes Sarah Bloom Raskin To The Senate At Her Conformation To Be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee was honored today to introduce Sarah Bloom Raskin to his colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee. Bloom Raskin has been nominated by President Obama to become the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. I am pleased to say that this is not the first time I have introduced Sarah in connection with her nomination to an important position in public service. In 2010, I spoke at Sarah's nomination hearing for her current position on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Sarah's deep financial and regulatory knowledge and sound judgment have made her an essential asset during her tenure the Federal Reserve. During a time of great economic unease, her dedication to strong consumer protections has been especially valuable. I have no doubt that Sarah's extensive public service experience, her dedication, and her work ethic will serve her well in the Treasury -- incidentally, as the highest-ranking woman in the history of the agency. It gives me great confidence to know that Sarah will be handling the many responsibilities demanded of the Deputy Secretary. And it gives me great pride that a fellow Marylander will continue to be among the financial leaders that guide our economy towards future growth and stability. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-urge-hhs-secretary-sebelius-to-expand-access-to-aca-health-plans-and-tax-credits-by-all-available-means | Cardin, Mikulski Urge HHS Secretary Sebelius to Expand Access to ACA Health Plans and Tax Credits “By All Available Means” | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 19, 2013 Cardin, Mikulski Urge HHS Secretary Sebelius to Expand Access to ACA Health Plans and Tax Credits “By All Available Means” WASHINGTON – Detailing the existing authority available under the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (Both D-Md.) have urged Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to immediately expand and publicize alternate methods for eligible Americans to enroll in health plans. The Senators expressed their concern that while healthcare.gov is improving daily, the delays may cause many uninsured Americans to stop trying to shop for affordable plans. “As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ work to repair the healthcare.gov website continues, we urge you to ensure that uninsured Americans are able to enroll in health plans through all available means …We are concerned that while the web site’s troubles remain unresolved, healthy individuals will abandon attempts to apply on line, and we want to ensure that they can learn about plans and apply for coverage,” they wrote in the letter. Senators Cardin and Mikulski also asked Secretary Sebelius to streamline how subsidies are made available to all who qualify, however they enroll. Section 1411 of the ACA provides the Secretary the necessary flexibility to allow direct enrollment with health insurance companies, while remaining eligible for subsidies if applicable. The letter also encouraged expanded access to detailed plan information to allow navigators and community health centers help individuals shop for coverage before applying online, by phone or by paper application. The full text of the letter follows and is available at this link: November 18, 2013 The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius Secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC 20201 Dear Secretary Sebelius: As proponents of universal health care coverage and supporters of the Affordable Care Act, we appreciat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-pushes-for-nih-medical-research-funding-that-saves-lives-creates-jobs-and-boosts-economic-growth | Cardin Pushes for NIH Medical Research Funding that Saves Lives, Creates Jobs and Boosts Economic Growth | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 19, 2013 Cardin Pushes for NIH Medical Research Funding that Saves Lives, Creates Jobs and Boosts Economic Growth WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) has joined 34 of his colleagues in a letter to budget negotiators, urging robust federal funding for medical research. The bipartisan letter cites the critical role that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) plays in making lifesaving medical discoveries and increasing economic activity across the nation. In the legislation that ended the federal government shutdown, Congressional budget negotiators, were tasked with reaching a compromise by mid-December. Absent an agreement, NIH will face another round of sequestration cuts in January 2014. During the first round of sequester cuts NIH’s budget was cut by $1.55 billion, resulting in about 700 fewer research projects being funded. The following Senators signed the letter: Begich, Blumenthal, Boxer, Brown, Burr, Cantwell, Cardin, Casey, Coburn, Collins, Donnelly, Feinstein, Franken, Gillibrand, Hagan, Heinrich, Heitkamp, Hirono, Tim Johnson, Kirk, Klobuchar, Landrieu, Levin, Manchin, Markey, Menendez, Moran, Murphy, Pryor, Reed, Rockefeller, Schatz, Schumer, Shaheen, and Warren. “The investments we make in the National Institutes of Health go directly to saving lives and creating jobs,” Senator Cardin said. “We cannot afford further cuts to NIH that will impede the progress we have made in combating debilitating and deadly diseases. More than one-third of the United States Senate has come together to make a common sense, bipartisan plea for investment in the health of the American people and of our economy. ” The full text of the letter can be seen below: The Honorable Patty Murray Chairman Senate Committee on Budget 624 Dirksen United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Jeff Sessions Ranking Member Senate Committee on Budget 624 Dirksen United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Chairman Murray… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-visits-kohlscom-distribution-center-as-they-gear-up-for-the-holiday-shopping-season | Cardin Visits Kohls.Com Distribution Center As They Gear Up For The Holiday Shopping Season | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 19, 2013 Cardin Visits Kohls.Com Distribution Center As They Gear Up For The Holiday Shopping Season Edgewood, MD – Less than two weeks before Black Friday and the start of the heaviest shopping season of the year, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin visited the Kohl’s E-Commerce Distribution Center in Edgewood, the largest of their four fulfillment centers across the country. During his visit Monday, Senator Cardin toured the 1 million-square-foot LEED Gold-certified facility and greeted employees. The facility employs 1,500 workers year round, and another 1,500 during the holiday season when they operate 24/7. “We want everyone to know that Maryland is open for business and we are trying to expand job opportunities for people in our state. I’ve been proud to shine a spotlight on companies that have been making investments in their people and their products. Kohl’s is making a difference in our community,” said Senator Cardin. “Thanks to the convenience and array of products, e-commerce continues to grow and the Marketplace Fairness Act will level the playing field between traditional brick-and-mortar retailers and online retailers like kohls.com.” "We appreciate Senator Cardin taking the time to tour our e-commerce fulfillment center,” said Dan Mueller, VP, E-Commerce Distribution, Kohl's, who accompanied Senator Cardin on his tour. “We hope he enjoyed spending time with our associates while learning more about our operations and the positive economic impact the facility has in the area, including a significant number of jobs. We are proud to be part of this community, and on behalf of Kohl’s and our associates, we thank Senator Cardin for visiting." The Marketplace Fairness Act, which has passed the Senate, streamlines the sales tax collection process for each participating state and would not require a single penny in additional taxes to be paid that is not already owed. For Maryland, it would mean hundreds of millions of dollars of uncollected sales tax. It would require sta… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/the-sesquicentennial-of-the-gettysburg-address | The Sesquicentennial Of The Gettysburg Address | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 19, 2013 The Sesquicentennial Of The Gettysburg Address Statement Of The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md) Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, 150 years ago today, President Abraham Lincoln gave one of the greatest speeches not just in U.S. history, but in human history. In under three minutes and using just 10 sentences, President Lincoln spanned the past, present, and future of the American experiment and spoke to the aspirations, rights, and responsibilities not just of Americans, but of humankind. It’s astounding for us to realize that President Lincoln was invited to the dedication of the Nation’s first national military cemetery almost as an afterthought. The event was organized around the schedule of former Harvard president Edward Everett, who was thought to be one of the Nation’s greatest orators of the time. Everett was the featured speaker and, in the custom of that era, addressed the crowd for over two hours. President Lincoln, who had been invited to say “a few appropriate words,” followed Everett. President Lincoln wrote for the ear; he recited words and phrases as he committed them to paper. When he gave speeches, he spoke deliberately. His great speeches, including the Gettysburg Address, were as much theological in nature as they were political arguments. