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://raskin.house.gov/2022/12/statement-of-congressman-jamie-raskin-to-the-people-of-maryland-s-8th-district,Statement of Congressman Jamie Raskin to the People of Maryland’s 8th District,2022-12-28,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) today released the following statement. “After several days of tests, I have been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer. I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment. “I expect to be able to work through this period but have been cautioned by my doctors to reduce unnecessary exposure to avoid COVID-19, the flu and other viruses. In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy impairs natural antibodies and undermines the body’s immune system. I am advised that it also causes hair loss and weight gain (although I am still holding out hope for the kind that causes hair gain and weight loss). “With the benefit of early detection and fine doctors, the help of my extraordinary staff, the love of Sarah and our daughters and sons-in-law (actual and to-be) and family and friends, and the support of my beloved constituents and my colleagues in the House, I plan to get through this and, in the meantime, to keep making progress every day in Congress for American democracy. “My love and solidarity go out to other families managing cancer or any other health condition in this holiday season—and all the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who provide us comfort and hope.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-secures-23965000-for-direct-investments-in-local-community-organizations,"Congressman Mfume Secures $23,965,000+ for Direct Investments in Local Community Organizations",2022-12-23,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) worked to secure more than $23,965,000 in Community Project Funding for Maryland’s 7th Congressional District in the final 2023 appropriations government funding package today. A listing of each project is found below. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Under rules established by the U.S. House of Representatives and its Appropriations Committee, each House member may request funding for a limited number of community projects for the fiscal year. For the last year, Congressman Mfume successfully fought to ensure all his submitted projects received momentous federal investment from the U.S. House and worked with Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen to bolster their support for the legislative initiatives in the U.S. Senate. “My work throughout the past year on this substantial Community Project Funding has been a critical priority for me because real dollars that will go directly to organizations deserving of federal backing for the work they do each and every day in our communities were at stake,” said Congressman Mfume. “The high volume of competitive applications I received for the fiscal year 2022 funding made it difficult to narrow down all the applications my Office received for 2023 funding. Rest assured that the organizations receiving this game-changing funding through my efforts are ready to build on the profound successes they have already demonstrated. I look forward to seeing these organizations leverage the federal investments for the benefit of our neighbors,” he concluded. Congressman Mfume championed funding for all 15 projects he submitted this year. The deserving organizations work tirelessly on the ground in Maryland’s 7th Congressional District, and their work encompasses a range of services from job training to housing assistance and veterans assistance. The projects receiving the fiscal year 2023 round of funding follows. Arena Playhouse Capital Improvement Project $4,000,000 to support Arena Players Incorporated Capital Campaign which will renovate the organization’s current three-story theatre and office building. National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, Inc. $2,008,580 for facility upgrades and capital renovations. Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET) $3,000,000 to upgrade facilities. East Baltimore Development, Inc. (EBDI) $2,300,000 to repair and upgrade public roadways, update lighting and storm drainage, and support the creation of a much-needed grocery store in an East Baltimore food desert. Afro Charities - Historic Upton Mansion $2,000,000 to renovate the Historic Upton Mansion in West Baltimore which will house the AFRO American Newspapers archive, and the Afro Charities community outreach headquarters. Morning Star Baptist Church Five Star Program $2,300,000 to create a vibrant multi-use community space, known as “The Star Community Family Life Center.” Park West Health System Capital Expansion Project for Integrated Behavioral Health $1,000,000 to integrate new behavioral health programming and to physically expand and renovate the Park West Belvedere location of the Park West Health System. Center for Urban Families $750,000 to provide Baltimore residents, many of whom are returning citizens, with job readiness programming and support. Druid Heights Maggie Quille Center $1,500,000 to the Druid Heights Community Development Corporation to assist with the total renovation of the Druid Heights Maggie Quille Center and increase the services and programs within the Druid Heights community. Sanaa Center Arts Project - Pennsylvania Avenue $750,000 to fund the construction of the Sanaa Center, a stand-alone building with offices, art-making spaces, indoor and outdoor performance spaces, and art incubation services. Juanita Jackson Mitchell Legal Center $1,750,000 to restore Juanita Jackson Mitchell’s office and create the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Legal Center, which will provide office space for legal and social services to victims of domestic violence from the Rebuild, Overcome, and Rise (ROAR) program. Permanent Housing on East Baltimore Street $750,000 to the Helping Up Mission to create affordable permanent housing for formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to re-enter society as contributing members. CASA - Baltimore Center Workforce Development $573,045 to support the creation of a Baltimore Center for Workforce Development to prepare adults for the job hiring process and provide life skills training to support workers in their job search. Green & Healthy Homes Baltimore Initiative $750,000 to renovate 75 homes in Baltimore City to improve energy efficiency and health outcomes. Gwynns Falls Mighty Park $535,000 to transform 6 contiguous vacant lots into a vibrant community park in the Gwynns Falls area of Southwest Baltimore. For full descriptions of these projects, please visit Congressman Mfume’s congressional website here. Community Project Funding – Additional Information Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. Additional information on the reforms governing Community Project Funding is available here. Project funding was included in the final 2023 appropriations government funding package. A detailed summary of this package is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congress-extends-baltimore-national-heritage-area-funding-by-13-years,Congress Extends Baltimore National Heritage Area Funding by 13 Years,2022-12-22,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) announced passage of legislation they led to reauthorize the Baltimore National Heritage Area funding through 2037. The legislation, co-led by Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02) and John Sarbanes (MD-03), ensures federal support for the Baltimore National Heritage Area’s efforts to promote and preserve Baltimore’s history and the ongoing efforts to highlight Baltimore’s contributions to our nation’s story. The legislation was passed by the U.S. Senate on December 20, 2022, and passed the U.S. House of Representatives today as one of the last actions by this Congress. It now goes to President Biden to be signed into law. “There are so many stories to tell about every community in Baltimore. We have a rich history and legacy that needs to be told over and over again. Indeed, we hold the keys to many national treasures, big and small. The Baltimore National Heritage Area, which encompasses most of my Congressional District, serves a unique role in our City by attracting tourism, educating our youth, and celebrating this City’s history and culture,” said Congressman Mfume. “I am immensely proud to have successfully reauthorized the Baltimore National Heritage Area funding well before it was set to expire in 2024,” he concluded. ""The Baltimore National Heritage Area showcases the rich historic and cultural legacy of Maryland's largest city,” said Senator Cardin. “Extending this impactful federal designation ensures local agencies and non-profits can continue to recognize and protect our heritage resources and serve residents and visitors alike through recreational and educational opportunities."" Shauntee Daniels, Executive Director of the Baltimore National Heritage Area, said on the bill's passage: “It ensures that Baltimore’s strong connection to the history of the country is preserved for many generations to come. It also will continue to allow the National Heritage Area to invest in programs, projects and initiatives which are unique to Baltimore and our Nation’s history. It is our mission to work with public and private partners to create spaces that engage youth and adults to live, work and play.” This legislation adopted, with technical corrections, the language of the Baltimore National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act that Congressman Mfume introduced as a standalone bill in March of 2022. Senator Cardin introduced an identical measure in the Senate on the same day. Baltimore National Heritage Area Reauthorization – Additional Information Continues Critical Federal Support to Preserve Historic Baltimore Prior to this bill’s passage, the Baltimore National Heritage Area was authorized by the federal government through 2024. If the federal government had not reauthorized the Baltimore National Heritage Area, it would have lost critical federal funding that supports its historical sites. The federal support goes to local agencies and non-profits who preserve and promote Baltimore’s pivotal role in our nation’s story and make strategic investments in cultural heritage tourism projects. The annual economic impact of the Baltimore National Heritage Area is more than $750 million, 6,400 jobs, and $61 million in state and tax revenue. The Baltimore National Heritage Area has served more than 15,000 youth from underserved communities and provides continuous operation and program support to 35 historic museums, cultural attractions, and historic neighborhoods through a competitive grant program. This bill extends the Baltimore National Heritage Area’s authorization until 2037 and modifies the boundary to include additional historic neighborhoods. More details about the Baltimore National Heritage Area can be found here: https://www.explorebaltimore.org/. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/12/cardin-raskin-introduce-bill-to-protect-vulnerable-individuals-left-without-a-country,"Cardin, Raskin Introduce Bill to Protect Vulnerable Individuals Left Without a Country",2022-12-22,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-8), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, have introduced the “Stateless Protection Act,” bicameral legislation establishing a new protected status, permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship for stateless individuals residing in the United States. These vulnerable individuals do not have nationality or citizenship in any country of the world, a situation which often results in significant financial hardship, separation from relatives, and lengthy or sometimes even indefinite immigration detention. Current estimates reveal that there are more than 200,000 individuals in the U.S. who are stateless or at risk of becoming stateless. While U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas earlier this year announced that his agency is developing a definition to identify stateless individuals, there currently is no definition to recognize this perilous status in immigration law or current regulations, making it even harder to identify stateless people. “Stateless individuals fall outside of the protection of any country of the world through no fault of their own,” said Senator Cardin. “Our laws need to show our values as a nation of immigrants and should protect stateless people, providing them and their immediate families with the opportunity to become full citizens of the United States. I am proud to work with Congressman Raskin and with our advocacy partners to begin to truly address this hidden problem.” “To be stateless is to live in a dreadful and dangerously vulnerable condition,” Rep. Jamie Raskin. “We should help stateless people by giving them a way to become citizens in our free and great country. America was created as an ‘asylum to humanity,’ as Tom Paine put it, to afford refuge to all the ‘persecuted lovers of freedom’ on earth. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Cardin to give the prospect of citizenship and real rights to people hoping for the best but living without the protection of any government.” Karina Ambartsoumian-Clough, Executive Director of United Stateless, said: ""Stateless people like me want to contribute more to American life. But we're stuck in limbo. This bill provides the path forward. I was too young to qualify for a passport when my parents left Soviet Ukraine with me, as a child. Now, years later, I have no country to return to. And I'm a citizen of nowhere through no fault of my own. There are thousands of people like me, and we are, together, building a movement to end the needless suffering of stateless people in the U.S. I applaud Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Jamie Raskin's bill and expect it to achieve bipartisan support. All we are asking is to get on with our lives."" “We commend Senator Cardin and Congressman Raskin for introducing bills to provide stateless people in the U.S. with pathways to permanent residency and citizenship, and we also thank our partners at United Stateless for their tireless advocacy,” said HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield. “A full year after the Department of Homeland Security publicly announced its commitment to adopt a definition of statelessness to enhance protections, more than 200,000 stateless individuals in the U.S. and their families are still waiting. As an organization rooted in the Jewish imperative of welcoming the stranger, and with over a century of experience helping people trapped in the legal limbo of statelessness, HIAS urges lawmakers in the Senate and the House to move swiftly to pass this crucial legislation.” Text of S. 5330/H.R. 9671, the Stateless Protection Act, can be downloaded here. The bill establishes a new stateless protected status (SPS) to individuals who are stateless, defined as ‘individuals who are not considered as a national by any state under the operation of its law.’ Available to stateless people in the United States and their direct relatives, this status would provide access to work and travel authorization and protection from deportation, removal, or detention. The legislation would also provide discretion to stay any immigration proceedings for individuals with SPS. Some exclusions would apply to individuals who intentionally renounced citizenship or due to persecution of others or terrorism grounds. The bill instructs DHS to adjust the status of individuals with SPS to legal permanent residency (LPR) status for individuals who are not inadmissible under criminal or national security bars and who pass all standard background checks. After three years, an individual granted LPR status could apply for naturalization. To prevent the future occurrence of statelessness, the bill expands access to U.S. citizenship to individuals who would otherwise be stateless and who are children of U.S. citizens or are found in the U.S. before the age of 21. Also directs DHS and Department of State to carry out data-collection, research, programs, and grants to prevent future occurrence of statelessness. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/12/rep-jamie-raskin-to-lead-democrats-on-house-oversight-committee,Rep. Jamie Raskin to Lead Democrats on House Oversight Committee,2022-12-22,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) was elected Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee for the 118th Congress. After securing the endorsement of the House Democratic Steering Committee, he was then selected by vote of the full Democratic caucus. He succeeds outgoing representative Carolyn Maloney (NY-12). “I am truly humbled and honored beyond measure to be elected Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee for the 118th Congress,” said Rep. Raskin. “I was recruited to this Committee by Representative Elijah Cummings on my first day of my first Term and it is overwhelming to think I will now be one of his successors. I am thinking about him a lot today.” “I look forward to championing our Democratic priorities on the House’s lead investigative committee and drawing on the remarkable talents and voices of our Democratic Members. I want to thank Representatives Steve Lynch and Gerry Connolly for their remarkable work, integrity and commitment to the Oversight Committee, and all my colleagues for entrusting me with this awesome responsibility. And a special shout-out to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for endorsing my candidacy many weeks ago.” Rep. Raskin currently serves as chair of the Oversight Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, where he led a seven-part series on the rise of violent white supremacy and convened hearings exposing censorship and book banning in public schools, among many other projects. He was the lead House impeachment manager in the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump and a Member of the Select Committee on the January 6 attack. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-delegation-members-announce-71-million-in-infrastructure-law-funding-to-upgrade-martin-airport-station,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Delegation Members Announce $7.1 Million in Infrastructure Law Funding to Upgrade Martin Airport Station",2022-12-21,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes and Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, (all D-Md.) today announced $7,109,500 in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding to help the Maryland Department of Transportation modernize and increase the accessibility of Maryland Area Regional Commuter’s (MARC) Martin Airport Station - a “legacy station” constructed before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The funding comes through the Federal Transit Administration’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP). The federal dollars will be used to improve safety and accessibility at Martin Airport Station, bringing it into compliance with the ADA by upgrading boarding and alighting platforms.Under the existing station configuration, commuters board and depart from MARC trains directly on the train tracks. “Martin Airport Station has been a staple for Maryland commuters and travelers for decades, but aging infrastructure that predates the passage of the ADA has created barriers for people with disabilities,” said the lawmakers. “With this grant, we are equitably rebuilding our infrastructure and sending a message that public transit must be safe, efficient and accessible for all Marylanders.” The Federal Transit Administration’s ASAP was created by theInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the Maryland Democratic Congressional Delegation unanimously supported as it passed in November 2021. Its goal is to upgrade the nation’s oldest transit systems to be more accessible for people with disabilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/12/raskin-pressley-lynch-and-colleagues-urge-extension-of-covid-19-workers-compensation-benefits-for-postal-workers,"Raskin, Pressley, Lynch and Colleagues Urge Extension of COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Postal Workers",2022-12-16,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) in partnership with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) led their colleagues in calling for the extension of an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provision that made it easier for postal workers who contract COVID on the job to receive federal workers compensation. In a letter to Congressional appropriators, the lawmakers called for the provision—which is set to expire next month—to be extended as part of the omnibus government spending package. “As Congress continues to undertake efforts to advance health equity, it is imperative that postal employees receive nothing short of the robust support they deserve when recovering from illness,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter. “This critical protection provides America’s postal workers with the resources they need to safeguard their own health and safety and ensure the continuation of timely, reliable, and efficient mail services for the American people.” Prior to the enactment of ARPA in March of 2021, postal and other federal workers were required to submit onerous proof that they contracted COVID-19 on the job and could not have otherwise contracted the illness in the course of their daily personal lives. The enactment of ARPA temporarily removed this burden, facilitating the ability of postal and other federal workers diagnosed with COVID-19 to receive coverage under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). Specifically, the law established a presumption of FECA coverage for federal employees that received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and recently carried out job duties requiring contact with members of the public, co-workers, or patients. “This immense and inequitable burden of proof resulted in invasive questioning and the denial of nearly half of all workers’ compensation claims,” the lawmakers continued. “In stark contrast, implementation of the [ARPA provision] has decreased denial rates for USPS employees to less than three percent.” COVID-19 cases nationwide continue to pose a great health risk for the 650,000+ postal clerks, mail handlers, letter carriers, and other postal workers on the frontlines, many of whom come from marginalized communities. “We would also underscore that the Postal Service is one of the largest employers of veterans—with more than 100,000 employees having served in the military. The agency also retains a highly diverse workforce comprised of nearly 40 percent of Black and brown postal workers—many representing vulnerable communities whose health disparities across COVID-19 cases, treatments, and deaths have been well-documented,” the lawmakers continued. Joining Reps. Pressley, Lynch and Raskin in sending the letter are Reps. Steve Cohen, Gerry Connolly, Brian Higgins, Carolyn Maloney, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jan Schakowsky, Mike Thompson, Paul Tonko, Lori Trahan, and Brenda Lawrence. The letter has been endorsed by the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA), and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU). Find a copy of the letter here. Throughout her time in Congress, Congresswoman Pressley has championed for federal resources to support the United States Postal Service and its employees. In February 2021, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley discussed how postal banking would help the United States Postal Service (USPS) raise revenue while working to close the racial wealth gap. Earlier that month, she sent a letter to President Biden today urging him to remove Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and the entire United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors, and appoint a diverse Board with the experience and skills needed to represent the public interest and restore the integrity of the USPS. In August 2020, Congresswoman Pressley delivered remarks on the House floor in which she criticized the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans for their attacks on the USPS, and shared stories of constituents from the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District who have been impacted by the operational changes imposed on the USPS by Postmaster General DeJoy. In August 2020, Rep. Pressley slammed GOP gaslighting and uplifted Massachusetts voices in a floor speech to support the Delivering for America Act to save USPS. Later that month, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, she questioned DeJoy and USPS Board of Governors Chairman Robert Duncan about the harmful impact the recent policy changes at the USPS have had on the workforce, and about the troubling history of anti-union labor practices of Mr. DeJoy’s former company, New Breed Logistics. In that hearing, she called on Mr. DeJoy to resign or be removed by the USPS Board of Governors immediately. In May 2020, Reps. Pressley and Lynch penned an op-ed in WBUR’s Cognoscenti urging Congress to take urgent action to support postal workers in the next COVID-19 relief package.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/gop-doctors-caucus-leads-letter-urging-solutions-impending-medicare-payment,GOP Doctors Caucus Leads Letter Urging Solutions to Impending Medicare Payment Cuts to Providers,2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, the House GOP Doctors Caucus led a letter to House leadership urging their support for addressing impending Medicare payment cuts to health care providers in end-of-year legislation. The letter, signed by 83 Republican House Members, stresses the need for short and long-term solutions. The members write, “Health care providers are facing unprecedented burnout and turnover emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, a major concern of the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy. We are concerned that severe, impending reductions to Medicare payments will result in hiring freezes, elimination of services provided to seniors, and decreased patient access to health care services, especially following a year of record high inflation.” The letter continues: “We appreciate the work Congress has historically done to alleviate cuts for providers and recognize that Congress must again act before the end of the year to address looming cuts."" Statement from the co-chairs: “Health care providers, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities, are often heavily reliant on Medicare payments to keep their lights on and doors open. Congress must act. We are committed to responsibly addressing these payment cuts before the end of the year and look forward to working on a long-term solution in the next Congress.” Read the full letter HERE. The Members who signed the letter are: Reps. Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Michael Burgess (TX-26), Andy Harris (MD-01), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Brian Babin (TX-36), Drew Ferguson (GA-03), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Larry Bucshon (IN-08), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), John Joyce (PA-13), Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Mark Green (TN-07), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Ron Estes (KS-04), Mike Bost (IL-12), Bill Johnson (OH-06), John Rose (TN-06), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Greg Pence (IN-06), Fred Upton (MI-06), Sam Graves (MO-06), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), John Carter (TX-31), Glenn Thompson (PA-15), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Michelle Steel (CA-48), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Richard Hudson (NC-08), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Jay Obernolte (CA-08), Mayra Flores (TX-34), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Bob Latta (OH-05), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Dave Kustoff (TN-08), Rick Allen (GA-12), Mary Miller (IL-15), Austin Scott (GA-08), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Michael Guest (MS-03), Pat Fallon (TX-04), David Valadao (CA-21), John Rutherford (FL-04), Tim Walberg (MI-07), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Rick Crawford (AR-01), John Moolenaar (MI-04), Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon (PR-AL), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), David McKinley (WV-01), Bill Posey (FL-08), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Mike Carey (OH-15), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Doug Lamborn (CO-05). More than 160 national and state medical and health care organizations support Congressional action to halt Medicare Payment Cuts, including: The American Medical Association, The American Medical Group Association, The American College of Surgeons, The American College of Emergency Physicians, and The American Health Care Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-on-passage-of-legislation-to-train-law-enforcement-officers-on-mental-health-crises,Statement on Passage of Legislation to Train Law Enforcement Officers on Mental Health Crises,2022-12-14,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement upon passage of the Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act. This bill invests in local and state law enforcement agencies by training law enforcement officers in de-escalation tactics to safely and successfully be of service to individuals experiencing mental health crises. “I’m proud to send this legislation to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Those suffering from their mental health deserve effective treatment, not instant criminalization, when facing a crisis,” said Congressman Mfume. “Law enforcement officers are often the first to encounter individuals in these emergency situations and providing them with the proper training and resources to do their jobs is the right thing to do. This bill will keep our communities safe and help save lives,” he concluded. Topline Highlights of the Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act Responds to Need for Alternatives to Use of Force More than 2 million people with serious mental illness are arrested per year, with as many as 64% of jail inmates having a mental illness. People in crisis make up 25-50% of fatalities during law enforcement encounters. Protects Individuals in Crisis, Law Enforcement, and Bystanders Instructs the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to build curricula in the training topics, or identifying current curricula, in discussion with law enforcement, mental health organizations, family advocacy organizations, civil liberties groups, and more. Authorizes $90 million in grant funding for training, which incorporates exercises and evaluative assessments. Requires the National Institute of Justice and the Government Accountability Office to examine the effectiveness of the program and its results. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/gop-doctors-caucus-welcomes-rep-greg-murphy-md-new-co-chair-thanks-rep-andy,"GOP Doctors Caucus Welcomes Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D., as a new Co-Chair, Thanks Rep. Andy Harris, M.D., For His Service to the Caucus",2022-12-09,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - This week, the GOP Doctors Caucus elected Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. as a new Co-Chair for the 118th Congress. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. will complete his 4 year term at the end of the 117th Congress. Congressman Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. and Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. will remain as Co-Chairs in the 118th Congress. ""As a practicing surgeon of more than 30 years, it’s a true honor to have the opportunity to serve as co-chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus,""said Congressman Murphy, M.D. ""It’s critical that physicians have a seat at the table as we work to enact meaningful patient-focused health care policy in America. I look forward to co-leading our GOP Doctors Caucus colleagues to improve our health care system, lower costs, and increase patient access to quality, affordable care."" ""It was an honor serving as Co-Chair of the Doctors Caucus. I know Dr. Murphy will be an excellent addition as we move to the next Congress and address the many issues confronting physicians, providers, and patients,"" said Congressman Harris, M.D. ""I want to thank Dr. Harris for having worked diligently with Dr. Burgess and me as Co-Chairs and I look forward to having Dr. Murphy fill that role. The Doctors Caucus will continue working to utilize our diverse medical backgrounds to develop patient centered health policy, lower drug prices, empower patients to access the latest innovations and treatments, and enhance the physician-patient relationship,"" said Congressman Wenstrup, D.P.M. ""I have had the privilege to serve in the GOP Doctors Caucus since I came to Congress and I am looking forward to continuing my service as a Co-Chair in the 118th Congress."" ""The Doctors Caucus provides crucial insight into America’s health policy. It has been an honor to serve as co-chair for the past 2 years and I look forward to serving my fellow doctors again next Congress. Congratulations to my friend, Dr. Murphy who will serve as a co-chair in the 118th Congress. I look forward to the leadership and insight he will bring to the caucus. I want to thank Dr. Harris for his service as co-chair of our caucus and am grateful that he will continue to be a leading voice in the caucus and in health policy moving forward,""said Congressman Burgess, M.D. Background: Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and a practicing urological surgeon of more than 30 years. When he is not serving his constituents in Washington, D.C., Dr. Murphy still sees patients a few times a month at Vidant Medical Center, a 1,000-bed level 1 Trauma Center serving 29 counties in Eastern North Carolina. Before entering public office, he served for three years as Chief of Staff of the Vidant Medical Center. Dr. Murphy has traveled extensively as a medical missionary over the last 35 years to Third World Countries including India, several parts of Africa, Nicaragua, and Haiti to care for at-risk patients in times of need.