url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/24/2024/van-hollen-schatz-booker-introduce-bill-to-harden-our-infrastructure-against-impacts-of-climate-change,"Van Hollen, Schatz, Booker Introduce Bill to Harden Our Infrastructure Against Impacts of Climate Change",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have reintroduced their Federal Flood Risk Management Act, legislation to ensure that federally-funded infrastructure projects are built to withstand the impacts of climate change and flooding.

“From increasingly devastating storms to more frequent severe flooding, communities across Maryland and the country are contending with the consequences of the climate crisis every day. This legislation will help ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely on infrastructure that is built to withstand the challenges of climate change as we continue the fight to protect our planet,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“As temperatures and sea levels continue to rise, the effects of climate change will be more and more acutely felt across the country. As this happens, we must implement more policies to prepare for extreme weather events, like severe flooding. This bill would ensure that the federal government is fully considering and managing the growing flood risk across our nation, investing in resilient infrastructure, and further protecting communities from the threat of climate change,” said Senator Booker.

Understanding the dangerous and costly consequences of flooding, the Obama Administration set standards in 2015 to make sure that federal projects were able to stand up to these risks. The order also took into account how climate change is impacting weather and sea levels. But early on in his first Administration, President-Elect Trump signed an executive order undoing this important work. Throughout the four years of the first Trump Administration, the Senators repeatedly pushed back against this effort and introduced the Federal Flood Risk Management Act to codify the standards set forth by President Obama. As Congress prepares for a second Trump Administration, the Senators are reintroducing this important legislation to ensure that we invest in our nation by making resilient investments that take into account the impacts of climate change. Doing so will protect our nation's infrastructure, save taxpayer dollars, safeguard businesses from flood damage, and keep communities safe.

""Flooding is the costliest disaster facing our country, with billions in taxpayer funds spent to rebuild public infrastructure,” said Joel Scata of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “The Federal Flood Risk Management Act ensures federally funded projects, like hospitals, roads, and schools, are built to withstand future floods, protecting people and property. When federal funds are used to build or rebuild, the government has a responsibility to ensure those investments are safe, sustainable, and resilient.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bill-to-rename-fort-mchenry-visitor-and-education-center-after-senator-paul-sarbanes-passes-congress,Bill to Rename Fort McHenry Visitor and Education Center after Senator Paul Sarbanes Passes Congress,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Last week, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 6826, legislation designating the Visitor and Education Center at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine as the ""Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center."" This bill was crafted and led in the U.S. House by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), while Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) introduced an identical, companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

H.R. 6826 is cosponsored by the entire, bipartisan Maryland delegation in the United States House of Representatives who spearheaded its passage in the House on December 3, 2024. With passage of the measure in the Senate, it will be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.

“During his time in the House of Delegates, the U.S. House of Representatives, and as our state’s second-longest serving United States Senator, Paul Sarbanes was a tireless advocate on behalf of all Marylanders. Fort McHenry, a powerful symbol of Maryland’s pride and patriotism, is a fitting place to honor his legacy, and Congress’s passage of this legislation will help pay tribute to all that Paul did for our state and our nation,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“The late Senator Sarbanes was a champion of Fort McHenry, and he firmly believed that the site is critical to understanding and appreciating our national heritage and our national identity,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I am overjoyed that this bill has been triumphantly passed out of the Congress, and I am thankful for the partnership of the bipartisan, Maryland congressional delegation whose unified front made this bill’s advancement attainable,” he concluded.

“Senator Paul Sarbanes was known for his strong commitment to his principles, to public service and to the people of Maryland. He had a long and distinguished career, but he never forgot his Baltimore roots. He saw Fort McHenry as a national treasure in the city and a site worth celebrating. This legislation acknowledges his long-term advocacy for the preservation of the site and the improvement of the visitor experience. He left an indelible mark in the Senate and in Maryland, and the ‘Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center’ at Fort McHenry will be a symbol of his long-standing legacy,” said Senator Ben Cardin.

""For decades, my family has cherished Fort McHenry's rich history and its tremendous vistas of the Chesapeake Bay. My father, Paul Sarbanes, deeply understood Fort McHenry's role as the beating heart of Baltimore, and he worked tirelessly for many years to lift up and preserve this treasured site,"" said Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD-03). ""Among my father's proudest achievements was securing a new visitor center for the fort to better welcome growing crowds and ensure it remained accessible to all. There is no finer tribute to his legacy than naming the visitor center at Fort McHenry in his honor. The Sarbanes family is deeply grateful to Rep. Mfume for his leadership in the House, to Senator Cardin for his leadership in the Senate, and to the entire bipartisan Maryland delegation for their support in making this possible.""

Background: H.R. 6826

H.R. 6826 would name the visitor and education center at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Fort McHenry) in Baltimore, Maryland, as the ""Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center.''

Fort McHenry is known as the site of the 1814 attack by British troops against 1,000 American soldiers.

The resistance of Baltimore's Fort McHenry during bombardment by the Royal Navy inspired the poem ""Defence of Fort M'Henry,"" which later became the lyrics to ""The Star-Spangled Banner,"" our national anthem.

The Honorable Paul S. Sarbanes served the State of Maryland in the House of Representatives for six years and in the U.S. Senate for three decades.

During his tenure, Senator Sarbanes helped secure funding for construction of the new visitor center at Fort McHenry, increasing capacity and visitor access.

Senator Sarbanes worked to introduce numerous bipartisan bills that eventually established the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail as the 26th such trail in our nation. It covers Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland, telling the stories of the events, people, and places that led to the birth of our national anthem.

Naming the visitor and education center at Fort McHenry would honor Senator Sarbanes' long history of service to Maryland and his connection with the Fort McHenry site.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-800000-to-improve-railroad-safety,"Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $800,000 to Improve Railroad Safety",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and U.S. Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $800,000 in federal funding to improve safety on railroads and at train crossings across the state.

This investment will allow the Maryland Department of Transportation to perform an assessment of incidents on active railways across the state and develop a program designed to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with trespassing on railroad property. Together, these investments will increase the overall safety of the state’s train transit system.

“Improving rail safety can both save lives and reduce costly, time consuming delays that impact travelers and commuters. With this funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Maryland will have the tools to do just that. These federal dollars will help our state increase rail safety, prevent tragic incidents, and improve rail service for all,” said the lawmakers.

""Saving lives is MDOT’s top priority and these funds will enable the Department to prioritize high-impact safety projects at highway crossings with railroads and local governments,"" said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. ""We appreciate the continued leadership of Team Maryland in securing this critical funding to further enhance safety in Maryland.""

The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which the lawmakers fought to fund at $5 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-bill-to-rename-post-office-in-honor-of-elijah-cummings-passes-congress,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Bill to Rename Post Office in Honor of Elijah Cummings Passes Congress",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Last week, the United States Senate passed legislation (H.R. 9544) to designate a Baltimore United States Post Office (USPS) as the ‘‘United States Representative Elijah E. Cummings Post Office Building."" The bill to rename the post office at 340 South Loudon Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, in honor of Congressman Cummings will now be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. H.R. 9544 was crafted and led by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) in the U.S. House, and the companion legislation to this bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.). Maryland Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) all cosponsored the U.S. House legislation when it was introduced.

“Congressman Elijah Cummings was a man of principle and dignity. His life was shaped by a commitment to serve others, and nowhere did he work harder to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for all than in his beloved Baltimore community. Congress’s passage of this legislation is an important recognition of all that Elijah did for his city, his state, and his country,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

""Congressman Elijah Cummings was a person of deep intellect, unlimited compassion, and a champion for working people everywhere. This House and our nation still feel his loss, which makes the renaming of this post office in his honor a fitting tribute to our dear friend,"" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. ""I am elated that this legislation has prevailed out of the Congress. It is a small but important gesture to say thank you to Congressman Elijah Cummings for the work he did, for so many years, for the people of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. Elijah was a trailblazer, consensus builder, peacemaker, and friend. His name and his image will now be a part of this building for all to see,"" he concluded.

“Elijah’s talent for building consensus, as well as his work ethic and dedication to his constituents, propelled him early on to positions of leadership. He never for a moment forgot that his purpose was to represent the people back home in his district and to be a voice for the many who were silenced,” said Senator Ben Cardin. “He once said that while it was his ‘constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the executive branch,’ it was his 'moral duty' to fight for his constituents. For this reason and so many others, this is a fitting tribute to our friend and colleague Elijah Cummings and his love for Baltimore and the community he cherished and fought for year after year.”

“On behalf of the Cummings family, we thank Congressman Mfume and Senators Cardin and Van Hollen for keeping alive the legacy of my father, their friend, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings. We are deeply grateful for all of their work to rename a district post office in recognition of his commitment to public service, including his work on postal issues that came before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee,” said Jennifer Cummings, the late Congressman's eldest daughter upon the legislation's introduction.

The introduction of this legislation was an effort in partnership with the Cummings family, who wrote to Congressman Mfume in August 2024. Their letter expressed the Cummings family’s support to honor Congressman Cummings with the renaming of a post office after their father. On November 20, 2024, this bill was passed unanimously by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. On December 4, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill, sending it to the U.S. Senate.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-moran-introduce-legislation-to-empower-individuals-with-disabilities,"Van Hollen, Moran Introduce Legislation to Empower Individuals with Disabilities",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D- Md.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced legislation that would direct the Social Security Administration to change the way it calculates Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to not penalize individuals with disabilities who chose to marry.

The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act would exclude a spouse’s income and resources when determining eligibility for (SSI) and disregard marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount for an adult who has a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability.

“Supplemental Security Income is critical to allowing people with disabilities to strengthen their financial security and independence,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This legislation will ensure that these Americans won’t be financially penalized simply for marrying.”

“Our policies should support and empower individuals with disabilities to live a full and independent life, including the option to get married,” said Senator Moran. “This is sensible legislation that would change how disability payments are calculated to make certain the benefits we provide to individuals with disabilities aren’t diminished because they choose to get married.”

This legislation is endorsed by the National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Autism Speaks, Autism society of America, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-vote-to-ensure-full-federal-funding-for-key-bridge-replacement-avert-government-shutdown,"Van Hollen Statement on Vote to Ensure Full Federal Funding for Key Bridge Replacement, Avert Government Shutdown",2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote to pass a continuing resolution to keep the federal government running through March 14. This stopgap funding package includes the provisions of Team Maryland’s Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act to ensure 100 percent federal funding for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and guarantee that all litigation and insurance proceeds stemming from the collapse are returned to federal taxpayers. Additionally, it replenishes the Department of Transportation’s Emergency Relief Fund, through which Maryland will continue to receive funding for the bridge replacement.

“After a months-long push, a united Team Maryland has secured 100 percent full federal funding for the cost of replacing the Key Bridge – and provided the necessary funds our state needs to move full steam ahead with the reconstruction. This is a major victory for our state, and I’m proud that we were able to deliver the resources that Baltimore and Maryland need to rebuild stronger following the Key Bridge disaster.

“Despite the Republican chaos that brought us dangerously close to a government shutdown just before the holidays, I’m glad we were able to reach an 11th hour bipartisan agreement. This legislation will move the Key Bridge replacement forward while providing relief to other communities across the country hit by disasters. It also ensures that federal employees can continue to provide the country with the vital services we rely on and receive paychecks for the work they do on behalf of the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-votes-to-pass-bill-ensuring-full-social-security-benefits-for-public-employees,Van Hollen Votes to Pass Bill Ensuring Full Social Security Benefits for Public Employees,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) voted to pass the Social Security Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored to ensure public sector workers and their families can receive full Social Security benefits. This bill repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) from the Social Security Act, both of which significantly reduced benefits for nearly 3 million Americans – including over 54,000 Marylanders – many of whom are federal employees, teachers, police officers, and state, county, and local government workers. Having previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives before passing the U.S. Senate today, the Social Security Fairness Act advances to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“From firefighters to teachers to food safety inspectors, we count on the services that public employees provide every day. Our passage of this bill is a critical step toward ensuring all public workers and their families can retire with dignity, receiving the full Social Security benefits that they have paid into – and earned – after years of hard work,” said Senator Van Hollen.

The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), enacted in 1983, reduced the Social Security benefits of workers who receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government for employment not covered by Social Security. The Government Pension Offset (GPO), enacted in 1977, reduced Social Security spousal benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers whose spouses receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government. Together, these provisions reduce Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million Americans – including many teachers and police officers.

The Social Security Fairness Act repeals both the WEP and GPO statutes, ensuring public sector workers and their families receive their full Social Security benefits.

This legislation has been endorsed by a diverse array of labor leaders, including the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, International Association of Firefighters, and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/graham-and-van-hollen-introduce-bipartisan-sanctions-against-turkey,Van Hollen and Graham Introduce Bipartisan Sanctions Against Turkey,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced bipartisan sanctions legislation following concerns about military action by Turkey or Turkish-backed groups in northern Syria. The Senators released the following statement upon introduction:

“Today, we introduced the Countering Turkish Aggression Act of 2024 while stressing that the United States should work with Turkey – through diplomatic means – to facilitate a sustained ceasefire and demilitarized zone along the border between Turkey and Syria, particularly the city of Kobani. These sanctions seek to prevent further Turkish or Turkish-backed attacks on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which risk the reemergence of ISIS, threatening the national security of the U.S. and the rest of the globe.

“We remain hopeful that there will be a peaceful resolution to the problems that plague Syria.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-celebrate-senate-passage-of-historic-92-million-reauthorization-of-the-chesapeake-bay-program-and-other-key-watershed-conservation-measures,"Van Hollen, Cardin Celebrate Senate Passage of Historic $92 Million Reauthorization of the Chesapeake Bay Program and Other Key Watershed Conservation Measures",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) celebrated passage this week of America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act in the U.S. Senate. The legislation reauthorizes important habitat and wildlife conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and throughout the country. The bipartisan legislation builds on previous efforts to protect and preserve ecosystems from evolving threats such as invasive species and wildlife diseases.

“A healthy Bay is central to the health of our communities and our local economies. That’s why we fought to pass this legislation that includes key investments in protecting and preserving the Bay -- including through the Chesapeake WILD program, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and the Chesapeake Gateways. These resources will strengthen our efforts to improve water quality, restore the Bay, and enhance public access to Maryland’s natural treasures,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The America’s Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE) of 2024 is a victory for the Chesapeake Bay. Collaborative conservation has always been at the heart of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort and the ACE Act of 2024 reaffirms the federal government’s role in the stewardship of the Bay and provides the program stability during this dynamic period in the restoration effort,” said Senator Cardin.

The comprehensive wildlife package includes a provision to reauthorize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chesapeake Bay Program at $92 million each fiscal year through fiscal year 2030. The EPA Chesapeake Bay Program is the linchpin of the restoration effort, which coordinates the unique multi-state and federal partnership. Other key reauthorizations include:

The Chesapeake Watershed Investment for Landscape Defense (WILD) Act which will allow the program authored by Senator Van Hollen and supported by Senator Cardin to continue to serve the region. It provides resources to conserve, steward, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats in addition to advancing related conservation values like public access and community engagement. The legislation authorizes the program at $15 million each year until 2030.

The Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network and the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Grants Assistance Program. Gateways Network is a system of 200 natural, cultural, historical, and recreational sites, trails, museums, parks, refuges that provide a broad range of entry points or “gateways” to experience the Chesapeake Bay. The program is administered by the National Park Service, which provides $3 million each year for five years

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, known as NFWF. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is a core partner of the Chesapeake Bay Program, helping to target federal conservation dollars and match investments with private funds.

In addition to Cardin and Van Hollen, the ACE Reauthorization Act is co-sponsored by Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.)., Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Linsdey Graham (R-S.C.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Angus King (I-Maine), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).

The legislation is endorsed by Ducks Unlimited, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, the National Wildlife Federation, the American Sportfishing Association, the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the National Audubon Society.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-over-7-million-to-increase-safety-and-security-in-places-of-worship,Maryland Delegation Announces Over $7 Million to Increase Safety and Security in Places of Worship,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $7,393,350 in federal funding to strengthen security at 50 churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious community centers across Maryland. The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps high-risk nonprofits, including faith-based institutions, obtain the resources required to support and integrate preparedness activities with broader state and local efforts. The lawmakers fought to fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program at $454.5 million through Fiscal Year 2024 annual appropriations, an increase from $305 million in Fiscal Year 2023.

“Religious freedom is protected under our Constitution, and every Marylander must be able to worship without fear for their safety,” said the lawmakers. “With threats and attacks against faith communities on the rise, we must not only speak out against those hateful actions – we also must invest in protecting these institutions that support communities across our state. Maryland families can trust that these federal grants will help ensure houses of worship have the resources they need to keep them safe.”

A full list of the recipients, selected by DHS, is below:

Western Maryland - $968,500

$150,000.00 – Beth Sholom Congregation

$150,000.00 – Chabad Lubavitch of Frederick

$150,000.00 – Crossroads Apostolic Church

$150,000.00 – Heritage Academy, Inc.

$148,500.00 – Islamic Society of Frederick

$150,000.00 – Islamic Society of Western Maryland

$70,000.00 – LaVale Methodist Church

Baltimore Area - $4,050,000

$150,000.00 – Adamah, Inc.

$150,000.00 – Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church

$150,000.00 – Berea Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church

$150,000.00 – Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church

$150,000.00 – Cedar Grove Methodist Church

$150,000.00 – Chabad of West Pikesville

$150,000.00 – Chabad-Lubavitch of Maryland Inc.

$150,000.00 – Congregation Aish Kodesh, Inc.

$150,000.00 – Congregation Ariel Russian Community Synagogue, Inc.

$150,000.00 – Congregation Kneseth Israel

$150,000.00 – Grace Bible Baptist Church (Main Building)

$150,000.00 – Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue, Inc.

$150,000.00 – Hope Center DC

$150,000.00 – Jewish Community Services

$150,000.00 – Keter Torah

$150,000.00 – Khosh Family Foundation

$150,000.00 – Mosdos Kehal Chassidim - Day Care

$150,000.00 – Odenton Baptist Church and Odenton Christian School

$150,000.00 – Ohr Menachem Jewish Center Inc.

$150,000.00 – St. Ignatius Hickory Roman Catholic Congregation

$150,000.00 – St. Michael the Archangel, Overlea, Roman Catholic Congregation Inc.

$150,000.00 – St. Stephen Roman Catholic Congregation

$150,000.00 – The Greenspring Valley Synagogue and Center (Ner Tamid)

$150,000.00 – The Rector Wardens and Vestry St Anne's Parish of Annapolis, Inc. - Preschool

$150,000.00 – Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh

$150,000.00 – Union Memorial United Methodist Church

$150,000.00 – Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary for Girls, Inc.

National Capital Region - $2,239,850

$150,000.00 – Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah

$150,000.00 – Chabad of Potomac Village

$150,000.00 – Congregation and Talmud Torah B'nai Israel

$150,000.00 – Epworth United Methodist Church

$150,000.00 – Glenmont United Methodist Church

$150,000.00 – IMAAM Inc.

$149,850.00 – Lutif Ul Lahi (The Kindness and Praise of God)

$150,000.00 – Magen David Sephardic

$142,000.00 – Metropolitan Baptist Church

$150,000.00 – Murugan Temple of North America

$150,000.00 – Orthodox Congregation of Silver Spring

$150,000.00 – Torah School of Greater Washington

$148,000.00 – Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ

$150,000.00 – Young Israel Shomrai Emunah of Greater Washington

$150,000.00 – Young Israel Shomrai Emunah of GW-Youth House

Southern Maryland - $135,000

$135,000.00 – Living Hope First United Pentecostal Church

The Department of Homeland Security awarded nearly $724 million in FY 2024 to help prepare against threats and natural disasters. The total amount for each grant program is set by Congress and the allocations are made by the Department.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-celebrate-maryland-victories-in-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act,Maryland Delegation Members Celebrate Maryland Victories in Senate Passage of Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) applauded the Senate passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA 2024), which is the primary authorization for the Civil Works programs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and enables their critical work to manage our nation’s water resources. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works to maintain our ports, harbors, and inland navigation, as well as provide communities with flood and storm protection.

“The Maryland Delegation has always fought to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their efforts to support complex projects that are essential to our state. From working tirelessly to reopen the Port of Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge to maintaining our shipping channels through frequent dredging and enabling the conservation of the Bay, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plays a critical role here in Maryland. The bill that now heads to the President’s desk includes a wide range of provisions that will enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to execute its mission and advance several projects important to Maryland’s economy, environment, and climate resilience,” said the lawmakers. “This legislation supports our long-standing effort to protect our environment and the Bay, restore our oyster population, support the flow of commerce and boost our economy – which are all vital to the health, safety, and livelihoods of Marylanders.”

Key Maryland Wins in WRDA 2024:

Seagirt Loop Channel

WRDA 2024 authorizes $53.8 million in federal funding for deepening the federal channel at Seagirt Marine Terminal. Seagirt is the Port of Baltimore’s main container terminal, handling 97 percent of its container volume. This project proposes to further widen and deepen (to a 50-foot depth) a channel near the terminal so that large container vessels can more efficiently and safely enter and depart the terminal.

Oyster Program Authorization Increase

WRDA 2024 increases the program authorization for oyster restoration to $120 million. The Army Corps’ program for oyster restoration (“704b”) has completed important work in Maryland tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay including in Harris Creek and the Tred Avon River.

Small Waterways and Community Harbors

WRDA 2024 builds off a provision Senator Cardin secured in WRDA 2022 to support maintenance dredging of small harbors and channels. These projects are critical for sustaining working waterfronts, recreation, and tourism, but do not easily rise to the top of the Army Corp’s list of priority projects. WRDA 2024 continues to push the Corps to capture the full range of benefits these harbors deliver to Chesapeake Bay communities, including the beneficial use of dredged material for ecosystem restoration, in their project decisions.

In addition, the legislation includes a Sense of Congress that states shallow draft dredging in the Chesapeake Bay is critical for tourism, recreation, and the fishing industry, and that additional dredging is needed. It encourages the Army Corps to use existing statutory authorities to address the dredging needs at small harbors and channels in the Chesapeake Bay.

Baltimore Coastal Storm Risk Management Projects

WRDA 2024 authorizes $51.4 million in federal funding for USACE to implement coastal storm risk mitigation measures for Baltimore City as recommended in the Baltimore Coastal Storm Risk Management Study. In addition to coastal storm risk, the bill also recognizes the riverine flooding challenges that the Baltimore region faces by authorizing a new feasibility study on inland flooding risk in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Feasibility Study for Coastal Highway (Route 528)

The bill authorizes a feasibility study for Route 528 near Ocean City, Maryland. The route follows the Atlantic Coast and is highly vulnerable to damage from erosion, flooding, and waves caused by coastal storms. The Army Corps-partnered study will help identify measures to help protect public infrastructure as well as lives and property and ensure access in times of emergency.

Feasibility Study for Route 50 in Prince George’s County

The bill authorizes a feasibility study for Route 50, a key connector corridor between Washington and Baltimore, that is prone to flooding during extreme storms. Specifically, flooding from Beaverdam Creek can affect both vehicular traffic and CSX and Amtrak rail traffic. The Army Corps feasibility study will help identify potential solutions for mitigating this flooding.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-jacobs-announce-administration-has-received-assurances-from-uae-will-monitor-compliance-in-response-to-the-lawmakers-push-on-us-uae-weapons-sale-and-uae-support-for-rsf-in-sudan,"Van Hollen, Jacobs Announce Administration has Received Assurances from UAE, Will Monitor Compliance in Response to the Lawmakers’ Push on US-UAE Weapons Sale & UAE Support for RSF in Sudan",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Representative Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) announced that, in response to their legislation to block arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Administration has received assurances that the UAE will not supply weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan and that the Administration will monitor compliance with those assurances. After filing their Joint Resolution of Disapproval on the Administration’s proposed $1.2 billion arms sale to the UAE, the lawmakers wrote to President Biden that their objective was to stop the transfer of arms from the UAE to the RSF, which the United States has charged with war crimes and ethnic cleansing in Sudan.

In response to their letter, Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, wrote, “Despite reports we have received suggesting the contrary has occurred to date, the UAE has informed the Administration that it is not now transferring any weapons to the RSF and will not do so going forward. The Administration will work with relevant departments and agencies to monitor for indicators of the credibility and reliability of these assurances provided by the UAE. By January 17, I commit to providing you with the executive branch’s up-to-date assessment in that regard.”

Following receipt of the Administration letter, Senator Van Hollen said, “I’m glad that the Biden Administration has worked with us to stop the flow of weapons from the UAE to the murderous Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, which the U.S. has charged with war crimes and ethnic cleansing. The United States should not provide weapons to any nation fueling the horrific violence, mass killing, and destruction that we are witnessing in Sudan. Our goal has been to use our leverage to help bring an end to the suffering in Sudan – and that includes ensuring that the UAE is not transferring weapons to the RSF. I appreciate the Administration’s willingness to work with us to obtain such assurances from the UAE and to create an accountability mechanism to monitor its compliance with those commitments. We will closely review their assessment of the UAE’s compliance with the assurances they’ve provided. Should the UAE fail to live up to these assurances, we retain the right to refile our Joint Resolution of Disapproval to block the sale in the next Congress.”

Rep. Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, said: “For months, I have pushed the Biden Administration to use the full weight of their leverage to stop the UAE from arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and enabling their horrific crimes in Sudan. I am pleased that the Administration has finally heeded this call and secured assurances from the UAE and oversight mechanisms to verify that they’ve stopped arming the RSF. Without the UAE’s support, the RSF will not have the same capabilities to wage this war – making negotiation and a ceasefire a much likelier alternative. We will carefully monitor the UAE’s adherence to its commitments, while pushing for more humanitarian assistance, justice and accountability for the Sudanese people, and an end to this devastating war.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/18/2024/van-hollen-secures-key-provisions-in-annual-defense-bill-passed-by-senate,Van Hollen Secures Key Provisions in Annual Defense Bill Passed by Senate,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) voted to pass the final fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the Senate, which includes important investments in Maryland’s military installations, our servicemembers, and our national security. The legislation provides more than $250 million to Maryland military installations, as well as a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other servicemembers.

“Investing in our military installations and the men and women of our armed forces is important to maintaining our national security. This year’s defense bill includes a significant pay raise for junior enlisted members along with improvements in housing and other key supports for all servicemembers’ families. These are critical steps to ensure we continue to recruit and retain the best fighting force in the world. And as we confront increasingly complex threats across the globe, this legislation also enhances our national security readiness, including through forward-looking investments in Maryland’s military assets and the development of next generation technologies. Recognizing the essential role our foreign service plays in promoting U.S. interests around the world – and the sacrifices they make to do it – this bill also takes meaningful steps to improve the quality of life of our diplomatic corps and the family members who travel with them to their posts.

“For all its benefits for America’s national security, this legislation is still far from perfect. I am deeply concerned about the harmful language unfairly targeting transgender youth and their families. In addition, the bill does not make crucial revisions to the recent reauthorization of Section 702 of FISA, opening the door to increased abuse of a powerful surveillance authority. And I continue to believe we must find ways to streamline our defense spending so we can invest more in priorities here at home. That being said, on balance this compromise NDAA will strengthen our common defense and the servicemembers who protect our nation,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Within the FY25 NDAA, Senator Van Hollen fought to include the following provisions:

Funding authorization for critical military construction projects in Maryland, including:

$116 million for various projects at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head in Charles County

This total includes $10 million for a contained burn facility at the warfare center

$68.8 million for energy resilience and conservation programs at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County, including for the construction of a power generation and microgrid

$46 million for a child care center at Fort Meade in Anne Arundel County

$27 million for the ongoing construction of an incinerator facility at Fort Detrick in Frederick County

Preserving states’ full slates of Merchant Marine Academy nomination allowances. This provision ensures that high school students applying to attend the Merchant Marine Academy do not lose the opportunity to be nominated because of a vacancy in the office of one of their U.S. Senators or Representative in the U.S. House. This measure builds on Senator Van Hollen’s SERVE Act provisions that were passed as part of the FY22 NDAA, which allowed the transfer of nomination slots for the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Military Academy to a state’s U.S. Senators in the event of a Congressional vacancy – or to one Senator if that vacancy is created by the other.

Senator Van Hollen, along with Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and then-Congressman Anthony Brown (D-Md.), fought to pass the SERVE Act after the death of Congressman Elijah Cummings.

$500 million funding authorization for the Port Infrastructure Development Program, a key program that has supported the growth of the Port of Baltimore.

The FY25 NDAA also includes the Department of State Authorization Act, bipartisan legislation to support America’s diplomatic corps and advance U.S. diplomacy around the world. Senator Van Hollen fought to include the following provisions:

Greater flexibility for foreign service families’ housing arrangements. Currently, foreign service officers (FSOs) are permitted to break housing leases when transitioning to an overseas post, but not when they are assigned a new domestic post – an issue that heavily impacts diplomatic security agents who frequently serve in domestic offices outside of Washington, D.C. This provision allows FSOs on official orders to break leases without financial penalties, regardless of where they serve.

Portability of professional licenses. FSOs and their family members often run the risk of losing their professional licenses when they relocate on official orders – particularly harming the employment prospects of FSOs’ family members. This provision offers the same professional license portability benefit that is already available to family of military members.

Expanded eligibility for the State Department child care subsidy. The application for the State Department’s employee child care subsidy is open only for a brief period each year, making it difficult for FSOs who relocate from a post where they did not require child care to one where they do. This provision allows FSOs to enroll in child care services any time a life-qualifying event occurs, and requires the State Department to issue guidance to employees on how to apply for existing child care subsidy programs provided by the agencies.

Fair pay for locally-hired foreign service generalists and specialists. Currently, locally hired foreign service personnel (residing within 50 miles of the Washington Monument) receive base pay without the locality adjustment of 32.49 percent that non-local hires receive, and without any reimbursement for lodging or per diem expenses for the duration of onboarding and training, which can last up to 12 months. This provision makes local hires eligible to receive certain per diem reimbursements to assist with living expenses.

Additional provisions to advance American technological competitiveness and military readiness that the Senator supported include:

Up to $500 million from spectrum auction proceeds for the Department of Commerce’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (“Tech Hubs”) program, which was established in the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Act of 2022. Funds can be used to support designated Tech Hubs and to expand the program. In 2023, The Baltimore Region Tech Hub was designated as one of the thirty-one inaugural Tech Hubs, out of a competitive pool of nearly 400 applications from across the country.

$102.3 million funding authorization for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to partner with the Department of Defense on research and development for national security purposes.

Additional provisions to support servicemembers and their families that the Senator supported include:

$177 million funding authorization to accelerate replacement of poor and failing unaccompanied housing and barracks, and a requirement to create a database of housing complaints to track mold growth, carbon monoxide, and radiation, among other health hazards

Elimination of copayments for all FDA approved, granted, or cleared contraceptives for beneficiaries of TRICARE, a health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families

Codification of the Small Business Administration’s “Boots to Business” Program, which provides entrepreneurship training to servicemembers transitioning to civilian life",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-sarbanes-announce-senate-passage-of-chesapeake-national-recreation-area-act,"Van Hollen, Sarbanes Announce Senate Passage of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Representative John Sarbanes (both D-Md.) announced the unanimous passage of the Chesapeake National Recreation Act by the United States Senate. The bipartisan, bicameral bill, introduced in July 2023 by Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Sarbanes, would unite a series of voluntarily contributed sites and iconic Bay properties under the National Park Service (NPS) to create a Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). The creation of the CNRA would spur more federal resources for environmental conservation, celebrate the Chesapeake’s diverse cultural and economic history, foster sustainable and equitable access to the Bay, and support responsible economic growth in the region. After passing this major hurdle, the CNRA Act must next be passed by the House and signed by the President in order to become law. The legislation was cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.).

“The Bay is a treasure to Maryland and to the entire country. And with today’s passage of our Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act, we’re one step closer to recognizing its importance and the opportunities it holds on the national stage. The CNRA will provide greater resources for conversation, increase public access, and support economic opportunity around the Bay. We’ll continue working to get this legislation across the finish line,” said Senator Van Hollen.

""The Senate's passage of the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act marks a crucial milestone in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the Chesapeake Bay for the well-being and enjoyment of future generations. This achievement reflects years of bipartisan, bicameral collaboration and the dedicated work of countless stakeholders, including the National Park Service, who have helped shape the vision for the CNRA. I am grateful to all those who have contributed to this effort and look forward to the continued partnerships that will ensure the Bay remains protected, accessible and celebrated for years to come,"" said Congressman Sarbanes.

“Generations of Marylanders’ stories are connected by memories formed while working, playing and living on the Chesapeake Bay. Creation of a Chesapeake Bay National Recreation Area will honor and build on those legacies by making resources more accessible, allowing visitors to better interact with the watershed and understand the importance of environmental stewardship,” said Senator Cardin. “With the expertise of the National Park Service and other key stakeholders on natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation, we are investing in the long-term prosperity of the Bay,” said Senator Cardin.

“The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure full of rich history and plays a crucial role in the region’s ecology and economy. I’m thrilled that the Senate passed our legislation to create a unified Chesapeake National Recreation Area to honor that legacy and help foster responsible stewardship and economic growth in the watershed region,” said Senator Kaine. “I urge our colleagues in the House to pass this legislation as quickly as possible so it can be sent to the President’s desk for signature.”

“Today, the Senate took a historic step to celebrate and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Establishing the Chesapeake National Recreation Area will enhance conservation, improve access for the public, and preserve this national treasure for generations to come. While there’s more work to do, today the Senate sent a powerful signal about our intent to get this done, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it across the finish line,” said Senator Warner.

The CNRA will increase diverse public access to the Chesapeake Bay and strengthen the culture of stewardship across the region. Additionally, the CNRA will highlight the stories that often go untold – those of Indigenous peoples; free and enslaved Blacks; the role the Bay played in the earliest days of the Maryland and Virginia Colonies; the key part the Bay has played, and continues to play, in the region’s economy; and the story of watermen and -women who are essential to the economic success and health of the Bay region. Everyone who resides in the region has an important role in Bay conservation and culture.

The Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act was drafted in collaboration with NPS and the lawmakers’ CNRA Working Group, and in alignment with the ten guiding principles laid out in June 2022. It also incorporates stakeholder feedback on the lawmakers’ discussion draft, released in November 2022. The nearly six-month public comment period also included several listening sessions with groups such as local elected officials, neighborhood community organizations, and interested parties across the watershed.

Following thorough review of the feedback provided, Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Sarbanes officially introduced the CNRA Act in July 2023.

Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Sarbanes garnered support for the legislation from a wide array of over 100 stakeholders spanning local elected officials, environmental and historical preservation groups, economic development organizations, racial justice advocates, seafood and outdoor recreation businesses, and many more. The full list of supporters can be viewed here.

Following the introduction of the legislation, further modifications were made based on feedback from the National Park Service (NPS) and bipartisan staff of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee staff to align the CNRA with established precedent in order to ensure the amended legislation received the Committee’s support. It was passed by Committee on November 19, 2024.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-398000-to-support-environmental-historical-conservation-of-the-chesapeake-bay,"Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $398,000 to Support Environmental, Historical Conservation of the Chesapeake Bay",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and U.S. Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md) announced $398,000 in federal funding to support five Maryland-based projects focused on environmental, cultural, and historical conservation efforts within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

“The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and plays a central role in Maryland’s rich history. These federal investments will help protect the Bay and provide Maryland residents and visitors alike with new opportunities to explore the watershed's natural beauty while honoring the cultural heritage that has shaped our region,” said the lawmakers.

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

$150,000 to Anacostia Watershed Society to expand its volunteer program, which is working to restore 20 acres of native forest and wetland habitat across the Anacostia Watershed, as well as train and deploy community members to become citizen scientists.

$25,000 to Baltimore Heritage to develop a public boat tour of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor that connects diverse stories and history to ecology, launch a companion interactive virtual map, and hold public service stream clean-ups with guided history walks.

$124,000 to Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation to create and implement a plan to build an education center at the new Elktonia Heritage Park.

$49,000 to the Maryland Humanities Council to develop and implement a workshop series, provide online resources, and coordinate a conference aimed at amplifying the work of Maryland-based organizations, communities, and humanities experts.

$50,000 to Nature Forward to collect stories from local underrepresented communities within eight tributary streams in the Washington D.C. region and correlate them with relevant stream health data to highlight the interconnectedness of human activities with the environment and inspire action for conservation.

These federal awards are provided through the National Park Service’s Chesapeake Bay Gateways Grants Assistance Program. The lawmakers fought to reauthorize the program at $3 million annually for five years through the America's Conservation Enhancement Act, signed into law in 2020, and are currently working to reauthorize the program again for fiscal years 2026-2030.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-full-federal-funding-for-francis-scott-key-bridge-replacement,"Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Full Federal Funding for Francis Scott Key Bridge Replacement",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) released the following joint statement on the Continuing Resolution and cost-share provisions for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore:

“Following the tragic collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore in March, we led a federal response that was both immediate and all-encompassing. Working alongside Governor Wes Moore, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and Team Maryland, this all-hands-on-deck approach was necessary to face a catastrophe of the magnitude we experienced in Baltimore on March 26. Since that day, we have fought to deliver the full support of the federal government -- including 100 percent federal funding for the replacement of the bridge.

“With the inclusion in the Continuing Resolution of our Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, Congress is now committed to covering the full cost of replacing the bridge. This will allow the bridge it to be built as quickly as possible. Our provision also ensures that the federal taxpayers will be reimbursed through proceeds from insurance payments and litigation taken on by the Department of Justice, the Maryland Attorney General and others. This legislation also includes critical funding for the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Fund to provide this project and others around the country with the resources they need. We were proud to work alongside the governor and Senate and House leadership to secure Congress’s recognition of the severity of this national disaster and the essential role the federal government should play in the response and the rebuilding.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-graham-express-bipartisan-support-for-syrian-kurdish-partners-in-fight-to-prevent-resurgence-of-isis-announce-intent-to-introduce-sanctions-legislation-should-turkey-not-renew-ceasefire,"Van Hollen, Graham Express Bipartisan Support for Syrian Kurdish Partners in Fight to Prevent Resurgence of ISIS; Announce Intent to Introduce Sanctions Legislation Should Turkey Not Renew Ceasefire",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) released the following statement after their call yesterday with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Mazloum Abdi:

“The 2019 ceasefire between Turkey and the Syrian Kurds has saved lives, increased regional stability, and ensured that the SDF can continue its vital efforts as the tip of the spear in our fight against ISIS. But now in the wake of the Assad regime’s fall, Turkish-backed forces have ramped up attacks against our Syrian Kurdish partners, once again threatening the vital mission of preventing the resurgence of ISIS. What’s more, the temporary ceasefire between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and the SDF enacted last week has now expired, and Turkey has refused to extend the ceasefire, including an offer for a demilitarized zone along the border, particularly the city of Kobani. While Turkey has some legitimate security concerns that can be addressed, these developments are undermining regional security, and the United States cannot sit idly by. Yesterday, we spoke to SDF General Mazloum Abdi and once again reiterated our support for our Syrian Kurdish partners. The United States must immediately use all the tools at our disposal to press for a sustained ceasefire and a demilitarized zone. If Turkey doesn’t immediately accept these terms, we intend to introduce bipartisan sanctions legislation this week, similar to the bill we jointly introduced in 2019.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-reverend-warnock-in-calling-for-investigation-into-russian-linked-election-day-bomb-threats-in-georgia-across-the-country,"Van Hollen Joins Reverend Warnock in Calling for Investigation into Russian-linked Election Day Bomb Threats in Georgia, Across the Country",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and eight lawmakers in calling on several federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies to investigate bomb threats from Russian email domains at multiple polling locations on Election Day and provide proposals to prevent it from happening in the future. At least 67 polling locations in 19 counties across the country, in Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, received threats on Election Day, with many shutting down temporarily. This included 13 polling locations in Georgia that temporarily closed following hoax bomb threats. Many were located in majority-Black precincts in the metro Atlanta area. Notably, Senator Warnock highlighted in his letter how foreign interference is heightened from previous years, which focused around spreading misinformation on social media channels. The Senator’s letter also called for federal officials to provide a classified briefing to Senators examining the facts behind the Election Day bomb threats.

“The right to vote is a sacred cornerstone of our democracy. It is unacceptable that any foreign actor interferes, or attempts to interfere, with this right…”wrote the lawmakers. “Online disinformation intended to sow doubt about election integrity is alarming enough. That foreign actors would take direct steps to shut down polling locations on Election Day is a new and deeply concerning escalation, and it must not stand. No voter should ever be turned away from a polling booth because a foreign actor falsely reported a bomb threat. A failure to respond to these egregious actions will only embolden foreign actors and invite more severe activity in future elections.”

Senator Warnock secured support from Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). Senator Warnock is a champion for safeguarding our democracy in the United States Senate, leading multiple efforts to protect our democracy from interference from bad actors. The Freedom to Vote Act, landmark legislation led by Senator Warnock, includes additional funding to keep voters and election workers safe. The Senator has previously pushed the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize election security funding and keep election workers safe.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text can be read below:

Dear Director Haines, Director Easterly, and Director Wray,

Following reports of foreign interference in the 2024 elections, we ask that your agencies investigate the extent of this malicious interference and provide recommendations on how to prevent such interference from occurring in future elections.

The right to vote is a sacred cornerstone of our democracy. It is unacceptable that any foreign actor interferes, or attempts to interfere, with this right. In the weeks preceding the November 5, 2024 elections, numerous U.S. officials documented efforts by foreign actors to spread misinformation and disinformation through online channels to undermine faith in the democratic process. Foreign actors also attempted to target and hack both Presidential campaigns.

On Election Day itself, those foreign actors escalated.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, polling locations in states across the country received false bomb threats from foreign e-mail domains. Thankfully, these apparent efforts to shut down polling locations largely failed. However, at least 67 polling locations in 19 counties across the country, in Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, received threats that day, with many shutting down temporarily. This includes 13 polling locations in Georgia that temporarily closed following hoax bomb threats. Many were located in majority- Black precincts in the metro Atlanta area.

While we do not question the final outcome of the election, any foreign interference in our elections is an attack on the foundations of our republic. That is particularly true of efforts to directly prevent eligible Americans from casting a ballot.

Online disinformation intended to sow doubt about election integrity is alarming enough. That foreign actors would take direct steps to shut down polling locations on Election Day is a new and deeply concerning escalation, and it must not stand. No voter should ever be turned away from a polling booth because a foreign actor falsely reported a bomb threat. A failure to respond to these egregious actions will only embolden foreign actors and invite more severe activity in future elections.

In light of these events, and pursuant to requirements under 50 U.S.C. § 3371c, we request that your agencies investigate the extent of this malicious interference, particularly as it pertains to interference with the operations of polling locations, and provide recommendations on how to prevent such interference from occurring in future elections. In addition, we ask that you brief us in writing and in person on your investigation by January 10, 2025.

Thank you for your attention to this issue of critical importance.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-debt-ceiling-looms-van-hollen-joins-schatz-colleagues-in-introducing-legislation-to-avoid-catastrophic-default,"As Debt Ceiling Looms, Van Hollen Joins Schatz, Colleagues in Introducing Legislation To Avoid Catastrophic Default",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today and a group of 15 colleagues in reintroducing the End the Threat of Default Act, legislation that would permanently remove the threat of a default by repealing the national debt ceiling, an arbitrary limit restricting the amount that the United States Treasury can borrow to pay its debts. In June 2023, the president signed legislation that suspended the statutory debt ceiling until January 2, 2025.