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. President Lincoln borrowed a method of referring to time from the Psalms of the King James Bible (Psalm 90:10). It seems idiosyncratic to our ears today, but his listeners would have immediately grasped that he was going back not to 1789, when the first Congress convened in New York City and George Washington was inaugurated as our Nation’s first president. He was not going back to 1788 when the Constitution was ratified, or back to 17… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140202162241/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362508 | Congressman Van Hollen’s Statement on HR 1965 | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to HR 1965, a bill that would unnecessarily and irresponsibly give away public lands to Big Oil, even as U.S. oil production is at a 24-year high and the oil industry receives billions of dollars in tax breaks per year. HR 1965 would remove the safeguards that protect taxpayers and public lands by requiring the Interior Department to grant leases on 25 percent of the land requested by oil companies every year and imposing strict deadlines on application review, automatically approving leases after just 60 days even if safety and environmental reviews are not yet complete. It would also enact barriers to public review – if a community wanted to challenge a leasing decision, it would have to pay a $5,000 fee to be heard. If a case took more than 60 days to adjudicate, it would be automatically denied. Mr. Speaker, under this Administration, domestic oil production has increased by 35 percent on Western public and Indian lands. Oil and gas companies are currently only developing about a third of the public lands they already lease. This bill, which would prioritize energy production over hunting, fishing, grazing, conservation, and every other use of public lands, will not reduce energy prices or increase energy security. It would simply cede control of natural resources held in public trust to already-profitable big oil companies. I urge a no vote. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/floor-speech-on-nomination-of-robert-leon-wilkins-to-be-united-states-circuit-judge-for-the-district-of-columbia-circuit | Floor Speech On Nomination Of Robert Leon Wilkins To Be United States Circuit Judge For The District Of Columbia Circuit | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 19, 2013 Floor Speech On Nomination Of Robert Leon Wilkins To Be United States Circuit Judge For The District Of Columbia Circuit The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will proceed to executive session to consider the nomination of Robert Leon Wilkins to be United States Circuit Judge. The assistant legislative clerk read the nomination of Robert Leon Wilkins, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District Of Columbia Circuit. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the time until 5:30 p.m. will be equally divided and controlled in the usual form. The Senator from Maryland. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today in strong support of the nomination of Judge Robert L. Wilkins to be a circuit judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. I was pleased to introduce Judge Wilkins to the Judiciary Committee in September, and the committee favorably reported his nomination in October. Judge Wilkins currently serves as Federal District Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate for this position in 2010. I urge the Senate to invoke cloture to allow an up-or-down vote on this extremely qualified nominee. Judge Wilkins is a native of Muncie, IN. He obtained his B.S. cum laude in chemical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and his J.D. from Harvard Law School. Following graduation, Judge Wilkins clerked for the Honorable Earl B. Gilliam of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. He later served as a staff attorney and as head of Special Litigation for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. He then practiced as a partner with Venable LLP, specializing in white collar defense, intellectual property, and complex civil litigation, before taking the bench as a judge. Besides Wilkins' professional accomplishments as an attorney, he also played a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010402/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361976 | Van Hollen on MSNBC: We Should Focus on Jobs and the Economy | 2013-11-18 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, appeared on MSNBC with Tamron Hall to talk about the Affordable Care Act and the state of the American economy. Below are highlights of his interview, and the full video is available here: “You have confidence in Jeff Zients – he’s the czar, now, for the Healthcare Exchange – he’s the guy who was brought in, he has broad experience. So, we’ve got to get this thing working. Obviously it has gotten off to a very, very bumpy start. Very important that they get it fixed, up and running so that people can access these health care plans and find out that, in fact, a lot of these plans are much more affordable than the plans they have today.” “Well, Tamron, the polls show overwhelmingly that the American people want to fix problems with Affordable Care Act as they come up. They don’t want to get rid of it. In other words, they want to fix it, not nix it.” “So, the American people understand that the status quo before the Affordable Care Act was unacceptable. They want to make the Affordable Care Act work. We want to work with people who want to fix it, but it’s hard to work with people who are trying to actually just kill it and undermine the entire effort.” “Our Republican colleagues want only to talk about Affordable Care Act. We should be working right now on the budget negotiations and focus on jobs and the economy. That means looking, I believe, at additional investment in our national infrastructure. It means replacing these very deep and immediate sequester cuts with the smarter approach, because those cuts are having a drag on the economy. That’s according to the Congressional Budget Office. And, we have to deal with the issue of unemployment compensation. That expires at the end of this year. That’s millions of Americans who are still looking for work, can’t find it, need to make sure they put food on the table for their families.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221194242/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/media/confirm-judge-wilkins-to-be-us-circuit-judge-on-the-dc-circuit- | Confirm Judge Wilkins To Be U.S. Circuit Judge On The D.C. Circuit | 2013-11-18 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | web.archive.org | legacy | Multimedia ...despite not a single Republican voicing opposition to Judge Wilkins—he was the latest victim of a filibuster. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/video/cummings-joins-msnbc-host-martin-bashir-discuss-rep-issa-and-aca | Cummings Joins MSNBC Host Martin Bashir to Discuss Rep. Issa and the ACA | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Cummings talks with host Martin Bashir about a recent Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the Affordable Care Act's implementation. (11/15/13 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-hails-sfrc-passage-of-new-transparency-measures-for-us-foreign-aid | Cardin Hails SFRC Passage Of New Transparency Measures For U.S. Foreign Aid | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 14, 2013 Cardin Hails SFRC Passage Of New Transparency Measures For U.S. Foreign Aid WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised committee passage of his bill, S. 1271, the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2013. Introduced with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), this legislation requires regular evaluations of foreign assistance programs to be made publicly available to the American people. “Foreign aid makes up approximately one percent of the federal budget but this small investment has the power to radically transform lives,” said Senator Cardin. “The Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act will allow American citizens to better understand our foreign assistance efforts and ensure that every dollar of our scarce foreign assistance dollars is used in the most effective and efficient way possible.” The Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2013 directs the President to establish goals, performance, and evaluation guidelines for U.S. foreign assistance programs, country assistance plans, and international and multilateral assistance programs. It builds upon previous efforts by including specific measurement guidelines from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the American Evaluation Association (AEA). The bill requires federal agencies administering foreign aid to regularly monitor and evaluate these programs against specific metrics, as well as to publish the results of these evaluations online. If enacted, the bill would give federal agencies up to two years to fully comply with a mandate to post semi-annual reports on their management of any foreign aid funds. It also mandates biennial reports from the GAO on the different agencies’ implementation of the bill. The bill also recommends that Congress take into account these reports when appropriating funds for federal agencies administering foreign aid programs. ### Print … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234856/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361384 | Van Hollen Announces VA Grant to Help Veterans in Frederick | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen announced $240,884 in new federal grant funding for Way Station, Inc. in Frederick, MD. Way Station, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate and quality behavioral health care, housing and employment services to people across our community, including veterans. The grant, awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is part of $4.9 million in recently released grants to provide enhanced services for homeless Veterans this year. “Way Station, Inc. is on the front line of helping to combat this issue, and I’m pleased to announce that the VA has recognized their important work and provided them with additional resources,” said Congressman Van Hollen. “The brave men and women of our Armed Forces sacrifice so much for our country, and we must do everything we can to care of our veterans when they come home. Although we’ve made progress in tackling this problem, there is clearly more work to be done.” On a single night in January 2012, a national count of homeless veterans totaled 62,619. To help a homeless Veteran or Veteran at risk of homelessness, refer them to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-4AID-VET, or direct them to www.va.gov/homeless. The hotline connects homeless Veterans, Veterans at risk of becoming homeless, and their families with the VA services and benefits they have earned. