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.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-white-house-announcement-of-russia-sanctions-following-us-cyber-attacks,Cardin Statement on White House Announcement of Russia Sanctions Following U.S. Cyber Attacks,2016-12-29,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2016 Cardin Statement on White House Announcement of Russia Sanctions Following U.S. Cyber Attacks Senator continues to ready two pieces of legislation, says “Now is not the ‘time to get on with our lives,’ but to take an appropriate response in line with the ongoing threat that Russia poses to our democracy and global security interests.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Thursday after the White House announced an extension of Executive Order 13964 to include Russian individuals and entities, following a new FBI/DHS report and the Intelligence Community’s assessment in October that senior Russian government officials authorized cyberattacks in the United States related to the 2016 election and our democratic institutions: “The Russian attack on our democratic institutions is a wake-up call, a political Pearl Harbor as others have noted.  I encourage my colleagues in the Senate, the incoming administration and the American people to view it as such. Now is not the “time to get on with our lives,” but to take an appropriate response in line with the ongoing threat that Russia poses to our democracy and global security interests.  I welcome and support the new sanctions announced by the administration today – it is a good start.  Sanctions have been and will remain an important tool in the United States’ diplomatic arsenal to respond to attacks on our country and our allies and national security interests around the world. “It is not, however, sufficient.  The executive branch has acted, but it is imperative the legislative branch now pick up the ball and move it forward.  Congressional sanctions can complement and strengthen these new executive sanctions. Therefore because of Russia’s attack on us, their destabilizing and murderous role in Syria, and their illegal annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine, I continue to believe the United States must go further and that is why I am introducing two bills next month – the first which would establish an independent, nonpartisan commission to further examine the attack and Russian’s efforts to interfere in our election. The second bill will frame our policy on Russia to include comprehensive enhanced sanctions in response to Russia’s interference in our election and its ongoing aggression in Ukraine and Syria. The bill will also increase assistance to bolster democratic institutions across Europe. “I look forward to reading the full details from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security as soon as possible, and following up on any recommendations the agencies make for Congressional action. I also look forward to the Intelligence Communities broader assessment of the Russian attack, due before the Obama Administration leaves office.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-following-secretary-kerrys-speech-on-israeli-palestinian-peace,Cardin Statement Following Secretary Kerry’s Speech on Israeli-Palestinian Peace,2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 28, 2016 Cardin Statement Following Secretary Kerry’s Speech on Israeli-Palestinian Peace ""Secretary of State John Kerry’s personal commitment to Middle East peace is well-known and admirable.  During his tenure at the State Department, his dedication to facilitating direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for a two-state solution was evidenced in his investment of time, travel, resources, and creative proposals. “I welcome Secretary Kerry’s articulation of six principles that should guide direct negotiations between the parties for a secure, just, and realistic two-state solution.  He rightly stated that there cannot be two states living side by side in peace and security without recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, and that Israel’s security needs must be satisfied.  Fundamental issues like borders and Jerusalem can only come from direct negotiations and cannot be dictated by any outside entity, and there must be recognition of the Jewish people’s historic ties to Jerusalem and its holy sites.  I am open to considering U.S. contributions to an international effort that would provide options for permanent homes for Palestinian refugees without affecting the fundamental character of Israel.  “Though I share Secretary Kerry’s concerns with the lack of forward progress on a two-state solution, I remain disappointed by the Obama Administration’s decision not to veto UN Security Resolution 2334 last week.  The Resolution did not come close to the condemnation we heard from Secretary Kerry today regarding Palestinian leaders’ responsibility for the past year’s violence and terror.  More can be done to enable the viability of a Palestinian state, but the Palestinians are not willing and ready partners at this time.  Last week’s Resolution makes direct negotiations more, not less, challenging. “I agree with Secretary Kerry that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian dispute could unlock broader peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.  There are opportunities for collaborating in countering violent extremism, pushing back on Iran’s destabilizing activities, and fostering greater economic cooperation.  