“Defaulting on our national debt would be an economic catastrophe for everyone, especially families, veterans, and seniors. Congress has the chance to debate federal spending, and it’s well before the bill comes due,” said Senator Schatz. “We need to stop playing this dangerous game with the nation’s economy and get rid of the debt ceiling for good.”

A default would be catastrophic and would likely trigger a recession. Military pay, Social Security and Medicare payments, and Treasury bond yields would all be disrupted.

In practice, the debt limit has no impact on government spending, which is authorized and approved through the federal budget and appropriations process. Instead, the ceiling restricts the U.S. Treasury from paying for expenditures already approved by Congress therefore requiring Congress to constantly raise the ceiling before it is reached. In recent years, this has become a politicized procedure that often leads to threats of defaulting on the government’s obligation to pay its bills.

The United States is one of only two democratic countries with a statutory debt ceiling, and the only one that could single-handedly cause a global recession. Since 1960, Congress has acted more than 75 times to raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit. In 2011, the crisis surrounding raising the debt ceiling led credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s to downgrade the U.S. government’s credit rating for the first time ever. Fitch downgraded the U.S. government’s credit rating following debt limit brinksmanship in 2023.

In addition to Senators Van Hollen and Schatz, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sarbanes-van-hollen-scanlon-introduce-bill-to-improve-fairness-and-equality-in-americas-civil-justice-system,"Van Hollen, Sarbanes, Scanlon Introduce Bill to Improve Fairness and Equality in America’s Civil Justice System",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.), and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Penn.) introduced the Fair Access to Legal Counsel Act (FALCA), legislation to help more Americans secure legal representation in civil court. Reps. Sarbanes and Scanlon first introduced FALCA in the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress.

“Many Americans facing civil court can’t afford or don’t have access to a lawyer. Our legislation will help facilitate access to legal representation for those Americans – and better ensure their right to equal justice under the law,” said Senator Van Hollen.

""Our civil justice system is difficult to navigate, especially for far too many Americans who cannot afford representation,"" said Congressman Sarbanes, who before coming to Congress worked with the Public Justice Center in Baltimore to help deliver legal services to underserved and underrepresented communities. ""This bill ensures that more people can access a lawyer to help them through the legal process.”

“Throughout 35 years as a public interest lawyer, I saw firsthand how timely and affordable access to legal representation can make all the difference in a person’s life -- whether by keeping a family in their home, securing the right to vote, lifting a person out of poverty, or ensuring that children have a safe, caring home and access to appropriate educational and other services,” said Rep. Scanlon, Co-Chair of the Congressional Access to Legal Aid Caucus. “But too many Americans are forced to navigate critical legal challenges without representation. I’m proud to join Rep. Sarbanes and Senator Van Hollen in taking this important step to narrow the legal aid gap and advance access to justice.”

In civil cases, pro se litigants – people who represent themselves in court, including many who cannot afford legal representation – often bring complex claims involving civil rights abuses. Under current law, these individuals do not have a guaranteed right to counsel, and in the absence of a single, federal standard for providing counsel, federal courts across the country use different standards for deciding whether to grant a pro se litigant’s request for counsel. As a result of this patchwork of standards, counsel is almost never granted in civil cases, making it harder for pro se litigants to navigate the legal process and creating an added burden for court personnel who often must process illegible or incorrectly filed claims.

FALCA would help more pro se litigants secure legal counsel by establishing a standard set of factors – including the complexity of the claim, the need for expert testimony and the validity of the claim – for federal courts to consider when determining whether to provide a lawyer for an individual who cannot afford one. It would also:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-welch-colleagues-in-introducing-bicameral-bill-to-codify-biden-era-executive-order-on-west-bank-sanctions,"Van Hollen Joins Welch, Colleagues in Introducing Bicameral Bill to Codify Biden-Era Executive Order on West Bank Sanctions",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in introducing the Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security (SANCTIONS) in the West Bank Act, bicameral legislation to codify the Biden Administration’s Executive Order allowing for sanctions against extremists in the West Bank who promote or engage in violence, displacement of civilians, or the destruction of property. U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-Pa.) led companion legislation in the House.

The legislation provides a clear framework for lifting sanctions under appropriate conditions and strengthening oversight and accountability on imposed sanctions.

“The Netanyahu Government’s rapid expansion of settlements in the West Bank, and its complicity in increased settler violence against Palestinians, undermine stability in the West Bank and the prospects for achieving a two-state solution. This legislation will strengthen the U.S. government’s ability to hold accountable those who are fueling this illegal activity – and use the leverage we have to help preserve a path to peace, security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Growing settler violence in the West Bank harms civilians, jeopardizes regional stability, and is a serious threat to U.S. national security. President Biden’s Executive Order has been crucial in addressing the Netanyahu government’s failure to take action against those who instigate heinous acts of fear and hate, and it should become statute,” said Senator Welch. “Sanctions have been an effective tool to deter violence in this deadly year for those living in the West Bank, where lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed, and families have been forever changed. We must ensure accountability for extremists who perpetrate violence against civilians in the West Bank and reaffirm our commitment to a lasting Middle East peace.”

“We have seen a series of cascading crises following the October 7 attack—with widespread suffering among Israelis, Palestinians, and too many others in the region. Amid the ongoing war that needs to end, I have been troubled by the pursuit of some in Netanyahu’s government of extremist polices in the West Bank and agreed with President Biden’s executive order sanctioning those involved in such actions. That’s why I joined my colleagues today to introduce legislation that would codify these sanctions and ensure they remain an effective tool to deter violence in the West Bank. We have a responsibility in the United States for a renewed push on all sides towards peace, one in which Israeli and Palestinian children can once and forever live in safety, peace, and dignity,” said Senator Durbin.

“The current extreme right-wing Israeli government has driven record illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank and armed extremist settlers who, with Israeli security forces, have killed more than 700 people in the last year, including three Americans. Enough is enough – the United States must sanction those responsible for this illegal violence,” said Senator Sanders.

“Extremist violence in the West Bank not only violates basic human rights but also undermines a two-state solution and efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. The targeting of Palestinian communities, destruction of property, and loss of innocent lives are unacceptable and must end immediately,” said Senator Reed. “This bill will help hold perpetrators accountable and reaffirms our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.”

“Extremist violence in the West Bank undermines the hope for a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis alike,” said Senator Merkley. “The United States must use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to stop these unacceptable attacks against Palestinian civilians and villages. I call on this administration and future administrations to follow through with established policies, and to use U.S. influence to reaffirm our shared commitment to peace and a two-state solution.”

“This bill is about accountability, justice, and ensuring that U.S. policy stands firmly against extremist violence and destabilization,” said Representative Lee. “The surge in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is a humanitarian and moral crisis. By codifying these sanctions, we are making clear that the U.S. supports peace and dignity for all people living in the region.”

The SANCTIONS in the West Bank Act is supported by the Friends Committee on National Legislation, Human Rights Watch, J Street, New Jewish Narrative, Peace Action, Quincy Institute, American Federation of Ramallah, Palestine (AFRP), and Win Without War.

In addition to Representative Lee, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Al Green (D-Texas), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), and André Carson (D-Ind.).

In November 2023, Senator Welch called for an indefinite ceasefire in the conflict, citing a need to ensure access to humanitarian relief into Gaza, secure the release of Israeli hostages, and prevent further loss of innocent life.

Learn more about the SANCTIONS in the West Bank Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-reaffirms-support-for-our-syrian-kurdish-allies-following-call-with-sdf-general-mazloum-abdi,Van Hollen Reaffirms Support for Our Syrian Kurdish Allies Following Call with SDF General Mazloum Abdi,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement after speaking with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Mazloum Abdi:

“As the situation on the ground in Syria rapidly evolves, the United States’ steadfast support for our Syrian Kurdish allies must remain unshakeable. In my call this afternoon with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander, General Mazloum Abdi, I reaffirmed this support and underscored the importance of our partnership with the SDF, who serve as the tip of the spear in our fight against ISIS. It is in the United States’ best interest to maintain this strong alliance – including the U.S. military presence in Northeast Syria – in order to prevent the resurgence of ISIS. The United States should not allow Turkish-backed militants to attack the SDF with impunity and should push for a sustained ceasefire to support our allies and regional security.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-over-31-million-to-support-use-of-low-carbon-construction,Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $31 Million to Support Use of Low Carbon Construction,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and U.S. Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $31,933,577 in federal funding to support the use of low carbon materials in federally funded construction projects statewide. Incorporating the use of low carbon materials in construction will help reduce pollution while supporting the continued growth of America’s clean manufacturing sector.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is the single largest investment we've made in fighting the climate crisis – and it is powering projects like these that will help reduce emissions, support the growing low carbon construction material market, create jobs, and build a better, healthier future for our communities,” said the lawmakers.

“Having a world-class transportation system includes using and investing in materials that are better for the environment and create green jobs. This is another example of MDOT leading the way to reduce carbon emissions and support the state’s climate goals,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Thank you to Maryland’s fantastic federal delegation for helping secure this grant.”

The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Low Carbon Transportation Materials (LCTM) Program, which the lawmakers fought to create and fund at $2 billion under the Inflation Reduction Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-beyer-reintroduce-their-bicameral-cap-and-dividend-legislation,"Van Hollen, Beyer Reintroduce Their Bicameral Cap & Dividend Legislation",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congressman Don Beyer (D-Va.) reintroduced the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act, legislation to price carbon through a ‘cap and dividend’ approach. This simple, fair, and effective plan would address the dangers of climate change and put more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans, increasing their spending power and growing our entire economy.

""This legislation takes a straightforward approach to tackling the climate crisis — it requires the biggest polluters to pay for the emissions they generate within established caps and returns the proceeds to American households. The result: less pollution and more money in the pockets of the American people,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“As carbon emissions continue to rise and increasing global temperatures lead to more frequent and calamitous weather events, we must take concrete steps to reduce emissions and tackle the climate crisis,” said Congressman Don Beyer. “Our legislation offers a practical and efficient solution to address the climate crisis, spur clean energy innovation and boost economic growth by holding polluters accountable through the auctioning of permits to emit carbon under a continually tightening emissions cap. The revenue raised would then be returned directly into the pockets of American families in the form of a Healthy Climate Dividend. I thank Senator Van Hollen for his leadership on the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act and urge my colleagues to support this measure.”

The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act aims to cap carbon pollution and reduce CO2 emissions gradually but steadily. The legislation would cap emissions at 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and then 90 percent below 2005 levels by 2050 — in keeping with the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finding. It auctions carbon pollution permits to the first sellers of oil, coal, and natural gas into the U.S. market, and returns 100 percent of the auction proceeds electronically each quarter to every American in the form of a Healthy Climate Dividend. A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that this ‘cap and divided’ approach would mean more than 80 percent of families would see more money in their pockets, even before taking into account the economic benefits of preventing the costly impacts of climate change.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schatz-colleagues-in-renewing-calls-to-biden-administration-to-urge-israeli-government-to-allow-journalists-into-gaza-protect-free-press,"Van Hollen Joins Schatz, Colleagues in Renewing Calls to Biden Administration to Urge Israeli Government to Allow Journalists into Gaza, Protect Free Press",2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and a group of ten other senators in renewing calls to the Biden Administration to urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to protect press freedom and allow journalists into Gaza to cover the ongoing war. In addition to Van Hollen and Schatz, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) In their letter to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators underscored the dangerous conditions for reporters, the importance of safe access into Gaza for journalists, and the need for accurate and independent reporting from inside the warzone. They also raise concerns about violence against journalists in Lebanon and the West Bank. The new letter follows calls led by Schatz a year ago to protect journalists in Gaza.

“Since October 7, 2023, over 130 journalists have been killed, the vast majority of whom were Palestinians killed in Gaza. The lack of safe working conditions for journalists in Gaza makes it almost impossible to have an accurate understanding of the humanitarian devastation taking place in the territory,” the senators wrote.

They continued, “The United States must make clear to Israel that targeting media organizations and members of the press is unacceptable. It is also important that the United States support UN efforts calling for accountability and protection of journalists in Gaza and the West Bank. The absence of U.S. government support for accountability efforts by the UN and press freedom defenders only undermines U.S. leadership. Promoting press freedom globally, protecting journalist safety, and advancing international laws and norms are essential to sustaining a rules-based international order.”

The full letter can be found below and is available here.

Dear Secretary Blinken,

We appreciate your continued engagement with Congress as you work to resolve the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and secure the release of all hostages. We write today to follow up on the December 2023 letter to President Biden about the lack of press freedom related to the conflicts. It is crucial for you to work with the Israeli and Egyptian governments to allow all interested journalists to report with appropriate protections and without restriction from Gaza. We appreciate the State Department’s response to the letter which reiterated the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to protecting journalists during armed conflict. However, the situation on the ground in Gaza has gotten worse since last December. Crackdowns and violence against journalists in the West Bank have steadily increased as well.

We recognize the longstanding challenges to press freedom in Gaza predate Hamas’s unspeakably brutal attacks on October 7, 2023. Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, has a record of harassing, obstructing, torturing, and using physical violence against journalists in Gaza. Several journalists were among the 1,200 people killed on October 7th. We strongly condemn Hamas’s actions, both in its repression of the Palestinian people and its violent attacks against the Israeli people. However, we must hold our closest democratic allies and partners to a higher standard than a terrorist organization when it comes to protecting the bedrock democratic value of freedom of the press.

Over one year into the war, the Israeli government continues to ban journalists from entering Gaza independently, despite standing calls from Israeli and foreign press in the country. With the exception of operational security requirements for embedded journalists, all interested journalists must be allowed to report without restriction from Gaza. As a Haaretz editorial asserts, “By blocking journalists from Gaza, Israel not only prevents coverage of the war’s horrors but also hinders real-time scrutiny of Hamas’ claims – a key Israeli interest.” The Foreign Press Association in Israel calls “...for unfettered and independent access to Gaza. To Israel, we say enough with the excuses. It is time to let us in.” We urge you to prioritize journalists’ immediate access to Gaza with guarantees from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to ensure that it does not target them in its operations.

Since October 7, 2023, over 130 journalists have been killed, the vast majority of whom were Palestinians killed in Gaza. The lack of safe working conditions for journalists in Gaza makes it almost impossible to have an accurate understanding of the humanitarian devastation taking place in the territory. Nevertheless, local reporters have continued working despite being displaced repeatedly, losing family members, experiencing hunger, and living under constant threat of violence. Israel has also injured scores of Palestinian journalists and detained dozens, some of whom have been placed in arbitrary administrative detention without access to due process.

Journalists face safety threats from the IDF outside of Gaza as well. As you are aware, on October 13, 2023, IDF strikes hit a group of journalists in southern Lebanon. These strikes killed Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, injured Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist and U.S. citizen Dylan Collins, and caused severe injuries to another AFP journalist at the scene, Christina Assi, who lost her right leg. The journalists were wearing helmets and jackets clearly marked with the word “press” as they filmed from a location on top of an exposed hillside when they were struck by tank rounds. The IDF has not released a review or investigation into the incident.

Violence against journalists in the West Bank is on the rise as the IDF increases its operations. According to the United Nations (UN), there were at least three incidents in September 2024 alone where Israeli security forces fired live ammunition at journalists or their vehicles while they were reporting in the West Bank. Journalists are at risk of being detained and harassed, making it increasingly difficult to operate in the West Bank. On September 22, the IDF raided and closed Al Jazeera’s office in the West Bank for at least 45 days. This followed the IDF’s decision in May to close Al Jazeera’s offices in Israel. The network remains banned and it is unclear what actions the U.S. government has taken on this issue beyond expressing concern.

The United States must make clear to Israel that targeting media organizations and members of the press is unacceptable. It is also important that the United States support UN efforts calling for accountability and protection of journalists in Gaza and the West Bank. The absence of U.S. government support for accountability efforts by the UN and press freedom defenders only undermines U.S. leadership. Promoting press freedom globally, protecting journalist safety, and advancing international laws and norms are essential to sustaining a rules-based international order.

Considering our profound concern for the safety of journalists and demand for justice for targeted attacks on journalists, we respectfully request detailed responses to the following questions:

What specific steps has the State Department taken to secure access for international journalists, including Americans, to Gaza?

Has the State Department urged Israel to permit entry to journalists willing to travel to Gaza for reporting? If so, in what ways, by whom, and how often?

Has the State Department expressed support for Israeli journalists and international correspondents in Israel seeking to gain independent access to Gaza? If so, in what ways, by whom, and how often?

Has the State Department advocated for equipment for journalists, including cell phones and cameras, to be allowed into Gaza?

What steps has the State Department taken to ensure that the IDF – a major recipient of U.S. security assistance – reforms its rules of engagement (ROEs) to mitigate harm to journalists in Gaza and the West Bank?

If the IDF is unwilling to change ROEs in ways that lessen harm to journalists, what steps are you considering taking to show U.S. government disapproval and secure policy changes that end the pattern of violent attacks on journalists?

Is it your assessment that the Israeli government has thoroughly investigated allegations of any wrongdoing, ensuring immediate and transparent accountability for any abuses?

Is it your assessment that Israeli government’s actions in Gaza are in accordance with international humanitarian law?

What support has the State Department provided to help injured journalists leave Gaza for medical care?

What steps have you taken to seek full accountability for the killings of journalists by the IDF?

What steps have you taken to ensure accountability for the October 13, 2023 attack that injured Mr. Collins and killed Issam Abdallah in southern Lebanon?

Do you have information about the status of the reported Israeli investigation into the incident?

Do you have confidence that any Israeli investigation would result in effective accountability and serve to deter future IDF attacks on journalists?

What specific steps has the State Department taken to secure the release of journalists in administrative detention?

Has the U.S. Embassy assessed allegations of mistreatment in Israeli custody of journalists?

Have you discussed allegations of mistreatment of detained journalists with Israeli authorities, including IDF leaders?

What steps have you taken to identify the whereabouts of missing Palestinian journalists? Have you asked the Israeli government if missing journalists are in their custody?

Is it your assessment that the Israeli government has thoroughly investigated allegations of any wrongdoing, ensuring immediate and transparent accountability for any abuses or violations related to detentions?

What steps has the State Department taken to advocate the importance of press freedom within Israel?

Have you or other State Department officials raised your concern over the closing of Al Jazeera in Israel and the West Bank to the Israeli government? If so, what responses have you received?

What is the State Department assessment of the impact on global press freedom of countries – especially closely allied democracies, like Israel – of placing restrictions on, detaining, or allowing violence against journalists?

We appreciate your response to these questions and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-tillis-lead-bipartisan-push-on-tax-relief-for-taiwan,"Van Hollen, Tillis Lead Bipartisan Push on Tax Relief for Taiwan",2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) led 27 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) highlighting the importance of passing U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures this year.

“As you are aware, Taiwan is a significant economic partner to the United States and yet Taiwan is the only one of the United States’ top 10 trading partners without a formal double taxation agreement. Taiwan has also become an increasing source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the U.S., with TSMC’s investment in Arizona being the largest greenfield FDI project in U.S. history. However, existing tax barriers—including the double taxation of income, interest, and dividends—add financial burdens for businesses from both nations, making it more expensive for them to expand in each other’s markets,” the senators wrote.

“The 118th Congress has made significant strides in tackling this issue, with the Finance and Foreign Relations Committees working together with the House on Taiwan tax relief legislation. If enacted, this legislation would provide specific relief from double taxation on U.S.-Taiwan cross-border investments and authorize the President to negotiate a tax agreement with Taiwan. Earlier this year, the House passed Taiwan-related provisions as part of H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 and the Senate Committee on Finance passed Taiwan tax relief legislation out of Committee unanimously,” the senators continued.

“By passing the U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures this year, we can make significant headway in eliminating tax disincentives on cross-border investments between the U.S. and Taiwan. We believe there is strong support for these measures with Taiwan in the Senate, just as there was in the House. We are eager to work with you to see Taiwan tax relief legislation enacted before the 118th Congress comes to a close. U.S. and Taiwanese investors should not have to wait until the next Congress for action,” the senators concluded.

In addition to Senators Tillis and Van Hollen, the letter was signed by Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), George Helmy (D-N.J.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jackie Rosen (D-Nev.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).

Text of the full letter is available here.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell,

As you are aware, Taiwan is a significant economic partner to the United States and yet Taiwan is the only one of the United States' top 10 trading partners without a formal double taxation agreement. Taiwan has also become an increasing source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the U.S., with TSMC's investment in Arizona being the largest greenfield FDI project in U.S. history. However, existing tax barriers—including the double taxation of income, interest, and dividends—add financial burdens for businesses from both nations, making it more expensive for them to expand in each other’s markets. Without relief from double taxation, these barriers could hamper further Taiwanese investments in key U.S. sectors, such as semiconductors. These investments are essential for reducing U.S. reliance on foreign technology imports and preventing supply chain disruptions that threaten national security and economic growth.

The 118th Congress has made significant strides in tackling this issue, with the Finance and Foreign Relations Committees working together with the House on Taiwan tax relief legislation. If enacted, this legislation would provide specific relief from double taxation on U.S.-Taiwan cross-border investments and authorize the President to negotiate a tax agreement with Taiwan. Earlier this year, the House passed Taiwan-related provisions as part of H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 and the Senate Committee on Finance passed Taiwan tax relief legislation out of Committee unanimously.

By passing the U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures this year, we can make significant headway in eliminating tax disincentives on cross-border investments between the U.S. and Taiwan. We believe there is strong support for these measures with Taiwan in the Senate, just as there was in the House. We are eager to work with you to see Taiwan tax relief legislation enacted before the 118th Congress comes to a close. U.S. and Taiwanese investors should not have to wait until the next Congress for action.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-van-hollen-honors-the-legacy-of-maryland-veteran-and-tuskegee-airman-brigadier-general-charles-mcgee-in-video-tribute-at-memorial-unveiling,VIDEO: Van Hollen Honors the Legacy of Maryland Veteran & Tuskegee Airman Brigadier General Charles McGee In Video Tribute at Memorial Unveiling,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, in a recorded video address, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) honored the legacy and accomplishments of Brigadier General Charles McGee as part of a memorial unveiling for the late Tuskegee Airman hosted by the Distinguished Flying Cross Society at the public library in Silver Spring, Md. that bears his name. General McGee was a decorated combat pilot who served in the United States Military for over 30 years and fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam – amassing a record three-war total of combat missions – 409 – of any Air Force fighter pilot, with 100 missions or more in each. He passed away on January 16, 2022, at 102 years old, at his home in Bethesda, Maryland. The memorial unveiling coincides with what would’ve been Brig. Gen. McGee’s 105th birthday on December 7th.

In July of 2019, Senator Van Hollen introduced legislation to authorize General McGee’s honorary promotion to Brigadier General, which was then passed unanimously by the full Senate. Senator Van Hollen and former Congressman Anthony Brown also pushed to include their provision within the House and Senate NDAA. In December of 2019, Senator Van Hollen announced the successful inclusion of the provision within the NDAA, and the legislation was then passed by both the House and the Senate. On December 20, 2019 it was signed into law by the President. Following the Senator’s urging, the U.S. Air Force granted McGee’s promotion in February 2020.

Senator Van Hollen’s recorded remarks can be viewed here, and a transcript is below.

SENATOR CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D-Md.): Hi, I’m Chris Van Hollen, and I am proud to represent the great state of Maryland in the United States Senate. And I am especially honored to join you today to celebrate the life of Brigadier General Charles McGee, an American hero and a deeply missed friend.

I first met General McGee in 2016, when I was a member of the House of Representatives. He reached out to ask for help getting a replacement set of silver Air Force pilot wings. Pilot wings are, in one sense, a mark of skill and service. They say: I’ve done my training; I’ve mastered my craft; I’ve served my country. But in a larger sense, pilot wings are a mark of character. They say to the world: I am an airman. And Charles McGee was one of the greatest airmen of all time. His service spanned three decades, three wars, 6,308 hours, and 409 combat missions in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam – a record-breaking number for an Air Force fighter pilot across those three wars.

But General McGee didn’t just break records: he broke barriers. When he volunteered for the Air Force in 1942, the U.S. military was segregated. But that didn’t stop him. As one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, he helped prove to a watchful nation something that shouldn’t have required proving. In General McGee’s words: “One of the things we were fighting for was equality. Equality of opportunity. We knew we had the same skills, or better.” And he was right. Charles McGee was not only fighting the Nazis overseas, he was fighting injustice and segregation here at home. And he made historic advances on both fronts.

General McGee is an American hero. That’s why I worked to honor his heroism by authorizing his honorary promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. It was a long push that lasted four years, but we succeeded. Colonel Charles McGee became Brigadier General Charles McGee – and future generations will know him by that rank for all time.

General McGee died two years ago, and I had the privilege of delivering a eulogy at his funeral. I said then, and I say it again now, that although General McGee’s journey has ended, his story lives on as a powerful example of American heroism.

He’s an example to me. He’s an example to Maryland. He’s an example to every American. And a role model for every child who sees this new memorial.

So I’ll end in the spirit I began: thanking all of you for gathering today to honor Charles McGee. By remembering him, we recommit ourselves to his life’s work: both defending our country and demanding that it live up to its full promise.

He flew 409 combat missions, returning to the cockpit again and again. Now, every time we tell his story, he takes wing once more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-markey-durbin-waters-lead-72-colleagues-in-calling-on-department-of-education-to-discharge-loans-for-defrauded-borrowers,"Van Hollen, Markey, Durbin, Waters Lead 72 Colleagues in Calling on Department of Education to Discharge Loans for Defrauded Borrowers",2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), called on the Department of Education to discharge student loan debt for hundreds of thousands of students who were defrauded by predatory schools. During the first Trump administration, defrauded borrowers’ applications for debt relief were left to languish for years, and if reviewed, were often denied. In their letter today, the lawmakers called for the Department to use its authority to immediately discharge debt.

Since 2022, the Department has announced group discharges for more than 1.2 million individuals who attended schools that engaged in documented fraud and misconduct, including ITT Technical Institute and Corinthian Colleges. Yet, hundreds of thousands of borrowers are still awaiting their discharges. Many additional borrowers are eligible for borrower defense group discharge because they attended schools for which the Department possesses evidence of fraud and misconduct; 400,000 borrowers have submitted individual applications for borrower defense discharges that the Department has yet to process.

“The Department of Education must deliver justice to borrowers who were scammed by for-profit colleges and saddled with unpayable debts before the Trump Administration slams the door shut on borrowers in January,” said Senator Markey. “Borrowers who have struggled with debt for years or even decades cannot afford to wait any longer.”

“Time and time again, for-profit schools make false promises to students, claiming that they can push them ahead in life. Instead, these schools siphon off federal student aid dollars while leaving students in crushing debt and with a near useless degree,” said Senator Durbin. “The incoming administration has a troubling track record of favoring for-profit colleges over scammed students. It’s critical that the Biden administration swiftly approves any and all borrower defense applications and discharge the debt of those who attended a fraudulent for-profit school.”

“I have fought for many years to prevent predatory, for-profit colleges from defrauding students and to hold these institutions accountable when they do so,” said Congresswoman Waters. “It is urgent that the Department of Education immediately process debt relief for the hundreds of thousands of student borrowers who were defrauded by these predatory institutions.”

“Swift action to clear predatory debt is imperative to save defrauded student borrowers and their families from financial despair. Thank you to the Congressional leaders who understand the consequences for borrowers and their families if discharges are not implemented immediately. There are hundreds of thousands of individuals' financial well-being at stake, there is no time to waste in taking action,” said Ashley Harrington, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, Project on Predatory Student Lending.

In the letter to the Department of Education, the lawmakers wrote, “The Biden administration has demonstrated a commitment to supporting student borrowers and mitigating the devastating impact of student loan debt, including issuing targeted debt relief to hundreds of thousands of borrowers defrauded by predatory higher education institutions.”

The lawmakers continued, “We urge the Department of Education to follow through on its commitment by immediately processing debt discharges for borrowers already approved for relief; issuing additional discharges for students who attended institutions with documented histories of predatory practices; and processing any outstanding borrower defense applications.”

The letter is co-signed in the Senate by Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Christopher S. Murphy (D-Conn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.).

The letter is co-signed in the House of Representatives by Representatives Maxine Waters (CA-43), André Carson (IN-07), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Robin L. Kelly (Il-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Erica Lee Carter (TX-18), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Alma S. Adams Ph.D. (NC-12), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Cori Bush (MO-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Greg Casar (TX-35), Mark Takano (CA-39), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), John B. Larson (CT-01), Lucy McBath (GA-07), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Al Green (TX-09), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-17), Hank Johnson (GA-04)., Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jamaal Bowman (NY-14), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Adam Smith (WA-09), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Sean Casten (IL-06), Grace Meng (NY-06), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Robert Garcia (CA-42).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-introduction-of-jrd-to-pause-arms-sales-to-uae-van-hollen-and-jacobs-seek-assurances-from-administration-on-uae-support-for-rsf,"Following Introduction of JRD to Pause Arms Sales to UAE, Van Hollen & Jacobs Seek Assurances from Administration on UAE Support for RSF",2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) have sent a letter to President Biden regarding their recent introduction of a joint resolution of disapproval (JRD) in response to the Administration’s notice of an offensive weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In their letter, the lawmakers note deep concern about reports that the UAE has provided materiel support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), given the RSF’s role in the ongoing civil war and atrocities taking place in Sudan. The lawmakers request that the Administration provide written assurances that the UAE is not supplying the RSF with weapons and that the UAE will refrain from future such transfers.

The lawmakers begin, “We write concerning a joint resolution of disapproval (JRD) that we filed on November 21, 2024, on the U.S. sale of offensive weapons – including rockets and missiles worth $1.2 billion – to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We are deeply concerned about reports that the UAE has provided materiel support, including arms and ammunition, to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the civil war in Sudan and believe that the United States should pause offensive arms sales until such support has ceased. If your administration provides written confirmation that the UAE is not supplying the RSF with weapons and has committed to refrain from future such transfers, then we will have accomplished our goal and will not need to call for a vote on this legislation in Congress.”

“The current war in Sudan has led to a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe. Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, a staggering 11.8 million people have been displaced within Sudan and in neighboring countries. More than half the population, over 25 million people, reportedly face acute food insecurity, including 13 million children, and 1.5 million are at risk of or facing famine. In July 2024, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Famine Review Committee (FRC) confirmed that famine conditions are prevalent in Darfur,” they note.

They continue, “Since the start of the war, the UAE has enabled the RSF’s atrocities in Sudan. There is ample evidence documenting the UAE’s support for the RSF, including findings by the UN Panel of Experts, which documented “credible” allegations of the UAE violating Darfur’s arms embargo by supplying the RSF with weapons and ammunition. These findings have been corroborated by credible human rights organizations, as well as reporting by the New York Times and Washington Post. Furthermore, your administration has acknowledged the UAE's support for the RSF. According to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, ‘We are aware that both sides are receiving weapons and other support to fuel their efforts to destroy Sudan, and yes, we have engaged with the parties on that, including with our colleagues from the UAE.’”

“The U.S. should not be sending weapons to the UAE so long as it is aiding and abetting a group that is one of the primary drivers of the humanitarian disaster in Sudan and has committed atrocity crimes. The UAE is an important partner in the Middle East, but we must not turn a blind eye to its role in the humanitarian disaster in Sudan. That is why our legislation seeks to pause offensive arms sales to the UAE unless you can provide written assurances that the UAE is not providing, and will no longer provide, materiel support to the RSF,” they write in closing.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear President Biden,

We write concerning a joint resolution of disapproval (JRD) that we filed on November 21, 2024, on the U.S. sale of offensive weapons – including rockets and missiles worth $1.2 billion – to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We are deeply concerned about reports that the UAE has provided materiel support, including arms and ammunition, to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the civil war in Sudan and believe that the United States should pause offensive arms sales until such support has ceased. If your administration provides written confirmation that the UAE is not supplying the RSF with weapons and has committed to refrain from future such transfers, then we will have accomplished our goal and will not need to call for a vote on this legislation in Congress.

The current war in Sudan has led to a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe. Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, a staggering 11.8 million people have been displaced within Sudan and in neighboring countries. More than half the population, over 25 million people, reportedly face acute food insecurity, including 13 million children, and 1.5 million are at risk of or facing famine. In July 2024, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Famine Review Committee (FRC) confirmed that famine conditions are prevalent in Darfur.

Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have worsened the crisis. Both sides have been credibly accused of using starvation as a weapon of war by intentionally blocking humanitarian aid from reaching those most in need. The United States has determined that both the RSF and the SAF have committed war crimes, and has gone further to determine the RSF has also committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. Reputable human rights organizations and news outlets have also reported widespread acts of sexual violence, including rape, by the RSF.

Since the start of the war, the UAE has enabled the RSF’s atrocities in Sudan. There is ample evidence documenting the UAE’s support for the RSF, including findings by the UN Panel of Experts, which documented “credible” allegations of the UAE violating Darfur’s arms embargo by supplying the RSF with weapons and ammunition. These findings have been corroborated by credible human rights organizations, as well as reporting by the New York Times and Washington Post. Furthermore, your administration has acknowledged the UAE's support for the RSF. According to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, “We are aware that both sides are receiving weapons and other support to fuel their efforts to destroy Sudan, and yes, we have engaged with the parties on that, including with our colleagues from the UAE.”

We applaud the efforts your administration has made to bring the war to an end by convening multiple diplomatic dialogues to find a path forward. You underscored U.S. interests in ending the conflict, stating in September 2024, that “the United States will not abandon our commitment to the people of Sudan, who deserve freedom, peace, and justice. We call on all parties to this conflict to end the violence and refrain from fueling it, for the future of Sudan and for all Sudanese people.”

Your administration has rightly put pressure on the RSF by sanctioning several high-level commanders for their atrocities, but we believe you have yet to use the full leverage at your disposal to hold accountable their primary external backer. We support a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with the UAE and are not seeking to permanently end arms sales. However, a partnership with the United States should not come with a blank check. We need assurances that U.S. interests, values, and priorities will be respected by foreign governments that benefit from a security relationship with the United States.

The U.S. should not be sending weapons to the UAE so long as it is aiding and abetting a group that is one of the primary drivers of the humanitarian disaster in Sudan and has committed atrocity crimes. The UAE is an important partner in the Middle East, but we must not turn a blind eye to its role in the humanitarian disaster in Sudan. That is why our legislation seeks to pause offensive arms sales to the UAE unless you can provide written assurances that the UAE is not providing, and will no longer provide, materiel support to the RSF.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-2024-election,Van Hollen Statement on 2024 Election,2024-11-06,2024,2024-11,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the 2024 presidential election:

“Like many Americans, I am deeply disappointed and disheartened by the results of this election. But the democratic process has run its course, and I will respect the outcome. That being said, I will never – not for a moment – stop fighting for the values that I know our nation and our people strive to uphold. I will never stop pursuing the freedoms and the rights that our citizens are promised – and working to ensure that all Americans have equal access to these rights and opportunity. I will never back down from standing up for what we believe in, and I will continue to demand accountability from our government. Serving Marylanders in the United States Senate is an honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly – this is all the more true during turbulent times. And even as we face this challenging moment, I am heartened by the history Maryland made last night in electing Angela Alsobrooks to the Senate. I will continue working every single day to represent our great state and the values we hold so dear.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-announce-5-million-to-boost-morgan-state-universitys-research-capabilities,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Announce $5 Million to Boost Morgan State University’s Research Capabilities",2024-11-04,2024,2024-11,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education for Morgan State University (MSU) to strengthen its research capacity to better serve its students, faculty, the Baltimore community, and the nation.

Morgan State, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Baltimore City, is currently classified as a “high research activity status” (R2) university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education; this funding will support the University’s efforts to achieve the Carnegie classification of “very high research activity status,” (R1), by 2030. An R1 classification would provide more opportunities for MSU students and faculty to conduct even more transformative and impactful research. Among the 146 R1-designated colleges and universities in the U.S., none are HBCUs.

“Morgan State not only provides a quality education to thousands of students, it also serves as a hub for cutting-edge innovation. With this $5 million in federal funding – along with support from the HBCU RISE Program – we are furthering Morgan State’s goal of becoming one of the first HBCUs to achieve R1 status while diversifying the pipeline of leaders working to solve our most pressing challenges,” said Senator Van Hollen, who introduced legislation and then worked to pass the language to create the HBCU RISE program as a provision of the FY23 national defense bill in order to spur greater research investment in R2 HBCUs such as Morgan State to help them achieve R1 status while strengthening our national defense research.

“Morgan State has become a central part of our engine of economic growth despite decades of underfunding. The university is leading research that strengthens key industries like technology and health care and prepares students to compete in a global economy,” said Senator Cardin. “This funding will support new and existing programs that will help Morgan State reach new heights and reinforces our commitment to investing in Maryland’s HBCUs.”

“This announcement for Baltimore’s Morgan State University will further enhance the research capabilities of one of our country's leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The funding will bolster Morgan in its efforts to attain the prestigious R1 research status – a needed designation to induce additional federal and state investment and empower the school’s student body, faculty, and researchers,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I will always work in the Congress to uplift our nation’s HBCUs that represent a beacon for Black excellence and promise,” he concluded.

“This generous $5 million federal investment is a crucial accelerator on Morgan’s journey to becoming a nationally recognized very high research (R1) university. It represents a significant step forward for our students, faculty, and community, enabling new opportunities for transformative research that addresses real-world challenges,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “Morgan is one of the nation’s fastest-rising universities, and our elected leaders have been instrumental in that ascension. We are deeply grateful to Senator Van Hollen, Senator Cardin, and Congressman Mfume for their steadfast support in empowering Morgan as a national leader in inclusive innovation and knowledge creation.”

The grant was awarded through the HBCU, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Research and Development Infrastructure Grant Program, which the lawmakers funded at $50 million in fiscal year 2024. With this $5 million investment, MSU will boost its research expenditures in science, engineering, and other fields, recruit new full-time postdoctoral researchers, and increase its research and development capacity. The funds will also help enhance faculty professional development, prepare students for research and teaching assistant roles, and attract doctoral students to new programs and increase doctoral conferrals in STEM and social sciences fields.

MSU will prioritize efforts to increase diversity among faculty, students, and research topics, ensuring equitable access to research opportunities. Further, the University will actively collaborate with industry, government agencies, and other research institutions to expand research opportunities, leverage resources, and advance solutions to real-world challenges.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-kaine-shaheen-express-concern-about-violence-in-lebanon-and-push-for-de-escalation,"Van Hollen, Kaine, Shaheen, Express Concern About Violence in Lebanon and Push for De-Escalation",2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concern about Israeli military actions that resulted in the deaths of members of the U.S.-supported Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and reiterated the need for de-escalation in the Middle East. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the senators request additional information related to recent reports regarding incidents of the Israeli Defense Forces killing LAF members, U.S. weapons transfers to the region, and U.S. engagement with partners in the region to protect LAF members and civilians.

“We write to express our serious concern about recent reports that Israeli military actions in Lebanon have, on multiple occasions, resulted in the deaths of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) members,” wrote the senators. “We have all stood firm for Israel’s ability to defend itself from external threats posed by Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. But the United States has also made a commitment to the people of Lebanon to provide humanitarian assistance and continue to support the LAF.”

The senators continued, “Reports that Israel is harming LAF forces in its war against Hezbollah run contrary to the U.S. interest in de-escalating violence in the region. Actions that destabilize the one institution in Lebanon that can be a bridge to a more peaceful future are also contrary to Israel’s security interests.”

Earlier this month, Kaine, Shaheen, Van Hollen, and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) expressed concern about the escalation of violence in Lebanon, including the deaths and displacement of civilians and attacks on United Nations peacekeepers.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretaries Blinken and Austin:

We write to express our serious concern about recent reports that Israeli military actions in Lebanon have, on multiple occasions, resulted in the deaths of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) members. The most recent incident, caused by an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike on October 20, reportedly killed three LAF soldiers evacuating wounded Lebanese citizens.

We have all stood firm for Israel’s ability to defend itself from external threats posed by Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. But the United States has also made a commitment to the people of Lebanon to provide humanitarian assistance and continue to support the LAF. The LAF remains a key sovereign institution within Lebanon and is critical to promoting stability amidst ongoing crises. Reports that Israel is harming LAF forces in its war against Hezbollah run contrary to the U.S. interest in de-escalating violence in the region. Actions that destabilize the one institution in Lebanon that can be a bridge to a more peaceful future are also contrary to Israel’s security interests.

We ask for you to brief us, by letter or in person, on this critical matter. Specifically:

What is your assessment of LAF casualties as a result of IDF military operations? To your knowledge, in what instances were the LAF personnel IDF targets versus killed in action?

If the personnel were IDF targets, do you see any operational justification for targeting the LAF?

Has Israel communicated their use of U.S.-supplied arms or equipment in these operations?

What communication has the U.S. had with Israeli officials to strongly protest against actions leading to LAF casualties?

Has Israel made any commitment to focus its efforts against Hezbollah so as to protect LAF troops, Lebanese citizens and international aid workers?

Thank you for your time and attention to this critical request.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-hoyer-ruppersberger-announce-over-75-million-for-carroll-county-regional-tipton-and-martin-state-airports,"Van Hollen, Cardin Hoyer, Ruppersberger Announce Over $7.5 Million for Carroll County Regional, Tipton, and Martin State Airports",2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, Congressmen Steny Hoyer and Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-Md.), today announced $7,556,842 in U.S. Department of Transportation awards to Carroll County Regional, Tipton and Martin State Airports for necessary upgrades to modernize their facilities and improve passenger comfort.

“Our local airports are important transportation hubs that support our state’s economy, ensuring that travelers and goods get where they need to go. We fought for these investments to support the Carroll County Regional, Tipton, and Martin State airports in serving the growing needs of Maryland’s businesses, residents, and visitors,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The landmark infrastructure law enacted by President Biden in 2021 continues to invest in Maryland,” said Senator Cardin. “It recognized that our airports, both large and small, have aging and outdated facilities that require upgrades to meet the changing demands on our aviation system and keep it safe and competitive.”

“President Biden and Vice President Harris’ Investing in America agenda continues to deliver for Maryland’s airports and boost our economic competitiveness,” said Congressman Hoyer. “As Chair of the Regional Leadership Council, I have worked with House Democrats and top officials in the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that every community in America can see and feel the impact of the historic laws that Democrats passed in the 117th Congress. I was pleased to work with Team Maryland to secure these Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for Carroll County Regional Airport, Martin State Airport, and Tipton Airport, which will create good jobs and provide a more reliable air travel experience. Together, we will continue to lower costs, create jobs, and ensure our state's economy works for all Marylanders.”

“The bipartisan infrastructure law continues to reap rewards for Maryland and Marylanders including this funding for local airports, which provide a critical connection to communities and economies throughout the region,” said Congressman Ruppersberger. “This is a strategic investment that will make our airports safer, more comfortable and convenient. I look forward to even more upgrades to our nation’s aging transportation infrastructure to come.”

The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program and Airport Terminal Program.

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

$3,612,000. Carroll County Regional Airport: To remove a building and relocate fencing identified as obstructions by the FAA.

$2,944,842, Tipton Airport: To construct a 6,000 square-foot terminal to accommodate the movement of passengers and baggage.