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/12/raskin-announces-climate-action-app-clima-as-winner-of-2022-md-08-congressional-app-challenge,Raskin Announces Climate Action App ‘Clima’ as Winner of 2022 MD-08 Congressional App Challenge,2022-12-09,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"ROCKVILLE, M.D. — At the close of Computer Science Education Week, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) announced the winners of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge. This year’s winners are Yixuan Li and Brian Mason of Walt Whitman High School, 11th grade students who created Clima, an app that gamifies carbon reduction through a creative user-driven experience. Clima rewards users points for taking sustainable actions in their home and community, like recycling bottles, washing laundry with cold water and more to earn points and care for a virtual sapling that grows as players complete green activities. “Yixuan and Brian’s inventive app Clima makes individual climate action accessible and fun–a perfect demonstration of the boundless creativity and public spirit that live among young people,” said Rep. Raskin. “Not only am I impressed by their pure technological savvy, I am heartened by Yixuan and Brian’s commitment to sustainability. Thanks to every student who entered my competition, and to the teachers, mentors and family of the 8th District who have supported our next generation of coders.” Rep. Raskin also featured Yixuan and Brian as “Local Heroes” on his weekly video series, available here. The Congressional App Challenge began in 2014 in an effort to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and to encourage students to develop coding and computer science skills. Students in participating congressional districts compete against their peers by creating original software applications (“apps”). Winning apps are featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' website, the Congressional App Challenge website, and are displayed in a U.S. Capitol Building exhibit. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-statement-on-passage-of-legislation-to-protect-same-sex-interracial-marriage,Congressman Mfume Statement on Passage of Legislation to Protect Same Sex & Interracial Marriage,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement regarding his vote to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, which upholds marriage equality under federal law for same sex and interracial couples. This legislation now goes to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “When the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade, it marked a frightening reversal in what our country recognized as the long-established law of the land. When a sitting member of the same court suggested revisiting the legal precedent regarding marriage could be next, it became imperative for Congress to answer the call, act, and protect this critical human right,” said Congressman Mfume. “All discrimination is wrong, and with the Respect for Marriage Act we are defending the millions of interracial and same-sex couples in America, whom many of us simply know as family, friends, and neighbors. I will continue to do everything in my power to defend the rights and liberties that make us American, including the right to love who you love,” he concluded. Topline Highlights of the Respect for Marriage Act Federally Recognizes Marriage Regardless of Sex or Race Requires, for federal law purposes, that an individual be considered married if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed. Gives same-sex and interracial couples additional security that they will continue to enjoy equal treatment under federal law as all other married couples. Repeals, once and for all, the discriminatory and unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act so that it cannot be utilized against the LGBTQ community. Prohibits any person acting under color of state law from denying full faith and credit to an out-of-state marriage based on the sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin of the individuals in the marriage. Provides the U.S. Attorney General with the authority to pursue enforcement actions and creates a private right of action for any individual harmed by a violation of this provision. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-statement-on-the-release-of-brittney-griner,Congressman Mfume Statement on the Release of Brittney Griner,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement regarding the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner from Russian custody. “Today is a great day for all Americans and the freedoms we fight so hard for, because Brittney Griner has been released from her unjust detention in Russia,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I am proud to have helped keep the cruel treatment Ms. Griner faced in the public eye through my own advocacy on the national airwaves and in print. We knew that the more said from us all, the more opportunities there would be to bring her home. Those collective efforts have finally paid off. I thank President Biden and Vice President Harris along with everyone who stood up, spoke out, and never relented in the effort to secure Ms. Griner's safety. Today, we can finally rest assured – that mission is complete,” he concluded. Congressman Mfume’s Advocacy for Ms. Griner’s Release April 21, 2022, The AFRO, Op-ed: Freeing Brittney Griner is More Than a Slogan. April 24, 2022, MSNBC, Maryland Rep. Kweisi Mfume speaks on the detainment of WNBA star Brittney Griner in Russia on “PoliticsNation.” August 7, 2022, MSNBC, Congressman Mfume Advocates for the Release of WNBA Star Brittney Griner with Reverend Al Sharpton on “PoliticsNation."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/12/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-55-million-for-public-health-infrastructure-and-workforce,Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $55 Million for Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce,2022-12-07,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $55,352,598 in funding for the Maryland and Baltimore City Health Departments to ensure that public health systems and facilities have the staff, equipment and services needed to protect community health. “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, our health care heroes have been navigating some of the most difficult public health challenges in this country’s history, exhausting their equipment, facilities and themselves,” said the lawmakers. “These federal dollars will allow our public health departments to fill staff vacancies and replenish equipment to better protect the health of all Marylanders.” Supported in large part by the American Rescue Plan Act, this funding, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant program, is a groundbreaking $3.2 billion investment in the critical public health infrastructure needs of jurisdictions across the country. The following awards were made to public health agencies in Maryland to ensure that systems and facilities have the staff, equipment and services needed to protect community health: Maryland Department of Health, $46,924,126: Forty percent of recruitment funds will be given to local health departments. Baltimore City Health Department, $8,428,472 The American Rescue Plan Act passed last year with overwhelming Maryland Delegation Democratic support. This first-of-its-kind funding will go directly to facilities, giving public health officials the freedom to spend the money based on their region’s most critical needs. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-maternal-and-child-home-visiting-reauthorization-act-2022,Statement On Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022,2022-12-05,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Harris Statement on the Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 ""No matter how well-intentioned this program may be, it is a bad idea to fund this program with a half a billion dollars for the next five years, and tying our hands in dealing with our $1 trillion budget deficit that is causing run away inflation. Furthermore, there is no need to provide additional federal matching funding in this program while the federal government is running a $1 trillion deficit and state governments are generally flush with cash.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/12/maryland-virginia-lawmakers-urge-congressional-leaders-to-leave-door-open-to-arpa-h-in-the-national-capital-region,"Maryland, Virginia Lawmakers Urge Congressional Leaders to Leave Door Open to ARPA-H in the National Capital Region",2022-12-05,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Lawmakers from across Maryland and Virginia, led by Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), are urging congressional leaders to allow maximum flexibility when the administration selects a location for the newly created Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Signed by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-Va.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), as well as Representatives Steny Hoyer (Md.-5), Bobby Scott (Va.-3), Dutch Ruppersberger (Md.-2), John Sarbanes (Md.-3), Gerald Connolly (Va.-11), Kweisi Mfume (Md.-7), Donald Beyer (Va.-8), Anthony Brown (Md.-4), Jamie Raskin (Md.-8), Abigail Spanberger (Va.-7), David Trone (Md.-6) and Jennifer Wexton (Va.-10), the bicameral group of lawmakers “respectfully request the omission of language in any bill or committee report that restricts the location of the agency.” This comes in response to suggestions that Congress place statutory restrictions on ARPA-H being within the National Capital Region. The full letter follows and can be downloaded at this link. The Honorable Charles E. Schumer Majority Leader United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Minority Leader United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Kevin McCarthy Minority Leader United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader McCarthy, Thank you for your ongoing work to support the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). As work on an end of year package advances, we write to respectfully request the omission of language in any bill or committee report that restricts the location of the agency. We commend your efforts to ensure ARPA-H can achieve its goal of advancing biomedical and health research in innovative ways. However, some ARPA-H proposals have suggested authorizing the agency while placing a statutory restriction on its location, such as a prohibition on ARPA-H being located within the National Capital Region (which includes Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Montgomery, and Prince George’s). This restriction would be both arbitrary and unnecessary, and it would hinder the agency from using a truly objective process to determine the best location. ARPA-H was proposed as a biomedical version of the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). A legislative restriction on DARPA’s location was not necessary for the agency to accomplish its groundbreaking work. As you know, DARPA is, in fact, located in close proximity to the Pentagon, which allows for close collaboration but independence from the Department of Defense. In order to live up to its promise to advance breakthrough scientific research, ARPA-H, like its model DARPA, must be able to find a location with the best physical and human infrastructure to support its mission. Should legislation with regional location restrictions advance, not only would ARPA-H be harmed, but other federal agencies could be subjected to similar provisions in the future and risk losing access to crucial resources. We are excited about the opportunities ARPA-H will have to advance health research and look forward to working with you to ensure the agency has the resources essential to success. Sincerely, CC: The Honorable Patrick Leahy, Richard Shelby, Patty Murray, Richard Burr, Roy Blunt, Rosa DeLauro, Kay Granger, Tom Cole, Frank Pallone, Jr., and Cathy McMorris Rodgers ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/12/raskin-maryland-delegation-members-urge-state-to-apply-for-grant-to-expand-access-to-mental-health-and-substance-use-care,"Raskin, Maryland Delegation Members Urge State to Apply for Grant to Expand Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Care",2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"ROCKVILLE, MD – Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, David Trone, Anthony G. Brown, Kweisi Mfume, Dutch Ruppersberger, and John Sarbanes (all D-Md) wrote Maryland Secretary of Health Dennis Schrader urging the Maryland Department of Health to apply for a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) planning grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. This is a new federal grant opportunity created by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a groundbreaking public safety and mental health package that President Biden signed into law in June. CCBHCs are specially designated mental health clinics that must meet rigorous federal standards, such as serving anyone who needs care regardless of their ability to pay, providing 24/7 crisis services, and delivering developmentally appropriate care to children and youth. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act included a nationwide expansion of the CCBHC Medicaid demonstration program over ten years. However, to be eligible to join the demonstration, states must first apply for and receive a SAMHSA planning grant. “Given that the [planning grant] application deadline is December 19, 2022, and the next opportunity to participate in the demonstration will not be until 2026, we urge the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to pursue this significant federal grant opportunity in order to allow the incoming administration maximum flexibility to determine whether participation is appropriate for the state,” wrote the lawmakers. The lawmakers continued, “available evidence shows that Medicaid-financed CCBHCs expand access to intensive, coordinated community-based mental health and substance use services.” The CCBHC Medicaid demonstration program can enable mental health clinics to hire more staff, serve more people and offer more services. Maryland’s participation could help alleviate the state’s mental health and substance use crises, including the challenge of emergency room boarding of behavioral health patients. The letter is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-votes-to-support-rail-workers-and-avert-devastating-supply-chain-shutdown,Mfume Votes to Support Rail Workers and Avert Devastating Supply Chain Shutdown,2022-11-30,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement upon passage of legislation to ratify the rail labor agreement and legislation to add seven days of paid sick leave to the agreement. “American workers are the engine that drives our economy, so I proudly supported legislation to provide paid sick leave to railroad workers as well as legislation to provide them with much-needed improvements to their take-home pay, health benefits, and working conditions. I look forward to swift action by the Senate on these measures designed to protect both workers and the American supply chain,” said Congressman Mfume. Topline Highlights of H.J. Res. 100 Avoids Economic Turmoil A rail strike would grind our economy to a halt and touch the lives of nearly every family: As many as 765,000 workers, including many union members, would lose their jobs in just the first two weeks of a strike Millions of families would not be able to get groceries, medications and other goods Many communities wouldn’t be able to acquire chlorine to keep their water supply clean Businesses would not be able to get their products to market Perishable goods would spoil before reaching consumers Secures Well-Earned Advancements for Railroad Workers Includes a pay raise of 24% and a $5,000 bonus Does not affect copays, deductibles or coinsurance costs Provides some time off for routine, preventative, and emergency medical care Safeguards the two-man crew Topline Highlights of H. Con. Res. 119 Provides Railroad Workers with Much-Needed Paid Sick Leave Ensures freight railroad workers receive 7 paid sick leave days Allows sick leave to be used without penalty under rail carrier attendance policies Allows parties to negotiate the implementation of these 7 paid sick days, and includes important protections to ensure an agreement is met",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-statement-on-the-devastating-passing-of-congressman-donald-mceachin,Congressman Mfume Statement on the Devastating Passing of Congressman Donald McEachin,2022-11-29,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement regarding the passing of Congressman Donald McEachin (VA-04). ""Don fought a quiet, dignified fight, all the way to the end. May the grace of God give comfort to his soul and eternal peace to the spirit he leaves behind.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-statement-on-mass-shooting-in-virginia,Congressman Mfume Statement on Mass Shooting in Virginia,2022-11-23,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement following the tragic mass shooting in Chesapeake, Virginia. ""For too long, our nation has remained on edge because we all know it is just a matter of days or weeks before we hear about another horrific mass shooting, exemplified by the two back-to-back tragedies in Colorado and Virginia,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “While our hearts and prayers of course go out to the affected families and communities, Congress must do more to end the carnage. It is a national emergency and a national disgrace.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-statement-on-speaker-pelosi-s-decision-to-step-down-following-influential-and-historic-leadership-tenure,Congressman Mfume Statement on Speaker Pelosi's Decision to Step Down Following Influential and Historic Leadership Tenure,2022-11-18,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement on the decision by U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) not to seek reelection for her leadership position in Congress. “Speaker Pelosi’s long and successful career has been nothing short of impeccable. Her legacy as one of the greatest leaders, if not the greatest leader, of our generation in Congress is solidified in the history books. Nancy Pelosi and I both entered Congress in 1987, and I can vividly recall the pride her father exuded during her swearing-in. Decades later, after making history as the first female Speaker of the U.S. House and guiding some of the most defining legislation our nation has ever seen, Speaker Pelosi warmly welcomed me back when I returned to Congress. I congratulate Nancy on a truly amazing career, and I look forward to serving with her as she adjusts her role in Congress to guide House Democrats into the future.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mfume-watson-coleman-introduce-new-pathways-act-to-aide-reentry-and-reduce-recidivism,"Reps. Mfume, Watson Coleman Introduce New Pathways Act to Aide Reentry and Reduce Recidivism",2022-11-18,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the New Pathways Act, legislation to help formerly incarcerated Americans re-enter society by requiring the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to help these individuals obtain government-issued identification. More than 600,000 Americans are released from state and federal prisons each year and upon release face significant barriers to reentry. Among the barriers is the need for government-issued identification, a requirement for renting an apartment, setting up a bank account, registering to vote, and more. “If we are serious about addressing inequality in the United States, then we must take a hard look at the criminal justice system and offer comprehensive solutions. Formerly incarcerated individuals unmistakably face barriers to successfully re-entering our communities after paying their debts to society,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “The New Pathways Act is a necessary step towards reentry reform and will help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain the resources they need to more quickly become productive community members, as is the intended outcome of any fair and equitable criminal justice system.” “Our criminal justice system as it exists now seemingly encourages recidivism. When incarcerated people are released, they are left on their own to create new lives for themselves while simultaneously facing obstacles that are almost insurmountable. Without the resources necessary to overcome these obstacles, many newly released Americans remain stuck in a cycle of recidivism,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “The federal government must do more to support recently released individuals, and assisting them in the process of obtaining identification is a crucial first step. By passing the New Pathways Act, we can reduce the number of repeat offenders and bring us one step closer to ending mass incarceration. I’m proud to have introduced this legislation and urge my colleagues in Congress to support it.” The New Pathways Act mandates that the BOP take steps to obtain a Social Security card and a proof-of-citizenship document (e.g., a passport) for formerly incarcerated citizens. For non-citizens, the bill requires the BOP to help the individual obtain either proof of lawful residence or an employment authorization document. The New Pathways Act is sponsored in the U.S. Senate by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). It has been endorsed by Families Against Mandatory Minimums, the Center for Law and Social Policy, Justice Action Network, JustLeadershipUSA, Campaign for Youth Justice, The Sentencing Project, the Interfaith Action for Human Rights, National Crittenton, and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-passage-medical-marijuana-and-cannabidiol-research-expansion,Harris Statement on the Passage of the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act,2022-11-17,2022,2022-11,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. (MD-01), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee issued the following statement in response to the passage of the bipartisan Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research ExpansionAct. This bill was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Earl Blumenthal (D-OR) and Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD) for the purpose of facilitating rigorous research on marijuana and its potential benefits by removing existing barriers that slow the research process. The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research ExpansionAct also allows approved institutions of higher education, practitioners, and manufacturers to manufacture, distribute, dispense, and possess marijuana and cannabidiol if it is done for purposes of medical research and drug development. This bill will modernize current research methods, bringing medical marijuana up to the scientific standard we use for every other type of medication that is sold as a drug in this country. The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research ExpansionAct was introduced in the Senate by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Brian Schatz (D-HI). In July, this bill was passed in the House of Representatives by a 325-95 vote. Congressman Harris issued the following the statement: “As a physician who has conducted NIH-sponsored research, I am pleased that this bill has finally passed and that scientists will be able to research what medical marijuana can and cannot do. While there is evidence to suggest that medical marijuana may be beneficial in the treatment of some diseases like glaucoma and epilepsy, only scientific research will prove the veracity of the many claims regarding efficacy for other diseases. Despite lacking much scientific research, over three dozen states have already legalized medical marijuana, and the American public deserves to know the effect modern marijuana has on the human body. While I support additional research for the use of medical marijuana, my position on recreational marijuana remains the same – I categorically oppose it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-usda-grant-christiana-health-care-services-cecil-maryland,"Harris Statement on USDA Grant to Christiana Health Care Services in Cecil, Maryland.",2022-11-17,2022,2022-11,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. (MD-01), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, is pleased to announce that the USDA issued a Rural Development grant in the amount of $584,800 to Christiana Health Care Services in Cecil, Maryland. ChristianaCare Union Hospital is a not-for-profit full-service hospital that serves the community by providing expert, effective, and affordable care to local residents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ChristianaCare quickly bought additional resources including labor, lab equipment, equipment for vaccines, ventilators, and testing supplies that would enable them to quickly respond to the increased patient volume in its facility. This Rural Development grant will help to reimburse ChristianaCare for these initial costs as well as allow them to continue providing life-saving care to First District residents. Congressman Harris issued the following the statement: “I am pleased to see the USDA award this grant to one of our Upper Shore hospitals. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ChristianaCare stepped up to meet the needs of our community. This grant will go a long way to backfill COVID-19 related expenses and will empower the hospital to continue to be fully equipped to meet patients’ needs.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/11/raskin-hosts-pact-act-forum-with-leading-u-s-department-of-veterans-affairs-officials,Raskin Hosts PACT Act Forum with Leading U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Officials,2022-11-11,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Rockville, MD – In celebration of Veterans Day and in honor of veterans in Maryland's Eighth Congressional District and around the country, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) convened a forum of leading Veterans Affairs (V.A.) officials to share information about new coverage available to veterans because of the PACT Act, which expands V.A. health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Rep. Raskin advocated and voted to pass this landmark legislation earlier this year, and President Biden signed it into law in August. Rep. Raskin invited Antione Waller, Director of the Baltimore Regional Office of the U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration, and Michael Heimall, Director of the Washington D.C. V.A. Medical Center, to provide veterans with an update on how the PACT Act affects their benefits and to offer them advice on how to apply for the new health care options. “We’ve been fighting for our veterans to receive quality medical care, and with the PACT Act signed into law, we can now provide veterans who have been to exposed to toxic chemicals with critical treatment,” said Rep. Raskin. “The men and women who fought for our country and defended democracy at home and abroad deserve the best care we have. I’m thrilled that Director Waller and Director Heimall could join me to share key information and resources with the people of the Eighth District.” For more information on the PACT Act, visit va.gov/PACT. To apply for V.A. health care, visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction. To file a Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) claim, visit https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction. Reach the 24-hour V.A. hotline at 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411). To reach the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, visit https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-baltimore-mayors-plan-pay-criminals,Harris Statement on Baltimore Mayor’s Plan to Pay Criminals,2022-11-10,2022,2022-11,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. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, issued the following statement on Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s plan to pay squeegee kids to stop their criminal activity. Today, details of the mayor’s “Squeegee Collaborative Plan” were announced showing a shocking guaranteed income program for squeegee kids if they follow a “code of conduct to regulate themselves.” Crime has increased dramatically in Baltimore, including criminal activity related to squeegee kids, with many of the cases involving terrorizing drivers, passengers, and residents. Last week, it was reported that three squeegee kids were arrested for stealing a phone at an intersection and then transferring large sums of money from the victim to themselves via a cash app scam. This comes on the heels of reports of several attempted murder and assault cases involving squeegee kids in Baltimore City. Statement from Congressman Harris: “Now we know why the mayor delayed his announcement until after the election--because Democrats plan to reward criminal behavior with hard-earned taxpayer dollars. Being in the new majority on the House Appropriations committee, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that not a single federal dime goes to this program that rewards criminal activity. Clearly, Baltimore City has too much money on its hands as a result of the wasteful spending bills passed by the Biden Administration and the Pelosi House majority. We will never be able to restore law and order if we reward criminal activity – whether it’s on the streets of Baltimore or at the open southern border. Shamefully, Baltimore leadership not only defunds and demoralizes the police, but they are now starting to reward criminal activity with hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-usda-grant-queen-annes-county,Harris Statement on USDA Grant To Queen Anne’s County,2022-11-10,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved a $73,000 Rural Development grant for the implementation of the ""Where Shore Living Begins"" program adopted by Queen Anne's County in July 2021 and created byeconomic development director, Heather Tinelli. This grant money will specifically be used to encourage and assist 27 small businesses in the region through local investment. Statement from Congressman Harris: “With over 1,400 in Queen Anne’s County, small businesses are a central component to economic development, and I am pleased to see that the USDA is funding a local program that supports them. It is projected that the full implementation of this program will create 150 jobs in the region which is especially helpful at a time when inflation and supply chain issues challenge the growth of local businesses. I look forward to seeing this grant money put to good use.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-usda-grant-rock-hall-volunteer-fire-company-inc,"Harris Statement on USDA Grant To Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company, Inc",2022-11-10,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a $112,500 Rural Development investment grant to Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company, Inc (RCVFC) for the purchase of a 36-foot Aluminum Fire and Safety Rescue Vessel. Presently, Rock Hall is relying on the available equipment of nearby counties such as the Kent Island fireboat which travels nearly 15 miles (30 minutes) to assist with fires. The purchase of this fire boat will greatly assist in protecting the residents and infrastructure of Rock Hall. Statement from Congressman Harris: “Because the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company serves several small and surrounding towns as the “first call” to many fire and medical related emergencies, it is imperative that they have their own updated equipment. Last year alone, it was estimated that the RHVFC responded to over 200 fire and/or rescue calls in the community as well as more than 500 emergency medical related calls. This level of critical community need certainly warrants this rural investment funding, and I am confident this fire boat will improve the overall public safety of the Rock Hall residents.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-usda-grant-town-pittsvilles-law-enforcement-department,Harris Statement on USDA Grant To the Town of Pittsville's Law Enforcement Department,2022-11-10,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a $33,600 Rural Development investment grant to fund the purchase of two 2022 vehicles for the Town of Pittsville's Law Enforcement Department. The two vehicles currently in-use are in need of constant repairs and have accumulated over 100,000 miles. This purchase will also include additional equipment to support the health and safety of both the officers and passengers. Statement from Congressman Harris: “The work police officers do is vital to the safety and well-being of our communities, and it is highly important that they have the resources needed to do their jobs safely. Any amount of time lost due to outdated and malfunctioning equipment during emergency calls could result in life threatening consequences. For this reason, I am pleased to see that the USDA issued this grant to the town of Pittsville Law Enforcement Department and know that this money will be put to good use.