But these opportunities will remain aspirational until we see more pressure on Palestinian leadership:  Hamas must accept Israel’s right to exist and cease its military buildup, and Fatah must demonstrate commitment to transparency, anti-corruption, and good governance. “Going forward, I will explore Congressional action that can mitigate the negative implications of UN Security Resolution 2334.  I will also continue to support and promote direct negotiations between the parties.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-praises-cms-waiver-for-streamlining-treatment-of-substance-abuse-patients,Cardin Praises CMS Waiver for Streamlining Treatment of Substance Abuse Patients,2016-12-27,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 27, 2016 Cardin Praises CMS Waiver for Streamlining Treatment of Substance Abuse Patients BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, praised action by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) granting Maryland's 1115 waiver to implement initiatives to address substance use disorders. The waiver also makes dental services available to former foster youth, continues the evidence based home visiting program for at risk pregnant women and children, and implements the Assistance in Community Integration services pilot program. As noted by Medicaid.gov, “Section 1115 of the Social Security Act gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to approve experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects that promote the objectives of the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs.” “This is great news for the state of Maryland and a first step to addressing prescription opioid abuse and heroin use. Now individuals enrolled in Medicaid will have access to residential treatment for substance use disorders. This type of treatment is essential to individuals seeking recovery,” said Senator Cardin.  “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to overcoming addiction and expanding opportunities for treatment will help us tackle this urgent problem. Addiction is a disease and now we have one of the necessary tools to help individuals with recovery. Those suffering from substance use disorders also need access to mental health services. That is why I will continue to push for access to mental health services.”  Senator Cardin added: “Our goal has long been to ensure that individuals in crisis are treated like patients, and not warehoused or -- as is too often the case -- ignored. By working with the states, the federal government remains a partner in saving lives and scarce resources. “I am also pleased that CMS is allowing Maryland to expand available children’s dental services and assistance for pregnant women and some of our communities’ most vulnerable. Despite being largely preventable, tooth decay is the single most common chronic health condition among children and adolescents in the United States. Left untreated, it can not only destroy a child’s teeth, but also has a debilitating impact on his or her health and quality of life.” This summer, Senator Cardin and his colleagues wrote to Andy Slavitt, Acting CMS Administrator, urging the agency to ensure patient access to treatment by addressing the IMD Exclusion for SUDs. The Medicaid “Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Exclusion” prohibits federal financial participation through Medicaid for any care furnished to patients 22-64 years old in a mental health or addiction treatment facility with more than 16 beds.  Per the letter, “this policy was created in 1965, but improved medical understandings of addiction and the recent ICD-10 classification of substance use disorders as a behavioral health disorder demand a change to this outdated policy.  The growing burden of the heroin and prescription opioid crisis adds to the urgency to address this carrier to care, considering that, according to CMS, Medicaid beneficiaries are prescribed painkillers at twice the rate of non-Medicaid patients and are at three-to-six times the risk of prescription painkiller overdose.”  Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-commemorates-2016-holiday-season,Cummings Commemorates 2016 Holiday Season,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Elijah Cummings,C000984,cummings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. (Dec. 23, 2016) — Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) issued the following statement commemorating the 2016 holiday season: “In the coming days, millions of American families will come together to celebrate the holiday season and the end of another calendar year.  I am grateful to have spent another year serving my constituents in Maryland’s Seventh Congressional District.  “2016 was a difficult year for our nation. There have been more than 1,000 bias-related incidents in the weeks following the election, and many Americans are uncertain about the future.  In the face of these trials, I am reminded of the great progress our nation has made in my lifetime, and I promise to continue fighting to protect that progress. “I wish every American a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.  Let us all come together to create a more fair, more just society for generations yet unborn.