$1,000,000, Martin State Airport: To fund the funds the construction of a new Airport Traffic Control Tower, replacing the 82-year-old sponsor-owned tower that has reached the end of its useful life.

The Airport Improvement Program funds various types of airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting and markings – all while creating thousands of good-paying, local jobs. The members have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including through the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process, which makes $3.35 billion available from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and an additional $532 million from the general fund for AIP projects.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-trone-announce-77-million-for-airport-infrastructure-projects-in-western-maryland,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $7.7 Million for Airport Infrastructure Projects in Western Maryland",2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $7,705,850 in federal funding for infrastructure and expansion projects at the Hagerstown Regional Airport and Garrett County Airport. The funding, provided through the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program and Airport Terminal Program, will increase the airports’ capacities to meet operational needs and safety standards.

“Hagerstown Regional and Garrett County airports help connect Western Maryland with greater economic opportunity. We fought for these investments to provide both airports with resources to continue to serving Maryland’s businesses, residents, and visitors in the years to come,” said the lawmakers.

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

$6,786,262 to Hagerstown Regional Airport to remove a building and relocate fencing identified as obstructions by the FAA and to renovate and expand the existing terminal building to accommodate existing and projected airline passenger demand

$919,588 to Garrett County Airport to rehabilitate 7,300 square yards of the existing Terminal Apron pavement

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds various types of airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting and markings – all while creating thousands of good-paying, local jobs. The members have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including through the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process, which makes $3.35 billion available from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and an additional $532 million from the general fund for AIP projects.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-knesset-move-to-effectively-ban-unrwa-operations,Van Hollen Statement on Knesset Move to Effectively Ban UNRWA Operations,2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the Knesset’s votes to effectively ban UNRWA operations:

“Today’s move by the Knesset will undermine the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians at a time when millions of civilians are living in a full-blown humanitarian crisis and are on the brink of starvation. UNRWA plays a critical role in supporting civilians in Gaza as well as the West Bank and elsewhere in the region, and as countless international organizations have attested to, its efforts cannot simply be replicated or replaced quickly. Once again, the Netanyahu Government and its allies are throwing up insurmountable roadblocks to providing for the basic rights and needs of Palestinian civilians. And once again the Netanyahu Government continues to ignore urging by the United States and the international community, who have repeatedly expressed concern over this proposal, given its ramifications on humanitarian assistance and its interference with Israel’s obligations under international law. The Biden Administration must wholly condemn this move, and beyond that – it must put words into action when it comes to enforcing its demands that Israel facilitate immediate humanitarian relief to civilians in Gaza.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-react-to-federal-governments-initial-1019-million-settlement-with-dali-owner-operator,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume React to Federal Government’s Initial $101.9 Million Settlement with Dali Owner, Operator",2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) $101,980,000 settlement with the owner and operator of the Dali, the vessel that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The settlement, according to DOJ, will cover federal costs incurred to restore access to the Port of Baltimore.

“The catastrophic loss of the Francis Scott Key Bridge required a massive and coordinated response from all levels of government and the private sector. Those efforts removed about 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River and cleared the shipping channel faster than anyone predicted. The initial settlement that the U.S. Justice Department reached for cleanup costs is an important step in holding accountable the owner and operator of the Dali, the ship that caused this disaster,” said the lawmakers. “The federal government has properly stepped up to underwrite urgent and essential needs with an expectation that the appropriate parties will be held financially responsible for their actions. Congress should now act quickly to pass the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, which will ensure full federal backing of the bridge replacement costs, while the Justice Department, State of Maryland and other stakeholders keep up their work to reimburse the taxpayers to the fullest extent possible and provide justice for the families of those we lost.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-king-rounds-in-seeking-maximum-h-2b-work-visas-to-support-small-businesses-in-2025,"Van Hollen Joins King, Rounds in Seeking Maximum H-2B Work Visas to Support Small Businesses in 2025",2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen joined Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), alongside a bipartisan group of their colleagues, in writting to the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.

H-2B visas fill needs for American small businesses when there are not enough able and willing American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions; when the local workforce is insufficient, H-2Bs are seen as a necessary tool to support local economies. With Maine continuing to see a shortage of seasonal and temporary employees, these special visas provide a lifeline for the economy and ensure small businesses can meet the demand for their products and services.

“Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that ‘counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers,’” wrote the senators.

“The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers,” continued the senators.

The letter was also signed by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Teas.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchin (I-W.V.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

The full text of the letter can be found here or below.

Dear Secretaries Mayorkas and Su:

We write on behalf of seasonal businesses in our states—including employers of housekeepers in tourist destinations, landscapers with defined seasons, seafood processors with short harvesting windows, and fairs and carnivals—who are struggling to hire a sufficient number of temporary, seasonal laborers to support their operations.

In light of these labor shortages, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to utilize the authority provided by Congress in the FY2025 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025, as you did for Fiscal Year 2024. These visas will help employers handle their labor challenges, and provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months. We urge you to promptly publish a temporary rule implementing the release of these supplemental visas.

Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that “counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.”

The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers.

Congress has acknowledged this seasonal labor shortage by providing DHS with the authority to lift the H-2B visa cap for each of the past eight fiscal years. Given the growing demand for H-2B workers as employers continue to struggle with staffing shortages, we encourage you to promptly promulgate a temporary final rule for FY 2025 along the same lines as the FY 2024 rule.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-bipartisan-push-maryland-virginia-lawmakers-call-on-president-to-address-venezuelan-crab-imports,"In Bipartisan Push, Maryland, Virginia Lawmakers Call on President to Address Venezuelan Crab Imports",2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen, Ben Cardin (both D-Md.), Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine (both D-Va.) along with U.S. Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), John Sarbanes (D-Md.), Rob Wittman (R-Va.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), David Trone (D-Md.), and Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) wrote to President Joe Biden outlining their concerns with the recent surge of crabmeat imports from Venezuela and its impact on the Chesapeake Bay region’s seafood economy as well as public health. In their letter, the lawmakers urge the President to launch an investigation through the International Trade Commission into the harm that these imports pose to our domestic seafood industry, and press the Administration to encourage a fairer seafood trade relationship.

“We write to express our significant concerns with the influx of crabmeat from Venezuela, which has threatened the viability of local fisheries across the Chesapeake Bay. Domestic seafood producers in Maryland and Virginia have experienced significant strain due to the influx of imported Venezuelan crabmeat, some of which is mislabeled and contaminated. In 2018, Venezuelan crabmeat mislabeled as originating from Maryland caused an outbreak of foodborne illnesses, resulting in multiple hospitalizations,” the lawmakers began.

Highlighting the economic damage caused by Venezuelan imports, they wrote, “Since then, the supply of imported crabmeat has increased, threatening the future livelihood of domestic industry and creating the conditions for a 62 percent decrease in the domestic supply. This has harmed crab fishing industries throughout the Chesapeake Bay, which produces 50 percent of the United States’ total blue crab harvest, a proportion that is now diminishing year over year. There are now fewer than 20 Maryland crab picking and seafood processing companies, down from 53 in 1995.”

They go on to urge the President to:

Direct the United States International Trade Commission to conduct an investigation, per Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974, looking into the harm caused by Venezuelan crabmeat imports and recommending remedies.

Use the full array of informal actions available to you to address this trade issue, including through negotiations, utilization of World Trade Organization Committees, bilateral dialogues, and other activities.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear President Biden:

We write to express our significant concerns with the influx of crabmeat from Venezuela, which has threatened the viability of local fisheries across the Chesapeake Bay. Domestic seafood producers in Maryland and Virginia have experienced significant strain due to the influx of imported Venezuelan crabmeat, some of which is mislabeled and contaminated. In 2018, Venezuelan crabmeat mislabeled as originating from Maryland caused an outbreak of foodborne illnesses, resulting in multiple hospitalizations. Since then, the supply of imported crabmeat has increased, threatening the future livelihood of domestic industry and creating the conditions for a 62 percent decrease in the domestic supply. This has harmed crab fishing industries throughout the Chesapeake Bay, which produces 50 percent of the United States’ total blue crab harvest, a proportion that is now diminishing year over year. There are now fewer than 20 Maryland crab picking and seafood processing companies, down from 53 in 1995.

Chesapeake Bay crab fisheries and processors follow a strict set of regulations to ensure that the Bay remains one of the most sustainable crab fisheries in the world, that the blue crabs harvested there are of the highest quality, and that the industry does no harm to other species. Foreign competitors often confront little or no such regulation. Not only does this imbalance put local fisheries and seafood businesses at a steep disadvantage, it can also put consumers at increased risk. Consumers are often misled about what they are eating, and sometimes even made sick, as was the case when imported Venezuelan crabmeat was linked with multiple cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections.

We urge your Administration to use all of the tools at its disposal to remedy this unsustainable situation. Specifically, we urge you to:

Direct the United States International Trade Commission to conduct an investigation, per Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974, looking into the harm caused by Venezuelan crabmeat imports and recommending remedies.

Use the full array of informal actions available to you to address this trade issue, including through negotiations, utilization of World Trade Organization Committees, bilateral dialogues, and other activities.

The Chesapeake Bay crab industry has faced numerous challenges, and the region has worked hard to preserve the blue crab population over the years. This industry carries unique cultural importance for the broader Mid-Atlantic region, enriching and enhancing the regional culinary landscape. Without the federal government stepping in to protect American manufacturers from unfair competition, they might not make it through this crisis. If they do not, Maryland, Virginia, and the country, will be all the poorer for it.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/team-maryland-announces-more-than-38-million-for-critical-transportation-and-port-infrastructure-projects-in-baltimore,Team Maryland Announces More Than $38 Million for Critical Transportation & Port Infrastructure Projects in Baltimore,2024-10-21,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Governor Wes Moore (all D-Md.), and Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld today announced $38,406,076 in U.S. Department of Transportation awards to rehabilitate the Dundalk Marine Terminal and the Curtis Creek Drawbridge. This investment will improve vital infrastructure at and around the Port of Baltimore, which is critical to Maryland's economy.

“Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we continue to deliver historic resources to upgrade everything from our transportation network to the Port of Baltimore. With these major federal investments, we are priming the Port for future growth – while sustaining the thousands of jobs it already supports – and modernizing an essential bridge for commuting and commerce. These efforts will help drive Baltimore’s economic success and create more good paying jobs for Marylanders,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“With these grants, the federal government is recognizing that Baltimore is home to nationally significant supply chain infrastructure that is overdue for investment and improvement. We are seeing once again how the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is delivering for Maryland, and we will continue to push for federal commitments to our infrastructure, including the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” said Senator Cardin.

“This monumental federal investment is a transformative display of the continued unity among us in Team Maryland to deliver for all of those who have been personally affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and continue to navigate the recovery alongside us. After speaking with so many of those impacted, I was and remain inspired by their grit, fierceness, and commitment to getting through this disaster together,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.

“These two projects reinforce the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to making Maryland more competitive by investing in our critical infrastructure, including our world-class Port of Baltimore,” said Governor Moore. “We are grateful for the partnership from the Biden-Harris Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and our Congressional delegation in supporting projects that will serve all Marylanders and help expand our growing economy.”

“Together, these federal grants will support increased economic growth at the Port of Baltimore and the greater Baltimore region,” said Secretary Wiedefeld. “The funding will support critical rehabilitation efforts at the Dundalk Martine Terminal, the largest publicly owned terminal in the Port, and the Curtis Creek Drawbridge on I-695. Thank you to our federal delegation and partners for their continued commitment in rebuilding Baltimore's infrastructure better than before.”

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris administration is carrying out ambitious, complex transportation projects that will shape our country’s infrastructure for generations to come,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With this latest round of awards, dozens of major and much-needed projects – projects that are often difficult to fund through other means – are getting the long-awaited investment they need to move forward.”

The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant Program (INFRA), which has administered historic levels of federal investments through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

$30,906,076, Dundalk Marine Terminal: Awarded to the Maryland Port Administration to reconstruct Berth 11, consisting of the rehabilitation and replacement of 597 linear feet of wharf deck including pilings, substructure, storm water drainage, utilities, and installation of new mooring bollards, cleats, pneumatic fenders, flood barriers, and tidal gates.

$7,500,000, Curtis Creek Drawbridge Rehabilitation: Awarded to the Maryland Transportation Authority to rehabilitate parallel drawbridges over Curtis Creek on I-695. The project will replace portions of the reinforced concrete deck, perform repairs to the exposed steel superstructure and existing catwalks, remove and replace bridge parapets, traffic lights, and low-level lights, and install new electrical service systems, drainage systems, and pavement markings.

The Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant Program provides funding for multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-shaheen-murphy-kaine-issue-statement-expressing-concern-about-the-escalation-of-violence-in-lebanon,"Van Hollen, Shaheen, Murphy, Kaine Issue Statement Expressing Concern About the Escalation of Violence in Lebanon",2024-10-21,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), all senior members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following joint statement regarding the deteriorating situation in Lebanon:

“Over the past few weeks, there has been a concerning escalation of violence in Lebanon, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds, the displacement of over one million civilians and unacceptable attacks on United Nations peacekeepers.

“There is no question that Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorism on its northern border and that Hezbollah is a terrorist organization whose actions have led to Lebanese, American and Israeli deaths. By preventing the formation of a functioning government, Hezbollah has exacerbated an economic crisis and perpetuated the suffering of everyday Lebanese citizens. We also assert firmly that Iran must be stopped from supplying Hezbollah with resources and weapons, which is essential to securing peace on the border and ensuring that Israelis in the north can return safely to their homes.

“At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces have an obligation to conduct their operations in a way that limits civilian harm and does not impede humanitarian access. We also strongly condemn the attacks against United Nations peacekeepers who operate in Lebanon under UN Security Council resolutions 1701 and 2749. Peacekeepers must be allowed to fulfill their mission of ensuring peace along the Blue Line.

“We must work towards de-escalation and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in Lebanon while also urging all parties involved to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release deal. We must do all we can to prevent further civilian casualties, dangerous destabilization and expansion of this conflict into a full-out war.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-raskin-mcclellan-and-beyer-lead-30-colleagues-in-urging-regional-power-grid-operator-to-lower-electricity-prices-and-improve-reliability-for-working-families,"Van Hollen, Raskin, McClellan, and Beyer Lead 30 Colleagues in Urging Regional Power Grid Operator to Lower Electricity Prices and Improve Reliability for Working Families",2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Representatives Jamie Raskin (Md.-08), Jennifer McClellan (Va.-04), and Don Beyer (Va.-08) led 30 members of Congress in writing a letter calling on PJM Interconnection (PJM), the region’s power grid operator, to swiftly improve the reliability of the electricity grid, deliver cheaper electricity prices, and address the biggest roadblocks to transitioning to renewable energy.

In their letter sent today to PJM—the country’s largest electricity market serving 65 million customers across 13 states in the Mid-Atlantic region and the Great Lakes—the lawmakers urged the grid operator to swiftly and fully comply with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) Order No. 1920 and Order No. 2023 and pursue proactive transmission planning and interconnection reforms to help the electricity grid maintain reliability and increase the supply of clean energy.

“Our region must add new energy sources to our electric grid to meet our constituents’ and businesses’ growing energy needs,” wrote the lawmakers. “Renewable energy is now the cheapest form of energy, and a recent PJM report shows that renewables can meet our region’s increasing energy demands. Federal investments in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state policies on fostering renewable energy have created an opportunity for billions of dollars of investment in low-cost, low-carbon electricity supply and storage. The PJM region can seize this opportunity to facilitate the replacement of old, costly, increasingly unreliable, and polluting power plants with lower-cost clean energy—and score a triple win for public health, the environment, and consumers’ energy bills.”

PJM expects energy demands to increase nearly 40% by 2039. As the region’s energy needs grow, energy supply must keep pace with rising demand—or consumers will face higher utility bills. In PJM’s most recent electricity capacity auction for 2025, prices increased more than six-fold to about $14.7 billion from $2.4 billion in 2024. The price increases in the electricity auction are estimated to translate into price increases for millions of customers in the PJM region.

The letter from the lawmakers urges PJM to do the following:

Comply with FERC Order No. 1920 by developing transmission planning scenarios that account for states’ clean energy policies and incentives in the IRA, consider and maximize the economic benefits of renewable power, and comprehensively plan for fossil fuel retirements driven by states’ policies and economic factors;

Comply with FERC Order No. 2023, which requires grid operators across the country to address the backlog of new energy sources waiting to be connected to our electricity grid;

Create a robust process for state policymakers and regulators to engage with PJM on transmission planning decisions;

And prioritize energy solutions such as advanced transmission technologies that help minimize community impacts resulting from siting and permitting decisions.

The lawmakers emphasized, “A robust transmission grid that is ready to accept new resources and maintain reliability in the face of increasing energy demand will not be possible without swift and full compliance with Order No. 1920 and Order No. 2023.”

Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Raskin, Beyer and McClellan were joined on the letter by Representatives Matt Cartwright (Pa.-08), Sean Casten (Ill.-06), Gerry Connolly (Va.-11), Danny Davis (Ill.-07), Chris Deluzio (Pa.-17), Bill Foster (Ill.-11), Jesús García (Ill.-04), Steny Hoyer (Md.-05), Jared Huffman (Calif.-02), Glenn Ivey (Md.-04), Jonathan Jackson (Ill.-01), Robin Kelly (Ill.-02), Andy Kim (N.J.-03), Raja Krishnamoorthi (Ill.-08), Summer Lee (Pa.-12), Kweisi Mfume (Md.-07), Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.), Mike Quigley (Ill.-05), John Sarbanes (Md.-03), Jan Schakowsky (Ill.-09), Eric Sorensen (Ill.-17), David Trone (Md.-06), Delia Ramirez (Ill.-03), Dutch Ruppersberger (Md.-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.-12) and Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Thomas Carper (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

The full letter to PJM can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. Takahashi and Mr. Asthana:

The U.S. energy sector is entering a period of significant transformation due to rising energy demands, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and falling renewable energy prices. As the grid operator representing our 13-state region and the District of Columbia, PJM Interconnection (PJM) has a crucial responsibility to maintain a reliable and cost-effective electric grid capable of adapting to these evolving conditions. We write to you today to urge PJM to fully and swiftly comply with the letter and intent of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Order No. 1920 and Order No. 2023 and pursue proactive transmission planning and interconnection reforms to help our region’s electricity grid maintain reliability and meet our clean energy goals. Specifically, we request that PJM conduct scenario development and benefit evaluation to the standards of Order No. 1920.

Our region must add new energy sources to our electric grid to meet our constituents’ and businesses’ growing energy needs. Renewable energy is now the cheapest form of energy, and a recent PJM report shows that renewables can meet our region’s increasing energy demands. Federal investments in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state policies on fostering renewable energy have created an opportunity for billions of dollars of investment in low-cost, low-carbon electricity supply and storage. The PJM region can seize this opportunity to facilitate the replacement of old, costly, increasingly unreliable, and polluting power plants with lowercost clean energy—and score a triple win for public health, the environment, and consumers’ energy bills. We applaud PJM’s recent commitment to comply with FERC Order No. 1920 by moving forward with developing long-term transmission planning scenarios this year. We also understand that PJM has challenged some of the requirements in Order No. 1920 in a request for rehearing. While we acknowledge that PJM oversees a region with diverse interests and differing clean energy targets, we are concerned that PJM may use this request to delay comprehensive transmission planning. Any delays in the clean energy transition will not only contribute to rising climate-related costs, but also harm consumers in our states who will foot the bill for inefficient energy infrastructure.

FERC Order No. 1920 provides a framework for grid operators to conduct comprehensive transmission planning and allocate costs to states and stakeholders based on benefits. This order ensures that states will pay their fair share for the clean energy benefits they receive from transmission on the same terms they would pay for other transmission benefits. PJM must develop a fair and robust process for states and stakeholders to participate in good faith engagement on cost allocation rules. We specifically request that PJM conduct scenario development and benefit analysis to the standards of the Order to ensure the region can plan for a reliable, cost-effective future. This planning should:

Incorporate state clean energy policies, the private investments spurred by the IRA, and economic drivers of change in at least three planning scenarios. At least one of the scenarios should include a high-renewables scenario.

Forecast future fossil retirements as accurately as possible, including both those mandated by policy and those driven by economic factors.

Maximize the entire range of economic and reliability benefits of clean energy and storage.

Prioritize solutions that minimize community impacts resulting from siting and permitting considerations, including deploying advanced transmission technologies.

In addition to complying with the long-term regional planning rule, PJM should also swiftly comply with FERC Order No. 2023, which will help address the backlog of renewable energy projects waiting to be connected to the electricity grid. PJM’s May 2024 compliance filing fails to meet the standards of the FERC rule, and instead asks FERC for special exemptions and lengthy extensions to the rule’s deadlines. We are deeply concerned that more than 3,309 projects are in PJM’s interconnection queue, which represents the longest queue of any region. As PJM has noted, “accelerating the pace of new entry is critical to maintaining reliability” as we embrace the energy transition. Thus, we urge PJM to swiftly and fully comply with FERC Order No. 2023.

Lastly, to ensure a successful and cost-effective transmission planning process, PJM must work closely with state policymakers and regulators to incorporate states’ statutory clean energy targets in all long-term planning scenarios. By working with state policymakers and regulators, PJM can better maintain grid reliability as fossil plants retire and avoid expensive reliability must-run agreements which keep aging fossil plants online at great cost to consumers. A robust transmission grid that is ready to accept new resources and maintain reliability must-run agreements which keep aging fossil plants online at great cost to consumers. A robust transmission grid that is ready to accept new resources and maintain reliability in the face of increasing energy demand will not be possible without swift and full compliance with Order No. 1920 and Order No. 2023. As Representatives of states in PJM’s region, we stand ready to support these efforts and seek answers to the following questions:

How can PJM ensure that the flexibility it sought in its June 2024 request for a rehearing on Order No. 1920 will not result in delays to PJM developing comprehensive and costeffective long-term transmission planning scenarios?

How can PJM ensure that entrenched incumbent special interests will not undermine PJM’s efforts to comply with Order No. 1920 and plan cost-effective transmission?

What steps is PJM taking to establish a process for engaging with state policymakers and regulators on Order No. 1920, including on cost allocation and on developing scenario inputs?

What is PJM’s plan to comply with Order No. 2023? Specifically, what steps is PJM taking to accelerate the pace of new entry?

Please outline PJM’s plans for meeting the new entry and interregional coordination needs identified in its recent Energy Transition study. In the interest of increasing transparency and ensuring those plans are on track, how will PJM keep the public and policymakers apprised on its progress?

How will PJM help minimize adverse impacts on local communities from transmission deployment, such as by increasing usage of grid-enhancing and advanced transmission technologies?

Thank you again for your thoughtful attention to this important matter and we look forward to your response.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/team-maryland-announces-139-million-in-federal-funds-to-support-workforce-development-and-postsecondary-education-for-individuals-with-disabilities,Team Maryland Announces $13.9 Million in Federal Funds to Support Workforce Development and Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities,2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, with Governor Wes Moore and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey, announced $13.9 million in federal funding to support workforce development and postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Administered through the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the funding will help increase access to resources, promote data sharing, and improve employment outcomes.

“Team Maryland continues to drive federal investment in Marylanders' futures. These new funds will bolster the use of evidence-based strategies to engage individuals with disabilities in careers of their choice, enhancing inclusion, economic mobility, and career growth,"" said members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation Senators Cardin, Van Hollen, and Hoyer; and Congressmen Ruppersberger, Sarbanes, Mfume, Raskin, Trone and Ivey. “One in four Americans has a disability, and these investments will empower those Americans to achieve greater economic independence while supporting our changing economic and workforce needs. This is an important investment in ensuring people with disabilities are able to continue playing a meaningful role in their community.""

“'Leave no one behind' is not just a talking point for us, it's a governing philosophy. Today's action reaffirms Maryland's commitment to building a state where every person is seen and supported,"" said Gov. Moore. “I want to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their partnership. Together, we will open paths to work, wages, and wealth for Marylanders; grow our economy; and create an equitable future for all.""

The U.S. Department of Education allocated $9.4 million from the Disability Innovation Fund Program to develop a tool that connects students with accessible services, including vocational rehabilitation and long-term support. The tool represents a pioneering data-sharing system that will enable school and state agency personnel—including the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitative Services and the Developmental Disabilities Administration at the Maryland Department of Health—to share information about student applications, eligibility, and services.

The Maryland Department of Disabilities also received $4.5 million from the Social Security Administration's Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program. The funding will be used to assess the impact of outreach and assistance for children with disabilities who qualify for both Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, in an effort to enhance access to transition services and improve employment outcomes through competitive, integrated employment.

The two grants begin this month and will continue over five years.

“Both grants underscore our unwavering commitment to advancing opportunity, access and choice for individuals with disabilities,"" said Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol A. Beatty. “Allowing them to live a life of their own choosing in their communities. Everyone can work with the right support and services and jobs are a critical element of independence.""

Governor Moore issued a proclamation in support of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, highlighting that people with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be unemployed than their non-disabled peers. By removing barriers to employment, Maryland is putting young people with disabilities on the road to financial independence.

For more information on the Disability Innovation Fund grant visit ed.gov.?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-applauds-ftc-approval-of-click-to-cancel-rule-to-ease-cancellation-of-recurring-subscriptions,Van Hollen Applauds FTC Approval of “Click to Cancel” Rule to Ease Cancellation of Recurring Subscriptions,2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) welcomed the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) approval of the “Click to Cancel” final rule, which requires companies to seek informed consent from consumers before beginning a subscription service and makes it easier to end a membership or recurring-payment program. The rule mirrors key provisions of the Senator and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke’s (D-N.Y.) Consumer OPT-IN Act, including those requiring informed consent and easing the ability to cancel subscriptions, as well as enforcement authority allowing the FTC to return money to consumers impacted by a company that has violated the rule. Last year, the Senator wrote to the FTC in support of the proposed Click to Cancel rule during the review process.

“Too many Americans know the frustration of being blindsided by a charge for a subscription they never meant to sign up for – and jumping through endless hurdles to try to cancel. Using key components of our Consumer OPT-IN Act, the Biden-Harris Administration’s Click to Cancel rule is a critical tool to ensure an easy way out of subscription traps and hold companies accountable for deceptive tactics. We will build on this important progress by working to pass the other provisions of our legislation to further protect Americans from unwanted charges and corporate greed,” said Senator Van Hollen.

The FTC’s Click-to-Cancel final rule ensures that consumers aren’t misled when they’re signing up for subscriptions in the first place and requires companies to seek their informed consent before making recurring charges. The rule will require businesses to disclose key terms – such as when trial periods end, the deadline to cancel, and the frequency of charges – before collecting any billing information from people. The rule will allow the FTC to return money to impacted consumers and levy stiff penalties against companies that violate it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-harris-voice-concerns-with-maryland-piedmont-reliability-project-urge-developer-to-follow-community-input,"Van Hollen, Harris Voice Concerns with Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, Urge Developer to Follow Community Input",2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congressman Andy Harris (R-Md.) wrote to Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), the corporation awarded the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) by PJM, the regional grid operator, to express concerns with the project’s potential impact on local communities and urge the company to be responsive to public feedback. The MPRP proposes approximately 70 miles of new high-voltage electricity transmission lines through rural areas of Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties to meet the state and region’s growing energy demands.

In their letter to PSEG’s Piedmont Project Director Jason Kalwa, the lawmakers call on the company to continue providing opportunities for the communities that could be affected by the project to offer input – and take into account that input – before submitting any proposal to the Maryland Public Service Commission. They also urge PSEG to consider strategies to minimize the need for new construction, transparently share with the public how it is evaluating different route and design alternatives, and elaborate on the specific benefits to Marylanders that the proposed power line would provide.

“We are concerned about the impact of the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) on Maryland farmers, rural communities, residents, and conserved lands. As PSEG weighs any plans for the MPRP, we write to urge you to take into account the public feedback PSEG has received and integrate it into any proposal to Maryland’s Public Service Commission (PSC). We also encourage PSEG to consider routes that rely on existing rights-of-way and to ensure that Marylanders are fully informed throughout the process,” the lawmakers began.

Underscoring the importance of incorporating community input, they wrote, “PSEG must meaningfully integrate public feedback it has received into any possible proposal to the PSC. In addition, we urge you to conduct additional public input sessions ahead of submitting any proposal to the PSC to ensure that communities have ample opportunity to provide feedback and inform PSEG’s analysis of environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Should the consultation process indicate that PSEG’s proposed routes impose too high a cost on Marylanders, we urge PSEG to go back to the drawing board and consider other alternatives.”

“As your company weighs various paths, we implore you to provide detailed information to the public about different route and design alternatives, how they were analyzed by the company, and an explanation for any next steps. In addition, we urge the company to elaborate on the specific benefits to Maryland that this proposed transmission line would provide. This transparency is critical to us and to the constituents that we represent across the state of Maryland,” the lawmakers concluded.

Full text of the letter is below and here.

Dear Mr. Kalwa:

We are concerned about the impact of the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) on Maryland farmers, rural communities, residents, and conserved lands. As PSEG weighs any plans for the MPRP, we write to urge you to take into account the public feedback PSEG has received and integrate it into any proposal to Maryland’s Public Service Commission (PSC). We also encourage PSEG to consider routes that rely on existing rights-of-way and to ensure that Marylanders are fully informed throughout the process.

Maryland has led the nation in prioritizing land use and planning policies that protect agricultural lands, open space, and forests, enabling the state to manage population growth and development pressure in a sustainable way that integrates natural resource and farmland protection. This smart growth approach has been particularly relevant in Carroll, Frederick, and Baltimore Counties, which coincide with PSEG’s MPRP study area and are also home to important agricultural, historic, and preserved lands. Consistent with state priorities, it is critical that PSEG take into account and seek to mitigate the impact on farmland, local economies, vulnerable communities, historic properties, conserved land, and sensitive ecosystems. A robust public consultation process is necessary to understand and minimize potential consequences from the MPRP or any development project proposed by any corporation.

To that end, PSEG must meaningfully integrate public feedback it has received into any possible proposal to the PSC. In addition, we urge you to conduct additional public input sessions ahead of submitting any proposal to the PSC to ensure that communities have ample opportunity to provide feedback and inform PSEG’s analysis of environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Should the consultation process indicate that PSEG’s proposed routes impose too high a cost on Marylanders, we urge PSEG to go back to the drawing board and consider other alternatives.

One such alternative is utilizing strategies like reconductoring and grid-enhancing technologies to minimize the need for new transmission route construction. We strongly urge PSEG to consider integrating these strategies into any proposal in order to increase the capacity of existing transmission lines in existing rights-of-way, so that PSEG can mitigate impacts to communities and the environment while improving electric service.

New transmission infrastructure in Maryland is important to prevent soaring energy costs for Marylanders amidst growing energy demand in the state and the region. However, appropriate siting of these lines is critical to avoid adverse impacts to Maryland communities and the environment. That is how we best protect Marylanders’ interests in this process.

As your company weighs various paths, we implore you to provide detailed information to the public about different route and design alternatives, how they were analyzed by the company, and an explanation for any next steps. In addition, we urge the company to elaborate on the specific benefits to Maryland that this proposed transmission line would provide. This transparency is critical to us and to the constituents that we represent across the state of Maryland.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-ivey-highlight-115-million-in-direct-federal-investments-for-youth-services-and-restoration-projects-in-prince-georges-county,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Ivey Highlight $1.15 Million in Direct Federal Investments for Youth Services and Restoration Projects in Prince George’s County",2024-10-15,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Recently, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) were in Prince George’s County to highlight $1,150,000 in direct federal investments they secured for youth services and environmental restoration projects in the community. The lawmakers fought for these investments in the federal funding bills passed and signed into law for Fiscal Year 2024.

“We fought for these direct investments in Prince George’s County with key goals in mind: building stronger communities and empowering our future leaders. Funding for the Laurel Boys & Girls Clubs will enable them to maintain safe spaces for after-school activities, and resources for restoring the Laurel Dam ruins will preserve the historic landmark that this City was built around while enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities. These are investments in the preservation of our local history and the wellbeing of Marylanders today and for generations to come,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The dam ruins at Laurel’s Riverfront Park and the Laurel Boys and Girls Club are at the heart of the community and tell the city’s origin story. These are stories that need to be told,” said Senator Cardin. “Investment in these historic places preserves our history and culture while creating economic and educational opportunities for Laurel’s residents,” said Senator Cardin.

“Investing in our communities begins with raising the quality of life for residents. Creating a beautiful, safe and environmentally friendly park space in the ruins of a dam along the Patuxent River gives people of Laurel and beyond a look into it’s storied history as a mill town and its future with the walkable Riverfront Park. Keeping kids safe and promoting their wellbeing is a down payment on our leaders of tomorrow. Keeping one of the oldest boys and girls clubs in the region thriving gives a glimpse of that future. With the leadership of Maryland’s federal delegation bringing these grant monies, Laurel’s future is as bright as ever,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04).

Senators Van Hollen, Senator Cardin and Congressman Ivey were joined by Laurel Council President James Kole to celebrate $850,000 in direct federal funding they secured to stabilize, protect, and restore the Dam Ruins at the City’s Riverfront Park. The project involves renovating the observation deck, improving drainage to control erosion, and repairing signage around the dam.

“I am thankful and thrilled to receive this funding, which will help us preserve and enhance the Laurel Dam Ruins, an important piece of our town’s history. This investment ensures that future generations can appreciate its significance while improving safety and access for our community. Our goal is to make the Ruins a destination place for all to enjoy,” said City of Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor.

The lawmakers then visited the Boys and Girls Club of Laurel to highlight $300,000 for renovations at the clubhouse. The funds will allow the Boys and Girls Club to continue providing after-school activities and a positive, safe learning environment for middle and high school students.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-lead-senate-call-for-humanitarian-protections-for-guatemalans-living-in-the-us,"Van Hollen, Cardin Lead Senate Call for Humanitarian Protections for Guatemalans Living in the U.S.",2024-10-15,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.), along with more than a dozen other senators, wrote to President Joe Biden requesting that his administration “provide temporary humanitarian protections for Guatemalan nationals living in the United States.” The letter asks for the president to designate Temporary Protected Status for Guatemala or authorize Deferred Enforced Departure for Guatemalan nationals.

“Guatemala presently faces significant and overlapping natural disasters leading to food insecurity, corruption, and violence that impede the ability of Guatemalan nationals currently in the United States to return home safely at this time. Guatemala has long experienced significant environmental disasters, which have worsened food insecurity and displaced a sizable amount of the population,” the senators wrote. “Providing these humanitarian protections will reinforce the relationship that the United States is developing with the new, democratically elected government under President Bernardo Arevalo” who “has committed to taking steps to try to ameliorate many of the conditions that have long been neglected by previous leaders.”

They added, “Despite the efforts underway under the new administration, a sober assessment of conditions in the country today would support the conclusion that Guatemala is unable to adequately handle the return of the significant number of nationals currently in the United States.”

Senators Van Hollen and Cardin have previously requested TPS designation for Guatemala in both 2021 and 2022.

Joining Senators Van Hollen and Cardin on this Senate letter are Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-Nev.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.). Last month, Representative Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46) led a similar letter among House members.

Through the Immigration Act of 1990, Congress established the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, where individuals may apply for TPS if Congress or the Secretary of Homeland Security issues a designation that “conditions in the country temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely.” Upon registration with and approval by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), TPS holders are protected from deportation and can receive work authorization. Only individuals already in the United States when a designation is announced are eligible to receive Temporary Protected Status.

Full text of the Senate letter is available here and below.

Dear President Biden,

We write to urgently request that your administration provide temporary humanitarian protections for Guatemalan nationals living in the United States by either designating the country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or authorizing Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Guatemalan nationals.

Today, the majority of Guatemalans who would benefit from the designation of TPS have lived in the United States for many years and are deeply integrated into the fabric of American families, communities, and local economies. Of the estimated 1,000,000 total potential beneficiaries of a TPS designation for Guatemala, approximately 300,000 arrived earlier than 2010 and have resided in the U.S. for more than fourteen years. An additional 260,000 arrived in the U.S. in the 2010s. Approximately 298,000 U.S. citizen children are estimated to live with these potential TPS beneficiaries nationwide.

Providing these humanitarian protections will reinforce the relationship that the United States is developing with the new, democratically elected government under President Bernardo Arevalo. President Arevalo has committed to taking steps to try to ameliorate many of the conditions that have long been neglected by previous leaders.

However, his new administration transmitted a letter in April 2024 to Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing its request for a TPS designation, recognizing that it will take time for these steps to improve conditions. As noted in this letter, Guatemala presently faces significant and overlapping natural disasters leading to food insecurity, corruption, and violence that impede the ability of Guatemalan nationals currently in the United States to return home safely at this time.

Guatemala has long experienced significant environmental disasters, which have worsened food insecurity and displaced a sizable amount of the population. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’s (IPC) most recent report on acute food insecurity in Guatemala, during the 2023 lean season from June to August, it was projected that nearly onequarter of the country’s population (4.3 million) experienced insecurity. Additionally, nearly half of Guatemalan children under 5 (46.5 percent) experience chronic malnutrition—the highest rate in Latin America and the sixth highest worldwide.

Guatemala also faces other extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent nationals from returning safely, such as widespread violence against marginalized communities including women and Indigenous people, corruption, and attacks on human rights defenders and journalists. These conditions are detailed in the State Department’s 2023 Human Rights Report. The State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) further details how drug trafficking organizations maintain significant influence over many parts of Guatemala, especially along its borders, and pose a threat to citizen safety.

Despite the efforts underway under the new administration, a sober assessment of conditions in the country today would support the conclusion that Guatemala is unable to adequately handle the return of the significant number of nationals currently in the United States.

Unlike TPS, which is an authority granted to the Secretary of Homeland Security by Congress, Deferred Enforced Departure is a presidential power derived from the constitutional authority in Article II to conduct foreign relations. There is precedent both for the use of DED to offer protection to people from a country where they would face political repression or serious threat to their lives if they were forced to return, as well as in recognition of the foreign policy interests of the United States. The use of the DED authority is an alternative route to protecting Guatemalan nationals in the United States at this time.

For the reasons discussed above, it is warranted and urgently necessary that your administration provide temporary humanitarian protections for Guatemalan nationals living in the United States by either designating the country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or authorizing Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Guatemalan nationals.

We thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-biden-administration-demanding-netanyahu-government-address-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza,Van Hollen Statement on Biden Administration Demanding Netanyahu Government Address Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza,2024-10-15,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s letter urging Israeli leaders to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza – citing the requirements of National Security Memorandum-20 (NSM-20) and other relevant U.S. law. The NSM is modeled off of an amendment proposed by the Senator earlier this year, along with nearly 20 of his colleagues, to ensure U.S. security assistance is used in line with international law.

“As the humanitarian situation in Gaza has gone from horrible to catastrophic, the Biden Administration has failed in its ongoing duty to apply the law and terms of NSM-20. Today’s action falls into the category of better late than never – we will carefully monitor the situation to see if the Administration will finally hold the Netanyahu government to account in meeting the requirements set forth in the secretaries’ letter.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-break-ground-on-new-salisbury-regional-airport-runway-extension,"Van Hollen, Cardin Break Ground on New Salisbury Regional Airport Runway Extension",2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) joined Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano, Governor Wes Moore, and other state and local leaders to break ground on Salisbury Regional Airport’s (SBY) runway extension project. The project, which the Senators worked to support with $18,565,274 in federal funding – in addition to $500,000 in fiscal year 2022 Congressionally directed spending – involves lengthening the airport’s 6,400-foot runway by 1,200 feet to accommodate traffic from larger aircraft. The extended runway will also enable their airport to expand its commercial and freight services and boost the regional economy.

“Salisbury Regional Airport is a gateway to the Eastern Shore, the Delmarva region, and our state as the second busiest airport in Maryland. We fought to provide $19 million in federal funding, including from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, so Salisbury Airport can extend its runway to handle larger planes safely and effectively. These major investments will help keep the Salisbury Airport competitive, while attracting even more commerce to the region,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Federal investment in the Salisbury Regional Airport is another victory for Maryland. Team Maryland has been fighting for a long time to secure these funds. They are not easy to get,” said Senator Cardin. “Runway expansion is critically important for safety and for economic development across the entire region.”

The federal funding is provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, and Congressionally directed spending. AIP funds various airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting, and markings – all while creating thousands of jobs in the community. The Senators have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including by helping to pass the fiscal year 2024 appropriations package, which included $3.88 billion for AIP projects. The IIJA included $15 billion for Airport Infrastructure Grants, which can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects. The federal funding for this project is also complemented by $9.9 million in local and state funds.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-break-ground-on-salisbury-regional-airport-runway-extension,"Van Hollen, Cardin Break Ground on Salisbury Regional Airport Runway Extension",2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) joined Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano, Governor Wes Moore, and other state and local leaders to break ground on Salisbury Regional Airport’s (SBY) runway extension project. The project, which the Senators worked to support with $18,565,274 in federal funding – in addition to $500,000 in fiscal year 2022 Congressionally directed spending – involves lengthening the airport’s 6,400-foot runway by 1,200 feet to accommodate traffic from larger aircraft. The extended runway will also enable their airport to expand its commercial and freight services and boost the regional economy.

“Salisbury Regional Airport is a gateway to the Eastern Shore, the Delmarva region, and our state as the second busiest airport in Maryland. We fought to provide $19 million in federal funding, including from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, so Salisbury Airport can extend its runway to handle larger planes safely and effectively. These major investments will help keep the Salisbury Airport competitive, while attracting even more commerce to the region,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Federal investment in the Salisbury Regional Airport is another victory for Maryland. Team Maryland has been fighting for a long time to secure these funds. They are not easy to get,” said Senator Cardin. “Runway expansion is critically important for safety and for economic development across the entire region.”

The federal funding is provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, and Congressionally directed spending. AIP funds various airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting, and markings – all while creating thousands of jobs in the community. The Senators have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including by helping to pass the fiscal year 2024 appropriations package, which included $3.88 billion for AIP projects. The IIJA included $15 billion for Airport Infrastructure Grants, which can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects. The federal funding for this project is also complemented by $9.9 million in local and state funds.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-anniversary-of-october-7th-hamas-terrorist-attack,Van Hollen Statement on Anniversary of October 7th Hamas Terrorist Attack,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the anniversary of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israel that killed over 1,200 people and took over 250 people hostage:

“Today our nation mourns in memory of one of the darkest days in recent history – October 7, 2023. I remember waking to the horrific news that morning. Only four months earlier, I had visited Kibbutz Kfar Aza, the site of one of the worst massacres committed by Hamas terrorists. On that terrible day one year ago, Hamas murdered over 1,200 people, seized over 250 hostages, and committed acts of sexual violence. People were killed in their homes, ripped from the safety of their neighborhoods, and gunned down at a music festival. Not since the Holocaust has the Jewish community suffered such terrible collective loss and pain. Today, alongside the Jewish community and the people of Israel, and those around the world who lost loved ones, we remember those men, women, and children who were killed on October 7th and the hostages who have been killed since. We also hold in our hearts the hostages who remain in captivity, including American citizens, and all their families who wake up each morning with dread about what the day might bring. Since the horrific October 7th attacks, I have met numerous times with hostage families in both the United States and Israel, and remain committed to doing what they have asked: prioritizing the return of all their loved ones and securing a ceasefire to end the war and the suffering of civilians in Gaza. I also remain committed to combating the alarming rise in antisemitism and rejecting hate in all its vile forms.