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-police-departments-receive-nearly-380000-for-mental-health-support-services-and-community-policing-training,"Maryland Police Departments Receive Nearly $380,000 for Mental Health Support Services and Community Policing Training",2022-11-09,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, and John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) today announced $378,538 to promote community policing and provide mental health support to Maryland police departments. This federal funding comes through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Community Policing Development (CPD) program and the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) program. The following agencies are receiving funds: City of Baltimore: $199,900 in CPD funding to expand community policing strategies through de-escalation, tolerance and diversity, and anti-bias trainings. Baltimore County: $160,138 in LEMHWA funding to enhance mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through training and technical assistance, demonstration projects, the implementation of promising practices related to peer mentoring mental health and wellness, and suicide prevention programs. Charles County: $18,500 in LEMHWA funding to enhance mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through training and technical assistance, demonstration projects, the implementation of promising practices related to peer mentoring mental health and wellness, and suicide prevention programs. “Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to help make communities safer. This funding will advance innovative solutions to prevent and respond to crime and support the health of law enforcement officers,” said the lawmakers. “Together, these practices create stronger relationships and trust between law enforcement and citizens, making every officer better equipped to serve.” The COPS Office advances public safety through the practice of community policing and building stronger bonds between law enforcement and the communities served. Nationally, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing by awarding grants to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 136,000 officers. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/11/raskin-statement-on-passing-of-delegate-sheila-hixson,Raskin Statement on Passing Of Delegate Sheila Hixson,2022-11-07,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"ROCKVILLE, MD – United Sates Congressman Jamie Raskin, State Senator Will Smith, State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, State Delegate David Moon and State Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins released the following statement at 12:30 p.m. Monday, November 7, 2022: “We are filled with sadness to share news of the loss last night of our beloved friend and mentor and former District 20 colleague, Delegate Sheila Hixson, the former Chair of the House of Delegates Ways and Means Committee. We extend heartfelt condolences to her wonderful family and share their grief over this terrible loss. “Sheila was a trailblazer in Maryland politics and government. A former staffer at the Democratic National Committee, she got involved locally and led the way for a generation of women running in Maryland elections at every level, always working pragmatically for progressive change. She was the longest serving woman in the Maryland General Assembly and the first woman to become Chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. She advocated for gun safety, the rights of same-sex marriage, repeal of the death penalty and progressive tax policy for many decades before any of these causes were popular or easy. “We are grateful for her impassioned life of service and her enduring contributions to the dynamic political culture of District 20, where her Breakfast Club was always the center of the action, the good-government politics of Montgomery County and progressive legislative change in the state of Maryland. Sheila believed in the power of government to be an instrument of common prosperity and the agent of excellent constituent service. She listened to and valued the voice of the people. May her example of passionate commitment to the people always be our guide in our community and may her sparkling memory always be a blessing to her family and friends and those who love her. ""Sheila’s family and colleagues will be announcing a memorial service in the New Year in Annapolis.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-urges-state-action-on-innovative-health-care-model,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Urges State Action on Innovative Health Care Model",2022-11-04,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone today wrote to Gov. Larry Hogan urging the state to work with stakeholders to protect Maryland’s unique, innovative and effective health care model. The Members of Congress underscored that the state is at risk of failing to meet its contractual obligations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). “We write to express our concern that the state is projected to fail three of the six targets of the Maryland Total Cost of Care (TCOC) Model in calendar year (CY) 2022,” the members wrote. “As you know, the model has been a crucial part of our state’s health care system, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic, providing much needed financial stability to health care providers while incentivizing addressing population health to drive better health outcomes for Marylanders. Though the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will not make an official determination the state has failed to meet the model requirements until summer 2023, we urge you to work closely with the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC), Maryland health care stakeholders, and the federal delegation to take decisive action to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Maryland TCOC Model.” The full text of the letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/today-congressman-mfume-maryland-leaders-to-urge-biden-administration-to-select-maryland-for-next-fbi-headquarters,"Today: Congressman Mfume, Maryland Leaders to Urge Biden Administration to Select Maryland for Next FBI Headquarters",2022-11-04,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BALTIMORE, MD – Congressman Kweisi Mfume will speak and stand with Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Anthony Brown, and other Maryland local and state leaders at a press conference on Friday, November 4, to advocate for Prince George’s County, Maryland as the selection process for the new FBI headquarters continues. Prince George’s County is the only majority-Black jurisdiction under consideration. Maryland leaders will stress that the criteria used for the past decade, including access to transit, security, cost, environmental impact, and equity considerations, are achieved at each of the two Prince George’s County sites in the final phase of federal consideration. See President Biden’s Executive Order on advancing racial equity here as an example. More on equity from the Biden Administration can be found here. In August, Congressman Kweisi Mfume and other top Maryland leaders, including Congressman Anthony Brown, Speaker Adrienne A. Jones of the Maryland House of Delegates, and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks led a letter urging President Biden to choose a Prince George’s County site for the new consolidated FBI headquarters on their merits and as part of the federal government’s broader equity and empowerment initiatives. More recently, Congressman Mfume authored a strongly-worded October 20, 2022 Twitter statement, garnering more grassroots and grasstops attention to this issue and the need for the final location to be in Maryland. WHAT: Press Conference to Discuss FBI Headquarters Selection Process WHEN: Friday, November 4, 2022, at 11:00 AM WHO: Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks Congressman Steny Hoyer, U.S. House Majority Leader U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, U.S. Senator for Maryland U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator for Maryland Congressman Anthony Brown, Maryland Congressional District 4 Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Maryland Congressional District 7 Delegate Nick Charles, Chair, Prince George’s House Delegation Senator Malcolm Augustine, Legislative District 47 Councilman Mel Franklin, Prince George’s County Council WHERE: Greenbelt Metro Station (Media should park in the Kiss & Ride Lot) 5717 Greenbelt Metro Drive Greenbelt, MD LIVESTREAM: To watch a livestream of the press conference, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/11/maryland-congressional-delegation-urges-state-action-on-innovative-health-care-model,Maryland Congressional Delegation Urges State Action on Innovative Health Care Model,2022-11-04,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone today wrote to Gov. Larry Hogan urging the state to work with stakeholders to protect Maryland’s unique, innovative and effective health care model. The Members of Congress underscored that the state is at risk of failing to meet its contractual obligations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). “We write to express our concern that the state is projected to fail three of the six targets of the Maryland Total Cost of Care (TCOC) Model in calendar year (CY) 2022,” the members wrote. “As you know, the model has been a crucial part of our state’s health care system, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic, providing much needed financial stability to health care providers while incentivizing addressing population health to drive better health outcomes for Marylanders. Though the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will not make an official determination the state has failed to meet the model requirements until summer 2023, we urge you to work closely with the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC), Maryland health care stakeholders, and the federal delegation to take decisive action to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Maryland TCOC Model.” The full text of the letter is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-submits-comment-noaa,Congressman Harris Submits Comment to NOAA,2022-11-02,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Seeking to highlight the devastating economic impacts of NOAA’s proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, Congressman Harris submitted his opposition to NOAA’s proposed rule on Monday through its public comment engagement.In his comment, Congressman Harris called on NOAA to pause or considerably extend the rulemaking process to properly engage with impacted stakeholders. If enacted, this proposal would impact nearly 16,000 vessels throughout the Eastern Seaboard, resulting in hundreds of thousands of additional transit hours annually. It would also cost tens of millions of dollars more per year to consumers and impacted industry stakeholders despite any concrete scientific evidence linking the proposed speed reduction to a decline in right whale mortality. At a recent meeting in Ocean City, Congressman Harris listened to concerned watermen who expressed that while preserving the North Atlantic Right Whales are an important environmental concern, the consequences of the proposed 10 knot speed reduction on the local boating industry would be severe. Statement from Congressman Harris: ""Boating is a recreational and commercial way of life for thousands of my constituents and I will always question the need for more government regulation, especially if it harms our First District economy.” A copy of the comment can be read here",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/11/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-over-1-million-to-support-mental-health-services-across-the-state,Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $1 Million to Support Mental Health Services Across the State,2022-11-02,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $1,295,259 for the Maryland Department of Health to provide community mental health services for adults and children across Maryland. “We need a strong network of mental health services to ensure all Marylanders can access the care they need to lead healthy lives. This funding is critical to providing more comprehensive mental and behavioral health care, and we urge the Maryland Department of Health to distribute it as efficiently and equitably as possible. We will continue fighting to invest in the necessary mental health resources to ensure no Marylander falls through the cracks,” said the lawmakers. This federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program is intended to meet the need for comprehensive community mental health services among adults and children. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-newhouse-harris-lead-oversight-inquiry-partnerships-climate-smart,"Chairman Newhouse, Harris Lead Oversight Inquiry on Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot",2022-11-01,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee Ranking Member Andy Harris (MD-01) led 10 Members in a letter to the Biden Administration regarding the recently announced Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities pilot program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $2.8 billion in funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for the pilot program with plans for an expected second tranche that would bring total funding for 2022 to $3.5 billion. In the letter, Members express concerns about the program, which was created with no direction from Congress, and ask a series of questions about how USDA created the program, weighed submitted proposals, and intends to ensure the federal funding does not displace private sector investments. “We are dismayed by the lack of transparency and congressional consultation throughout the development of this process,” wrote the lawmakers. “In no way can $3.5 billion be considered a ‘pilot program,’ and there must be direct congressional involvement before a program of this magnitude is implemented.” They continued, “While we are sure there are a number of projects worthy of being funded, this $3.5 billion is largely going to partner organizations rather than going directly to aid farmers or ranchers in this difficult farm economy when many are struggling with rising input costs, drought, and an ongoing supply chain crisis.” Full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Secretary Vilsack, We write regarding your September 14, 2022, announcement that USDA awarded $2.8 billion in funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities with plans for an expected second tranche that would bring total funding for this program to $3.5 billion in 2022 alone. We are dismayed at the lack of transparency and congressional consultation throughout the development of this process. In no way can $3.5 billion dollars be considered a “pilot program,” and there must be direct congressional involvement before a program of this magnitude is implemented. While we are sure there are a number of projects worthy of being funded, this $3.5 billion is largely going to partner organization rather than going directly to aid farmers or ranchers in this difficult farm economy when many are struggling with rising input costs, drought, and an ongoing supply chain crisis. Rather, this $3.5 billion is being allocated to partner organizations with no direction or oversight from Congress. The findings from these projects may help farmers and ranchers years down the road – USDA itself acknowledged in its press release that it is only a “potential for meaningful opportunities to benefit producers” – but to spend $3.5 billion of taxpayer dollars on a potential benefit without congressional involvement is unacceptable. USDA’s unilateral move has raised questions about current and future congressional oversight of CCC funding. Given the lack of input and direction from Congress on this pilot program, please provide answers to the following questions: How does USDA define a “pilot program”? At what level of funding does a program exceed the definition of a pilot program? How did USDA weigh the submitted proposals to ensure that this funding would most directly assist farmers? What is USDA doing to ensure that this funding is not displacing private sector funding that would have otherwise been invested in similar projects if there were not federal funding available? How many of the projects that USDA approved are going to private sector businesses (or have businesses as major partners) that made pledges to their shareholders to invest in similar projects? What discussions were had, if any, with those businesses to ensure that they would provide matching funds or continue their own projects? How much in total are those businesses providing in matching funds?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-over-1-million-to-support-mental-health-services-across-the-state,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $1 Million to Support Mental Health Services Across the State",2022-11-01,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $1,295,259 for the Maryland Department of Health to provide community mental health services for adults and children across Maryland. “We need a strong network of mental health services to ensure all Marylanders can access the care they need to lead healthy lives. This funding is critical to providing more comprehensive mental and behavioral health care, and we urge the Maryland Department of Health to distribute it as efficiently and equitably as possible. We will continue fighting to invest in the necessary mental health resources to ensure no Marylander falls through the cracks,” said the lawmakers. This federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program is intended to meet the need for comprehensive community mental health services among adults and children.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/11/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-over-10-million-for-enhanced-security-measures-at-houses-of-worship-across-the-state,Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce Over $10 Million for Enhanced Security Measures at Houses of Worship Across the State,2022-11-01,2022,2022-11,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $10,691,398 to enhance security measures at local religious and nonprofit community organizations across the state. This federal funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which the lawmakers fought to deliver a $70 million funding increase for in the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations bill. The program provides support for physical security enhancements and training to religious nonprofit organizations in response to the rise in religiously motivated attacks on faith communities across the country. “Religious liberty is a fundamental freedom protected by our Constitution, but the concerning rise of hate-fueled attacks against religious communities threatens that liberty both here in Maryland and across the country. We fought for these investments so our faith-based organizations can ensure the protection and security of their members. Team Maryland will continue working with our faith organizations to secure more resources so all Marylanders can be free to worship as they choose without fear,” said the lawmakers. A full list of award recipients is below: Agudath Israel of Baltimore - $150,000 Bais Yaakov School for Girls - $150,000 Yaakov School for Girls - $150,000 Baltimore Hebrew Congregation - $150,000 Beth Am In-Town Synagogue - $150,000 Beth Tfiloh - $150,000 B'nai Israel Congregation of Baltimore - $150,000 Bnos Yisroel of Baltimore - $150,000 Chabad Israel Center of Baltimore - $150,000 Chabad Lubavitch of Hunt Valley - $150,000 Chabad of Towson - $150,000 Cheder Chabad, Inc. - $150,000 Chizuk Amuno Congregation - $150,000 Congregation Beit Yaakov - $150,000 Congregation Shomrei Emunah, Inc. - $150,000 Congretation of Kol Shalom - $150,000 Darchei Noam Montessori - $150,000 Edward Myerberg Senior Center - $150,000 Har Sinai - Ohem Shalom Congregation - $150,000 Mesivta Kesser Torah of Baltimore - $150,000 Ner Israel Rabbinical College - $150,000 Ohr Chadash Congregation - $150,000 Owings Mills Synagogue, Inc. - $150,000 St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church - $150,000 Star-K Certification, Inc. - $150,000 Talmudical Academy of Baltimore - $150,000 Temple Beth Sholom of Anne Arundel County - $150,000 Yeshivas Lubavitch of Baltimore - $150,000 Yeshivas Toras Simcha - $150,000 Gethsemane United Methodist Church - $150,000 Islamic Center of Maryland - $150,000 Jewish Community Center of Prince Georges County - $150,000 Kemp Mill Synagogue - $150,000 Magen David Sephardic Congregation - $150,000 Seven Locks Jewish Community - $150,000 Temple Beth Ami - $150,000 Temple Emanuel - $150,000 Beth Sholom Congregation - $150,000 Calvary Assembly of God, Inc. - $150,000 Islamic Society of Frederick, Inc. - $150,000 Mother Seton School, Inc. - $150,000 Shoresh, Inc. - $150,000 The Banner School - $150,000 TidalHealth Peninsula Regional - $150,000 Williamsport Church of God - $150,000 Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore - $149,985 Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore - $149,974 St. Paul Church - $148,943 Islamic Community Center of Laurel - $148,000 Bishop Walsh School - $147,366 Islamic Society of Baltimore - $147,257 St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church - $147,097 St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church - $141,227 St. Agnes Catholic School - $139,971 Resurrection St. Paul School - $139,560 Prince George's Muslim Association - $139,450 Mt. Olive Methodist Church - $136,000 Atlantic General Hospital - $134,843 Sacred Monastery of Saint Nina, Inc. - $130,000 Jewish Rockville Outreach Center - $128,400 Chesapeake Church - $128,099 Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington - $125,343 St. Michael-St. Clement School Willow - $120,886 Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies - $110,577 Pikesville Jewish Congregation - $109,200 Grace Bible Baptist Church - $107,575 The Jewels School - $105,000 Temple Bat Yam - $98,995 St. John Regional Catholic School - $95,000 Carolina Missionary Baptist Church - $93,200 B'nai Israel Congregation Cemetery - $89,550 Trinity Assembly of God - $80,928 Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim - $75,000 Temple B'nai Israel - $75,000 Bolton St. Synagogue - $74,731 St. Agnes Catholic Congregation - $68,717 Ohr Hatorah, Inc - $61,530 Temple Shalom - $60,570 Covenant Family Chapel - $32,000 Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics - $30,517 Redeeming Grace Baptist Church - $26,907 Jewish Federation of Greater Washington - $25,000 Faith Christian Fellowship Church - $19,000 ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-over-10-million-for-enhanced-security-measures-at-houses-of-worship-across-the-state,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce Over $10 Million for Enhanced Security Measures at Houses of Worship Across the State",2022-10-31,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $10,691,398 to enhance security measures at local religious and nonprofit community organizations across the state. This federal funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which the lawmakers fought to deliver a $70 million funding increase for in the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations bill. The program provides support for physical security enhancements and training to religious nonprofit organizations in response to the rise in religiously motivated attacks on faith communities across the country. “Religious liberty is a fundamental freedom protected by our Constitution, but the concerning rise of hate-fueled attacks against religious communities threatens that liberty both here in Maryland and across the country. We fought for these investments so our faith-based organizations can ensure the protection and security of their members. Team Maryland will continue working with our faith organizations to secure more resources so all Marylanders can be free to worship as they choose without fear,” said the lawmakers. A full list of award recipients is below: Agudath Israel of Baltimore - $150,000 Bais Yaakov School for Girls - $150,000 Yaakov School for Girls - $150,000 Baltimore Hebrew Congregation - $150,000 Beth Am In-Town Synagogue - $150,000 Beth Tfiloh - $150,000 B'nai Israel Congregation of Baltimore - $150,000 Bnos Yisroel of Baltimore - $150,000 Chabad Israel Center of Baltimore - $150,000 Chabad Lubavitch of Hunt Valley - $150,000 Chabad of Towson - $150,000 Cheder Chabad, Inc. - $150,000 Chizuk Amuno Congregation - $150,000 Congregation Beit Yaakov - $150,000 Congregation Shomrei Emunah, Inc. - $150,000 Congretation of Kol Shalom - $150,000 Darchei Noam Montessori - $150,000 Edward Myerberg Senior Center - $150,000 Har Sinai - Ohem Shalom Congregation - $150,000 Mesivta Kesser Torah of Baltimore - $150,000 Ner Israel Rabbinical College - $150,000 Ohr Chadash Congregation - $150,000 Owings Mills Synagogue, Inc. - $150,000 St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church - $150,000 Star-K Certification, Inc. - $150,000 Talmudical Academy of Baltimore - $150,000 Temple Beth Sholom of Anne Arundel County - $150,000 Yeshivas Lubavitch of Baltimore - $150,000 Yeshivas Toras Simcha - $150,000 Gethsemane United Methodist Church - $150,000 Islamic Center of Maryland - $150,000 Jewish Community Center of Prince Georges County - $150,000 Kemp Mill Synagogue - $150,000 Magen David Sephardic Congregation - $150,000 Seven Locks Jewish Community - $150,000 Temple Beth Ami - $150,000 Temple Emanuel - $150,000 Beth Sholom Congregation - $150,000 Calvary Assembly of God, Inc. - $150,000 Islamic Society of Frederick, Inc. - $150,000 Mother Seton School, Inc. - $150,000 Shoresh, Inc. - $150,000 The Banner School - $150,000 TidalHealth Peninsula Regional - $150,000 Williamsport Church of God - $150,000 Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore - $149,985 Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore - $149,974 St. Paul Church - $148,943 Islamic Community Center of Laurel - $148,000 Bishop Walsh School - $147,366 Islamic Society of Baltimore - $147,257 St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church - $147,097 St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church - $141,227 St. Agnes Catholic School - $139,971 Resurrection St. Paul School - $139,560 Prince George's Muslim Association - $139,450 Mt. Olive Methodist Church - $136,000 Atlantic General Hospital - $134,843 Sacred Monastery of Saint Nina, Inc. - $130,000 Jewish Rockville Outreach Center - $128,400 Chesapeake Church - $128,099 Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington - $125,343 St. Michael-St. Clement School Willow - $120,886 Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies - $110,577 Pikesville Jewish Congregation - $109,200 Grace Bible Baptist Church - $107,575 The Jewels School - $105,000 Temple Bat Yam - $98,995 St. John Regional Catholic School - $95,000 Carolina Missionary Baptist Church - $93,200 B'nai Israel Congregation Cemetery - $89,550 Trinity Assembly of God - $80,928 Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim - $75,000 Temple B'nai Israel - $75,000 Bolton St. Synagogue - $74,731 St. Agnes Catholic Congregation - $68,717 Ohr Hatorah, Inc - $61,530 Temple Shalom - $60,570 Covenant Family Chapel - $32,000 Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics - $30,517 Redeeming Grace Baptist Church - $26,907 Jewish Federation of Greater Washington - $25,000 Faith Christian Fellowship Church - $19,000",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/norton-raskin-van-hollen-and-cardin-urge-national-park-service-to-remove-name-of-segregationist-newlands-from-chevy-chase-circle,"Norton, Raskin, Van Hollen and Cardin Urge National Park Service to Remove Name of Segregationist Newlands from Chevy Chase Circle",2022-10-28,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) wrote the Director of the National Park Service (NPS) requesting permanent removal of the name Francis Griffith Newlands in Chevy Chase Circle, a federal park located both in D.C. and Maryland. The lawmakers have introduced legislation in the House and Senate, respectively, to remove the name. “We urge you to permanently remove or conceal the name of Francis Griffith Newlands at Chevy Chase Circle, a federal park located both in the District of Columbia and Maryland, during the ongoing construction in the park,” the members wrote. “Newlands does not deserve to be honored on federal land. In 1912, he called for the repeal of the 15th Amendment, which gave African American men the right to vote. As a founder of the Chevy Chase Land Company, Newlands included covenants to homes on Connecticut Avenue to explicitly prohibit the land from being owned by African American or Jewish homeowners and priced the properties to keep low-income people out of the neighborhood.” The full letter follows. October 27, 2022 The Honorable Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C St., NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Director Sams: We urge you to permanently remove or conceal the name of Francis Griffith Newlands at Chevy Chase Circle, a federal park located both in the District of Columbia and Maryland, during the ongoing construction in the park. We believe the National Park Service (NPS) has the administrative authority to do so, given that the memorial fountain’s authorizing statute (47 Stat. 78) does not name Senator Newlands nor dedicate the memorial to him. We understand that the coping stones and tablet that bear Newlands’ name have been temporarily removed as part of a rehabilitation project and will be returned to the fountain in four to five weeks. It appears that the name can be physically removed or otherwise concealed efficiently, without further impairment to the structure. Newlands does not deserve to be honored on federal land. In 1912, he called for the repeal of the 15th Amendment, which gave African American men the right to vote. As a founder of the Chevy Chase Land Company, Newlands included covenants to homes on Connecticut Avenue to explicitly prohibit the land from being owned by African American or Jewish homeowners and priced the properties to keep low-income people out of the neighborhood. He sought to use Rock Creek Park to keep white communities separate from emerging Black communities on what he called the “wrong side of the park.” We introduced bills in the House and Senate directing NPS to remove Newlands’ name. However, given the limited time remaining in this Congress, and the existing administrative authority for NPS to act on removing Newlands’ name from the memorial, we urge NPS to swiftly coordinate the rehabilitation of the park with permanent removal or concealment of his name. This is the perfect time to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Congressman Jamie Raskin Senator Chris Van Hollen Senator Benjamin L. Cardin ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-members-welcome-johns-hopkins-carefirst-contract-resolution,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Welcome Johns Hopkins-CareFirst Contract Resolution",2022-10-26,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) welcomed the contract agreement between Johns Hopkins Medicine and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. The deal comes after the lawmakers sent a letter to the two parties last week calling on them to come to an agreement before the upcoming health insurance enrollment deadline, and it ensures Johns Hopkins patients with CareFirst insurance plans will not have their health care access disrupted during this year’s open enrollment period, which begins in one week on November 1. “Marylanders can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they won’t experience disruptions to their health care coverage during this year’s open enrollment period. We’re glad to see Hopkins and CareFirst heed our calls to reach an agreement and urge the strengthening of their partnership to promote access to high-quality, affordable health care to Marylanders,” said the lawmakers. During the health insurance open enrollment period, which begins on November 1, Marylanders can purchase new health insurance plans or modify their existing coverage at MarylandHealthConnection.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-welcome-johns-hopkins-carefirst-contract-resolution,Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Welcome Johns Hopkins-CareFirst Contract Resolution,2022-10-26,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) welcomed the contract agreement between Johns Hopkins Medicine and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. The deal comes after the lawmakers sent a letter to the two parties last week calling on them to come to an agreement before the upcoming health insurance enrollment deadline, and it ensures Johns Hopkins patients with CareFirst insurance plans will not have their health care access disrupted during this year’s open enrollment period, which begins in one week on November 1. “Marylanders can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they won’t experience disruptions to their health care coverage during this year’s open enrollment period. We’re glad to see Hopkins and CareFirst heed our calls to reach an agreement and urge the strengthening of their partnership to promote access to high-quality, affordable health care to Marylanders,” said the lawmakers. During the health insurance open enrollment period, which begins on November 1, Marylanders can purchase new health insurance plans or modify their existing coverage at MarylandHealthConnection.