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010041/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361666 | Statement of Representative Chris Van Hollen (MD-08) regarding H.R. 2655 | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Mr. Speaker— I rise in opposition to H.R. 2655, the misleadingly-named “Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act.” This legislation would amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to reinstate a previous, failed version of the rule that was in place from 1983-1993. Rule 11 allows for the imposition of sanctions on the plaintiff in a civil case if it is determined that a claim lacks sufficient evidence. Currently, Rule 11 allows judges to exercise discretion in determining when to impose these sanctions. This bill, H.R. 2655, mirrors the policy from 1983-1993, when Rule 11 was amended to mandate that sanctions be automatically applied regardless of the specific circumstance of a Rule 11 violation. This policy erodes judicial discretion by forcing judges to apply sanctions in every instance of a violation regardless of the merits. The effect of this change was—and would be under H.R. 2655—disastrous for our judicial system and victims alike. For this reason, the Judicial Conference, the American Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice all strongly oppose this legislation. As the Judicial Conference Chairs wrote to Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. in July, from 1983-1993, the “…mandatory sanctions provision quickly became a tool of abuse in civil litigation. Seeking to use mandatory sanctions to their advantage, aggressive lawyers filed motions for Rule 11 sanctions in response to virtually every filing in a civil case. Much time and money was spent in Rule 11 battles that had everything to do with strategic gamesmanship and little to do with underlying claims.” The Judicial Conference also points out that the 1993 rule changes that corrected this misguided policy “…followed years of examination and were made on the Judicial Conference’s strong recommendation, with the Supreme Court’s approval, and after congressional review.” Unfortunately, we are wasting precious legislative days in this Congress re-litigating this already-solved issue. All empirical evidence from th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131117080944/http://www.cardin.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/cardin-wicker-lead-senate-in-commemoration-of-75th-anniversary-of-kristallnacht_ | Cardin, Wicker Lead Senate In Commemoration Of 75th Anniversary Of Kristallnacht | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | web.archive.org | legacy | Cardin, Wicker Lead Senate In Commemoration Of 75th Anniversary Of Kristallnacht Wednesday, November 13, 2013 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) lauded Senate approval by unanimous consent of a resolution (S. Res. 290) commemorating the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. These pogroms took place November 9 and 10 across Jewish neighborhoods in Germany, German-occupied Austria, and German-occupied Czechoslovakia. “Kristallnacht was a crucial turning point in the Holocaust – moving from a policy of removing Jews from Germany and German occupied lands, to murdering them. It stands as a particularly potent example of how hate can proliferate and erode our societies, and why I have worked tirelessly to advance global efforts to stop ethnic cleansing,” said Senator Cardin. “In my capacity as Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and decades long work as a Member of Congress, I have advanced efforts to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance and discrimination in North America and Europe. Kristallnacht stands as an enduring example of the danger of associating citizenship with ethnicity.” “Kristallnacht was a heartbreaking moment and a disgusting display of Nazi Germany’s attempt to eradicate the Jewish people,” Senator Wicker said. “In somberly remembering this tragedy, we recommit ourselves to eliminating the scourge of anti-Semitism wherever it persists. We must defend humanity against such gross displays of hatred, here in America and around the world.” The resolution approved by the full U.S. Senate pays tribute to the over 6,000,000 Jewish people killed during the Holocaust and the families affected by the tragedy. It also expresses continued support for U.S. efforts to address the legacy of the Holocaust and combat manifestations of anti-Semitism domestically and globally. Such efforts include working with partners such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Personal R… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221004023/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361667 | Statement of Representative Van Hollen (MD-08) regarding H.R. 982 | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Mr. Speaker— I rise in opposition to H.R. 982, the misleadingly-named “FACT Act.” When the Congress should be considering important legislation to replace the sequester, address our budget deficits in a balanced way, and reform our broken immigration system, we are instead using our scarce legislative time to consider this cynical, counterproductive bill that specifically targets victims suffering from diseases caused by asbestos exposure. Under the cloak of “transparency and accountability,” this legislation would needlessly force asbestos trusts to release personal claim information about victims. It would also allow asbestos defendants to demand unlimited and irrelevant information from asbestos trusts—at any point in a proceeding. The cynical intent of this provision is to burden the asbestos trusts with so many requests for information (from deep-pocketed, corporate defendants) that they will have to spend time and resources fulfilling those information requests, thus delaying trust recoveries by victims. This is especially concerning considering mesothelioma usually kills its victims within 4 to 18 months of diagnosis. Finally, the allegations of fraud within the trust process are simply untrue. The error rate in the asbestos trust process has been shown to be less than one-half of one percent. Any examples of fraud found are rare and isolated incidents, and are aptly addressed by state courts. Simply put, this legislation is nothing but a legislative hand-out to the corporations that have (and continue to) subject workers to unsafe working conditions. The one-sided nature of this bill was further exposed when its supporters defeated an amendment that would have required the corporate defendants to disclose information about the location of their disease-causing asbestos products. I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 982. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221010412/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361323 | Van Hollen on MSNBC: ACA Allows Insurance Companies to Renew Current Plans for Next Year | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, appeared on MSNBC with Tamron Hall to talk about the Affordable Care Act. Below is a transcript of his interview, and the video is available here: TAMRON HALL, MSNBC: Joining me now live, Democratic Congressman Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. Sir, thank you for your time again. REP. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN: Good to be with you, Tamron. HALL: Here we are – we may, in about an hour from now, hear these numbers that have been speculated and reported on. We’ll hear the facts. We do know Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary Sebelius, has already said they’re going to be low. What does that do to the discussion, and moving forward here, with this deadline looming of November 30th, and today the testimony being that the vast majority of people will be able to get on the website, but we cannot guarantee 100 percent? VAN HOLLEN: Well, Tamron, I think everybody agrees that the website situation is absolutely unacceptable. But even if it was running perfectly, we would expect the enrollment numbers, at this point in time, in the Affordable Care Act through the exchange to be very low. We know that based on the experience they had in Massachusetts, where on a state level they implemented a very similar plan. I don’t think it should surprise anybody that, even if the website were up and running perfectly, most people take a little bit of time to shop around and they don’t make their final selection until the deadline gets nearer. So, yes, we’ve got to get this website up and running, because right now people aren’t able to figure out what their alternatives could be – but, even if it were running perfectly, you would not see a big take-up at this point in time. I should say, I am hearing signs that the enrollment in Medicaid is going to be, I think, fairly robust. And that means many, many Americans are going to have access to that health care – except of course those in states that have refused to expand [Medicaid], and they’re going to leave about 5… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221024537/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361383 | Van Hollen to be Honored as Crittenton Award Winner | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Tonight Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen will be presented with the Crittenton Legacy Award for Leadership at the 125th Anniversary Celebration of the Crittenton Services of Greater Washington. The Award is presented to individuals who represent the core values and essence of the work that Crittenton Services does to empower vulnerable teen girls. Their programs serve the most vulnerable girls in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, helping to provide the knowledge, support, and training in life skills they need to chart their paths to success. “I’m honored to receive this award from the wonderful and tireless team at Crittenton Services of Greater Washington,” said Congressman Van Hollen. “Underprivileged and underserved young women in our community, and across the country, need the proper resources and support to overcome obstacles, make positive choices, and achieve their life goals. I will continue to support the important work that this organization does day in and day out as we fight for a better future for these girls.” Beverly L. Perry, Senior Vice President and Special Advisor to the Chairman of Pepco Holdings (Retired), will be awarded the Crittenton Legacy Award for Community Service and Beatriz Otero, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services for the District of Columbia, will be awarded the Crittenton Legacy Award for