There must be no more October Sevenths. As we reflect on this dark day, let us, together, dedicate ourselves to doing what is in our power to build a more hopeful and peaceful world.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-lujan-welch-introduce-legislation-to-ban-gifts-for-supreme-court-justices,"Van Hollen, Luján, Welch Introduce Legislation to Ban Gifts for Supreme Court Justices",2024-10-02,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in introducing the High Court Gift Ban Act, legislation that would ban Supreme Court justices from receiving gifts valued at over $50 and help strengthen ethical standards of the Supreme Court. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) introduced companion legislation in the House.

Under current law, Supreme Court justices are not held to the same restrictions on accepting gifts that apply to Members of Congress, federal judges, and other federal officials. Recent analysis by Fix the Court estimates that in the last two decades, Supreme Court justices have accepted hundreds of gifts valued at nearly $5 million.

“The Supreme Court’s refusal to adopt an enforceable code of ethics, even after revelations that individual justices accepted undisclosed gifts, has contributed to declining public trust in this vital institution. Since the Court remains unwilling to implement an ethical code that prohibits extravagant gifts, Congress must take action. This legislation will help hold the Supreme Court to a higher standard – one that already applies to other federal courts and to Congress – to prevent undue influence on its decision-making from deep-pocketed private interests,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The Supreme Court – our nation’s highest and most powerful court – should be held to the highest ethical standards to protect our democracy from the power of influence and dark money,” said Senator Luján. “Over the past few years, I’ve seen far too many troubling reports detailing how lavish trips and gifts have compromised the integrity of our justices. That is why I’ve partnered with Senator Welch and my colleagues to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act to hold Supreme Court justices to the same ethical standards as other high-ranking federal officials.”

""For years, conservative Supreme Court Justices have accepted expensive gifts and travel from their friends who have business before the Court. It's unethical, and it’s why public trust in the Court has eroded. Those serving on the Supreme Court should be held to the same ethical standards as every other federal judge—and it’s high time they are,” said Senator Welch. “I'm proud to partner with Senator Luján on this bill to increase accountability and restore public trust in our nation's most powerful court.”

“American democracy can only work if the public has trust in its institutions,” Senator Wyden said. “With more and more Supreme Court ethics violations being uncovered, the public’s trust in the Court has been shaken to its core. It’s not just unacceptable but morally wrong that those sitting on our nation’s highest court can get away with accepting lavish gifts from just about anybody. Supreme Court justices should be held to the same standards as other federal officials so that faith can begin to be restored in one of America’s most powerful institutions.”

“Unreported gift scandals and blatant breaches of basic ethics have eroded public faith in the Supreme Court,” said Senator Padilla. “The highest court in the land should not be subject to the lowest ethical standards. This commonsense legislation to establish more stringent, enforceable gift limits is an important step to restoring trust in our courts.”

“Americans deserve U.S. Supreme Court Justices subject to the same ethical standards that other federal officials—including judges—must meet, and doing so would strengthen transparency, accountability and trust,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the High Court Gift Ban Act to take a crucial step to restore public confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court.”

“We applaud Sens. Lujan and Welch for moving forward with this common-sense measure to help end the ethical crisis at the Supreme Court,” said Svante Myrick, President of People For the American Way. “There’s no reason why federal judges and justices should be able to accept gifts and vacations from millionaires and billionaires who want to buy favors. We don’t allow costly gifts to members of Congress and this bill brings limits for judges into line with those for lawmakers. We urge the Senate and House to pass this legislation and take this vital step to restore public trust in our courts.”

""In recent years, both Democratic and Republican judicial appointees have accepted costly gifts they shouldn't have — or at the very least should've paid for themselves. This legislation would change this unfortunate third-branch exceptionalism by applying the same gift rules Congress follows to judges and justices. I applaud Sen. Lujan and Sen. Welch for seeking to use their Article I power to set sensible ethics rules for those who clearly need them,"" said Fix the Court executive director Gabe Roth.

“The highest court in our country is presently held to the lowest standards in all of government, permitted to accept all manner of largesse and gifts that are rightly banned for those in Congress and the Executive Branch. The High Court Gift Ban is a sensible, fair proposal to end the acceptance of lavish gifts and ‘hospitality’ by Supreme Court justices, which is vital to protect the independence of the Court. We thank Senator Lujan and all sponsors for introduction of this critical legislation,” said Sarah Turberville, Director of The Constitution Project at the Project on Government Oversight.

""AFJ applauds Senators Welch and Luján for introducing commonsense legislation today that will prevent improper 'gifts' from influencing our federal courts,"" said Keith Thirion, interim co-president of the Alliance for Justice. ""These restrictions already apply to Congress and other federal workers for good reason. It's an important step to restore faith in our federal courts.""

“We cannot continue to allow unethical behavior by federal judges and justices to go unchecked,” said Nan Aron, founder of the Supreme Court Integrity Project. “The fact that members of the federal judiciary can accept extravagant gifts, luxury travel, and personal favors from wealthy individuals with business before the Court is simply unacceptable. That’s why this legislation is so important: it makes clear that federal judges and justices are not above the law and will be held accountable.”

“Other public officials have been abiding by these basic ethics standards for decades,” said Alex Aronson, Executive Director of Court Accountability. “Americans have no reason to expect anything less from Supreme Court justices whose decisions impact every aspect of their lives. We applaud Senator Luján for his leadership on this issue, and urge the Senate to act quickly and pass this bill, which would be a major step toward ensuring that no one can buy influence with the judiciary at the expense of the American people.”

The High Court Gift Ban Act does the following:

Bans justices (Supreme Court and all 2,300 lower court judges) from receiving gifts valued at more than $50 in a single instance or more than $100 in aggregate in a year;

Caps gifts of personal hospitality, which are currently unregulated, at a value equal to the tax threshold for personal gifts, currently about $18,000;

Contains exemptions in line with those for Members of Congress;

Enforces prohibitions by requiring referrals to the Attorney General for investigation;

Aligns civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with the government-wide financial disclosure law, the Ethics in Government Act:

Up to $50,000 for civil violations;

Fines and up to one year in prison for criminal penalties.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

The High Court Gift Ban Act is endorsed by: Accountable.US, AFT, Alliance for Justice, American Humanist Association, Center for American Progress, Clean Elections Texas (CETex), Common Cause, Courage California, Court Accountability, Courts Matter Illinois, Demand Justice, DemCast USA, Demos Action, End Citizens United/Let America Vote Action Fund, Enough of Gun Violence, Faithful Democracy, Fix the Court, Free Speech For People, FRFF Action Fund, Get Money Out - Maryland, Greenpeace USA, Indivisible, League of Conservation Voters, Michiganders for Fair & Transparent Elections, MoveOn, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Association of Social Workers, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Ohio Fair Courts Alliance, P Street, People For the American Way, People Power United, Project on Government Oversight, Public Citizen, Reproductive Freedom for All, Secular Coalition for America, Secure Elections Network, Stand Up America, Supreme Court Integrity Project, Take Back the Court Action Fund, True North Research, United Church of Christ, Voices for Progress, and Walking To Fix Our Democracy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-iran-attack-on-israel,Van Hollen Statement on Iran Attack on Israel,2024-10-01,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"“I am deeply concerned with Iran’s missile attack today and glad that the United States helped defend the people of Israel. Attacks like these are why I have supported — and will continue to support — critical defensive systems, like the Iron Dome, that protect the Israeli people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-156-million-to-support-victims-of-crime,Maryland Delegation Announces $15.6 Million to Support Victims of Crime,2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $15,601,420 in U.S Department of Justice (DOJ) funding for the State of Maryland to provide financial assistance and support services to crime victims. The grants are provided through the DOJ Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) as part of its FY2024 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance and Victim Compensation formula grants.

“Improving public safety is one of our top priorities. As we work to build stronger, safer communities, we also need to provide support to those who have been victim to crime,” said the lawmakers. “VOCA funding has been critical in providing resources to support the health and well-being of victims of crime and will continue to enable the important work of Maryland’s victim service programs.”

The lawmakers fought to stabilize victim assistance and compensation funding through passage of the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021, which supports services for approximately 120,000 victims of crime in Maryland every year.

""Our VOCA grants are literally changing lives,"" GOCPP Executive Director Dorothy Lennig said. ""One of our sub-grantees, Heartly House, recently used our VOCA funding to support a mother experiencing severe domestic abuse. The victim called Heartly House's support line and received education, resources, and safety planning services all in one call. Using the resources provided to her, she created a plan to find a new home for her and her children and utilized an advocate's services to enroll in Maryland's Address Confidentiality Program to keep her new address hidden from her abuser. The impact VOCA funding provides to vulnerable crime victims in Maryland is immeasurable.""

The two VOCA formula grant programs from which these funds were delivered are administered by the OVC. DOJ’s Victim Compensation formula grants provide funding to supplement state compensation programs that provide direct financial assistance and reimbursement to victims for crime-related out-of-pocket expenses, including medical and dental care, counseling, funeral and burial expenses, and lost wages and income.

DOJ’s Victim Assistance formula grants support thousands of victim assistance programs throughout the nation, funded through subgrants from states. These programs provide services such as crisis counseling, telephone and onsite information and referrals, criminal justice support and advocacy, shelter, therapy, and other forms of assistance. Funds may also be used to develop new programs that address emerging needs, gaps in services, and training of victim service advocates.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-booker-lee-davis-adams-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-improve-access-to-care-for-americans-with-sickle-cell-disease,"Van Hollen, Booker, Lee, Davis, Adams Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Improve Access to Care for Americans with Sickle Cell Disease",2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), and Alma Adams (D-N.C.), reintroduced the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act, legislation to improve access to care for Americans living with sickle cell disease (SCD). In the United States, approximately 100,000 people are affected by SCD, a rare, genetically inherited disorder that causes a person’s red blood cells to become deformed and get stuck in their veins – blocking oxygen flow throughout the body and leading to chronic pain, infections, stroke, as well as kidney, liver, and heart disease. The disease disproportionately affects Black Americans but people from other racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Hispanic Americans, are also susceptible. Despite the prevalence of the disease and the need for consistent and coordinated treatment, SCD care is most often accessible only in specialized medical centers in metropolitan areas – resulting in few patients having access to the multidisciplinary care teams they need.

The lawmakers’ bill will grow the network of care for SCD by creating a “hub-and-spoke” framework for the delivery of care. The bill establishes a new annual grant program to provide federal funding opportunities for hospitals with existing SCD programs to expand their services to community health and outpatient centers, in order to help address the shortage of comprehensive treatment centers and so patients can access care and other services closer to their homes.

“For the tens of thousands of Americans living with sickle cell disease, the difficulty of finding care is not just an inconvenience – it could be the difference between life and death. Having lost a beloved member of my staff to this disease, improving access to care and services is personal to me. By giving existing sickle cell centers the capacity to share their resources beyond their walls, we can more easily expand treatment to the countless communities that don’t yet have it,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Better care and support is out there for sickle cell patients – and our legislation will help bring it within closer reach.”

“This bill truly moves the needle in providing the national coordinated comprehensive care for sickle cell patients and families modeled on the successful national programs implemented at the National Institutes of Cancer for cancer patients, best practices learned from national comprehensive care for HIV/AIDs and Hemophilia patients, as well as the original national sickle cell program at NIH, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutes - all treating life-threatening illnesses in a coordinated manner. Forward movement in equitable care, research and new and novel treatments for sickle cell patients across the nation can only occur with a national strategy that this bill presents with the establishment of the National Sickle Cell Coordinating Center structure. We look forward to this bill for all Americans being passed,"" said Kimberley Davis, the Executive Director of KMD Advocacy Center and the mother of John Amara Walters, a member of Senator Van Hollen’s legislative staff who died of complications from SCD in 2021 at the age of 29.

“Sickle cell disease has been historically overlooked and underfunded, and the diagnosis disproportionately affects the Black community,” said Senator Booker. “By establishing a national network of treatment centers, we can work toward a future where comprehensive, accessible care for those suffering from sickle cell is a right, not a privilege.”

“Sickle Cell Disease affects an estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. and millions of people carry the sick cell trait,” said Congresswoman Lee. “And that this includes a large number of African Americans, who are disproportionally affected. We must invest in research, public health awareness, and disease prevention – especially in communities of color and medically underserved communities. I am proud to join my colleagues to address this disparity and other health inequities as we work to eradicate this disease.”

“Sickle Cell is a disease that currently affects an estimated 100,000 Americans, with an additional 2 million carrying the trait,” said Congressman Davis. “Furthermore, it is a disease that disproportionally impacts the lives of African Americans more so than that of any other ethnic group in the United States. Better treatments and outcomes for patient’s affected by Sickle Cell Disease do not happen by chance. Rather, it comes as a product of the hard work and sacrifice by countless individuals across this great nation. Every day, progress continues to be made toward the advancement of more effective forms of medical care. I know that increased resources for research and clinical trials is the key to developing more effective medication options and a cure for sickle cell disease. As the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Sickle Cell Disease Caucus, I remain committed to championing the fight for quality, health care that provides a cure for Sickle Cell Warriors and their families.”

“I personally know the pain and suffering that comes with sickle cell disease having watched my sister Linda succumb to it at age 26,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Access to quality care is a social determinant of health. This bill makes it possible for families in need to receive critical care much closer to home and provides the resources to make health care equitable and accessible for all Americans.”

The Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act would address the unmet needs of patients with SCD, sickle cell trait, and other inherited blood disorders through the establishment of and funding for a nationwide system of treatment centers, as well as much-needed education, outreach, and social services for patients. It establishes a National Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Center Grant Program, which will enable hospitals that offer specialized SCD care to partner with more accessible community health centers and outpatient centers. This will implement a hub-and-spoke framework for the delivery of care and treatment of patients with SCD. The medical hubs and spokes would be required to partner with community-based organizations to provide education and outreach, and help coordinate social services for patients. These comprehensive networks will be equipped to provide patients with:

Integrated care management, including primary care, specialty care, and mental health services;

Sickle cell trait testing and genetic counseling services; and

Social services, including supporting patients navigate health insurance coverage and transportation to treatment centers, as well as education on disease management for patients, providers, and caregivers.

Additionally, the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act establishes a National SCD Coordinating Center to work in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) SCD Data Collection Program. The Center would coordinate the National Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Program and collaborate with the CDC to collect and maintain up-to-date data on SCD, and disseminate best practices, public awareness campaigns, and educational materials.

Text of the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act is here, and a one-page summary is available here.

This legislation has been endorsed by Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, American Society of Hematology (ASH), Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Association, Sickle Cell Coalition of Maryland, Children’s National Hospital, the Sickle Cell Disease Partnership, and Linda Loma University Children’s Hospital.

“Headquartered in Maryland, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America thanks its Senator, Chris Van Hollen, for his leadership in introducing the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act. SCDAA represents 57 community-based organizations that do the challenging on-the-ground work of caring for sickle cell warriors and their families. This bill provides critical recognition for the work done by sickle cell disease CBOs and will help create a national infrastructure of centers for those living with sickle cell disease to get treatment. I want to thank Senator Van Hollen, Senator Booker, Congressman Davis, Congresswoman Adams, and Congresswoman Lee for their hard work on the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act and their ongoing dedication to improving care and treatment for our sickle cell warriors,” said Regina Hartfield, President and CEO, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.

“The American Society of Hematology (ASH) applauds Senator Van Hollen for introducing the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act of 2024, which calls for the establishment of a national network of medical and community-based centers to advance and meet the health care needs of people living with sickle cell disease (SCD),” said 2024 ASH President, Mohandas Narla, DSc, distinguished scientist at New York Blood Center Enterprises. “As a Society with a long-standing commitment to improving care for individuals living with SCD, we are grateful for Senator Van Hollen’s dedication to addressing the burden of SCD and look forward to continuing to work with the Senator as the bill moves forward.”

“The Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease program at Children's National Hospital supports the Sickle Cell Treatment Centers Act of 2024. This legislation will transform the lives of thousands of sickle cell patients in the US by providing needed resources and helping to close the gap in health care disparities. The proposed Hub and Spoke model will reach SCD patients in settings lacking sickle cell providers, improving overall care, increasing access to disease-modifying and curative therapies, mental health services, newborn screening, disease education, and addressing social determinants of health. We are excited to partner with Senator Van Hollen and other co-sponsors of this important bill,” said Andrew Campbell, MD, Director, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program, Children's National Hospital.

“MSCDA is excited to learn that Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is reintroducing the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act,” said Derek Robertson, MBA, JD, CHC, President of the Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Association. “This Act will not only address the challenges outlined above through support for community based organizations, it also addresses the critical need for a structured approach to the provision of sickle cell care, especially for adults, through the establishment of sickle cell centers via a model that will expand the reach of existing centers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-announces-more-than-10-million-for-chesapeake-bay-watershed-restoration-preservation,"Maryland Delegation Announces More Than $10 million for Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration, Preservation",2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $10,698,764 in National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funding for 11 Maryland projects to protect and restore water quality, species and habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

“Maryland’s ecological and economic identity revolves around the health and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Bay watershed puts food on our tables, supports the livelihood of thousands of people across the region and provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife species,” said the lawmakers. “In order to maintain this legacy, Team Maryland continues to fight for and secure investments to restore our environment and protect public health. Through these projects and the work of our local partners, we’re working to ensure that generations to come can continue to rely on our beloved Bay.”

The following agencies and organizations received awards:

$2,839,348, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy: To engage Talbot County landowners, the Coastal Conservation Association and high school volunteers to install 280 oyster reef balls and restore 2,700 linear feet of living shoreline, as well as nearly two acres of low-marsh habitat.

$1,481,650, Blue Water Baltimore, Inc.: To mitigate stormwater runoff and pollution in Baltimore’s urban watershed by building rain gardens and permeable pavements at more than a dozen sites across the City.

$1,274,392, Prince George’s County Government: To restore more than 1,000 linear feet of a degraded, unhealthy tributary to Lower Beaverdam Creek.

$1,225,069, Future Harvest, Inc.: To advance the adoption of soil health and climate-smart farm management systems by engaging underserved agricultural producers to improve water quality and habitat restoration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

$1,081,656, Stewardship Network: To accelerate the installation and maintenance of nature-based green infrastructure solutions across Central Maryland by growing the nascent Climate Crew Network.

$997,500, The Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County: To mitigate flooding and improve water quality in the historic community of Columbia Beach, Maryland.

$542,994, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science: To improve the delivery of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Report Card and increase its relevance to watershed citizens by integrating socially relevant indicators and community perspectives on watershed ecosystem health.

$420,247, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Inc.: To increase the adoption of conservation practices through a refreshed farm certification program.

$330,000, Chesapeake Stormwater Network, Inc.: To deliver core stormwater training programs to the stormwater management community across the Chesapeake Bay watershed and expand efforts to focus on younger and more diverse audiences of existing and emerging stormwater professionals.

$265,877, Nature Forward, Inc.: To collaborate with four local community organizations to improve water quality and restore pollinator habitat in underserved areas of the Anacostia River watershed.

240,028, Civic Works, Inc.: To engage community residents and young AmeriCorps adults in training and installation of stormwater best management practices in East Baltimore.

The awards were made available through the Chesapeake Small Watershed Grants Program, which the lawmakers fought to provide funding for within Fiscal Year 2024 annual appropriations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-van-hollen-schmitt-casey-boozman-enable-act-to-support-individuals-with-disabilities,"Senate Passes Van Hollen, Schmitt, Casey, Boozman ENABLE Act, to Support Individuals with Disabilities",2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and John Boozman’s (R-Ark.) legislation, the Ensuring Nationwide Access to Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act, recently passed the United States Senate. This legislation extends key provisions of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program, a critical means for individuals with disabilities and their families to save money. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, Senator Van Hollen helped introduce and pass the ABLE Act, which allowed people with disabilities and their families to save and invest through tax-free savings accounts without losing eligibility for federal programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The program was expanded in 2017 with three provisions that make the program accessible to more people with disabilities and make it easier for those in the program to save. The bipartisan ENABLE Act ensures that these provisions do not expire in 2025. It will now proceed to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

“Since our creation of the ABLE program a decade ago, it has empowered tens of thousands of people with disabilities to bolster their financial stability and support critical needs. We’re fighting to make these key ABLE provisions permanent so those Americans and many more can count on this vital program for years to come – giving them the tools to grow their savings and strengthen their economic independence,” said Senator Van Hollen.

People with disabilities are more than twice as likely to live in poverty compared to people without disabilities, yet households including a person with a work-limiting disability need, on average, 28 percent more income to obtain the same standard of living as people without disabilities. For a long time, this intersection of disability and poverty was made worse by asset limitations for federal assistance programs that many people with disabilities rely on. Senator Van Hollen, while serving in the House, created the ABLE program to fix this problem for more than 162,000 people with disabilities across the United States, who have saved more than $1.74 billion since the program was created.

Three key ABLE provisions are set to expire in 2025:

ABLE to Work: A person with a disability who is employed can contribute an additional amount to his or her ABLE account. This additional contribution cannot be greater than either:

the prior year’s federal poverty level for a one-person household ($15,060 in 2024), or

the beneficiary’s yearly compensation.

ABLE Saver’s Credit: A person with a disability who makes qualified contributions to their ABLE account can qualify for a nonrefundable saver’s credit of up to $1,000.

529 to ABLE rollover: A person with a disability may rollover from a 529 education savings account to an ABLE account funds that are less than or equal to the annual ABLE contribution limit are not subject to income taxation.

The ENABLE Act would make all three provisions permanent, enshrining expanded access to the ABLE program. The bipartisan bill was cosponsored by Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/team-maryland-looks-to-the-future-of-the-chesapeake-bay-after-current-multi-state-agreements-expire-in-2025,Team Maryland Looks to the Future of the Chesapeake Bay After Current Multi-State Agreements Expire in 2025,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.)met Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol with senior representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of the Interior and Maryland Department of Natural Resources to discuss planning for the next stage of the Chesapeake Bay program and restoration efforts. This is a critical time for the Bay and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, which was signed in 2014. Many of the goals and outcomes for the Bay had a target of 2025. As this date approaches, the Chesapeake Bay Program is determining how best to meet these goals and outcomes, incorporate new science and strategies, and strengthen the multi-state partnership.

At Wednesday’s meeting, members of the Maryland delegation heard from key federal agency and state leaders working towards the next stage of the agreement. Leading the discussion was Adam Ortiz, who serves as the Administrator for EPA Region 3, which governs the Mid-Atlantic Region. In this role Administrator Ortiz is deeply involved in EPA’s role in the Chesapeake Bay Program. The delegation also heard from Department of Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Matt Strickler, who serves at the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Principal’s Staff Committee Chair. In 2022, the Chesapeake Executive Council tasked its Principal’s Staff Committee with making recommendations for the future of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program’s work. Representing senior state leadership was Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz, who directs Maryland’s role in the multi-state partnership and has deep expertise in the stakeholder community.

The planning effort marked a milestone this summer when the Chesapeake Bay Program Beyond 2025 Steering Committee released its Beyond 2025 Draft Report and invited public feedback.

“Team Maryland will always fight for the Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure, and its restoration is a model for regional, multi-jurisdictional landscape stewardship. It is a model for other regions and other environmental protection efforts at many scales – and it is not simple,” said Senator Cardin. “As the Chesapeake Bay program is recalibrated for the next phase of action, we are committed to securing additional federal resources. We have high expectations for future results.”

“We have a responsibility to protect the Chesapeake Bay – our people, our economy, and our environment depend on it. That’s why we’ve fought to deliver major federal investments to improve the Bay’s health – and while we know they’re making a real difference, the watershed states have more work to do to reach our restoration goals. As we near the Bay Agreement’s 2025 benchmark, we must take stock of the challenges faced in meeting its goals and work together to drive further progress toward a healthier Chesapeake Bay,” said Senator Van Hollen.

""I've been proud to work with our delegation to support the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries throughout my career – especially in the past decade since we secured the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement,"" Congressman Hoyer said. ""I was pleased our delegation could meet with our partners in federal and state government to discuss the progress we've made toward fulfilling the various goals we laid out in that agreement and to assess the important work that remains. The Chesapeake Bay is the beating heart of Maryland and a true national treasure, and we will continue working to preserve it for generations to come.""

“Ten years ago, we set aggressive but necessary goals to restore and protect our treasured Chesapeake Bay, which has taken an all-hands-on-deck approach from every level of government,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “As we approach our deadline, we must ensure we are leveraging new technologies and sciences and collaborating with our other watershed states as effectively as possible. I appreciated this opportunity to come together and discuss our long and short-term strategies, especially as my own time in office draws to a close.”

“Today’s discussions provided an opportunity to reaffirm our collective vision for the future of the Chesapeake Bay. It is imperative that the next phase of watershed restoration is centered around achieving goals and outcomes that reflect the current, best available science to ensure the health of our communities, the vitality of our region and a sustainable future for Bay ecosystems and natural resources. We look forward to sustained collaboration with federal, state and local government partners as we continue to support Beyond 2025 planning,” said Congressman Sarbanes.

“Marylanders across our state depend on a healthy Chesapeake Bay — the largest estuary in the United States — for food, recreation, and to make a living,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “Continued collaboration at the federal, state, and local levels is vital to ensure this national treasure flourishes and effective restoration and conservation projects are enacted throughout the Bay and its ecosystem,” he concluded.

“Team Maryland is united in our efforts to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay, a treasured natural resource and cornerstone of our local ecosystem,” said Congressman Raskin. “I’m grateful to our EPA and Maryland state government partners for their continued collaboration with the Maryland Congressional delegation to preserve the Bay for generations to come.”

“Protecting the Chesapeake Bay is everyone’s responsibility. We are grateful for our longtime Maryland advocates now on the federal and state level, Adam Ortiz, and Josh Kurtz, respectively. Local, state, and federal partnerships can help keep our national treasure, the Chesapeake Bay, available for all to appreciate and partake in. Crabbing, fishing, sailing and otherwise being active in and around its shores are activities we want to cherish well into the future and our actions today will make sure that our kids and grandkids can benefit from the Bay in their tomorrow’s,” said Congressman Ivey.

“It is not an accident that the Bay recently received its highest grade in 22 years. Through historic investments and coordination, we’re seeing progress and momentum in states and sectors that were previously lagging,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ortiz. “The Biden-Harris Administration is making good on its promise to accelerate the Bay effort.”

“The Moore-Miller administration thanks the Maryland congressional delegation for their continued strong leadership on the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Their efforts have resulted in improvements in water quality and the health of the ecosystem,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “It was an honor today to discuss our plans to focus our work post-2025 on rebuilding habitat, creating resiliency in the face of climate change, and charting a new future for the Chesapeake Bay.”

The Chesapeake Executive Council consists of the governors of the six watershed states, the mayor of the District of Columbia, the chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission and the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It establishes the policy direction for the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-presents-distinguished-service-cross-to-family-of-d-day-hero-waverly-woodson,Van Hollen Presents Distinguished Service Cross to Family of D-Day Hero Waverly Woodson,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"The full video of the event can be found here; photos of the event are available upon request

This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) hosted a ceremony on Capitol Hill to present the Distinguished Service Cross to the family of Maryland World War II veteran Waverly B. Woodson, Jr. for the valor he displayed in saving countless lives on D-Day.

The Senator was joined by U.S. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and First Army senior officers as he presented this posthumous award. This event came after Senator Van Hollen and Army officials announced earlier this year that Woodson was approved for the honor following years of advocacy by the Woodson family, First Army, historians, Senator Van Hollen, and others to recognize Woodson’s heroic D-Day actions that were overlooked due to his race. Woodson’s widow, Joann, a resident of Clarksburg, Maryland, was presented with a WWII-era Distinguished Service Cross, which the First Army placed in the sand on Omaha Beach on the 80th anniversary of D-Day at the site where Woodson set up his first aid station.

“On D-Day, Waverly Woodson’s valor stood out. That day, he saved dozens of lives, despite being injured himself, and even then, word of his heroism made it all the way across the Atlantic. But at that time, one thing stood in the way of the true recognition he deserved: the color of his skin. It’s past time we right this wrong, and that’s why we’ve been fighting for years to secure the acknowledgment Mr. Woodson’s actions so clearly merited. The awarding of the Distinguished Service Cross is a long-sought and hard-earned triumph in recognition of Waverly Woodson’s valor and heroism, and I’m pleased to have worked alongside Joann Woodson, the Woodson family, historians and others to bring us to this important milestone,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“I know what Waverly meant to me and what he gave for the country. It feels so good to finally have him recognized in this way after all these years, and to see how he continues to inspire people to this day,” said Joann Woodson.

“Our family is so grateful for the recognition for what my father saw as his duty. We are thankful to Senator Van Hollen and staff and the leadership of the 1st ARMY. As a family the greatest honor is to see his legacy presented and preserved for eternity,” said Steve Woodson, Waverly Woodson’s son.

“This day has been a long time in coming. I’m the fourth First Army commander to have helped with this upgrade effort. This has been a true team effort to honor and acknowledge one of the great heroes of our historic organization. In the Army, we say we stand on the shoulders of giants. Staff Sergeant Waverly Woodson is truly one of ours. Correcting this historical wrong is incredibly satisfying for all of us,” said acting First Army Commanding General, Lieutenant General Mark Landes.

“There are many of us who thought this day would never come. Many thanks to Sen. Chris Van Hollen and his team, and all of those who cared enough to restore Waverly Woodson to his place in history,” said Linda Hervieux, a journalist who has written on the heroic actions of Black American soldiers on D-Day, including those of Waverly Woodson.

Mr. Woodson served with First Army, the historic unit that commanded all ground and airborne forces on D-Day. As a 21-year-old medic in the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion – the only all-Black unit to storm the beaches of Normandy in “Operation Overlord” – Woodson treated countless fellow soldiers for over 30 hours amid intense combat and saved an estimated 200 lives, even though he was seriously injured himself when his boat hit a German mine in the ocean as it approached the beach.

The presentation of Woodson’s Distinguished Service Cross is a significant development after years of work by Senator Van Hollen, the Woodson family, and historians to grant Woodson the military’s highest distinction: the Medal of Honor. Despite his heroic sacrifice, Woodson never received it, even though records from that period show the recommendation was made. In fact, of the hundreds of Medals of Honor conferred soon after World War II, not one Black soldier who deserved the highest U.S. military recognition was awarded it – revealing a clear pattern of racism in the decision-making process at that time. It was not until 1997 that President Clinton retroactively awarded seven Black servicemembers the Medal of Honor. Woodson made the shortlist for this ceremony but was not selected due to a lack of documentation; critical paperwork was lost in a fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Mo., in the early 1970s.

Although contemporary news reports and other documents reflect Woodson’s heroism and his commander’s intent to recommend him for the Medal, this case lacks the documentation typically required for retroactive Medal of Honor upgrade requests. The Army has determined the documentation available to be insufficient to satisfy the standard used in other cases of retroactive medal upgrades. To meet this standard, historian-journalist Linda Hervieux, and later First Army Captain Kevin Braafladt, among others, have spent countless hours searching archives for more evidence.

With the documentation they have uncovered, Senator Van Hollen – alongside Woodson’s 95-year-old widow, Joann, son Steve, and other members of his surviving family – has led the fight in Congress for the Medal of Honor upgrade for Woodson, who died at the age of 83 in 2005. Then-Congressman Van Hollen initially began working with the Woodson family in 2015. Senator Van Hollen’s actions since have included:

Writing to three Secretaries of the Army – twice under then-President Trump and later under President Biden – arguing Woodson’s case for the Medal of Honor;

Leading bicameral, bipartisan legislation to authorize the President to award the honor based on the overwhelming public knowledge of Woodson’s valor;

Speaking with Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth directly on multiple occasions regarding the evidence for Woodson’s Medal of Honor eligibility; and

Securing language in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) empowering the President to confer the Medal of Honor without waiting for Congressional action. Previously, if a medal was recommended by the Army more than five years after the soldier’s service, Congress was required to pass a law waiving the time limit.

These actions, in conjunction with the persistent efforts of the family and historians, have cleared the path for Woodson’s Distinguished Service Cross upgrade. This upgrade follows the conferring of Woodson’s Bronze Star and Combat Medic Badge to his family at an official First Army ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in October 2023. The upgrade to the Medal of Honor remains the final step in the decades-long pursuit of justice and the recognition befitting of Woodson's valor. The Senator, Woodson's family, and others will continue fighting for Woodson to be awarded the Medal of Honor. If awarded the Medal of Honor, Joann Woodson has said she intends to donate it to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/09/26/2024/van-hollen-statement-on-vote-to-avert-shutdown,Van Hollen Statement on Vote to Avert Shutdown,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote to pass a continuing resolution to keep the federal government running through December 20, allowing more time to complete full fiscal year 2025 appropriations legislation.

“I’m encouraged that we have been able to come together in a bipartisan manner to prevent a government shutdown that would have needlessly disrupted essential government services and left tens of thousands of federal employees working in Maryland without pay. When we return to finish our fiscal year 2025 funding legislation, House Republicans must stay on this bipartisan course so we can get the job done by the end of the calendar year. Delaying any further would be a great disservice to the American people.

“As part of the next funding package, Team Maryland’s top priority will be ensuring 100 percent federal support for the replacement of the Key Bridge. We have been there for other states during their times of need, and we’re urging our colleagues to stand with us now.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-shaheen-colleagues-urge-fhfa-to-implement-stronger-energy-efficiency-standards-for-new-federally-backed-homes,"Van Hollen, Shaheen, Colleagues Urge FHFA to Implement Stronger Energy Efficiency Standards for New Federally-Backed Homes",2024-09-23,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) were joined by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) in writing to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Sandra Thompson urging the Agency to set a minimum energy efficiency standard for new homes built using loans backed by government-sponsored enterprises, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. In response to a question from Senator Van Hollen during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing earlier this spring, Director Thompson suggested that FHFA would do so this summer – but it has not yet taken such action. In their letter, the Senators ask Director Thompson for an updated timeline for a decision, while calling on FHFA to act swiftly in order to improve home energy efficiency and ultimately save money for American homeowners and renters.

“We are writing to urge the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to phase in a minimum energy efficiency standard for Enterprise-backed mortgages on new homes. Such a standard would save homeowners and renters money and make the housing market more consistent and stable,” the Senators began. “When asked at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs last April, you indicated an intention to make a decision about this potential action on or about the end of the second quarter. As we are now rapidly approaching the end of the third quarter, we respectfully request an update on your intended timeline for a decision and for the Enterprises to begin implementation.”

Outlining the benefits of a minimum energy standard, they wrote, “Aligning new home energy standards with updated model codes will save money for homeowners and renters across the country. HUD and USDA found that the increased initial costs of construction are more than made up for by lower monthly energy costs. […] Beyond these financial benefits, updated codes help save lives by protecting families from the impacts of extreme weather events, particularly utility outages during heat waves and cold snaps. Updated energy codes can also yield better indoor air quality and reduce exposure to pollutants that can have negative health impacts including asthma, heart disease and lung cancer.”

“This year is an ideal time for FHFA to make these changes. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act provided over $1.2 billion of federal funding to help states and localities update their building codes. Already, multiple state and local governments, as well as HUD and USDA have adopted the updated building codes,” they Senators continued.

They concluded, “We urge you to move quickly to adopt modern energy standards for new homes utilizing Enterprise-backed mortgages to align with other federally backed housing construction, and ask you for an update on your timeline for taking this action. These standards will support a stable, efficient housing market by reducing wasted energy, improving health outcomes, and lowering costs for both renters and homeowners across the country.”

This letter is supported by Americans for Financial Reform, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Director Thompson:

We are writing to urge the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to phase in a minimum energy efficiency standard for Enterprise-backed mortgages on new homes. Such a standard would save homeowners and renters money and make the housing market more consistent and stable. When asked at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs last April, you indicated an intention to make a decision about this potential action on or about the end of the second quarter. As we are now rapidly approaching the end of the third quarter, we respectfully request an update on your intended timeline for a decision and for the Enterprises to begin implementation.

FHFA has the opportunity to match or exceed the standards recently adopted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for their residential mortgage programs. This action would support consistency and further the expansion of resilient, energy-saving construction practices across the housing market.

Your authority to take this action is clear from Public Law 110-289, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, as well as from other actions FHFA and the government-sponsored enterprises have undertaken in alignment with their missions and obligations. Freddie Mac’s research has found that energy efficiency improvements can reduce risks associated with mortgage-backed securities, in part due to better resale values. Research also suggests that during major economic disruptions, energy efficiency may reduce mortgage defaults.

Aligning new home energy standards with updated model codes will save money for homeowners and renters across the country. HUD and USDA found that the increased initial costs of construction are more than made up for by lower monthly energy costs. For a typical home purchased with a 30-year mortgage, energy bill savings more than make up for small increases to down payments and monthly mortgage payments. High-performance homebuilders and multifamily property developers in diverse markets have found the incremental up-front costs of at- or above-code performance to be closer to 1% or, in some cases, negative.

Beyond these financial benefits, updated codes help save lives by protecting families from the impacts of extreme weather events, particularly utility outages during heat waves and cold snaps. Updated energy codes can also yield better indoor air quality and reduce exposure to pollutants that can have negative health impacts including asthma, heart disease and lung cancer.

This year is an ideal time for FHFA to make these changes. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act provided over $1.2 billion of federal funding to help states and localities update their building codes. Already, multiple state and local governments, as well as HUD and USDA have adopted the updated building codes.

When energy codes raise the floor on building performance, 45L tax incentives for builders to achieve certifications – such as ENERGY STAR® for Residential New Construction and Zero-Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) – frequently mean that the smartest path for developers is to build to these higher standards. ZERH homes use about 40% less energy than a typical home, opening the door to Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund financing, green MBS opportunities, and – most importantly – even cleaner air, lower bills, and more secure housing for households nationwide. If FHFA also requires updated building codes, it will reduce or eliminate the need for developers to understand numerous different codes.

In summary, we urge you to move quickly to adopt modern energy standards for new homes utilizing Enterprise-backed mortgages to align with other federally backed housing construction, and ask you for an update on your timeline for taking this action. These standards will support a stable, efficient housing market by reducing wasted energy, improving health outcomes, and lowering costs for both renters and homeowners across the country.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-sherman-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-eliminate-corporate-insiders-unfair-advantage-in-stock-sales,"Van Hollen, Sherman Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Eliminate Corporate Insiders’ Unfair Advantage in Stock Sales",2024-09-23,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, and Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, have reintroduced the 8-K Trading Gap Act. This bicameral legislation prevents executives and other corporate insiders, including foreign issuers, from profiting off the gap between the occurrence of a significant event – such as bankruptcy or an acquisition – and its legally-mandated disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the general public. Under current law, companies have four days to file the 8-K disclosure form with the SEC, but they are not barred from trading in advance of the filing – giving them an unfair advantage. The 8-K Trading Gap Act would close this gap by requiring the SEC to write a rule to prohibit insiders from making trades during this four-day period.

“The 8-K trading gap gives corporate executives a major loophole to cash in on their stocks when major changes are about to hit – before shareholders and the public are made aware. With the 8-K trading gap, insiders get a several-day head start to make lucrative financial moves prior to a major stock price-altering announcement. Our legislation will close this harmful loophole to prevent insiders from benefitting from this unfair advantage while ensuring a fairer market for the public,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The integrity of our capital markets rely on transparency and equal access to information and trading opportunities for all market participants,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, investor protection is at the forefront of my priorities. Our capital markets remain the envy of the world because Congress passed laws to make them transparent and fair. This bill is a vital step toward safeguarding our markets and ensuring that everyone plays by the same set of rules.”

This legislation has been endorsed by the Healthy Markets Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-welcomes-the-maryland-legislative-black-caucus-to-us-capitol-to-discuss-federal-priorities,Maryland Congressional Delegation Welcomes the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus to U.S. Capitol to Discuss Federal Priorities,2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, and Jamie Raskin (all D-Md.) welcomed Maryland Legislative Black Caucus Chair Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation and members of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus to the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to discuss federal priorities for the state. The meeting covered vital issues such as education equity, Black maternal health, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, federal funding for the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and more. The meeting was the group’s first Congressional Delegation meeting on Capitol Hill and followed last week’s Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in D.C. Maryland has the largest Black caucus of all state legislatures in the country.

“One of the keys to our Congressional delegation’s success is our close collaboration with our counterparts in Annapolis. It was a privilege to welcome the formidable Maryland Legislative Black Caucus to the Hill to discuss our efforts on important issues like improving Black maternal health, supporting HBCUs, investing in minority-owned businesses, providing universal early education, and helping communities across the state thrive. Together, we will keep working to deliver on these priorities for our mutual constituents,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Any opportunity to discuss priorities with Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus is a welcome opportunity. Maryland’s HBCUs are leading the state in entrepreneurship, our minority business community is an engine of economic growth, and we are one of the most diverse states in the country. We celebrate and embrace that diversity,” said Senator Cardin. “The issues that uniquely impact Black and minority communities affect our entire state and nation, and we continue to support federal policies that create more equitable pathways to success for these communities.”

""Maryland's Legislative Black Caucus has invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Black Marylanders across our state today,"" said Congressman Hoyer. ""I was pleased to have the chance to meet with our partners in the Maryland General Assembly to discuss how we can help Maryland's Black community get ahead in the months and years ahead. From improving Black maternal health to supporting our HBCUs to rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Team Maryland will continue our work in both Congress and the General Assembly to promote equity and opportunity in our state and beyond.""

“The issues highlighted by Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus are critical to our Maryland communities and to Americans across the country. I am proud of the diversity of leadership in our state, and we are stronger because of it. Team Maryland remains committed to advancing policies at the federal level that build a more just, inclusive and equitable future for all,” said Congressman Sarbanes.

“It was powerful to welcome Chair Wilkins and the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland to Capitol Hill for the first of what we anticipate will be a series of compelling discussions with my colleagues and me,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “There is a strong activist legacy inherited by any member of a Black Caucus. As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, we must continue to work alongside one another and advance the work of Black legislators who have come before us.”

“On Team Maryland, close partnerships among federal, local and state officials help us deliver for communities across our state,” said Congressman Raskin. “That’s why I was delighted to join my fellow delegation members in welcoming Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus, led by MoCo’s own Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, to the Capitol for a conversation about education equity and civil rights, Black maternal health, federal funding opportunities and more. Marylanders depend on our continued collaboration, with leaders in Washington, Annapolis, and across the state working together to ensure our people have access to the resources, programs and opportunities to achieve their dreams.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-murphy-merkley-issue-letter-to-chief-advisor-muhammad-yunus-urging-reforms-and-accountability-in-bangladesh,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Murphy, Merkley Issue Letter to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Urging Reforms and Accountability in Bangladesh",2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, congratulating him on assuming leadership at a pivotal time for the country. The letter emphasizes the urgent need for democratic reforms and accountability in response to widespread protests, demanding substantive political and institutional changes. The Senators also call for stronger law enforcement and swift action to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on vulnerable communities, including the Hindu population and Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazaar.

“In recent weeks, the world has witnessed how the people of Bangladesh have courageously demonstrated the transformative power of collective action,” wrote the lawmakers. “This transition presents a historic opportunity to reform institutions, protect human rights, and ensure inclusive participation in governance.”

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus,

We are writing to congratulate you on becoming the interim leader of Bangladesh during this historic time. In recent weeks, the people of Bangladesh have courageously demonstrated the transformative power of collective action to their own government and the global community. When citizens unite, their voices can compel even the most entrenched and authoritarian leaders to relinquish power.