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-3-million-for-rural-health-care-facilities,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $3 Million for Rural Health Care Facilities",2022-10-25,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $3,079,600 in U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development funding for six Maryland health and wellness-based facilities to improve and modernize their services. Funding comes through the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants Program of the American Rescue Plan Act and will be allocated to the following facilities: Westminster Rescue Mission Inc., $998,400 – To hire additional staff for its Addiction Healing Center, upgrade the Mission’s building and purchase more COVID-19 tests and resources for staff and patients. Garrett County Regional Medical Center, $802,700 – To provide equipment for Garrett County Memorial Hospital that will help hospital staff assess patients over 65, who are at greater risk of contracting a more serious case of COVID-19, and replace equipment that has been exhausted during the pandemic. Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, $459,000 – To establish the “Eastern Shore Delmarva Farm to Freezer Project” – a produce processing and aggregation facility that will increase the availability of locally processed produce, increase opportunities for local farmers and provide a wider access to a variety of foods in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties. Minary’s Dream Alliance Inc., $374,900 – To fund the staff and their travel expenses, along with the purchase of food, packaging supplies and equipment for the Alliance’s “Feed the Elderly Program,” which was established during the pandemic to provide food to low-income seniors in Kent County. Brook Lane Health Services Inc. in Washington County, $268,100 – To reimburse lost revenue caused by the pandemic. Over the past three years, Brook Lane was forced to remove some of its inpatient beds to limit the spread of COVID-19. End Hunger in Charles County, Maryland Inc., $176,500 – To establish a food distribution facility in Indian Head, Maryland by investing in a building, trucks, walk-in freezers and bulk food. Indian Head has a population of 3,844 people, over 12 percent of whom live in poverty. This will serve as the first fresh food source in the town since 1999. “The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on Maryland families in every corner of our state, exacerbating challenges that have been building up in the health care system for years. That’s why we must keep working to ensure that everyone has equitable access to health services they need, regardless of their zip code,” the lawmakers said. “These federal funds will support the health and wellbeing of people across our state, especially targeting rural areas that are often under-served. We will continue to support these health care facilities and work to increase access to health care in all of our communities.” TeamMaryland fought to pass the historicAmerican Rescue Plan Act with unified Democratic support. The Emergency Rural Health Care Grants were first made available in August 2021. The grants provide assistance to health care facilities, tribes and communities looking to expand health care services and nutrition assistance in rural areas. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-3-million-for-rural-health-care-facilities,Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $3 Million for Rural Health Care Facilities,2022-10-25,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $3,079,600 in U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development funding for six Maryland health and wellness-based facilities to improve and modernize their services. Funding comes through the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants Program of the American Rescue Plan Act and will be allocated to the following facilities: Westminster Rescue Mission Inc., $998,400 – To hire additional staff for its Addiction Healing Center, upgrade the Mission’s building and purchase more COVID-19 tests and resources for staff and patients. Garrett County Regional Medical Center, $802,700 – To provide equipment for Garrett County Memorial Hospital that will help hospital staff assess patients over 65, who are at greater risk of contracting a more serious case of COVID-19, and replace equipment that has been exhausted during the pandemic. Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, $459,000 – To establish the “Eastern Shore Delmarva Farm to Freezer Project” – a produce processing and aggregation facility that will increase the availability of locally processed produce, increase opportunities for local farmers and provide a wider access to a variety of foods in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties. Minary’s Dream Alliance Inc., $374,900 – To fund the staff and their travel expenses, along with the purchase of food, packaging supplies and equipment for the Alliance’s “Feed the Elderly Program,” which was established during the pandemic to provide food to low-income seniors in Kent County. Brook Lane Health Services Inc. in Washington County, $268,100 – To reimburse lost revenue caused by the pandemic. Over the past three years, Brook Lane was forced to remove some of its inpatient beds to limit the spread of COVID-19. End Hunger in Charles County, Maryland Inc., $176,500 – To establish a food distribution facility in Indian Head, Maryland by investing in a building, trucks, walk-in freezers and bulk food. Indian Head has a population of 3,844 people, over 12 percent of whom live in poverty. This will serve as the first fresh food source in the town since 1999. “The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on Maryland families in every corner of our state, exacerbating challenges that have been building up in the health care system for years. That’s why we must keep working to ensure that everyone has equitable access to health services they need, regardless of their zip code,” the lawmakers said. “These federal funds will support the health and wellbeing of people across our state, especially targeting rural areas that are often under-served. We will continue to support these health care facilities and work to increase access to health care in all of our communities.” Team Maryland fought to pass the historic American Rescue Plan Act with unified Democratic support. The Emergency Rural Health Care Grants were first made available in August 2021. The grants provide assistance to health care facilities, tribes and communities looking to expand health care services and nutrition assistance in rural areas. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/raskin-restates-the-fundamental-importance-of-the-ukrainian-struggle-for-national-sovereignty-democracy-and-freedom,"Raskin Restates the Fundamental Importance of the Ukrainian Struggle for National Sovereignty, Democracy and Freedom",2022-10-25,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jamie Raskin today released the following statement. “I am glad to learn of the withdrawal of the letter of October 24, 2022, which—because of its unfortunate timing and other flaws—led to the conflation of growing Republican opposition to support for Ukraine, as exemplified by recent statements of Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, with the polar-opposite position of dozens of Democrats like me who have passionately supported every package of military, strategic and economic assistance to the Ukrainian people and are determined to see the Ukrainian people win victory over Vladimir Putin and expel his imperialist forces from their country. “In the eight months since Russia began its atrocity-filled and illegal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, the Ukrainian people have given Americans not just the chance to defend the values of national sovereignty, democracy and pluralism but also great hope for the world’s future. Had Ukrainians been quickly defeated by Putin’s army, as so many people expected, had Volodymyr Zelensky fled the country, as so many people expected, then a dangerous tyranny would have destroyed a nascent democracy, and prospects for democratic causes everywhere in the world would have darkened. Large countries would have felt emboldened to attack small countries everywhere. “But today there is hope because of the strength of President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people, and the cause of democracy and freedom in Ukraine is the cause of the democratic world. We should unite around this just struggle and stay focused on it. “Ukraine has given the world a lesson in anti-imperialism and how to fight a just war of self-defense even amidst enormous civilian suffering. Putin has claimed, as European colonizers did for hundreds of years, that the Ukrainian state and the Ukrainian nation do not exist. This obvious lie has been his rationale for an increasingly genocidal war of destruction, the openly avowed goal of which is the destruction of the Ukrainian people as such. These last weeks and days, Russian propagandists have repeatedly appeared on television to urge the murder of Ukrainian children and violence against the Ukrainian population. “It is a bad colonial habit to suppose that ultimately peace depends upon the wishes of the great powers and the great powers alone, and even progressive and liberal people can fall into this colonialist reflex. “Ukraine’s struggle embodies a democratic future. Its civilian and military leadership is young and diverse, representing a post-Soviet generation that has learned to treasure freedom and value democracy. Its president, who is Jewish and thus belongs to a small national minority, was elected with 73% of the population, and now has even higher levels of support, thanks to his extraordinary wartime leadership. Thousands of Ukrainian women are fighting on the front, and a woman serves as deputy minister of defense. Sexual minorities are represented within the Ukrainian armed forces. Ukrainians soldiers routinely speak two languages. Ukraine has displayed a striking degree of toleration and decency during a war. “The Ukrainians also inspire democratic forces all over the world with their example of civil society. This war is fought and won on the Ukrainian side with the help of countless civilians, organized informally into small horizontal groups, who fill the gaps in logistics. An emblematic image of this war is of the vans driven to the front by civilians to supply soldiers. Where conscripted Russians destroy Ukrainian homes, neighbors come to help. Another common image of this war is the partially repaired house: in the regions from which Russia has been forced to retreat, Ukrainians do what they can to rebuild their neighbors' homes. “Moscow right now is a hub of corrupt tyranny, censorship, authoritarian repression, police violence, propaganda, government lies and disinformation, and planning for war crimes. It is a world center of antifeminist, antigay, anti-trans hatred, as well as the homeland of replacement theory for export. In supporting Ukraine, we are opposing these fascist views, and supporting the urgent principles of democratic pluralism. Ukraine is not perfect, of course, but its society is organized on the radically different principles of democracy and freedom, which is why Russia's oligarchical leaders seek to destroy it forever. I am proud to have been banned from Putin’s Russia for my pro-Ukrainian legislative activism, and I look forward to visiting Ukraine. “Ukrainians provide us with an example of courage in defense of national sovereignty and democracy. They are defending their democratic right to choose their own leaders and live in freedom and peace, and they are doing so at great risk and staggering personal cost. “Ukrainians today give the democratic world a chance for a critical and historic victory, and we must rally to their side. It is important to be on the right side of a just war, and it is even more important to be on the right side and win. Just as Ukrainian resistance gives us hope, a Ukrainian victory would give us an opening to a much better future for all humanity. All champions of democracy over autocracy—whether they call themselves progressives, conservatives or liberals—should be doing whatever we can to ensure that Ukraine wins this just war as quickly as possible. Diplomacy by the Biden administration will inevitably follow as sustained diplomacy always marks the conclusion of war—even with tyrants and despots. But first Ukraine must win—let us continue to unite as Americans and focus on that central and historic imperative.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/relaying-constituent-concerns-marylands-full-congressional-delegation-asks-end,"Relaying Constituent Concerns, Maryland’s Full Congressional Delegation Asks for an End to Troubling Issues with Routine Immigration Services in Baltimore",2022-10-24,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone Thursday wrote to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Baltimore District Director Greg Collett urging him to address concerning trends in the delivery of routine services at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office. The lack of responsiveness from the USCIS Baltimore Field Office “frustrates our constituents and leaves them with an upsetting lack of information about decisions that are fundamental to their livelihoods,” the delegation said. “We recognize that the past few years have been particularly challenging for USCIS nationwide,” the delegation wrote to Collett. However, there are “significant delays in processing numerous immigration benefits adjudicated by the USCIS Baltimore Field Office, such as family, employment and asylum-based I-485 applications, I-130 petitions, and I-751 applications … public data suggests that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office’s processing times lag considerably behind most other field offices across the country.” “These delays have real, devastating consequences on the lives of individuals, families, and employers in Maryland. Delayed processing times negatively affect our constituents’ employment and financial welfare. Marylanders are regularly denied promotions, transfers, or growth opportunities because they have not yet received the benefits for which they applied. Delays create financial and emotional stress for the families and communities of applicants.” The lawmakers urge the Baltimore District Director to improve services and communication with the public and Congress. The full letter to USCIS Baltimore follows and can be found at this linkand below. Dear Director Collett, As members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write to you in your capacity as District Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Baltimore Field Office (USCIS Baltimore Field Office) with regard to the office’s average service times and responsiveness. Declines on both fronts in recent years are negatively affecting the people of Maryland, and we are concerned that processing times for the critical services the office provides lag significantly behind other comparable field offices across the country. We are committed to understanding the issues facing the USCIS Baltimore Field Office and working with you to better assist the constituents we serve. We recognize that the past few years have been particularly challenging for USCIS nationwide. The agency has had to work through considerable changes in policies and priorities while also dealing with the implications of COVID-19 and managing increases in application receipting and humanitarian-based needs. During public meetings and congressional briefings, the agency has cited staffing and attrition as a leading challenge. We appreciate that USCIS Director Ur Jaddou has made it a priority to reduce application processing times and backlogs. There are significant delays in processing numerous immigration benefits adjudicated by the USCIS Baltimore Field Office, such as family, employment and asylum-based I-485 applications, I-130 petitions, and I-751 applications. We applaud USCIS’s effort to redistribute the workload of I-485s nationally across field offices to create more uniform processing times for employment-based I-485 applications. However, public data suggests that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office’s processing times lag considerably behind most other field offices across the country. Despite the aforementioned progress on employment-based I-485s, the USCIS Baltimore Field Office is currently processing most such applications in 31.5 months compared to 20 months in the Chicago field office and 19.5 months in the Los Angeles field offices. Additionally, the processing time for family-based I-485s is 34.5 months, compared to 15.5 months in Chicago and 18.5 months in Los Angeles. These delays have real, devastating consequences on the lives of individuals, families, and employers in Maryland. Delayed processing times negatively affect our constituents’ employment and financial welfare. Marylanders are regularly denied promotions, transfers, or growth opportunities because they have not yet received the benefits for which they applied. Delays create financial and emotional stress for the families and communities of applicants. A related concern is the deterioration of the USCIS Baltimore Field Office’s responsiveness to our constituents and their advocates. This trend pre-dated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but has certainly increased during that time period. Responses to constituents and their advocates come slower, if they come at all. When provided, responses are generic and do not respond substantively to the situation presented. We are especially concerned about responsiveness to emergencies. Our offices are often contacted by constituents experiencing life-or-death emergencies with immediate need for travel authorization. These constituents contact USCIS’s National Call Center and are advised to await a phone call from the local field office; a call that they never receive. These conditions have caused an increasing number of applicants to seek assistance from our congressional staffs, who themselves report decreased responsiveness from the USCIS Baltimore Field Office. Congressional staff often need to contact agency staff by phone to discuss sensitive cases or time-sensitive matters, but their calls are frequently not answered or returned. Further, USCIS Baltimore Field Office staff previously provided a substantive, unique explanation of reasons for delays when a case exceeded normal processing times. That information helped provide context to constituents, aid their understanding as to the status of their application(s), and mitigate concerns, follow-up questions, and repeat inquiries on the same topic. However, our staff now often receive only a generic or form response in such cases. This lack of meaningful engagement frustrates our constituents and leaves them with an upsetting lack of information about decisions that are fundamental to their livelihoods. It also restricts the ability of our staff to serve their important role of prioritizing cases, identifying procedural errors, and educating the public about their rights under our laws and regulations. As Maryland’s Congressional delegation, we value our long history of collaboration with your office to best serve our constituents. We look forward to working together to reverse recent trends. Toward that end, we respectfully request that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office implement the steps below. We ask that you respond to the following questions and requests in writing by November 21, 2022. What issues, aside from staffing, are causing these delays? What, if any congressional action is needed to address them? Develop and share a clear and date-specific plan for improving processing times to at least the level of field offices in comparable metropolitan centers. Please address the specific plans for all types of I-485s, I-130, and I-751 applications. Schedule quarterly Congressional meetings with USCIS Baltimore Field Office leadership.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-baltimore-delegation-members-announce-900000-for-black-women-s-workforce-reentry-and-development-in-baltimore,"Congressman Mfume, Baltimore Delegation Members Announce $900,000 for Black Women’s Workforce Reentry and Development in Baltimore",2022-10-24,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Dutch Ruppersberger, and John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) announced $900,000 for PIVOT, a workforce reentry and development nonprofit in Baltimore that connects formerly incarcerated Black women with critical resources as they prepare to return to their communities. This project will work in partnership with PREPARE, a parole preparation nonprofit that provides pre-release services and reentry planning as part of the parole process. “Formerly incarcerated individuals who have served their time deserve a fair shot to rebuild their lives. But we know that too many of these individuals – and especially Black women – lack the basic supports that are critical to successful reentry into our communities. PIVOT’s services ensure Black women have the resources they need to transition successfully back into the workforce and rejoin their communities and families,” said the lawmakers. PIVOT’s program is one of the only of its kind in Maryland, focusing specifically on the reentry and employment needs of Black women. The curriculum includes group learning and individual case management, as well as personal success coaching and career counseling. PIVOT partners with corrections, law enforcement, employers, and transitional housing organizations, among others, to assist with every possible need upon participants’ reentry. Participants in PIVOT’s programs have an employment placement rate of 70 percent and a recidivism rate of less than 5 percent.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/maryland-delegation-announces-nearly-3-million-to-combat-illegal-drug-manufacturing-and-distribution,Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $3 Million to Combat Illegal Drug Manufacturing and Distribution,2022-10-24,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $2,782,058 to support the Maryland State Police in curbing the use of illegal and dangerous drugs statewide. This federal funding comes through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) and Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF). Both programs help state law enforcement agencies investigate and shut down laboratories and illicit distribution networks related to the sale of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil. “No corner of our state has been left untouched by illicit drug use. So, it is as important as ever to invest in resources that take life-threatening, illegal substances out of circulation,” said the lawmakers. “This federal funding will support our fight against the drug and opioid crisis that has unfortunately taken the lives of far too many Marylanders and devastated far too many families. Team Maryland is committed to securing funding for public safety programs that help keep our communities safe and healthy.” The COPS Office advances public safety through the practice of community policing and building stronger bonds between law enforcement and the communities served. Nationally, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including through grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 136,000 officers. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-members-urge-administration-to-fund-baltimore-city-efforts-towards-reconnecting-communities-divided-by-highway-to-nowhere,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Urge Administration to Fund Baltimore City Efforts Towards Reconnecting Communities Divided by Highway to Nowhere",2022-10-21,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in support of Baltimore City’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) program grant application to fund the planning of the redevelopment of the Highway to Nowhere in West Baltimore, a highway project that displaced hundreds of residents at the time of its construction more than 50 years ago and has divided and damaged those communities in various ways ever since. The Reconnecting Communities Pilot grant program was modeled off of a pilot program authored by Senator Van Hollen and introduced by both Senators Van Hollen and Cardin in the Senate and led by Congressmen Brown, Mfume, Ruppersberger, Sarbanes, and Trone in the House. Following their introduction of the bills, the lawmakers successfully fought to include their legislation in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The new federal grant program is dedicated to reconnecting communities isolated and excluded from economic opportunity by past infrastructure decisions. The Highway to Nowhere is in Maryland’s 7th Congressional District. In their letter, the lawmakers outlined how this 1970s-era federal infrastructure project tore at the fabric of Black communities in West Baltimore, writing, “Backed by Federal-Aid Highway funding, construction on the Highway to Nowhere resulted in the destruction of 971 homes and 62 businesses. Approximately 1,500 Black residents were displaced, hurting and dividing the communities of several West Baltimore neighborhoods in the process and serving as a stark example of the long history of inequity in the siting of infrastructure. Fifty years later, the Highway to Nowhere remains a physical and symbolic barrier to progress.” The lawmakers explained that the Highway to Nowhere was the impetus behind their work to create the Reconnecting Communities Program, stating, “To create opportunity and build stronger cities, we introduced the Reconnecting Communities Act to right this wrong and remove harmful infrastructure that separates our communities. The legislation we introduced formed the basis of a provision included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (i.e., the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to establish a grant program for this purpose. In other words, the injustice of the Highway to Nowhere in West Baltimore is the genesis of the new Reconnecting Communities grant program.” “We sought to empower and reconnect communities to one another with our legislation. We seek to connect those same communities to economic opportunities, more academic possibilities, arts and entertainment, healthy food options, safe and inviting open-space options, and so much more through the RCP Program,” they continued. “It is our strong belief that BCDOT’s application meets the goals and objectives of the RCP Program. Removing the Highway to Nowhere and giving back nearly 600 acres to West Baltimore Communities with complete streets and community-oriented development will reconnect communities that have been divided for over half a century. We urge you to give the BCDOT’s application full and fair consideration,” the lawmakers concluded. Full text of the letter can be viewed here and below. Dear Secretary Buttigieg: Thank you for the leadership and vision you bring to transportation issues in America. Your commitment to addressing past transportation challenges while simultaneously establishing the foundation for a more responsible transportation future is truly appreciated. Please continue to view us as partners in this effort. We are pleased to support Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT)'s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) discretionary grant application. BCDOT seeks to jumpstart Baltimore’s efforts to redevelop the “Highway to Nowhere,” a 1.39-mile-long vacated highway corridor in between the West Baltimore MARC Station and North Greene Street. Built in the early 1970s, the Highway to Nowhere is a reminder of racially insensitive 20th century transportation decisions. This segment of Route 40, formerly known as I-170, stems from past efforts to connect Interstate 70 with Downtown Baltimore. Community activism stopped the plan from further damaging the City’s urban fabric, but the West Baltimore section of the defunct I-170 was left stranded within Baltimore City, hurting surrounding neighborhoods without adding value to the region’s transportation system. Backed by Federal-Aid Highway funding, construction on the Highway to Nowhere resulted in the destruction of 971 homes and 62 businesses. Approximately 1,500 Black residents were displaced, hurting and dividing the communities of several West Baltimore neighborhoods in the process and serving as a stark example of the long history of inequity in the siting of infrastructure. Fifty years later, the Highway to Nowhere remains a physical and symbolic barrier to progress. BCDOT is working to repair the harm done by urban freeway construction, and the RCP grant program will play a critical role in Baltimore City’s efforts to dismantle this barrier and revitalize these neighborhoods. To create opportunity and build stronger cities, we introduced the Reconnecting Communities Act to right this wrong and remove harmful infrastructure that separates our communities. The legislation we introduced formed the basis of a provision included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (i.e., the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to establish a grant program for this purpose. In other words, the injustice of the Highway to Nowhere in West Baltimore is the genesis of the new Reconnecting Communities grant program. We believe transportation should be a source of growth and mobility, not division and exclusion. We also believe it is never too late to undo the wrongs of the past if there is a clear and renewed vision for the future. We sought to empower and reconnect communities to one another with our legislation. We seek to connect those same communities to economic opportunities, more academic possibilities, arts and entertainment, healthy food options, safe and inviting open-space options, and so much more through the RCP Program. It is our strong belief that BCDOT’s application meets the goals and objectives of the RCP Program. Removing the Highway to Nowhere and giving back nearly 600 acres to West Baltimore Communities with complete streets and community-oriented development will reconnect communities that have been divided for over half a century. We urge you to give the BCDOT’s application full and fair consideration. Your time and attention are appreciated. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/relaying-constituent-concerns-congressman-mfume-and-maryland-s-full-congressional-delegation-ask-for-an-end-to-troubling-issues-with-routine-immigration-services-in-baltimore,"Relaying Constituent Concerns, Congressman Mfume and Maryland’s Full Congressional Delegation Ask for an End to Troubling Issues with Routine Immigration Services in Baltimore",2022-10-21,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Andy Harris, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone Thursday wrote to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Baltimore District Director Greg Collett urging him to address concerning trends in the delivery of routine services at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office. The lack of responsiveness from the USCIS Baltimore Field Office “frustrates our constituents and leaves them with an upsetting lack of information about decisions that are fundamental to their livelihoods,” the delegation said. “We recognize that the past few years have been particularly challenging for USCIS nationwide,” the delegation wrote to Collett. However, there are “significant delays in processing numerous immigration benefits adjudicated by the USCIS Baltimore Field Office, such as family, employment and asylum-based I-485 applications, I-130 petitions, and I-751 applications … public data suggests that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office’s processing times lag considerably behind most other field offices across the country.” “These delays have real, devastating consequences on the lives of individuals, families, and employers in Maryland. Delayed processing times negatively affect our constituents’ employment and financial welfare. Marylanders are regularly denied promotions, transfers, or growth opportunities because they have not yet received the benefits for which they applied. Delays create financial and emotional stress for the families and communities of applicants.” The lawmakers urge the Baltimore District Director to improve services and communication with the public and Congress. The full letter to USCIS Baltimore follows and can be found at this linkand below. Dear Director Collett, As members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write to you in your capacity as District Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Baltimore Field Office (USCIS Baltimore Field Office) with regard to the office’s average service times and responsiveness. Declines on both fronts in recent years are negatively affecting the people of Maryland, and we are concerned that processing times for the critical services the office provides lag significantly behind other comparable field offices across the country. We are committed to understanding the issues facing the USCIS Baltimore Field Office and working with you to better assist the constituents we serve. We recognize that the past few years have been particularly challenging for USCIS nationwide. The agency has had to work through considerable changes in policies and priorities while also dealing with the implications of COVID-19 and managing increases in application receipting and humanitarian-based needs. During public meetings and congressional briefings, the agency has cited staffing and attrition as a leading challenge. We appreciate that USCIS Director Ur Jaddou has made it a priority to reduce application processing times and backlogs. There are significant delays in processing numerous immigration benefits adjudicated by the USCIS Baltimore Field Office, such as family, employment and asylum-based I-485 applications, I-130 petitions, and I-751 applications. We applaud USCIS’s effort to redistribute the workload of I-485s nationally across field offices to create more uniform processing times for employment-based I-485 applications. However, public data suggests that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office’s processing times lag considerably behind most other field offices across the country. Despite the aforementioned progress on employment-based I-485s, the USCIS Baltimore Field Office is currently processing most such applications in 31.5 months compared to 20 months in the Chicago field office and 19.5 months in the Los Angeles field offices. Additionally, the processing time for family-based I-485s is 34.5 months, compared to 15.5 months in Chicago and 18.5 months in Los Angeles. These delays have real, devastating consequences on the lives of individuals, families, and employers in Maryland. Delayed processing times negatively affect our constituents’ employment and financial welfare. Marylanders are regularly denied promotions, transfers, or growth opportunities because they have not yet received the benefits for which they applied. Delays create financial and emotional stress for the families and communities of applicants. A related concern is the deterioration of the USCIS Baltimore Field Office’s responsiveness to our constituents and their advocates. This trend pre-dated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but has certainly increased during that time period. Responses to constituents and their advocates come slower, if they come at all. When provided, responses are generic and do not respond substantively to the situation presented. We are especially concerned about responsiveness to emergencies. Our offices are often contacted by constituents experiencing life-or-death emergencies with immediate need for travel authorization. These constituents contact USCIS’s National Call Center and are advised to await a phone call from the local field office; a call that they never receive. These conditions have caused an increasing number of applicants to seek assistance from our congressional staffs, who themselves report decreased responsiveness from the USCIS Baltimore Field Office. Congressional staff often need to contact agency staff by phone to discuss sensitive cases or time-sensitive matters, but their calls are frequently not answered or returned. Further, USCIS Baltimore Field Office staff previously provided a substantive, unique explanation of reasons for delays when a case exceeded normal processing times. That information helped provide context to constituents, aid their understanding as to the status of their application(s), and mitigate concerns, follow-up questions, and repeat inquiries on the same topic. However, our staff now often receive only a generic or form response in such cases. This lack of meaningful engagement frustrates our constituents and leaves them with an upsetting lack of information about decisions that are fundamental to their livelihoods. It also restricts the ability of our staff to serve their important role of prioritizing cases, identifying procedural errors, and educating the public about their rights under our laws and regulations. As Maryland’s Congressional delegation, we value our long history of collaboration with your office to best serve our constituents. We look forward to working together to reverse recent trends. Toward that end, we respectfully request that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office implement the steps below. We ask that you respond to the following questions and requests in writing by November 21, 2022. What issues, aside from staffing, are causing these delays? What, if any congressional action is needed to address them? Develop and share a clear and date-specific plan for improving processing times to at least the level of field offices in comparable metropolitan centers. Please address the specific plans for all types of I-485s, I-130, and I-751 applications. Schedule quarterly Congressional meetings with USCIS Baltimore Field Office leadership. Ensure the existence of a dedicated phone line for Congressional staff for urgent and sensitive matters that provides responses within 24-48 hours. Such a line is offered at most other USCIS field offices and service centers. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-urge-administration-to-fund-baltimore-city-efforts-towards-reconnecting-communities-divided-by-highway-to-nowhere,Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Urge Administration to Fund Baltimore City Efforts Towards Reconnecting Communities Divided by Highway to Nowhere,2022-10-21,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in support of Baltimore City’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) program grant application to fund the planning of the redevelopment of the Highway to Nowhere in West Baltimore, a highway project that displaced hundreds of residents at the time of its construction more than 50 years ago and has divided and damaged those communities in various ways ever since. The Reconnecting Communities Pilot grant program was modeled off of a pilot program authored by Senator Van Hollen and introduced by both Senators Van Hollen and Cardin in the Senate and led by Congressmen Brown, Mfume, Ruppersberger, Sarbanes, and Trone in the House. Following their introduction of the bills, the lawmakers successfully fought to include their legislation in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The new federal grant program is dedicated to reconnecting communities isolated and excluded from economic opportunity by past infrastructure decisions. The Highway to Nowhere is in Maryland’s 7th Congressional District. In their letter, the lawmakers outlined how this 1970s-era federal infrastructure project tore at the fabric of Black communities in West Baltimore, writing, “Backed by Federal-Aid Highway funding, construction on the Highway to Nowhere resulted in the destruction of 971 homes and 62 businesses. Approximately 1,500 Black residents were displaced, hurting and dividing the communities of several West Baltimore neighborhoods in the process and serving as a stark example of the long history of inequity in the siting of infrastructure. Fifty years later, the Highway to Nowhere remains a physical and symbolic barrier to progress.” The lawmakers explained that the Highway to Nowhere was the impetus behind their work to create the Reconnecting Communities Program, stating, “To create opportunity and build stronger cities, we introduced the Reconnecting Communities Act to right this wrong and remove harmful infrastructure that separates our communities. The legislation we introduced formed the basis of a provision included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (i.e., the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to establish a grant program for this purpose. In other words, the injustice of the Highway to Nowhere in West Baltimore is the genesis of the new Reconnecting Communities grant program.” “We sought to empower and reconnect communities to one another with our legislation. We seek to connect those same communities to economic opportunities, more academic possibilities, arts and entertainment, healthy food options, safe and inviting open-space options, and so much more through the RCP Program,” they continued. “It is our strong belief that BCDOT’s application meets the goals and objectives of the RCP Program. Removing the Highway to Nowhere and giving back nearly 600 acres to West Baltimore Communities with complete streets and community-oriented development will reconnect communities that have been divided for over half a century. We urge you to give the BCDOT’s application full and fair consideration,” the lawmakers concluded. Full text of the letter can be viewed here and below. Dear Secretary Buttigieg: Thank you for the leadership and vision you bring to transportation issues in America. Your commitment to addressing past transportation challenges while simultaneously establishing the foundation for a more responsible transportation future is truly appreciated. Please continue to view us as partners in this effort. We are pleased to support Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT)'s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) discretionary grant application. BCDOT seeks to jumpstart Baltimore’s efforts to redevelop the “Highway to Nowhere,” a 1.39-mile-long vacated highway corridor in between the West Baltimore MARC Station and North Greene Street. Built in the early 1970s, the Highway to Nowhere is a reminder of racially insensitive 20th century transportation decisions. This segment of Route 40, formerly known as I-170, stems from past efforts to connect Interstate 70 with Downtown Baltimore. Community activism stopped the plan from further damaging the City’s urban fabric, but the West Baltimore section of the defunct I-170 was left stranded within Baltimore City, hurting surrounding neighborhoods without adding value to the region’s transportation system. Backed by Federal-Aid Highway funding, construction on the Highway to Nowhere resulted in the destruction of 971 homes and 62 businesses. Approximately 1,500 Black residents were displaced, hurting and dividing the communities of several West Baltimore neighborhoods in the process and serving as a stark example of the long history of inequity in the siting of infrastructure. Fifty years later, the Highway to Nowhere remains a physical and symbolic barrier to progress. BCDOT is working to repair the harm done by urban freeway construction, and the RCP grant program will play a critical role in Baltimore City’s efforts to dismantle this barrier and revitalize these neighborhoods. To create opportunity and build stronger cities, we introduced the Reconnecting Communities Act to right this wrong and remove harmful infrastructure that separates our communities. The legislation we introduced formed the basis of a provision included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (i.e., the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to establish a grant program for this purpose. In other words, the injustice of the Highway to Nowhere in West Baltimore is the genesis of the new Reconnecting Communities grant program. We believe transportation should be a source of growth and mobility, not division and exclusion. We also believe it is never too late to undo the wrongs of the past if there is a clear and renewed vision for the future. We sought to empower and reconnect communities to one another with our legislation. We seek to connect those same communities to economic opportunities, more academic possibilities, arts and entertainment, healthy food options, safe and inviting open-space options, and so much more through the RCP Program. It is our strong belief that BCDOT’s application meets the goals and objectives of the RCP Program. Removing the Highway to Nowhere and giving back nearly 600 acres to West Baltimore Communities with complete streets and community-oriented development will reconnect communities that have been divided for over half a century. We urge you to give the BCDOT’s application full and fair consideration. Your time and attention are appreciated. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/relaying-constituent-concerns-maryland-s-full-congressional-delegation-asks-for-an-end-to-troubling-issues-with-routine-immigration-services-in-baltimore,"Relaying Constituent Concerns, Maryland’s Full Congressional Delegation Asks for an End to Troubling Issues with Routine Immigration Services in Baltimore",2022-10-21,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone Thursday wrote to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Baltimore District Director Greg Collett urging him to address concerning trends in the delivery of routine services at the USCIS Baltimore Field Office. The lack of responsiveness from the USCIS Baltimore Field Office “frustrates our constituents and leaves them with an upsetting lack of information about decisions that are fundamental to their livelihoods,” the delegation said. “We recognize that the past few years have been particularly challenging for USCIS nationwide,” the delegation wrote to Collett. However, there are “significant delays in processing numerous immigration benefits adjudicated by the USCIS Baltimore Field Office, such as family, employment and asylum-based I-485 applications, I-130 petitions, and I-751 applications … public data suggests that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office’s processing times lag considerably behind most other field offices across the country.” “These delays have real, devastating consequences on the lives of individuals, families, and employers in Maryland. Delayed processing times negatively affect our constituents’ employment and financial welfare. Marylanders are regularly denied promotions, transfers, or growth opportunities because they have not yet received the benefits for which they applied. Delays create financial and emotional stress for the families and communities of applicants.” The lawmakers urge the Baltimore District Director to improve services and communication with the public and Congress. The full letter to USCIS Baltimore follows and can be found at this link and below. Dear Director Collett, As members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, we write to you in your capacity as District Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Baltimore Field Office (USCIS Baltimore Field Office) with regard to the office’s average service times and responsiveness. Declines on both fronts in recent years are negatively affecting the people of Maryland, and we are concerned that processing times for the critical services the office provides lag significantly behind other comparable field offices across the country. We are committed to understanding the issues facing the USCIS Baltimore Field Office and working with you to better assist the constituents we serve. We recognize that the past few years have been particularly challenging for USCIS nationwide. The agency has had to work through considerable changes in policies and priorities while also dealing with the implications of COVID-19 and managing increases in application receipting and humanitarian-based needs. During public meetings and congressional briefings, the agency has cited staffing and attrition as a leading challenge. We appreciate that USCIS Director Ur Jaddou has made it a priority to reduce application processing times and backlogs. There are significant delays in processing numerous immigration benefits adjudicated by the USCIS Baltimore Field Office, such as family, employment and asylum-based I-485 applications, I-130 petitions, and I-751 applications. We applaud USCIS’s effort to redistribute the workload of I-485s nationally across field offices to create more uniform processing times for employment-based I-485 applications. However, public data suggests that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office’s processing times lag considerably behind most other field offices across the country. Despite the aforementioned progress on employment-based I-485s, the USCIS Baltimore Field Office is currently processing most such applications in 31.5 months compared to 20 months in the Chicago field office and 19.5 months in the Los Angeles field offices. Additionally, the processing time for family-based I-485s is 34.5 months, compared to 15.5 months in Chicago and 18.5 months in Los Angeles. These delays have real, devastating consequences on the lives of individuals, families, and employers in Maryland. Delayed processing times negatively affect our constituents’ employment and financial welfare. Marylanders are regularly denied promotions, transfers, or growth opportunities because they have not yet received the benefits for which they applied. Delays create financial and emotional stress for the families and communities of applicants. A related concern is the deterioration of the USCIS Baltimore Field Office’s responsiveness to our constituents and their advocates. This trend pre-dated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but has certainly increased during that time period. Responses to constituents and their advocates come slower, if they come at all. When provided, responses are generic and do not respond substantively to the situation presented. We are especially concerned about responsiveness to emergencies. Our offices are often contacted by constituents experiencing life-or-death emergencies with immediate need for travel authorization. These constituents contact USCIS’s National Call Center and are advised to await a phone call from the local field office; a call that they never receive. These conditions have caused an increasing number of applicants to seek assistance from our congressional staffs, who themselves report decreased responsiveness from the USCIS Baltimore Field Office. Congressional staff often need to contact agency staff by phone to discuss sensitive cases or time-sensitive matters, but their calls are frequently not answered or returned. Further, USCIS Baltimore Field Office staff previously provided a substantive, unique explanation of reasons for delays when a case exceeded normal processing times. That information helped provide context to constituents, aid their understanding as to the status of their application(s), and mitigate concerns, follow-up questions, and repeat inquiries on the same topic. However, our staff now often receive only a generic or form response in such cases. This lack of meaningful engagement frustrates our constituents and leaves them with an upsetting lack of information about decisions that are fundamental to their livelihoods. It also restricts the ability of our staff to serve their important role of prioritizing cases, identifying procedural errors, and educating the public about their rights under our laws and regulations. As Maryland’s Congressional delegation, we value our long history of collaboration with your office to best serve our constituents. We look forward to working together to reverse recent trends. Toward that end, we respectfully request that the USCIS Baltimore Field Office implement the steps below. We ask that you respond to the following questions and requests in writing by November 21, 2022. What issues, aside from staffing, are causing these delays? What, if any congressional action is needed to address them? Develop and share a clear and date-specific plan for improving processing times to at least the level of field offices in comparable metropolitan centers. Please address the specific plans for all types of I-485s, I-130, and I-751 applications. Schedule quarterly Congressional meetings with USCIS Baltimore Field Office leadership. Ensure the existence of a dedicated phone line for Congressional staff for urgent and sensitive matters that provides responses within 24-48 hours. Such a line is offered at most other USCIS field offices and service centers. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-take-questions-media-after-ocean-city-meeting-watermen,Congressman Harris to Take Questions from the Media After Ocean City Meeting with Watermen to Discuss Proposed 10-Knot Speed Rule Change,2022-10-20,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: In a meeting this Thursday in Ocean City, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD) will meet with local commercial fishing and boating industries who have expressed their urgent concerns about NOAA’s proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. The National Marine Fisheries Service, a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is proposing a federal rule that would expand the current 10 knot speed restrictions on boats 65 feet and longer to include all boats 35 feet and longer. The rule would also expand the speed restriction zone from just discrete Right Whale calving areas to the entire East Coast from Massachusetts to Florida. Implementation of the rule would cause major economic harm to the boating and fishing industry, costing Maryland coastal cities like Ocean City tens of millions of dollars in revenue should it be forced to cancel one of the East Coast’s largest billfish tournaments. This rule would also have a devastating economic impact to the local economies especially at a time when towns and small businesses are still recovering from the economic losses of the Pandemic. On Thursday, October 20th, Congressman Andy Harris will meet with local watermen and leaders to address this issue. Journalists interested in asking questions after the event can RSVP to Anna.A@mail.house.gov What: Congressman Andy Harris to take questions from media after meeting with watermen addressing NOAA 10 Knot speed restriction proposed rule change. When: Thursday, October 20th @ 2:15pm Where: Sunset Grille; 12933 Sunset Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-members-urge-hopkins-carefirst-to-reach-contract-agreement-to-protect-marylanders-health-care-access,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Urge Hopkins, CareFirst to Reach Contract Agreement to Protect Marylanders’ Health Care Access",2022-10-20,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) sent a letter to Johns Hopkins Medicine CEO Ted DeWeese and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield President & CEO Brian Pieninck urging the two parties to reach a contract resolution before the upcoming health insurance enrollment deadline to ensure hundreds of thousands of Marylanders do not risk losing access to their current care. “We write to express our concern regarding the status of the contract negotiations between Johns Hopkins Medicine (Hopkins) and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) that threaten many of our constituents’ access to high-quality, affordable health care in Maryland. We are aware that if an agreement is not reached by December 5, 2022, many Marylanders will need to find new providers or change to a new health insurance plan in order to continue accessing the care they need. Thus, we strongly urge Hopkins and CareFirst to work collaboratively to reach a contract resolution ahead of the December deadline,” the lawmakers wrote. “We urge both Hopkins and CareFirst to work collaboratively and earnestly to reach a fair contract resolution ahead of the December 5, 2022 deadline that puts patients first, keeps avenues to top tier care open to all that rely on them, and limits the impact on cost of care to patients,” they concluded. Full text of the letter can be viewed here and below. Dear Mr. DeWeese and Mr. Pieninck: We write to express our concern regarding the status of the contract negotiations between Johns Hopkins Medicine (Hopkins) and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) that threaten many of our constituents’ access to high-quality, affordable health care in Maryland. We are aware that if an agreement is not reached by December 5, 2022, many Marylanders will need to find new providers or change to a new health insurance plan in order to continue accessing the care they need. Thus, we strongly urge Hopkins and CareFirst to work collaboratively to reach a contract resolution ahead of the December deadline. As you know, this negotiation process is occurring during open enrollment season, a critical decision-making time for patients and families as they consider which health plans will work best for them and their loved ones in the coming year. While CareFirst members were advised that this will not immediately impact anyone’s access to healthcare services offered through Hopkins, ongoing negotiation terms for the provider rates continue to increase uncertainty around coverage of primary care and specialty services, surgery centers, hospital in-network status, and the impact on the cost of care for patients. If CareFirst and Hopkins do not come to an agreement, nearly 40,000 providers employed by Hopkins will be out-of-network, including providers at the Johns Hopkins flagship hospital, Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, and Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington. We continue to hear from many of our constituents with concerns that a breakdown in negotiations between Hopkins and CareFirst would greatly impede their access to primary and specialty care moving forward. We believe Hopkins and CareFirst are committed to reaching a resolution that best serves patients across our communities in Maryland and surrounding areas that also rely on this collaborative care system between Hopkins and CareFirst. We applaud the ongoing, good-faith negotiations and remain hopeful that both organizations will find a solution before the December deadline. This resolution is vital for the health of our constituents in Maryland, and patients that rely on specialty care across the Mid-Atlantic region. We urge both Hopkins and CareFirst to work collaboratively and earnestly to reach a fair contract resolution ahead of the December 5, 2022 deadline that puts patients first, keeps avenues to top tier care open to all that rely on them, and limits the impact on cost of care to patients. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-urge-hopkins-carefirst-to-reach-contract-agreement-to-protect-marylanders-health-care-access,"Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Urge Hopkins, CareFirst to Reach Contract Agreement to Protect Marylanders’ Health Care Access",2022-10-20,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) sent a letter to Johns Hopkins Medicine CEO Ted DeWeese and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield President & CEO Brian Pieninck urging the two parties to reach a contract resolution before the upcoming health insurance enrollment deadline to ensure hundreds of thousands of Marylanders do not risk losing access to their current care. “We write to express our concern regarding the status of the contract negotiations between Johns Hopkins Medicine (Hopkins) and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) that threaten many of our constituents’ access to high-quality, affordable health care in Maryland. We are aware that if an agreement is not reached by December 5, 2022, many Marylanders will need to find new providers or change to a new health insurance plan in order to continue accessing the care they need. Thus, we strongly urge Hopkins and CareFirst to work collaboratively to reach a contract resolution ahead of the December deadline,” the lawmakers wrote. “We urge both Hopkins and CareFirst to work collaboratively and earnestly to reach a fair contract resolution ahead of the December 5, 2022 deadline that puts patients first, keeps avenues to top tier care open to all that rely on them, and limits the impact on cost of care to patients,” they concluded. Full text of the letter can be viewed here and below. Dear Mr. DeWeese and Mr. Pieninck: We write to express our concern regarding the status of the contract negotiations between Johns Hopkins Medicine (Hopkins) and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) that threaten many of our constituents’ access to high-quality, affordable health care in Maryland. We are aware that if an agreement is not reached by December 5, 2022, many Marylanders will need to find new providers or change to a new health insurance plan in order to continue accessing the care they need. Thus, we strongly urge Hopkins and CareFirst to work collaboratively to reach a contract resolution ahead of the December deadline. As you know, this negotiation process is occurring during open enrollment season, a critical decision-making time for patients and families as they consider which health plans will work best for them and their loved ones in the coming year. While CareFirst members were advised that this will not immediately impact anyone’s access to healthcare services offered through Hopkins, ongoing negotiation terms for the provider rates continue to increase uncertainty around coverage of primary care and specialty services, surgery centers, hospital in-network status, and the impact on the cost of care for patients. If CareFirst and Hopkins do not come to an agreement, nearly 40,000 providers employed by Hopkins will be out-of-network, including providers at the Johns Hopkins flagship hospital, Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, and Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington. We continue to hear from many of our constituents with concerns that a breakdown in negotiations between Hopkins and CareFirst would greatly impede their access to primary and specialty care moving forward. We believe Hopkins and CareFirst are committed to reaching a resolution that best serves patients across our communities in Maryland and surrounding areas that also rely on this collaborative care system between Hopkins and CareFirst. We applaud the ongoing, good-faith negotiations and remain hopeful that both organizations will find a solution before the December deadline. This resolution is vital for the health of our constituents in Maryland, and patients that rely on specialty care across the Mid-Atlantic region. We urge both Hopkins and CareFirst to work collaboratively and earnestly to reach a fair contract resolution ahead of the December 5, 2022 deadline that puts patients first, keeps avenues to top tier care open to all that rely on them, and limits the impact on cost of care to patients. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-over-700-000-in-federal-funding-to-help-student-parents-access-child-care,"Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce Over $700,000 in Federal Funding to Help Student-Parents Access Child Care",2022-10-19,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, David Trone, and Jamie B. Raskin (all D-Md.) announced $706,819 in federal grants for four Maryland institutions of higher education to assist student-parents in meeting their child care needs. “When our students are set up for success, our entire community benefits. Too often, parents seeking to continue their education are held back by a lack of access to affordable child care,” said the lawmakers. “We recognize the challenges that student-parents face, and this funding will help them ensure their kids are cared for as they work toward a brighter future for themselves and their families.” The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $348,687 for Bowie State University $122,592 for Hagerstown Community College $119,414 for Wor-Wic Community College $116,126 for Frederick Community College The funds come from the U.S. Department of Education's Child Care Access Means Parents in School program, which supports low-income parents’ academic success in post-secondary education through the provision of campus-based or local community-based child care services. Funds can be used to support or establish campus-based child care programs primarily serving the needs of low-income student-parents, including before- and after-school services. The lawmakers fought for a $10 million increase in fiscal year 2022 for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-cardin-and-van-hollen-joint-statement-usda-grant-minarys-dream-0,"Harris, Cardin, and Van Hollen Joint Statement on USDA Grant to Minary's Dream Alliance's 'Feed the Elderly' Food Program",2022-10-18,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee along with Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a $374,900 grant for Minary's Dream Alliance’s 'Feed the Elderly' food distribution program, which provides weekly deliveries of produce and shelf-stable items to senior low-income residents of Kent County, Maryland. The funds will help the Alliance employ five part-time staff, as well as purchase food and packaging supplies, equipment, and cover travel expenses. The 'Feed the Elderly' program was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide food distribution services. Minary's Dream Alliance serves approximately 50 percent of the Kent County senior population living in poverty. Kent County has pledged funding to support this program through the next three years. Joint Statement from Congressman Harris and Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen: “For two years, Minary’s Dream Alliance has dedicated their time to transforming the lives of rural senior citizens. These funds will help ensure they have access to the food and staff they needto care for both the low-income and homebound seniors that they serve. We are proud to support this vital funding to help Minary’s Dream Alliance continue their important mission, and we will continue working to provide Maryland seniors with the services they need.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-statement-usda-grant-crisfields-law-enforcement-department,Harris Statement on USDA Grant To Crisfield's Law Enforcement Department,2022-10-18,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a $50,000 grant for the purchase two hybrid Ford Interceptors for Crisfield's Law Enforcement Department. This purchase will include additional equipment outfitted on these vehicles. These will replace vehicles currently in use that are more than a decade old and have some major safety issues, including transmission issues, engine trouble, hanging wires, and rust throughout their undercarriages. The city of Crisfield requested this funding to replace its old vehicles with safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Statement from Congressman Harris: “I am pleased to see that this USDA grant will fund the needs of our local police department. Our law enforcement officers confront dangerous situations daily and we must ensure they have reliable equipment to continue protecting and serving our communities. I look forward to seeing this money put to good use.