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

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1 if body text was successfully extracted
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bioguide_id
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1,150 rows where state = "MD" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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  • Democrat 1,076
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  • 2025 · 1,150 ✖

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  • MD · 1,150 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congresswoman-april-mcclain-delaney-reports-proposed-ice-detention Statement from Congresswoman April McClain Delaney on Reports of a Proposed ICE Detention Facility in Hagerstown 2025-12-30 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released a statement on reports of a proposed ICE detention facility in Hagerstown, Maryland: "I am outraged by reports that the Trump Administration may be considering the construction of an ICE detention facility in or near Hagerstown. If true, this proposal is unacceptable—and I will fight it with every tool available to me. "The mass detention of human beings without due process is a profound moral and constitutional failure. Detaining people—like asylum seekers and families—far from legal counsel, their support systems, and meaningful oversight creates a grave risk of unlawful detention and irreversible harm. "Hagerstown is not a dumping ground for a broken federal system—it is a proud community built on fairness, decency, and the rule of law. I will not quietly accept a facility that threatens civil liberties, undermines due process, and contradicts our values. "Let me be clear about what I am doing, and what I will continue to do, to stop this: I am demanding full and immediate transparency from DHS and ICE, including all planning documents, contracts, internal analyses, and communications related to any proposed detention facility in Washington County. There will be no secrecy and no backroom decisions. I am scheduled to meet with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations field office in Baltimore in January, where I will conduct my constitutionally required oversight of this facility which has my constituents locked inside. I will work with colleagues to use aggressive congressional oversight—including formal investigations—to expose any effort to rush this project forward while cutting corners on legality, due process, or human rights. I will oppose any attempt to detain people without full constitutional protections, and I will challenge policies that normalize prolonged or unlawful detention under the guise of efficiency. I will stand with community members, faith leaders, advocates, and local governments who are speaking out against th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-applauds-168-million-rural-health-transformation-0 Congressman Harris Applauds $168 Million Rural Health Transformation Investment for Maryland 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican House MD Andy Harris H001052 harris.house.gov harris https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration, applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for awarding Maryland $168,180,838 under the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will expand access to care, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and modernize rural health infrastructure and technology. Unfortunately, Maryland did not receive additional funding because the Moore Administration chose not to pursue a SNAP nutritious food waiver. This funding will expand access to preventive, primary, maternal, and behavioral healthcare in Maryland’s rural communities, strengthen the rural healthcare workforce by helping recruit and retain doctors and nurses, improve emergency care coordination, and modernize facilities and telehealth so patients can receive high-quality care closer to home. These investments will directly benefit rural residents and communities across Maryland, especially those in Maryland’s First District. Statement from Congressman Andy Harris: “I commend the Trump Administration for its leadership in delivering billions of dollars to strengthen rural health care nationwide as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Unfortunately, the Moore administration failed to adequately prioritize Maryland’s application by not applying for a SNAP nutritious food waiver, causing our rural communities to miss out on additional millions of dollars that would have been flowing into our state. As a physician and representative of a rural district — and the only member of Maryland’s congressional delegation to support the passage of these rural healthcare funds, I’m ready to work with the Trump Administration to address the needs of rural Marylanders with these dollars.” For media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-announces-240000-grant-talbot-county-roadway-safety-plan Congressman Harris Announces $240,000 Grant for Talbot County Roadway Safety Plan 2025-12-26 2025 2025-12 Republican House MD Andy Harris H001052 harris.house.gov harris https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced a $240,000 U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All grant awarded to Talbot County to develop a comprehensive Safety Action Plan to help reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries. This funding will help Talbot County analyze local crash trends, gather input from residents and community partners, and work with transportation experts to identify the most urgent safety needs. The resulting countywide Safety Action Plan will outline priority projects, estimated costs, timelines, and measurable goals to reduce serious crashes and improve roadway safety across the county. It will also strengthen Talbot County’s ability to pursue future federal funding for roadway safety upgrades. Statement from Congressman Harris: "This is an important investment in public safety for Talbot County and the Eastern Shore. Communities across my district rely on safe, reliable roads, and this grant will strengthen local planning, support smarter infrastructure decisions, and ultimately help save lives. I thank the U.S. Department of Transportation for awarding this grant and recognizing the importance of improving roadway safety in Talbot County." For media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introduces-legislation-overturn-attempted Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Legislation to Overturn the Attempted Illegal Renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) introduced two pieces of legislation to overturn the recent attempt to add President Trump’s name onto the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The first bill, the Kennedy Center Protection Act, would: Void the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees’ unlawful December 18 vote to rename the Center; Require the removal of all signage or other identification including President Trump's name within 1 day of enactment; Clarify existing law to prohibit the Board from taking similar actions in the future; and Require a Report to Congress detailing any public or private funds used to implement the attempted name change. The second bill, the Federal Property Integrity Act, would prohibit the renaming of any federal building, land, or other asset, in honor of a sitting President. "Congress must stop the 'Trump branding' of our national treasures and memorials, particularly an institution which uplifts our national arts and commemorates the late President John F. Kennedy," said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. "And if it isn't clear enough, my second bill will ensure that no other federal landmark can ever be named in honor of a sitting President. It's past time that lawmakers drew a firm line to prevent these types of activities." Cosponsors include Representatives Grijalva (AZ), Hayes (MA), and Larson (CT). ### For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-releases-2025-end-year-review Elfreth Releases 2025 End-of-Year Review 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Sarah Elfreth E000301 elfreth.house.gov elfreth https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) released her End-of-Year accomplishments. Since January 3rd, 2025, Elfreth has been laser-focused on serving constituents on their hardest days, introducing legislation to improve the lives of all Marylanders, and hearing directly from constituents by phone, mail, and in-person across the District. “It has been an honor to serve you and all our neighbors who call Maryland’s Third District home in Congress,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. “2025 has been a particularly challenging year for Marylanders as we faced unprecedented attacks on our federal workforce by DOGE, the longest government shutdown in history, challenges to the rule of law, immigration, health care, and so much more. But my team and I have been hard at work since day one, fighting for legislation to lower costs and better the lives of everyone who calls Maryland’s Third Congressional District home.” In her first year, Elfreth prioritized working across the aisle whenever possible to introduce legislation that addressed the most pressing issues for Marylanders, including introducing the first bipartisan bill aimed at combating the actions of DOGE. During the shutdown, Elfreth led on multiple pieces of legislation to help our federal workers make ends meet. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Elfreth introduced bipartisan legislation to protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, like the first-of-its-kind MAWS Act to combat the large invasive blue catfish population in the Watershed. On the House Armed Services Committee, Elfreth advanced more provisions in the annual defense spending bill than any other first-year member of Congress. Her 28 provisions support our servicemembers, expand health care for veterans, and help grow Maryland’s economy. CLICK HERE for the one-pager on what Elfreth accomplished in her inaugural year in office. CLICK HERE for Elfreth’s End-of-Year video. Congresswoman Elfreth’s First Year by the Numbers: 5 bills signed into law - 80% … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introducing-legislation-overturn-attempted Congresswoman McClain Delaney is Introducing Legislation to Overturn the Attempted Renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) is introducing legislation imminently to overturn the recent attempt to add President Trump’s name onto the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. "The Kennedy Center is a memorial to a fallen President. Changing the name of the Kennedy Center is a betrayal of President Kennedy’s legacy and an affront to the American people and our shared history," said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. "My legislation will require the immediate removal of Donald Trump’s name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and to prevent future actions to rename it or other historic landmarks or memorials." The Congresswoman’s bill would overturn the Board of Trustees' December 18 vote to rename the Center and require the removal of all signage and identifying materials associated with the new name within one day of enactment. "This legislation is about protecting Congress’s authority and preserving the integrity of our national monuments and treasures," McClain Delaney continued. "Sadly, the President has politicized the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. Congress cannot allow him to 'brand' the Kennedy Center, other historic landmarks or memorials or even nearby public golf courses. Trump's obsessive fixation on self-promotion must end, and its past time Congress set a firm prohibition on these and similar actions.” ### For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-schatz-colleagues-press-for-media-access-to-gaza Van Hollen, Schatz, Colleagues Press for Media Access to Gaza 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) were joined by over a dozen of their colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration to demand free and independent press access to Gaza immediately. In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators urge the Administration to do more to secure the lifting of the Netanyahu government’s ban on press access to Gaza, underscoring the need for this access to ensure the international community has unbiased information to understand the conflict, current conditions, and ceasefire implementation. In addition to Senators Van Hollen and Schatz, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). The Senators began, “We write to urge the Trump administration to swiftly demand that Israel allow free and independent press access to Gaza. We welcome reports that the Trump administration has been requesting that the Netanyahu government allow foreign journalists into Gaza now that a ceasefire is in place, and we urge the administration to amplify this pressure and prioritize this request as part of the ongoing talks with the Netanyahu government on the path to peace in the region. Free and independent press access to Gaza is crucial to facilitate the public’s right to uncensored and impartial information, to monitor implementation of the current ceasefire, and to ensure that Americans, Israelis, and the rest of the world have a factual accounting of what is occurring on the ground in Gaza.” “Foreign journalists have consistently reported in high-risk, high-casualty, and volatile armed conflicts - including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine – without military or government approval or monitoring. In fact,… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-announces-winner-2025-congressional-app-challenge Elfreth Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional App Challenge 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Sarah Elfreth E000301 elfreth.house.gov elfreth https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for high school and middle school students in Maryland’s Third Congressional District. Matthew Yang of Centennial High School in Ellicott City won the Third District 2025 Congressional App Challenge with his app CellposeCellCounter, an AI-driven microscopy analysis tool that automatically detects and counts cells in biological images. Elfreth called Matthew with the good news, and the video can be accessed HERE. “Congratulations to Matthew for winning the Third District 2025 Congressional App Challenge. This challenge allows us to highlight the incredible innovation and talent of our young students, and Matthew’s skills to advance scientific research here in Maryland shined through. I also would like to extend a special thank you to all our judges whose expertise and insights made this competition possible,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. Matthew was inspired to create CellposeCellCounter from his time interning at Dr. Liang’s lab in the University of Maryland School of Medicine. In this experience, Matthew realized how crucial cell count is for reproducible research but all current methods for collecting this critical data are tedious and costly. His app aims to be an accessible solution that can automatically measure cell metrics from a single uploaded photo using AI models. The app can provide researchers with key metrics, including total cell count, viability percentage, and cell confluency. Matthew has made his app open-source on Hugging Face Spaces, allowing free and accessible use to all scientists. As the Third District’s winner, Matthew will have CellposeCellCounter displayed on the national Congressional App Challenge website and is invited to the House of Code event in Washington, DC, with winners across the nation. Elfreth’s office had the largest applicant pool of any freshman office participating in the Congressional App Challenge this year and was among the top 20% applicant-wis… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-signs-five-elfreth-bills-and-two-co-led-bills-law President Signs Five Elfreth Bills and Two Co-Led Bills Into Law 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Sarah Elfreth E000301 elfreth.house.gov elfreth https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, five of Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth’s (MD-03) bills, as well as two bills co-led by the Congresswoman, were signed into law by President Donald J. Trump as part of the larger H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. In total, Elfreth secured 28 individual provisions in this annual defense legislation, including these 5 individual bills. “I came to Congress wanting to join the Armed Services Committee because it is one of the few committees that still works together to collaborate and legislate. We don’t always agree on every provision – as reflected in this year’s bill – but the final product represents the bipartisan nature with which the committee is run,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “These wins are real progress for our service academies, for the mental health of our servicemembers, and so much more. I’ve been laser-focused on what I can accomplish on behalf of Maryland’s Third District, and I am grateful to see these bipartisan wins become law in my first year in Congress.” The five Elfreth bills are: H.R. 6629, the Developing Master Plans for Military Service Academies Act of 2025 (Sec. 2850). Co-led with Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), this bill requires the US Naval Academy (and all military academies) to develop an Installation Resilience Master Plan to address the impacts of extreme weather, sea-level rise, land subsidence, cybersecurity risks, lack of access to clean water, and disruption to clean energy. H.R. 6631, the Establishing Cyber Security Educational Programs at Academic Institutions Act (Sec. 1514). Co-led with Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX-09), this bill recognizes the Department of Defense's need for well-trained and educated cybersecurity leaders by codifying into law the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. This 26-year-old program partners federal cyber agencies, like the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM), with leading universiti… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-firefighters-first Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Republican House MD Andy Harris H001052 harris.house.gov harris https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper December 18, 2025 WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments’ emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment. “We can always count on Maryland’s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,” said the lawmakers. The lawmakers announced the following grants: Baltimore Region $2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response $1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties $516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities $320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities $309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park’s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training $379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers Eastern Shore $436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-conta… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-announces-46-million-community-project-funding-fifth-district-fy2026 Hoyer Announces $4.6 Million in Community Project Funding for the Fifth District in FY2026 Appropriations Bill 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper December 18, 2025 WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) issued the following statement announcing $4,697,000 in Community Project Funding that he secured for projects in Maryland's Fifth District through the recently enacted Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Minibus. The House Committee on Appropriations allowed each Member of Congress to submit up to 15 Community Funding Project requests for their districts in the Fiscal Year 2026 funding cycle. As part of that process, Congressman Hoyer solicited requests on his website and submitted 15 projects to the House Appropriations Committee. Five projects were included in the recently-enacted continuing resolution (CR) and minibus appropriations package enacted in November. The remaining ten projects are included in appropriations bills still awaiting final passage. The combined value of all the FY 2026 Community Project Funding that Congressman Hoyer requested is $11,890,000. "The Trump Administration's disastrous economic agenda has raised costs on everything from health care to electricity to groceries," Congressman Hoyer said. "At a time when many Americans are struggling to get by, it's more important than ever that we keep investing in them. That's why I fought to secure nearly $12 million in federal funding for local projects in Maryland's Fifth District in this year's appropriations cycle, some $4.7 million of which has already been enacted into law. Whether by making health care more accessible, helping new opportunities for our children and young people to get ahead, or creating new economic opportunities in rural areas, these first five projects will help our communities get ahead. I'm grateful for the community partners who worked with me to secure this funding. I remain hard at work to pass the remaining appropriations bills, containing our district's other ten projects, across the finish line." The funded projects include: $1,015,000 for Bowie State University Greenhouse for Advanced Agriculture and Biotechnology Research: This fund… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-free-world-will-bear-cost-if-we-let-putin-prevail Hoyer: The Free World Will Bear the Cost if We Let Putin Prevail 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined the Congressional Ukraine Caucus to deliver remarks on the House Floor to urge his Republican colleagues to sign the discharge petition to bring the Ukraine Support Act to the House Floor. Below is a full video and transcript of his remarks: "I thank the gentlelady who heads the Ukrainian Caucus, has ties to Ukraine, and is deeply tied to America, to democracy, liberty, and freedom. Mr. Speaker, I adopt her remarks as my own. I will add to that, but it will be surplusage because everything she said, and all the dangers she referred to, and all the atrocities of the Russians we could repeat. As I was sitting here - with the exception of Mr. Vindman, who's a young man - it occurred to me that the speakers who have spoken so far are of a generation who were children at the time of the Soviet Union, who understood the viciousness of The Bear, who understood the enslavement of the Russian people and the captive nations. "Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the people of Ukraine, for the people of America, for the people of Europe, for the people of Asia and Africa, South America, [and] Australia because all of us are at risk if dictators like Putin prevail. Ukraine: the question is, will America and this Congress allow it to become a nation betrayed? I've said it before, and I'll say it again: President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, negotiator Witkoff, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, and others have done everything to express support for Vladimir Putin's and Russia's position and to exonerate them from their aggression and from their war crimes. Earlier this year, Trump said that the Russians have all the cards. Mr. Speaker, someone ought to remind our president - and I do so tonight - that NATO has a combined defense expenditure of $1.58 trillion. Together, we field 3.5 million troops. Our combined GDP is 25 times more than Russia's. Europe holds some $246 billion [in] frozen Russian assets. I suggest