But this historic moment did not come without costs. Rather than engage the legitimate grievances of the protestors, the Bangladesh security forces – including the Rapid Action Battalion – responded with brute force, killing hundreds of protestors, and arresting and injuring thousands more. We mourn the lives that were lost and urge your interim government to create a credible process to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the security services’ human rights violations. This will be vital both as a demonstration of your commitment to respecting the rights of the protestors and signal your interim government’s intention to work in good faith to address their grievances.

This transition presents a historic opportunity to reform institutions in Bangladesh, to ensure that human rights, such as freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, are protected; to allow for inclusive participation in government representative of the diversity of the country; to support civil society and independent media; and to hold individuals accountable for the violence committed against the citizens of Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh deserve a government that honors their voices, safeguards their rights, and upholds their dignity.

While many celebrate this new chapter in Bangladesh, a concerning volume of those celebrations have turned violent, with documented reports of reprisals targeting police as well as minority Hindu communities and those perceived to be supporters of Sheikh Hasina’s government. As a result, the country has witnessed gaps in law enforcement and lack of protections for those facing violent attacks, including members of the Hindu community and Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazaar. We urge you to take these threats and incidents of violence seriously, just as we applaud your recent promise to continue supporting the million-plus Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh. It is only by ensuring that all communities residing in Bangladesh are protected under the law that Bangladesh can meet its promising future.

Now, more than ever, it is important for Bangladeshis to unify – by coming together and by rebuilding an inclusive government, that fully harnesses Bangladesh’s tremendous potential. In a world that has recently witnessed repeated assaults on democratic ideals, Bangladesh has a rare opportunity to respond by delivering on the ‘second liberation’ many protestors have called for through the formulation of a government that respects democratic values and institutions.

We stand ready to assist Bangladesh during this critical period to ensure a successful transition to a democracy truly representative of the will of the Bangladeshi people.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-trone-announce-627000-for-firefighters-first-responders-in-western-maryland,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $627,000 for Firefighters, First Responders in Western Maryland",2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $627,785.49 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Western Maryland. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through equipment and facility upgrades, ensuring better protection for the public and the volunteer firefighters. These awards come after the lawmakers previously announced $838,000 last month for Western Maryland fire departments and emergency response agencies.

“Western Maryland residents have always been able to count on their firefighters and first responders when emergencies arise. This federal funding will help ensure local fire departments have the resources they need to continue keeping our communities safe,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Firefighters are beacons of their communities, providing life-saving care in our scariest moments. They have our back, and Team Maryland has theirs. We will continue to fight for funding that protects our protectors,” said Senator Cardin.

“My responsibility on the House Appropriations Committee is to fight for and secure the funding Marylanders deserve,” said Congressman David Trone. “I’m proud Team Maryland is able to further support the firefighters and first responders keeping our communities safe.”

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

$276,254.54 to replace outdated hoses and nozzles at seven Allegany County Fire Departments, including Barton Fire Department, Goodwill Fire Company, Borden Shaft Volunteer Fire Department, LaVale Volunteer Fire Department, Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Company, Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department, and Oldtown Volunteer Fire Department

$222,035.23 to Garrett County to replace outdated fire hoses at Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company, Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, and Gorman Fire Department

$63,142.85 to Bedford Road Volunteer Fire Company in Allegany County to purchase 17 new sets of personal protective equipment

$41,876.68 to Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS Company in Washington County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles and purchase two thermal imaging cameras

$24,476.19 to Midland Fire Company in Allegany County to purchase a new gear washer and dryer

The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, that the lawmakers fought to secure. The lawmakers additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG program through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schatz-colleagues-in-urging-regulators-to-strengthen-climate-related-financial-risk-management,"Van Hollen Joins Schatz, Colleagues in Urging Regulators to Strengthen Climate-Related Financial Risk Management",2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, in advance of Climate Week and following a year of record disasters, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and nine Senate colleagues in calling on the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to work with financial institutions to strengthen efforts to plan for and manage climate-related financial risk. Van Hollen and Schatz were joined by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

In their letter to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Chairman Martin Gruenberg, and Acting Comptroller Michael Hsu, the senators said, “Last year, the United States experienced a record 28 disasters that cost at least one billion dollars. Climate-related disasters are increasing in both their frequency and severity, posing threats to the United States’ economy as insurers face rising losses and leave climate-vulnerable markets. Additionally, global clean energy investment is far outpacing investment in fossil fuels. Banks will play an important role in financing clean energy technologies and ensuring the United States’ competitiveness in the clean energy market. We must ensure that our financial institutions understand and prepare for climate-related financial risk.”

The senators continued, “It is critical to our economic stability that we plan for climate risks and align investments with the opportunities presented by the clean energy transition.”

The full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Chair Powell, Chairman Gruenberg, and Acting Comptroller Hsu:

We write to inquire about your plans to address climate-related financial risk (CRFR) and conduct further climate scenario analysis (CSA) exercises, following the pilot CSA exercise concluded in May 2024 and your finalization of the Principles for Climate-Related Financial Risk Management for Large Financial Institutions. It is critical to our economic stability that we plan for climate risks and align investments with the opportunities presented by the clean energy transition.

Last year, the United States experienced a record 28 disasters that cost at least one billion dollars. Climate-related disasters are increasing in both their frequency and severity, posing threats to the United States’ economy as insurers face rising losses and leave climate-vulnerable markets. Additionally, global clean energy investment is far outpacing investment in fossil fuels. Banks will play an important role in financing clean energy technologies and ensuring the United States’ competitiveness in the clean energy market. We must ensure that our financial institutions understand and prepare for CRFR.

Your agencies’ Principles for Climate-Related Financial Risk Management for Large Financial Institutions and the Federal Reserve’s pilot CSA exercise for the nation’s six largest banks acknowledge the importance of scenario analysis in measuring and managing CRFR. To fulfill its mandate of ensuring the safety and soundness of our banks and financial system, the Federal Reserve must use its authority under Section 39 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to continue CSA exercises with more in-depth requirements and incorporate CRFR into annual stress testing.

Participants in the pilot CSA “reported significant data and modeling challenges in estimating climate-related financial risks,” particularly for real estate exposures, insurance, obligor transition risk management, and infrastructure. The pilot also showed risks for the participating banks in both the physical and transition risk scenarios, including increases in the probability of default. Lack of insurance coverage increased the probability of default across portfolios for most participants, and the exercise identified transition risk for commercial real estate loans across all property types.

While scenario analysis is not the only tool financial regulators should be employing, it is an important first step in identifying risks faced by financial institutions. As you consider next steps to address CRFR, we urge you to work together with the Federal Stability Oversight Council and climate scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Energy, United States Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, and other agencies as appropriate to develop future CSA scenarios that include, at a minimum, longer time horizons; multi-risk scenarios; disorderly and delayed transition scenarios; indirect impacts; market, operational, and liquidity risk; and assessments of additional sectors such as agricultural, energy, and retail portfolios. Future scenarios should also provide educational resources for banks, including instruction on how to identify what transition risks banks will face.

To better understand how you plan to manage CRFR and ensure your supervised financial institutions do the same, we request that you provide answers to the following questions no later than October 11, 2024:

When will additional CRFR scenario analysis exercises take place?

Will additional exercises incorporate the recommendations outlined above?

How will you ensure participants have access to the data and models they require to appropriately manage CRFR?

Will you expand the participation of banks in future CSA exercises beyond the six banks that participated in the pilot?

Do you intend to incorporate CRFR into annual stress testing, and if so, when?

What is your assessment of the progress large banks have made in implementing the joint Principles for Climate-Related Financial Risk Management for Large Banks?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your responses.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-press-nasa-for-answers-on-osam-1-mission,Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Press NASA for Answers on OSAM-1 Mission,2024-09-19,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"This week, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) wrote to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson, pressing the agency for answers on its decision to cancel the On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) robotic satellite maintenance mission, even after the lawmakers provided $227 million through fiscal year 2024 appropriations legislation to ensure its launch in 2026. The lawmakers also have been working to secure continued funding in the next fiscal year. The OSAM-1 mission, developed at the NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, was expected to offer operators new ways to maintain their satellite fleets more efficiently and help mitigate space debris. In their letter, the Maryland Congressional Delegation members ask Administrator Nelson for a detailed accounting of the review process that led to the cancellation as well as the plan to utilize the nearly complete OSAM-1 satellite.

“As members of the Maryland Delegation, we write to request information regarding NASA’s decision to cancel the On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) mission on September 4, 2024. OSAM-1 is a space technology mission developed to demonstrate NASA’s capabilities to extend the lifespans of government-owned satellites and other satellites that were not originally built or intended to be serviced in space,” the lawmakers began. “This demonstration intends to show the ability to repair and restore existing satellites, prolong satellite mission life, and pave the way for more sustainable and cost-effective space missions in the future. […] There is currently no existing operation that demonstrates the unique capabilities of this technology within U.S. public or commercial missions.”

“On February 29, 2024, NASA ordered an orderly shutdown of the OSAM-1 mission, citing technical, cost, and scheduling challenges as well as the overall funding environment. Recognizing the value of the mission, Congress directed NASA to continue the OSAM-1 mission in the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,” they continued, citing their work to preserve the mission and keep it on track for launch in 2026.

“It is our understanding that in April 2024 NASA received an updated plan from the mission team, which included a rescope of the mission to meet the launch and budget requirements, as directed by Congress, and reduced testing requirements to adopt a Class-D designation in line with the standard posture of a technology demonstration project. It is also our understanding that the OSAM-1 mission team has proceeded with executing on this updated plan,” pointing to further progress in resolving these issues.

The Delegation members conclude their letter noting, however, “On September 4, 2024, members of the Maryland delegation were notified of NASA’s intent to proceed with canceling the OSAM-1 mission.” Following this they underscore, “we have concerns regarding the Agency’s decision-making process,” and go on to ask for answers to a series of questions surrounding the decision, to be received no later than Monday, September 23.

Full text of the letter is below and here.

Dear Administrator Nelson:

As members of the Maryland Delegation, we write to request information regarding NASA’s decision to cancel the On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) mission on September 4, 2024.

OSAM-1 is a space technology mission developed to demonstrate NASA’s capabilities to extend the lifespans of government-owned satellites and other satellites that were not originally built or intended to be serviced in space. Capabilities that OSAM-1 seeks to demonstrate include rendezvous, autonomous capture, servicing and refueling in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with spacecraft not built for these purposes, as well as relocation of spacecraft and on-orbit assembly and manufacturing. This technology will grant satellite operators new ways to manage their fleets more efficiently and will help mitigate growing concerns about space debris. This demonstration intends to show the ability to repair and restore existing satellites, prolong satellite mission life, and pave the way for more sustainable and cost-effective space missions in the future. We are currently witnessing a commercial boom in space launches, and it is critical that NASA commits to the priority of controlling the growth of orbital debris, especially during a time when private actors may not feel incentivized to do so. Furthermore, defense stakeholders have expressed growing interest in space servicing, mobility, and logistics competencies to conduct dynamic space operations in support of national security interests. There is currently no existing operation that demonstrates the unique capabilities of this technology within U.S. public or commercial missions.

On February 29, 2024, NASA ordered an orderly shutdown of the OSAM-1 mission, citing technical, cost, and scheduling challenges as well as the overall funding environment. Recognizing the value of the mission, Congress directed NASA to continue the OSAM-1 mission in the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-42):

On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing-] (OSAM-1).-ln lieu of the Senate report language, the agreement provides $227,000,000 for OSAM-1 to adjust the mission to ensure a 2026 launch within the cost profile assumed in the fiscal year 2024 budget request. Consistent with recommendations by the OSAM-1 Standing Review Board, NASA is directed to reduce testing requirements and make the necessary technical decisions, including potential de-scoping of some non-essential capabilities, to meet these launch and budget requirements. If this is not possible, NASA should initiate another Continuation Review in September 2024. Further, NASA is directed to work with the Department of Defense on a plan for a potential use, as practicable, of OSAM-1 for space mobility capability, and to provide the Committees with the plan not later than 180 days after enactment of this act.

It is our understanding that in April 2024 NASA received an updated plan from the mission team, which included a rescope of the mission to meet the launch and budget requirements, as directed by Congress, and reduced testing requirements to adopt a Class-D designation in line with the standard posture of a technology demonstration project. It is also our understanding that the OSAM-1 mission team has proceeded with executing on this updated plan.

On September 4, 2024, members of the Maryland delegation were notified of NASA’s intent to proceed with canceling the OSAM-1 mission. NASA officials cited feasibility of the 2026 launch plan, risk tolerance, lack of interest from potential partners per verbal communication, return on investment, and interest in expanding other Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) priorities. The Delegation wishes to note that return on investment and other STMD priorities are extraneous factors that Congress did not include in its direction. Furthermore, we have concerns regarding the Agency’s decision-making process.

In order to assesses the Agency’s cancelation decision, we request the following information by September 23, 2024.

A copy of the 2026 launch plan.

A copy of the close-out plan.

The execution status of the mission as of the September 4th cancelation announcement.

The number of NASA civil servants and number of contractors associated with OSAM-1 as of the September 4th cancelation announcement.

The remaining cost-to-go if the mission were to proceed with the 2026 launch plan.

The estimated close-out and shutdown costs if the mission were canceled.

An explanation of the risk criteria in assessing the 2026 plan and a comparison to the standard risk criteria for a technology demonstration.

An explanation of where the project team and NASA disagreed in terms of executability and credibility of the 2026 launch plan.

A description of the review process conducted of the 2026 launch plan after the February 2024 Standing Review Board report and minutes from internal reviews and external independent reviews including, but not limited to, the May 2024 Space Technology Mission Directorate Program Management Council Review. If there was no external independent review conducted, please explain why that was the case.

The timeline of the Continuation Review process, including dates of relevant meetings. If the Continuation Review process was initiated before September, in contradiction of Congressional direction, please provide an explanation as to why the Agency expedited the timeline.

A description of the Agency’s efforts to work with the Department of Defense on potential use or partnership for OSAM-1 spaceflight hardware, test facilities, and personnel; not to include the existing Inter-Agency Agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for work on a partnership with the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) project.

An explanation of the Agency’s decision to delay issuing a Request for Interest to potential partners until after the September 4th cancelation announcement.

A description of the Agency’s plan to retain as much of the OSAM-1 workforce as possible should the cancelation proceed.

A description of the Agency’s commitment to the success of current and future missions at NASA Goddard.

We thank you for your diligence and timely response to our request.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-931000-for-firefighters-first-responders-in-anne-arundel-baltimore-howard-counties,"Maryland Delegation Members Announce $931,000 for Firefighters, First Responders in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard Counties",2024-09-19,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) announced $931,896.84 in federal funding to support Maryland firefighters and first responders in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard Counties. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through personnel recruitment and equipment upgrades, ensuring better protection for the public, firefighters, and other first responders.

“Maryland’s firefighters and first responders run towards danger every day to protect us, and we need to have their backs. This federal funding will help ensure our local fire departments have the resources and support they need to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies in our communities,” said the lawmakers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-adams-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-expand-student-debt-relief-for-parent-borrowers,"Van Hollen, Adams Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Expand Student Debt Relief for Parent Borrowers",2024-09-19,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Alma Adams (D-N.C.) introduced the Parent PLUS Parity Act, bicameral legislation to ease the burden of student loan debt for parent borrowers who helped their children pay for their higher education. Nationwide, approximately 3.9 million borrowers have outstanding Parent PLUS loan balances totaling $112 billion. While these loans allow parents of dependent undergraduate students to borrow money to pay costs not already covered by the student’s financial aid package, current law excludes borrowers from the Parent PLUS and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) programs from most income-based repayment plans. Among other provisions, the Parent PLUS Parity Act makes parent borrowers eligible for repayment plans created by the U.S. Department of Education under the Biden-Harris Administration. This legislation comes after Senator Van Hollen led several of his colleagues in urging the Biden-Harris Administration – in 2022 and earlier this year – to provide financial relief to parent borrowers, while welcoming its efforts thus far to address the student debt crisis.

“Millions of parents who struggled to help their kids pay for college are now trapped in unsustainable debt – and it’s not just hurting them, it’s holding back our entire economy. While the Biden-Harris Administration has taken important steps to expand income-based repayment options so students can pay off their loans, parent borrowers have been excluded from these programs, offering them little to no recourse. Our legislation will help those families chart a path to clear their debt and regain their financial footing,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“This legislation is about fairness for families, so that more parents can help their children through college without worrying about how to make ends meet at their current salary level. If we can amend the law to allow income-based repayments then we should, especially for payees who are disabled or retired. It’s unconscionable that disabled and retired individuals on limited incomes are having their incomes garnished to cover student loan debt. This is a way for us to do better by the American people. I thank Mr. Van Hollen for introducing the companion bill in the Senate and working with me to get this bill passed,” said Congresswoman Adams.

“Parents taking out loans to help their kids pay for higher education deserve the same loan forgiveness and relief options as other borrowers,” said Senator Padilla. “More and more low-income families, especially Black and Latino parents, rely on the Parent PLUS program every year but have limited loan repayment options. By expanding parents’ access to the same repayment benefits their kids would receive, we can help close the racial wealth gap and expand debt relief for underserved families.”

In addition to Senator Van Hollen, the legislation is co-led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

In addition to Representative Adams, the bill is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.).

The Parent PLUS Parity Act is endorsed by NAACP, National Education Association, Student Borrower Protection Center, The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), Student Debt Crisis Center, Project on Predatory Student Lending, Education Trust, Justice in Aging, and the Century Foundation Higher Education Team.

Established in 1980, Parent PLUS loans were initially intended to assist higher-asset families, but as tuition has skyrocketed and the purchasing power of the Pell Grant has fallen, families with limited resources, particularly families of color, have increasingly turned to Parent PLUS loans to make up the shortfall. The consequences of this have been enormous, trapping thousands of low-income American families under a crushing financial burden. Between 1996 and 2018, the number of Parent PLUS recipients under the federal poverty line rose by an astonishing 350 percent. In 2020, the average Parent PLUS loan debt held was $37,970, a 40 percent increase since 2000. In 2015, 40,000 disabled or retired Parent PLUS borrowers had their Social Security benefits garnished after defaulting on their loans. What’s more, Black parents are struggling disproportionately; the share of Black Parent PLUS borrowers with incomes below $30,000 nearly tripled from 2008 to 2018. In 2018, 44 percent of Black Parent PLUS borrowers had an annual income below $30,000 compared to only 10 percent of White Parent PLUS borrowers.

Currently, Parent PLUS borrowers are excluded from most income-based repayment plans, including the SAVE Plan, the PAYE Repayment Plan, and the IBR Plan. Parent PLUS borrowers are also not eligible to discharge their loans in cases where their child becomes disabled and face additional barriers to obtaining Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

In his letters to Secretary Cardona, Senator Van Hollen has urged the Education Department to use the extent of its authorities to provide relief for Parent PLUS borrowers. As a result of these efforts, the Department included Parent PLUS borrowers in its new hardship discharge program in the proposed student loan relief regulations announced in April 2024. The Parent PLUS Parity Act makes necessary statutory changes to ensure Parent PLUS borrowers can pursue additional avenues for debt relief and to protect these borrowers against Republican attacks on the Department of Education’s student debt relief programs.

This legislation will help families tackle intergenerational debt, ensure equal access to programs available to other borrowers, and provide urgently-needed assistance to millions of forgotten Parent PLUS borrowers by:

Expanding the income-driven repayment plan options for Parent PLUS and all FFEL borrowers to all income-driven repayment plans and any forthcoming plans issued by the Department of Education, including the new SAVE program, PAYE, and IBR.

Making Parent PLUS borrowers eligible for discharge if their child on whose behalf they’ve taken out loans becomes eligible for Total and Permanent Disability discharge.

Making Parent PLUS borrowers eligible for automatic discharge if their child on whose behalf they’ve taken out loans has their own loans discharged under Borrower Defense.

Making Parent PLUS borrowers eligible for PSLF if their child on whose behalf they’ve taken out loans serves the standard amount of time (120 months) in qualifying public service employment.

Directing the Secretary of Education to create a new hardship category program that will permit Parent PLUS borrowers to apply for loan discharge if they meet certain requirements based on income, borrower age, and other factors.

The full text of the bill is available here. A fact sheet on the bill is available here.

“If we fail to address intergenerational debt experienced by families with Parent PLUS loans, we will fall short of fixing our broken student loan system,” said Senator Booker. The Parent PLUS Parity Act will bring parents much needed relief by expanding access to income based repayment plans. No one should have to choose between supporting their child’s future and their family’s financial security.”

“As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, making sure that Virginia students have the freedom to make the decisions that are right for them is one of my top priorities. That includes looking for commonsense solutions to make higher education opportunities more affordable,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to give Parent PLUS borrowers—many of whom are families of color—some breathing room by boosting access to existing income-based repayment plans and application-based relief programs. Supporting our students is critical to the health of our economy, and I will keep looking for opportunities to do so.”

“This bill to provide parity for Parent PLUS loan borrowers is a matter of fairness and equity. Doing so will give millions of working families important financial relief, help tackle intergenerational debt and ensure that everyone has access to all income-driven repayment plans,” said Senator Smith. “Passing this legislation would mean millions of parents would no longer be burdened by student loan debt.”

“Parent PLUS loans are an example of how our federal student loan program has failed families. Instead of helping families pay for their child’s education, Parent PLUS loans have left many with crippling repayment obligations and reduced debt relief options. These loans have been especially brutal to people of color and marginalized communities, causing them to default on their loans. It’s not sustainable,” said Senator Welch. “This bill is an important step in reforming our federal student loan program.”

“Black parents have long understood that higher education opens doors of opportunity for their children. However, the Parent PLUS loan program has often trapped lower-income families in debt, with repayment guidelines designed for wealthier households. The significant number of affected parents highlights a policy failure: skyrocketing education costs combined with a loan program that doesn't work for low-income families. Senator Van Hollen’s and Representative Adams’s bill seeks to reform Parent PLUS by aligning repayment options with those available for other student loans. This would allow parents to receive relief when their child qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge. The bill also introduces new relief for parents facing financial hardship. These changes would help address a significant injustice: penalizing low-income parents for supporting their child's pursuit of the American Dream,” said Wisdom Cole, Senior National Advocacy Director, NAACP.

“For too long, Parents PLUS borrowers have been left out of critical efforts to alleviate the crushing burden of student loan debt. As a result, Parent PLUS borrowers have been left struggling with unaffordable monthly payments that can force them to delay retirement, push them into poverty and even subject them to Social Security benefit offset and other catastrophic consequences if they fall behind. We applaud Senator Van Hollen and Representative Alma Adams for introducing the Parent PLUS Parity Act which will ensure that Parent PLUS borrowers have access to the full suite of affordable repayment options that all other federal borrowers do. The Act also importantly establishes critical pathways to relief to support Parent PLUS borrowers should they experience financial hardship,” said Aissa Canchola Bañez, Policy Director, Student Borrower Protection Center.

“The burden of Parent PLUS debt disproportionately falls on low-income parents and parents of color. The Parent PLUS program currently has limited pathways to enable families to successfully manage their debt, which results in financial harm that can ripple through generations. This bill provides important borrower protections for parents, including affordable income-based repayment options and a fair path to relief for loans taken out to pay for schools that engage in misconduct. We thank Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Adams for their leadership on this issue and their commitment to ensuring that families with Parent PLUS loans can benefit from the same borrower protections as other student loans,” said Ashley Harrington, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, Project on Predatory Student Lending.

“At the Student Debt Crisis Center, we are proud to endorse the Parent PLUS Parity Act which will expand access to Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans and IDR forgiveness to all borrowers, including parents with parent PLUS loans. This bill will help millions of parents who took out student loans to support their children in college and who now find themselves struggling to meet their monthly payments. This is one step towards a more fair and just student loan system, and brings us one step closer to achieving our goal of ending the student debt crisis,” said Natalia Abrams, President & Founder, Student Debt Crisis Center.

“EdTrust has repeatedly detailed how the student loan debt burden impedes the economic stability and well-being of Black borrowers,” said Education Trust’s Senior Vice President, Wil Del Pilar. “Policy solutions like increasing repayment options for Parent PLUS are a crucial step toward ensuring that parents, especially under-represented parents and parents from low-income backgrounds, are not burdened with unmanageable debt while investing in their children's future. This bill adopts several of our recommendations on how to address this issue, and we are pleased to support it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-lujan-colleagues-urge-the-fcc-to-require-disclosure-of-the-use-of-ai-generated-content-in-political-ads-on-radio-and-tv,"Van Hollen, Luján, Colleagues Urge the FCC to Require Disclosure of the Use of AI-Generated Content in Political Ads on Radio and TV",2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt the proposed rule requiring disclosure of the use of AI-generated content in political ads on radio and TV.

“We recognize that the use of AI-generated content has many benefits. But like any new technology, AI poses risks to society, risks that are even more pronounced in the context of elections. The use of AI-generated content has the potential to amplify mis and disinformation, incite political violence, and suppress voter participation,” wrote the Senators. “In addition, foreign actors may use deceptive AI to sow discord and undermine our democracy and faith in elections. Lastly, as AI-generated content becomes more and more advanced, voters may find it difficult to recognize video, images, audio and text as fake. For this reason, we believe it is imperative that robust transparency and disclosure requirements are in place as soon as possible.”

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

We write to express our support for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposal to require disclosure of the use of AI-generated content in political ads on radio and TV. While more must be done to address the risks that AI poses to our elections, we urge the FCC to adopt these rules as the 2024 presidential election is less than two months away and, in some states, voters can begin casting ballots as early as this month.

We recognize that the use of AI-generated content has many benefits. But like any new technology, AI poses risks to society, risks that are even more pronounced in the context of elections. The use of AI-generated content has the potential to amplify mis and disinformation, incite political violence, and suppress voter participation. In addition, foreign actors may use deceptive AI to sow discord and undermine our democracy and faith in elections. Lastly, as AI-generated content becomes more and more advanced, voters may find it difficult to recognize video, images, audio and text as fake. For this reason, we believe it is imperative that robust transparency and disclosure requirements are in place as soon as possible.

In addition, we support the following specific provisions of the proposed rules. First, we support on-air and written disclosure requirements. Such requirements are the most straightforward way to ensure that the public is notified of the use of AI-generated content in the advertisement they are viewing and/or hearing. Second, we support the application of transparency and disclosure requirements to both candidate and issue advertisements. This will ensure that both types of political ads are subject to the same standards. Next, we support the transparency and disclosure requirement applications to both broadcasters as well as other entities under the FCC’s jurisdiction. Again, this will ensure a more level playing field across mediums. Additionally, we urge the FCC to include an updated definition of “AI-generated content” to clarify that long-standing, basic editing tools are not considered as covered content. This will ensure that basic audio and video accessibility and editing tools are not negatively impacted by this necessary rulemaking on artificial intelligence. Lastly, we support a requirement that these rules take effect 90 days prior to an election as well as during the election certification process.

We urge the Commission to finalize and implement these rules as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your attention to this important issue.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-norton-introduce-bill-to-make-union-station-eligible-for-funding-under-federal-transportation-grant-programs,"Van Hollen, Norton Introduce Bill to Make Union Station Eligible for Funding Under Federal Transportation Grant Programs",2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) today introduced a bill to make the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), a nonprofit responsible for managing and operating Union Station in D.C., eligible for funding under several federal transportation grant programs.

“Union Station is the gateway to our nation’s capital for visitors and regional commuters alike, including thousands of Marylanders and District residents every day. We passed the infrastructure modernization law to fund critical upgrades to our nation’s transportation system, and this legislation will ensure those federal resources are available to this important regional hub,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Despite the vital role Union Station plays in the nation’s capital, it has not undergone major renovation since the 1980s,” Norton said. “The planned redevelopment and expansion of Union Station represents a historic transportation and economic development opportunity for the nation’s capital and the national capital region, but billions of dollars are needed to carry it out. This bill would give USRC access to critical funding.”

Union Station is a vital local, regional, and national intermodal transportation hub that welcomes approximately 70,000 travelers and visitors each day—more than either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport. It is owned by the federal government, and the nonprofit Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) manages and operates it exclusively under a lease. Due to its federal ownership and management structure, it is currently ineligible for federal grant funding. As such, the station has not undergone major renovation since the 1980s.

Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Norton’s Union Station Redevelopment Corporation Funding Eligibility Act allows USRC to apply for funding under four major U.S. Department of Transportation infrastructure funding programs: the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Program, the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Program and the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program, also known as the Mega Program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-sullivan_co-chairs-of-the-foreign-service-caucus--make-bipartisan-push-for-critical-fix-to-foreign-service-pay,"Van Hollen, Sullivan – Co-Chairs of the Foreign Service Caucus – Make Bipartisan Push for Critical Fix to Foreign Service Pay",2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"This week, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), co-Chairs of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, sent a letter to Senate Leadership urging the inclusion of provisions reauthorizing Overseas Comparability Pay – a critical measure for Foreign Service members and other overseas federal employees – prior to the end of this Fiscal Year.

The Senators begin, “As co-Chairs of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, we write to urge the inclusion of reauthorization of Overseas Comparability Pay (OCP) in any funding agreement that the Senate considers before the end of Fiscal Year 2024. As you know, OCP provides Foreign Service Officers and certain other federal employees who work overseas with compensation comparable to their domestic counterparts. As OCP sunsets on September 30th, the failure to ensure its reauthorization would cut the pay of Foreign Service employees serving abroad by an average of 22 percent.”

They underscore the urgency of this issue, noting, “Specifically, a lapse in OCP would result in an immediate pay cut for Foreign Service Officers serving overseas with the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Commerce’s Foreign Commercial Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and the Peace Corps. OCP has been routinely approved by Congress since 2009, and a sudden lapse in authorization would be an abrupt blow to the livelihoods of these overseas public servants.”

“The reauthorization of OCP enjoys broad bipartisan support from the Biden Administration, Members of Congress in both chambers and both parties, and the American Foreign Service Association. That’s because the reauthorization of OCP will ensure that Foreign Service Officers can continue to effectively promote American security, economic, and political interests abroad in an era of growing risks and heightened geopolitical competition,” the Senators write in closing.

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell:

As co-Chairs of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, we write to urge the inclusion of reauthorization of Overseas Comparability Pay (OCP) in any funding agreement that the Senate considers before the end of Fiscal Year 2024. As you know, OCP provides Foreign Service Officers and certain other federal employees who work overseas with compensation comparable to their domestic counterparts. As OCP sunsets on September 30th, the failure to ensure its reauthorization would cut the pay of Foreign Service employees serving abroad by an average of 22 percent.

Specifically, a lapse in OCP would result in an immediate pay cut for Foreign Service Officers serving overseas with the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Commerce’s Foreign Commercial Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and the Peace Corps. OCP has been routinely approved by Congress since 2009, and a sudden lapse in authorization would be an abrupt blow to the livelihoods of these overseas public servants.

Foreign Service Officers serve our country in some of the most dangerous and difficult places in the world. A potential lapse of OCP would compound the challenges they face, imperiling the long-term effectiveness of the Foreign Service, and its ability to recruit and retain the most talented officers.

The reauthorization of OCP enjoys broad bipartisan support from the Biden Administration, Members of Congress in both chambers and both parties, and the American Foreign Service Association. That’s because the reauthorization of OCP will ensure that Foreign Service Officers can continue to effectively promote American security, economic, and political interests abroad in an era of growing risks and heightened geopolitical competition.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-of-hispanic-heritage-month-van-hollen-joins-padilla-cornyn-castro-to-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-to-honor-hispanic-serving-institutions-week,"Ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month, Van Hollen Joins Padilla, Cornyn, Castro to Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution to Honor Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week",2024-09-16,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Ahead of National Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), chair of the Senate Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Caucus, and John Cornyn (R-Texas), along with U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Texas-20), co-chair of the Congressional HSI Caucus, in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to designate the week starting on September 9, 2024 as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.

The resolution is co-led in the House of Representatives by Congressional HSI Caucus co-chairs Representatives Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.-06).

Hispanic-Serving Institutions are accredited, degree-granting, public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25 percent or higher total undergraduate Hispanic or Latino full-time students. There are 600 HSIs in the United States that enroll over 5.2 million Hispanic students, two-thirds of all Hispanic undergraduates, and 32.2 percent of total Pell recipients — empowering and improving communities. California is home to 172 HSIs and 45 Emerging HSIs.

“Hispanic-Serving Institutions play a critical role in fostering our nation’s economic growth and vitality,” said Senator Padilla. “California is home to the most HSIs of any state, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how important their work is in providing more equitable access to higher education for Latino students and other underserved student populations. As a founder of the first-ever Hispanic-Serving Institutions Senate Caucus, I’m committed to ensuring HSIs have the support they need to continue uplifting Latino communities across the country.”

“As a member of the HSI Coalition in the Senate, I applaud the outstanding work of Hispanic-Serving Institutions to provide quality education for Texas’s growing Hispanic population,” said Senator Cornyn. “I thank educators at these institutions for helping their students achieve their full potential, especially given the challenges of these past few school years.”

“Millions of students across America — including many in San Antonio — benefit from the incredible education that Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) provide,” said Representative Castro. “Today, I’m proud to recognize the critical role these institutions play in opening doors to opportunity for underserved students. This summer, I was glad to see the Biden Harris administration take major steps to bolster HSIs by establishing the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the President’s Board of Advisors for HSIs. In Congress, I’m committed to continuing to get HSIs the support they deserve to continue their important work.”

“The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is grateful for Congress recognizing the vital importance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions during National HSIs Week,” said Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “HSIs are America’s best hope for a vibrant democracy and a future as prosperous and just country. These rapidly growing institutions educate and train the newest generations of professionals, technicians, engineers, scientists, and leaders from diverse backgrounds that are the backbone of the nation’s economic and social advancement.”

This resolution celebrates the vast contributions of HSIs across the country. It also highlights the important role these institutions play in educating many underserved students, helping them attain their full potential by creating opportunities and increasing access to higher education.

In addition to Senators Padilla and Cornyn, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

In addition to Representatives Castro, González-Colón, Grijalva, and Ciscomani, Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.-29), Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.-05), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.-20), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.-05), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas-30), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas-28), Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.-07), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas-37), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas-16), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.-13), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.-03), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.-10), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.-03), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-Ill.-04), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas-29), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Al Green (D-Texas-09), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (D-Ga.-04), Robin L. Kelly (D-Ill.-02), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Lucy McBath (D-Ga.-07), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.-04), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.-31), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.-14), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Katie Porter (D-Calif.-47), Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.-03), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-06), Linda T. Sanchez (D-Calif.-38), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.-30), Darren Soto (D-Fla.-09), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01), Michelle Steel (R-Calif.-45), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), David Trone (D-Md.-06), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Norma J. Torres (D-Calif.-35), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.-15), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.-03), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Marc Veasey (D-Texas-33), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07) cosponsored the resolution in the House of Representatives.

This resolution is supported by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-over-560000-for-eastern-shore-fire-departments,"Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Over $560,000 for Eastern Shore Fire Departments",2024-09-16,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin announced $566,481.89 in federal funding for three Eastern Shore fire departments to upgrade personal protective equipment. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure better protection for the public and the firefighters.

“Our firefighters commit to putting their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. This federal funding will provide local Shore fire departments with the tools they need to better protect themselves and our communities,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Firefighting is a selfless job that requires brave Marylanders to run toward danger. These federal awards reflect our commitment to the men and women who are there for us during our most trying times,” said Senator Cardin. “It is crucial that firefighters on the Eastern Shore and throughout our state have the resources they need to handle any situation they encounter.”

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

$265,339.04 to the Ocean City Fire Department to acquire additional personal protective equipment, including 63 structural firefighting helmets, 70 hoods, 40 turnout coats, 35 pairs of turnout pants, 48 pairs of structural firefighting boots, 192 pairs of gloves, 14 complete sets of gear, and 115 equipment bags

$257,142.85 to the Marion Volunteer Fire Department in Somerset County to replace 25 sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

$44,000 to the Betterton Volunteer Fire Company in Kent County to purchase 12 sets of personal protective equipment

The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, which the lawmakers fought to secure. The Senators additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG program through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-27-million-for-chesapeake-bay-wildlife-habitat-restoration-through-chesapeake-wild-program,Maryland Delegation Members Announce $2.7 Million for Chesapeake Bay Wildlife Habitat Restoration through Chesapeake WILD Program,2024-09-13,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $2,798,281.01 in federal funding through the Chesapeake Watershed Investments in Landscape Defense (Chesapeake WILD) Program for eight habitat and wetland restoration projects throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Maryland.

The Chesapeake WILD Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), was created by bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Van Hollen and co-sponsored by Senator Cardin and Reps. Hoyer, Ruppersberger, Sarbanes, Raskin, and Trone. The legislation was enacted as part of the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act in 2020, creating a new program at FWS to engage regional stakeholders in the preservation of the Chesapeake Bay.

“Protecting and preserving the Chesapeake Bay is vital to both our environment and to the many Marylanders whose livelihoods depend on it. The Chesapeake WILD program is central to our efforts to restore wildlife habitat and improve the overall health of the Bay – and these federal funds will go to critical projects across the state to help achieve these important goals,” said the lawmakers.

The following Maryland projects received awards:

$500,000 for the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy to address salt marsh loss and preserve wildlife habitat corridors between the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Nanticoke River

$500,000 for the Maryland Department of Agriculture for habitat restoration on working lands in Maryland

$419,250 for the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin to restore access of the American Eel to its historic habitat in the western Potomac River watershed

$322,564.11 for the Scenic Rivers Land Trust to restore forest canopy in the South River Greenway in Anne Arundel County to improve habitat for imperiled native wildlife species

$300,000 for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to improve forest habitats around the Chesapeake Bay

$271,575.56 for the Anacostia Watershed Society to restore endangered wildlife and plant species in the Anacostia River watershed

$245,983.03 for the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association to enhance nesting opportunities for imperiled farmland raptors such as the Barn Owl, American Kestrel, and Northern Harrier in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

$238,908.31 for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to restore forest buffers and native Eastern Brook Trout habitat in Western Maryland

This year, the Chesapeake WILD program is awarding 30 new conservation and restoration grants totaling $8.9 million in federal support and leveraging $13.7 million in matching funds from the grantees, with an estimated total conservation impact of $22.6 million. These projects will support efforts to sustain natural resources and local communities, build capacity to address shared restoration and conservation priorities, and implement projects to conserve, steward, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-nadler-chu-introduce-legislation-to-make-polluters-pay-for-fueling-climate-change,"Van Hollen, Nadler, Chu Introduce Legislation to Make Polluters Pay for Fueling Climate Change",2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Judy Chu (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to require the biggest polluters to begin paying their fair share to confront the climate crisis. The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, requires the largest U.S.-based fossil fuel extractors and oil refiners and foreign-owned companies doing business in the U.S. to pay into a $1 trillion Polluters Pay Climate Fund, with their contributions based on a percentage of their global emissions. The Fund would then be used to finance a wide range of efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change.

“From sweltering heat waves to rising sea levels to ever more intense storms, our planet is screaming out every day for us to take action on global warming. And after fueling the climate crisis for decades, big polluters can no longer run from their responsibility to address the harm they have done. The principle behind this legislation is simple but very powerful – polluters should pay to clean up the mess they made and build a more resilient future, and those who have polluted the most should pay the most,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“For over 60 years, the fossil fuel industry has been fully aware of its role in driving the climate crisis. Despite this, the industry has done little to nothing to address the harmful effects their practices have had on the environment and public health,” said Representative Jerrold Nadler. “Instead, American taxpayers have been unfairly burdened with the costs of mitigating the destructive effects of the climate crisis. It is long past time for our nation to prioritize the health and well-being of our communities over the interests of the fossil fuel industry. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act with Senator Van Hollen and Representative Chu to finally force the fossil fuel industry to pay its fair share to address the damage it has inflicted on our planet, and help the American people tackle this crisis head-on.”

“Right now, wildfires are raging in and around my district in Southern California due to yet another year of record-breaking heat and wind conditions, and historic droughts, unprecedented winter storms, and other extreme weather disasters devastate communities around the country. The fossil fuel corporations responsible for worsening the climate crisis continue to reap massive profits while assuming none of the cost for the harmful emissions they produce, leaving taxpayers on the hook to pay the price. It’s past time for these corporations to pay their fair share and help fund our work to address the climate catastrophe they helped create, so we’re introducing the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act to hold them accountable,” said Representative Judy Chu.

In addition to Senator Van Hollen, the bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

In addition to Representatives Nadler and Chu, the bill is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.).

The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act is endorsed by a wide range of conservation and environmental justice organizations, including Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Earthjustice, Center for Biological Diversity, Food & Water Watch, Climate Accountability Institute, Union of Concerned Scientists, Working Families Party, The Rachel Carson Council, Greenpeace USA, CASA, Climate Action California, Vermont Public Interest Research Group, Evergreen Action, Oxfam America, Sunrise Movement, Surfrider Foundation, Clean Water Action, Action for the Climate Emergency, Oil and Gas Action Network, South Seattle Climate Action Network, 350 Conejo / San Fernando Valley, Human Impact Partners, Sustainable Mill Valley, 350Brooklyn, Climate Hawks Vote, Gen-Z for Change, Physicians for Social Responsibility Maine, Better Future Project, Third Act Upstate New York, Third Act Virginia, Third Act Maryland, Third Act, 350 Mass, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Waterkeeper Alliance, San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility, Texas Physicians for Social Responsibility, Elders Climate Action (ECA) Northern California (NorCal) Chapter, Elders Climate Action (ECA) Southern California (SoCal) Chapter, 350 Bay Area Action, Concerned Health Professionals of PA, NC League of Conservation Voters, MoveOn, 350 Seattle, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, Environmental Advocates NY, California Environmental Voters, Bold Alliance, Maine Conservation Voters, 198 methods, Women's Earth and Climate Action Network, NY Public Interest Research Group, Zero Hour, Vermont Natural Resources Council, 350.org, Voices for Progress, New York Communities for Change, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund (OEC Action Fund), Center for Popular Democracy / CPDAction, Climate Policy Equity Center, and Vessel Project of Louisiana.

Background on the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act

For over 60 years, fossil fuel companies have been fully aware of – and profited from – their industry’s contributions to climate change, and despite this knowledge took little to no action to remediate the negative environmental and human health impacts of their business practices. Now, climate change related extreme weather events cost the United States at least $150 billion each year and these impacts are disproportionately borne by underserved and overburdened communities.

The concept of Polluters Pay is simple: those most responsible for creating the climate crisis should pay the most to address its harmful impacts. Modeled after the Superfund law, the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act would allow the U.S. to generate significant revenue – $1 trillion – to address our climate challenges by turning to the industry that caused them. The legislation requires the largest polluters to pay into a Polluters Pay Fund, contributing based on a proportion of the companies’ prior emissions.

Using peer-reviewed “carbon attribution” research, it is possible to definitively attribute carbon in the atmosphere to specific companies. The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act would assess companies based on their global carbon dioxide emissions and authorizes the Treasury Department to charge the largest polluters in proportion to their past carbon emissions, in excess of 1 billion metric tons – resulting in the top polluters contributing $100 billion each year for 10 years to the Fund. The legislation applies to any fossil fuel extractor or refiner that is U.S.-based, or is a foreign company engaged in trade or business in the U.S., and is responsible for generating over 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions from 2000-2022.