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-67-million-for-covid-19-testing-reimbursement,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $67 Million For COVID-19 Testing Reimbursement",2022-10-18,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $67,724,611 in U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to reimburse the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for previous COVID-19 testing costs. Funding is authorized by Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. The federal dollars will be used to pay for more than 1.3 million COVID-19 PCR tests that were administered to Maryland public school students and staff between July 20, 2021 and May 31, 2022. “Testing has been a critical step in curbing the spread of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. This federal reimbursement will allow our schools to continue prioritizing the health of our students and campus communities,” said the lawmakers. Team Maryland urged and advocated for both the Trump and Biden administration to waive the standard 25 percent non-federal cost share of FEMA assistance during the pandemic. This funding is now 100 percent covered by the federal government. To date, Maryland has received more than $260 million in pandemic relief from FEMA. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act allows FEMA to take actions and distribute funding in emergency situations. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-67-million-for-covid-19-testing-reimbursement,Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $67 Million For COVID-19 Testing Reimbursement,2022-10-18,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $67,724,611 in U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to reimburse the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for previous COVID-19 testing costs. Funding is authorized by Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. The federal dollars will be used to pay for more than 1.3 million COVID-19 PCR tests that were administered to Maryland public school students and staff between July 20, 2021 and May 31, 2022. “Testing has been a critical step in curbing the spread of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. This federal reimbursement will allow our schools to continue prioritizing the health of our students and campus communities,” said the lawmakers. Team Maryland urged and advocated for both the Trump and Biden administration to waive the standard 25 percent non-federal cost share of FEMA assistance during the pandemic. This funding is now 100 percent covered by the federal government. To date, Maryland has received more than $260 million in pandemic relief from FEMA. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act allows FEMA to take actions and distribute funding in emergency situations. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-issues-statement-additional-h-2b-visas,Harris Issues Statement on Additional H-2B Visas,2022-10-12,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee is pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be issuing a regulation that will make available to employers an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2023, on top of the 66,000 H-2B visas that are normally available each fiscal year. The H-2B program permits employers to temporarily hire noncitizens to perform nonagricultural labor or services in the United States. The employment must be of a temporary nature, such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal need, or intermittent need. Employers seeking H-2B workers must take a series of steps to test the U.S. labor market. They must also certify in their petitions that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to perform the temporary work for which they seek a prospective foreign worker. In addition, employers must certify that employing H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. Congressman Harris issued the following statement: “This announcement is welcome news for the many businesses across Maryland’s 1st District. The release of these additional visas will help many businesses in my district that rely on seasonal workers for the economic development of their operation. This announcement is also a direct result of the Harris/Pingree Appropriations amendment that allowed the DHS to release more workers based on their discretion. Despite this welcome news, this announcement should serve as a reminder as to why Congress should act quickly on the Returning Workers Exception Act that Rep. Cuellar (D-TX) and I put forward to permanently fix this annual labor problem.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-75-million-in-federal-funding-to-strengthen-the-public-health-workforce,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $7.5 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen the Public Health Workforce",2022-10-12,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmembers Kweisi Mfume, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $7,586,334 in federal funding to train new community health workers in Maryland. The funding is provided through the Community Health Worker Training program, a new initiative created by the lawmakers through the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act. This program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, provides education and on-the-job training to strengthen the public health workforce and delivers greater access to medical resources, COVID care, mental health services, chronic disease care, and other important health services to our communities. Nationwide, it will train over 13,000 Community Health Workers. “Strengthening our public health workforce ensures more Marylanders can access critical health care services. This new funding through the American Rescue Plan will reduce disparities in care and ultimately improve overall community health and wellbeing, all while providing Marylanders with highly in-demand skills – it’s a win-win. We will keep working to deliver investments like these to bolster our health care workforce and provide quality care to all,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $2,867,385 for Access to Wholistic and Productive Living Incorporated in Brentwood $2,373,217 for the Asian American Center of Frederick $2,345,732 for The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore City The Community Health Worker Training program provides federal funding to advance public health, strengthen the public health workforce, reduce health disparities, and help underserved populations achieve health equity by growing the healthcare workforce and equipping providers with the skills they need to provide effective community outreach, care, and health services – particularly for those recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other public health emergencies.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-on-sen-tuberville-s-racist-comments-this-is-how-violence-gets-started-against-black-people,Congressman Mfume on Sen. Tuberville's Racist Comments: “This is How Violence Gets Started Against Black People.”,2022-10-09,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image BALTIMORE – Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) joined MSNBC’s PoliticsNation with Rev. Al Sharpton to discuss racist comments made by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), President Joe Biden’s marijuana reform, and the introduction of Congressman Mfume’s National Council on African American History and Culture Act. Congressman Mfume on Senator Tuberville’s Racist Comments “His comments are about the most vicious, vile, repugnant, parochial, racist things that I’ve heard in a long, long time. This is how violence gets started against Black people… Black people have had it being the targets of crime. Every time there’s a reason something is wrong, we’re the ones that are responsible.” Congressman Mfume on President Biden’s Marijuana Reform Announcement “He, in my opinion, is doing the right thing at the right time…Decriminalizing it to…[make] sure that people have a chance to be able to apply for a job, be able to get employment, get an education, find themselves as a productive member of society again without being tainted by this curse of a sentence as a result of marijuana possession.” Congressman Mfume on His Legislation, the National Council on African American History and Culture Act “What we’re trying to push back against is this notion that critical race theory is taking over our schools and destroying our kids, and making some of them feel guilty… This bill creates, within the National Endowment of the Humanities and Arts, an opportunity for us to create a twelve-member commission designed to study, and to report back on African American history and culture since the beginning of the nation. We think it’s the right thing to do, many teachers have applauded us on this, and Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland and myself have put forth that legislation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-cardin-and-van-hollen-joint-statement-usda-grant-smith-island,"Harris, Cardin, and Van Hollen Joint Statement on USDA Grant to Smith Island Wastewater Infrastructure Project",2022-10-07,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee along with Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a member of the Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a $1,611,000.00 grant for the Smith Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Improvements project. This grant funding will specifically be used to provide an enhanced nutrient removal system for the entire island by replacing all the degraded equipment with updated, more efficient, and clean equipment. Funding for this project will also be used to eliminate unsanitary sewer discharges into the Tangier Sound and Chesapeake Bay. The completion of this project will benefit both the environment and the population of Smith Island as it will increase climate and coastal resiliency and increase assurance of access to sanitary sewer services for the island residents and businesses. Joint Statement from Congressman Harris and Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen: “This is a sizable investment in modernizing Smith Island’s wastewater infrastructure. Newer and more efficient sanitation equipment will protect the public health of the Island residents while keeping pollution out of the Chesapeake Bay. As the last remaining offshore inhabited island in Maryland, Smith Island has deep cultural roots on the Eastern Shore and this grant money will ensure that all residents and businesses have access to the clean water they deserve.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-celebrates-477-million-in-funding-to-fortify-middle-branch-against-destructive-flooding,Congressman Mfume Celebrates $47.7 Million in Funding to Fortify Middle Branch Against Destructive Flooding,2022-10-07,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image BALTIMORE – Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) joined Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-03), Mayor Brandon M. Scott, County Executive John Olszewski and others to announce $47.7 million in funding to fortify the Middle Branch shoreline against climate change and mitigate destructive flooding. $31.9 million (67%) comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, which received $1 billion in funding following passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Congress last year — legislation Congressman Mfume helped champion. This investment will fund Phase I of the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative (MBRI) to mitigate substantial flooding that can cause lasting damage to public utilities, hospitals, and transportation infrastructure in the area. “The Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative is yet another example of the work we are doing to protect the Chesapeake Bay and make our communities more resilient to the effects of climate change,” said Congressman Mfume. “I am particularly proud that the program from which this $32 million FEMA grant comes from recently received $1 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that President Biden signed into law last year. Democrats, including myself, worked very hard to make this critical infrastructure funding a reality and today we are seeing the results.” Topline Highlights of the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative (MBRI) Currently, persistent flooding poses a risk to public utilities, hospitals, transportation infrastructure, and communities surrounding the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River. Through a coordinated network of vegetated berms, living shorelines, restored wetlands/aquatic habitats, and public space enhancements, the MBRI will protect critical infrastructure elements. Phase I of the MBRI focuses on increasing the resilience of the BGE Spring Gardens site (BGE) and MedStar Harbor Hospital site (MHH).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-over-965000-to-strengthen-internet-access-for-marylanders,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $965,000 to Strengthen Internet Access for Marylanders",2022-10-07,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $966,659 in federal funding to help develop Maryland’s digital equity plan, which will increase affordable access to high-speed internet and close the digital divide. The State Digital Equity Planning Grant is awarded to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to bolster its digital equity plan through new staff recruitment, increased outreach initiatives, and data collection and analysis. The lawmakers supported the creation of the grant program as a provision of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure that all communities can access and use affordable, reliable high-speed internet to meet their needs and improve their lives. “Far too many of our communities still lack reliable and affordable internet connectivity. That’s why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and bolster initiatives, like the Digital Equity Program, that will help bring broadband access to all Marylanders. This funding is critical for communities that struggle with connectivity, getting us closer to narrowing the digital divide and furthering the mission of equitable access to affordable high-speed internet. We will keep working to strengthen the state’s broadband infrastructure and ensure no community is left behind,” said the lawmakers. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a once-in-a-generation investment in American infrastructure that will provide more than $7 billion in federal funding directly to Maryland over five years to expand broadband internet; rebuild roads and bridges; and strengthen water infrastructure, climate resilience, and more. The lawmakers worked to pass this law to help bring our nation’s infrastructure to the 21st century – closing the digital divide, creating good jobs, growing the economy, enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the world, and making our transportation system more sustainable and equitable.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-over-965-000-to-strengthen-internet-access-for-marylanders,"Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $965,000 to Strengthen Internet Access for Marylanders",2022-10-07,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $966,659 in federal funding to help develop Maryland’s digital equity plan, which will increase affordable access to high-speed internet and close the digital divide. The State Digital Equity Planning Grant is awarded to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to bolster its digital equity plan through new staff recruitment, increased outreach initiatives, and data collection and analysis. The lawmakers supported the creation of the grant program as a provision of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure that all communities can access and use affordable, reliable high-speed internet to meet their needs and improve their lives. “Far too many of our communities still lack reliable and affordable internet connectivity. That’s why we fought to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and bolster initiatives, like the Digital Equity Program, that will help bring broadband access to all Marylanders. This funding is critical for communities that struggle with connectivity, getting us closer to narrowing the digital divide and furthering the mission of equitable access to affordable high-speed internet. We will keep working to strengthen the state’s broadband infrastructure and ensure no community is left behind,” said the lawmakers. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a once-in-a-generation investment in American infrastructure that will provide more than $7 billion in federal funding directly to Maryland over five years to expand broadband internet; rebuild roads and bridges; and strengthen water infrastructure, climate resilience, and more. The lawmakers worked to pass this law to help bring our nation’s infrastructure to the 21st century – closing the digital divide, creating good jobs, growing the economy, enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the world, and making our transportation system more sustainable and equitable. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-members-announce-over-1-million-in-federal-funding-to-set-students-up-for-success-in-math-and-science,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce Over $1 Million in Federal Funding to Set Students Up for Success in Math and Science",2022-10-04,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $1,029,802 in federal funding to strengthen Maryland students’ math and science skills. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Education's Upward Bound Math and Science Program, which supports academic and career counseling to help students recognize their potential in math and science and prepare them to excel in STEM-focused postsecondary degrees and careers. The lawmakers fought for increased funding in fiscal year 2022 for Upward Bound and other federal TRIO Programs, which are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and support educational pursuits. “Ensuring America remains competitive on the global stage starts with young students realizing their full potential in math and science. This funding will help students excel through training, research, and mentorship programs and empower them to thrive in higher education and in their careers. We will continue working to deliver critical funding like this to help our leaders of tomorrow’s STEM industries succeed,” said the lawmakers. Recipients of the Upward Bound Math and Science funding include: $371,263 for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County $360,938 for Frostburg State University $297,601 for Baltimore City Community College The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of students through trainings, research, counseling, and mentoring. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in these subjects and encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees and ultimately careers in related professions.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-nearly-17-million-for-violence-prevention-and-safer-schools,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Nearly $17 Million for Violence Prevention and Safer Schools",2022-10-03,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $16,990,815 in federal funding for Maryland schools to foster safer and more supportive learning environments that address the evolving social, emotional, physical, and mental health needs of students. The funding is administered through the U.S. Department of Education’s Stronger Connection’s Grant Program, which was authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act’s historic public safety legislation that the lawmakers all fought to pass in order to reduce the threat of violence across the country. “Today’s young people face unprecedented challenges, pressures, and potential threats that can negatively affect their ability to learn. We were proud to ensure enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which will not only make our schools safer, but also support each of our students through their growth and development. These funds will help strengthen our school safety programs and better protect our youngest minds, helping to maximize their potential for a thriving future,” said the lawmakers. The Stronger Connections grants are designed to fund programs and resources that prevent and help students cope with violence, trauma and bullying. The funds will also allow schools to engage their communities to develop best practices for creating the safest, most inclusive environment unique to their needs. The Maryland State Department of Education will distribute the funding to local school districts in Maryland on a competitive basis to high-need districts. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-over-4-million-in-federal-housing-assistance-for-marylanders,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $4 Million in Federal Housing Assistance for Marylanders",2022-10-03,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $4,258,979 in federal assistance to help low-income residents across Maryland afford quality, safe, and stable housing. The assistance is administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s New Incremental Housing Choice Vouchers Program and is fully funded by the fiscal year 2022 appropriations law that the lawmakers voted for in March. “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. But we know housing costs are eating up too large a share of lower-income residents’ budgets, often leaving them with impossible choices between paying for rent or meeting their daily needs. This federal relief will help those facing hardship find suitable housing for their families as we continue working to increase access to affordable housing in our communities,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $1,000,632 for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City $749,045 for the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County $730,941 for the Housing Authority of Prince George’s County $403,548 for Baltimore County $188,204 for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development $153,704 for the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County $115,109 for the Rockville Housing Enterprises $107,935 for the Howard County Housing Commission $102,794 for the Charles County Government $96,876 for the City of Frederick Housing Authority $94,579 for the Housing Authority of St. Mary's County $83,195 for the Harford County Housing Agency $70,923 for the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis $53,588 for the Carroll County Housing and Community Development $49,249 for the Housing Authority of Calvert County $49,126 for the Cecil County Housing Agency $47,793 for the Wicomico County Housing Authority $47,036 for the Housing Authority of Queen Anne’s County $40,570 for the City of Westminster Housing Office $39,651for the Housing Authority of Washington County $34,481for the Housing Commission of Talbot County The Incremental Housing Choice Vouchers Program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and those with disabilities to afford housing in the private market. The program’s housing assistance allows participants to choose their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-nearly-17-million-for-violence-prevention-and-safer-schools,Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Nearly $17 Million for Violence Prevention and Safer Schools,2022-10-03,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $16,990,815 in federal funding for Maryland schools to foster safer and more supportive learning environments that address the evolving social, emotional, physical, and mental health needs of students. The funding is administered through the U.S. Department of Education’s Stronger Connection’s Grant Program, which was authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act’s historic public safety legislation that the lawmakers all fought to pass in order to reduce the threat of violence across the country. “Today’s young people face unprecedented challenges, pressures, and potential threats that can negatively affect their ability to learn. We were proud to ensure enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which will not only make our schools safer, but also support each of our students through their growth and development. These funds will help strengthen our school safety programs and better protect our youngest minds, helping to maximize their potential for a thriving future,” said the lawmakers. The Stronger Connections grants are designed to fund programs and resources that prevent and help students cope with violence, trauma and bullying. The funds will also allow schools to engage their communities to develop best practices for creating the safest, most inclusive environment unique to their needs. The Maryland State Department of Education will distribute the funding to local school districts in Maryland on a competitive basis to high-need districts. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/10/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-over-4-million-in-federal-housing-assistance-for-marylanders,Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $4 Million in Federal Housing Assistance for Marylanders,2022-10-03,2022,2022-10,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $4,258,979 in federal assistance to help low-income residents across Maryland afford quality, safe, and stable housing. The assistance is administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s New Incremental Housing Choice Vouchers Program and is fully funded by the fiscal year 2022 appropriations law that the lawmakers voted for in March. “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. But we know housing costs are eating up too large a share of lower-income residents’ budgets, often leaving them with impossible choices between paying for rent or meeting their daily needs. This federal relief will help those facing hardship find suitable housing for their families as we continue working to increase access to affordable housing in our communities,” said the lawmakers. The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $1,000,632 for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City $749,045 for the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County $730,941 for the Housing Authority of Prince George’s County $403,548 for Baltimore County $188,204 for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development $153,704 for the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County $115,109 for the Rockville Housing Enterprises $107,935 for the Howard County Housing Commission $102,794 for the Charles County Government $96,876 for the City of Frederick Housing Authority $94,579 for the Housing Authority of St. Mary's County $83,195 for the Harford County Housing Agency $70,923 for the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis $53,588 for the Carroll County Housing and Community Development $49,249 for the Housing Authority of Calvert County $49,126 for the Cecil County Housing Agency $47,793 for the Wicomico County Housing Authority $47,036 for the Housing Authority of Queen Anne’s County $40,570 for the City of Westminster Housing Office $39,651for the Housing Authority of Washington County $34,481for the Housing Commission of Talbot County The Incremental Housing Choice Vouchers Program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and those with disabilities to afford housing in the private market. The program’s housing assistance allows participants to choose their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-ukraine-caucus-statement-russias-illegal-annexation-ukraines,Congressional Ukraine Caucus Statement on Russia’s Illegal Annexation of Ukraine’s Territory,2022-09-30,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus – Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Andy Harris (R-MD) – released the following statement on Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukraine’s territory. “The United States and the community of free nations the world around staunchly reject Vladimir Putin’s bogus assertions to Ukraine’s sovereign territory. Russia’s sham and illegal referendums do nothing to alter the reality that Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk are and will forever remain part of Ukraine.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-votes-to-fund-the-government,Congressman Mfume Votes to Fund the Government,2022-09-30,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) voted to keep the government open and working For The People by voting yes on the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023. The final vote was 230 – 201 with all “No” votes coming from Republicans. “Keeping the government open for the people should not be subject to partisan posturing. I’m proud to have voted yes on this package to ensure vital federal agencies, including education, health, housing, and public safety programs have the resources they need to serve all Americans without interruption,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. This continued funding grows opportunity through early childhood education, invests in our schools and high-quality job training programs, provides critical nutrition assistance and affordable housing opportunities, secures our nation, and supports our veterans. Additionally, this package advanced a number of key priorities For The People: Billions in relief for New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Florida, Alaska and other communities hit by natural disasters, especially in the wake of Hurricane Ian $12.3 billion to power the fight for freedom in Ukraine, including new security, economic and humanitarian assistance Bolstering funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: this will help working families pay for higher energy bills as we enter the winter months Five-year reauthorization of FDA user fees: ensuring no interruption to the FDA’s life-saving work reviewing and approving new prescription drugs coming to market",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-nearly-700000-to-support-outdoor-and-classroom-learning-on-the-chesapeake-bay,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Nearly $700,000 to Support Outdoor and Classroom Learning on the Chesapeake Bay",2022-09-29,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $692,918 to support environmental education programs that provide students the opportunity to learn about the importance of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in both outdoor and classroom settings. This federal funding is through the NOAA Chesapeake Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) grant program. “Young Americans hold the keys to a better future for our planet. That’s why providing hands-on experiences for students to learn about our environment and its stewardship is so important. Through these environmental education programs, students will also have the opportunity to explore one of Maryland’s greatest natural treasures – the Chesapeake Bay. Team Maryland will continue to support these projects that help students get outdoors to investigate and see firsthand the environmental stresses our planet is facing,” said the lawmakers. Awards include: $299,468 for the Paleontological Research Institution to support its initiative titled, “A Watershed of Trees: A MWEE to Engage Students at the Intersection of Forest, Water, Climate, and Environmental Stewardship” $200,000 for the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators to support the Maryland Environmental Literacy Advisory Network $193,450 for the National Career Technical Education Foundation to support its project titled, “Developing a Statewide Framework for Incorporating Environmental Literacy in Career Technical Education” The lawmakers worked to secure an increase in federal funds for the B-WET program through fiscal year 2022 appropriations to help school districts provide teachers with relevant training and students with outdoor and classroom learning experiences to explore local environmental issues.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-nearly-700-000-to-support-outdoor-and-classroom-learning-on-the-chesapeake-bay,"Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Nearly $700,000 to Support Outdoor and Classroom Learning on the Chesapeake Bay",2022-09-29,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $692,918 to support environmental education programs that provide students the opportunity to learn about the importance of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in both outdoor and classroom settings. This federal funding is through the NOAA Chesapeake Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) grant program. “Young Americans hold the keys to a better future for our planet. That’s why providing hands-on experiences for students to learn about our environment and its stewardship is so important. Through these environmental education programs, students will also have the opportunity to explore one of Maryland’s greatest natural treasures – the Chesapeake Bay. Team Maryland will continue to support these projects that help students get outdoors to investigate and see firsthand the environmental stresses our planet is facing,” said the lawmakers. Awards include: $299,468 for the Paleontological Research Institution to support its initiative titled, “A Watershed of Trees: A MWEE to Engage Students at the Intersection of Forest, Water, Climate, and Environmental Stewardship” $200,000 for the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators to support the Maryland Environmental Literacy Advisory Network $193,450 for the National Career Technical Education Foundation to support its project titled, “Developing a Statewide Framework for Incorporating Environmental Literacy in Career Technical Education” The lawmakers worked to secure an increase in federal funds for the B-WET program through fiscal year 2022 appropriations to help school districts provide teachers with relevant training and students with outdoor and classroom learning experiences to explore local environmental issues. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-writes-letter-psc-urging-them-use-budget-surplus-approving-rate-hikes,Harris Writes Letter to PSC Urging Them to Use Budget Surplus Before Approving Rate Hikes,2022-09-27,2022,2022-09,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. (MD-01), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee wrote a letter to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding Delmarva Power & Light’s (DP&L) recently announced and proposed increases to their utility rates. DP&L serves approximately 208,000 residents in Maryland's First Congressional District and these proposed increases would cost constituents hundreds of dollars each year. As the letter notes, in the last two years, Maryland has received billions of dollars in emergency federal assistance and is slated to receive billions more, including nearly $8 billion for infrastructure. Through the receipt of these funds and through increased tax returns, the State of Maryland has also run a nearly $2 billion surplus. Congressman Harris issued the following the statement: ""As people are struggling with the burden of runaway inflation and a plummeting stock market, it would be incredibly unfortunate to pass along these expenses to hard-working consumers when there is a common-sense, alternative solution. Combating residents’ increasing costs begins by spending wisely, and so, in no uncertain terms, I urge the Commission to first utilize any unspent federal or budget surplus dollars before approving any rate hikes.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-and-senator-cardin-introduce-bill-to-establish-national-council-on-african-american-history-and-culture,Congressman Mfume and Senator Cardin Introduce Bill to Establish National Council on African American History and Culture,2022-09-27,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) announced the introduction of the National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2022 in the United States House of Representatives and Senate. This legislation would create a 12-person National Council on African American History and Culture to educate, preserve and celebrate Black history and culture. In short, the Council would advise the National Endowment for the Humanities on how they can best amplify the work of Black creators, strengthen teaching and learning in schools to ensure Black history and culture is recognized, and provide critical resources dedicated to preserving Black history. “African Americans have played an essential role in creating our country as it exists today. Yet, our contributions are not always fully recognized, celebrated, or preserved, including in the humanities,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “Establishing the National Council on African American History and Culture will ensure African American history is fully integrated into the telling of American history. By giving Black professors, artists, and storytellers a seat at the table, America advances one step closer to a nation that recognizes the tremendous value of Black history and culture.” “The lessons our children learn in school last a lifetime, and for too long those lessons have failed to fully acknowledge the role of Black Americans. And it happens in far more places than schools – so much of what we have learned for generations about history, music, culture and more has diminished the role of African American creators, writers, musicians and beyond,” said Senator Ben Cardin. “I am proud to lead the effort in the Senate to advance the companion legislation to Congressman Mfume’s bill to create a National Council on African American History and Culture. The time has come to ensure that every future generation has a factual and complete understanding of the role that all Americans have played in advancing our society, and this legislation moves us decisively in the right direction.” Highlights of the National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2022 The Council will be composed of 12 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate. The Council will prepare an annual report for the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), which evaluates various programs and activities of the NEH to document the extent to which they are contributing to the preservation and celebration of Black history and culture. The Council will also: Monitor the work of museums and organizations dedicated to the preservation of Black history and culture; Gather information concerning historical developments and cultural trends in Black history and culture; Propose national policy recommendations to foster and promote the understanding of African American history, the preservation of African American culture, and the celebration of African Americans as contributors to the country’s economic, cultural, and political success; and Make and furnish research and recommendations at the Chairperson of the NEH may request. To view the full text of the National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2022, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-12-million-for-firefighters-in-western-maryland,Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $12 Million for Firefighters in Western Maryland,2022-09-23,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $12,108,037.50 in federal funding for Maryland firefighters and first responders in Frederick, Allegany, and Washington Counties. The funding will enhance firefighters’ emergency response capabilities and their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and themselves. It will also support the recruitment and retention of additional firefighters. “Investing in Maryland firefighters and first responders is an investment in the safety of our communities and the well-being of those on the frontlines who are putting themselves at risk to protect the rest of us every day. This federal funding will help expand recruitment for new firefighters and will equip our local fire departments with the tools they need to continue safely providing critical services to Western Marylanders,” said the lawmakers. “We are extremely grateful for the support of Senator Van Hollen and our entire Federal delegation,” said Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner. “This SAFER grant will allow us to improve staffing to keep our community and our firefighters safe.” The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $8,565,688.64 to Frederick County to hire full-time firefighters; $1,927,818.18 to Washington County to provide new portable radios for Fire & EMS departments across the County; $1,499,999.27 to The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, headquartered in Frederick County, for its fire prevention and training programs; $97,142.85 to Borden Shaft Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in Allegany County for vehicle extrication and rescue tools; and $17,388.57 to the Community Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. of District No. 12 in Washington County to purchase a gear washer and dryer. Funding is from the Department of Homeland Security's FY2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FPS) program, and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) awards. The programs are administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/van-hollen-raskin-join-with-nsa-bethesda-fire-fighters-iaff-leaders-to-highlight-progress-on-efforts-to-improve-base-conditions-build-new-facility,"Van Hollen, Raskin Join with NSA Bethesda Fire Fighters, IAFF Leaders to Highlight Progress on Efforts to Improve Base Conditions, Build New Facility",2022-09-23,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Jamie Raskin (both D-Md.) joined fire fighters working at Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSA Bethesda) – the naval installation home to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center – along with International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Edward A. Kelly and National Capital Federal Fire Fighters President Scott Burkhardt Jr. to discuss progress in pushing the Navy to improve the living and working conditions for the fire fighters who serve the base and the surrounding community. The lawmakers and IAFF leadership toured the station and saw first-hand the subpar living conditions that persist within the existing fire station and living quarters – including issues such as water leaks, mold, pest infestation, and a broken exhaust removal system, among others. Following their tour, the group reaffirmed their efforts to push the Navy forward and pointed to a recent confirmation from the Secretary of the Navy that preliminary planning for an entirely new 16,000-square-foot fire station has been completed, at an estimated cost of $22.5 million. This progress follows the letter sent by the Senator and his colleagues pressing for an update on the Navy’s efforts to address the unsafe conditions at the facility and is a crucial step in allowing future funding of the project. Senator Van Hollen and IAFF leadership also highlighted the Fire Station Construction Grants Act, legislation the Senator recently introduced to help build and upgrade fire stations in Maryland and across the country. “The deplorable conditions that persist at the NSA Bethesda firehouse not only endanger our fire fighters – they also make it more difficult for them to protect the Walter Reed complex and the surrounding communities. But with the help of the fire fighters and IAFF, we’ve finally pushed the Navy leadership to commit to a plan to build a brand new fire station fit for the mission of this base that is at the vanguard of military medicine and serves our wounded warriors and thousands of veterans,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I’ll keep working to push the Navy to provide the necessary funds to get this project off the ground, and I am committed to ensuring our fire fighters and first responders and have the tools they need to keep us all safe.” “The firefighters at NSA Bethesda provide an essential public service to the naval base and surrounding community, yet their facilities remain in a state of unacceptable disrepair,” said Rep. Raskin. “These brave public servants regularly put their lives in danger to protect us. They should never feel unsafe in their home station. While I commend Secretary Del Toro for committing to build a new fire station, I urge the Navy to carry out swiftly the interim facility repairs required to keep our firefighters safe today.” “Fire fighters are answering calls today from dilapidated fire stations across the United States. The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center provides world-class medical care to our brave military, yet its fire station is in shambles. Just this summer, a fire fighter there sustained a serious injury when he fell through the floor and required three months of rehabilitation. This injury was preventable; it should not have occurred,” said Edward A. Kelly, president, International Association of Fire Fighters. “The staff at Walter Reed has done everything it can with the resources it has to repair the current station. It is time for the Navy to prioritize the modernization and replacement of this house and others like it at bases around the nation. The IAFF is grateful to Representative Raskin and Senator Van Hollen for their steadfast dedication to fire fighters and their continued efforts to correct the decades of inaction that have left our nation’s fire stations in a failing state.” “IAFF Federal Fire Fighters should not have to worry about falling through the floor of their bunk room. We worry about that when we're in burning buildings. We also shouldn’t have to worry about waterlogged flooring or insect infestations where we live and work, but it’s a reality that our federal fire fighters face every day,” said Scott Burkhardt Jr., president, National Capital Federal Fire Fighters. “The leadership of NSA Bethesda, Walter Reed, and the Commander Navy Region have all express their support for us, but they have been hamstrung by cuts to their budgets and the meddling of their internal affairs. We as fire fighters aren’t asking for more than what the Navy Facilities Engineering Command have told us we’re supposed to be able to expect in our stations. That’s what we’re fighting for, and we’re glad Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Raskin have our backs.” Following the June 28 letter sent to Navy leadership by Senator Van Hollen and his colleagues seeking an update on the status of the firehouse, U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro told the lawmakers that the Navy has completed its preliminary plans for a new 16,000 square-foot fire facility and committed to working to budget funds for its construction. Secretary Del Toro also outlined how the Navy planned to fix many of the immediate safety issues in the existing fire station – where fire fighters are still living – and those plans include replacing damaged floors, installing new doors and frames, and making retrofits to prevent water leaks, among others. Additionally, the Secretary provided an update on the improvements made in two barracks for junior enlisted service members on NSA Bethesda, the conditions of which Senator Van Hollen and his colleagues had also raised concerns about earlier this year. Secretary Del Toro’s letter to Senator Van Hollen and his colleagues can be viewed here, and form outlining the plans for the new fire station can be viewed here. Senator Van Hollen has consistently championed issues important to fire fighters and first responders during his time in the Senate. Last year, as part of the fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, he passed his Federal Firefighter Flexibility and Fairness Act into law. This legislation allows federal fire fighters to trade shifts across pay periods without it affecting their overtime. State and local fire fighters have been able to engage in trade time for many years, and this law extended that right to federal fire fighters. Additionally, last month, Senator Van Hollen introduced the Fire Station Construction Grants Act, a bill that authorizes $1 billion in grants to be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help modify, upgrade, and construct fire and EMS department facilities. A member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Van Hollen works each year to secure federal funding for local fire departments and EMS agencies across Maryland to enhance their response capabilities and ability to protect the health and safety of the public and first-responders. So far this year, he has led his Congressional colleagues in announcing over $15.5 million for various agencies around the state. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-dhhs-grant-lower-shore-clinic-inc,"Harris Announces DHHS Grant To Lower Shore Clinic, Inc",2022-09-22,2022,2022-09,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. (MD-01), Member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, is pleased to announce that the Department of Health and Human Services will be announcing a Congressional Mental Health & Substance Abuse Service Grant in the amount of $1,000,000 to the Lower Shore Clinic, Inc in Salisbury, Maryland. The Lower Shore Clinic, Inc has proposed to expand its service provision as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center and this grant money will go towards fulfilling that goal. Congressman Harris issued the following the statement: “As a physician, I am very pleased to hear that the Department of Health and Human Services is awarding the Lower Shore Clinic with this sizable grant. For decades, the Lower Shore Clinic has provided effective and highly accessible healthcare to Eastern Shore residents. This grant will allow them not only to continue their important work, but also to expand the services they offer. This investment in interventions for substance abuse and mental health comes at a pivotal time and I look forward to seeing this money put to good use.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/harris-announces-us-department-education-grant-chesapeake-college,Harris Announces U.S. Department of Education Grant to Chesapeake College,2022-09-22,2022,2022-09,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. (MD-01), Member of the Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations, is pleased to announce that Chesapeake College has been selected to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education under the Upward Bound program. The Upward Bound program provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.Chesapeake College has been awarded a grand total of $287,537.00 through this program. Congressman Harris issued the following the statement: “I am very pleased to hear that the Department of Education has awarded Chesapeake College with grant money through their Upward Bound program. As a two-year regional institution, Chesapeake College serves many Eastern Shore students in Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties. This grant will assist high-school students from low-income families pursue postsecondary education, which is especially helpful in a struggling economy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-harris-joins-protect-kids-caucus,Congressman Harris Joins Protect Kids Caucus,2022-09-21,2022,2022-09,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. (MD-01), the Acting Ranking Member of House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee is pleased to announce that he has joined Congresswoman Debbie Lesko’s Protect Kids Caucus (PKC). The purpose and mission of this caucus is to promote policies and practices that protect children from sexualization in schools, health care, government programs, and online. The Protect Kids Caucus also provides a platform for experts and parents across the nation to inform Congress on threats to children’s innocence. As an original cosponsor of the Parents Bill of Rights Act, Congressman Harris has been a leading voice in Congress on protecting children from woke ideology indoctrination and ensuring that each educational agency publicly disseminates their curriculum so that parents have the right to view what their child is learning. Congressman Harris issued the following the statement: “As a father of six children, I am proud to join Congresswoman Debbie Lesko’s Protect Kids Caucus because we must shield our innocent children from any agenda that seeks to corrupt them. As we witness disturbing levels of sexualization targeting children, it is both important and appropriate for Congress to focus on protecting our kids. The Protect Kids Caucus forms a basis for parents and educational experts to discuss threats our children confront, and directs Congress to take legislative action when and wherever needed. I am proud to join this caucus and look forward to the important work we will do.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-urges-administration-kick-start-new,Maryland Congressional Delegation Urges Administration to Kick-Start New Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Stock Assessment,2022-09-21,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all Md.) today urged U.S. Department of Commerce leadership to initiate a new benchmark stock assessment for the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population, in line with the recommendations of leading scientists and fisheries managers. Following the lowest-ever blue crab population estimates in this year’s winter dredge survey, the Members of Congress called for expedient action to be undertaken using funding from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “The 2022 [winter dredge] survey demonstrates the complexity of the blue crab fishery. This year saw the Bay’s lowest number of crabs observed (227 million crabs) in the survey’s history. Approximately 97 million mature female crabs were estimated to be present in the Bay at the start of the 2022 crabbing season, which is above the abundance threshold of 72.5 million adult females, but well below the target of 196 million,” the Members of Congress write. “While these results suggest that the blue crab population is not depleted relative to the reference points, worryingly, juvenile abundance has not responded to increases in female abundance as expected. Current, comprehensive information is needed to understand this disconnect, as well as to identify and address other factors attributed to the low overall population, including water quality, changes in weather patterns associated with climate change, habitat loss, and predation, including by invasive species such as blue catfish and northern snakehead.” “Sound management of the species is vital to ensure the sustainability of this natural resource, which supports commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries,” the Members affirm. “We write to express our full support for a new benchmark stock assessment, as recommended in the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC) 2022 Blue Crab Advisory Report.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-over-86m-in-federal-funds-for-investments-in-minority-and-underserved-communities,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $86M in Federal Funds for Investments in Minority and Underserved Communities",2022-09-21,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced today that three Maryland-based community financial institutions will receive a combined $86.6 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP) to help low-income and minority borrowers. Funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was supported by all Democratic members of Team Maryland, these funds are direct, wide-ranging investments in our communities that have been financially underserved and harmed the most during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The economic harm from COVID-19 still lingers across Maryland, especially among minority small businesses and others who were systemically underserved before the pandemic,” the lawmakers said. “We have fought to create an equitable recovery that drives investment, including capital and loans, in our communities with the greatest need. These community financial institutions know the region and are uniquely suited to personalize support for local businesses so they can create jobs and expand economic opportunities for all Marylanders.” The three Maryland-headquartered Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDI) receiving funds are: $75.038 million - Harbor Bankshares Corporation, Baltimore City (CDFI and MDI) $7 million - SkyPoint Federal Credit Union, Germantown (CDFI) $4.6 million - Securityplus Federal Credit Union, Baltimore City (MDI) “These investments are designed to support the efforts of community financial institutions to, among other things, provide loans, grants, and forbearance for small and minority-owned businesses and consumers,” according to Treasury. They also include the “development and preservation of affordable housing, and investments in community development projects.” The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of investing in CDFIs and MDIs, key components of the federal government’s effort to deliver capital to underserved small businesses and entrepreneurs. In March, the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, which is chaired by Senator Cardin, released a report finding that set-asides for CDFIs and MDIs in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ensured that minority-owned, rural, and other underserved small businesses had access to PPP loans. According to the staff report, “The equity-focused policies implemented by Congress and the Biden administration over the lifetime of PPP resulted in a significant improvement in the number and share of loans that were made to minority-owned, women-owned, and other underserved small businesses.” As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Financial Service and General Government, which funds the Department of the Treasury Emergency Capital Investment Program as well as funding for CDFI and MDI programs, Senator Van Hollen oversaw the increase of these funds in the 2022 appropriations bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-urges-administration-to-kick-start-new-chesapeake-bay-blue-crab-stock-assessment,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Urges Administration to Kick-Start New Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Stock Assessment",2022-09-21,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all Md.) today urged U.S. Department of Commerce leadership to initiate a new benchmark stock assessment for the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population, in line with the recommendations of leading scientists and fisheries managers. Following the lowest-ever blue crab population estimates in this year’s winter dredge survey, the Members of Congress called for expedient action to be undertaken using funding from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “The 2022 [winter dredge] survey demonstrates the complexity of the blue crab fishery. This year saw the Bay’s lowest number of crabs observed (227 million crabs) in the survey’s history. Approximately 97 million mature female crabs were estimated to be present in the Bay at the start of the 2022 crabbing season, which is above the abundance threshold of 72.5 million adult females, but well below the target of 196 million,” the Members of Congress write. “While these results suggest that the blue crab population is not depleted relative to the reference points, worryingly, juvenile abundance has not responded to increases in female abundance as expected. Current, comprehensive information is needed to understand this disconnect, as well as to identify and address other factors attributed to the low overall population, including water quality, changes in weather patterns associated with climate change, habitat loss, and predation, including by invasive species such as blue catfish and northern snakehead.” “Sound management of the species is vital to ensure the sustainability of this natural resource, which supports commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries,” the Members affirm. “We write to express our full support for a new benchmark stock assessment, as recommended in the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC) 2022 Blue Crab Advisory Report.” The Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee is an advisory group under the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team. The Maryland DNR, Virginia Marine Resource Commission, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission each have a representative on this team to discuss fishery policies, including blue crab management. This committee has met each year since 1997 to review the results of annual Chesapeake Bay blue crab surveys and develop management advice for the three jurisdictions, summarized in an annual report. The 2022 Blue Crab Advisory Report released in July included a new recommendation to update the 2011 benchmark stock assessment.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-over-86m-in-federal-funds-for-investments-in-minority-and-underserved-communities,Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $86M in Federal Funds for Investments in Minority and Underserved Communities,2022-09-21,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced today that three Maryland-based community financial institutions will receive a combined $86.6 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP) to help low-income and minority borrowers. Funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was supported by all Democratic members of Team Maryland, these funds are direct, wide-ranging investments in our communities that have been financially underserved and harmed the most during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The economic harm from COVID-19 still lingers across Maryland, especially among minority small businesses and others who were systemically underserved before the pandemic,” the lawmakers said. “We have fought to create an equitable recovery that drives investment, including capital and loans, in our communities with the greatest need. These community financial institutions know the region and are uniquely suited to personalize support for local businesses so they can create jobs and expand economic opportunities for all Marylanders.” The three Maryland-headquartered Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDI) receiving funds are: $75.038 million - Harbor Bankshares Corporation, Baltimore City (CDFI and MDI) $7 million - SkyPoint Federal Credit Union, Germantown (CDFI) $4.6 million - Securityplus Federal Credit Union, Baltimore City (MDI) “These investments are designed to support the efforts of community financial institutions to, among other things, provide loans, grants, and forbearance for small and minority-owned businesses and consumers,” according to Treasury. They also include the “development and preservation of affordable housing, and investments in community development projects.” The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of investing in CDFIs and MDIs, key components of the federal government’s effort to deliver capital to underserved small businesses and entrepreneurs. In March, the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, which is chaired by Senator Cardin, released a report finding that set-asides for CDFIs and MDIs in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ensured that minority-owned, rural, and other underserved small businesses had access to PPP loans. According to the staff report, “The equity-focused policies implemented by Congress and the Biden administration over the lifetime of PPP resulted in a significant improvement in the number and share of loans that were made to minority-owned, women-owned, and other underserved small businesses.” As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Financial Service and General Government, which funds the Department of the Treasury Emergency Capital Investment Program as well as funding for CDFI and MDI programs, Senator Van Hollen oversaw the increase of these funds in the 2022 appropriations bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/maryland-congressional-delegation-urges-administration-to-kick-start-new-chesapeake-bay-blue-crab-stock-assessment,Maryland Congressional Delegation Urges Administration to Kick-Start New Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Stock Assessment,2022-09-21,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all Md.) today urged U.S. Department of Commerce leadership to initiate a new benchmark stock assessment for the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population, in line with the recommendations of leading scientists and fisheries managers. Following the lowest-ever blue crab population estimates in this year’s winter dredge survey, the Members of Congress called for expedient action to be undertaken using funding from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “The 2022 [winter dredge] survey demonstrates the complexity of the blue crab fishery. This year saw the Bay’s lowest number of crabs observed (227 million crabs) in the survey’s history. Approximately 97 million mature female crabs were estimated to be present in the Bay at the start of the 2022 crabbing season, which is above the abundance threshold of 72.5 million adult females, but well below the target of 196 million,” the Members of Congress write. “While these results suggest that the blue crab population is not depleted relative to the reference points, worryingly, juvenile abundance has not responded to increases in female abundance as expected. Current, comprehensive information is needed to understand this disconnect, as well as to identify and address other factors attributed to the low overall population, including water quality, changes in weather patterns associated with climate change, habitat loss, and predation, including by invasive species such as blue catfish and northern snakehead.” “Sound management of the species is vital to ensure the sustainability of this natural resource, which supports commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries,” the Members affirm. “We write to express our full support for a new benchmark stock assessment, as recommended in the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC) 2022 Blue Crab Advisory Report.” The Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee is an advisory group under the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team. The Maryland DNR, Virginia Marine Resource Commission, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission each have a representative on this team to discuss fishery policies, including blue crab management. This committee has met each year since 1997 to review the results of annual Chesapeake Bay blue crab surveys and develop management advice for the three jurisdictions, summarized in an annual report. The 2022 Blue Crab Advisory Report released in July included a new recommendation to update the 2011 benchmark stock assessment. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-800000-in-new-federal-funding-for-chesapeake-bay-oyster-restoration,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $800,000 in New Federal Funding for Chesapeake Bay Oyster Restoration",2022-09-20,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced a new federal grant of $800,000 for the restoration of oyster reefs that are vital to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. The new funding for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources comes through NOAA Fisheries to support the placement of spat-on-shell, or oyster larvae, on up to 100 acres of oyster reefs in four Maryland tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Higher oyster density is expected to lead to increased environmental benefits, such as water filtration and more habitat for fish. “Oysters are restoration engines for the Chesapeake Bay. They play a key role in the Bay’s ecosystem, filtering water and providing habitat for biodiverse aquatic wildlife. This new federal grant will deliver the resources to create 100 acres of oyster reefs, an area equivalent to 75 football fields, that will provide fertile ground for Bay restoration,” said the members. “We look forward to the successful implementation of these restoration projects and are committed to continuing to lead the effort to expand our investment in the health of the Chesapeake Bay.” NOAA Fisheries provides funding and technical support to partners across the country to develop high-quality habitat restoration projects. Funding for the new Maryland project comes through the Community-based Restoration Program, which funds habitat restoration projects focused on supporting sustainable fisheries and recovering Endangered Species Act-listed species.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-800-000-in-new-federal-funding-for-chesapeake-bay-oyster-restoration,"Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $800,000 in New Federal Funding for Chesapeake Bay Oyster Restoration",2022-09-20,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced a new federal grant of $800,000 for the restoration of oyster reefs that are vital to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. The new funding for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources comes through NOAA Fisheries to support the placement of spat-on-shell, or oyster larvae, on up to 100 acres of oyster reefs in four Maryland tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Higher oyster density is expected to lead to increased environmental benefits, such as water filtration and more habitat for fish. “Oysters are restoration engines for the Chesapeake Bay. They play a key role in the Bay’s ecosystem, filtering water and providing habitat for biodiverse aquatic wildlife. This new federal grant will deliver the resources to create 100 acres of oyster reefs, an area equivalent to 75 football fields, that will provide fertile ground for Bay restoration,” said the members. “We look forward to the successful implementation of these restoration projects and are committed to continuing to lead the effort to expand our investment in the health of the Chesapeake Bay.” NOAA Fisheries provides funding and technical support to partners across the country to develop high-quality habitat restoration projects. Funding for the new Maryland project comes through the Community-based Restoration Program, which funds habitat restoration projects focused on supporting sustainable fisheries and recovering Endangered Species Act-listed species. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/doc-caucus-statement-support-hr-3173-improving-seniors-timely-access-care-act,"Doc Caucus Statement in Support of H.R. 3173, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2021",2022-09-19,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,MD,Andy Harris,H001052,harris.house.gov,harris,https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - On Wednesday the House unanimously passed H.R. 3173, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2021, a bill to modernize and improve the prior authorization process by establishing an electronic system allowing for “real time decisions” for routinely approved services and improves transparency at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A longtime priority of the GOP Doctors Caucus, the co-chairs Reps. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH,) Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD,) and Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) are all original co-sponsors of this bipartisan legislation spearheaded by a multi-year effort led by Rep. Larry Buschon, M.D. (R-IN) with Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS.) Statement from the co-chairs: “When patients need simple procedures such as screening services and tests like MRIs and CAT scans, they do not need red tape and hurdles. According to a recent American Medical Association survey, 93 percent of physicians report that the current prior authorization process causes delays in patient care and 83 percent said that the process leads patients to abandon their treatment altogether. For far too many,delayed care is denied care. The current system robs seniors by denying or delaying covered services and care. It causes more costs and burdensparticularly since early intervention often saves patients’ lives and prevents costly delays in treatment. We believe this bill will lead to cost savings and more importantly, patients’ health and life spans will be vastly improved.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-delegation-members-announce-39-million-in-american-rescue-plan-funding-to-connect-maryland-students-to-internet-service,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Delegation Members Announce $3.9 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding to Connect Maryland Students to Internet Service",2022-09-19,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) announced $3,913,553 to help provide schools and libraries on the Eastern Shore and in Baltimore with the tools and services they need to enhance internet connectivity. These funds were provided by the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund, which the lawmakers worked to establish in the American Rescue Plan, to close the digital divide. Maryland has received over $85 million since the Fund’s creation last year. This funding has supported over 70 schools and libraries across Maryland and expanded broadband internet access for thousands of students, school staff, and library patrons. “Reliable internet access is vital to ensuring students get a twenty-first century education and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Unfortunately, too many Maryland students still lack internet access at home and are caught in the digital divide. That’s why we fought to secure this funding in the American Rescue Plan to help provide additional support directly to our schools and libraries so that more students have the devices and internet connections they need to get online. We will continue to help every student — no matter their zip code — access secure and affordable internet,” said the lawmakers. Awards in this wave of funding include: $3,799,575.44 for the Enoch Pratt Free Library System $74,860.38 for the Caroline County Public Schools $27,748.15 for the Talbot County Public School District $11,370.00 for the Talbot County Free Library The American Rescue Plan, which the lawmakers fought to pass, included historic investments in Maryland for broadband infrastructure, education and child care, health care, small businesses, public transit, and more. These investments have delivered significant resources directly to Maryland to help workers, families, and local officials combat COVID-19 and recover from the health and economic impacts of the virus.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/members-of-congress-and-truck-safety-coalition-call-for-lifesaving-cmv-safety-advances-following-release-of-deadliest-truck-crash-states-report,Members of Congress and Truck Safety Coalition Call for Lifesaving CMV Safety Advances Following Release of Deadliest Truck Crash States Report,2022-09-19,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC — Today, safety leaders in Congress alongside the Truck Safety Coalition called for immediate action to advance critical truck safety reforms following the sobering release of the “Deadliest Truck Crash States” report. The report ranks States on truck crash fatalities per 100,000 population for 2020, the most recent year for which data is available. The “deadliest dozen” states in order are Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Arkansas, Montana, Alabama, Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Dakota. The report data was generated by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The report release comes on the heels of one of the worst years for roadway safety ever recorded. NHTSA reports that large truck fatalities surged 13% over the previous year reaching 5,600 deaths. Annually, there are over 146,000 injuries. Since 2009, truck crash deaths have increased by 66%. Despite this alarming trend, policymakers are acting with little urgency to curb the carnage on our roads. Members of Congress and truck crash victim volunteers of the Truck Safety Coalition issued a powerful call to action in Washington, DC today demanding decision-makers reckon with the price of inaction and take swift and meaningful action to address this crisis. Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), “It is incumbent upon us to improve truck safety on our roadways for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists. This is an urgent priority that is searingly important to our community because of the loss of Sarah Langenkamp, a devoted mother, wife, daughter and friend. May Sarah’s memory inspire us to move swiftly on road and truck safety reform. Transportation safety requires a comprehensive effort at the county, state and national levels, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to forward this important reform.” Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Chair, U.S. House of Representatives Highways and Transit Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure: “The roadway safety crisis does not receive the attention it deserves. One of the fundamental roles of government is to protect people. With that in mind, I have made safety one of my top priorities as chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. I will continue to work toward safer roadways for all users, including in my run for chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the 118th Congress. Thank you to the Truck Safety Coalition for preparing this landmark report on truck crashes."" Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Chair, U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce: “In 2020, over 70% of the deaths in underride crashes were occupants of other vehicles. I have heard from families affected by these horrific crashes, and it is past time we act to keep people safe. Underride guards on large trucks save lives. The recently finalized rulemaking on rear underride guards is a good beginning, but we must go even further. I stand with the victims, survivors, and their families and urge NHTSA to make rear underride protections even stronger and require side underride guards.” Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04): “I’ve met families whose lives have been forever changed by the devastating injury or loss of a loved one. They are burdened with insurmountable debt due to medical costs on top of the grief they are going through. We must do all we can to protect victims of catastrophic crashes with trucks. This is why I reintroduced the INSURANCE Act, to change the minimum insurance requirement for trucks, which has not changed for more than 40 years. I’m proud to partner with the Truck Safety Coalition to continue supporting truck crash victims and their families.” Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), “This report highlights the need for urgent action by Congress to stem the rising tide of truck crashes and fatalities. NHTSA’s data makes it clear that without stronger precautions and safety measures, commercial motor vehicle incidents – including deadly underride accidents – will continue to plague our roads. I’m proud to stand with advocates and families of victims to demand comprehensive, lifesaving solutions.” Kirstin Gillibrand (D-NY), “I’ve fought for years to protect Americans from dangerous and deadly underride crashes. And no matter what setbacks we face, I will keep fighting to raise the bar on truck safety. I thank Congresswoman Holmes Norton, the Truck Safety Coalition, and the families of victims here today for their tireless advocacy and I’m proud to be fighting by your side. We will not give up until we stop these preventable accidents from occurring.” Alex Padilla (D-CA), “America’s truck drivers are on the frontlines of keeping goods and our economy moving,” said Senator Padilla. “We know that better pay and working conditions create safer outcomes for our truck drivers and all roadway users. I’ve introduced the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act to improve wages and working conditions for these essential workers and build the foundation for good-paying, stable trucking jobs.” Joan Claybrook, CRASH Board Chair & former NHTSA Administrator, “Truck crash fatalities have increased 66% since 2009, costing victims and taxpayers an estimated $180 billion dollars. The large truck fatality crisis is an unattended and ignored public health crisis and it’s time for Secretary Buttigieg and Members of Congress to act accordingly. The solutions are not a mystery: require strong rear and side underride guards in addition to proven, low-cost technology like Automatic Emergency Braking and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems technology on all CMVs and critically terminate the lethal teen trucking pilot program immediately.” Elise Acosta, crash victim who lost her four children, Anesa (age 15), Quintin (age 13), Brekkin (age 8), and Trentin (age 6) in a preventable truck crash: I am a mother with no children. My children died a horrific death sitting in a work zone when their vehicle was struck by an inattentive and speeding semi. Hundreds of lives are lost every year in work zone crashes. There’s no reason this should be acceptable. Congress must act and implement NTSB’s recommendation to develop performance standards for connected-vehicle technology such as variable speed limiters and require this technology to be installed on all CMVs. Pam Biddle, crash victim who lost her son, Aaron Lee (age 23), in a preventable truck crash: Despite readily available technology, DOT still has failed to require Automatic Emergency Braking in all CMVs. Further inaction is intolerable and unacceptable, over 5,600 people needlessly died in large truck crashes last year, an increase of 13% over the previous year. Travelling on U.S. highways should not require an act of faith to survive. Gage Evans, crash victim who lost her husband, Bill Bailey in a preventable truck crash: It is incomprehensible to me that motor carriers only have to file paperwork and show proof of insurance to put a rig on the road. For over 20 years, FMCSA has failed to require new motor carriers to prove they are knowledgeable about safety standards as required by the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act. For over 40 years, FMCSA has failed to increase the Minimum Liability Insurance required for Motor Carriers. The crash stole the opportunity for me to spend retirement with my husband happened because a brand new, minimally insured carrier that was completely ignorant regarding safety standards was allowed to operate in the first place. How many more years will it take for Congress to hold FMCSA responsible to fulfill the lowest threshold of its safety mission? Daniel Langenkamp, crash victim who lost his wife, Sarah Langenkamp, in a preventable truck crash: My wife, a career diplomat for the U.S. State Department, fled war-torn Ukraine in July only to be killed in August by a 13-ton truck while riding her bike in a clearly marked bike lane in Bethesda. Such tragic and senseless deaths are absolutely preventable. Congress can require that NHTSA require that truck drivers actually have hours of practice behind the wheel of a rig prior to obtaining a CDL, it can require Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for all CMVs, and it can require that large trucks use side underride guards. These are not expensive or complicated solutions. My kids are asking why we are not doing more to prevent deaths like their mom’s. I ask that those opposing these commonsense changes look them in the eyes and tell them. Zach Cahalan, Executive Director, Truck Safety Coalition: Our victim volunteers are the strongest, most courageous people I know. Their witness shines a spotlight on the abysmal state of truck safety in this country. It does not have to be this way. If more DOT, industry leaders, and elected officials display a fraction of the courage our volunteers have demonstrated today, we will succeed in drastically driving down truck crash deaths and injuries. Truck Safety Coalition victim volunteers are the strongest, most courageous people I know. They bear witness to shine a spotlight on the deplorable state of truck safety in this country. It does not have to be this way. If enough DOT, industry leaders, and elected officials display a fraction of the courage our volunteers have demonstrated today and implemented the solutions offered by our victims we will succeed in driving down truck crash deaths and injuries. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/raskin-s-press-act-passes-house-with-unanimous-bipartisan-support/f7a6b5ab-9f9f-469d-9d6e-1a8f13666a90,"Raskin’s PRESS Act Passes House with Unanimous, Bipartisan Support",2022-09-19,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin’s (MD-08) Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying (PRESS) Act, passed the House of Representatives with unanimous, bipartisan support. Introduced with Representatives John Yarmuth (KY-03) and Ted Lieu (CA-33), Rep. Raskin’s legislation would safeguard a free and independent press by affording a federal statutory privilege to protect journalists from being compelled to reveal confidential sources and prevent federal law enforcement from abusing subpoena power. “Today is a triumphant day for press freedom,” said Rep. Raskin. “With the PRESS Act closer than ever to becoming law, a federal press shield law is within reach that affords journalists protection from government overreach and abuse of the subpoena power. I’m grateful to Representatives Yarmuth and Lieu for their partnership in this effort to make good on this foundational constitutional promise, and I urge our colleagues in the Senate to advance the central, bipartisan mission of protecting a truly free and unmuzzled press—by sending this legislation to the president’s desk.” The PRESS Act has the endorsement of Demand Progress, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), News Media Alliance (NMA), News Leaders Association, MPA – The Association of Magazine Media, Protect the 1st, Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Rep. Raskin previously introduced a bipartisan federal press shield bill in 2017. That bill was based on a 2007 press shield bill (H.R. 2102) that passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support on a 398-21 vote and was championed by then-Congressman Mike Pence. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a Senate version of the bill in 2021. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/rep-raskin-recognizes-u-s-postal-inspection-service-inspector-charles-wickersham-as-a-local-hero,Rep. Raskin Recognizes U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector Charles Wickersham as a Local Hero,2022-09-16,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Rockville, MD – Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) recognized U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Inspector Charles Wickersham as a “Local Hero” for his diligent efforts to ensure the integrity of the Postal Service throughout Maryland’s Eighth District. Inspector Wickersham’s work contributed to the arrest and indictment of four accused postal thieves in the national capital region this July. “Constituents have shared alarming stories of postal problems ranging from misdeliveries to stolen checks worth thousands of dollars, and I have been working closely with USPIS to address these problems and crimes,” said Rep. Raskin. “I’m thankful we have a steadfast advocate in Inspector Wickersham and his team. I’m profoundly grateful for his partnership in strengthening the Postal Service for our community.” To watch the Local Hero segment with Inspector Wickersham, please visit Rep. Raskin’s YouTube channel, or visit his other social media accounts. Based on a review conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service observed a 161% increase in mail theft complaints from March 2020 through February 2021, compared to the same period in the previous year. Rep. Raskin has worked closely with Inspector Wickersham to understand and respond to escalating mail thefts and concerns within the Eighth District. Recently, Rep. Raskin invited Inspector Wickersham to join him at a Silver Spring Civic Association meeting, where Inspector Wickersham provided an overview of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and their efforts to address these issues. Rep. Raskin alerted the Department of Justice to a pattern of mail thefts in the Eighth District, and in July, four individuals allegedly responsible for postal thefts were indicted by federal prosecutors. More information on the indictments is available at the Department of Justice website. As a member of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Raskin continually advocates for secure, reliable mail service for the Eighth District and the country, most recently sounding the alarm on these local mail thefts and misdeliveries to senior USPS officials at a Government Operations Subcommittee hearing on mail delivery issues in Maryland. A video of some of those remarks is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/van-hollen-cardin-trone-raskin-announce-nearly-8-5-million-for-improvements-at-frederick-carroll-county-airports,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone, Raskin Announce Nearly $8.5 Million for Improvements at Frederick, Carroll County Airports",2022-09-16,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $8,463,915 in federal funding to support improvements at Frederick Municipal airport and Carroll County Regional airport. The funds are provided through the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP). “Ensuring our airports are in the best condition keeps passengers safe, flights on time, and our economy growing. And with these federal resources, we’re not only helping Frederick and Carroll County airports better serve travelers and regional businesses, we’re also creating good-paying, local jobs,” said the lawmakers. “We will continue working to secure funding for critical infrastructure upgrades across our state because these investments are key to supporting our local economies.” The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $5,476,556 for Frederick Municipal Airport to extend the runway to meet the operational needs of the airport; and $2,987,359 for Carroll County Regional/Jack B Poage Field Airport to help reconstruct the runway by relocating a portion of a public use road and reimbursing for land acquisition. AIP funds various types of airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting and markings – all while creating thousands of good-paying, local jobs. The members have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including by securing an additional $20 billion to address the financial impacts of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/chairman-raskin-introduces-legislation-establishing-federal-anti-slapp-statute-to-protect-first-amendment-rights,Chairman Raskin Introduces Legislation Establishing Federal Anti-SLAPP Statute to Protect First Amendment Rights,2022-09-15,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C. (September 15, 2022) — Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, introduced the Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) Protection Act to establish a procedure to dismiss and deter strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) and punish entities that attempt to use this litigation to stifle First Amendment protected speech. The legislation follows a Subcommittee hearing yesterday that highlighted the fossil fuel industry’s use of SLAPPs to silence environmental activists and non-profits who speak out against proposed fossil fuel pipelines and other projects that contribute to climate change. “For decades, the fossil fuel industry has abused our legal system by deploying costly, protracted and meritless lawsuits to target activists, non-profits and other organizations exercising their First Amendment rights,” said Chairman Raskin. “The rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and a free press are fundamental to what it means to be an American, but this gap in federal law has allowed corporations and bad actors to chill speech and dissent. This legislation will stop wealthy forces from weaponizing the law to protect selfish interests.” “SLAPPs undermine the very values that are fundamental to our democracy: free speech and healthy debate. For the past six years, Greenpeace USA has been fighting SLAPPs that collectively seek more than $400 million in damages. Smaller groups and individuals can be sued into silence by the mere filing of a SLAPP, which is precisely the intent behind this tactic. Federal anti-SLAPP legislation will lower the rising price tag on free speech—and protect the voices of those who dedicate their lives to defending our planet and our communities,” said Deepa Padmanabha, Deputy General Counsel for Greenpeace USA. “By introducing the SLAPP Protection Act, Congressman Raskin is leading the way in ensuring that people can speak up about problems and injustices important to their communities and the American people. SLAPP lawsuits aren’t regular court cases. They're baseless legal actions filed by powerful individuals and businesses, targeting the free speech of protestors, journalists, and others who speak out on public matters. The aim of these cases is to tie up their targets in court until they sign away their First Amendment rights. Dozens of states have passed anti-SLAPP laws protecting people and state courts from this abusive tactic. The SLAPP Protection Act would do the same for the federal court system, representing a significant step forward in eliminating these harmful attacks,” said David McKean, Executive Director, International Corporate Accountability Roundtable (ICAR) and Protect the Protest task force leadership. “Congressman Raskin’s landmark legislation will help ensure that concerned citizens, journalists, and activists can speak up about issues that are important in their communities without fear of retaliation. The SLAPP Protection Act will provide courts with the tools to quickly identify and throw out SLAPPs, while keeping safeguards in place to protect plaintiffs who are seeking access to justice,” said Kirk Herbertson, Senior Policy Advisor, EarthRights International. Since the 1980s, SLAPPs have been used by powerful entities and individuals to silence critics through costly, lengthy, and often meritless litigation. Currently, there is no federal SLAPP statute that provides consistent protection across federal courts. This bill would create a “special motion to dismiss” SLAPP suits within federal law, modeled on the language and procedure currently in place in states with strong anti-SLAPP statutes. The special motion is distinct from other types of motions to dismiss, listed under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6), and would be substantively treated as a Motion for Summary Judgement under Rule 56. The law would also provide a floor for anti-SLAPP measures in the 18 states that currently do not have any anti-SLAPP provisions whatsoever. The SLAPP Protection Act of 2022 aims to protect the exercise of constitutionally protected rights, including free speech, petition, and peaceful assembly, as well as freedom of the press and the right to strike. To protect legitimate defamation cases, the bill includes several exceptions, such as government officials acting in their official capacity, whistleblower actions and litigation under anti-discrimination statutes. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-823000-for-americorps-vista-programs-in-howard-montgomery-and-frederick-counties,"Congressman Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces $823,000 for AmeriCorps VISTA Programs in Howard, Montgomery and Frederick Counties",2022-09-14,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Kweisi Mfume,M000687,mfume.house.gov,mfume,https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $822,780 in federal funding for AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) programs in Maryland which aim to alleviate poverty through partnerships with local organizations. AmeriCorps VISTA members work with local non-profits and groups to hone their leadership skills while working on issues facing communities, including housing & food insecurity, climate change, access to education, and more. This investment will support up to 42 AmeriCorps VISTA members per year in Maryland. “As the only federal agency focused on national volunteer work, AmeriCorps is an invaluable partner in tackling many of the challenges our communities face,” the lawmakers said. “From providing emergency aid during the COVID-19 pandemic to supporting communities affected by the opioid crisis, AmeriCorps strategically pairs its federal resources with those of local groups to help Americans in need. This funding for VISTA programs in Maryland will allow AmeriCorps members to provide vital services in our communities while they gain experience working in public service.” The FY22 AmeriCorps VISTA Quarter 3 Maryland Awards are: $724,830 to the Campus Compact Mid-Atlantic VISTA project based in Frederick, a non-profit membership association of public, private, 2- and 4-year colleges and universities that encourages student participation in community service and public service. $58,770 to Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. in Columbia, a national nonprofit that addresses housing shortages in communities through tactical investments and community development. $39,180 to CareerCatchers 2.0 based in Silver Spring, an organization that provides personalized career coaching and mentorship to individuals in low-income areas. In addition to the awards announced today, AmeriCorps will also provide $272,790 each year in education scholarships for the AmeriCorps VISTA members supported by this award to help pay for college, vocational training, or pay back existing student loans. Every year, tens of thousands AmeriCorps members serve through 21,000+ schools, nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations and state, tribal and local governments across the country. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than 1 million Americans have served in AmeriCorps, providing more than 1.6 billion hours of service and earned more than $4 billion in education scholarships. Currently, there are 7,000 AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program. Those interested in joining AmeriCorps can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/Join.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://raskin.house.gov/2022/9/maryland-delegation-announces-823-000-for-americorps-vista-programs-in-howard-montgomery-and-frederick-counties,"Maryland Delegation Announces $823,000 for AmeriCorps VISTA Programs in Howard, Montgomery and Frederick Counties",2022-09-14,2022,2022-09,Democrat,House,MD,Jamie Raskin,R000606,raskin.house.gov,raskin,https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $822,780 in federal funding for AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) programs in Maryland which aim to alleviate poverty through partnerships with local organizations. AmeriCorps VISTA members work with local non-profits and groups to hone their leadership skills while working on issues facing communities, including housing & food insecurity, climate change, access to education, and more. This investment will support up to 42 AmeriCorps VISTA members per year in Maryland. “As the only federal agency focused on national volunteer work, AmeriCorps is an invaluable partner in tackling many of the challenges our communities face,” the lawmakers said. “From providing emergency aid during the COVID-19 pandemic to supporting communities affected by the opioid crisis, AmeriCorps strategically pairs its federal resources with those of local groups to help Americans in need. This funding for VISTA programs in Maryland will allow AmeriCorps members to provide vital services in our communities while they gain experience working in public service.” The FY22 AmeriCorps VISTA Quarter 3 Maryland Awards are: $724,830 to the Campus Compact Mid-Atlantic VISTA project based in Frederick, a non-profit membership association of public, private, 2- and 4-year colleges and universities that encourages student participation in community service and public service. $58,770 to Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. in Columbia, a national nonprofit that addresses housing shortages in communities through tactical investments and community development. $39,180 to Career Catchers 2.0based in Silver Spring, an organization that provides personalized career coaching and mentorship to individuals in low-income areas. In addition to the awards announced today, AmeriCorps will also provide $272,790 each year in education scholarships for the AmeriCorps VISTA members supported by this award to help pay for college, vocational training, or pay back existing student loans. Every year, tens of thousands AmeriCorps members serve through 21,000+ schools, nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations and state, tribal and local governments across the country. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than 1 million Americans have served in AmeriCorps, providing more than 1.6 billion hours of service and earned more than $4 billion in education scholarships. Currently, there are 7,000 AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program. Those interested in joining AmeriCorps can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/Join. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z