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-statement-on-un-security-council-resolution-regarding-israel,Sarbanes Statement on U.N. Security Council Resolution Regarding Israel,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released the following statement concerning the prospect of an Egyptian-sponsored Security Council resolution regarding Israel: ""The longstanding policy of the United States is to exercise its veto power in the Security Council when members of the United Nations seek to unfairly target our ally Israel or circumvent the framework of direct, bilateral negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians concerning a two-state solution. The proposed Egyptian resolution – which for the moment has been withdrawn – would have fallen squarely into that category, thereby warranting a U.S. veto.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-updates-colleagues-on-tillerson-hearing-issues,Cardin Updates Colleagues on Tillerson Hearing Issues,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2016 Cardin Updates Colleagues on Tillerson Hearing Issues WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee, wrote to his Democratic Committee colleagues Thursday updating them on his communications with Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) regarding Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson’s hearing date, financial disclosure and ethics agreement documents, and tax returns:   December 22, 2016                          Dear Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democratic Members, I have heard from a number of you regarding the nomination of Mr. Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State, so I wanted to give you an update on where Senator Corker and I are in the process.  Senator Corker and I have talked about the nomination several times.  I am pleased to report that we expect to receive standard financial disclosure forms and ethics compliance information later this week.  Once received, staff will immediately review the documents submitted and advise us whether the information is complete and in compliance with committee practice.  I have not yet received 3 years’ worth of the nominee’s tax returns, which I have formally requested the Presidential Transition Team make available for review.  Senator Corker and I have a disagreement about the need to review the nominee’s tax returns.  I think it is an important part of vetting this candidate because he has never made public disclosures of this type, as he has worked at ExxonMobil for his entire career and has never been in public service.  Mr. Tillerson was actively engaged with many foreign governments that could become relevant if confirmed as Secretary of State.  The Senate has a responsibility to review all relevant documents during the confirmation process. Our standard questionnaire for all nominees appearing before our Committee, which has been used by the Committee for years, very clearly contemplates a request of this kind being made.  In his response to the tax return question in the questionnaire, the nominee promised to provide such information.  After receiving the financial information from Mr. Tillerson later this week, I will be in touch with Chairman Corker in an effort to resolve my request to review Mr. Tillerson’s tax returns.  Until all of these materials are received and staff has had a chance to review them, it will be difficult to lock in a nomination hearing time for the Committee to consider the nominee.  It is our responsibility to expedite the consideration of key cabinet nominees so that the new President can have key advisers in place as soon as possible.  Chairman Corker intends to schedule Mr. Tillerson’s nomination hearing during the second week of January—a date I will support if all necessary and relevant information has been timely made available to our committee, and the nominee has made himself available for pre-hearing meetings with SFRC Senators.  I have also talked with Senator Corker about the need for adequate time for a hearing, and I am pleased that Chairman Corker is prepared to reserve a second day for hearings so that each Member has ample opportunity to ask about issues he or she wishes to raise with the nominee.  Sincerely, Benjamin L. Cardin Ranking Member ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-urges-veto-on-draft-israeli-settlements-resolution,Cardin Urges Veto on Draft Israeli Settlements Resolution,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2016 Cardin Urges Veto on Draft Israeli Settlements Resolution WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Thursday on the United Nations Security Council resolution that unfairly targets Israel: “The Security Council resolution offered yesterday by the Egyptian delegation on behalf of the Palestinians does nothing to move forward the shared goal of two states living side-by-side in peace and security. This resolution is one-sided and unfairly calls out Israel without assigning any blame for the Palestinian role in the current impasse. “I support policies and actions working toward a two-state solution through direct negotiations between the parties, but this resolution does nothing to reinforce direct talks. Worse, by introducing the resolution yesterday and scheduling a vote this week, other members of the Security Council have not had sufficient time to consider the text. “I therefore call on the administration to veto this resolution.