Advocacy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-wicker-lead-senate-in-commemoration-of-75th-anniversary-of-kristallnacht | Cardin, Wicker Lead Senate In Commemoration Of 75th Anniversary Of Kristallnacht | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 13, 2013 Cardin, Wicker Lead Senate In Commemoration Of 75th Anniversary Of Kristallnacht WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) lauded Senate approval by unanimous consent of a resolution (S. Res. 290) commemorating the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. These pogroms took place November 9 and 10 across Jewish neighborhoods in Germany, German-occupied Austria, and German-occupied Czechoslovakia. Kristallnacht was a crucial turning point in the Holocaust moving from a policy of removing Jews from Germany and German occupied lands, to murdering them. It stands as a particularly potent example of how hate can proliferate and erode our societies, and why I have worked tirelessly to advance global efforts to stop ethnic cleansing, said Senator Cardin. In my capacity as Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and decades long work as a Member of Congress, I have advanced efforts to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance and discrimination in North America and Europe. Kristallnacht stands as an enduring example of the danger of associating citizenship with ethnicity. Kristallnacht was a heartbreaking moment and a disgusting display of Nazi Germany's attempt to eradicate the Jewish people, Senator Wicker said. In somberly remembering this tragedy, we recommit ourselves to eliminating the scourge of anti-Semitism wherever it persists. We must defend humanity against such gross displays of hatred, here in America and around the world. The resolution approved by the full U.S. Senate pays tribute to the over 6,000,000 Jewish people killed during the Holocaust and the families affected by the tragedy. It also expresses continued support for U.S. efforts to address the legacy of the Holocaust and combat manifestations of anti-Semitism domestically and globally. Such efforts include working with partners such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Personal Repres… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/event/how-pay-college-seminar | How to Pay for College Seminar | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Cummings' How to Pay for College Seminar brings together college-bound high school seniors, parents, and current college students with financial aid and higher education experts to provide information about opportunities and financial assistance programs that give current and perspective students the ability to attain a college education. The event will include a financial aid seminar from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, with speakers including: Dr. James Copeland, Jr. – U.S. Department of Education Beneé Edwards – Maryland Higher Education Commission Jennifer Bauer – Central Scholarship April Bell – College Board Troy Quinn – Morgan State University and Julie Knox-Brown – Howard Community College Area colleges and universities will also be in attendance to provide information, including: American Beauty Academy – Baltimore Baltimore City Community College Community College of Baltimore County Coppin State University Frostburg State University Howard Community College Howard University Morgan State University Notre Dame of Maryland University Old Dominion University St. Mary’s College of Maryland Stevenson University Stratford University Towson University Trinity Washington University University of Baltimore University of the District of Columbia University of Maryland Baltimore County Virginia Commonwealth University West Chester University CLICK HERE TO REGISTER | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-offers-condolences-support-for-the-victims-of-typhoon-yolanda/haiyan | Cardin Offers Condolences, Support For The Victims Of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 12, 2013 Cardin Offers Condolences, Support For The Victims Of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan in the Philippines: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of life, injuries and devastation sustained from Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan in the Philippines this weekend. The extent of the damage and loss of life is almost unimaginable, with 9.7 million people affected and reports of deaths ranging from between an officially confirmed estimate of over 1,700 to unofficial estimates of over ten thousand possible deaths. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, I have spoken with the Filipino Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Cuisia, Jr., and offered my personal condolences and willingness to help. “The Philippines has long been a trusted, close U.S. ally. We share strong economic, security and people-to-people ties. I assured the Ambassador that I would look for every opportunity for Congress and the Administration to support a coordinated, international response that provides immediate disaster assistance and long-term support to rebuild affected communities. Already, the U.S. government is providing $20 million in humanitarian assistance to benefit typhoon-affected populations in the Philippines. We have also sent a USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team to conduct humanitarian assessments and assistance in heavily affected Leyte Province, and are coordinating our efforts with other international donors. “Filipino Americans enrich our communities in my home state of Maryland and many communities throughout the United States. My heart goes out to them and their families. We will continue to stand by our good friends in the Philippines to help them recover from this terrible disaster.” ### Print … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senators-urge-ustr-to-safeguard-tobacco-control-measures-and-protect-public-health-in-trade-agreement | Senators Urge USTR To Safeguard Tobacco Control Measures And Protect Public Health In Trade Agreement | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 12, 2013 Senators Urge USTR To Safeguard Tobacco Control Measures And Protect Public Health In Trade Agreement Tobacco is on track to kill one billion people worldwide this century WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-SD), Edward Markey (D-MA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Al Franken (D-MN), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) wrote to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman to express their concerns regarding the USTR’s Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement Tobacco Proposal, which does not currently recognize tobacco as a unique consumer product and which may allow tobacco companies to use trade law to subvert domestic tobacco control measures. “Efforts by tobacco companies and governments supporting tobacco companies to use trade laws to subvert public health measures are deplorable and a serious threat to global public health. Tobacco companies and governments supporting tobacco companies have proven they are willing to use trade laws as a basis to challenge domestic tobacco control legislation. The final TTP language should recognize this dangerous trend and prevent further abuses of trade laws related to domestic tobacco control legislation.” “The United States should be leading the fight against death and disease from tobacco products, which are a uniquely dangerous threat to public health. We urge you to work with TPP participating nations to include language in TPP that recognizes tobacco as a unique consumer product and ensures TPP nations are able to fully implement and enforce strong non-discriminatory tobacco control legislation to protect public health and reduce tobacco-related deaths.” Today’s letter follows a June 2012 letter written by Cardin, Durbin, Blumenthal, Harkin, and former U.S.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013317/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361016 | Van Hollen Statement in Honor of Veterans Day | 2013-11-11 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement in honor of Veterans Day: “Today we celebrate the brave men and women who answered the call of duty and have given so much to keep our nation free and safe. But we must honor them not just with our words, but with our actions as well. Congress must keep working to ensure veterans have job opportunities, access to the very best health care, and the chance to receive a quality education. As we reaffirm our commitment to providing for our troops, veterans, and their families, we pledge to keep fighting on a bipartisan basis for these brave Americans not just today, but every day.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cummings.house.gov/press-release/cummings-issues-statement-commemorating-veterans-day | Cummings Issues Statement Commemorating Veterans Day | 2013-11-10 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Elijah Cummings | C000984 | cummings.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE BALTIMORE, MD (NOVEMBER 10, 2013)–Today, Congressman Elijah E Cummings (MD-07) released the following statement commemorating Veterans Day on Monday, November 11: “Our men and women in uniform make countless sacrifices, travel far from their families, and risk their lives in pursuit of one of the most honorable missions of all – service to this great nation. On Veterans Day, Americans honor the courage and valor of current and former servicemembers. But to truly honor these heroes, we must do our best to serve them when they return home. No one is more deserving of our help. “I am pleased with the Veterans Administration’s recent announcement that they have made progress in reducing backlogged disability compensation claims by 34 percent since March of this year, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to bring that backlog to zero. I will also continue to support legislation that provides veterans with the economic opportunities and other services they deserve, like my bill H.R. 1842, the Military Family Home Protection Act. “Our veterans have earned the right to return home and find success in the country they worked so hard to protect. I pledge to continue to make that goal a reality.