The fund would be used to combat the impacts of climate change in a variety of ways, such as rebuilding and upgrading infrastructure, cleaning up the impacts of pollution in frontline communities, and providing climate-related disaster assistance. Forty percent of the fund would be set aside for investments that benefit environmental justice communities.

No Impact on Energy Costs: The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act would not raise costs for consumers. The market price of gasoline is determined by supply and demand. The fund would not affect the demand for gasoline, which is based on consumer preferences and other factors like the overall state of the economy. The fund would also not affect the supply of gasoline. The tax assessment is based on past, not current, activity, so it does not impact the ongoing costs of production. It is charged only to those with the highest past production, leaving some companies that are not subject to the assessment to act as price competitors and rivals for market share. Collusion by covered companies to raise prices would be illegal under antitrust laws.

No Impact on State and Local Climate Lawsuits and Climate Superfunds: The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act is not a substitute for or designed to preempt local- or state-level climate lawsuits seeking to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for deception about the causes and consequences of climate change. Nor does it preempt state-level climate superfund laws aimed at recouping damages from climate change.

The full text of the bill is available here. A two-pager on the bill is available here.

“Big Oil and Gas have gotten away with their get-rich-quick schemes for far too long,” said Senator Markey. “They’ve pocketed billions in profits, while emitting billions of tons of carbon and spewing toxic pollutants, harming communities that are left to fend for themselves. The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act would hold these big fossil fuel companies accountable for the disasters and destruction they’ve waged on frontline communities and working families, and put money into redressing those harms. They’ve been polluting and plundering; now it’s time for them to pay their fair share for disaster relief and rebuilding.”

“Fossil fuel companies are fanning the flames of climate chaos which is fueling extreme weather events including wildfires and dangerous heat waves. It is outrageous that these corporate polluters are avoiding responsibility for the harm they cause to the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans,” said Senator Merkley. “Congress must put the health of our families, our climate, and our economy above the wish lists of fossil fuel executives. The fossil fuel industry must pay its fair share for the harms caused by climate chaos.”

“For more than 50 years, the fossil fuel industry has knowingly destroyed our planet for their short-term profits,” said Senator Sanders. “Thanks to its central role in driving the climate crisis, the United States is suffering catastrophic damage. The costs of repairing our environment and transitioning away from fossil fuels must be borne by the parties responsible for driving climate change. The polluters must pay.”

“For decades, oil and gas giants made big bucks off polluting our climate, putting our communities and financial system in grave danger. The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act will hold corporations accountable while accelerating transformative investments in our clean energy future,” said Senator Warren.

“This bill is exactly what is needed to make sure average citizens are not the ones paying the extraordinary costs associated with adapting and recovering from the escalating impacts of the climate crisis,” said Brittany Baker, Maryland Director for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “We appreciate Senator Van Hollen’s leadership on this concept and are thrilled that this bill does not preempt state action.”

“The introduction of the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act by Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Nadler is a game-changing moment in our fight for climate justice! We're seeing incredible momentum building across the nation, with strong public support for holding big polluters accountable. As communities grapple with the mounting costs of climate disasters, it's high time we make fossil fuel companies pay their fair share. This bill isn't just about accountability – it's about investing in a resilient, clean energy future that works for all of us. The groundswell of support for making polluters pay shows that Americans are ready for bold action on climate. This legislation is a crucial step forward in ensuring that those who profited from pollution bear the costs of addressing the climate crisis they helped create,” said Cassidy DiPaola, Communications Director at Fossil Free Media and Spokesperson for the Make Polluters Pay campaign.

“Big Polluters know fossil fuels significantly worsen the climate crisis, and yet they have continued to pollute our communities, the air we breathe, and the water we drink across the country for decades. We applaud Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Nadler for leading on the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act to hold Big Polluters accountable and protect communities who are experiencing the devastating impacts of fossil-fueled extreme weather and environmental injustice, especially communities of color and communities with low-wealth that have been most harmed by fossil fuel development,” said Sara Chieffo, Vice President of Government Affairs, League of Conservation Voters.

“Communities are suffering from the consequences of the actions of Big Oil and Gas corporate polluters, in the form of daily pollution from oil and gas as well as damage caused by worsening extreme weather driven by climate change. We can not continue to expect taxpayers to bear the biggest burden in rebuilding and repairing the damage caused by the business activities of multi-billion dollar companies,” said Mahyar Sorour, Sierra Club’s Director of Beyond Fossil Fuels Policy. “We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Nadler in ensuring fossil fuel companies do their part to clean up the messes they have caused. We hope this is just the beginning of making polluters pay.”

“We applaud the leadership of Senator Van Hollen, Representative Nadler and Representative Chu for introducing the Polluters Pay Climate Act of 2024. It is time for fossil fuel companies to pay for the damage they have done to our communities from decades of climate pollution. By directing revenue from fossil fuel companies to help communities dealing with the impacts of wildfires, floods, droughts, and other climate change driven extreme weather events, we can start to right historic harms caused by the fossil fuel industry,” said Jim Walsh, Policy Director, Food & Water Watch.

“At a time that demands urgent climate policy solutions, the Rachel Carson Council applauds Senator Van Hollen, Representative Nadler, and Representative Chu for their important and timely legislation -- the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2024. Corporations responsible for exacerbating the effects of climate change in this country have gotten away for far too long with their reckless polluting. After decades of knowingly skyrocketing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting efforts to reduce them, it is time for the nation’s top polluters to foot the bill for the environmental degradation and health risks they have created. We strongly urge all members of Congress to support this bill and all future efforts to create a sustainable, livable future for all Americans,” said Bob Musil, PhD, MPH, President & CEO, the Rachel Carson Council.

“The fossil fuel industry has foreseen for decades that continued use of their products would cause grievous harm to the global climate, planetary biodiversity, and human civilization,” said Richard Heede, Director of the Climate Accountability Institute. “This legislation is a great step toward holding fossil fuel companies accountable. Citizens, victims, and taxpayers should not alone pay for climate remedies and resilience.”

Zanagee Artis, Executive Director of Zero Hour, said, “For over sixty years, the oil and gas sector has known about the threat that fossil fuels pose to life on earth. Big Oil is still fighting to entrench oil and gas in our energy system, and the youngest generations of people on earth could inherit a world devastated by catastrophic climate change as a result. The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2024 is accountability for an industry that has escaped it for far too long, and every member of Congress who wants a livable planet should fight to pass this bill.”

“Major oil, gas, and coal corporations have raked in enormous profits while communities bear the brunt of the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis—including extreme heat, stronger hurricanes, extreme flooding, and more devastating wildfires. Environmental racism compounds the harm for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Making the largest fossil fuel polluters fund a comprehensive and equitable federal response to climate change is one important step toward holding these companies accountable for their destructive and deadly business. Importantly, this proposal also safeguards state and local action and preserves access to justice for climate damages and deception through the courts,” said Kathy Mulvey, Climate Accountability Campaign Director, Union of Concerned Scientists.

“Vermont passed a Climate Superfund law earlier this year, because lawmakers understood that the companies causing climate disruption need to help pay to clean it up,” said Lauren Hierl, Executive Director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council. “Vermonters continue to be devastated by flooding and other climate disasters. We know that small, rural communities around the country can't bear these burdens alone, so we're excited to see the introduction of the federal Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act.”

“The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2024 is a bold step toward finally holding Big Oil accountable for their role in fueling the climate crisis. For over 60 years, corporate polluters have knowingly damaged our planet and endangered frontline communities. Big Oil has bent over backwards to cover up the science and stall climate action to protect their profits, saddling the American people with a crisis that is costing us billions every year. This bill would begin to right those wrongs by forcing the top polluters to pay into the Polluters Pay Climate Fund, proportional to the climate pollution they’re responsible for. The Fund will help address the impacts of the climate crisis and notably, will set aside 40 percent for investments that will benefit environmental justice communities. It’s time to make polluters pay for the crisis they largely created—and the majority of Americans agree,” said Evergreen Action's Senior Policy Lead for Energy Transition Mattea Mrkusic.

“The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act is a common-sense solution to long-standing injustice. For decades, fossil fuel companies have knowingly contributed to the climate crisis, raking in record profits while passing the costs of their pollution onto communities, taxpayers, and future generations,” said Aaron McCall, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, California Environmental Voters. “This bill shifts the burden back to where it belongs – onto the companies most responsible for the climate impacts we’re witnessing. By allocating 40% of the fund to those who have been disproportionately harmed by pollution and the climate crisis, we can begin to right the wrongs of the past.”

“The introduction of the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act is an important step towards accountability for the fossil fuel companies that knowingly created the climate crisis,” said Ben Edgerly Walsh, Climate & Energy Program Director at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. “It's past time these massive corporations paid their fair share of the cost of the climate crisis - Americans simply cannot afford to shoulder that immense financial burden on their own, nor should they have to.”

“Fossil fuel companies continue to invest a pittance in clean energy technologies, doubling down and cashing in on the climate chaos they deliberately created. Meanwhile millions of the world’s most marginalized people around the world are paying the ultimate price with their lives, their homes, or their livelihoods,” said Ashfaq Khalfan, Climate Justice Director at Oxfam America. “The biggest fossil fuel polluters will be responsible for trillions of dollars in climate harms by 2050. They have the funds to pay for the damages - just 45 energy corporations raked in on average $237 billion every year in windfall profits in 2021 and 2022. The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2024 is an important step to make sure that rich polluters pay to fix the damage. It will also prevent carbon pollution by sending a clear signal to companies that the more they pollute, the more they will pay.”

“From disastrous flooding in Vermont to catastrophic wildfires in California, communities and taxpayers simply don’t have the resources to rebuild and recover. Ironically the only entities on the planet with the resources to make us whole are the very companies whose predatory profit-focus caused the problem in the first place. The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act will send critically needed resources to suffering communities, at a fair and manageable cost to the polluters. This is a solution that is both just and hopeful,” said Janet Cox, CEO, Climate Action California.

“By introducing the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Nadler are taking a bold and necessary step to ensure that the fossil fuel industry is held accountable for its decades-long contributions to the climate crisis. This legislation prioritizes justice by placing the financial burden where it belongs—on the companies that have knowingly profited from environmental destruction. We are grateful for their leadership in this critical effort to protect frontline communities and invest in a sustainable future for all,” said Vanessa Fajans-Turner, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates NY.

“Fossil fuel companies have known for decades that their actions would cause global warming and plunge the world into disastrous climate impacts,” said Nora Privitera, Chair of the Federal Team at 350 Bay Area Action. “This legislation is a step in the right direction by holding polluters accountable for the damage and destruction fossils fuels have caused.”

“For far too long, fossil fuel CEOs have raked in record profits, while working class families pay the price. They profit while our homes burn, our bridges get washed away, and extreme heat threatens our lives,” said Aru Shiney-Ajay, Executive Director of Sunrise Movement. “The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act is an essential step to making sure that massive corporations like Exxon are footing the bill for climate impacts, not everyday people.”

“It’s way past time for polluters to clean up the disastrous damage they’ve done to our health, wildlife and the climate,” said Ben Goloff, climate strategist at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund. “Enough of their raking in record profits at the public’s expense. It’s just basic fairness to hold polluters, not taxpayers, accountable for the cleanup bill.”

“Air pollution from the fossil fuel industry has caused injury and disease in many people. And the greatest threat, the release of greenhouse gasses, is causing environmental damage and public health concerns around the world,” said Barbara Brandom, MD (retired), Steering Committee Member for the Concerned Health Professionals of PA. “People who had nothing to do with the sources of this pollution and subsequent environmental threats should not suffer more. The polluters must pay reparations to foster resilience to the damages caused by climate change.”

“While fossil fuel companies continue to reap billions of dollars in profit from pumping their fuel and plastics into our national economy, they also continue to pay nothing for the damage they sow upon our communities,” said Michael Richardson, Upstate New York Co-facilitator at Third Act. “The science is clear: the production and burning of fossil fuel is the primary cause of climate disruption. A reckoning of this inequity is long overdue. Polluters must no longer be allowed to make exorbitant profits by not paying for the destructive consequences.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-praise-bipartisan-confirmation-of-judge-adam-abelson-for-the-us-district-court-for-maryland,"Van Hollen, Cardin Praise Bipartisan Confirmation of Judge Adam Abelson for the U.S. District Court for Maryland",2024-09-10,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chirs Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today applauded the bipartisan Senate confirmation of Magistrate Judge Adam Abelson to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Judge Abelson fills the seat of former Chief Judge James K. Bredar, who took senior status in April of this year. He was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in July following a June hearing.

“As a magistrate judge, a leader in the Baltimore legal community, and an attorney with extensive experience in private practice and pro bono work, Judge Adam Abelson has exemplified integrity and a deep dedication to justice throughout his career. Senator Cardin and I recommended him to President Biden because we knew these qualities and qualifications position him to serve Marylanders well on the U.S. District Court in Maryland. I was pleased to support Judge Abelson’s confirmation in the Senate today, and I’m grateful to him and his family for their commitment to public service,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Congratulations to Judge Abelson and his family on his elevation to the District Court of Maryland. He is a lifelong public servant with diverse experiences and deep ties to Baltimore. Senator Van Hollen and I recommended him to President Biden for nomination because we know he meets the highest standards of integrity, skill and fidelity to the rule of law,” said Senator Cardin. “I am confident that Judge Abelson will safeguard the rights of all Marylanders and uphold the Constitution.”

U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE ADAM B. ABELSON

Judge Adam B. Abelson has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland since 2023. Prior to his judicial service, Judge Abelson worked in private practice at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP from 2012 to 2023, rising from associate to partner. He served as a law clerk for Judge Andre M. Davis on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 2011 to 2012 and Judge Catherine C. Blake on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland from 2010 to 2011. Judge Abelson received his J.D., magna cum laude, from New York University School of Law in 2010 and his B.A., cum laude, from Princeton University in 2005.

Before law school, Abelson served in Santiago, Chile as a research fellow for Human Rights Watch and the Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales.

While a litigator with Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, Abelson represented clients in complex civil litigation, white collar criminal defense, and government investigations. He was named a 2020 Young Lawyer of the Year by The American Lawyer, one of five nationwide. He maintained an active pro bono practice and is deeply involved in the community and legal profession. He serves as Chair of the American Bar Association’s Working Group on Building Public Trust in the American Justice System, for which he worked to develop the ABA’s Ten Guidelines on Court Fines and Fees and coordinated its development of the ABA’s Principles on Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Policies. He has served on the board of the Job Opportunities Task Force since 2017, including serving as the Vice Chair, and as a board member and officer of the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.

In September 2023, Judge Abelson was sworn in as a United States Magistrate Judge and sits in Baltimore. As a sitting federal Magistrate Judge, Judge Abelson presides over criminal preliminary criminal proceedings, including initial appearances, detention hearings, and arraignments. He handles federal misdemeanor offenses, and reviews applications for search and arrest warrants, pen registers, and trap and trace devices. On the civil side, he presides over civil proceedings by consent of the parties, conducts settlement conferences in civil lawsuits, and decides discovery disputes and non-dispositive motions.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joines-kaine-marshall-in-bipartisan-push-urging-department-of-education-to-help-ensure-schools-can-properly-meet-new-transparency-rules,"Van Hollen Joins Kaine, Marshall in Bipartisan Push Urging Department of Education to Help Ensure Schools Can Properly Meet New Transparency Rules",2024-09-10,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), both of whom serve on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and a bipartisan group of 17 senators in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) in support of delaying the institutional reporting deadline for the new Gainful Employment (GE) and Financial Value Transparency (FVT) regulations to July 2025. The senators’ request comes as ED works through significant challenges in rolling out the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which have temporarily created additional demands for higher education institutions. Ensuring that schools are able to properly meet the GE and FVT rules’ reporting requirements will help prospective students and their families receive accurate information about the costs and risks associated with specific programs.

“On March 29, 2024, the Department announced a two-month extension of the reporting deadline to October 1, 2024,” the senators wrote. “Although this delay was welcomed by stakeholders in the higher education community, it still does not provide institutions – particularly financial aid offices – with sufficient time to comply with an entirely new reporting framework while also working to process financial aid that is critical to ensuring students have the resources they need to enroll in the fall semester.”

“While schools are making every effort to adhere to the reporting deadline while also processing financial aid for the fall semester, they have been left with very minimal time. Institutions take any reporting obligation seriously, and work to submit accurate data to the Department when a reporting requirement is in effect, especially a new one that will be used to inform publicly-available consumer information. While the new GE/FVT requirements are no exception, it is going to be very difficult, if not impossible, for schools to submit high-quality data by the October 1 deadline given the tight timeline and additional issues financial aid offices are facing. What’s more, schools can only report accurately if their student information systems (SIS) providers, who have also been impacted by reacting to the 2024-25 FAFSA issues, are prepared with the functionality needed to generate required reports. Some SIS providers are not yet ready for GE/FVT reporting, or won’t be ready until very close to the October 1 deadline, adding another hurdle for institutions to meet their reporting obligation,” they continued.

The senators previously requested a reporting delay for the GE and FVT rules, which helped lead ED to delay the reporting requirements until October 1. In June, Kaine pushed the Department of Education Office of Inspector General (OIG) to issue a quick review of problems with FAFSA’s rollout and provide a course for corrective action. Last December, Kaine led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in urging ED to provide clear guidance and communication to students, families, educators, college access counselors, and schools leading up to and after the release of the new FAFSA.

In addition to Van Hollen, Kaine, and Marshall, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Gary C. Peters (D-Mich.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.).

Full text of the senators’ letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Cardona:

In light of continued issues with the rollout of the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we write to you to request that the Department of Education (ED) delay the institutional reporting deadline for the new Gainful Employment (GE) and Financial Value Transparency (FVT) regulations to July 2025.

On March 29, 2024, the Department announced a two-month extension of the reporting deadline to October 1, 2024. Although this delay was welcomed by stakeholders in the higher education community, it still does not provide institutions – particularly financial aid offices – with sufficient time to comply with an entirely new reporting framework while also working to process financial aid that is critical to ensuring students have the resources they need to enroll in the fall semester.

Since the extension to October 1, the 2024-25 FAFSA rollout has continued to experience significant challenges that have greatly impacted students and postsecondary institutions. Typically, financial aid administrators receive Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs), which include FAFSA applicant information and are necessary to begin providing students with financial aid offers, shortly after the FAFSA becomes available in October. However, this year, aid administrators did not begin receiving ISIRs until the first half of March, and the Department did not clear its backlog of the final ISIRs until March 29 – the same day it announced the two-month GE/FVT reporting delay. Additionally, once ISIRs began to flow to schools, a number of formula errors were identified that required reprocessing of millions of records, which took place between April and June, further delaying financial aid offices working to provide students with financial aid offers.

The ability for institutions to make corrections to student FAFSAs, a pillar of the aid application and processing cycle, has presented additional challenges this year. Manual corrections launched in early July, rather than at the same time the FAFSA became available as in previous years. Most recently, the Department announced that the batch corrections functionality, which schools rely on to submit corrections quickly and efficiently, will not be available at all for the 2024-25 aid cycle. Based on earlier announcements by ED, financial aid offices expected batch corrections to become available by early August, already 10 months behind schedule. Without the functionality, aid administrators will need to manually submit corrections for each individual student, a time-consuming process that only adds to their workload during an already compressed timeframe.

Unfortunately, ED’s delays and errors throughout the 2024-25 FAFSA cycle have resulted in a situation where many students are still waiting for clarity surrounding financial aid for the fall semester. To this day, financial aid offices across the country, at no fault of their own, are still working to resolve outstanding issues, assemble financial aid packages, and disburse aid to ensure students do not experience enrollment disruptions. During this time, institutions need to devote every available resource to processing financial aid and assisting students in preparing for the upcoming semester, rather than implementing an entirely new reporting framework by October 1.

Beyond the need to devote time and resources towards processing financial aid for the fall semester, there are additional practical constraints that will make it extremely challenging for institutions to complete high-quality reporting. The Department estimates that institutions will take 400 hours to report the GE/FVT data by October 1. The Department did not finalize the reporting requirements or publish a complete GE/FVT user guide to help schools prepare until July. ED also did not make the GE completers lists, which many schools use to test and implement their reporting process, available until early August, despite previously stating that these lists would be made available in mid- to late- July. With completers lists not becoming available until early August, schools will have less than two months between the time they received everything they needed to test and complete the reporting process and the October 1 deadline.

While schools are making every effort to adhere to the reporting deadline while also processing financial aid for the fall semester, they have been left with very minimal time. Institutions take any reporting obligation seriously, and work to submit accurate data to the Department when a reporting requirement is in effect, especially a new one that will be used to inform publicly-available consumer information. While the new GE/FVT requirements are no exception, it is going to be very difficult, if not impossible, for schools to submit high-quality data by the October 1 deadline given the tight timeline and additional issues financial aid offices are facing. What’s more, schools can only report accurately if their student information systems (SIS) providers, who have also been impacted by reacting to the 2024-25 FAFSA issues, are prepared with the functionality needed to generate required reports. Some SIS providers are not yet ready for GE/FVT reporting, or won’t be ready until very close to the October 1 deadline, adding another hurdle for institutions to meet their reporting obligation.

Based on the final rule, the GE/FVT regulations will not be fully implemented until July 1, 2026. Extending the reporting deadline to July 2025 will still give the Department a full year to implement their part of the rule. While the Department has expressed its intent to publish some GE/FVT data in early 2025, adhering to this timeline will come at the expense of students across the country, who continue to be impacted by the delays and errors associated with the 2024-25 FAFSA, by diverting time and resources that financial aid offices would otherwise spend supporting students.

We respectfully request that the Department delay the GE/FVT reporting requirements to July 2025. The Department should not rush to meet the October 1 deadline at the expense of financial aid administrators who are doing what they can to guide students through a difficult FAFSA cycle. Now more than ever, aid administrators need to remain focused on helping students apply and receive the aid they need to access their postsecondary education.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-over-951000-for-firefighter-training-equipment-upgrades-in-prince-georges-montgomery-counties,"Maryland Delegation Members Announce Over $951,000 for Firefighter Training, Equipment Upgrades in Prince George’s, Montgomery Counties",2024-09-06,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Glenn Ivey, David Trone, and Jamie Raskin (all D-Md.) announced $951,500.90 in federal funding for fire departments in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties – resources that will enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure better protection for the public and the firefighters. The funding will support individual departments as well as the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute’s (MFRI) State Fire Training Academy, based at the University of Maryland, College Park, and its six regional training centers across the state.

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to keep their fellow Marylanders safe. This federal funding is an investment in public safety – providing our first responders with the resources and training they need to protect our communities and protect themselves,” said the lawmakers.

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

$429,369.56 to the University of Maryland’s MFRI to support the State Fire Training Academy;

$37,283.80 to Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a turn-out gear extractor and dryer;

$32,673.63 to Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a turn-out gear extractor and dryer.

$452,173.91 to Montgomery County Fire & Rescue to support their cancer screening program.

The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, which the lawmakers fought to secure. The lawmakers additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG program through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-american-citizen-killed-in-west-bank,Van Hollen Statement on American Citizen Killed in West Bank,2024-09-06,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"“The Netanyahu Government – including racist extremists like Smotrich and Ben-Gvir – has fueled settler violence in the West Bank at the same time that it has announced new illegal settlements. The United States cannot turn a blind eye to these actions – including the killing of American citizens. To date, the U.S. has not received satisfactory responses from the Netanyahu Government about the two other Americans killed in the West Bank since October 7th, and the Biden Administration has not been doing enough to pursue justice and accountability on their behalf. I have repeatedly raised these concerns with the Administration, including when I met with Ambassador Jack Lew during my recent trip to the region – where I also met with the families of those Americans killed – as well as in two letters to Secretary Blinken and in further meetings with the Department of State. The Biden Administration must do more to hold the Netanyahu Government accountable and use American influence to demand the prosecution of those responsible for harm against American citizens. If the Netanyahu Government will not pursue justice for Americans, the U.S. Department of Justice must.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-hoyer-announce-over-700000-for-fire-departments-in-southern-maryland,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Hoyer Announce Over $700,000 for Fire Departments in Southern Maryland",2024-09-05,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Steny Hoyer (all D-Md.) announced $707,877.04 in federal funding for seven fire departments in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through equipment upgrades, ensuring better protection for both the public and the firefighters themselves.

“Our volunteer firefighters in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties work tirelessly to protect the community, and ensuring they have the safety equipment they need is critical. This federal funding will provide our local fire departments with the resources to help keep the public and themselves safe during an emergency,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to protect our protectors, providing them with the tools they need to do their job safer and smarter. Volunteering is a labor of love, and we’re so proud that this federal funding will equip these Southern Maryland heroes with state-of-the-art technology to keep their community safe,” said Senator Cardin.

“I was pleased to help our volunteer firefighters in Southern Maryland secure the federal resources they need to keep their fellow Marylanders safe,” said Congressman Hoyer. ""Our firefighters risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our neighbors and communities. As a co-chair and longtime member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I will do everything I can to back our firefighters as they fulfill their crucial mission.”

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

$480,000 for 110 sets of turn out gear for the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department, Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Benedict Volunteer Fire Department, Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department, and Dentsville Volunteer EMS, Fire and Auxiliary in Charles County. The new equipment will replace outdated turn out gear that is no longer compliant with National Fire Protection Association standards.

$153,695.23 for the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department in Charles County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles.

$74,181.81 for the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department in St. Mary’s County to replace 17 sets of turnout gear.

The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, which the lawmakers fought to secure.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-murphy-colleagues-in-urging-biden-administration-to-withhold-military-aid-to-egypt-over-human-rights-concerns,"Van Hollen Joins Murphy, Colleagues in Urging Biden Administration to Withhold Military Aid to Egypt Over Human Rights Concerns",2024-09-05,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the SFRC Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, and eight of their Senate colleagues in urging the Biden administration to withhold the $320 million of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Egypt that Congress made contingent upon specific human rights conditions in the FY23 Appropriations Act. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators lay out the Egyptian government’s failure to make meaningful progress in addressing human rights concerns and argue the U.S. should withhold these funds until Egypt takes sustained and effective steps to improve human rights.

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Tom Carper (D-Del.) also signed the letter.

The senators detailed the Egyptian government’s targeting of political opponents and journalists: “Ahead of presidential elections last year, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s government arrested more than 400 demonstrators for protesting a government-sponsored pro-Sisi electoral event. During the election, the Egyptian government manipulated voter turnout through bribery, coercion, and forced mobilization. And after the election, they sentenced presidential contender Ahmed el-Tantawy and 22 of his campaign supporters to one-year in prison, after previously targeting Tantawy’s phone with Predator spyware…The government has also continued to attack and harass journalists and media organizations with new arrests, investigations, bans, and refusals to issue licenses.”

“According to the State Department’s latest human rights report, the Egyptian government has not only failed to investigate allegations of human rights abuses, it has also continued to commit ‘significant human rights’ violations such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance, torture and life-threating prison conditions, and severe restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, and association,” the senators added.

The senators argue the U.S. can both enforce its law and maintain its security relationship with Egypt: “Egypt and the United States share mutual security concerns that merit the sustainment of our military-to-military relationship. These include efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, bolster Egypt’s efforts to defeat extremist groups, including the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Sinai, and to strengthen efforts to counter foreign terrorist fighters. We can continue to support these objectives while enforcing the law to withhold $320 million in military aid to Egypt due to a lack of necessary progress on human rights. As the decision to withhold a portion of Egypt’s $1.3 billion appropriation for each of the last three years demonstrates, the bilateral security relationship can be effectively sustained at a reduced level of assistance while upholding our values.”

They concluded, “The decision the administration will make as to whether to enforce the conditions set forth by Congress on holding Egypt accountable for progress on human rights is critical to advancing long-term U.S. interests in Egypt and American credibility on human rights globally. We urge the administration to withhold the full $320 million as called for by the FY23 Appropriations Act until Egypt’s human rights record improves.”

Murphy has consistently been a vocal proponent of withholding a portion of security aid to Egypt based on human rights concerns. Murphy raised the issue during the nomination hearings for the new U.S. Ambassador to Egypt and the new Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. He raised it again in June of this year when he chaired a hearing on the FY25 budget request for the Middle East and North Africa. Last October, Murphy applauded U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Ben Cardin’s decision to block a portion of foreign military financing to Egypt until the country takes meaningful steps to improve human rights conditions.

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Blinken,

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill directs the administration to withhold $320 million of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Egypt absent improvements on human rights. Over the last year, Egypt’s human rights record has continued to deteriorate, despite the Egyptian government’s claims to the contrary. Therefore, we urge you to withhold the full amount of $320 million.

Of that amount, $225 million is tied to “sustained and effective steps” by the Egyptian government to: 1) strengthen the rule of law, democratic institutions, and protect women and religious minorities; 2) protect fundamental freedoms, including the ability of NGOs and media to operate freely; 3) hold security forces accountable when they violate human rights; 4) investigate and prosecute cases of extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances; and 5) provide regular access to U.S. officials to areas where U.S. assistance is used.

Over the past year, the Egyptian government’s track record on these criteria has declined. Ahead of presidential elections last year, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government arrested more than 400 demonstrators for protesting a government-sponsored pro-Sisi electoral event. During the election, the Egyptian government manipulated voter turnout through bribery, coercion, and forced mobilization. And after the election, they sentenced presidential contender Ahmed el-Tantawy and 22 of his campaign supporters to one-year in prison, after previously targeting Tantawy’s phone with Predator spyware.

The government has also continued to attack and harass journalists and media organizations with new arrests, investigations, bans, and refusals to issue licenses. Even when it takes some steps, such as closing the infamous “Foreign Funding” case, which long targeted civil society, it maintains travel bans and asset freezes on several of the individuals in the case and targets others. According to the State Department’s latest human rights report, the Egyptian government has not only failed to investigate allegations of human rights abuses, it has also continued to commit “significant human rights” violations such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance, torture and life-threating prison conditions, and severe restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.

An additional $95 million of the FY23 FMF allocation is tied to the Egyptian government’s “clear and consistent progress” in releasing political prisoners, providing detainees with due process of law, and preventing the intimidation and harassment of American citizens.” Egypt continues to detain thousands of political prisoners, including at least two United States legal permanent residents. At least one American citizen has also been held in pre-trial detention for nearly a year. Since the administration refused to certify the Egyptian government had made progress on this condition last year, al-Sisi’s regime has released approximately 1,000 prisoners. But for each political prisoner who has been released, Egypt has detained at least two more. In addition, authorities have recycled nearly 1,000 political prisoners to new cases, most of whom continue to languish in pretrial detention beyond the two-year legal maximum but also some who have completed their sentences. Lastly, human rights groups have raised concern that Egyptian authorities use of remote video conferencing for pretrial detention renewal hearings is denying prisoners their due process rights.

Egypt and the United States share mutual security concerns that merit the sustainment of our military-to-military relationship. These include efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, bolster Egypt’s efforts to defeat extremist groups, including the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Sinai, and to strengthen efforts to counter foreign terrorist fighters. We can continue to support these objectives while enforcing the law to withhold $320 million in military aid to Egypt due to a lack of necessary progress on human rights. As the decision to withhold a portion of Egypt’s $1.3 billion appropriation for each of the last three years demonstrates, the bilateral security relationship can be effectively sustained at a reduced level of assistance while upholding our values.

The decisions to withhold these funds the last several years have resulted in the Egyptian government taking some steps in some areas to address U.S. concerns. But the steps to date have been wholly inadequate and undermined by regressions in other areas; we must therefore continue to demonstrate our concern for Egypt’s long-term stability by again withholding these funds until the government takes sustained and effective steps to improve human rights, as U.S. law requires.

The decision the administration will make as to whether to enforce the conditions set forth by Congress on holding Egypt accountable for progress on human rights is critical to advancing long-term U.S. interests in Egypt and American credibility on human rights globally. We urge the administration to withhold the full $320 million as called for by the FY23 Appropriations Act until Egypt’s human rights record improves.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-announce-332000-to-protect-children-from-lead-in-drinking-water-at-schools-and-childcare-facilities,"Maryland Delegation Members Announce $332,000 to Protect Children from Lead in Drinking Water at Schools and Childcare Facilities",2024-09-03,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) announced $332,000 for the Maryland Department of the Environment for the identification and removal of lead sources in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities across the state. The grant is provided through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Voluntary School and Childcare Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program, which the lawmakers fought to fund at $28 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations package. The lawmakers also worked to expand the program through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allows funds to be used for lead pipe remediation in addition to testing.

“Protecting our children’s health is essential, and that includes ensuring they have access to clean, lead-free drinking water at their schools and childcare centers. This federal investment will help our state accelerate efforts to find and replace dangerous lead pipes where Maryland kids are meant to learn and thrive – not face lifelong health risks from drinking water. With this critical work to increase access to clean water, we can keep students safer both today and in the future,” said the lawmakers.

This funding comes after the delegation members announced in May nearly $30 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to remove and replace lead service lines in communities across Maryland. In all, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides more than $50 billion to EPA over five years to improve the nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure – the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made.

Lead can severely harm children’s mental and physical development, slowing down learning, and irreversibly damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer. The Voluntary School and Childcare Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program requires recipients to use the “3Ts” – Training, Testing, and Taking Action – to reduce lead in drinking water. The 3Ts Program provides valuable resources for states to address lead contamination and protect children in educational and childcare settings.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-12-million-for-airport-infrastructure-projects-on-the-eastern-shore,"Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $1.2 Million for Airport Infrastructure Projects on the Eastern Shore",2024-09-03,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) announced $1,269,403 in federal funding for infrastructure and expansion projects at the Salisbury Regional Airport, Easton Airport, and Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport. The funding, provided through the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), will increase the airports’ capacities to meet operational needs and safety standards.

“Eastern Shore airports play a crucial role in supporting the region’s economy and ensuring people and cargo get where they need to go. We fought for these investments to provide local airports with the infrastructure they need to continue to serve Maryland’s businesses, residents, and visitors safely and efficiently,” said the lawmakers.

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

$1,000,000 to Salisbury Regional Airport to extend the airport’s existing runway by an additional 1,200 feet to accommodate aircraft with greater passenger capacity;

$150,000 to Easton Airport to extend Runway 22’s safety area to 1,000 feet; and

$119,403 to Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport to acquire more land for airport operations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-welcomes-start-of-process-for-potential-second-central-atlantic-offshore-wind-sale,Van Hollen Welcomes Start of Process for Potential Second Central Atlantic Offshore Wind Sale,2024-08-27,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) welcomed the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) step forward on a second regional offshore wind energy sale in the Central Atlantic Ocean. BOEM’s Call for Information and Nominations is a key initial step toward identifying additional wind energy areas (WEAs) in the region for a potential second auction next year, following the first sale which was completed earlier this month. BOEM’s action comes after a December 2023 agreement that Senator Van Hollen helped broker which led to BOEM committing to work towards a second round of lease sales in the Central Atlantic in 2025, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in June by BOEM and the State of Maryland to maximize offshore wind energy development off the coast of Maryland.

“In Maryland, we have a big opportunity to harness the renewable power of offshore wind to create good-paying jobs, cut energy costs, and combat the climate crisis. This step by the Biden-Harris Administration toward a potential second lease sale in the Central Atlantic is critical for us to fully maximize that opportunity. I’m grateful for the Administration’s continued partnership as we work toward our ambitious wind energy deployment goals,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Senator Van Hollen has played a pivotal role in facilitating the necessary state and federal collaboration to support Maryland’s offshore wind growth over the past year and a half. In January 2023, Senator Van Hollen led a letter to the Biden-Harris Administration urging them to maximize the leasing space available for offshore wind energy in the Central Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, in July, he and eight of his Senate colleagues pressed the White House to coordinate with all federal agencies with interests in ocean use in order to keep offshore wind projects across the nation on track. Later that month BOEM released a WEA map that included two leasing areas, – A1 and C2 – which were later found to be viable for development. Senator Van Hollen and Team Maryland continued to work with these officials with the goal of unlocking as much Central Atlantic offshore wind energy acreage as possible while balancing other important federal ocean use priorities such as national security operations, navigational safety, and environmental health. These engagements led to the White House’s December announcement of a proposed offshore wind lease sale of the A1 and C2 parcels to be held in 2024, along with a commitment to identify additional acreage off Maryland’s shores to be designated as WEAs for lease in a second sale as early as 2025. In keeping with that agreement, the sales of A1 and C2 were completed earlier this month, and last week’s announcement from BOEM kicks off the process for the second potential sale next year.

This Central Atlantic 2 Call Area consists of more than 13 million acres located off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. The purpose of BOEM’s Call for Information and Nominations is to gather information from interested and affected parties regarding site conditions, resources, and other uses in the Call Area, in order to determine suitable offshore wind energy areas for Central Atlantic 2, so that ultimately the best potential lease areas can be selected for new offshore wind projects.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-coons-ricketts-colleagues-in-bipartisan-letter-supporting-us-efforts-to-enhance-diplomatic-engagement-with-pacific-islands-countries,"Van Hollen Joins Coons, Ricketts, Colleagues in Bipartisan Letter Supporting U.S. Efforts to Enhance Diplomatic Engagement with Pacific Islands Countries",2024-08-26,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of this week’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting where they expressed their support for broader and deeper U.S. engagement with countries of the Pacific Islands region.

The 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting taking place this week in Tonga will be attended by 18 member states; the United States is not a member of the PIF, but will send a delegation as a dialogue partner of the Forum. In their letter, the senators urged Secretary Blinken to highlight U.S. accomplishments and efforts to collaborate with countries of the Pacific Islands region in ways that will reinforce and expand our nations’ relations in the years to come, despite heightened international competition and growing economic and environmental challenges.

“From publishing the Pacific Partnership Strategy to hosting the first-ever U.S.-Pacific Island Country Summit, the United States has elevated our engagement with the Pacific Islands region to a foremost U.S. foreign policy priority,” wrote the senators. “As a dialogue partner of the PIF, it is critical that the United States continues to demonstrate this commitment to the region as a strong ally … [and] push forward tangible implementation of deliverables outlined in the Pacific Partnership Strategy, previous U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum summits, and elsewhere.”

The Senators asked the U.S. delegation to provide clear updates at the Forum on several commitments the United States has discussed with PIF members, including:

Openings of U.S. embassies in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Tonga;

Increasing cabinet and sub-cabinet level visits to the region;

Implementation of the Compacts of Free Association;

Status of the USAID mission in Fiji and its operations;

Implementation of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in Papua New Guinea and coordination on the Defense Cooperation Agreement;

Implementation of the Partners in the Blue Pacific Fisheries and Ocean Science Vessel Initiative;

Provision of programming and support for healthcare systems and healthcare infrastructure of Pacific Islands countries;

Return of the Peace Corps to a number of countries in the region.

You can read the full letter here and below:

As we approach the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting taking place in Tonga from August 26 to 30, we respectfully ask that the U.S. delegation to the PIF prioritize sustaining robust levels of diplomatic engagement with PIF countries and communicate the clear importance of relations with Pacific Islands countries as a key component of U.S. foreign policy in the region and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific.

Over recent years, the United States has worked to cultivate broader and deeper engagement with the countries of the Pacific Islands region. From publishing the Pacific Partnership Strategy to hosting the first-ever U.S. Pacific Island Country Summit, the United States has elevated our engagement with the Pacific Islands region to a foremost U.S. foreign policy priority.

Congress has also demonstrated broad, bipartisan support for engagement with the Pacific Islands countries as a strategic U.S. foreign policy priority. In addition to the recent modernization of economic assistance to the three Compacts of Free Association countries for the next 20 years, this year’s State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill sustains robust assistance programs and diplomatic engagement with Pacific Island countries. Multiple hearings on U.S. policy in the region through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as bilateral and multilateral engagement with leaders in the region by Members of Congress, continue to convey the level of attention and importance placed on the region across the U.S. government.

As a dialogue partner of the PIF, it is critical that the United States continue to demonstrate this commitment to the region as a strong ally that will support the sovereignty, security, and economic development of countries in the region. Aligned with this year’s PIF Leaders meeting theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki, Build Better Now,” we believe the United States should push forward tangible implementation of deliverables outlined in the Pacific Partnership Strategy, previous U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum summits and elsewhere.

In particular, we ask that the delegation provide clear updates to PIF members at the meeting on the following U.S. deliverables, including:

• Openings of U.S. embassies in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Tonga, including a timeline for the provision of consular services;

• Progress on opening up an embassy in Kiribati;

• Ensuring diplomatic missions in the region are adequately staffed and have a permanent, on-the-ground presence;

• Increasing cabinet and sub-cabinet level visits to the region;

• Supporting other regional organizations, including the Pacific Community and the Micronesian Islands Forum;

• Implementation of the Compacts of Free Association;

• Status of the USAID mission in Fiji and its operations;

• Implementation of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in Papua New Guinea and coordination on the Defense Cooperation Agreement;

• Implementation of the Partners in the Blue Pacific Fisheries and Ocean Science Vessel Initiative;

• Provision of programming and support for healthcare systems and healthcare infrastructure of Pacific Islands countries; and the

• Return of the Peace Corps to a number of countries in the region.

We also ask that the U.S. delegation consider providing further information to facilitate PIF’s designation as an international organization by U.S. standards so that the PIF may have a permanent representative in Washington. Through close coordination and cooperation with regional nations and territories, we hope that the United States can continue to collaborate with the PIF on enhancing maritime security; building secure, resilient and sustainable infrastructure; combatting transnational crime and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; addressing corruption, ensuring free and fair elections without malign foreign interference; supporting law enforcement and judicial training; devising regional standards for international policing partners; and supporting educational and labor opportunities for youth and women.

Through all these efforts, the United States should continue to reaffirm our commitment to fostering people-to-people ties with countries and territories of the Pacific Islands region. The importance of robust U.S. engagement with PIF nations cannot be understated, and we ask that the U.S. delegation to the Leaders Meeting express our clear, sustained support for broader and deeper diplomatic relations with PIF nations for decades to come.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-markey-dingell-carper-welcome-release-of-27-billion-from-national-climate-bank-network-to-spur-clean-energy-projects-nationwide,"Van Hollen, Markey, Dingell, Carper Welcome Release of $27 Billion from National Climate Bank Network to Spur Clean Energy Projects Nationwide",2024-08-16,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) along with Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) obligation of $27 billion through three competitive grant programs from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). This includes $20 billion in National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) funds, and $7 billion in Solar for All funds, which will prioritize clean energy expansion and innovation, access to affordable clean energy in low-income communities, and affordable solar power for families across the country. These investments will spur development of clean energy projects across the nation. The GGRF is modeled on national climate bank legislation authored by Senators Van Hollen and Markey in partnership with Congresswoman Dingell, and includes provisions they then fought to incorporate within the Inflation Reduction Act. Senators Van Hollen, Markey, and Rep. Dingell as well as Chairman Carper and House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.) were instrumental in getting the GGRF enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden signed into law two years ago today.