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/looking-ahead,Looking Ahead,2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend,As we wrap up 2016 and look back on our accomplishments and what remains to be done, I know there are many major issues that Congress must still address in a meaningful way: the economy, climate change, the cost of health care, comprehensive immigration reform and big money in politics, to name a few.But I am proud to be a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, one of the few committees that successfully worked in a bipartisan manner to pass several major bills and dozens of smaller bills. Among other things, these efforts preserved seniors’ access to their doctors and ended the perennial uncertainty over cuts to provider payments, updated our chemical safety laws and addressed the opioid epidemic. A complete list of bipartisan bills that passed out of our committee can be viewed here. This record of success demonstrates that Democrats and Republicans can work collaboratively to tackle the issues that matter to the American people.This month, I was particularly pleased to see the 21st Century Cures Act signed into law by President Barack Obama. This landmark piece of legislation will provide more than $6 billion to the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration – two crucial Maryland institutions that not only drive our nation’s medical research and innovation, but also make a considerable impact on Maryland’s economy. Funding contained in the 21st Century Cures Act will allow both agencies to modernize clinical trials, support the development of new drugs and devices, speed up drug and device approvals, invest in new science like precision medicine and help young scientists begin their careers in research. It will also kick start Vice President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative and increase funding for the prevention and treatment of brain disorders. In all, these improvements will help expand access to life-saving treatments, especially for patients with rare diseases.Importantly, this bill will also provide $1 billion to combat the opioid epidemic, which has affected so many families and communities in Maryland and across the country. Alongside other efforts that I’ve worked on and supported in Congress – including the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the Co-Prescribing to Reduce Overdoses Act, which I authored – I fought hard to ensure that we provide these necessary resources to expand treatment programs that work and effectively tackle this national public health emergency.I was also pleased that the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act was included in this legislative package. This will expand access to mental health services for children, renew the emphasis on evidence-based strategies for treating serious mental illness, improve coordination between primary care and behavioral health services and reauthorize important programs focused on suicide prevention and other prevention services. Of course, should Republicans follow through on their promises to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and reduce Medicaid funding, these mental health reforms will do next-to-nothing for the vulnerable Americans most dependent on these programs and in need of mental health assistance.I believe that we in Congress must promote constructive policies that are in the best interests of our citizens. I am working as hard as possible to push forward responsible legislation that accomplishes meaningful change. Every day, I see instances where we are able to make a difference and do positive things for the American people. These successes give me the energy and optimism to continue to work for what I believe is right in the year ahead.Sincerely, Congressman John P. Sarbanes Maryland’s Third Congressional District",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/the-future-of-campaign-finance-reform-is-at-the-state-and-local-level,The Future of Campaign Finance Reform Is at the State and Local Level,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"Action at the federal level may be a long way off, but Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.), a leading advocate in Congress for public financing and other campaign finance reforms, said he believes success at the state and local level makes it easier to sell his colleagues on federal legislation. Aside from leading the push for public financing in Congress, Sarbanes has supported reforms in Montgomery County and Howard County in his home state of Maryland. He also travels the country to campaign for state and local reforms…. “The efforts at the state and local level now just adds to the list of examples that I can point to, and others can point to, to say here’s a better way,” Sarbanes said…. The creation of more public financing systems at the state and local level would also mean that more politicians would use them as they move forward. Public financing will move into Congress as city councilors become state legislators who become congressmen.