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/honoring-our-heroes-on-veterans-day | Honoring Our Heroes On Veterans Day | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 08, 2013 Honoring Our Heroes On Veterans Day On Veterans Day, we thank the millions of brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces and risked their lives for our nation. We honor them for their valor, their dedication, and the many sacrifices they have made in order to protect all of us. Each citizen should strive to follow our veterans’ example of selflessness and service. We are exceedingly grateful to those who have served, those who are serving, and their family and friends who support them daily. Our military families endure long periods of separation and loneliness, but their commitment to our nation is unyielding. They are an important part of why we have the finest military in the world. As we thank our veterans, let us also show gratitude to those currently serving in uniform, who will become the veterans of tomorrow. For those serving that are deployed, we pray for their safe return and want them to know we are ready to provide them with the resources and benefits they have earned with their extraordinary service. Maryland is home to more than 470,000 veterans to whom we made solemn promises. I am committed to making sure they receive the support they were promised. I know everyone in Maryland and all across the nation joins me in saying, once again, thank you. Print Email Tweet Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221004035/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360982 | Van Hollen, Leahy Lead Coalition of Lawmakers in Welcoming the FDA’s Release of Proposed Rules To Protect Consumers Using Generic Drugs | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | House Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and a coalition of lawmakers on Friday welcomed the Food and Drug Administration’s release of proposed rules to ensure that generic manufacturers of prescription drugs can update their warning labels to provide better patient safety information to consumers. Van Hollen, Leahy, Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.), Senate HELP Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Senate Aging Committee Chairman Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), and Representatives Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Bruce Braley (D-Iowa), Matthew Cartwright (D-Pa.) and other lawmakers have long called for the FDA to act on this important patient safety issue. The rulemaking follows a Supreme Court case in which a patient who was gravely injured by a prescription drug was unable to seek relief from the drug’s manufacturer because she took the generic version of the drug. The Court held that generic manufacturers could not be held responsible for inadequate labeling because they lack authority to update their warning labels, even if they become aware of new safety problems. That issue would be addressed by the proposed rule released Friday. Lawmakers applauded the FDA’s announcement: “I applaud the FDA’s action today to ensure that consumers are armed with the most accurate information about new risks and side effects of all drugs. This will help ensure that generic manufacturers have the ability to independently add or strengthen the warning on their products, like brand name manufacturers do. It is a critical change that we’ve been fighting for, and it will improve safety and help Americans make the best decisions for their families,” Van Hollen said. “A consumer should not have her rights foreclosed simply because she takes the generic version of a prescription drug,” Leahy said. “I welcome this action by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that generic manufacturers can improve their patient safety labels. Responsible brand-name and generic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301142832/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veterans-day-statement-from-congressman-delaney | Veterans Day Statement from Congressman Delaney | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) releases the following statement on Veterans Day: “On Veterans Day we honor the millions of Americans that have defended our freedoms in times of war and times of peace. We gather in communities across the nation to pay tribute to the men and women in uniform who have courageously served the United States and protected our freedoms. The ceremonies and spirit of Veterans Day are an essential thread in the fabric of our country. “As we mark the holiday, we are reminded of the profound obligation we have to stand with our veterans and their families. While we pause to recognize the many sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, we must commit to continuing to honor our veterans year round. Although the debt to those who have served our nation, including the over 450,000 Maryland veterans, can never fully be repaid, we can recommit ourselves to serving them as they have served our country. I encourage all of us to celebrate our veterans and offer them our eternal gratitude and everlasting support and admiration. “I would like to personally extend my sincerest thank you to the veterans I am proud to represent. One of the greatest privileges of public office is getting to meet so many veterans and active duty service members and their families and learn about the incredible work they’ve done to protect our country. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. Please consider the door of my office always open to assist you and address your questions and concerns.” On Veterans Day, Delaney will attend the Wreath Laying Ceremony in Hagerstown and tour the VA facility in Martinsburg WV, which serves many of Western Maryland’s veterans. ## | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/veterans-day | Veterans Day | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 08, 2013 Veterans' Day Statement Of The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md) Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, as Veterans' Day 2013 approaches next Monday, I ask that in honoring the brave men and women who have served our Nation, we in Congress honor them in ways that are meaningful and help them return to civilian life after they have served. A mere thank-you is little comfort to a veteran who cannot find meaningful employment, who is striving to provide for his or her family, or who is dealing with post-traumatic stress. President Woodrow Wilson established this holiday originally known as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919 when he proclaimed that it would be used to honor the brave Americans who fought and died in World War I. The holiday was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress on June 4, 1946. After the end of World War II, Armistice Day was expanded to honor all veterans of our military services, and the holiday's name was changed to Veterans' Day. We should honor our veterans every day, but I believe that this annual holiday is especially important as it allows us to reflect on the true aspect of the sacrifices that our service members have made. Their sacrifices are often made in stressful, frustrating, and dangerous conditions. Yet these brave men and women do not shy from committing themselves to serving our country. It is because of those who have served selflessly, with honor and dignity that we can continue celebrating our history and our way of life. While I am proud of all of our veterans, I am especially proud of the veterans in my State. Maryland has a long and proud military tradition. Maryland is known as the Old Line State. Some people think that comes from the Mason Dixon Line, but it actually dates back to 1776, less than two months after the Declaration of Independence, when George Washington's army was nearing annihilation in an indefensible positio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-senate-passage-of-enda | Cardin Statement On Senate Passage Of ENDA | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 07, 2013 Cardin Statement On Senate Passage Of ENDA WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), released the following statement after the Senate voted 64-32 today to approve the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The bill, S. 815 would prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Senator Cardin is a cosponsor of ENDA and has been in previous Congressional sessions. ENDA would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on his or her sexual orientation. Current federal law bars employment discrimination only on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age and disability, but does not include sexual orientation or gender identity. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this important legislation that protects all Americans against discrimination in the workplace regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. I urge the House of Representatives to move quickly and provide final approval of ENDA so that it can be signed into law. We should leave no doubt that Congress is united against discrimination in any form. “Passage of ENDA will reinforce U.S. leadership around the world and help support the LGBT community in places like Russia, Africa and some countries in Europe that have taken discriminatory actions to marginalize lesbians, gays, and those who, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have been discriminated against. America's core values are based upon equal rights for all, and that is what passage of ENDA means to our citizens and people around the world. It’s also a powerful tool to boost our economy. If we are going to be able to adequately compete globally, we need to empower all of the people of this country. We can't leave anyone behind.” The vast majority of the nation’s largest companies and the majority of small businesses already have sexual orientation and gender identity non-discrimination policies in place, according to the Center… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221170951/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-announce-more-than-17-million-to-build-four-new-community-health-centers-in-maryland- | Cardin, Mikulski Announce More Than $1.7 Million To Build Four New Community Health Centers In Maryland | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | web.archive.org | legacy | Cardin, Mikulski Announce More Than $1.7 Million To Build Four New Community Health Centers In Maryland Thursday, November 7, 2013 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced Maryland received $1,711,246 in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support four new community