“We never stopped fighting to launch a national climate bank because we knew the plan we designed will catalyze large private investments in clean energy that will help address the climate crisis, generate good paying jobs, cut energy costs for consumers, and directly support disadvantaged communities that are too often left behind — a true win-win-win-win. And, today, two years since the creation of our Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund through the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re officially delivering $27 billion in investments to transformative projects that will drive renewable energy innovation, cut pollution, and address the disproportionate impact of climate change on disadvantaged communities. These investments, which will be multiplied several times over by private capital, will power us toward a better, healthier future,” said Senator Van Hollen. The Senator first introduced legislation to create a national green bank in 2009 when he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“After fighting for a national climate bank for more than a decade, it is inspiring to see the $27 billion national clean financing network up, running, and ready to help combat the climate crisis,” said Senator Markey. “In writing the Inflation Reduction Act, we made sure that this money would meet the needs of environmental justice communities and meet the urgency of the moment—and with 70 percent of funds going to disadvantaged communities and an ability to leverage seven dollars from the private sector for every dollar of taxpayer money, this is a good deal that will do good for the American people. I applaud the EPA for their rigorous process and I can’t wait to see how the awardees help our communities save money, clean up their environment, and take action on climate.”

“These awards are making clean energy financing accessible to low-income and underserved communities that have for far too long carried the brunt of environmental pollution, helping us attack the climate crisis head on and creating jobs while lowering energy costs. These investments will fund projects that otherwise would not have been possible, and will mobilize nearly seven times as much in private capital. I’m proud to have helped author and pass the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and look forward to continuing to invest in the most impactful and urgent projects to reach our climate and environmental justice goals,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

“The Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is proof that we can cut climate pollution and lower energy costs while creating good paying jobs and economic opportunity in communities across our nation, especially those that have been often overlooked,” said Senator Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “Thanks to today’s announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency, we are one step closer to realizing the benefits of the climate and clean energy projects that will be funded by the GGRF. I applaud the Biden-Harris administration for their continued work to implement this program and bring clean energy to more Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-mfume-announce-20-million-for-johns-hopkins-university-to-improve-cancer-surgery,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Announce $20 Million for Johns Hopkins University to Improve Cancer Surgery",2024-08-15,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $20,900,000 for Johns Hopkins University (JHU) to advance surgical abilities to treat cancer. The funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health’s (ARPA-H) Precision Surgical Interventions Program will support the development of new surgical imaging tools that will allow surgeons to better distinguish between healthy tissue and cancer, enabling the removal of all cancer tissue in a single procedure.

JHU’s award is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, which aims to reduce the cancer death rate in the United States by at least half – preventing more than 4 million cancer deaths – by 2047, and improving the experience of people who are touched by cancer. As part of the Cancer Moonshot and with Congressional support, President Biden and Vice President Harris established ARPA-H to generate breakthroughs in preventing, detecting, and treating cancer and other diseases. In its first two years, ARPA-H has invested more than $400 million to fast-track progress in the fight against cancer. The members worked to secure $1.5 billion in funding for ARPA-H in fiscal year 2024 and are fighting to sustain this funding level in the final FY2025 bill.

“The Cancer Moonshot is driving significant advances in the way we fight this disease. Johns Hopkins has long played a key role in the fight against cancer, and this funding will help the University create innovative new tools to ensure that the cancer surgeries of the future are more successful and less invasive. This major investment will save lives and bring us closer to our goal of ending cancer once and for all,” said Senator Van Hollen, who joined President Biden in 2022 to reignite the Cancer Moonshot and was an early proponent of ARPA-H.

“Maryland continues to be on the forefront of cancer research, changing the way we look at and treat cancer. Having long worked to advocate for federal support for cancer care and strong supporter of the Cancer Moonshot, I am proud to see Johns Hopkins University as part of this latest cohort working to transform cancer treatments. These federal dollars will contribute to the success of precision surgical procedures nationwide, making sure surgeons have all the tools they need to distinguish between healthy tissue and cancer in the operating room. It surely will save lives,” said Senator Cardin.

“The fight against cancer is an overwhelmingly strenuous and lengthy test of body, mind, and spirit. This groundbreaking federal investment is a representation of Team Maryland’s Congressional Delegation’s concern for those affected by this debilitating and too often times fatal disease. Johns Hopkins University and its hospital and medical schools will continue to be exceptional partners in our shared mission of ending cancer as we know it,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.

“At Johns Hopkins, our shared belief in the power of research to improve lives and bring hope to millions of people informs everything we do every single day. This award provides significant resources to multidisciplinary teams working to ensure greater precision and success during highly complex cancer surgeries,” said Theodore DeWeese, M.D., Dean of the Medical Faculty and CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine.

The funds will support JHU’s work on a novel non-contact, photoacoustic endoscope as well as a multi-cancer fluorescent contrast agent, which together will provide a more colorful view of the surgical field – without altering the surgeons’ workflow – equipping them to provide more effective tumor-removal surgeries. These imaging tools and strategies to be developed by JHU are aimed at improving the surgical precision of cancer operations, and in turn reducing rates of repeat surgery and instances of unintentional injury to other organs and nerves.

Surgical procedures are often the first treatment option for the two million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year. However, more than 10 percent of cancer surgeries leave cancer cells behind. Current surgical technologies do not allow doctors to easily and fully distinguish cancer cells from normal surrounding tissue in the operating room, leading to a need for unintentional patient injury and reoperations due to incomplete tumor removal, along with the pain, cost, and risk associated with both. Intraoperative visualization of nerves, blood vessels, lymph ducts, and glands is also challenging. Often, these critical structures have similar color and texture to surrounding tissue and are difficult to see under standard operating room lighting. They are also often buried under other soft tissue. In exposing such buried critical structures, surgeons risk damaging or destroying them.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joines-klobuchar-welch-durbin-colleagues-in-urging-justice-department-to-protect-election-workers-in-upcoming-election,"Van Hollen Joins Klobuchar, Welch, Durbin, Colleagues in Urging Justice Department to Protect Election Workers in Upcoming Election",2024-08-12,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over federal elections, Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and 18 of their colleagues sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco urging the Department of Justice to take further action to counter threats targeting election workers ahead of the upcoming election.

“We write to express serious concern about ongoing and persistent threats against election workers and to call on the Department of Justice to take additional steps to protect election officials, workers, and volunteers as we approach the election in November,” wrote the senators. “In recent years, we have seen an ongoing barrage of threats and abusive conduct targeting election workers, and, as noted in the Department’s Election Threats Task Force briefing in May, these threats to our public servants ‘endanger our democracy itself.’”

“We appreciate the steps that the Department has taken to address these concerning threats, including establishing the Election Threats Task Force and working to raise awareness of federal resources, but more must be done to counter these persistent threats and ensure that election workers can do their jobs,” the senators continued. “It is for these reasons that we urge the Department to continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of threats against election workers, including by allocating sufficient resources to meet these threats head on.”

In addition to Van Hollen, Klobuchar, Welch, and Durbin, the letter was signed by Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-N.V.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Angus King (I-Maine).

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Attorney General Garland and Deputy Attorney General Monaco:

We write to express serious concern about ongoing and persistent threats against election workers and to call on the Department of Justice to take additional steps to protect election officials, workers, and volunteers as we approach the election in November, because violence has no place in our democracy.

In recent years, we have seen an ongoing barrage of threats and abusive conduct targeting election workers, and, as noted in the Department’s Election Threats Task Force briefing in May, these threats to our public servants “endanger our democracy itself.” According to a survey released earlier this year, more than one in three election officials have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse, and a survey last year found that more than half who received threats have been threatened in person. Last November, more than a dozen threatening letters—some containing fentanyl—were sent to election offices in at least six states, resulting in evacuations and delays in ballot counting. Earlier this year, a New Mexico man was convicted for his role in a series of shootings targeting local election officials. And as Deputy Attorney General Monaco has noted, these threats are being supercharged by new technologies like artificial intelligence that can expand the reach and further conceal the identities of those seeking to do harm.

Our election officials and workers are public servants working on the frontlines of our democracy to make sure that every vote is counted. Election officials from both parties have testified before the Senate Rules and Judiciary Committees about threats that have been made against their lives and their families. Many election workers are leaving their jobs, impacting the ability of state and local governments to administer future elections. For example, in the past four years, 80 percent of Arizona’s counties have lost their chief local election official, and, during the same time period, close to 70 senior local election officials in Pennsylvania have resigned. The continued threat to election worker safety is happening as the number of election official resignations and retirements is growing, resulting in a significant loss of institutional knowledge.

We appreciate the steps that the Department has taken to address these concerning threats, including establishing the Election Threats Task Force and working to raise awareness of federal resources, but more must be done to counter these persistent threats and ensure that election workers can do their jobs in light of the Department’s acknowledgment that the law enforcement response to threats in 2020 was “inadequate.” It is for these reasons that we urge the Department to continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of threats against election workers, including by allocating sufficient resources to meet these threats head on.

We respectfully request an update on the Department’s efforts and plans to combat these threats as this year’s election approaches, in addition to providing the following information:

1. The number of threats against election workers, officials, volunteers, or their families that have been identified by the Department’s Election Threats Task Force, by state.

2. The number of completed and ongoing investigations and prosecutions based on those identified threats and actions taken to prioritize investigations and prosecutions.

3. A summary of the Department’s efforts to conduct outreach to election officials and workers to make them aware of the process for reporting threats and resources provided by the Task Force.

4. Actions taken by the Department to address the use of new technologies—including artificial intelligence—to target election workers.

5. Actions taken by the Department to inform local law enforcement agencies and election workers about the Department’s National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center.

6. A summary of any new plans the Department has for the 2024 election cycle, including staff increases or new training for existing staff members.

Thank you for your efforts to protect our election workers who administer our free and fair elections.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-key-committee-passage-of-3-million-for-maryland-water-infrastructure-projects-and-investments-in-port-and-shipping-channels,"Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Key Committee Passage of $3 Million for Maryland Water Infrastructure Projects and Investments in Port and Shipping Channels",2024-08-09,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced the inclusion of $3,030,000 in key Senate Committee legislation providing direct federal funding for two water infrastructure projects in Charles and Wicomico Counties. These community projects, funded at the Senators’ request, are within the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development (E&W) proposed funding legislation for fiscal year 2025. In addition, the Senators fought to include critical resources for Army Corps projects in Maryland, including funds for the Baltimore Harbor and Poplar Island projects, supporting dredging of Maryland’s waterways and shipping channels. This subcommittee legislation, released as part of the annual Congressional Appropriations process and approved August 1 in a bipartisan vote by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, will proceed to consideration before the full Senate. Funding is not finalized until the Appropriations bills are passed by the full Senate, reconciled with the House of Representatives, and signed by the President.

“From our shipping channels to stormwater drainage – water infrastructure comes in many forms – but across Maryland our communities rely on it to prevent flooding, maintain commerce, and more. These federal funds will support a wide array of Maryland water infrastructure priorities that are vital to our economy and our environment, including dredging the Baltimore Harbor and its channels, restoring Poplar Island, and community projects in Wicomico and Charles Counties. We’ll keep working to deliver these investments to build an even stronger Maryland for all,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Updating our water infrastructure is critical as we adapt to a changing climate, work to make our water cleaner and build more resilient communities. This bill makes federal investments to help address the worst effects of climate change and ensure access to healthy, safe water including in flood mitigation, dredging for safer waterways, wastewater treatment, renewable energy and so much more. This federal funding represents Team Maryland’s ongoing commitment to investing in community-led programs that bring greater resources to every corner of the state and improve the quality of life for all Marylanders,” said Senator Cardin.

These projects were included in the Senate Appropriations Energy and Water Development FY2025 funding legislation.

Project Name: Chesapeake Bay Environmental Restoration & Protection Program, DC, DE, MD, NY, PA, VA & WV (Hebron)

Applicant: Town of Hebron

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to prepare a scoping report and initiate the feasibility study for a water infrastructure project to mitigate flooding, manage stormwater, and increase resilience within the Town of Hebron and the Nanticoke River Watershed.

Project Location: Wicomico County

Amount Included: $300,000

Project Name: Maryland, Section 219, MD (Charles County - Lower Mattawoman)

Applicant: Charles County

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to complete the feasibility and design phases, and initiate the first part of rehabilitation construction for defects in the Lower Mattawoman Interceptor, addressing high levels of base infiltration that can inundate the downstream Mattawoman Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Project Location: Charles County

Amount Included: $2,720,000

Additional priorities secured by the Senators in the FY25 Energy and Water Development funding bill include:

Corps of Engineers highlights

This bill delivers crucial funding to maintain our ports and harbors and strengthen our competitiveness, invests in keeping communities safe and prepared for extreme weather events, and protects endangered species by supporting ecosystem restoration efforts across the country. For the Army Corps of Engineers, this bill provides $10.3 billion in total funding. This includes funding for the following Maryland operations, maintenance dredging, and construction projects:

$49 million for Baltimore Harbor and Channels

$1 million for Baltimore Harbor drift removal

$246,000 for Cumberland, Maryland and Ridgeley, West Virginia

$9.7 million for Jennings Randolph Lake in Maryland and West Virginia

$515,000 for Ocean City Harbor and Inlet and Sinepuxent Bay

$5 million for Wicomico River

$18.4 million for Intercoastal Waterway, Delaware River to Chesapeake Bay, Delaware and Maryland

$10 million for Poplar Island construction

$900,000 for Assateague Island

Ports and Harbors: The bill provides a historic $3.1 billion – a $319 million increase over FY24 – for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to improve navigation through dredging ports, maintain our nation’s waterways, and ensure goods and people can get to where they need to be.

Protecting Communities from Extreme Weather: The bill continues investments in critical construction projects to protect communities from extreme weather events and more frequent flooding. This funding supports projects and programs that use natural infrastructure and environmental restoration efforts to support keystone species.

Department of Energy highlights

The bill provides $17.7 billion – a $296 million increase over FY24 – for the Department of Energy’s non-defense programs.

Scientific Discovery: The bill provides $8.6 billion in new directed funding – a $360 million increase over fiscal year 2024 – for the Office of Science. This funding will help continue implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and advance the highest priorities in materials research, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, biology, and clean energy research to maintain and strengthen our global competitiveness.

Renewable Energy: The bill provides $3.46 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, sustaining key investments and funding provided in fiscal year 2024. This includes $459 million for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to develop groundbreaking energy innovations, as well as resources for wind energy, water technologies, and advanced manufacturing to strengthen our global leadership in renewable energy technologies and manufacturing. It also provides critical funding to bolster necessary manufacturing supply chains.

Protecting Our Energy Grid: The bill provides $200 million for Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response to help ensure the continued success of the Department’s programs aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of our energy sector and grid. It also provides $280 million for the Office of Electricity and $60 million for the Grid Deployment Office to help deploy transmission for the buildout of clean energy.

Lowering Energy Bills: This bill provides $326 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes.

Appalachian Regional Commission",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-key-committee-passage-of-over-14-million-for-maryland-initiatives-supporting-small-business-and-entrepreneurship,"Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Key Committee Passage of Over $14 Million for Maryland Initiatives Supporting Small Business and Entrepreneurship",2024-08-09,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), and Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee (both D-Md.), announced the inclusion of $14,111,000 in key Senate Committee legislation providing direct federal funding for community-led projects that aim to boost small business throughout Maryland. These community projects, funded at the Senators’ request, are within Senator Van Hollen’s Appropriations FSGG Subcommittee proposed funding legislation for fiscal year 2025. This subcommittee legislation, released as part of the annual Congressional Appropriations process and approved August 1 in a bipartisan vote by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, will proceed to consideration before the full Senate. Funding is not finalized until the Appropriations bills are passed by the full Senate, reconciled with the House of Representatives, and signed by the President.

In addition to the funding they secured for local community projects, the legislation includes $375 million for the construction of the new FBI headquarters, which will be located in Greenbelt, Maryland.

“When we invest federal dollars in our communities, we’re able to directly support local priorities. These funds will enable our non-profit partners across Maryland to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners from a wide array of backgrounds to grow their businesses and succeed. Within this bill, we also secured critical federal dollars to advance statewide priorities such as building out our broadband infrastructure, combatting the opioid crisis, and building the new FBI headquarters in Prince George’s County. We’ll keep working to deliver these investments to build an even stronger Maryland for all,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Workforce development opportunity creates a strong economy; supporting Maryland’s workers and small business owners remains a top priority. This bill makes federal investments across a wide range of areas, including the construction of the new FBI Headquarters, entrepreneurship training programs, woman and minority-owned small businesses, and archival projects to preserve Maryland history. This federal funding represents Team Maryland’s continued investment in community-led programs that bring greater resources to every corner of the state and improve the quality of life for all Marylanders,” said Senator Cardin.

These projects were included in the Senate Appropriations FSGG FY2025 funding legislation.

Project Name: Adaptive Growth through Innovative Leadership Exchange

Applicant: Leadership Montgomery

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to support leadership training for small business professionals to improve their long-term success and growth within the county.

Project Location: Montgomery County

Amount Included: $478,000

Project Name: B'More Secure-Community Cyber Clinic

Applicant: Towson University

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide cyber security training for small businesses and work towards creating a practical and sustainable educational model that can be replicated throughout the State of Maryland.

Project Location: Baltimore County

Amount Included: $1,600,000

Project Name: Disadvantaged Small Business Legal Training and Data Collection

Applicant: Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund (MBELDEF)

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide legal training to disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses as they continue to create jobs and spur economic growth in their communities.

Project Location: Statewide

Amount Included: $406,000

Project Name: Early Care and Education HUBs

Applicant: Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide technical assistance, training, and business support to child care providers in order to help meet the growing needs of children and families across Maryland.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $1,000,000

Project Name: Economic Empowerment and Innovation Center

Applicant: Kingdom Global Community Development Corporation

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide technical assistance and help foster small business growth from inception to launch and scalability. The program will also support mentorship opportunities connecting new entrepreneurs and established local small businesses.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $1,342,000

Project Name: Level Up Program

Applicant: FSC FIRST

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide technical assistance to small and minority-owned businesses to support their growth by improving access to capital, training opportunities, and mentoring – helping them “level up” and succeed.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $500,000

Project Name: Maryland Growing Opportunities for Family Child Care

Applicant: Maryland Family Network

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide targeted support for individuals aspiring to open licensed family child care programs, including training, coaching, and support services to help reverse a statewide and national decline in family child care providers.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $1,000,000

Project Name: Maryland Women's Business Center (MWBC) Shop Local

Applicant: Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) host of the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC)

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to support women entrepreneurs and small business owners in retail and small-scale manufacturing, providing their early-stage ventures with business incubation and financial assistance.

Project Location: Montgomery County

Amount Included: $777,000

Project Name: Minority Entrepreneurship Training Accelerator (META)

Applicant: Upper Shore Community Development Partners

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to support minority entrepreneurs through information sharing and mentoring to spur local business growth and job creation.

Project Location: Kent County

Amount Included: $148,000

Project Name: Pathways to Economic Empowerment for Unserved and Underserved Communities Initiative

Applicant: The Collective Empowerment Group, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide educational and entrepreneurship training as tools of economic empowerment to reduce the racial wealth gap in underserved communities.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $335,000

Project Name: Princess Anne Center for Entrepreneurship

Applicant: University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to support startup entrepreneurs in any phase of product development through a competency-based curriculum.

Project Location: Somerset County

Amount Included: $2,300,000

Project Name: Social Impact Initiative for New Americans

Applicant: Health Tech Alley

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide training and workshops in entrepreneurship, small business formation, financial literacy, and business technology for new Americans and English language learners.

Project Location: Howard County

Amount Included: $275,000

Project Name: Uncovering Our Past, Transforming Our Future

Applicant: St. John's College

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to identify, digitize, and curate documents, particularly those reflecting historic racial injustices in Annapolis, Maryland. A website will also be launched to build public awareness of this history.

Project Location: Anne Arundel County

Amount Included: $1,700,000

Project Name: United for Child Care Shared Services Hub

Applicant: The United Way of Central Maryland, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to pilot a new shared services hub for small businesses providing family child care services in Maryland out of their homes with few employees. Hubs like this work cooperatively to share costs and deliver services in a streamlined and efficient way for these licensed providers.

Project Location: Howard County

Amount Included: $250,000

Project Name: Veteran Institute for Procurement: VETS to WIN

Applicant: Veteran Institute for Procurement

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to support training courses and expand curriculum offerings for veteran small business owners to support their continued success and also to help open new doors of opportunity.

Project Location: Montgomery County

Amount Included: $2,000,000

Additional priorities secured by the Senators in the FY25 Financial Services and General Government funding bill include:

Department of the Treasury: The bill provides $2 billion, a $160 million increase over FY24, for the Department of the Treasury (not including the Internal Revenue Service) to carry out its wide-ranging responsibilities strengthening and protecting our economy, combatting illegal money laundering, regulating our banks, and safeguarding the financial system against abuse by illicit actors. These investments will maintain Treasury’s ability to craft, implement, and enforce sanctions, including the historic sanctions program targeting Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: The bill provides $354 million for the CDFI Fund, a $30 million or 9.3 percent increase over FY24, to generate economic growth and provide access to credit and technical assistance to underserved communities across the country.

Small Business Administration (SBA): The bill includes $1.6 billion for the Small Business Administration – a $61 million increase in base funding for SBA over fiscal year 2024 – to support small businesses across America and connect them with the resources they need to thrive. This includes $330 million for SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development Programs, a $13 million or 4 percent increase over FY24, to help small businesses establish themselves, grow, and compete.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The bill provides $12.3 billion – sustaining the FY24 funding level – for the IRS to carry out its responsibilities and continue its work to significantly improve customer service, replace its antiquated computer systems, and ensure that everyone – especially the top 1 percent and largest corporations – pay their fair share in taxes.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The bill provides $448 million – a $57.8 million increase above FY24 – for the FCC, which includes resources to support its critical work connecting people across the country to high-speed internet and ensuring all Americans have equitable access to essential technology.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The bill provides $450 million – a $24.3 million increase over FY24 – for the FTC, which plays a vital role in protecting Americans from consumer fraud and unfair and anticompetitive practices.

Election Security: The bill includes $75 million – a $20 million increase over FY24 – for Election Security Grants for states and U.S. territories to improve the administrations of federal elections, upgrade voting equipment, make security enhancements, and protect Americans’ right to have their vote counted in free and fair elections.

Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP): The bill provides $458.5 million for the Office of National Drug Control Policy to coordinate the whole-of-government response to the opioid and substance use disorder crises, stop drug trafficking, and address addiction. ONDCP also delivers resources directly to communities to address the substance use disorder crisis.

Federal Judiciary: The bill provides $8.82 billion for the federal judiciary for operations of our nation’s courtrooms. This includes $1.5 billion for Defender Services, an increase of $49 million above fiscal year 2024.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): The bill provides $2.23 billion for the SEC to protect investors, especially small investors, help keep the American economy strong, and encourage investment in American businesses.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): The bill includes $371 million for the CFTC to regulate the United States’ derivatives markets.

United States Tax Court: The bill provides $57.3 million for the United States Tax Court to support its work adjudicating disputes over tax obligations.

Federal Election Commission: The bill provides $85.67 million for the Federal Election Commission to administer and enforce federal campaign finance law.

Pandemic Preparedness: The bill provides $3.5 million for the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response housed within the White House – a $1.5 million increase above FY24 – which was established to serve as centralized mission control and ensure there is a team in place, ready to go 24/7 in order to guide an all-of-government response to new and emerging public health threats.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-announce-key-committee-passage-of-over-25-million-for-maryland-health-care-education-and-workforce-training-projects,"Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Key Committee Passage of Over $25 Million for Maryland Health Care, Education, and Workforce Training Projects",2024-08-09,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee (both D-Md.), announced the inclusion of $25,572,000 in key Senate Committee legislation providing direct federal funding for community-led projects throughout Maryland. These community projects, funded at the Senators’ request, are within the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies’ (LHHS) proposed funding legislation for fiscal year 2025. The projects seek to expand access to health care, education, and job opportunities across Maryland, with a focus on underserved communities. This subcommittee legislation, released as part of the annual Congressional Appropriations process and approved August 1 in a bipartisan vote by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, will proceed to consideration before the full Senate. Funding is not finalized until the Appropriations bills are passed by the full Senate, reconciled with the House of Representatives, and signed by the President.

“When we invest federal dollars in our communities, we’re able provide greater opportunity to Maryland students, families, job-seekers, and more. These funds will empower our partners across the state to better serve Marylanders – providing everything from youth after-school programs and educational opportunities to job training to medical and behavioral health care. Within this bill, we’ve also boosted investment in Maryland-based institutions that serve millions of Americans like the Social Security Administration, National Institutes of Health, and our HBCUs, which in turn continue to drive jobs and opportunity in our state. We’ll keep working to deliver these investments to build an even stronger Maryland for all,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Communities thrive when they have access to great health care, education and economic opportunities. This bill will invest federal funds to address critical needs across our state, including early childhood education, substance use disorder treatment, apprenticeship and workforce development opportunities, and so much more. This federal funding represents Team Maryland’s ongoing commitment to investing in community-led programs that bring greater resources to every corner of the state and improve the quality of life for all Marylanders,” said Senator Cardin.

These projects were included in the Senate Appropriations LHHS FY2025 funding legislation.

Project Name: Academic Success for Transfer Students

Applicant: Salisbury University

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide supportive services and counseling to students transferring from community colleges to pursue their 4-year degree at Salisbury University in order to better facilitate the students’ transition.

Project Location: Wicomico County

Amount Included: $65,000

Project Name: Anne Arundel County Food Bank Refrigerated Vehicle

Applicant: Anne Arundel County Food Bank

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to strengthen food and nutrition security in the community by facilitating food donation pick-ups, safe and efficient transport, and expanded service capacity across the county for low-income families.

Project Location: Anne Arundel County

Amount Included: $173,000

Project Name: Apprentice Maryland Expansion

Applicant: The Patuxent Partnership

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand the Apprentice Maryland Program in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's Counties and meet the demand for a robust STEM/skilled trades pipeline at local sites, including the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

Project Location: Calvert County, Charles County, St. Mary's County

Amount Included: $575,000

Project Name: BACH Adult Apprenticeship Program

Applicant: Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to launch an adult apprenticeship program for adults with a high school diploma or GED that are in underserved Baltimore communities and interested in health care. Participants will receive job training at partner hospitals, health facilities, and long-term care institutions.

Project Location: Baltimore City, Baltimore County

Amount Included: $579,000

Project Name: Ballet After Dark Comprehensive Fellowship for Girls & Youth

Applicant: Ballet After Dark, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for a comprehensive program for girls and young women focused on wellness, health education, mentorship, and leadership training.

Project Location: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County

Amount Included: $1,071,000

Project Name: Baltimore City College Persistence Program for Single Moms with Young Children

Applicant: Jeremiah Program

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand student support for single mothers pursuing a college degree or advanced post-secondary education while raising young children.

Project Location: Baltimore City, Baltimore County

Amount Included: $139,000

Project Name: Baltimore Urban Leadership Foundation - Serving the East Baltimore Community

Applicant: Baltimore Urban Leadership Foundation, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand access to wraparound services, including direct employment placement and application assistance, wellness programming, counseling, and other youth-focused programs to address violence, trauma, and academic performance.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $50,000

Project Name: Bellevue Passage STEAM Labs

Applicant: Mid-Shore Community Foundation - Bellevue Passage Museum

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to develop labs to increase access to high-quality, year-round STEAM education with hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to diverse careers.

Project Location: Talbot County

Amount Included: $90,000

Project Name: Building Bridges

Applicant: 2nd Lt. Richard W. Collins III Foundation

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for collaborative programming between West Point and Bowie State University ROTC cadets, students, and faculty to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion with education opportunities including cooperative research, coursework, internships, and more.

Project Location: Baltimore City, Prince George's County

Amount Included: $50,000

Project Name: Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM Center Statewide Initiative

Applicant: Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to equip 27 centers in schools across six counties in Maryland to expand the STEM skills of students and prepare them for careers in these fields.

Project Location: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, Queen Anne's County, St. Mary's County, Washington County

Amount Included: $1,000,000

Project Name: CASA Technical Institute - Green Workforce & Vocational Training

Applicant: CASA, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to establish the CASA Technical Institute, offering vocational training to prepare underserved workers for jobs in the growing clean energy economy.

Project Location: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County

Amount Included: $1,000,000

Project Name: CCYSB Building Expansion Project

Applicant: Carroll County Youth Service Bureau

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand mental and behavioral health and substance use disorder services provided at the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau to meet the community’s growing needs.

Project Location: Carroll County

Amount Included: $1,000,000

Project Name: Character Development and Social/Emotional Learning Programs for Baltimore Students

Applicant: Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for an educational program that will serve 800 students in Baltimore with social-emotional learning through outdoor experiences.

Project Location: Baltimore County

Amount Included: $40,000

Project Name: Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School: Serving Baltimore City Youth

Applicant: Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide experiential outdoor learning opportunities for high-need youth across six Baltimore City schools.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $250,000

Project Name: The Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health: Expanding Capacity to Serve Young Patients, Supporting NIH Pediatric Research

Applicant: The Children's Inn at NIH

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to construct a community kitchen as well as a dining and lounge area in a new residential wing for young patients from underserved communities who are participating in clinical research studies on rare diseases at the NIH Clinical Center.

Project Location: Montgomery County

Amount Included: $1,155,000

Project Name: Community Mobile Health Clinic

Applicant: Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will support the expansion of the Community Mobile Health Clinic to provide high-quality primary care and case management services to individuals and families in West and Southwest Baltimore City.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $212,000

Project Name: Cradle to Career Pipeline

Applicant: Ministers Conference Empowerment Center CDC, Inc.

Project Purpose: The requested funds will support the implementation of tech centers instituted by the Ministers' Conference Empowerment Center CDC, Inc. in communities across Baltimore City.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $600,000

Project Name: Culinary Program Training and Support

Applicant: End Hunger in Calvert County

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand the Culinary Program in Southern Maryland with work-based learning opportunities, job placement, coaching, and support services for students and individuals with disabilities.

Project Location: Calvert County

Amount Included: $275,000

Project Name: D.C. Regional Early Learning Center

Applicant: D.C. Regional Early Learning Center

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to equip the D.C. Regional Early Learning Center with improved technology and classroom resources, including smart boards, software, and associated teacher training.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $100,000

Project Name: Douglass Scholars Summer Institute for College Application Assistance

Applicant: University of Maryland

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for a two-week program designed to provide Prince George’s County and Baltimore City high school students the support they need to apply to and be successful in college and gain early career counseling.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $225,000

Project Name: Empowering Families to Thrive & Promoting the Healthy Development and Wellbeing of At-Risk Children, Youth, Homeless, Low-Income Families and Seniors

Applicant: EP International Ministries, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to better address food insecurity by increasing mobile access to healthy meals and services for at-risk youth, low-income families, and seniors living alone in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Project Location: Baltimore City, Baltimore County

Amount Included: $97,000

Project Name: Engaging Baltimore City Students in Conservation

Applicant: The National Aquarium

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to support formal and informal education programs for K-12 students in Baltimore City that promote conservation and expand students’ understanding of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Project Location: Baltimore City, Baltimore County

Amount Included: $215,000

Project Name: Enhancing CDL Training at Cecil College

Applicant: Cecil College

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to purchase a commercial truck driving simulator for the truck driver training program, which will provide a realistic, risk-free environment to hone commercial driving skills and navigate weather and traffic conditions while training for an in-demand career.

Project Location: Cecil County

Amount Included: $109,000

Project Name: Expand Art and Design College Accelerator Program in Baltimore City

Applicant: Maryland Institute College of Art

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand MICA's Arts and Design College Accelerator Program that helps build college pathways for Baltimore City students through targeted, integrated, and comprehensive art and design education.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $400,000

Project Name: Expanding Access to Mental Health and Victim Support Services

Applicant: For All Seasons, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand access to comprehensive behavioral and mental health care and victim support services, particularly for low-income, rural, and underserved Maryland communities.

Project Location: Caroline County, Dorchester County, Kent County, Queen Anne's County, Talbot County

Amount Included: $1,000,000

Project Name: Expanding Literacy Equity Among Youth

Applicant: Reading Partners

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand the Reading Partners literacy tutoring program to help more students in underserved areas of Baltimore City and Baltimore County enhance their reading proficiency.

Project Location: Baltimore City and Baltimore County

Amount Included: $800,000

Project Name: Expansion of the Youth Climate Institute (YCI)

Applicant: Howard County Conservancy

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for a climate leadership program for high school students seeking to expand its reach in Maryland. This extracurricular, chapter based program certifies and empowers youth to become effective environmental stewards, pursue related jobs, and combat the climate crisis.

Project Location: Statewide

Amount Included: $50,000

Project Name: Family Connects Maryland

Applicant: The Family Tree

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand the reach of The Family Connects Maryland Home Visiting Program, which provides educational and support services to new parents and their newborns, including screenings, comprehensive assessments of the family's needs, and referral services.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $300,000

Project Name: Global Refuge - Economic Empowerment

Applicant: Global Refuge

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand this economic empowerment program in Maryland offering career counseling, support services, and workforce integration for refugees and immigrants. The funds will help newcomers obtain skills and credentials that will benefit the local workforce.

Project Location: Statewide

Amount Included: $300,000

Project Name: Harford Community College Regional Workforce Center

Applicant: Harford Community College

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to acquire equipment and technology for Harford Community College's Regional Workforce Center. This Center will provide training for in-demand industries in Northeast Maryland like automotive servicing, advanced manufacturing, data science, construction, and welding, among others.

Project Location: Cecil County, Harford County

Amount Included: $329,000

Project Name: Health Care Communities of Practice, Talent Pipelines

Applicant: Health Tech Alley

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to accelerate apprenticeship programs in Southern Maryland and on the Eastern Shore to address workforce shortages in the health care sector.

Project Location: Statewide

Amount Included: $300,000

Project Name: Historic Trades Apprenticeship Expansion

Applicant: Preservation Maryland

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand training opportunities in historic restoration trades with a new Registered Apprenticeship Program designed to improve the efficacy and long-term sustainability of new apprenticeships.

Project Location: Statewide

Amount Included: $970,000

Project Name: HIV Patient Support

Applicant: Three Lower Counties Community Services, Inc. D/b/a Chesapeake Health Care

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for the renovation of a Salisbury medical facility that will treat the vast majority of HIV patients in Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester Counties, including patients with high risk factors.

Project Location: Wicomico County, Worcester County

Amount Included: $90,000

Project Name: Hon's Honey Workforce Development

Applicant: Drink at the Well, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to employ and train at-risk individuals and provide wraparound services, including child care, case management, and counseling to ensure the success of these recovering women.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $190,000

Project Name: Hyattsville Enhancing Aging and Wellness Initiative

Applicant: City of Hyattsville

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to strengthen older residents' resiliency, social inclusion, and independence by providing a range of class series on caregiver support, creative art, multigenerational mural and quilting, and digital literacy.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $106,000

Project Name: Increasing College Access and Affordability for Low-Income Students in Maryland via School Support

Applicant: Collegiate Directions, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to hire and train staff, expand services to five additional high schools, and help low-income students and their families navigate complex college admissions and financial aid to further close the opportunity gap.

Project Location: Montgomery County

Amount Included: $65,000

Project Name: Indian Head School Based Health Center

Applicant: Charles County Department of Health

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to support the school-based health center in increasing access to urgent and preventive care services including well child visits, immunizations, nutrition, and physical activity counseling during school hours.

Project Location: Charles County

Amount Included: $36,000

Project Name: JEWELS Community Therapy Clinic

Applicant: Jewels School, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for an accessible pediatric therapy clinic for children with special needs and their families in the Baltimore community.

Project Location: Baltimore County

Amount Included: $350,000

Project Name: Job Readiness for Adults with Autism and Wellness for Underserved Populations

Applicant: Madison House Autism Foundation

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand successful job training programs for adults with autism or intellectual/developmental disabilities, and expand wellness programs for the under-resourced community by partnering with organizations that serve vulnerable populations.

Project Location: Montgomery County

Amount Included: $650,000

Project Name: Joshua Homes CDC Harambee House

Applicant: Joshua Homes Community Development Corporation

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to establish Harambee House, aiding West Baltimore's underserved with housing counseling and financial coaching to bridge the racial wealth gap for community empowerment.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $513,000

Project Name: Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center Mentoring & Art Therapy Program

Applicant: Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide after-school therapeutic mentoring and art therapy services for 200 students in Prince George's County.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $50,000

Project Name: Life Skills Learning Center

Applicant: The Arc of Southern Maryland

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to build out the Arc of Southern Maryland's Life Skills Learning Center to better serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community. The Center will include a tech lab, a teaching kitchen, and commercial laundry facility.

Project Location: Calvert County

Amount Included: $239,000

Project Name: Lifeline Equine Therapy Services Program Expansion

Applicant: Lifeline Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc., Lifeline Equine Therapy Services (LETS)

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for the expansion of LETS to provide trauma-informed mental health services for veterans, service members, and their families to aid in the prevention of veteran suicide.

Project Location: Statewide

Amount Included: $88,000

Project Name: Living Classrooms Mobile Ascend Through Music Program

Applicant: Living Classrooms Foundation

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to support operations and purchase equipment for the mobile music lab bus serving under-resourced Baltimore City youth in Baltimore City.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $575,000

Project Name: Maryland Water and Wastewater Training Program Partnership

Applicant: College of Southern Maryland

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to create an employment pipeline in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector through training and hands-on experience at treatment plants across Maryland, addressing projected future workforce needs in the industry.

Project Location: Statewide

Amount Included: $732,000

Project Name: Melwood Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Program

Applicant: Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to provide experiential career exploration opportunities to students from underserved communities and to double the number of students served in the after-school program.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $250,000

Project Name: Meritus Health Hancock Health Care Services

Applicant: Meritus Healthcare Foundation

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand medical services in one of the most rural and underserved parts of Maryland where residents face issues with access to care. [153]

Project Location: Allegany County, Washington County

Amount Included: $215,000

Project Name: Mt. Vernon Center Medical Build Out

Applicant: Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand Chase Brexton's capacity to provide comprehensive primary care services, particularly for underserved communities in Baltimore City.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $944,000

Project Name: Music Education and Enrichment Program for Baltimore Youth

Applicant: Life Through Music

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to purchase instruments, music stands, and music theory and method books to expand access to music education.

Project Location: Baltimore City, Baltimore County

Amount Included: $50,000

Project Name: New Ambulance Chassis for Smithsburg EMS Station 79

Applicant: Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to purchase a new ambulance chassis and refurbish an existing ambulance to help support the critical work of Smithsburg EMS Station 79, serving more than five thousand households across 70 miles of rural Western Maryland.

Project Location: Frederick County, Washington County

Amount Included: $250,000

Project Name: Pathways to Economic Prosperity for All in Montgomery County

Applicant: CollegeTracks

Project Purpose: Funds will support CollegeTracks' programming in support of postsecondary admissions advising and degree completion for first-generation and low-income students in Montgomery County.

Project Location: Montgomery County

Amount Included: $300,000

Project Name: Piscataway Indigenous Culturally Responsive Environmental Education Program

Applicant: Accokeek Foundation, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will used to provide an environmental literacy curriculum that includes Piscataway culture and history for students and classroom support for educators in Charles County and Prince George's County Public Schools.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $425,000

Project Name: PIVOT Women's Reentry & Workforce Development Program

Applicant: PIVOT, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to close the investment gap in workforce and reentry services for hundreds of formerly incarcerated women to increase employment opportunities and reduce recidivism.

Project Location: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County

Amount Included: $350,000

Project Name: Pre-apprenticeship Pathways Model

Applicant: Prince George's Community College

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to develop learning labs and auto repair bays to offer customized workforce training and pre-apprentice pathways for low-income, unemployed, and underemployed residents in trades such as construction, utilities, sustainable energy, and automotive.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $619,000

Project Name: Prince George's County Pediatric Mobile Medical Unit

Applicant: Children's National Medical Center

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand the Children's National Mobile Medical Program to provide comprehensive primary care services for children and adolescents in Prince George's County.

Project Location: Prince George's County

Amount Included: $600,000

Project Name: Project Restart SUD Treatment Expansion

Applicant: Not My Child, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand services in educational and vocational training for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.

Project Location: Queen Anne’s County

Amount Included: $200,000

Project Name: Seismic Quake Lab

Applicant: SciTech2U, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to purchase equipment for and support the operation of Maryland's first quake lab to provide K-12 students with opportunities to learn about seismology, geology, and structural engineering.

Project Location: Montgomery County, Prince George's County

Amount Included: $159,000

Project Name: SquashWise Center: A Youth and Community Center

Applicant: Baltimore SquashWise, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to support school and community squash programs through field trips and physical education clinics, events, and tournaments at the Center to increase opportunities for physical activity for Baltimore City residents.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $200,000

Project Name: St. Mary's College of Maryland Community Lab Space

Applicant: St. Mary's College of Maryland

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to acquire and equip an on-site computer lab and meeting space for students and community members.

Project Location: St. Mary's County

Amount Included: $114,000

Project Name: St. Michaels Community Center - Enriching Lives

Applicant: St. Michael’s Community Center

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for the Culinary and Hospitality Workforce Development Program, which provides culinary and professional skills training, hands-on experience, and wraparound services to prepare participants for careers in hospitality.

Project Location: Talbot County

Amount Included: $104,000

Project Name: Statewide Pre-K Enrollment System

Applicant: Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to create a statewide, centralized, and user-friendly Pre-K enrollment system so families can enroll their child in the program that best meets their child's needs. This will reduce the administrative burden for local education agencies and early care and education providers.

Project Location: Statewide

Amount Included: $500,000

Project Name: Supporting First Generation Student Success at Goucher College

Applicant: Goucher College

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for the expansion of Goucher College's LAUNCH program, which provides wraparound support services for first-generation and low-income students to ensure their timely completion of degrees and ability to join the local workforce.

Project Location: Baltimore County

Amount Included: $200,000

Project Name: The Trust Center for Academic & Social Leadership

Applicant: Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Scholarship Trust

Project Purpose: Funds will be used for educational programming for at-risk students in the Annapolis Gardens’ community, furthering their academic and personal growth with the goal of increasing their school retention and graduation rates.

Project Location: Anne Arundel County

Amount Included: $200,000

Project Name: Tuerk House at Exeter Street Baltimore East Side Expansion

Applicant: Tuerk House, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand a comprehensive behavioral health facility in East Baltimore that will increase access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery services.

Project Location: Baltimore City

Amount Included: $500,000

Project Name: Vehicles for Change Training Programs

Applicant: Vehicles for Change, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to expand automotive training centers in Salisbury and Hyattsville, MD, by outfitting the facilities with tools and equipment, providing workforce development with a focus on returning citizens, and providing refurbished vehicles to low-income families.

Project Location: Statewide

Amount Included: $667,000

Project Name: Voices of Hope Men's Recovery House

Applicant: Voices of Hope, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to renovate and repair one of the Voices of Hope recovery houses, which provides rehabilitation services for individuals on the path to recovery from substance abuse.

Project Location: Cecil County

Amount Included: $107,000

Project Name: Western Maryland Mobile STEM Laboratory Program

Applicant: Learning Undefeated, Inc.

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to bring Learning Undefeated's mobile STEM lab and STEM pathway programming to schools across Western Maryland, preparing more than 15,000 students for STEM careers.

Project Location: Allegany County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Garrett County, Washington County

Amount Included: $500,000

Project Name: Wide Angle Youth Media Creative Pre-Apprenticeship Pilot

Applicant: Wide Angle Youth Media

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to launch a pre-apprenticeship program for media and production careers, providing students with hands-on work experience to develop foundational and technical skills and prepare them for future apprenticeships and employment.