to all of us, to the president and to the world … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-firefighters-first Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper December 18, 2025 WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Andy Harris (MD-02), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments’ emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment. “We can always count on Maryland’s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,” said the lawmakers. The lawmakers announced the following grants: Baltimore Region $2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response $1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel Prince George's and Montgomery Counties $516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities $320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities $309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park’s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training $379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers Eastern Shore $436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-house-democrats-decry-transportation-infrastructure-committees Maryland House Democrats Decry Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Advancement of Prospectus for Ronald Reagan Building 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) released the following statement after the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) advanced a General Services Administration (GSA) prospectus on moving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.: "We have dire concerns about the General Service Administration's prospectus to convert the Ronald Reagan Building into the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) headquarters, which the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved today. That action contradicts the outcome of a decade-long process to select a site that meets the FBI's security and operational needs. Additionally, it violates multiple laws mandating that the GSA select one of three sites it had already identified as satisfying those requirements. That is still the law. “The Reagan Building was never included among the three options because it was clear that it could never meet the FBI's need for a secure, consolidated campus with a Level V Federal Facility Security Standard. As the first federal building intentionally designed to accommodate private-sector tenants in addition to government agencies, the Reagan Building’s open design features are uniquely ill suited to the FBI’s requirements. So too is its exposed location between two high-traffic streets. “The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City had similar deficiencies, which contributed to the devastation of the 1995 bombing that claimed the lives of 167 people. Notably, the Reagan Building was designed before the Oklahoma City bombing revealed those flaws. “There is a reason that the FBI set these security requirements and that the GSA conducted a rigorous site selection process to meet them: to keep the brave men and women of the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-firefighters-first Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney, Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments’ emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment. “We can always count on Maryland’s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,” said the lawmakers. The lawmakers announced the following grants: Baltimore Region $2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response $1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties $516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities $320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities $309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park’s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training $379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers Eastern Shore $436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained breathing appa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-for-firefighters-first-responders-across-maryland Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Kweisi Mfume M000687 mfume.house.gov mfume https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Image December 18, 2025 WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all MD) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments’ emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment. “We can always count on Maryland’s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,” said the lawmakers. The lawmakers announced the following grants: Baltimore Region $2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response $1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties $516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities $320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities $309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park’s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training $379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers Eastern Shore $436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-for-firefighters-first-responders-across-maryland Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments’ emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment. “We can always count on Maryland’s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,” said the lawmakers. The lawmakers announced the following grants: Baltimore Region $2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response $1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties $516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities $320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities $309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park’s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training $379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers Eastern Shore $436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schiff-colleagues-in-urging-trump-administration-to-end-staffing-crisis-at-fish-and-wildlife-service-warning-of-devastating-impacts-to-ecosystems-and-public-lands Van Hollen Joins Schiff, Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to End Staffing Crisis at Fish and Wildlife Service, Warning of Devastating Impacts to Ecosystems and Public Lands 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, and their colleagues in urging the administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which has lost the capacity to properly manage most of America’s wildlife refuges — putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service’s care. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country — with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. “Americans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,” the Senators wrote. “This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem—it has made the situation far worse. The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS’s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies,” the Senators continued. The Senators also emphasized that operating with few or no employees has also hurt disaster resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires. The letter w… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-markey-whitehouse-dingell-statement-on-dc-circuits-decision-to-rehear-case-on-greenhouse-gas-reduction-fund-grants Van Hollen, Markey, Whitehouse, Dingell Statement on D.C. Circuit’s Decision to Rehear Case on Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Grants 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) welcomed the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to reinstate a prior administrative stay blocking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from clawing back legally obligated funds from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) as the full active bench of the D.C. Circuit prepares to rehear the case early next year. In September, the lawmakers were joined by over three dozen additional members of Congress in filing an amicus brief at the D.C. Circuit, urging it to take this action. “We created the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to spur investment in innovative clean energy solutions that create jobs, lower Americans’ energy costs, boost our economy, and reduce harmful emissions. The EPA stood up this program according to the letter of the law, awarding and disbursing funds after a rigorous and transparent process. As we have said since the day that the Trump Administration launched its politically motivated attacks on the GGRF, its brazen attempt to seize these legally awarded federal funds from private bank accounts is both unfounded and unlawful. As the full D.C. Circuit prepares to rehear the case, we will continue fighting to protect these essential investments to support good-paying jobs, reduce Americans’ energy bills, and strengthen our energy independence.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-secures-amendment-stop-offshore-wind-provisions-speed-act Congressman Harris Secures Amendment to Stop Offshore Wind Provisions in SPEED Act 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Republican House MD Andy Harris H001052 harris.house.gov harris https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C .— Today, Congressman Andy Harris M.D. (MD-01), announced the inclusion of his amendment, co-sponsored by Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), in the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act (SPEED) Act following negotiations with House Leadership on the floor. This amendment will protect legal actions the Trump Administration has taken thus far to combat the Biden Offshore Wind agenda, including actions impacting the Maryland Offshore Wind Project. Statement from Congressman Harris: “I am happy to have worked to deliver a real conservative permitting reform bill that, rather than making concessions to Democrats interested in preserving Biden’s Green New Scam by handcuffing the Trump Administration, preserves the Trump Administration’s fight to Stop Offshore Wind. I was engaged in deliberations with the House Natural Resources Committee for months to ensure the inclusion of this language, guided by a single principle: my constituents in Ocean City and communities across the Atlantic Coastline are not for sale.” For media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-majority-whip-jazz-lewis-stepping-down-maryland-house Hoyer Statement on Majority Whip Jazz Lewis Stepping Down from the Maryland House of Delegates 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after House Majority Whip Jazz Lewis announced his upcoming departure from the Maryland House of Delegates. "I am sorry to hear that my dear friend Jazz Lewis will depart the Maryland House of Delegates in the coming weeks. He is a public servant of the highest quality. “From his time on my staff to his impressive tenure in the Maryland General Assembly as a Delegate and as the youngest Majority Whip in the history of the institution, Jazz's leadership and service has benefitted our entire state. For the past eight years, Jazz has been instrumental in securing numerous legislative accomplishments for our people. That includes many of the Moore-Miller Administration's recent policy achievements. I know Marylanders across Prince George's County and beyond will miss having Jazz in Annapolis. I certainly will. "Fortunately, Jazz will remain a key player on Team Maryland in his new role as Director of State Government Relations for the University of Maryland, College Park – our alma mater. A proud Terp with unrivaled experience at every level of government, Jazz will excel in that position, just as he has in every other. "I look forward to continuing to work with Jazz to help our people, our communities, and our great university become even more excellent.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-republicans-partisan-health-care-bill Hoyer Statement on Republicans' Partisan Health Care Bill 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after voting on H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act: "The feeble health care bill House Republicans passed today would do little more than a band-aid to fix the gaping hole they have left in America's health care system by refusing to extend the tax credits for the Affordable Care Act. Four million Americans are about to lose coverage and millions of others are about to see their monthly premiums skyrocket when those credits expire in just two weeks’ time. With this bill, House Republicans have once again told the American people 'you're on your own.' "This bill is shamefully inadequate, and Republicans know it. For fifteen years, they have said they will 'repeal and replace' the ACA. In case it wasn't abundantly clear already, this bill is evidence that Republicans still have no idea what that replacement would look like. "Speaker Johnson and his conference had every opportunity to protect Americans' health care, and they passed it up every single time. It shouldn't take a discharge petition to give an ACA tax credit extension a fair vote on the House Floor, but it did. I look forward to seeing that extension receive the consideration that it – and the millions of Americans who stand to lose their care – deserves." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-69-million-firefighters-first Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $6.9 Million for Firefighters, First Responders Across Maryland 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Johnny Olszewski, Jr. O000176 olszewski.house.gov olszewski https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, and U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all Md.) announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland. The funding will enhance departments’ emergency response capabilities through hiring, training, and acquisition of critical emergency equipment. “We can always count on Maryland’s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their life-saving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,” said the lawmakers. The lawmakers announced the following grants: Baltimore Region $2,687,779 to the Baltimore City Fire Department to acquire critical gear and equipment, including cardiac monitors, CPR devices, portable radios, and fire gear washers and dryers, and to provide training in trench rescue and hazardous materials response $1,243,636 to the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide advanced rescue training for 1,300 personnel Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties $516,646 to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new fire gear washer & dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention activities $320,500 to the Riverdale Fire Department to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities $309,913 to the University of Maryland, College Park’s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to purchase simulator equipment, turnout gear, and mapping equipment for firefighter training $379,999 to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to hire a full-time volunteer firefighter recruiter and provide tuition reimbursement to volunteers Eastern Shore $436,761 to the Hack's Point Fire Company in Earleville and the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department to acquire 59 sets of self-contained … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/olszewski-votes-against-healthcare-bill-fails-address-soaring-costs Olszewski Votes Against Healthcare Bill that Fails to Address Soaring Costs 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Johnny Olszewski, Jr. O000176 olszewski.house.gov olszewski https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper (Washington, DC) — Congressman Johnny Olszewski today called on House leadership to immediately order a vote on legislation that would extend healthcare tax credits for the 22 million Americans – including more than 1 million Marylanders – insured under the Affordable Care Act. The tax credits are otherwise set to expire December 31, triggering a staggering price increase averaging 114 percent nationwide. His demands come after voting against H.R. 6703, legislation that not only fails to extend credits, but weakens consumer protections, allows employers to cap coverage contributions for the most at-risk Americans, and significantly reduces access to reproductive healthcare. The legislation was rushed to the floor just two days after being introduced, with no chance for bipartisan input or meaningful amendments. “Healthcare costs should not crush American families,” Congressman Olszewski said. “While Republican leadership pushes empty solutions, I’m taking action. I’ve joined a bipartisan effort to force a vote on a clean, three-year extension of ACA tax credits — a good-faith stopgap that prevents massive premium hikes and keeps millions of people insured.” Four House Republicans joined Democrats today in signing a discharge petition led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, enough to reach the 218 signatures required to force a vote to extend the ACA tax credits. Under House rules, Speaker Johnson could delay the vote until next month, or opt to hold the vote sooner. “Americans cannot afford to wait while Speaker Johnson plays political roulette with their wellbeing,” Congressman Olszewski said. “We are demanding that Speaker Johnson allow us to vote on this critical legislation immediately. It has the bipartisan votes to pass and provide American families with the certainty they deserve and expect.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/17/2025/van-hollen-statement-on-national-defense-bill-vote Van Hollen Statement on National Defense Bill Vote 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote against the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “Every year, the national defense bill is Congress’ opportunity to conduct oversight of our military operations and realign our defense policies to ensure we’re ready to take on the threats we face around the world. This year’s legislation includes many positive elements that I fought for and support, from a pay increase for our servicemembers – including the thousands based in Maryland – to investments in our veterans and military families to funding for Maryland-based military installations. It also includes a provision I authored to ensure continued public access to Greenbury Point near the Naval Academy and bipartisan legislation I led with Senator Kennedy to protect investors from foreign insider trading. “However, I ultimately could not support this year’s NDAA while we are confronting a president who is playing politics with our nation’s military and using our troops to advance his authoritarian agenda both here at home and abroad. From missile strikes on boats that lack Congressional authorization and are extrajudicial killings amounting to state-sanctioned murder, to the deployment of the National Guard to American cities to support the President’s indiscriminate mass deportation agenda, it’s clear this Administration no longer respects our laws, including those around the use of the U.S. military. These concerns have only deepened my existing reservations around the continued unchecked growth in defense spending. “We deploy a strong military to protect our nation and democracy from foreign threats and adversaries. Unfortunately, the attack on our democracy, freedoms and the rule of law is now mainly from the president himself – including the fact that the current Commander in Chief is ignoring the laws governing the use of our military. And for those reasons, I refused to sign a blank check to the lawless Trump Administration.” Senator Van … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-harris-hosts-agriculture-appropriations-subcommittee-roundtable-dr Chairman Harris Hosts Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Roundtable With Dr. Ben Carson 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Republican House MD Andy Harris H001052 harris.house.gov harris https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration, hosted a House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee roundtable with Dr. Ben Carson, National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, focused on the connection between nutrition and chronic disease. Chairman Harris and Dr. Carson discussed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including ways to incorporate healthy foods and limit processed foods and sugary beverages in order to help children and families develop healthier lifestyles and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Statement from Congressman Harris: “Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is focused on strengthening SNAP and encouraging healthier choices as part of the Make America Healthy Again effort to address diet-related chronic disease in children. I look forward in my role as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the USDA to provide the department with the necessary tools and resources to accomplish this worthwhile goal." For media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-maryland-congressional-delegation-hold-meeting-discuss-future-nasa Hoyer, Maryland Congressional Delegation Hold Meeting to Discuss Future of NASA, Maryland’s Role in Space Innovation 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met with NASA officials and stakeholders to discuss protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. They received updates on and discussed the importance of NASA Goddard’s workforce and missions, as well as other missions being built, led, and supported across Maryland. Video of the members’ press availability following the meeting is available here. “NASA Goddard is vital not only to our local community in Maryland but to the entire country and world. Home to one of the greatest concentrations of scientists in the world, the team at Goddard is deepening our understanding of our planet and what lies beyond. In the course of that pursuit, they are also helping America continue to stay ahead of China and other competitors when it comes to science, technology, innovation, and economic growth. I was pleased our delegation could meet today to discuss how we can best support Goddard in that important mission,” said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05). “From NASA Goddard to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to nearby Wallops Flight Facility and the many additional science centers and related enterprises across the state, Maryland has been at the center of American space exploration and the forefront of technological advancements that have made our country stronger and safer. The dedicated scientists, engineers, and contractors who power these facilities are central to America’s leadership in space and innovation, but these workers – and the critical work they do – have been under attack from the Trump Administration since day one. For America to continue leading the world in space science, the Administration must start respecting the people who put us in that position. Federal Team Maryland will continue pushing to maintain our leadership in cutting-edge missions while fighting to ensure the workers who drive them have the support t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-remarks-media-availability-following-maryland-delegation-meeting-future Hoyer Remarks at Media Availability Following Maryland Delegation Meeting on Future of NASA, Maryland’s Role in Space Innovation 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks at a media availability following a meeting with the Maryland congressional delegation and NASA officials and stakeholders on protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks: Click here to watch a full video of his remarks: "Goddard is an extraordinary asset to the state of Maryland. More importantly, it is an extraordinary asset to the United States of America, and as well to the global community, which has, over the years, relied on Goddard and NASA generally for information that it needed for all sorts of different reasons, including national security, including agricultural production, including saving ourselves from extraordinary weather events because we knew what was happening. NASA Goddard has been an agency that looks to the far past and looks to the present and the future. "When this Administration started, it started with an assertion that it was going to cut literally trillions of dollars from the budget and hundreds of thousands, perhaps a million, federal employees. It did so not with a scalpel, not with knowledge of the consequences of their actions, but with a chainsaw and a focus only on numbers. Today, Senator Van Hollen convened a group of six people who had intimate knowledge of the importance of NASA, the work that it does, and particularly Goddard Space Flight Center, and what we heard was that people were given the opportunity to leave, not be - not work for 7 or 8 months, and be paid, and then lose the skill and judgment and experience that they had. A tragic action on behalf of this Administration. As a result, they found that they fired people or allowed people to retire who were needed, and therefore, we've seen the hiring back of some people. "The Congress, which is now controlled by the Republicans, said that action was detrimental to America. And as a result of Senator Van Hollen, who said the Senate … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-november-jobs-report-1 Hoyer Statement on November Jobs Report 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper "The November jobs report released this morning is a warning sign for the American economy. Only 64,000 jobs were added in November, and unemployment grew to 4.6% – the highest level since the pandemic. Black Americans have been particularly hard hit, with Black unemployment now at 8.3%. Additionally, the number of Americans who have been unemployed for more than six months swelled to 1.9 million last month, which is 200,000 more than a year ago. The number of unemployed people last month was 700,000 more than in November 2024. “And yet, Donald Trump has the audacity to say he has earned an ‘A+++++’ on the economy. He describes Americans' affordability crisis as a ‘fake narrative.’ Trump can deny reality all he wants, but that won’t change the sorry state of our economy. Only abandoning his devastating economic agenda can do that. With tariffs raising costs, attacks on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act putting health care out of reach for millions of Americans, and trillions of dollars of tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires exploding the national debt, America's economic carnage will continue so long as Trump and his MAGA Republican majorities in Congress stay on their current course. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-trump-witkoff-hegseth-vance-rubio-theyve-done-everything-appease-putin Hoyer: Trump, Witkoff, Hegseth, Vance, Rubio – They've Done Everything to Appease Putin Short of Putting on a Russian Uniform 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor urging his Republican colleagues to sign the discharge petition to bring the Ukraine Support Act to the House Floor before the House departs for the rest of the year. Below are a full video and transcript of his remarks: Click here to watch a full video of his remarks: "Mr. Speaker, this chamber will soon be empty as Members leave for the holiday without having taken action to aid Ukraine; our friend, our ally, a courageous people who want to be free. The trenches in Donbas will not be empty, however. Ukrainian medic stations and hospitals will not be empty. The air raid shelters beneath Kyiv, Odessa, Kharkiv will not be empty. Mr. Speaker, this Administration is sleepwalking toward the edge of an abyss that will be difficult to escape. Neville Chamberlain once did the same. He returned from Munich and hoisted a piece of paper above his head that bore his signature and that of Adolf Hitler. Without consulting Czechoslovakia, Chamberlain traded a fifth of its territory in exchange for Hitler's word that he would not invade. He said – Chamberlain said it would secure ‘peace with honor…a peace for our time.’ Within five months, the Nazis occupied every square inch of Czechoslovakia. Within a year, they had [invaded] Poland. Within two years, German bombs were falling in London. Just a few days after Chamberlain brandished Czechoslovakia's death warrant, Winston Churchill said, and I quote, ‘The dictator –’ in this case Hitler, in our case, Putin, ‘– instead of snatching the victuals from the table, has been content to have them served to him course by course.’ "Mr. Speaker, another dictator now hungers for his next course. Vladimir Putin did not stop with his invasion of Georgia or his campaign to separate Transnistria from Moldova. He did not stop with his 2014 annexation of Crimea – though perhaps he would have if America and the United Kingdom honored the Budapest Memorandum. It is foolish and dangerous to think he will st… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-to-discuss-future-of-nasa-maryland-s-role-in-space-innovation Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Future of NASA, Maryland's Role in Space Innovation 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Kweisi Mfume M000687 mfume.house.gov mfume https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met with NASA officials and stakeholders to discuss protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. They received updates on and discussed the importance of NASA Goddard’s workforce and missions, as well as other missions being built, led, and supported across Maryland. Video of the members’ press availability following the meeting is available here. "The research that happens at the Goddard Space Flight Center and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is work that cannot be reduced overnight. Unfortunately, Donald Trump and the Department of Government Evil took a chainsaw to the field of science - threatening research, innovation, and America's competitive edge," said Congressman Mfume. "We hope to have some concrete action as we continue to support our local scientists and engineers across the state of Maryland." “From NASA Goddard to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to nearby Wallops Flight Facility and the many additional science centers and related enterprises across the state, Maryland has been at the center of American space exploration and the forefront of technological advancements that have made our country stronger and safer. The dedicated scientists, engineers, and contractors who power these facilities are central to America’s leadership in space and innovation, but these workers – and the critical work they do – have been under attack from the Trump Administration since day one. For America to continue leading the world in space science, the Administration must start respecting the people who put us in that position. Federal Team Maryland will continue pushing to maintain our leadership in cutting-edge missions while fighting to ensure the workers who drive them have the support they need to carry out these critical missions,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “The work being done every day at Goddard Space Flight Center and Johns Hopkins Applied… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://raskin.house.gov/2025/12/raskin-introduces-legislation-to-preserve-the-people-s-white-house-require-public-input-for-trump-s-marie-antoinette-ballroom Raskin Introduces Legislation to Preserve the People’s White House, Require Public Input for Trump’s Marie Antoinette Ballroom 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Jamie Raskin R000606 raskin.house.gov raskin https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) introduced legislation to protect the historic character of the White House, requiring a public review process for renovations to the building. The People’s White House Historic Preservation Act follows President Donald Trump’s demolition of the East Wing to build a massive ballroom funded by corporations and wealthy donors. “Americans watched in horror as President Trump reduced the East Wing of the White House to a pile of rubble to pave the way for his self-appointed Marie Antoinette ballroom,” said Rep. Raskin. “My legislation returns power to the American people to protect the house we built for our presidents. The White House belongs to all of us—not to one lawless president building a ballroom funded by tech oligarchs and his fellow plutocrats.” This bill would remove the White House’s statutory exemption from the National Historic Preservation Act’s Section 106 review process, requiring the President to submit any proposed White House renovation for formal review and public comment as the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees federal building construction, and the Commission of Fine Arts, which reviews designs for federal buildings, before breaking ground. If stakeholders identify potentially adverse effects to changes to the historic property, the parties would need to agree on a resolution and record it through a Memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the proposal would then be brought to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to determine if the project can move forward. Past presidents have voluntarily submitted their White House renovation plans for public review as “best practice,” even if the building is technically exempt. Yet President Trump has still not submitted any of his plans to the National Capital Planning Commission, where he installed three of his own White House officials. On October 30, 2025, Trump fired each of the Commissioners on the Commissio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-to-discuss-future-of-nasa-marylands-role-in-space-innovation Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Future of NASA, Maryland’s Role in Space Innovation 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met with NASA officials and stakeholders to discuss protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. They received updates on and discussed the importance of NASA Goddard’s workforce and missions, as well as other missions being built, led, and supported across Maryland. Video of the members’ press availability following the meeting is available here. “From NASA Goddard to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to nearby Wallops Flight Facility and the many additional science centers and related enterprises across the state, Maryland has been at the center of American space exploration and the forefront of technological advancements that have made our country stronger and safer. The dedicated scientists, engineers, and contractors who power these facilities are central to America’s leadership in space and innovation, but these workers – and the critical work they do – have been under attack from the Trump Administration since day one. For America to continue leading the world in space science, the Administration must start respecting the people who put us in that position. Federal Team Maryland will continue pushing to maintain our leadership in cutting-edge missions while fighting to ensure the workers who drive them have the support they need to carry out these critical missions,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “The work being done every day at Goddard Space Flight Center and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory are the reason Maryland – and our nation – is a leader in science, technology, and research. We are exceptional because of the scientists and engineers doing this incredible work - their innovation and talent is unmatched. But this Administration doesn't seem to care. They have ripped apart the federal government including our work at NASA – ceding ground to global competitors. I will continue to stand up to this Administration and keep fighting for investments that keep … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-discuss-future-nasa-marylands Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Future of NASA, Maryland’s Role in Space Innovation 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Glenn Ivey I000058 ivey.house.gov ivey https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met with NASA officials and stakeholders to discuss protecting and supporting Maryland-based efforts to advance American leadership in space science and innovation. They received updates on and discussed the importance of NASA Goddard’s workforce and missions, as well as other missions being built, led, and supported across Maryland. Video of the members’ press availability following the meeting is available here. “From NASA Goddard to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to nearby Wallops Flight Facility and the many additional science centers and related enterprises across the state, Maryland has been at the center of American space exploration and the forefront of technological advancements that have made our country stronger and safer. The dedicated scientists, engineers, and contractors who power these facilities are central to America’s leadership in space and innovation, but these workers – and the critical work they do – have been under attack from the Trump Administration since day one. For America to continue leading the world in space science, the Administration must start respecting the people who put us in that position. Federal Team Maryland will continue pushing to maintain our leadership in cutting-edge missions while fighting to ensure the workers who drive them have the support they need to carry out these critical missions,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “The work being done every day at Goddard Space Flight Center and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory are the reason Maryland – and our nation – is a leader in science, technology, and research. We are exceptional because of the scientists and engineers doing this incredible work - their innovation and talent is unmatched. But this Administration doesn't seem to care. They have ripped apart the federal government including our work at NASA – ceding ground to global competitors. I will continue to stand up to this Administration and keep fighting for investmen… 1 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z
https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-andy-harris-re-elected-house-freedom-caucus-chairman Congressman Andy Harris Re-Elected as the House Freedom Caucus Chairman 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Republican House MD Andy Harris H001052 harris.house.gov harris https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Tonight, the House Freedom Caucus re-elected Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) to continue serving as Chairman through the end of 2026. He has led the House Freedom Caucus since September of 2024 and serves as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. Statement From Chairman Harris: “I’m honored to once again be elected Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus. The American people sent us here to fight for limited government, fiscal responsibility, secure borders, and accountability in Washington and that mission has never been more important. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my House Freedom Caucus colleagues to deliver real conservative results and President Trump’s America First agenda.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-floor-remarks-50-million-donation-bowie-state-university Hoyer Floor Remarks on $50 Million Donation to Bowie State University 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor regarding a $50 million unrestricted gift to Bowie State University (BSU) from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Below is a full video and transcript of his remarks: Click here for a full video of his remarks. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-remarks-american-enterprise-institute-bush-v-gore-and-help-america-vote Hoyer Remarks at American Enterprise Institute Bush v. Gore and the Help America Vote Act, 25 Years Later Conference 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks during the American Enterprise Institute Bush v. Gore and the Help America Vote Act, 25 Years Later Conference. Below is a full transcript of his remarks: "I'm so pleased to be here with all of you. When I leave the Congress at some point in time, I will look back on two major pieces of legislation and others, but two major pieces, and I want to talk about both of them. One is the Americans with Disabilities Act, and one is the Help America Vote Act. And the reason I talk about both of them in terms of what I did in Congress during my years, was because I think both of them had a very significant effect, the ADA obviously a greater one in one sense, but, both of them will, I think, continue to have effects. The ADA has been carried out more perfectly, perhaps, than the HAVA has, in some senses, but both have had significant effect. John, thank you very much for your introduction. Is Don here? I’m looking at him. Don and Tom Hicks, my friend Tom Hicks at the EAC, and the rest of you have such an effect. Unfortunately, the person who wrote HAVA had to leave. You know, I take credit for being a sponsor and initiator, and I’m going to talk about Bob Ney. Obviously. But Keith was the one who really did a lot of the grunt work as those of you who worked closely with us know, as well as Paul and others on Bob Ney’s staff. Doug Lewis was a great help [and] worked hard on it. Thank you for being here, Doug, Leslie Reynolds and so many others who made a difference on this. So, I thank you for inviting me to talk a little bit about this bill. "You know, they say the longest night of the year, normally occurs on the winter solstice coming up on December 21st. Well, the longest night of 2000 occurred on November 7th; it lasted 35 days. You all know the story, you’ve been hearing about the story, and talking about the story of an election in which 105.6 million Americans voted, came down to 537 votes. Americans' confidence in their democracy seemed to erod… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introduces-bipartisan-cftc-charitable Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces the Bipartisan CFTC Charitable Organization Exemption Act 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Congressman Mark Messmer (R-IN) introduced the bipartisan CFTC Charitable Organization Exemption Act to lift administrative burdens for charitable organizations seeking to engage in commodities investment overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Many charitable organizations, such as religious organizations, universities, and other nonprofits, routinely use swaps — a contract to exchange cash flows that derive from the price changes of a commodity — to help protect endowment funds from uncertain market conditions. Currently, the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) does not fully exempt charitable organizations from the commodity pool operator (CPO) definition and commodity trading advisor (CTA) registration requirements; yet the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does. The current CFTC requirements for charitable organizations divert time and resources away from the philanthropic and educational work championed by these nonprofits. The CFTC Charitable Organization Exemption Act would align the CEA with the exemptions already provided under the SEC, and help ensure that charitable organizations can responsibly access commodity investments as part of a diversified portfolio and maximize their benefit plan offerings to employees. “When our nonprofits succeed, our communities follow suit. From religious institutions to food pantries, charitable organizations are a lifeline for education, food security, and meeting the needs of our most vulnerable — in Maryland’s 6th and across the country,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “This legislation would make a real difference for charities, qualifying nonprofits, and Americans who rely on those benefits plans for long-term financial security. As a lifelong nonprofit advocate, I am proud to fight for them.” “The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Charitable Organizations Exemption Act ensures that American religious institutions can provide strong retirement benef… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-statement-on-court-decision-blocking-trump-administration-from-canceling-disaster-preparedness-grants Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Statement on Court Decision Blocking Trump Administration from Canceling Disaster Preparedness Grants 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) released the following statement on today’s decision by U.S. District Court Judge Richard Stearns finding that the Trump Administration unlawfully canceled the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, which supports local efforts to protect and harden our communities from natural disasters. Earlier this year, Senator Van Hollen led a bipartisan effort, joined by Senator Alsobrooks and over 80 members of the House and Senate, to restore the BRIC program. “The Trump Administration’s attempt to cancel smart investments in disaster preparedness threatened to leave countless lives and communities needlessly vulnerable to ruin by extreme weather, which is why we’ve been fighting to restore the BRIC program. A federal judge made the right decision in ordering the Administration to reinstate the program, calling this out for what it was – an unlawful money grab. We applaud the efforts by Attorney General Brown and others to hold the Trump Administration accountable to the law and ensure Maryland can better prepare for disaster before it strikes,” said Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks. Millions of dollars of federal funding have been withheld from disaster mitigation projects in Maryland due to the Trump Administration’s unlawful cancellation of the BRIC program. This includes $26.7 million for the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative in South Baltimore, an effort to rebuild wetlands that were damaged or lost due to industrialization and pollution while protecting the nearby coastal communities from rising waters and flooding; and $36 million for flood mitigation and resilience work in the City of Crisfield. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-votes-no-permit-act-sounds-alarm-chesapeake-bay-harms Elfreth Votes No on PERMIT Act, Sounds Alarm on Chesapeake Bay Harms 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Sarah Elfreth E000301 elfreth.house.gov elfreth https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Vice Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, voted against H.R. 3893, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act. She also spoke on the House floor in opposition to the legislation's specific provisions that undermine the health of the Chesapeake Bay. "We know that water does not adhere to arbitrary political boundaries. Pollution in Pennsylvania will – and does – flow downstream to Maryland and Virginia," said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. "Yet, the bill before us today, the PERMIT Act, attempts to dismantle this partnership between states and the EPA by watering down the key enforcement mechanisms that are needed to ensure compliance with evidence-based pollution standards." Section 21 of the PERMIT Act strips the enforcement mechanisms of the EPA to hold state and local governments accountable to the Bay restoration, conservation, and protection goals outlined in the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, a coordinated, multi-state, bipartisan effort for over 40 years. Additionally, the bill would direct the federal government to act as an observer, rather than as an active partner in implementation of the Agreement by conducting oversight and ensuring progress. Beyond its impact on the Chesapeake Bay, the PERMIT Act's primary purpose is to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which would weaken the Clean Water Act in favor of industry interests. For over fifty years, the Clean Water Act has been one of our nation's strongest tools to protect waterways from pollution and ensure clean, accessible water for all - including the Chesapeake Bay. The PERMIT Act would narrow the definition of what waterways would be protected from pollution and reduce regulatory oversight on water quality, stripping away long-standing safeguards central to the success of the Clean Water Act for rivers, streams, and watersheds nationwide. Elfreth has been a champion of Chesapeake Bay restoration, conservation, and protection … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-demands-transparency-letter-ice Congresswoman McClain Delaney Demands Transparency in Letter to ICE 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congresswoman McClain Delaney sent a letter to Patrick J. Lechleitner, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Congresswoman McClain Delaney requested an urgent tour of the ICE facility in Baltimore, Maryland to evaluate detention conditions and receive a briefing on how the agency plans and executes its operations. “I write to express my serious concerns regarding your agency’s operations throughout my District, and to formally schedule a tour of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Baltimore, Maryland as soon as possible. While at the facility, I would like to speak with detainees and staff, and to personally inspect and evaluate detention conditions. I would also like to receive a briefing on how your agency plans and executes its operations throughout the state of Maryland. As a Member of Congress, I have a Constitutional duty to conduct oversight, and agencies have an obligation to cooperate and facilitate meetings,” began Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “This year, I have received thousands of messages from constituents sharing their fears and frustrations on behalf of their family members, neighbors, and communities. Reports have shown that your agency has unlawfully detained American citizens, deported individuals in stark violation of court orders, and undermined fundamental principles of due process that are accorded to all people, regardless of status, under the Constitution. My colleagues in Congress and I have heard from families that individuals in ICE detention centers are routinely denied access to counsel, medical care, and food that meets civil detention standards,” Congresswoman McClain Delaney continued. “I am requesting a full briefing on the number of enforcement actions executed in my district this year, as well as the number of arrests, voluntary and involuntary deportations, and releases,” Congresswoman McClain Delaney concluded. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcclain-delaney-issues-statement-final-passage-national-defense Rep. McClain Delaney Issues Statement on the Final Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) released a statement after voting for the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026: “On a global stage gripped by uncertainty and growing threats, a well-supported military is essential to the protection of our country. Maryland is home to more than 25,000 active-duty military personnel, from Fort Detrick to Aberdeen Proving Ground. We have an obligation to support them and this investment is a step forward. “This final version of NDAA, a result of bipartisan negotiation, honors our brave servicemembers and their families while placing safeguards on the reckless Trump Administration. Repealing the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force, raising servicemember pay by 3.8 percent, and mandating transparency from the military when supporting domestic law enforcement are all important steps forward. This legislation also expands housing, healthcare, and childcare opportunities for military families. “I am deeply disappointed though that Speaker Johnson and the House GOP included several partisan provisions. From the anti-LGBTQ+ restrictions on our service academies to striking the bipartisan, House-passed collective bargaining rights for civilian employees, and denying military families access to IVF services, these policies fail our values and our servicemembers. I will continue to work with my colleagues to fight back against these demeaning and cruel hearted attacks on our military and their families.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-fetterman-reintroduce-legislation-to-bolster-public-transit-across-the-country Van Hollen, Fetterman Reintroduce Legislation to Bolster Public Transit Across the Country 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) reintroduced their Moving Transit Forward Act, legislation to boost federal funding for state and local transit to improve service, safety, and reliability for riders. The lawmakers’ bill creates a new federal funding program under the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide state and local transit agencies with additional resources to cover the costs of adding new routes, increasing service frequency, preventing cuts to current services, and improving safety for customers and workers, among other investments to improve rider experiences. In addition to Senators Van Hollen and Fetterman, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). “Public transit connects our communities and boosts our economy while creating jobs and reducing congestion on our roads. That means there’s a lot riding on these systems to run at their best,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This bill will help ensure that transit agencies have the resources they need to provide consistently safe and efficient service to the millions of Americans who depend on public transit every day.” “Like I’ve said before, public transit is the backbone of our communities. Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians in both red and blue counties rely on these services every day to get where they need to go,” said Senator Fetterman. “As transit agencies like SEPTA and PRT are being forced to divert critical capital improvement and maintenance funds just to keep trains and buses running, it’s more important than ever that we step up to provide them with the support and reliable funding they need to deliver for our communities. I’m proud to join Senator Van Hollen once again in leading the Moving Transit Forward Act, which will help our public transit systems avoid service cuts, add… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-judge-ordering-release-of-kilmar-abrego-garcia Van Hollen Statement on Judge Ordering Release of Kilmar Ábrego García 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on today’s ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis ordering the immediate release of Kilmar Ábrego García from custody: “For months the Trump Administration has sought to deny Kilmar Ábrego García his rights to due process and fair treatment by our justice system. Today’s ruling by Judge Xinis – requiring the government to immediately release him – is a clear repudiation of those attempts and a forceful stand for our Constitution and the rights of all those in our nation.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-glenn-iveys-statement-ruling-greenbelt-federal-court Congressman Glenn Ivey’s Statement on the Ruling in Greenbelt Federal Court 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Glenn Ivey I000058 ivey.house.gov ivey https://ivey.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Congressman Glenn Ivey released the following statement in response to the order directing the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from ICE custody: “This administration claims its immigration enforcement priorities are focused on deporting violent drug traffickers and serious criminals. Yet the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia exposes how hollow that promise truly is. Kilmar is not a trafficker, not a gang member, and not a threat to public safety. He is a hardworking apprentice trying to learn a trade, support his family, and build a stable life in our community. Still, the federal government chose to dedicate its full enforcement power to detain him—while showing leniency toward a former Honduran president implicated in smuggling hundreds of tons of cocaine into the United States. That contradiction is indefensible. The prolonged detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia did nothing to make our communities safer. It only tore apart a family and diverted resources away from the very dangers this administration claims it is targeting. Today’s decision to release Kilmar is a long-overdue correction. If our system can find mercy or political accommodation for individuals at the top of international drug trafficking networks, it must also be capable of fairness and humanity toward a working man whose only goal is to provide for his family. Congressman Ivey remains committed to fighting for an immigration system that reflects its stated priorities, uses its power responsibly, and refuses to punish families like Kilmar’s while real threats go unchecked.” 1 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z
https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-advances-maryland-priorities-annual-defense-legislation Elfreth Advances Maryland Priorities in Annual Defense Legislation 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Sarah Elfreth E000301 elfreth.house.gov elfreth https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, supported the passage of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The legislation includes funding for issues Elfreth has prioritized, including increasing pay and financial support for servicemembers, investing in cutting-edge technology and science, standing with our partners and allies like Ukraine, and increasing critical Congressional oversight. Elfreth released the following statement upon passage. “Today, after months of tireless negotiations, the House will advance the National Defense Authorization Act with bipartisan support. While I do not agree with all aspects of the legislation, on balance, I believe it will better the lives of our servicemembers, advance our national security priorities, and benefit Maryland. We are delivering a 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers, improving childcare and military housing, and protecting civilian DoD employees from reckless, short-sighted reductions in force. We are standing firmly with our allies on the global stage and investing in cutting-edge innovation. “But most notably, this legislation – on a bipartisan basis – strengthens Congress’s oversight role over a reckless Secretary of Defense and Administration. The bill repeals the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq, limits funding until the Secretary Hegseth provides unedited videos of the boat strikes in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, and requires notification and justifications for the removal of general officers. The American people deserve national security leadership that they can trust, and this legislation gets us closer to that goal of rebuilding trust and oversight. “Unfortunately, Speaker Johnson has intentionally chosen to strip out collective bargaining protections for civilian employees, provisions to establish access to IVF for servicemembers who wa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://raskin.house.gov/2025/12/raskin-beyer-welch-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-expand-ranked-choice-voting-to-all-congressional-elections Raskin, Beyer, Welch Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Expand Ranked Choice Voting to all Congressional Elections 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Jamie Raskin R000606 raskin.house.gov raskin https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Don Beyer (VA-08) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced bicameral legislation to bring ranked choice voting (RCV) to congressional races across America.The Ranked Choice Voting Act would require RCV for all primary and general congressional races beginning in 2030, allowing voters to express their ranked support for multiple candidates. This would make our elections fairer and more representative and create a more positive politics. With RCV, voters rank candidates in order of preference. If a candidate receives more than half of the first choices, that candidate wins, just like in any election. If not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and voters who picked that candidate as ‘number 1’ have their votes redistributed and counted for their next favored choice. This process continues until a candidate wins with more than half the votes. “Ranked choice voting is a great advance in democracy. It gives voters more power at the ballot box and makes our politics more positive and inclusive, encouraging candidates to connect with more voters,”said Rep. Raskin.“I’m proud to partner with Representative Beyer and Senator Welch on this important legislation to keep growing and improving electoral democracy.” “Polarization in Congress is worse than ever, and this is making it harder and harder for Congress to solve basic problems for the American people,”said Rep. Beyer. “Ranked choice voting would help fix our broken political system by changing election incentives to favor leaders who build broad and diverse coalitions focused on solutions rather than divisive rhetoric. This reform would strengthen our democracy and make Congress more responsive to the needs of the people we represent.” “Our democracy is at its strongest when everyone is heard and represented. Ranked choice voting offers an opportunity to break through polarization and strengthen our democracy by ensuring that our elected candidates have received the broad support of t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-aid-workers-in-conflict-zones Van Hollen, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Aid Workers in Conflict Zones 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, on Human Rights Day, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation to protect humanitarian aid workers operating in conflict zones. The lawmakers’ legislation, the Commitment to Aid Workers Act, would strengthen U.S. efforts to safeguard those who risk their lives to deliver humanitarian assistance. The bill creates new oversight and enforcement mechanisms to hold foreign militaries accountable for actions that endanger humanitarian workers as they deliver American aid. U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) has previously introduced companion legislation in the House. “Humanitarian workers do some of the most vital but dangerous jobs in the world as they come to the aid of civilians caught in the middle of armed conflict. After two extremely deadly years for these workers, we must do more to protect them. This bill will employ U.S. leverage to help ensure the safety of humanitarian workers as they conduct their lifesaving missions,” said Senator Van Hollen. “When conflict or disaster strikes, humanitarian aid workers are the first line to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter,” said Senator Merkley. “Our top priority must be to support and protect those who serve on the frontlines of crisis, and the Commitment to Aid Workers Act does just that.” “Humanitarian aid workers put their lives on the line to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter to civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict. Their work is guided by a basic principle: that even in war, human dignity must be preserved,” Representative Pingree said. “Tragically, we are seeing aid workers targeted like never before. This year, 326 have been killed—and last year was the deadliest on record, with over 370 killed across the globe. These are attacks on the very foundation of humanitarian law. The United States cannot stand by while those delivering life-saving assistance are treated as collateral damage. The Commitment to Aid Workers Act ensures accountability, adv… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclain-delaney-thompson-introduce-legislation-bolster-health-care-workforce McClain Delaney, Thompson Introduce Legislation to Bolster Health Care Workforce 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Bill supports health care professionals, first responders willing to help in emergencies WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) today introduced the Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act, which will exempt health care workers and first responders from Social Security’s Retirement Earnings Test (RET) during public health emergencies. Currently, the RET applies to individuals who have not reached full retirement age but want to claim Social Security benefits. If those individuals are still working and earning wages, their Social Security benefits are reduced. The bill would retroactively restore benefits for health care professionals and first responders who had them reduced or eliminated during the COVID-19 public health emergency and exempt these individuals from being subject to the RET in future public health crises. “America’s health care workers and first responders step up when our communities are in crisis,” Rep. McClain Delaney said. “It is essential that we safeguard their financial security when they come out of retirement to help our communities during times of emergency. The bipartisan Health Care Worker and First Responder Fairness Act is important and meaningful legislation Congress can pass to ensure these public servants are treated with fairness and not financially penalized for their service.” “Having spent nearly 30 years in rural health care before coming to Congress, I know firsthand the sacrifices made by frontline workers and first responders,” Rep. Thompson said. “In a time of great need, many people came out of retirement without realizing their benefits would be impacted. This is unfair to those who stepped up to help their neighbors. Our legislation will correct this problem and will remove an unnecessary barrier to future service in case of a national emergency or public health crisis." “Health care workers across the country step up when we need them most during public health emergencies, and the Health Car… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://raskin.house.gov/2025/12/raskin-announces-three-montgomery-county-high-schoolers-as-winners-of-2025-congressional-app-challenge Raskin Announces Three Montgomery County High Schoolers as Winners of 2025 Congressional App Challenge 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Jamie Raskin R000606 raskin.house.gov raskin https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.– Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) announced Montgomery County Public Schools students Kevin Xia, 11th Grade, of Walt Whitman High School; Ryan Chen, 12th Grade, of Walt Whitman High School; and Peter Xiao, 12th Grade, of Montgomery Blair High School have won his2025 Congressional App Challenge with their app SafeStride, which helps people who are blind or visually impaired navigate their surroundings safely and efficiently. “In the age of artificial intelligence, the Congressional App Challenge is a great way for young people to apply their skills with new technology to address social problems,”said Rep. Raskin.“As we seek to master this evolving technology for the public good, we can draw hope from young people like Kevin, Ryan and Peter who are diving in headfirst, using their inventions and coding skills to help people who are blind or visually impaired navigate the world with greater ease. We congratulate them for winning this year’s competition and wish them all the best in their exciting endeavors.” Kevin, Ryan and Peter first met while attending the University of Maryland’s Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering Summer Program: "Jumpstart your Engineering Career" at the Universities at Shady Grove. During the program, they decided to develop SafeStride using Python Swift for Mobile (iOS). Their app helps blind and visually impaired individuals navigate any environment safely and independently using software that analyzes the user’s phone camera feed in real-time to identify safe, walkable ground. The user is alerted through their earbuds to avoid obstacles as they move. The students are also developing a patent-pending chest strap with six sensor casings positioned around the waist which would allow the user to use the app handsfree. For winning the competition, Kevin, Ryan and Peter will have SafeStride displayed on the nationalCongressional App Challenge website and are invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C. alongside Congressional App Challenge… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-van-hollen-introduce-legislation-to-designate-the-museum-of-the-blind-people-s-movement-as-a-national-museum Mfume, Van Hollen Introduce Legislation to Designate the Museum of the Blind People's Movement as a National Museum 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Kweisi Mfume M000687 mfume.house.gov mfume https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) announced their joint introduction of legislation to designate the new Museum of the Blind People's Movement in Baltimore as the official National Museum of the Blind People's Movement. Once established, this museum will be the first to be blind-owned, operated, and led. "Blind Americans have long faced discrimination and low expectations, but that has never stopped them from making vital contributions to our society that are far too often under-recognized," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "By acknowledging this institution as the National Museum of the Blind People's Movement, Congress honors an important American story and supports a first-of-its-kind, blind-owned and blind-led cultural institution that will serve students, researchers, veterans, workers, families, and visitors from every corner of these United States of America." “We can all learn from stories of the pioneering blind Americans who have organized and led the movement that reshaped our nation in the direction of equality. With this legislation, we are working to honor eight decades of leadership and ensure this history is preserved, shared, and celebrated not just locally, but nationally as well. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ve been proud to support this mission with $301,000 in direct federal funding, and, now, to team up with Congressman Mfume on this legislation to designate it as the National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement,” said Senator Van Hollen. "The introduction of this legislation marks a historic moment in our movement's journey. The National Museum of the Blind People's Movement will be the first blind-led and blind-centered museum that authentically preserves and shares our stories of advocating, innovating, and transforming society. This museum will be about the people who have demonstrated that with proper training and opportunity, we achieve equality and full participation in all aspects of Ame… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-merkley-trump-administration-weaponizing-us-park-police-to-further-its-authoritarianism Ranking Member Merkley: Trump Administration Weaponizing U.S. Park Police to Further Its Authoritarianism 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) — the top Democrat overseeing funding for the National Park Service — and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in sounding the alarm over President Trump’s proposed plans to turn the U.S. Park Police into a federal police force under his direct control for deployment across Washington, D.C. rather than following its mission of safeguarding national monuments and visitors. The Senators launched their probe in response to a report from The Washington Post, which outlined the unprecedented and dangerous nature of Trump’s plans to transform the U.S. Park Police. The Senators wrote to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, “The administration is on a deliberate hiring spree to exploit the U.S. Park Police’s jurisdiction and turn it into a tool of the President for him and his ideological extremists to impose their will on the streets of D.C.” “Commandeering the U.S. Park Police is not an earnest effort to help protect the Lincoln Memorial or improve motorists’ safety on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway,” the Senators stated. “According to a strategy memo obtained by The Washington Post, a goal for the force is to ‘establish the U.S. Park Police as the premier law enforcement agency in DC, capable of keeping DC safe regardless of inaction by MPD [Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia] or inaction by the DC City Council.’” “There is no evidence of an uptick in crime on park service land or increased threats to national monuments – this haste in both a hiring spree and waiving of [critical testing and standards for new officers] are clear signs that the administration is hijacking this federal police force for its own authoritarian purposes. And the administration may seek other mechanisms (legal or otherwise) to further expand the U.S. Park Police, increasing this authoritarian threat,” the Senators strongly emphasized. The Senators concluded their inquiry by demanding the … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-welch-bonamici-bicameral-lawmakers-in-call-to-provide-additional-funding-for-the-federal-public-defender-program-in-fy26-budget Van Hollen Joins Welch, Bonamici, Bicameral Lawmakers in Call to Provide Additional Funding for the Federal Public Defender Program in FY26 Budget 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate’s only former Public Defender, U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), and a group of over 40 bicameral lawmakers in calling on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to provide additional funding to the Federal Defender Services program in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, beyond the recently released Republican budget proposal. In their letter, the lawmakers urge committee leaders to fully fund the program at $1.76 billion, as requested by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to maintain baseline constitutional requirements for federal public defense instead of the lower amounts in House and Senate Republicans’ appropriations bills. “As you are aware, in FY24, an inadvertent failure to account for the federal defender program’s carryforward funding structure resulted in initial funding levels that were more than $100 million less than what the program needed. In response to those marks, the program implemented a set of cost-savings measures, including a hard hiring freeze, suspension of most in-person training opportunities, and deferral of other programmatic needs such as cybersecurity upgrades. In FY25, the Defender Services budget was frozen at the artificially low FY24 levels, leaving the program with a critical shortfall woefully inadequate to meet its identified needs,” wrote the lawmakers. “As a result of two years of underfunding because of a calculation error, Defender Services began FY26 significantly in the red. The current funding level, based on the recent anomaly, is still $194 million short of what is required to fund the program.” The lawmakers continued: “We are very appreciative of your inclusion of a $1.564 billion anomaly for Federal and Community Defenders in the Continuing Resolution. This is an important step in addressing the underfunding. Now we must fully fun… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-mfume-introduce-legislation-to-designate-the-museum-of-the-blind-peoples-movement-as-a-national-museum Van Hollen, Mfume Introduce Legislation to Designate the Museum of the Blind People's Movement as a National Museum 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Last week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) announced their joint introduction of legislation to designate the new Museum of the Blind People's Movement in Baltimore as the official National Museum of the Blind People's Movement. Once established, this museum will be the first to be blind-owned, operated, and led. “We can all learn from stories of the pioneering blind Americans who have organized and led the movement that reshaped our nation in the direction of equality. With this legislation, we are working to honor eight decades of leadership and ensure this history is preserved, shared, and celebrated not just locally, but nationally as well. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ve been proud to support this mission with $301,000 in direct federal funding, and, now, to team up with Congressman Mfume on this legislation to designate it as the National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement,” said Senator Van Hollen. "Blind Americans have long faced discrimination and low expectations, but that has never stopped them from making vital contributions to our society that are far too often under-recognized," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "By acknowledging this institution as the National Museum of the Blind People's Movement, Congress honors an important American story and supports a first-of-its-kind, blind-owned and blind-led cultural institution that will serve students, researchers, veterans, workers, families, and visitors from every corner of these United States of America." "The introduction of this legislation marks a historic moment in our movement's journey. The National Museum of the Blind People's Movement will be the first blind-led and blind-centered museum that authentically preserves and shares our stories of advocating, innovating, and transforming society. This museum will be about the people who have demonstrated that with proper training and opportunity, we achieve equality and full participation in all aspects of American life,” sa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introduces-legislation-support-local-emergency Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Legislation to Support Local Emergency Response Efforts During Disaster 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Congressman Tim Kennedy (D-NY) introduced the Emergency Alert Grant Fairness Act, legislation written to ensure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) can operate as intended and directly support local public broadcasters. Congress created the NGWS to help local public broadcasters purchase modernized equipment to ensure a resilient, redundant emergency alert system, reaching more than 99% of Americans, regardless of cell phone service or internet access. The program had been administered by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) since its inception, but management has shifted to FEMA as a result of CPB’s closure. Earlier this year, FEMA issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Fiscal Year 2025 with a short 9-day application window. The NOFO also restricted eligibility to State and Tribal governments, excluding local public broadcasters who the NGWS is meant to support. On September 9th, Congresswoman McClain Delaney and Congressman Kennedy led a letter to FEMA Administrator David Richardson urging the agency to protect and continue NGWS grants To date, the letter has not received a response. The Emergency Alert Grant Fairness Act would direct FEMA to hold the NGWS application window open for at least 30 days each year, in addition to restoring and clarifying grant eligibility to allow local public broadcasters to apply. “When Western Maryland saw incredible devastation at the hands of historic flooding last May, emergency alerts played an essential role in delivering life-saving information to every family affected, preventing further devastation” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “When disaster strikes, we must be equipped with the proper infrastructure to reach our communities and keep them safe. That looks like the Emergency Alert Grant Fairness Act, supporting our local broadcasters and fighting for much-needed emergency resources.” “When disaster strikes, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cassidy-announce-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act Van Hollen, Cassidy Announce Senate Passage of Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) announced the unanimous passage of their resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by the United States Senate. The bipartisan resolution, introduced earlier this week by Senators Van Hollen and Cassidy, recognized the historic step IDEA took 50 years ago by mandating that every child in America, including those with disabilities, be given equal access to a free, appropriate public education. The resolution was cosponsored in the Senate by Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Penn.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), and John James (R-Mich.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “The Senate’s passage of this resolution honors all those who fought to make IDEA a reality. As we celebrate the anniversary of this landmark legislation and the opportunities it created for millions of students with disabilities across the country, I remain committed to the fight to fully fund IDEA – fulfilling the promise made 50 years ago to provide every student in America equal access to a high-quality education,” said Senator Van Hollen, who has also introduced the IDEA Full Funding Act. “All children deserve an education that gives them… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-colleagues-urge-action-from-trump-administration-to-end-violence-promote-stability-in-burma Van Hollen, Colleagues Urge Action from Trump Administration to End Violence, Promote Stability in Burma 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and eight of his Senate colleagues urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take strong actions in response to escalating violence and human rights violations committed by the Burmese military junta as well as the junta’s upcoming sham elections. Pointing to increasing instability and a worsening humanitarian crisis fueled by the junta’s mass killings, forced displacement of civilians, and persecution of minorities – as the country is still reeling from the destruction caused by a historic earthquake earlier this year – the Senators urged Secretary Rubio in a letter to focus on diplomatic efforts to restore stability in Burma while countering the growing influence of China and Russia in the region. To that end, they outlined specific steps the Trump Administration should take to reassert U.S. leadership on human rights, help end the violence, and support a path toward inclusive governance and democracy in Burma. Senator Van Hollen was joined on this letter by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). “We write to express our profound concern regarding the ongoing bloodshed and oppression in Burma, which has lasted far too long. The systematic persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, and other vulnerable communities, requires urgent attention and decisive leadership from the United States. The upcoming sham elections in December and January further damage Burma’s democracy, rule of law, and further consolidate the junta’s repressive power,” the Senators began. “We urge you to prioritize addressing the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Burma, condemn the junta’s planned elections, and champion justice, accountability, and the protection of basic human dignity. We ask this not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is also in our core national inte… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-statement-inspector-general-report-signalgate Elfreth Statement on Inspector General Report on Signalgate 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Sarah Elfreth E000301 elfreth.house.gov elfreth https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the Pentagon inspector general’s Report on Signalgate. “Today’s report independently confirms what many of us suspected: Secretary Hegseth’s reckless actions put our servicemembers in harm's way. By the grace of God and without the professionalism of one journalist, this situation could have been far worse. Disclosing sensitive, nonpublic, operational information in an unapproved, unsecure network – hours before execution – created great additional risk to U.S. missions. “This was a rookie mistake that could have had dire consequences for our servicemembers who put their lives on the line for our nation every day. When I want to discuss top secret, classified information with my colleagues, I do so in a secure facility – not on a Signal chain. After initial reports of this national security breach, I called for the firing of Secretary Pete Hegseth and thorough Congressional oversight. Today’s report leaves me with no more confidence in the Secretary and his ability to lead our servicemembers. “I am calling for his immediate resignation. In the coming days, I will use every tool at my disposal to hold him publicly accountable and restore the public’s faith in those who lead us and are responsible for our national security.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-adrienne-jones-stepping-down-speaker-maryland-house-delegates Hoyer Statement on Adrienne Jones Stepping Down as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after Speaker Adrienne Jones announced she will step down from her position as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates: "My dear friend Adrienne Jones has been a historic Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. I am sorry to hear that she will soon step down from the position – a great loss for the institution. She will remain a titan in Maryland politics and an important voice in the General Assembly. "Adrienne has dedicated her entire life to serving Marylanders. From her early work for the Baltimore County Executive's office to her decades representing Maryland's 10th District to her six-year tenure as the first woman and first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates, she has proven to be a leader of great vision, strong character, and tremendous vision. Never was that more apparent than when she rose to the occasion after her predecessor, Speaker Michael Busch, passed away in 2019. She took on the responsibilities of that office with great poise and has performed them expertly ever since. “She and I have worked closely together over the years to create new economic opportunities for Maryland families, bring the FBI headquarters to Prince George's County, resist Donald Trump's attacks on our state, and much more. I look forward to continuing to work with her to serve our communities during this pivotal moment for our state. No matter the task at hand, she is always an invaluable partner and an absolutely critical member of Team Maryland." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introduces-bipartisan-rural-recovery-act-2025 Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Bipartisan Rural Recovery Act of 2025 to Support Rural Communities When Disaster Strikes 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO) introduced the Rural Recovery Act, a bipartisan measure to ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is equipped to respond timely and effectively when rural communities are impacted by natural disasters. From economic outlooks to critical infrastructure, USDA’s Rural Development (RD) plays a key role in meeting the needs of rural America — support that is even more essential when rural families are in crisis. Natural disasters have become more frequent and devastating, with rural areas facing unique barriers to recovery. Yet, USDA RD state offices and applicants are required to undergo a tedious application process in order to receive emergency recovery technical assistance during a Presidentially-declared disaster. Currently, USDA recovery efforts take too long to reach communities, and delays the rebuilding of essential infrastructure like telecommunications, water systems, housing, community facilities, and energy services. To strengthen a disaster response effort, the bipartisan Rural Recovery Act would: Provide automatic funding to USDA RD state offices for recovery technical assistance immediately upon a disaster declaration. Eliminate the need for RD offices to submit separate applications during emergencies Authorize $50 million annually to support planning, application assistance, and project implementation for up to three years following a disaster. “In Western Maryland, the Westernport community–which suffered devastating floods in May–has come together in heart and spirit, fighting to rebuild what was lost, but they shouldn’t have to do it alone,” said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. “Had we received automatic technical assistance through USDA Rural Development, local economies, infrastructure, and families would have felt the difference. Emergencies don’t wait for lengthy application processes — and our communities can’t either.” "Growing up in Colorado, I’ve seen how wildfi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/olszewski-introduce-constitutional-amendment-rein-presidential-pardons Olszewski to Introduce Constitutional Amendment to Rein in Presidential Pardons 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Johnny Olszewski, Jr. O000176 olszewski.house.gov olszewski https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper (Washington, DC) – Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski announced today that he will introduce a Constitutional Amendment to establish new checks on presidential pardons, following what he called a series of outrageous and deeply troubling pardons issued by President Donald Trump. Earlier this week, President Trump pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who had been at the center of one of the world’s largest and most violent drug-trafficking conspiracies. Hernández was serving a 45-year sentence for conspiring to import more than 4.5 billion doses of cocaine into the United States. Hernandez is among nearly 1,600 people granted clemency by President Trump this year alone. In one of his first official acts of the term, President Trump pardoned roughly 1,500 defendants involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. “I believe in the rule of law and that criminals should be held accountable, especially drug kingpins and insurrectionists who attacked law enforcement,” Congressman Olszewski said. “Presidents of both parties have abused the pardon power to reward political allies and protect family members, undermining justice and public trust. President Trump – the self-described president of law and order – is acting to absolve convicted criminals simply because he can. Unchecked power corrodes democracy. My amendment is simple but powerful: it establishes congressional oversight of the presidential pardon process and ensures the American people can trust that justice is applied fairly.” Congressman Olszewski’s amendment – the Pardon Integrity Act – would grant Congress the authority to reject pardons and commutations put forth by a President, now and in the future. Under his proposal, 20 members of the House and five members of the Senate could initiate a process to nullify a pardon. Congress would have 60 days to reject a pardon with a two-thirds supermajority vote in both chambers. The legislation would also prohibit the issuance of subsequent pardons for the same offense. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/olszewski-issues-statement-maryland-house-speakers-resignation-leadership Olszewski Issues Statement on Maryland House Speaker’s Resignation From Leadership Position 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Johnny Olszewski, Jr. O000176 olszewski.house.gov olszewski https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper (Towson, MD) – Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski issued the following statement today following Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones’s announced resignation from her leadership role: “Adrienne Jones never sought headlines or the spotlight. Instead, she has led with a steady, unassuming hand — an approach that has proven remarkably effective, from securing constitutional protections for women’s healthcare to helping steer the state through a global pandemic. We are grateful for her willingness to listen, her talent for turning vision into action, and her refreshing candor. I am equally grateful that, even as she steps down from her leadership role, she will continue to serve our shared constituents with the same dedication and integrity as a state delegate. Although she made history as Maryland’s first Black and first female House Speaker, I am lucky to also know her as a friend and mentor who took me under her wing as a young legislator. Maryland is undoubtedly a better place because of Speaker Jones.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-kelly-blumenthal-markey-in-introducing-legislation-to-protect-airline-passengers-from-flight-cancellations-and-delays Van Hollen Joins Kelly, Blumenthal, Markey in Introducing Legislation to Protect Airline Passengers from Flight Cancellations and Delays 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in introducing the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, new legislation that will protect passengers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The bill would also direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) to mandate airlines reimburse passengers for hotels, meals, and transportation to lodging as a result of flight disruptions, regardless of the cause of the delay. The Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act comes in response to the Trump administration’s cancellation of a popular consumer protection rule in the making that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for preventable travel cancellations or delays. It is also cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Wash.). “The Trump Administration’s decision to abandon commonsense consumer protections and force passengers to pay the price for flight delays and cancellations they didn’t cause is a major giveaway to the big corporations at the expense of everyone else. This legislation will put travelers first and ensure they get the reimbursements and accommodations they deserve when their flights are disrupted,” said Van Hollen. “Flying is already stressful and expensive. Airlines have to be accountable when they cost the American people money and travelers are left stranded,” said Kelly. “We’re working to make sure that passengers are protected so that cancellations and delays don’t cost them money out of their own pockets.” “This commonsense legislation holds airlines accountable and properly compe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-merkley-kaine-no-funds-for-war-against-venezuela Van Hollen, Merkley, Kaine: No Funds for War Against Venezuela 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in introducing the Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025 to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Venezuela without explicit Congressional authorization. “The Trump Administration has amassed the largest naval buildup in the Caribbean in decades and committed extrajudicial killings in international waters amounting either to murder or war crimes. Congress has not authorized this Administration to take these offensive actions, and with good reason – the American people do not want to start another war. We must put a stop to this by passing this simple measure to prevent U.S. taxpayer dollars from funding the Trump Administration’s manufactured conflict with Venezuela,” said Van Hollen. “Congress cannot stand by while Donald Trump wages war without authorization,” said Merkley. “Nicolás Maduro is a brutal dictator, but that does not provide justification for the Trump Administration to ignore U.S. law to carry out these unconstitutional military strikes. Donald Trump cannot be trusted, and we must say no to another endless war, reckless regime change, and lethal operations—which are essentially extrajudicial killings—and do nothing to make the American people safer.” “We shouldn’t stumble into an unnecessary war with Venezuela—risking U.S. servicemembers’ lives—with no congressional authorization and incomplete information about the Administration’s objectives, its legal rationale, and the potential consequences of a long-term conflict that could drive migration and irreparably fracture Venezuela,” said Kaine. “This legislation would prevent us from doing that, and I urge my colleagues to support it and reclaim the solemn responsibilities on matters of war and peace assigned to Congress by the Constitution.” The Senator's bill does not prevent the United States from acting to defend itself or its citizens from an armed attack or threat of an… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schiff-vargas-in-introducing-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration Van Hollen Joins Schiff, Vargas in Introducing Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in introducing the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump administration’s abuse of loopholes in current regulations. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following the Trump administration’s mass firing of immigration judges and authorizing of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the administration has been utilizing to speed up their mass deportation agenda – such as the lack of due process protections for individuals in immigration court proceedings. “Everyone who comes before an immigration court has a right under our Constitution to a fair trial – but the Trump Administration is undermining that right as they replace scores of qualified judges with temporary judges who have little to no immigration law experience. Enacting stronger qualification and training standards for temporarily appointed judges will help ensure due process rights are upheld in our immigration courts,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The Trump administration’s willingness to fire experienced immigration judges and hire inexperienced or temporary “deportation judges,” especially in places like California, has fundamentally impacted the landscape of our justice system. Given the administration’s unlawful terminations of qualified judges, and their plan to leverage the power of temporary positions to speed up their mass deportation agenda, the risks of grave injury to families, fairness, and due process have expanded. The administration’s unlawful mass firing of immigration judges at an alarming rate is their latest aggressive enforcement tactic that jeopardizes our judicial workforce. Amidst the growing number of pending cases in immigration courts, this legislation will ensure that only experienced and trai… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-remarks-urban-institutes-improving-access-state-tax-credits-through Hoyer Remarks at Urban Institute's Improving Access to State Tax Credits through Research to Action Panel Discussion 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks during a panel discussion at the Urban Institute's Improving Access to State Tax Credits through Research to Action event. Below is a full transcript of his remarks: “Thank you. I've been involved in taxes for 68 years (audience laughter) - paying. But I'm pleased to be here at the Urban Institute, so thank you, Sarah, for all you do. I apologize because I'm going to say a few words and then I have to leave because we just [had] votes. You can’t always count on the time when you have votes. My job is to adopt policy that I believe is good for the citizens of our country and the citizens of my constituency, obviously. (Motions to panelists) Their job is to implement what I do and if they don't implement it, it doesn't get done. If we don't facilitate people knowing what the policy is, it doesn't get done and the purpose for which I vote does not get accomplished. And, I have a theory of why that does not happen, and it's called the YOYO theory. The YOYO theory is a very simple one, which I think, frankly, is the major premise and policy of the party that I'm not in: You’re On Your Own. YOYO. “Direct File, which Brooke Lierman talked about – I want to say we have the best comptroller in America. Not a lot of people don’t know what a comptroller is or does, but I will tell you that Brooke Lierman, as our comptroller – I have now served in office since 1967 [in] January. She has been the most involved in making sure that people aren’t on their own, that they know what their benefits are, they know how to access their benefits, and they are facilitating and doing exactly that. Brooke, thank you so much for being such a caring, involved, smart tax collector (audience laughter) because that's what, technically, she is. We send it to Brooke Lierman, and she sends it back to us so soon, to me. But Direct File was a program that was tested, it wasn't just thrown out there. It was tested to see: Does it work? Does it effectively carry out a polic… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-castro-mccormick-olszewski-and-fitzpatrick-introduce-global-child-thrive Reps. Castro, McCormick, Olszewski, and Fitzpatrick Introduce Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Johnny Olszewski, Jr. O000176 olszewski.house.gov olszewski https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), introduced the Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen the implementation of policies that advance early childhood development internationally. “Reauthorizing the Global Child Thrive Act of 2020 means continuing to support the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health of vulnerable children and their families,” said Congressman Castro. “The early years of childhood are crucial, and U.S. foreign assistance programs provide critical support. Thank you to my colleagues for their efforts in supporting these important policies.” “I am proud to cosponsor the reauthorization of the Global Child Thrive Act. This initiative enhances America's leadership on the global stage by ensuring that vulnerable children receive the support they need to grow and succeed,” said Congressman Rich McCormick. “By extending this program for another six years and establishing a Special Advisor to oversee it, we are making a smart investment that promotes stability and delivers a strong return for American taxpayers. I am grateful for the ongoing bipartisan support this initiative has received since it was first championed by leaders like Senator Marco Rubio.” “Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential — no matter where they’re born,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. “The Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act puts that belief at the heart of America’s work around the world. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to support early childhood development, protect vulnerable children, and strengthen families and communities. It’s the right thing to do — and it helps build healthier societies, reduce poverty, and advance America’s values and security for years to come.” “We applaud Representatives Castro, McCormick, Fitzpatrick, and Olszewski for their biparti… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://raskin.house.gov/2025/12/raskin-bill-to-rename-olney-post-office-after-veteran-employee-clears-key-committee-vote Raskin Bill to Rename Olney Post Office After Veteran Employee Clears Key Committee Vote 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat House MD Jamie Raskin R000606 raskin.house.gov raskin https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases scraper Raskin leads full Maryland Congressional Delegation effort to rename local Post Office after longtime employee Sergeant Edward Lawrence Ramsey WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform voted to advance Representative Jamie Raskin’s (MD-08) bipartisan bill to rename the Olney Post Office after Sergeant Edward “Ed” Lawrence Ramsey, an Army veteran and beloved former employee. Now that the legislation has passed out of Committee, the bill will move to the House floor. “Ed Ramsey was a true patriot in every way,” said Rep. Raskin. “He dedicated his life to his family, his neighbors, his country and to continuing public service. After serving more than two decades in the U.S. Army, Ed brought his skills and experience back to Montgomery County as a postal clerk where he brought joy and connection to the generations of families he served over his 27-year Postal Service career. We’re forever thankful to Ed for his devotion to Olney and MoCo and that’s why we’re working to honor him with a post office named in his memory.” Rep. Raskin introduced the legislation on November 25. The bipartisan House bill is cosponsored by Reps. Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney and Johnny Olszewski (all MD). U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both MD) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Tragically, Sergeant Ramsey passed away in January 2022 following a medical emergency he experienced while on duty at the Post Office. Should this bill pass into law, the office where Sergeant Ramsey served so admirably would be renamed the “Edward L. Ramsey Olney Post Office Building.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cassidy-huffman-thompson-scholten-james-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-individuals-with-disabilities-education-act Van Hollen, Cassidy, Huffman, Thompson, Scholten, James Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), and John James (R-Mich.) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the historic step this legislation took by mandating that every child with a disability in America be given equal access to a free, appropriate public education. This resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). In the House, it is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Emily Randall (D-Wash.-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.-08), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.-01), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.-01), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-Northern Mariana Islands), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif-01), Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) Laura Friedman (D-Calif-30), John Mannion (D-N.Y.-22), James Moylan (R-Guam), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.-27), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.-24), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22). “Since its passage fifty years ago, IDEA has opened the doors to a quality education for millions of students with disab… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-ossoff-colleagues-in-launching-inquiry-into-dhs-obstruction-of-congressional-oversight Van Hollen Joins Ossoff, Colleagues in Launching Inquiry into DHS’ Obstruction of Congressional Oversight 2025-12-01 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and their colleagues in launching an inquiry with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pressing the administration for answers about obstruction of Congressional access to detention facilities. Since the beginning of 2025, there have been numerous, publicly reported examples of members of Congress and their staff facing obstructed access to ICE facilities nationwide, including to ICE field offices where people are being detained. Sen. Ossoff is joined by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). “Obstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress’s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals’ human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse,” the Senators wrote. “Members of Congress and their staff must be allowed, pursuant to Congress’s inherent oversight authority and as required by Federal law, to access any facility where individuals are held in federal custody to monitor and prevent these abuses and ensure accountability and compliance with standards for detention,” they continued. The text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Secretary Noem: We write with alarm regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) arbitrary and illegal obstruction of Congressional access to detention facilities. Obstructing Congressional access to immigration detention facilities violates Federal law and undermines Congress’s inherent authority to conduct oversight that ensures detained individuals’ human rights and protects Americans from agency waste, fraud, and abuse. The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 requires DHS and its component and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-elfreth-olszewski-announce-72-million-authorized Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Elfreth, Olszewski Announce $7.2 Million Authorized to Rehabilitate the Piney Run Watershed Dam 2025-11-26 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Johnny Olszewski, Jr. O000176 olszewski.house.gov olszewski https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski and Sarah Elfreth and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced the authorization of up to $7,229,850 in federal funding to support the rehabilitation of the Piney Run Watershed Dam to mitigate the risk of breaches. Piney Run Dam is classified by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Dam Safety as “High Hazard” – meaning that the county and MDE take extra precautions to ensure it is inspected annually and well-maintained. A breach of Piney Run Dam would put hundreds of lives and properties at risk and potentially damage critical transportation infrastructure, including an interstate highway and a freight railroad. This investment will address key dam safety concerns, reduce the risk of loss of life in the event of a structural failure, enhance flood protection capabilities, and ensure it meets all current federal and state safety criteria for a “high” hazard potential dam. The upgrades to the dam include widening the auxiliary spillway, installing a concrete weir spillway structure, raising the dam crest, and installing roller-compacted concrete along the auxiliary spillway exit channel – critical measures to prevent rising waters from flowing over the crest. “Piney Run Park is a beloved piece of the Sykesville community, and maintaining the Piney Run Dam is critical to ensuring Marylanders can continue to enjoy it for years to come. This federal investment will help bolster the safety of the dam so folks can keep experiencing all Piney Run Park has to offer,” said the lawmakers. The federal investment comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Watershed Rehabilitation (REHAB) Program, which Federal Team Maryland fought to fund at $118 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The FY25 government funding bill included an additional $1 million for the REHAB program, and the FY26 funding bill for the Department of Agriculture included an additional $3 million. Carroll County is expected to… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-elfreth-olszewski-announce-72-million-authorized-to-rehabilitate-the-piney-run-watershed-dam Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Elfreth, Olszewski Announce $7.2 Million Authorized to Rehabilitate the Piney Run Watershed Dam 2025-11-26 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Sarah Elfreth and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) announced the authorization of up to $7,229,850 in federal funding to support the rehabilitation of the Piney Run Watershed Dam to mitigate the risk of breaches. Piney Run Dam is classified by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Dam Safety as “High Hazard” – meaning that the county and MDE take extra precautions to ensure it is inspected annually and well-maintained. A breach of Piney Run Dam would put hundreds of lives and properties at risk and potentially damage critical transportation infrastructure, including an interstate highway and a freight railroad. This investment will address key dam safety concerns, reduce the risk of loss of life in the event of a structural failure, enhance flood protection capabilities, and ensure it meets all current federal and state safety criteria for a “high” hazard potential dam. The upgrades to the dam include widening the auxiliary spillway, installing a concrete weir spillway structure, raising the dam crest, and installing roller-compacted concrete along the auxiliary spillway exit channel – critical measures to prevent rising waters from flowing over the crest. “Piney Run Park is a beloved piece of the Sykesville community, and maintaining the Piney Run Dam is critical to ensuring Marylanders can continue to enjoy it for years to come. This federal investment will help bolster the safety of the dam so folks can keep experiencing all Piney Run Park has to offer,” said the lawmakers. The federal investment comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Watershed Rehabilitation (REHAB) Program, which Federal Team Maryland fought to fund at $118 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The FY25 government funding bill included an additional $1 million for the REHAB program, and the FY26 funding bill for the Department of Agriculture included an additional $3 million. Carroll County is expected to apply for th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-reed-lead-colleagues-in-pressing-rubio-for-accounting-of-hundreds-of-potential-violations-of-us-human-rights-law-in-gaza Van Hollen, Reed Lead Colleagues in Pressing Rubio for Accounting of Hundreds of Potential Violations of US Human Rights Law in Gaza 2025-11-26 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a member of the Appropriations Committee, and their colleagues are pressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio for an accounting of the hundreds of reported potential violations of U.S. human rights law in Gaza. The Senators were joined in sending the letter by Senators Jeff Merkley, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Peter Welch, Brian Schatz, Tim Kaine, Patty Murray, Tina Smith, and Ed Markey. “The U.S. Department of State Office of Inspector General (State OIG) issued a report in September 2025 titled ‘Classified Review of the Department of State’s Implementation of Leahy Non-Traceable Assistance Requirements.’ While the report itself is classified, the Washington Post recently cited an unclassified section describing that State OIG ‘found that Israeli military units committed “many hundreds” of potential violations of U.S. human rights law in the Gaza Strip that would take the State Department “multiple years” to review.’ Given these findings, we urge you to quickly implement the OIG’s recommendations and adjudicate these cases in a timely manner in order to ensure compliance with U.S. law,” the Senators begin. “As you know, Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act, also known as the Leahy Law, prohibits the U.S. Government from providing assistance to any unit of a foreign security force when the Secretary of State has credible information implicating that unit in the commission of gross violations of human rights (GVHR). […] The aforementioned OIG report examined the Department’s implementation of the Leahy law and, for select countries, Leahy vetting practices where the assistance’s ultimate recipient is not known before transfer,” they continued. “According to the Washington Post, State OIG further found that ‘the protocol, known as the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum, involves higher-level U.S. officials and a … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-joins-leading-democrats-national-security-and-ukraine-urging-trump Hoyer Joins Leading Democrats on National Security and Ukraine in Urging Trump Administration to Correct Course on Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan 2025-11-25 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Former Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Jim Himes (CT-04), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus; and Bill Keating (MA-09), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee issued the following joint response to the Trump Administration’s initial 28-point proposal for ending Russia’s war on Ukraine: “The Administration’s attempt to impose a pro-Russian, one-sided ‘peace’ deal on Ukraine is both a policy nightmare and morally bankrupt. Pressuring Ukraine while giving aid and comfort to Russia is wrong. Forcing Ukraine to give up more of its own territory, including some that Russia doesn’t even hold, is unacceptable. Crippling the Ukrainian Armed Forces would all but guarantee another Russian invasion once Moscow rebuilds its forces, further threatening NATO. Echoing Putin’s baseless accusations of Nazism amplifies Kremlin disinformation and provides Russia with a convenient excuse to claim Ukraine has violated this imposed edict. “The Putin wing of the Administration cannot be allowed to abandon American interests by forcing Ukraine into an unjust and impossible-to-maintain surrender. Instead, after months of Ukraine’s success in further weakening Russia’s economy and military, the President should direct his National Security staff that ‘peace through strength’ does not mean copying Russian talking points to extort Ukraine into surrender. Such a capitulation would only lead to more attacks by Putin and encourage similar attacks against other peaceful democracies, further threatening global stability and undermining the national security of the United States. “The best guarantor of peace going forward will be a well-armed Ukraine that can capably defend itself against a violent and unt… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-over-670-million-for-maryland-military-installations Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $670 Million for Maryland Military Installations 2025-11-25 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) announced $676,800,000 for military installations across Maryland within the fiscal year 2026 Senate Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill – which was enacted into law as part of the government funding agreement passed earlier this month. These projects – funded at the Senators’ request – support infrastructure upgrades for Maryland’s National Guard and at construction projects at U.S. military installations across the state. This legislation also makes important nationwide investments in housing for servicemembers and their families, veterans’ health care, and more. “Maryland is the proud home to critical military installations as well as hundreds of thousands of servicemembers, civilian employees, and veterans. We fought to secure federal investments in this legislation to advance important military projects across our state, boost health care and other services for our veterans, and more. As the appropriations process for next year moves forward, I will continue to do all I can to ensure our funding bills meet the needs of Maryland, our active-duty servicemembers and veterans, and our nation as a whole,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “I am proud to announce essential funding for Maryland included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Funding Bill. This funding includes building a contained burn facility at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head to support our environmental goals as well as critical funding for veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness in our state. This funding reminds us of our duty to support our veterans, to fight for those in active service, and to maintain and protect the military facilities across our state,” said Senator Alsobrooks. The Senators worked to secure these funds and provisions, but ult… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-protections-for-barc-and-over-25-million-in-direct-funding-for-local-projects-supporting-economic-development-emergency-response-veterans-infrastructure_more Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Protections for BARC & Over $25 Million in Direct Funding for Local Projects Supporting Economic Development, Emergency Response, Veterans, Infrastructure, & More 2025-11-25 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) announced $25,076,500 in direct federal funding for community-led projects throughout Maryland within the fiscal year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies appropriations bill – which was enacted into law as part of the government funding agreement passed earlier this month. These projects – funded at the Senators’ request – support first responders, economic development, agricultural research, and more for local communities across Maryland. Also critical for Maryland, the Senators secured provisions to support the continued operations of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Prince George’s County – which has been targeted for closure under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reorganization plan – along with $6 million to modernize aging buildings on its campus. “In partnership with community leaders across our state, we fought to secure direct federal investments in this legislation to advance local priorities – from better equipping our first responders to spurring economic development. Within this bill, we also worked to ensure BARC can continue its vital efforts to bolster the success of America’s farmers, halting this Administration’s misguided attempts to shutter this crown jewel of agricultural research – while also providing additional resources to support conservation in and around the Chesapeake Bay. As the appropriations process for next year moves forward, I will continue to do all I can to ensure our funding bills meet the needs of Maryland and our nation,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “I am so proud to have worked alongside Senator Van Hollen in pushing back against this Administration to ensure the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) – a hub for agricultural research that supports 1,000 jobs in our state – was fully funded in Fiscal Yea… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mcclain-delaney-introduces-legislation-support-food-banks-during Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Legislation to Support Food Banks During Future Lapses in SNAP Funding 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) has introduced the Food Bank Emergency Support Act designed to safeguard Americans’ access to food during any future lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding. This legislation strengthens the nation’s hunger-relief network by increasing emergency funding for food pantries, ensuring they can continue serving most vulnerable American families. When the Administration withheld emergency SNAP funds for November during the 2025 government shutdown, more than 42 million Americans scrambled to find a way to put food on the table. With little warning and millions in need of assistance, food banks and pantries stepped up to feed American families and federal workers, but were quickly stretched to their limits. Food banks are funded by the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which typically provides one meal for every nine meals delivered by SNAP. Currently, TEFAP is funded at $462.5 million every year. If enacted, this bill would double TEFAP’s funding to fill the emergency gap when SNAP lapses in funding. “Families don’t stop needing food just because Washington experiences a funding lapse, and during the recent shutdown we saw firsthand how painful the pause in SNAP benefits was for households across Maryland’s Sixth District,” said Rep. McClain Delaney. “As I joined volunteers packing meals, it was clear our food pantries were stretched to the limit, doing everything they could with limited resources. This bill ensures that even when federal funding stalls, families can still count on access to food and our pantries receive the support they need to respond quickly and effectively.” The Maryland Food Bank endorsed the bill. "The Maryland Food Bank, like other food banks nationwide, is built to respond in emergency situations, providing nutritious food when other options aren't available. The Food Bank Emergency Support Act ensures we can continue to provide healthy food even when safety … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://raskin.house.gov/2025/11/raskin-mcgovern-condemn-pakistan-s-imprisonment-of-human-rights-defender-demand-answers Raskin, McGovern Condemn Pakistan’s Imprisonment of Human Rights Defender, Demand Answers 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Jamie Raskin R000606 raskin.house.gov raskin https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.– Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and James P. McGovern (MA-02) condemned the Government of Pakistan’s brutal detention of Pashtun human rights advocate Idris Khattak and demanded his immediate release in a letter to the country’s ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh. Khattakwas kidnapped and disappeared more than six years ago and has been in government detention ever since. “During [Khattak’s] career advocating for the Pashtun people he documented human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas,”Raskin and McGovern wrote. “While traveling home, he was stopped by security agents, abducted, and disappeared.” For seven months, Khattak’s loved ones knew nothing of his whereabouts or whether he was still alive. In 2021, he was convicted by a secret, military tribunal, even though he is a civilian, and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Since then, he has had limited access to his family and essential medical care. Pakistani civil society and international bodies have condemned Khattak’s mistreatment. These groups include Amnesty International, the International Commission of Jurists and the special procedures of United Nations Human Rights Council. “It has been six years since prominent Pakistani human rights defender Idris Khattak was first detained, subject to enforced disappearance, and then tried in a secret military court,”said Andrew Fandino, Advocacy Director for the Individuals at Risk Program at Amnesty International USA.“He is serving a 14-year prison sentence simply because of his human rights work. Idris should immediately be released and allowed to rejoin his family. This injustice must end now.” “Idris Khattak spent decades of his life defending the rights of Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations,”said Brian Tronic, Director of the Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners at Freedom House. “The government of Pakistan should be celebrating him as a hero, not lo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-introduce-bill-to-rename-post-office-in-olney-after-beloved-employee-edward-ramsey Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Introduce Bill to Rename Post Office in Olney After Beloved Employee, Edward Ramsey 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) introduced legislation to name the U.S. Post Office located at 3570 Olney Laytonsville Road in Olney, Maryland, after Sergeant Edward Lawrence Ramsey, an Army veteran and 27-year employee of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) who passed away in 2022. Ramsey served honorably in the United States Army for over 20 years, His service included time in Panama, Louisiana, Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas. During his 27-year USPS career, he served as a clerk in at the Olney Post Office, where he became a beloved fixture of the Olney community. “Ed Ramsey was a public servant through and through, joining the Army to defend our nation then going on to serve his community in the local post office for many years. During those years, he was the welcoming and genuinely friendly presence that his neighbors looked forward to finding when they walked through the doors of the Olney Post Office – so much so that many of those who came to know him launched a grassroots effort to rename it in his memory after his passing. I’m honored to stand with them and lead this charge in the Senate – it’s a fitting tribute for a good man who made a lasting impact on his community,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Ed Ramsey spent 20 years serving our country in the Army followed by another 27 years working for USPS. He is a patriot and a public servant who served with courage, kindness, and conviction. At Olney Post Office, every member of our community became a quick friend of Ed’s. It is most appropriate that we rename the Olney Post Office in his honor, so every day, we can all be reminded of his great service and continue to cherish his memory,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “Ed never sought recognition; he simply cared deeply about the customers. Knowing this post office could soon carry his name means the world to our family. It’s a beautiful reminder of the patience, kindness, and quiet generosity he shared with everyone he met.… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-passing-mark-mellman Hoyer Statement on the Passing of Mark Mellman 2025-11-22 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Mark Mellman, CEO of The Mellman Group and founder of the Democratic Majority for Israel: "I am very sad to learn of the passing of my dear friend Mark Mellman. Mark was not only a brilliant political strategist, seasoned policy expert, and respected pollster; he was a man of immense character. He could take the pulse of the public better than anyone, and clients across the country and around the world sought him out for that talent. Mark was also a champion of the U.S.-Israel relationship, working tirelessly to unite our two nations around shared values of democracy, freedom, and justice. "Mark's passing is a tremendous loss for the Jewish community, the Democratic Party, and our nation. My prayers are with his wife Mindy and the rest of his family. May his memory be a blessing." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-maryland-congressional-delegation-announce-over-60-million-modernize Hoyer, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announce Over $60 Million to Modernize Maryland Bus Systems 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), and April McClain Delaney (MD-06) announced $60,322,396 in federal funding to upgrade the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) bus transit system and to support the construction of a new transit maintenance and operations facility in Charles County. WMATA will receive $50,322,380 to purchase 50 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid replacement buses, an investment that is expected to cut the system’s fuel consumption by 51,000 gallons each year. Charles County will receive $10,000,016 to build its modernized maintenance and operations facility that will better support bus operators and riders. “Upgrading our public transit with cleaner, more efficient buses and improved bus infrastructure will help provide greater reliability for the thousands of Marylanders who ride WMATA and VanGO every day. Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we are continuing to invest in public transportation that supports our growing communities while producing fewer emissions and keeping the region’s economy moving forward,” said the lawmakers. The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Low or No Emission Grant Program and Buses & Bus Facilities Program, which Federal Team Maryland fought to fund under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcclain-delaney-rep-kennedy-introduce-bipartisan-algorithm-accountability Rep. McClain Delaney, Rep. Kennedy Introduce the Bipartisan Algorithm Accountability Act to Protect Families Online 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Mike Kennedy (R-UT) today introduced the bipartisan Algorithm Accountability Act, legislation to hold social media companies accountable for harms caused by content pushed through their algorithms. Currently, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act gives online platforms legal immunity for harmful content posted by users. Written nearly three decades ago, it fails to address the risks created by targeted algorithms, which are deployed by social media companies to drive endless user engagement, often without regard to the risks that consumers — especially children — may face as a result. This bill modernizes Section 230 and establishes a clear duty of care for platforms that design and deploy algorithms capable of amplifying dangerous or harmful content. Under the Algorithm Accountability Act, social media companies must responsibly design, train, test, deploy, and maintain their algorithmic systems in ways that prevent foreseeable bodily injury or death. The legislation also grants individuals a civil right of action in federal court when platforms negligently expose users to harmful or radicalizing content. As the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information under the Biden Administration and former Washington D.C. Director of Common Sense Media, Congresswoman McClain Delaney has led national efforts in safeguarding child safety online. This bill reflects her lifelong priorities, ensuring the ever-changing technological landscape accommodates the needs of American families. “This legislation is one of the reasons why I came to Congress: to put common sense bumpers and safeguards on how technology impacts our safety, health and well-being,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “Throughout my career as a communications attorney and nonprofit advocate for children’s online safety, I have consistently held that platforms should be accountable for algorithmic content that could foreseeably result in real-lif… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-maryland-congressional-delegation-announce-over-60-million-to-modernize-maryland-bus-systems Maryland Congressional Delegation Announce Over $60 Million to Modernize Maryland Bus Systems 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) announced $60,322,396 in federal funding to upgrade the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) bus transit system and to support the construction of a new transit maintenance and operations facility in Charles County. WMATA will receive $50,322,380 to purchase 50 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid replacement buses, an investment that is expected to cut the system’s fuel consumption by 51,000 gallons each year. Charles County will receive $10,000,016 to build its modernized maintenance and operations facility that will better support bus operators and riders. “Upgrading our public transit with cleaner, more efficient buses and improved bus infrastructure will help provide greater reliability for the thousands of Marylanders who ride WMATA and VanGO every day. Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we are continuing to invest in public transportation that supports our growing communities while producing fewer emissions and keeping the region’s economy moving forward,” said the lawmakers. The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Low or No Emission Grant Program and Buses & Bus Facilities Program, which Federal Team Maryland fought to fund under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-king-colleagues-in-introducing-bipartisan-bill-to-track-benefits-of-preventive-health-care-legislation Van Hollen Joins King, Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Bill to Track Benefits of Preventive Health Care Legislation 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and thier colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to better measure the cost savings that come with improved investments in preventive health care for Maine people. The Preventive Health Savings Act would instruct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to fully study the costs and benefits that could be seen with proposed preventive health care legislation. CBO analyses are essential benchmarks that members of Congress use to determine the cost of legislation to the American taxpayer. By taking a longer-term view into consideration past the current 10-year window and incorporating prevention interventions into CBO scoring, Congress could make more informed decisions and better measure the return on investment of Americans getting ahead of health problems before they get more serious and costly. “Preventive care and early detection can help patients live longer and healthier lives while also saving on long-term costs for everything from treatments to hospital visits,” said Senator Van Hollen. “By accounting for preventive care, we can make smarter health care policy decisions that work better for patients and taxpayers alike.” “I often say, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to keep Maine people healthy and save money for patients and taxpayers alike, and as we work to expand this care, we must first learn how we can best measure it,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Preventive Health Savings Act will allow Congress a more complete view of how preventative healthcare legislation can help patients stay healthy and cut costs. The cheapest surgery or treatment is the one that we avoid by getting ahead of the issue, and this bill is a simple step to reduce health care expenses, save taxpayer dollars and support Americans’ long-term health.” “It is important we have a clear, long-term picture of the return on investment from preventive health care measures,” said Senat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-markey-colleagues-in-urging-trump-administration-to-take-action-to-protect-armenian-prisoners-of-war Van Hollen Joins Markey, Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to Take Action to Protect Armenian Prisoners of War 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and 25 colleagues in writing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the United States take immediate action to halt the human rights abuses and war crimes being committed by the Republic of Azerbaijan against the Armenian Population of Nagorno-Karabakh. For the past two years, Azerbaijan has committed what international legal experts characterize as ethnic cleansing. The United States can no longer adopt a path of inaction in the face of these war crimes and instead must demand that Azerbaijan release unjustly detained Armenian prisoners and usher in an era of regional peace. In the letter, the lawmakers write, “It is now two years since Azerbaijan’s blockade and military assault on Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) forcibly displaced the region’s 120,000 Christian Armenians in what international legal experts have characterized as ethnic cleansing. Azerbaijan’s September 2023 assault on the region marked the culmination of a pattern of aggression following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, during which Azerbaijan perpetrated egregious war crimes. These included the summary execution of civilians; the destruction of schools, homes, and hospitals; the deliberate targeting of churches and other Armenian Christian heritage sites; and the arbitrary detention of dozens of Armenian prisoners of war.” The lawmakers continue, “To this day, Azerbaijan continues to illegally detain at least 23 known Armenian prisoners of war captured during and after the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh. Rather than face consequences, Azerbaijan has begun politically motivated sham trials under false pretenses, targeting captives solely based on their Armenian identity. Among those detained are former presidents, foreign ministers, and parliamentary leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh.” The lawmakers urge the following actions: Demand the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian political prisoners and prisoners of war. Press Azerbaijani authorities to allow internatio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-preserve-crucial-data-noaa-severe Elfreth Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Preserve Crucial Data at NOAA for Severe Weather Prediction and Response 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Sarah Elfreth E000301 elfreth.house.gov elfreth https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Vice Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced the bipartisan NOAA Data Preservation Act alongside Representative Nick Begich (R-AK-AL). The NOAA Data Preservation Act establishes simple requirements that facilitate the preservation of digital scientific data stored in cloud storage systems by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s digital data has been crucial in predicting and guiding preparation efforts for severe weather events across the country. Despite the importance of this data,in April 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce planned to cancel the cloud storage service contract holding data for NOAA as a proposed cost-saving measure. This sudden cancellation would have resulted in a 100% data loss for digitally stored data, including the elimination of the National Severe Storm Laboratory and Earth Prediction Innovation Center, which maintains key data for weather forecasting. Although that decision was reversed, there are currently no safeguards in place stopping the Department of Commerce from suddenly and unilaterally eliminating a cloud storage system and the data it holds. “As hurricane season comes to a close, the data collected by NOAA is invaluable in helping our communities prepare for the storms ahead. I am introducing the NOAA Data Preservation Act with Congressman Begich to ensure we can learn the proper lessons from previous weather patterns. This is a commonsense bill that would not only ensure the preservation of crucial data, but would save taxpayer dollars that were used to collect that data,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “NOAA’s research data is crucial for sound decision-making, especially regarding the long-term management of our fisheries. Alaskans depend on reliable, transparent, long-term data to manage our fisheries, wildlife, and understand changing weather patterns,” said Congressman Begich. “The NOAA Data Preservation Act is commonsense, bipartisan legislation t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-retirement-rep-nydia-velazquez Hoyer Statement on the Retirement of Rep. Nydia Velázquez 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) announced that she will not run for reelection in 2026: "My friend Rep. Nydia Velázquez is a great New Yorker, Puerto Rican, and American. I have served with her for 32 years in the Congress and am sad to hear that she will retire at the end of the 119th Congress. Passionate, principled, and tenacious, she has proven to be an invaluable Member of this institution time and time again. "Throughout the years, we have worked together to address an issue that deserves more attention: self-determination for Puerto Rico. Her commitment to that cause is rooted in the experiences of her upbringing and her conviction that colonial control over Puerto Rico is incompatible with American values of democracy and freedom. Nydia has been a fierce advocate for allowing the people of Puerto Rico to determine the future political status of their island – whether that is statehood, independence, or free association with the United States. We passed the Puerto Rico Status Act in the House during the 117th Congress in an effort to give them that choice, and we continue to advocate for the adoption of that crucial legislation. "Nydia has made her mark on this institution, not only through the legislation she has passed but also through her mentorship of numerous other Members over the years. For 27 years, she has served as the top Democrat on the House Small Business Committee. Her impact extends beyond Congress to her city, to her Puerto Rican community, and to her nation. I thank her for her many years of friendship and service and look forward to continuing to work alongside her in the months to come." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-september-jobs-report-1 Hoyer Statement on September Jobs Report 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the September jobs report: "The September jobs report released this morning captures the uncertainty of this moment for the U.S. economy. Released nearly seven weeks late because of the Republican shutdown, the report offers an economic picture that is incomplete and already outdated. While 119,000 jobs were added to the economy in September, the number of unemployed Americans has increased by 700,000 since this time last year. Additionally, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4 percent in September. These numbers do little to dispel the job market's weak showing this past summer. "Republicans' decision to shut down the government, rather than work with Democrats, also prevented the Bureau of Labor Statistics from compiling a jobs report for October. It would have shown thousands of federal employees coming off the books because of Trump's political purge of the federal workforce. Without a clear read on the state of the U.S. job market, the government agencies, businesses, and organizations across the country that rely on this data cannot make informed business decisions. "Uncertainty is a poison in any economy. I fear this uncertain moment for our economy is far from over. Donald Trump's erratic tariffs continue to raise consumer costs and scare off potential investors and job creators. The trillions of dollars he added to the debt to provide tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires continue to undermine the full faith and credit of the United States. Now, his party's refusal to extend premium tax credits for the Affordable Care Act will cause millions of Americans' health care costs to more than double on average. Even without the October jobs report, we know the Trump Administration is headed in the wrong direction." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://raskin.house.gov/2025/11/raskin-clyburn-huffman-wyden-call-on-trump-administration-to-stop-politicizing-houses-of-worship-defend-separation-of-church-and-state-ahead-of-court-arguments Raskin, Clyburn, Huffman, Wyden Call on Trump Administration to Stop Politicizing Houses of Worship; Defend Separation of Church and State Ahead of Court Arguments 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Jamie Raskin R000606 raskin.house.gov raskin https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Jared Huffman (CA-02), co-chairs of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, and James Clyburn (SC-06), Chair of the Democratic Faith Working Group, along with Senator Ron Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, led six of their colleagues in objecting to the Trump Administration’s attempts to exempt two specific organizations from the law. In a new letter to Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service Scott Bessent, the lawmakers urged the Trump Administration to withdraw a proposed settlement in National Religious Broadcasters Association v. Bessent which carves out exceptions to the foundational principle of separation of church and state. For the past 70 years, a provision of the tax code known as the Johnson Amendment has insulated nonprofits, faith-based organizations and houses of worship from electoral politics. In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits and houses of worship cannot engage in tax-exempt political speech. Despite widespread support for the Johnson Amendment among thousands of nonprofits and houses of worship, the Trump Administration reversed course on a lawsuit targeting the Johnson Amendment in an attempt to exempt two churches from complying with the law. “Congress has considered and rejected multiple attempts to modify the Johnson Amendment,” the lawmakers wrote. “Members have long understood the moral imperative of shielding nonprofit service organizations, including houses of worship, from electoral politics while protecting taxpayers from being compelled to subsidize political speech. Your Proposed Consent Decree is nothing more than a transparent end-run around Congress, which has consistently rejected attempts to change this 70-year-old law. “The Proposed Consent Decree seeks to exempt two specific organizations favored by the government out of the more than 1.5 million 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States from following the law,” the lawmakers continued. They noted that the reason… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-durbin-press-bondi-patel-for-answers-on-unprecedented-political-purge-of-doj-employees Van Hollen, Durbin Press Bondi, Patel for Answers on Unprecedented Political Purge of DOJ Employees 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ranking Member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, are pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel for answers on the unprecedented political purge of career Department of Justice employees. “It appears your unprecedented political purge of career Department of Justice (DOJ) employees is continuing at a rapid pace. Multiple public reports, including a statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association (FBIAA), suggest that DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have disregarded the law and fired even more FBI agents out of political spite over the past weeks. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) and the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversee and direct funding for both the DOJ and the FBI, we are writing to express our continued objections to such unprecedented and blatantly political actions. Your actions are having a direct and detrimental effect on FBI’s ability to maintain its national security mission. We urge you to stop the purges—our nation’s security is too important to be sacrificed for political games,” the Senators begin. They go on to cite examples of employees being targeted, and note, “All indications suggest these are illegal actions, which will undoubtedly have severe consequences for DOJ and FBI when these terminated employees join their other former colleagues in lawsuits against the agencies you are entrusted with protecting.” The Senators press for answers, stating, “In addition, we request that DOJ and FBI provide the Senate CJS Subcommittee and the Senate Judiciary Committee the following information along with a follow-up briefing: 1) A full accounting on the scope of the FBI firings that occurred between Octob… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-discuss-protecting-chesapeake Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Sarah Elfreth E000301 elfreth.house.gov elfreth https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) joined members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation to discuss continued federal efforts to support Bay restoration and the goals of the revised “Beyond 2025” watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. In the meeting, members of the federal delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources. “Having dedicated the majority of my career to preserving the Chesapeake Bay, I know the hours of tireless negotiation and deliberation that went into this Bay Agreement to guide the next decade of collaboration. I’m grateful to Secretary Kurtz, Secretary Atticks, Secretary McIllwain, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program for their continued commitment. The Bay is the cornerstone of our state’s economy and culture, and together, we are moving the ball forward to improve water quality, combat pollution, protect against invasive species, and ultimately make sure future generations can enjoy the Bay for years to come,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. “The Chesapeake Bay is an economic and environmental lifeline in our state. Over the past few years, we’ve made progress in our efforts… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-maryland-congressional-delegation-hold-meeting-discuss-protecting Hoyer, Maryland Congressional Delegation Hold Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met to discuss continued federal efforts to support Bay restoration and the goals of the revised “Beyond 2025” watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. In the meeting, members of the federal delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources. “The Chesapeake Bay is the beating heart of Maryland. It is central to our state not only geographically but also economically and culturally. That's why Team Maryland has worked so hard to protect the Bay. Our delegation had a meaningful discussion about how we can best advance that mission in Congress in the years to come,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer. “The Chesapeake Bay is an economic and environmental lifeline in our state. Over the past few years, we’ve made progress in our efforts to preserve the Bay, but we’ve also faced setbacks – including in the failure to meet the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Today’s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the new Beyond 2025 Agreement. I’m encouraged that the latest agreement includes recommendations proposed by members of our deleg… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/67-million-community-projects-marylands-6th-district-secured-congresswoman $6.7 Million for Community Projects in Maryland’s 6th District Secured by Congresswoman McClain Delaney, Signed into Law 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) announced $6,691,000 in federal Community Project Funding (CPF) has been signed into law for seven projects across Maryland’s 6th District, maintaining full funding levels approved by the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration in July. These allotted funds provide crucial, community-level support to Western and Mountain Maryland, enhancing public safety, accessible health care, and support for our rural populations. For towns like Westernport, who faced historic flooding back in May and were denied essential aid from the Trump Administration’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, these funds will be an incredible step forward for disaster recovery and prevention. “When I first took office, I traveled far and wide across Maryland’s 6th District, meeting with community leaders and advocates to identify local projects that could make the greatest impact on our communities with federal dollars,” said Rep. McClain Delaney. “I’m proud to announce that seven of those projects have been signed into law, and I am eager to see firsthand how these funds will make life easier and safer for our families.” These projects do not encompass all requested funding for Maryland’s 6th District — 15 total were requested by Rep. McClain Delaney in May and approved by committee. The 8 other projects are awaiting final passage through other spending packages and will be voted on by Congress in the near future. The following funds were awarded to their designated projects by the House Committee on Appropriations and have received final approval from Congress for inclusion in the FY 2026 federal funding package: Allegany County $986,000 for the Town of Lonaconing’s New Georges Creek Waterline “The Town of Lonaconing deeply appreciates Congresswoman April McClain Delaney’s dedication to securing funding for the installation of water lines on New Georges Creek Road. This investment in our Western Maryland community… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcclain-delaney-introduces-bill-support-american-farmers-harmed-presidents Rep. McClain Delaney Introduces Bill to Support American Farmers Harmed by the President’s Trade War 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD April McClain Delaney M001232 mcclaindelaney.house.gov mcclaindelaney https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Bill Would Redirect $20 Billion for Argentina and Reinvest it in American Farmers Struggling Under Rising Tariffs WASHINGTON, D.C.–This week, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) introduced the American Farmers First Act, legislation that would support American farmers who are facing devastating losses due to the President’s ongoing trade war. Specifically, this bill would redirect the Administration’s bailout payments to Argentina back into American farm country, providing direct relief to producers hit hardest by tariffs and shrinking export markets. U.S. farmers are struggling to break even during the 2025 harvest as tariffs raise operating costs and cut demand for American crops. For example, in Maryland, nearly 13,000 families are involved in soybean farming which produces 16 million bushels annually and contributes $200 million to the state’s economy. Yet, their livelihoods are at risk, as U.S. soybean exports have dropped by more than half as China turns to competitors in Argentina and Brazil. U.S. cattle producers were also slighted by the President recently when he pledged increase imports of Argentinian beef, an action that would only put American cattlemen at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, the Administration is providing a $40 billion aid package to Argentina, half funded by American taxpayers, a move usually reserved for economic disasters. The American Farmers First Act would redirect $20 billion from the Treasury Department’s Exchange Stabilization Fund slated for Argentina to provide essential aid to American farmers and producers who have been adversely impacted by the tariffs. “I’ve visited farms and met directly with producers across Maryland’s 6th District, and nearly all tell me the same thing: these tariffs are crushing our farms and destabilizing our economy,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “Prioritizing international competitors insults the hardworking Americans who feed our nation. By redirecting these corrupted funds, we’re investing in domestic agriculture and standing up for … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-to-discuss-protecting-the-chesapeake-bay Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Kweisi Mfume M000687 mfume.house.gov mfume https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met to discuss continued federal efforts to support Chesapeake Bay restoration and the goals of the revised “Beyond 2025” watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. In the meeting, members of the delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources. “I was glad to meet with the relevant stakeholders and learn more about their efforts to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "As a steadfast supporter of environmental conservation, preserving the Bay's vitality is critically important to all of us. I look forward to continuing these discussions and fighting to safeguard our precious natural resources." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-discuss-protecting-chesapeake Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Johnny Olszewski, Jr. O000176 olszewski.house.gov olszewski https://olszewski.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met to discuss continued federal efforts to support Bay restoration and the goals of the revised “Beyond 2025” watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. In the meeting, members of the federal delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources. “The Chesapeake Bay is an economic and environmental lifeline in our state. Over the past few years, we’ve made progress in our efforts to preserve the Bay, but we’ve also faced setbacks – including in the failure to meet the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Today’s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the new Beyond 2025 Agreement. I’m encouraged that the latest agreement includes recommendations proposed by members of our delegation and other Bay state representatives in Congress, including ensuring that pollution-reduction and water-quality improvement goals are better defined and adaptable to the latest science. And while I believe the agreement could have set a more aggressive timeline for achieving the outlined goals, I recognize that it reflects compromise. Going forward, we will continue working together … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-holds-meeting-to-discuss-protecting-the-chesapeake-bay Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met to discuss continued federal efforts to support Bay restoration and the goals of the revised “Beyond 2025” watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. In the meeting, members of the federal delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources. “The Chesapeake Bay is an economic and environmental lifeline in our state. Over the past few years, we’ve made progress in our efforts to preserve the Bay, but we’ve also faced setbacks – including in the failure to meet the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Today’s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the new Beyond 2025 Agreement. I’m encouraged that the latest agreement includes recommendations proposed by members of our delegation and other Bay state representatives in Congress, including ensuring that pollution-reduction and water-quality improvement goals are better defined and adaptable to the latest science. And while I believe the agreement could have set a more aggressive timeline for achieving the outlined goals, I recognize that it reflects compromise. Going forward, we will continue working together to support th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-beyer-raskin-introduce-legislation-to-improve-atf-crack-down-on-bad-apple-gun-dealers Van Hollen, Beyer, Raskin Introduce Legislation to Improve ATF, Crack Down on “Bad Apple” Gun Dealers 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate MD Chris Van Hollen V000128 www.vanhollen.senate.gov vanhollen https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) reintroduced the ATF Improvement and Modernization (AIM) Act, legislation to strengthen the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) ability to combat gun crime in our communities. The lawmakers’ effort comes as the Trump Administration seeks to undermine the ATF, including by working to eliminate it as a standalone agency – merging it with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – and proposing a nearly 30 percent decrease in its budget. In the face of these actions, the lawmakers’ legislation would reassert the ATF’s authority to keep our communities safe, including by removing irresponsible statutory restrictions that stand in the way of the ATF’s mission to protect the public from violent offenders, criminal organizations, and the illegal use and trafficking of firearms. “Too many American lives have been torn apart by gun violence in our country – yet gun industry hardliners have conspired to put up roadblocks that hamper law enforcement efforts to combat this deadly scourge. Our legislation eliminates these barriers and strengthens the ATF’s ability to crack down on gun crime and illegal firearm trafficking that allows deadly weapons to fall into dangerous hands. This is a common-sense way to tackle the gun violence epidemic and save lives,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The gun violence epidemic continues to take a huge toll on our country, killing nearly 50,000 Americans every year,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “We cannot accept Trump’s efforts to stop law enforcement from addressing gun violence, which includes mass transfers of agents away from the ATF. Congress owes it to American families to take decisive action to ensure the ATF has the tools it needs to make American communities safer, and our AIM Act would do just that by removing barriers that hamper the ATF’s mission. I appreciate Senator Van Hollen, Ranking Member Raskin, and the gun violence prevention leaders who worked … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-after-voting-release-epstein-files Hoyer Statement After Voting to Release the Epstein Files 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after voting on H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act: "Today, I voted to release the Epstein files. I did so not only as a Member of Congress; not only as someone who cherishes my daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters; but as someone who believes the American people deserve the truth. Crucially, the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes deserve justice. I am in awe of their strength, and I thank them for bravely sharing their stories. "Donald Trump has the power to release the Epstein files in their entirety and should have long ago. He chose not to. The American people will remember that choice. The Republican Majority also could have acted of its own accord to compel the Trump Administration to disclose the Epstein files. Instead, Republican leadership used every tactic they could to try to quash this effort. It shouldn’t have taken a discharge petition to get this bill a fair vote on the House Floor. "I believe it is never too late to do the right thing. I have no doubt, however, that the American people took note of which of their elected leaders waited.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-condemning-trumps-comments-murder-washington-post-columnist Hoyer Statement Condemning Trump's Comments on the Murder of Washington Post Columnist Jamal Khashoggi 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat House MD Steny H. Hoyer H000874 hoyer.house.gov hoyer https://hoyer.house.gov/media scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's remarks about how he does not hold Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, responsible for the murder of Washington Post opinion columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018: "Contrary to what Donald Trump said in the Oval Office earlier today, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the brutal assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. That is the consensus of the U.S. Intelligence Community. There is a difference between engaging in diplomacy with the Saudis and downplaying flagrant violations of human rights. “President Trump’s assertions today were contrary to that consensus, and patently absurd. His plea for politeness to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was in stark and painful contrast to the President’s abominable and shameful treatment of our ally, President Zelensky, as he and Ukraine are under continuing attack by the Russian war criminal Vladimir Putin – whom the President fawned over in Alaska. “Trivializing Khashoggi's horrific murder, as Trump did today, only endangers other journalists, dissidents, and purveyors of truth." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z

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