health centers Maryland. These funds will help care for more than 17,000 additional Marylanders by establishing new health center service delivery sites in Baltimore, West River, Derwood and Oakland. “Community health centers are the backbone to providing quality health care for almost 300,000 Marylanders today. The need continues to grow,” said Senator Cardin. “Year after year, the Affordable Care Act continues to make direct investments in expanding the reach of these essential health care providers so they can better deliver quality, accessible services to millions of new patients in communities across Maryland and nationwide.” “Community health centers provide an important safety net for the people who need it most,” Senator Mikulski said. “This is especially important in these economically-trying times when there is more need and fewer resources. These Affordable Care Act funds will help community health centers open their doors in under-served Maryland communities, making sure families have access to reliable health care in their own neighborhoods, while at the same time creating and sustaining good-paying jobs. I’m very proud to have fought for these funds in the federal checkbook that will help Maryland families in their day-to-day lives.” Community health centers work to improve communities’ health by ensuring access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services. Maryland health centers served 291,579 patients last year, 25 percent of them uninsured. As community-based and patient-directed organizations, health centers are well positioned to be responsive to the specific health care needs of their community. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mikulski-announce-more-than-17-million-to-build-four-new-community-health-centers-in-maryland | Cardin, Mikulski Announce More Than $1.7 Million To Build Four New Community Health Centers In Maryland | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 07, 2013 Cardin, Mikulski Announce More Than $1.7 Million To Build Four New Community Health Centers In Maryland WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced Maryland received $1,711,246 in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support four new community health centers Maryland. These funds will help care for more than 17,000 additional Marylanders by establishing new health center service delivery sites in Baltimore, West River, Derwood and Oakland. Community health centers are the backbone to providing quality health care for almost 300,000 Marylanders today. The need continues to grow, said Senator Cardin. Year after year, the Affordable Care Act continues to make direct investments in expanding the reach of these essential health care providers so they can better deliver quality, accessible services to millions of new patients in communities across Maryland and nationwide. Community health centers provide an important safety net for the people who need it most, Senator Mikulski said. This is especially important in these economically-trying times when there is more need and fewer resources. These Affordable Care Act funds will help community health centers open their doors in under-served Maryland communities, making sure families have access to reliable health care in their own neighborhoods, while at the same time creating and sustaining good-paying jobs. I'm very proud to have fought for these funds in the federal checkbook that will help Maryland families in their day-to-day lives. Community health centers work to improve communities' health by ensuring access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services. Maryland health centers served 291,579 patients last year, 25 percent of them uninsured.As community-based and patient-directed organizations, health centers are well positioned to be responsive to the specific health care needs of their community. Thr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140301142857/http://delaney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cardin-inhofe-introduce-senate-companion-to-delaney-veterans-education | Cardin, Inhofe Introduce Senate Companion to Delaney Veterans’ Education Bill | 2013-11-06 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON – Senators Ben Cardin (MD) and James Inhofe (OK) have introduced a Senate companion to Congressman John K. Delaney’s (MD-6) Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act (H.R. 2011). Filed Monday, S.1643 authorizes the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education through December 31, 2015, and expands the makeup of the Committee to include post 9/11 veterans. Absent legislative action, the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education will sunset on December 31, 2013. The Delaney bill passed the House by a 404 to 2 vote on October 28. Congressman Delaney’s floor speech on the bill can be viewed here. “It’s an honor to partner with Senator Cardin and Senator Inhofe on this important legislation. Improving outcomes for our veterans is an obligation we all share,” said Congressman Delaney. “By reauthorizing the Committee, we will ensure that our nation’s brave men and women receive effective and efficient job training programs that befit their service to our nation. I thank both Senators for their support and I look forward to working towards the bill’s passage in the Senate.” “A true marker of our nation’s worth is our willingness to serve those who have served us,” said Senator Cardin. “As we wind down our commitments in Afghanistan after a decade of war, we need to gear up our commitment to our veterans. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Delaney and Senator Inhofe on this legislation that will ensure that the brave men and women who serve our country in the armed services receive the most effective education and training opportunities available. Our veterans deserve every possible tool to help ease their transition to civilian life.” The Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education advises the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on improving education and job training programs for veterans. The Committee is composed of veterans and experts in the fields of education, labor, and management. Since 2003, the VA has implemented 57 recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Education. The Military Off… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-calls-the-fundamentals-of-obamacare-strong-despite-website-issues | Cardin Calls The Fundamentals Of Obamacare Strong Despite Website Issues | 2013-11-06 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 06, 2013 Cardin Calls The Fundamentals Of Obamacare Strong Despite Website Issues WASHINGTON At a hearing to review implementation of the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, called on Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to assure the American people that they will be able to sign up for affordable, quality private health insurance through the federal exchanges in a timely manner through the website, by phone or in person. He also urged her to make it easier for individuals to learn about the subsidies available to greatly reduce the cost of the plans they choose. The fundamentals of the Affordable Care Act are sound. For the three years that Obamacare has been the law, we've seen implementation of new protections that have benefited millions of Americans. We've expanded opportunities for all Americans to obtain affordable, quality health insurance; strengthened employer-based health coverage; offered preventive care services, like well doctor visits with no copays; and protected Americans from free-wheeling insurance company tactics that used to drop people when they got sick, charged women more for coverage than men, capped benefits, and spent more than a reasonable amount lining their own pockets than providing quality health coverage. What we need now is for the federal government to keep its promise and fix the bottleneck of a website that has stalled consumer shopping and enrollment in the health exchanges for individuals and families. We need to quickly allow everyone easier access to complete information on the private health insurance plans available to them and especially the federal subsidies they might be eligible to receive. I was encouraged by Secretary Sebelius' description of expanded call centers and the availability of paper applications at health centers and with community navigators nationwide to assist with enrollments. ### Print … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131212050241/http://www.cardin.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/release/cardin-says-us-should-support-persons-with-disabilities- | Cardin Says U.S. Should Support Persons With Disabilities Worldwide | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | web.archive.org | legacy | Cardin Says U.S. Should Support Persons With Disabilities Worldwide Tuesday, November 5, 2013 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, called today for Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The United States has already established strong support for the rights of people with disabilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act and ratification of the CRPD would provide an opportunity to advance these values worldwide. “We should be proud, as Americans, of our Nation’s leadership in making it easier for people with disabilities to participate fully in society, to have equal access to educational, economic, and social opportunities for self-fulfillment and advancement. By ratifying the CRPD, the United States would have a say in how people with disabilities are treated around the world,” Senator Cardin said, “And with Veterans Day just around the corner, we owe it to our disabled veterans and our wounded warriors to ensure that they have the same opportunities and protections as other Americans when they travel, work, and study abroad.” Today’s hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was one of two hearings on the United Nations Convention of on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Senator Cardin was pleased to acknowledge Marylander Rhonda Neuhaus who attended today’s hearing. Ms. Neuhaus is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law and a bilateral amputee. Ms. Neuhaus knows firsthand the importance of ratifying the treaty and has spent much of her career working to implement the CRPD internationally. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221194308/http://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/media/enda-showing-leadership-on-civil-rights-at-home-and-abroad | ENDA, Showing Leadership on Civil Rights At Home and Abroad | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | web.archive.org | legacy | Multimedia Maryland is one of only 21 states that prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/employment-non-discrimination-act-of-2013-motion-to-proceed | EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2013--MOTION TO PROCEED | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 05, 2013 EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2013--MOTION TO PROCEED Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, the legislation that is currently pending before this body, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, S. 815, provides a historic opportunity for us to advance civil rights in this country and end employment discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders, the LGBT community. The United States has shown international leadership against discrimination, promoting better understanding and tolerance around the globe. That has made the security of countries better. It has provided opportunities for minority communities. The United States has been in the forefront of those efforts. We have shown leadership internationally and we have done that because we have taken action in our own country to protect against discrimination. Action at home helps us provide that credibility for our international leadership. Passage of S. 815, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, would demonstrate that action, that we have taken the right action at home and, therefore, we have the standing to promote better understanding globally. The U.S. leadership has been shown in many different ways. I am very proud that one of the primary organizations the United States has participated in that has advanced human rights is the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Our local arm in participating is the Helsinki Commission. I have the honor of chairing the Helsinki Commission, which includes Members of both the House and the Senate, along with members of the administration. We have used that role in the Helsinki Commission to promote an international agenda to deal with best practices to end discrimination on ethnic communities, religious communities, and racial discrimination. As a result of U.S. leadership, we have made a difference. We made a difference in Europe, we made a difference in North America, and we made a difference around the world. Today there are special represent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-appointed-to-senate-house-conference-committee-on-water-resources-bill | Cardin Appointed To Senate-House Conference Committee On Water Resources Bill | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 05, 2013 Cardin Appointed To Senate-House Conference Committee On Water Resources Bill Washington, DC U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) has been appointed to serve as a Senate Conferee to resolve differences between the Senate and House versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Senator Cardin serves as Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Water Subcommittee and is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. Clean water and safe waterways mean good jobs for Marylanders and Americans nationwide. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) invests in the health of the Chesapeake Bay, said Senator Cardin. The Senate passed a good, well-balanced bill that invests in our nation's water infrastructure is a foundation for our economy and boosts our national competitiveness. My expectation is that the House conferees are open to good-faith negotiations and cooperation so that we can develop a bipartisan compromise quickly that improves on our progress. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-inhofe-introduce-bill-to-extend-veterans-advisory-committee-on-education | Cardin, Inhofe Introduce Bill To Extend Veterans Advisory Committee On Education | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 05, 2013 Cardin, Inhofe Introduce Bill To Extend Veterans Advisory Committee On Education WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), this weekintroduced the bipartisanVeterans' Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013(S. 1643). The bill would reauthorize the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education for two years and extend the committee's composition and reach to includeveterans from post-9/11 operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. A true marker of our nation's worth is our willingness to serve those who have served us, said Senator Cardin. As we wind down our commitments in Afghanistan after a decade of war, we need to gear up our commitment to our veterans. I'm proud to join with Senator Inhofe on this legislation that will ensure that the brave men and women who serve our country in the armed services receive the most effective education and training opportunities available. Our veterans deserve every possible tool to help ease their transition to civilian life. "The Veterans' Advisory Committee helps to ensure men and women who have worn the uniform receive the educational benefits they have been promised and earned," said Senator Inhofe. "Too often the men and women returning from overseas face difficult challenges when transitioning into civilian life. This legislation will help veterans by strengthening the opportunities for educational and job-training assistance promised under the G.I. Bill. I am proud to work with Senator Cardin in this effort and hope my colleagues will quickly pass this legislation in the Senate." The current authorization for the Veterans' Advisory Committee will expireon December 31, 2013.TheVeterans' Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act of 2013would reauthorize the Committee through December 31, 2015. The Committeeexists toadvise theSecretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) on current VA education programs and services; to recomm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-says-us-should-support-persons-with-disabilities-worldwide | Cardin Says U.S. Should Support Persons With Disabilities Worldwide | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 05, 2013 Cardin Says U.S. Should Support Persons With Disabilities Worldwide WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, called today for Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The United States has already established strong support for the rights of people with disabilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act and ratification of the CRPD would provide an opportunity to advance these values worldwide. We should be proud, as Americans, of our Nation's leadership in making it easier for people with disabilities to participate fully in society, to have equal access to educational, economic, and social opportunities for self-fulfillment and advancement.By ratifying the CRPD, the United States would have a say in how people with disabilities are treated around the world, Senator Cardin said, And with Veterans Day just around the corner, we owe it to our disabled veterans and our wounded warriors to ensure that they have the same opportunities and protections as other Americans when they travel, work, and study abroad. Today's hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was one of two hearings on the United Nations Convention of on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Senator Cardin was pleased to acknowledge Marylander Rhonda Neuhaus who attended today's hearing. Ms. Neuhaus is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law and a bilateral amputee. Ms. Neuhaus knows firsthand the importance of ratifying the treaty and has spent much of her career working to implement the CRPD internationally. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-enda-cloture-vote | CARDIN STATEMENT ON ENDA CLOTURE VOTE | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 05, 2013 CARDIN STATEMENT ON ENDA CLOTURE VOTE WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), released the following statement after the Senate voted 61-30 to proceed to S. 815, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that would prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Senator Cardin is a cosponsor of ENDA and has been in previous Congressional sessions. ENDA would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on his or her sexual orientation. Current federal law bars employment discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age and disability, but does not include sexual orientation or gender identity. I'm proud to join my colleagues in supporting this important legislation that protects all Americans against any form of discrimination in the workplace regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Our country was founded on the core principle that all citizens are created equal. It's time to remember that principle, and work to protect the civil rights of all Americans. Maryland is one of only 21 states that prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. And only 17 states include gender identity protection in those anti-discrimination laws. Several Maryland municipalities also have prohibited discrimination based on gender identity, including Baltimore City, Montgomery County, Howard County, and Baltimore County. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-enzi-flexible-spending-accounts-rule-change-puts-more-money-back-in-workers-pockets | Cardin, Enzi: flexible spending accounts rule change puts more money back in workers pockets | 2013-11-01 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | November 01, 2013 Cardin, Enzi: flexible spending accounts rule change puts more money back in workers' pockets Washington, D.C. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are an important benefit for all workers.They allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenditures, including dental and vision services.However, workers' unspent funds from their FSAs would normally revert to the employers at the end of the plan year. That is why Senators Ben Cardin and Mike Enzi, members of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced legislation in May that would allow employees who use health FSAs to cash out any remaining balance in their account at the end of a plan year. Cardin and Enzi have long argued that Congress must ensure that workers have the option to have any unspent money that they put into their accounts returned to them at the end of the year. Late Thursday, the Department of Treasury issued a rule change that would give employers the ability to choose whether their employees could roll over up to $500 of their FSA fund to the following year, or provide a grace period to use available funds in the following year. This is a notable change from the use-or-lose policy that had been in place and the senators were encouraged saying that this is one step toward helping put families and consumers back in control of their health care decisions. I applaud the Treasury Department for listening to the needs of Americans and encouraging the use of flexible spending accounts. I was proud to join with Senator Enzi to spotlight how little sense it makes for employees who miscalculate their anticipated yearly out-of-pocket health care expenditures at the beginning of a plan year to have to forfeit those funds to their employer at the end of the year, if unspent, said Senator Cardin. Millions of private industry workers, as well as federal, state, county and local public sector employees who put their money into FSAs to help defray their out-of-pocket health care costs,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221005311/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=359961 | Van Hollen Hosts 11th Annual Federal Employees Health Benefits Forum | 2013-10-31 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | On November 18, 20, and 22, 2013, Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen will host his eleventh annual Federal Employees Health Benefits Forum, in cooperation with the Maryland Federation of Chapters of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. While Congressman Van Hollen has offered this important resource to federal employees for over a decade, this year marks the first time that he has been able to offer it to federal employees living in Frederick and Carroll Counties, whom he now represents. Experts on federal health insurance plans and representatives of health insurance carriers will be present at each session to discuss various health plan options and the impact of new health care reforms, and to answer individual questions. These forums provide an important opportunity for active and retired federal workers to learn about the options available and make sure they have the coverage that is best for them. For additional information or directions, call Congressman Van Hollen���s Rockville district office at 301-424-3501 DETAILS: Monday, November 18, 2013 from 9-11 am Holiday Park Senior Center 3950 Ferrara Drive Wheaton, MD 20906 Wednesday, November 20, 2013 from 7-9 pm Executive Auditorium Executive Office Building 101 Monroe Street Rockville, MD 20850 Friday, November 22, 2013 from 9-11 am Calvary United Methodist Church 403 South Main Street Mount Airy, MD 21771 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221004057/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=359813 | Statement of Congressman Chris Van Hollen on The Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act (HR 992) | 2013-10-30 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Mr. Speaker, while I recognize the many legitimate uses of derivatives in today’s financial marketplace, I also believe it is critically important that derivatives be properly regulated so that end-users and consumers can reap their benefits without putting the larger economy at risk. For that reason, I think we need to tread carefully before making material modifications to the regulatory regime for derivatives established in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act — and this note of caution is equally applicable to what might be described as piecemeal changes to Title VII of Dodd-Frank, given the inherently complex and interrelated nature of these sophisticated financial instruments. In that regard, the Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act would substantially revise Section 716 of the Dodd-Frank Act to permit a broader array of derivatives transactions — including those involving commodity swaps, equity swaps and certain credit default swaps — to occur inside federally backed financial institutions, rather than in separately capitalized subsidiaries as required under current law. Impacted institutions argue that this existing “push out” requirement for these categories of derivatives places them at a disadvantage relative to their foreign competition by increasing the cost of those transactions and by effectively preventing the netting of positions between themselves and their customers. Additionally, proponents of HR 992 argue that Section 716 confers no meaningful additional protection to taxpayers in light of the stronger capital, margin and clearing requirements created by Dodd-Frank, and that it might even work at cross purposes with the Orderly Liquidation Authority created in Title II of the legislation. I am not opposed to making common sense adjustments to improve the real world workability of the Dodd-Frank law. I want our financial institutions to be able to compete effectively for customers everywhere they operate. And I am not in favor of regulation that is either unnecessary or not accomplishing … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221021505/http://vanhollen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=357104 | Van Hollen Opening Statement at Budget Conference Committee Meeting | 2013-10-30 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | MD | Chris Van Hollen | V000128 | web.archive.org | legacy | Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, delivered an opening statement at the first meeting of the Budget Conference Committee. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery: “I am pleased that we have finally come together for long-overdue budget negotiations. “It was just two weeks ago today that we ended the shameful government shutdown and threats to default on our nation's debts. The country has paid a steep price for those reckless actions. Standard and Poor’s estimates the shutdown cost our economy $24 billion, and the Peterson Institute has calculated that economic uncertainty caused by constant budget brinkmanship has cost our country 900,000 jobs since the 2010 elections. “I hope every member of this committee will put away the threats of future shutdowns and default, and focus on efforts to help our economy grow. “The House Republican and Senate Democratic budgets before us today represent dramatically different visions for America. We will not bridge all the differences, but I hope we can make some progress. That will require some tough compromises. But we must be honest with the public about the nature of our differences. To govern is to choose, and these budgets reflect those choices. “The primary objective of this negotiation should be to immediately accelerate job growth and place our economy on a stable long-term foundation. The Democratic budget does this by investing in national priorities, replacing the job-killing sequester, and reducing the long-term deficit in a balanced way. “The Democratic budget provides for vital investments to ensure that America remains the world's economic powerhouse. We allocate resources to put people back to work modernizing the roads, bridges, ports and other infrastructure that forms the backbone of our economy. These investments used to be a bipartisan priority. Unfortunately, the Republican budget assumes very big cuts in our transportation spending -- in fact it would practically eliminate the start of new … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/2014-payne-international-development-graduate-fellowship | 2014 Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship | 2013-10-30 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | MD | Benjamin Cardin | C000141 | www.cardin.senate.gov | legacy | October 30, 2013 2014 Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship The Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people who desire careers in the USAID Foreign Service. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and managed by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University, these Fellowships prepare students to enter exciting and rewarding careers in international development as USAID Foreign Service Officers. The Payne Program encourages the involvement of members of minority groups and those with financial need. This program is named in honor of the late Congressman Donald M. Payne because of his long history of service to the nation and the world in promoting international development. Payne Fellows will represent the excellence and diversity of America and advance USAID's commitment to creating a more secure, healthy and prosperous world through engagement in international development work. USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah announced the Payne Fellowship at Howard University on October 15, 2012, stating This new fellowship will help USAID to attract and support a diverse group of talented young people who are dedicated to public service and international development. The Payne Fellowship provides significant benefits. The Fellows receive up to $45,000 annually in assistance for tuition, room, board and other related expenses for a two-year master's degree in international development or a related topic, as well as support for internships. They do internships at a USAID Mission overseas and one in Washington DC. Each Fellow is committed to a minimum of three years of service in an appointment as a USAID Foreign Service Officer. Information and application materials for both programs are at www.paynefellows.org. The application deadline is January 27, 2014. Number of Fellowships Offered: 5 Value of Fellowship: Up to $90,000 over two years for grad school, internships and profes… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
Advanced export
JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object
CREATE TABLE [releases] (
[url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
[title] TEXT,
[date] TEXT,
[year] TEXT,
[month] TEXT,
[party] TEXT,
[chamber] TEXT,
[state] TEXT,
[member_name] TEXT,
[bioguide_id] TEXT,
[domain] TEXT,
[scraper] TEXT,
[source] TEXT,
[date_source] TEXT,
[text] TEXT,
[has_text] INTEGER,
[collected_at] TEXT,
[updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);