Project Location: Baltimore City, Baltimore County

Amount Included: $649,000

Project Name: Worcester County Dental Center Equipment and Service Expansion

Applicant: Worcester County Health Department

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to improve and expand access to quality oral health care, particularly for underserved children and young adults under the age of 21.

Project Location: Worcester County

Amount Included: $52,000

Project Name: Wor-Wic Community College Culinary Arts Laboratory Upgrade

Applicant: Wor-Wic Community College

Project Purpose: Funds will be used to purchase new equipment for the culinary arts program at Wor-Wic Community College in support of the Eastern Shore's growing hospitality industry.

Project Location: Somerset County, Wicomico County, Worcester County

Amount Included: $214,000

Additional priorities secured by the Senators in the FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies funding bill include:

Social Security Administration (SSA), headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland

The bill includes $14.7 billion for SSA’s administrative expenses, an increase of $509 million over FY24. These resources will help SSA address service delivery challenges and improve services for Americans across the country – from filing for benefits to getting a replacement Social Security card to calling with questions about benefits. Millions of Americans rely on Social Security, have earned benefits through a lifetime of work, and deserve access to timely services. Addressing backlogs in key workloads and wait times will require sustained increases to allow SSA to increase and maintain staffing and make needed IT improvements – and the new investments this bill delivers are a critical down payment to improve service delivery at SSA.

Department of Health and Human Services

The bill provides $122.8 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Health and Human Services.

Child Care and Early Learning Programs: The bill provides a $2.3 billion increase for early learning programs within HHS over FY24. It also provides:

$10.4 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) – a $1.6 billion or 18 percent increase over FY24 – which will help more families across the country find and afford the child care they need.

$13 billion for Head Start, a $700 million increase over FY24, which will support Head Start teachers and staff as local programs face ongoing staffing challenges.

Sustained annual increases to our federal investments in child care and Head Start are critical in tackling the child care crisis holding back families, businesses, and our economy.

Biomedical Research: The bill provides $50.2 billion in base discretionary funding for the Bethesda, Maryland-based National Institutes of Health (NIH) – an increase of $2.1 billion over FY24. In addition, it includes $127 million in Cures Act authorized funding for a total of $50.4 billion for NIH to propel life-saving and life-changing cures and treatments across NIH’s 27 institutes and centers and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The bill sustains $1.5 billion for ARPA-H.

The bill provides targeted increases in areas of promise for scientific advancement and urgency, including a $275 million increase for mental health research focused on developing targeted prevention of and treatment for mental illness; a $275 million increase for Alzheimer’s disease research; a $266 million increase for cancer research; a $50 million increase for diabetes research; and a $20 million increase for the IMPROVE Initiative to combat the alarming rates of maternal mortality.

The bill also includes $50 million for the continued implementation of the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act and encourages the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to continue prioritization of additional research and development of cocaine overdose treatments.

Home Heating and Cooling Assistance: The bill includes $4.125 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a $100 million increase over FY24, to help low-income households heat and cool their homes.

Addressing Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health: The bill includes new investments to address the rising toll of opioid overdoses fueled by fentanyl, improve access to substance use disorder prevention and treatment, and improve access to mental health services.

The bill includes a combined increase of $215 million for substance use and mental health programs at SAMHSA and HRSA. This includes:

$2 billion, a $40 million increase over FY24, for the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant

$1.6 billion for State Opioid Response grants, a $25 million increase over FY24 and

$155 million for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, a $10 million increase over FY24.

It protects and builds on key investments in mental health programs and includes:

$1 billion for the Mental Health Block Grant, a $35 million increase over FY24

A $25 million increase for the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program to support training and strengthen the mental health workforce through repayment of education loans for those working in either a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area or where the overdose death rate exceeds the national average

A $20 million increase over FY24 for the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline, building on the $18 million increase secured in FY24

$400 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, a $15 million increase over FY24

$30 million for Mental Health Crisis Response Grants, a $10 million increase over FY24

Essential Health Care Programs: The bill improves health care access and affordability and strengthens the health care workforce by maintaining investments in core programs, including:

$1.86 billion for Community Health Centers

$1.4 billion for Health Professions Workforce Development, including $18 million to support Public Health and Preventive Medicine

$2.6 billion for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

A $70 million increase to help better meet the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s (CMS) administrative needs, which includes nursing home inspections and surveys

A $21.3 million increase in rural health programs to boost recruitment of health care providers to practice in rural areas and support rural hospitals

A $10 million increase to promote cybersecurity efforts across HHS.

Public Health: The bill sustains essential funding and makes new investments to address public health threats and support key public health programs across the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which includes:

$246.5 million to support efforts to reduce tobacco use

$776.3 million for injury prevention and control, including $12.5 million for firearm injury and mortality prevention research and $8.5 million to support traumatic brain injury and concussion surveillance

$195 million for data modernization, a $20 million increase over FY24

$425 million, a $15 million increase over FY24, for cancer prevention and control activities

$365 million to support public health infrastructure and capacity, a $15 million increase over FY24

The bill includes $613 million for the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, which House Republicans eliminated in their bill. This program provides high-need jurisdictions with prevention and treatment services for people at high risk for HIV transmission. This includes $220 million within the CDC’s Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research programs to develop and deploy innovative data management solutions, increase access to PrEP, and better detect and respond to HIV clusters.

Women’s Health: The bill sustains funding for reproductive health programs, including Title X and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, which House Republicans have eliminated in their bill. The bill also increases investments in maternal health across CDC, HRSA, and NIH with a $34 million increase for programs that aim to address maternal mental health, prevent pregnancy-related deaths, and support best practices to improve maternal health outcomes. Additionally, the bill provides a $76 million increase for NIH’s Office of Research on Women’s Health and creates a new Menopause Research to Action initiative within AHRQ to translate research best practices into clinical practice for women.

Pandemic Preparedness and Biodefense: The bill includes $3.827 billion for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an increase of $200 million FY24. This includes:

A $55 million increase for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)

A $10 million increase for Bioshield

A $30 million increase for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)

A $70 million increase for Industrial Base Management and Supply Chain (IBMSC) activities to help ensure that critical resources in the public health supply chain –including raw materials, medical countermeasures, and ancillary supplies – are manufactured in the United States.

Department of Education

The bill provides $80 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Education.

Elementary and Secondary Education: The bill strengthens investments in foundational formula grant programs for elementary and secondary education and in public schools, teachers, and students.

Title I-A grants are boosted by $280 million over FY24, to $18.687 billion, for the more than 80 percent of school districts that receive these funds, and the primary IDEA Special Education State grant program is increased by $295 million, to $14.509 billion. Senator Van Hollen continues to champion full funding for these programs through the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act and the IDEA Full Funding Act.

Funding is protected at $150 million for the Full-Service Community Schools program. Senator Van Hollen co-leads the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act, which seeks to assist schools and districts with planning, implementing, and expanding the community school model. There are more than 450 community schools serving students across 22 of Maryland’s school districts.

The bill also continues current investments across a range of programs intended to improve teaching and learning in elementary and secondary schools, maintaining significant investments included in the last two fiscal years. This includes $20 million for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers program, which strengthens the relationship between parents and their children’s schools and engages families in students’ education.

Additionally, it includes approximately $190 million to address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals and services in our nation’s K-12 schools.

Career and Technical Education (CTE): The bill provides a $35 million increase over FY24 for State Grants for CTE, as well as a $10 million increase for CTE national activities to expand and improve CTE programs.

Higher Education: The bill provides a $100 increase in the maximum Pell Grant award for a maximum award of $7,495 for the 2025-2026 award year. This coming school year, Pell Grants are expected to help over 7 million students at all stages of life pursue postsecondary education and further their careers. The bill sustains funding for Federal Work Study and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant that provide additional need-based aid to students to help afford postsecondary education.

The bill also supports funding for Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions.

Strengthening HBCUs: $406.875 million, a $5.9 million increase over FY24

Strengthening HBCU Masters Program: $20.3 million, a $295,000 increase over FY24

Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions: $102.8 million, a $1.5 million increase over FY24

Strengthening Predominantly Black Institutions: $22.7 million, a $300,000 increase over FY24

Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions: $232.3 million, a $4 million increase over FY24

HBCU, TCU, and MSI Research and Development Infrastructure Grants: $51 million, a $1 million increase over FY24

The bill also includes an additional $100 million for the administration of student aid programs over FY24. This funding will support a wide range of activities, including: implementing the FAFSA; disbursing student aid; ensuring services are available to student loan borrowers; implementing more affordable repayment plans; and fixing longstanding issues in student loan forgiveness programs.

Department of Labor

Department of Labor: The bill includes $13.8 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Labor.

Workforce Development: The bill includes $2.9 billion for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) formula grants, protecting essential investments made in recent years. It provides $290 million for Registered Apprenticeships and $110 million for YouthBuild, and sustains funding for other programs, such as Reentry Employment Opportunities. Continuing funding for these key workforce development programs will help leverage investments made in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act to continue to grow the economy, provide workers the skills they need to secure good-paying jobs of the future and help American businesses compete globally.

Worker Protection: The bill advances key investments in Department of Labor worker protection agencies charged with enforcing requirements for employers to pay workers what they earn and provide safe and healthy workplaces. This includes:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-doggett-lead-members-in-urging-sanctions-on-former-bangladeshi-officials-over-human-rights-violations,"Van Hollen, Doggett, Lead Members in Urging Sanctions on Former Bangladeshi Officials Over Human Rights Violations",2024-08-09,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) led a group of colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to impose targeted sanctions on former senior Bangladeshi officials responsible for violence against peaceful student protestors.

“The use of violent force against peaceful protesters exercising their freedom of expression is an unacceptable violation of human rights. The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we’re calling upon the Administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“Now is the time for bold action, not just another tepid expression of concern. Our support of fundamental human rights must apply to those in countries with which we have a friendly relationship as much as to those with which we do not,” said Rep. Doggett. “While greatly encouraged by the naming of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead the new interim government, those responsible for so much recent repression and so many deaths should be sanctioned.”

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “On July 15, the ruling Awami League deployed the police and paramilitary forces to suppress students peacefully protesting unfair quotas in government jobs. Over the next week, security forces used disproportionate, unlawful force and fired rubber bullets, pellet guns, sound grenades, tear gas, and live rounds against student protestors. These violations were part of a broader crackdown on dissent by the Awami League, whose leaders have not been held to account for their human rights abuses. Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned, the need for accountability remains. We urge you to impose targeted sanctions on the Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan under all applicable authorities, including the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.”

The lawmakers continued, “As Home Affairs Minister, Khan bears responsibility for the conduct of the police and Border Guard Bangladesh, the two agencies responsible for most of the violence. General Secretary Quader, meanwhile, sent the Awami League's student wing, the Chhatra League, to attack peaceful protesters and issued “shoot-on-sight” orders. It is estimated that at least 200 people were killed and thousands injured, with the real figures likely much higher.”

Additional signers include Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Representatives James P. McGovern (D-Mass.), William R. Keating (D-Mass), Al Green (D-Texas).

Read the letter below or view it in full here.

Dear Secretary Blinken and Secretary Yellen:

We write to express our serious concern regarding the human rights violations perpetrated by the former government of Bangladesh. On July 15, the ruling Awami League deployed the police and paramilitary forces to suppress students peacefully protesting unfair quotas in government jobs. Over the next week, security forces used disproportionate, unlawful force and fired rubber bullets, pellet guns, sound grenades, tear gas, and live rounds against student protestors. These violations were part of a broader crackdown on dissent by the Awami League, whose leaders have not been held to account for their human rights abuses. Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned, the need for accountability remains. We urge you to impose targeted sanctions on the Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan under all applicable authorities, including the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

Following the violent crackdown on July 15, Prime Minister Hasina imposed a nationwide curfew and digital communications blackout, which the UN Human Rights Council deems a violation of international human rights law. As Home Affairs Minister, Khan bears responsibility for the conduct of the police and Border Guard Bangladesh, the two agencies responsible for most of the violence. General Secretary Quader, meanwhile, sent the Awami League's student wing, the Chhatra League, to attack peaceful protesters and issued “shoot-on-sight” orders. It is estimated that at least 200 people were killed and thousands injured, with the real figures likely much higher. The police detained student protest leaders, arrested more than 10,000 people, and accused 200,000 of various crimes in what Amnesty International called a “witch hunt.” Human Rights Watch warned that Bangladeshi authorities may once again engage in extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.

On August 4, the Awami League brutally suppressed revived protests that demanded Prime Minister Hasina resign. General Secretary Quader and Home Minister Khan again deployed security forces and the Chhatra League to attack peaceful protestors, and nearly 100 people died in the resulting violence. Prime Minister Hasina re-imposed a nationwide curfew and communications blackout, with Bangladeshi Americans once more unable to reach their loved ones.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, now leading Bangladesh’s interim government, urgently called on world leaders to end the violence against protestors in Bangladesh. Former Army Chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan urged the government to cease engaging its armed forces in a “disgraceful campaign.” While Hasina has resigned and fled the country, senior leaders of the Awami League have faced no consequences for their gross violations of human rights. U.S. sanctions on Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion have been successful in decreasing extrajudicial killings, but they are insufficient given current realities. We urge you to respond strongly to the Awami League’s violations by using all applicable authorities to impose targeted sanctions on General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. U.S. law requires action in the face of gross violations of human rights.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-ruppersberger-welcome-starbase-stem-education-program-at-warfield-air-national-guard-base,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Ruppersberger Welcome STARBASE STEM Education Program at Warfield Air National Guard Base",2024-08-06,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-Md.) today announced the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) partnership with the 175th Wing at Warfield Air National Guard Base to establish its newest STARBASE program – an educational program located at the base that will provide outreach in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to local schools, exposing students to new opportunities in these fields.

Earlier this year, the lawmakers wrote to the Director of Civil Military Programs, Mr. Mike O’Toole in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Manpower and Reserve Affairs requesting a STARBASE location in Maryland. The Senators also helped secure $20M for the DOD’s STARBASE Program in the bipartisan Senate FY25 Defense Appropriations bill which was passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 1, 2024.

“The importance of STEM education cannot be overstated, and in an increasingly technology-driven world, the demand for skilled professionals in these fields is higher than ever. The STARBASE program has a proven track record of success in inspiring young minds and providing them with the foundational skills necessary to pursue careers in STEM,” said the lawmakers. “We look forward to the Maryland National Guard leading this program and leveraging its resources and expertise to provide exceptional educational experiences for our youth.”

“The Department of Defense STARBASE program is an outstanding educational initiative designed to spark interest and excitement of 5thgrade students toward a future in STEM”, said Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, the Adjutant General for Maryland. ""I'm excited to see both Maryland and DoD investing in the promise of our youth and the power in their future. Our shared goal is to provide a pathway to opportunity for Maryland's fresh young minds -- encouraging them to explore tech fields, sharpening their curiosity, and building confidence in their talent and abilities.""

The DoD’s STARBASE is a premier educational program, sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. At DoD STARBASE, students participate in challenging “hands-on, minds-on” activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). They interact with military personnel to explore careers and observe STEM applications in the “real world.” The program provides students with 25 hours of stimulating experiences at National Guard, Marine, Air Force Reserve, Army, and Air Force bases across the nation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cornyn-lead-broad-bipartisan-push-for-the-return-of-american-journalist-austin-tice,"Van Hollen, Cornyn Lead Broad Bipartisan Push for the Return of American Journalist Austin Tice",2024-08-06,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) led over a third of the Senate in a bipartisan push urging the return of American journalist Austin Tice. Following the momentum of last week’s historic prisoner release, the Senators request that President Biden continue to use all available means to secure Austin’s release. Austin, an American freelance journalist, went missing while reporting in Syria nearly 12 years ago. The Senators have worked closely with the Tice family, including meeting with Austin’s mother Debra Tice, to continue pushing for Austin’s release.

Senators Van Hollen and Cornyn were joined in sending the letter by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Jacklyn Rosen (D-Nev.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thomas Tillis (R-N.C.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear President Biden:

It has now been nearly 12 years since Austin Tice, a veteran Marine Corps Captain who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was detained at a checkpoint near Damascus, Syria while working as a freelance journalist. On August 11, 2022, you publicly indicated your administration knows that Austin has been held by the Syrian regime. On May 2, 2022, you met with Austin’s parents Debra and Marc Tice and committed to continue to pursue all available avenues to secure Austin's long overdue return to his family. Over four years ago, many of us joined a letter signed by a bipartisan group of members of the House and Senate urging President Trump to use the full weight of his national security team to secure Austin’s release. We now reiterate the request that you do everything possible to bring Austin home.

As a beloved son, brother, Eagle Scout, journalist, and veteran, Austin represents the best our nation has to offer, and we are committed to working with you to return him to his loving family. As an American and a veteran, Austin deserves the full and active support of our government to secure his release. We also encourage your administration to utilize all available means to further discourage the hostage taking of American citizens.

Eleven years is far too long for Austin to be held. We ask that you keep us informed of your progress so that the Congress and your Administration can continue working hand in hand on this important issue.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-urge-power-grid-operator-pjm-to-address-planning-failures-causing-delayed-retirement-of-brandon-shores-coal-power-plant,Maryland Delegation Members Urge Power Grid Operator PJM to Address Planning Failures Causing Delayed Retirement of Brandon Shores Coal Power Plant,2024-08-05,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman John Sarbanes, along with U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Congressmen Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.), urged PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM), the grid operator responsible for coordinating electricity transmission in the region, to consider strategies that would limit the duration of the “reliability must-run” agreement (RMR) that is keeping the coal-powered Brandon Shores Generating Station in Anne Arundel County open until at least 2028, despite prior plans to close the plant next year. They also urge PJM improve its planning for retirements of legacy power plants to prevent the need for future RMRs at other retiring plants.

In their letter to PJM President & CEO Manu Asthana and Board of Managers Chair Mark Takahashi, the lawmakers expressed their concern over the company’s failure to prepare for the retirement of Brandon Shores, which is continuing to burden nearby communities with pollution and may also cause higher energy bills for Maryland consumers. The lawmakers provided examples of strategies that PJM might use to limit the duration of the Brandon Shores RMR. They also outlined concrete steps that PJM should take moving forward to address reliability challenges posed by generator retirements and prevent future situations similar to Brandon Shores.

The lawmakers began, “We write to express concern regarding shortcomings in how [PJM] plans for and mitigates the impacts of generator retirements, as demonstrated by the case of Brandon Shores in our home state. We are aware that PJM is undertaking various reform efforts to address some of these challenges, including through the development of a generator replacement process that would streamline the interconnection of newly developed resources on the same site as a retiring plant. We encourage PJM to work even more closely with stakeholders to expediently finalize and approve a proactive and holistic solution for Brandon Shores and other generator retirements.”

Outlining the consequences of the delayed retirement of Brandon Shores, the lawmakers wrote, “The delayed retirement of Brandon Shores exemplifies how outdated PJM processes are failing PJM customers, especially Marylanders. This uneconomical coal plant just south of Baltimore was anticipated to shut down by 2025 which would have benefited the local community, Maryland ratepayers, and Maryland’s climate goals. However, due to a lack of forward-looking grid planning and expedient alternatives, the plant must now remain open until at least 2028, or until sufficient transmission upgrades are completed.”

Pushing PJM to work to shorten the duration Brandon Shores must be kept open, the lawmakers continued, “In the near term, we urge PJM to reevaluate potential short-term Brandon Shores retirement mitigation measures to limit the duration of the plant’s RMR contract, possible actual operating hours and associated costs. PJM should consider alternative solutions, alone or in concert, that could cost-effectively provide a reliable, low-carbon transition pathway for the plant.”

They highlighted three key areas where additional reforms are needed, writing, “Beyond Brandon Shores, we also urge PJM to (1) finish developing solutions and successfully implement an effective, fast-track generator replacement process; (2) update internal rules to unlock the full potential of energy storage as a provider of energy, capacity, and/or grid reliability services, including by allowing for storage as a transmission asset; and (3) proactively consider plausible generator retirements in transmission planning that are consistent with our and other states’ clean energy objectives.”

“There are faster, cleaner, and more affordable ways to address the real reliability challenges associated with generator retirements; we ask PJM to prioritize this issue for Brandon Shores and also move forward with viable solutions for its broader fleet like an effective generator replacement process, storage as a transmission asset, and improved planning as swiftly as practicable,” they concluded.

Full text of the letter is below and here.

Dear Mr. Takahashi and Mr. Asthana,

We write to express concern regarding shortcomings in how PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM) plans for and mitigates the impacts of generator retirements, as demonstrated by the case of Brandon Shores in our home state. We are aware that PJM is undertaking various reform efforts to address some of these challenges, including through the development of a generator replacement process that would streamline the interconnection of newly developed resources on the same site as a retiring plant. We encourage PJM to work even more closely with stakeholders to expediently finalize and approve a proactive and holistic solution for Brandon Shores and other generator retirements.

The delayed retirement of Brandon Shores exemplifies how outdated PJM processes are failing PJM customers, especially Marylanders. This uneconomical coal plant just south of Baltimore was anticipated to shut down by 2025 which would have benefited the local community, Maryland ratepayers, and Maryland’s climate goals. However, due to a lack of forward-looking grid planning and expedient alternatives, the plant must now remain open until at least 2028, or until sufficient transmission upgrades are completed. What’s more, the proposed “reliability must run” (RMR) contract with the owner would put Maryland ratepayers on the hook for over $600 million dollars in out-of-market payments to keep the plant online over the next 3.5 years. This is an injustice to our constituents living close to the plant who will face the environmental and health consequences of its continued operation, as well as to those who will face an increased energy cost burden as a result of this inefficient and expensive contract.

Paying Brandon Shores to continue to operate and passing that cost onto Maryland ratepayers is an ineffective and costly way to meet reliability needs. PJM can – and should – save customers money and increase reliability by developing a better process to consider alternatives.

In the near term, we urge PJM to reevaluate potential short-term Brandon Shores retirement mitigation measures to limit the duration of the plant’s RMR contract, possible actual operating hours and associated costs. PJM should consider alternative solutions, alone or in concert, that could cost-effectively provide a reliable, low-carbon transition pathway for the plant. For example, this could include a combination of energy storage, reconductoring, grid enhancing technologies, and integrating offsite clean energy. New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) approved a similar concept for the former Ravenswood coal plant in New York City, where the critical 2.4 GW facility is being replaced with a combination of onsite energy storage, renewables from upstate, offshore wind from the coast, and regional transmission upgrades. Any future planning activities could also include regularly reassessing the need for generation from Brandon Shores so that the plant can successfully shut down in or before 2028.

PJM must prioritize identifying alternatives to these RMR contracts to ensure that other states and communities serviced by PJM do not find themselves in the situation now unfolding around Brandon Shores. There is a clear near-term need for improved generator replacement planning and processes, given that PJM is facing up to 58 GW of generation retirement in the region by 2030.

Beyond Brandon Shores, we also urge PJM to (1) finish developing solutions and successfully implement an effective, fast-track generator replacement process; (2) update internal rules to unlock the full potential of energy storage as a provider of energy, capacity, and/or grid reliability services, including by allowing for storage as a transmission asset; and (3) proactively consider plausible generator retirements in transmission planning that are consistent with our and other states’ clean energy objectives. We discuss each of these ideas in more detail below.

The first pathway, already discussion, is to institute a fast-track interconnection process for new generators that plan to use the existing interconnection infrastructure to replace the retiring plant. This is currently occurring in Minnesota, where the regional grid operator, MISO, has a generator replacement interconnection process that will enable Xcel Energy to replace 1,360 MW of generation from the state’s largest coal plant with solar and energy storage by the end of 2026. This will save time and Minnesota ratepayers’ money on expensive grid upgrades while maintaining grid reliability. We understand that PJM has been considering this type of reform for some time, but that process has not yet yielded action in the mid-Atlantic region.

Another strategy PJM should support to avoid outcomes like the Brandon Shores’ RMR in the future is to allow for energy storage to be considered a transmission asset. A third-party analysis indicates that such a solution could have been deployed in lieu of Brandon Shores’ delayed retirement. yet PJM’s current regulatory barriers would make deployment challenging. Creating a clear path for storage to additionally be used as a transmission asset will make such projects more feasible in the future, creating more viable alternatives to maintain grid reliability when a generator retires.

In addition, it is critical PJM does more to proactively plan for generator retirements such as Brandon Shores. The recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 1920 requires generator retirements to be considered during long-term transmission planning processes. We urge PJM to not only rapidly comply with this Order, but to prioritize planning for probable generator retirements in both its long- and short-term transmission planning.

There are faster, cleaner, and more affordable ways to address the real reliability challenges associated with generator retirements; we ask PJM to prioritize this issue for Brandon Shores and also move forward with viable solutions for its broader fleet like an effective generator replacement process, storage as a transmission asset, and improved planning as swiftly as practicable.

Thank you for your time and attention to our concerns.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-trone-announce-838000-for-firefighters-first-responders-in-western-maryland,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $838,000 for Firefighters, First Responders in Western Maryland",2024-08-05,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $838,351.13 in federal funding to support Maryland firefighters and first responders in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through both training and equipment upgrades, ensuring better protection for both the public and the firefighters themselves.

“Maryland’s firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. This federal funding will help ensure they have the resources and training they need to continue keeping Marylanders safe,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Firefighters and first responders deliver life-saving services in all types of emergencies and need to be prepared in any environment. This funding will better train and equip Western Maryland’s emergency services personnel and help extend and strengthen their critical public safety work,” said Senator Cardin.

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to help secure this funding through our annual appropriations process, advancing our communities’ safety and equipping our emergency personnel with the skills and tools necessary to protect Marylanders,” said Congressman David Trone. “It’s a direct investment in our first responders and the security of every resident, and Team Maryland is getting the job done.”

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

$392,828.59 to Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue in Frederick County for traffic incident management training;

$40,200 to Middletown Volunteer Fire Company in Frederick County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles;

$146,846.36 to Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Co. in Washington County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles and install a diesel exhaust extraction system;

$68,000 to Boonsboro Ambulance & Rescue in Washington County to install a diesel exhaust extraction system;

$95,238.09 to Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. in Garrett County to install a diesel exhaust extraction system;

$95,238.09 to Barton Hose Company No. 1 in Allegany County to install a diesel exhaust extraction system.

The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, that the lawmakers fought to secure. The lawmakers additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG program through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-reps-mcgovern-and-keating-call-attention-to-worsening-human-rights-conditions-in-bangladesh,"Van Hollen Joins Markey, McGovern, Keating in Calling Attention to Worsening Human Rights Conditions in Bangladesh",2024-08-02,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined his colleagues Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02) and Bill Keating (MA-09) in sending a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing alarm at the declining state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has been experiencing deadly clashes between student protesters and state security forces across the country in recent weeks, shining light on the human rights abuses taking place under the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The lawmakers wrote, “The Bangladeshi government has continued to take actions that undermine democratic processes, including by holding deeply flawed elections in January, failing to improve labor regulations, and, most recently, violently cracking down on demonstrations using guns, tear gas, and imposing a near-total shutdown of Internet services.”

The lawmakers continued, “Given these alarming and continuing trends, we hope that you will lead the U.S. Department of State in upholding the shared democratic principles that have long underpinned the U.S.-Bangladeshi relationship. The United States must condemn all acts of violence, ensure critical civil liberties, such as the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, are protected, and take action to hold complicit government officials accountable for the above abuses against the Bangladeshi people. Moreover, in order to prevent the further deterioration of democracy in Bangladesh, the United States must partner with the international community to support the right of the Bangladeshi people to a representative democratic government that upholds human rights and respects individual freedoms.

Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) co-signed the letter in the Senate, and Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Dan Kildee (MI-08), Barbara Lee (CA-12), and Delegate James Moylan (GU) co-signed the letter in the House of Representatives.

You can find the letter here or below:

Dear Secretary Blinken:

We write with grave concerns regarding the state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh and urge the U.S. Department of State to redouble its efforts to support the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. Our concerns have only become more acute following recent deadly clashes between student protestors and security forces and Bangladesh’s national elections on January 7, 2024, which the United States, United Nations (UN), and other observers have rightly criticized as being neither free nor fair.

Since their inception, U.S.-Bangladeshi relations have been predicated on mutual respect for the rule of law, the promotion of democracy, and the protection of human rights. Core priorities have also included strengthening people-to-people ties, enhancing regional security, and bolstering inclusive economic growth and development. Since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, with support from the United States and other international partners, it has made great strides in improving the lives of its citizens. Over the past 50 years, ties between our two countries have grown stronger and deeper and have been enriched by the contributions of a growing and vibrant Bangladeshi American community. Consequently, we have watched with growing alarm as these shared principles have come under threat in Bangladesh as the ruling Awami League and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have acted in an increasingly authoritarian manner since returning to power in 2009.

We have been heartened by actions taken by President Biden and his Administration to bolster human and civil rights in Bangladesh. These include the December 10, 2021 imposition of sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), following widespread allegations that it committed grave human rights abuses as part of the Bangladeshi government’s war on drugs. As supporters of Bangladesh’s democracy, we also welcomed the May 24, 2023 announcement of a new U.S. visa policy that restricts the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual believed to be involved in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh, including current and former officials, members of political parties, and members of law enforcement, security services, and the judiciary. In addition to these actions, we also appreciate the consistent messages conveyed to Bangladeshi officials over the past years urging them to allow free and fair elections and to improve respect for human rights, including the rights of workers. Sadly, the Bangladeshi government has continued to take actions that undermine democratic processes, including by holding deeply flawed elections in January, failing to improve labor regulations, and, most recently, violently cracking down on demonstrations using guns, tear gas, and imposing a near-total shutdown of Internet services.

The January 7, 2024 election was largely boycotted by Bangladesh’s political opposition, which itself was hamstrung by a wave of arrests following demonstrations on October 28, 2023. According to widespread reporting, tens of thousands of opposition leaders and activists were arrested and detained in the weeks leading up to elections. While some opposition activists and leaders have been freed since the election, many still remain in prison, with little prospect of receiving justice in a politicized legal system even if they do make bail. Additionally, journalists and online critics of the government have seen their freedom of expression come under serious attack through harassment, surveillance, physical assaults, and a draconian digital censorship law. Most importantly, the election was marred by violence and not supported by a large swath of the Bangladeshi electorate, with voter turnout at about 40 percent when the polls closed compared to 80 percent in the previous national election in 2018.

Beyond members of the political opposition, workers and trade unionists have long faced violence, repression, and labor rights violations in Bangladesh. Workers who attempt to form or join trade unions are met with threats and mass dismissals, government labor inspectors fail to sufficiently monitor millions of workplaces, employers fail to pay livable wages, and sexual violence in the workplace is rampant. Wage discrimination persists and unsafe working conditions in the country’s largest employment sectors, which include the garment, shipping, and leather industries, result in millions of workplace injuries and tens of thousands of workplace deaths annually. After the November 2023 killing of Imran Hossain, a factory worker and unionist, by police during a crackdown against fair wage protests, we welcomed the State Department’s statement condemning violence against workers in Bangladesh and expressing concern about the ongoing repression of workers and union members. However, the Bangladeshi government has yet to amend its labor laws to protect workers’ freedom of association in line with the United Nations’ International Labor Organization’s conventions and standards.

Most recently, Bangladesh has suffered one of the worst outbreaks in violence in years as the government cracked down on students protesting a quota system that allocates up to 30 percent of government jobs for relatives of veterans that fought in the country’s war of independence in 1971. Police, protestors, opposition activists, and pro-government supporters clashed in the capital of Dhaka and cities across the country, with at least 170 people killed, thousands arrested, and thousands injured. In responding to the student demonstrations, the Bangladeshi authorities deployed the previously sanctioned paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion; condoned the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound grenades by riot police against protestors; imposed a strict, military-enforced curfew and “shoot-on-sight” orders; and shut down Internet and mobile services across Bangladesh.

Given these alarming and continuing trends, we hope that you will lead the U.S. Department of State in upholding the shared democratic principles that have long underpinned the U.S.- Bangladeshi relationship. The United States must condemn all acts of violence, ensure critical civil liberties, such as the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, are protected, and take action to hold complicit government officials accountable for the above abuses against the Bangladeshi people. Moreover, in order to prevent the further deterioration of democracy in Bangladesh, the United States must partner with the international community to support the right of the Bangladeshi people to a representative democratic government that upholds human rights and respects individual freedoms. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-cardin-ivey-highlight-over-3-million-in-direct-federal-investments-for-infrastructure-projects-in-prince-georges-county,"Van Hollen, Cardin, Ivey Highlight Over $3 Million in Direct Federal Investments for Infrastructure Projects in Prince George’s County",2024-08-02,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Friday, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) were in Prince George’s County to highlight $3,483,000 in direct federal investments they delivered to upgrade transportation and water infrastructure across the County. They were joined by local partners, including County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Randy Clarke, CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and Kishia Powell, General Manager of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC).

“Modernizing our infrastructure not only improves Marylanders’ everyday lives, it also lays the foundations for greater economic growth and opportunity. These investments in Prince George's County will do just that by helping our communities bolster their resilience against flooding, improve wastewater management systems, and increase access to public transit,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“In Prince George’s County and throughout the state, we’re focused on bringing new investments to communities that have traditionally been overlooked and underserved. With this critical funding, Team Maryland is delivering federal investments that support infrastructure projects to help improve water quality, mitigate flooding, make transit safer and more reliable and build stronger neighborhoods across the region,” said Senator Cardin.

“Together we can positively impact our community. From sewer lines to pollution and flood mitigation to promoting public transportation and access while minimizing wastewater run-off, our federal team along with our community and business stakeholders all have important roles to play to ensure a safer, more equitable and green Prince George’s County and region. Friday’s announcement of community project funds is a good step in the right direction towards those goals,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey.

The lawmakers secured the following investments within the federal funding bills passed and signed into law for Fiscal Year 2024.

$500,000 for Prince George’s County to improve the area surrounding the West Hyattsville Metro Station with enhanced bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, art and signage, and stormwater management;

$1,383,069 for Prince George’s County’s Anacostia River Watershed flood control project, which includes upgrading outdated storm drainage and storm management systems and developing a comprehensive plan to reduce flooding;

$1,600,000 for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission to extend public sewers to homeowners in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties who cannot afford to pay on their own, preventing septic failures and protecting public health.

""Today, as we celebrate new investments in Prince George’s County, we cannot overstate the transformative impact of these projects,” said Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive. “These investments not only address immediate needs but also advance our long-term vision of growth, climate resilience, and community connectivity.""

“Promoting transit ridership throughout the region relies on enhancing the customer journey from start to finish. If customers do not have access to sidewalks or a safe path to walk or bike, they will choose another option. We are so grateful for this investment secured by our Maryland Congressional delegation, and we look forward to working together to improve equity and accessibility in the communities we serve,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke.

“As an anchor institution, WSSC Water gratefully accepts this funding and will use it to further our efforts to advance environmental justice and lift up historically unserved and underserved communities,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell. “This crucial funding will enable residents with aging septic systems to connect to our wastewater collection system - saving residents thousands of dollars by covering the cost of extending sewer lines to their homes. We thank our federal delegation members for their leadership in securing these funds and appreciate the counties’ ongoing support in identifying households that will benefit.”

Senators Van Hollen and Cardin and Congressman Ivey delivered this funding as part of their broader efforts to support investment in Prince George’s County’s infrastructure. Additional direct federal funding they secured in Fiscal Year 2024 includes $1.68 million for flood mitigation in the Town of Cheverly; and $850,000 to re-stabilize, protect, and restore the Dam Ruins at Riverfront Park among other projects throughout the county.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-appropriations-passes-financial-services-and-general-government-fiscal-year-2025-appropriations-bill,Senate Appropriations Passes Financial Services and General Government Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Bill,2024-08-01,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, announced the full Committee’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, providing $27.885 billion to fund the operations of the Department of the Treasury, the Executive Office of the President, the federal judiciary, the District of Columbia, the Small Business Administration, and more than two dozen independent federal agencies. The legislation includes $375 million for the construction of the new FBI headquarters, which will be located in Greenbelt, Maryland.

“Creating an economy that works for all Americans should be at the heart of everything we do. That’s why, within this bipartisan legislation, we secured funding to support our small businesses and community-based lenders, protect consumers, build out our broadband infrastructure, and ensure the security of our financial system. This bill invests in these key priorities and more—including providing resources to tackle the opioid epidemic and improve our election security as well as continued funding for one of my top Maryland priorities: building the new FBI headquarters in Prince George’s County. While this legislation does maintain some provisions I do not support, on balance, this bipartisan product will strengthen our economy and our communities,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee.

“Our economy thrives when working families and small businesses thrive, so I am really glad this bipartisan bill delivers new funding to protect consumers and help people start and grow small businesses. This bill invests in protecting retiree’s nest eggs, promoting stable and fair financial markets, looking out for the little guy, and growing our economy from the middle out,” said Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This bill sustains funding for critical functions of government and to address the opioid epidemic, and it delivers new resources for states to administer elections, make critical security improvements, and ensure every American can make their voice heard in free and fair elections.”

Key Points & Highlights

FBI: The bill provides $375 million for the new FBI headquarters, which will be built in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Department of the Treasury: The bill provides $2 billion—a $160 million increase over fiscal year 2024—for the Department of the Treasury (not including the Internal Revenue Service) to carry out its wide-ranging responsibilities strengthening and protecting our economy, combatting illegal money laundering, regulating our banks, and safeguarding the financial system against abuse by illicit actors. These investments will maintain Treasury’s ability to craft, implement, and enforce sanctions, including the historic sanctions program targeting Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: The bill provides $354 million for the CDFI Fund, a $30 million or 9.3% increase over fiscal year 2024, to generate economic growth and provide access to credit and technical assistance to underserved communities across the country. This includes $35 million—a $7 million increase—for the Native CDFI Assistance Program (NACA) to promote access to capital and financial services in Native communities.

Small Business Administration (SBA): The bill includes $1.6 billion for the Small Business Administration—a $61 million increase in base funding for SBA over fiscal year 2024—to support small businesses across America and connect them with the resources they need to thrive. This includes $330 million for SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development Programs, a $13 million or 4% increase over fiscal year 2024, to help small businesses establish themselves, grow, and compete.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The bill provides $12.3 billion—sustaining the fiscal year 2024 funding level—for the IRS to carry out its responsibilities and continue its work to significantly improve customer service, replace its antiquated computer systems, and ensure that everyone—especially the top 1% and largest corporations—pay their fair share in taxes.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The bill provides $448 million—a $57.8 million increase above fiscal year 2024—for the FCC, which includes resources to support its critical work connecting people across the country to high-speed internet and ensuring all Americans have equitable access to essential technology.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The bill provides $450 million—a $24.3 million increase over fiscal year 2024—for the FTC, which plays a vital role in protecting Americans from consumer fraud and unfair and anticompetitive practices.

Election Security: The bill includes $75 million—a $20 million increase over fiscal year 2024—for Election Security Grants for states and U.S. territories to improve the administrations of federal elections, upgrade voting equipment, make security enhancements, and protect Americans’ right to have their vote counted in free and fair elections.

Inaugural Security and Emergency Planning Resources: The bill provides the full budget request of $97 million to assist D.C. in preparing for the 2025 presidential inaugural events and security support for any First Amendment activities throughout the year.

Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP): The bill provides $458.5 million for the Office of National Drug Control Policy to coordinate the whole-of-government response to the opioid and substance use disorder crises, stop drug trafficking, and address addiction. ONDCP also delivers resources directly to communities to address the substance use disorder crisis.

Federal Judiciary: The bill provides $8.82 billion for the federal judiciary for operations of our nation’s courtrooms. This includes $1.5 billion for Defender Services, an increase of $49 million above fiscal year 2024.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): The bill provides $2.23 billion for the SEC to protect investors, especially small investors, help keep the American economy strong, and encourage investment in American businesses.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): The bill includes $371 million for the CFTC to regulate the United States’ derivatives markets.

United States Tax Court: The bill provides $57.3 million for the United States Tax Court to support its work adjudicating disputes over tax obligations.

Federal Election Commission: The bill provides $85.67 million for the Federal Election Commission to administer and enforce federal campaign finance law.

Pandemic Preparedness: The bill provides $3.5 million for the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response housed within the White House—a $1.5 million increase above fiscal year 2024—which was established by Senator Murray in a 2022 law to serve as centralized mission control and ensure there is a team in place, ready to go 24/7 in order to guide an all-of-government response to new and emerging public health threats.

Fraud Detection: The bill provides funding to track where federal dollars go and ensure there is detection of criminals taking advantage of federal programs and support. In particular, the bill sustains funding for the Pandemic Recovery Accountability Committee to continue its critical work overseeing and detecting fraud reported across a host of pandemic relief programs and to help make the affordable, flexible, and scalable analytics platform it developed to identify potential improper payments in COVID relief available for all Inspectors General to use across government. The bill also increases funding to support the work of the Small Business Administration’s Inspector General.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-murkowski-foster-reintroduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-create-national-fab-lab-network-spur-innovation,"Van Hollen, Murkowski, Foster Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Create National Fab Lab Network, Spur Innovation",2024-08-01,2024,2024-08,Democrat,Senate,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,vanhollen,https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-Ill.) have reintroduced the National Fab Lab Network Act, bipartisan legislation to expand Fab Labs across the country. Fab Lab facilities provide access to and training with digitally-controlled tools, such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and automated knives, enabling individuals to create and innovate new products. The legislation creates a nonprofit organization to serve as a central funding source for Fab Labs across the country and to help foster public-private partnerships to create more Fab Labs. This network would encourage the growth and expansion of new and current Fab Labs and help more innovators access these resources to support America’s advanced manufacturing and workforce development.

“Just like the creation of the public library system opened the world of knowledge to every American, so will Fab Labs provide all enterprising minds with the tools they need to turn creative ideas into reality. Developing a national network of Fab Labs will open the doors of innovation wider and unleash the creative potential of every American,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Fab Labs are spaces that build community and cultivate local innovation in science and technology. In Alaska, we know that when we give students and entrepreneurs resources, they solve problems, think critically, and bring their ideas to life,” Senator Murkowski said. “I am proud to join Senator Van Hollen in reintroducing the National Fab Lab Network Act, because I believe that these state-of-the-art facilities are key to the success in the 21st century, and it is essential that we make them more accessible around the country.”

""Fab Labs are an excellent way to give students of all ages an opportunity to explore STEM fields in an interactive way, encouraging new ideas through curiosity and creativity,"" Congressman Foster said. ""New ideas become the innovations that are vital to economic growth in our country. A National Fab Lab Network will help expose more Americans of all backgrounds to STEM, which will help our nation stay at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation.""

This past March, Senator Van Hollen was proud to announce $2,000,000 he secured for Open Works to expand its makerspace, which includes a Fab Lab, and educational programming to West Baltimore as part of a partnership with Coppin State University. This will bring the total number of Fab Labs in Maryland up to seven, including the first Open Works Fab Lab located on Greenmount Avenue in East Baltimore, Fab Lab Baltimore in Baltimore City, the Community College of Baltimore County Fab Lab in Catonsville, Bullis BITlab in Potomac, St. James Fab Lab in Hagerstown, and the Maryland NanoCenter Fab Lab in College Park. Alaska is home to CITC Fab Lab in Anchorage, and Illinois is also home to several Fab Labs. Overall, there are currently over 282 Fab Labs across the United States.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z