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-lauds-effort-to-permanently-block-oil-and-gas-drilling-on-the-atlantic-coast,Cardin Lauds Effort to Permanently Block Oil and Gas Drilling on the Atlantic Coast,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2016 Cardin Lauds Effort to Permanently Block Oil and Gas Drilling on the Atlantic Coast “Drilling anywhere on the Atlantic Coast is a threat everywhere on the Atlantic Coast.” BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, praised President Barack Obama’s action to permanently protect the Atlantic Coast from the threats of oil and gas drilling. The action under Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) comes shortly after Senator Cardin and a dozen of his colleagues urged the president to take this necessary step to preserve the fragile ecosystem and the economy of the Atlantic Coast. “For years, I have strongly opposed plans to expand drilling operations off the Atlantic Coast. This final act should permanently end any and all misguided attempts to endanger the economic viability and environmental health of the region. Oil spills and the damage associated with seismic exploration do not respect state boundaries, making drilling anywhere on the Atlantic Coast a threat everywhere on the Atlantic Coast,” said Senator Cardin. “I thank President Obama for recognizing that repeated short-term measures to protect the Atlantic were not sufficient because the risks simply outweigh any potential benefits associated with drilling off the Atlantic Coast.” A copy of the Senators’ letter recent to President Obama can he found here. In the letter, the Senators argue that the environment and economies of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans would be threatened if offshore oil drilling were allowed. Fishing and tourism on the East Coast generates hundreds of billions of dollars in economic activity and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. The oil industry’s attempts to drill offshore in the Arctic have been riddled with safety lapses and mishaps, leading it to relinquish the bulk of the drilling leases that were held in the Arctic Ocean. A member of the EPW committee since he arrived in the Senate, Senator Cardin has long been a leading voice calling on the Obama administration to abandon plans to drill off the Atlantic Coast. In April of 2015, he introduced legislation to prevent offshore drilling in the region. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-van-hollen-cummings-laud-federal-recommendation-of-1-million-to-remove-bloede-dam-on-patapsco-river,"Cardin, Van Hollen, Cummings Laud Federal Recommendation of $1 Million to Remove Bloede Dam on Patapsco River",2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2016 Cardin, Van Hollen, Cummings Laud Federal Recommendation of $1 Million to Remove Bloede Dam on Patapsco River Maryland officials celebrate major step forward on NOAA grant to enable the removal of a persistent detriment to public safety and healthy Chesapeake Bay WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Senator-elect Chris Van Hollen, along with Representative Elijah E. Cummings (all D-Md.), today lauded the announcement of a $1 million funding recommendation through the NOAA Fisheries Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency Grants program to remove the obsolete Bloede Dam on the Patapsco River. When finalized, an action expected soon, the funding will enable the non-profit organization American Rivers, working in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Friends of the Patapsco Valley State Park and many others, to restore the natural resiliency of the Patapsco River Valley through the removal of Bloede Dam, which was built in 1907. The 34-foot-high by 220-foot-long, state-owned dam currently serves no purpose and presents both a human health hazard (multiple deaths have occurred at the site) and a major barrier to migratory aquatic species. Removal of the Bloede Dam is the linchpin of a larger effort to remove four main-stem dams on the Patapsco and open more than 65 miles of spawning habitat for blueback herring, alewife, American shad and hickory shad, along with more than 183 miles for American eel. “Removal of the obsolete Bloede Dam means the elimination of a hazard that has needlessly cost several human lives and prevented countless fish and eels from reaching their historic spawning areas, so this grant will mean both enhanced public safety and healthier aquatic populations,” said Senator Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “This funding also means a number of good-paying construction jobs and enhanced recreational opportunities for anglers and other users of the Patapsco Valley State Park, illustrating that efforts to remove obsolete dams are good investments in local economies and communities alike.” “The removal of the Bloede Dam is a positive step forward in the restoration of the Patapsco River Valley and the Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said Senator-elect Van Hollen. “I applaud NOAA for taking action on this obsolete dam, which will protect lives, create jobs and expand recreational opportunities for Marylanders.” “Bloede Dam is a public safety hazard and it obstructs the Patapsco River, which is a habitat for several aquatic species integral to the health of the Chesapeake Bay,” Representative Cummings said.  “This grant will make Patapsco Valley State Park safer for Marylanders, and it will make the Chesapeake Bay healthier and more resilient so it can be enjoyed for generations yet unborn.” The Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency Grants program, administered by NOAA Fisheries, which is dedicated to the development of healthy and sustainable coastal ecosystems through habitat restoration actions. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-announces-new-senate-staff,Van Hollen Announces New Senate Staff,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2016 Van Hollen Announces New Senate Staff Washington, DC- Today Maryland Senator-elect Chris Van Hollen announced the hiring of new senior staff in his Capitol Hill office. Karen Robb will serve as Chief of Staff, Yvette Lewis will serve as Director of External Relations and Community Outreach, and BillDausterwill serve as Director of Policy. ""I am pleased to announce three top staff members of our Capitol Hill team,""said Senator-elect Van Hollen.""They will help support my efforts to serve the people of Maryland in the United States Senate."" ""It's been an honor to work with Senator-elect Van Hollen for over a decade, and I look forward to continuing that work in the U.S. Senate,""said Robb.""He is committed to moving Maryland -- and the entire country -- forward, and I'm proud to be a part of this team."" ""Senator-elect Van Hollen knows that the health of our entire state depends on the success of all of our communities, and he's committed to reaching out and engaging every Marylander as he takes on his new role in the U.S. Senate,""said Lewis.""I've seen his commitment to the people he represents first hand, and I'm honored to join his team."" ""As a constituent and a Senate staffer, I've known Senator-elect Van Hollen since he joined the Maryland legislature and I've seen him fighting for Maryland and all Americans,""Daustersaid.""I'm looking forward to joining his team."" Karen Robb has served Congressman Van Hollen for 11 years as his Chief of Staff, Policy Director of his Office as Assistant to the Speaker, and Counsel on the House Budget Committee. Prior to that, she was Deputy Assistant to President Clinton in the Office of Legislative Affairs, Chief of Staff to Senator John Edwards, Democratic Staff Director for the Senate Judiciary Committee under Senator Joe Biden, and Chief Counsel to Senator Dennis DeConcini. Robb graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and received a J.D from the Duquesne University School of Law. Yvette Lewis has served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party and currently sits on the DNC National Committee. She has previously worked as the President of the Voter Empowerment Action Project, member of the DNC Budget and Finance Committee, and Secretary of the Association of State Democratic Chairs. Lewis has also served on the White House Commission for Presidential Scholars. Additionally, she has an accomplished career in music as a vocalist and teacher in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Montgomery County schools. BillDausterhas served on Senate, White House, and campaign staffs since 1986, most recently as deputy chief of staff for policy for Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid. Before that,Dausterhad been Staff Director or Deputy Staff Director on the U.S. Senate Budget, Labor and Human Resources, and Finance Committees, Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council, and Legislative Director for Senator Russ Feingold. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-democrats-seek-new-ways-to-take-on-trump,House Democrats Seek New Ways to Take on Trump,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"Republican members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform were invited to the forum, but none attended. The idea that Trump’s potential conflicts should not be a partisan issue was stressed multiple times, but Rep. John Sarbanes argued that Republicans’ lack of attendance forced the conversation to have an air of partisanship…. “If Republicans want his administration to be successful, I’m going to assume that most of them do, then they should have an appetite for his addressing these conflicts of interest,” Sarbanes told BuzzFeed News after the forum. “I think the public is going to play a very important role here because as people begin to focus on these conflicts and start to process it… then they’re going to start to put pressure on the president and Republicans and they may realize, hey this is something that we’ve got to pay some real attention to.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-on-the-assassination-of-russian-ambassador-to-turkey-andrei-karlov,Cardin on the Assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2016 Cardin on the Assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the killing of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey in Ankara early Monday. “My thoughts and condolences are with the Russian people and the family of Ambassador Andrei Karlov, who was serving his country on the front lines of diplomacy in Ankara when he was killed. Such an attack on a member of the diplomatic corps is wholly unacceptable. Diplomacy is a noble calling that can bring forward the hope of stability and peace; violence only will bring more violence, more loss and more suffering.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-announces-senate-committee-assignments,Van Hollen Announces Senate Committee Assignments,2016-12-18,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Chris Van Hollen,V000128,www.vanhollen.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2016 Van Hollen Announces Senate Committee Assignments Will Serve on Appropriations, Banking, Agriculture, and Budget Committees Washington, DC -Today Maryland Senator-elect Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement oncommitteeassignments. He will be serving on four committees in the U.S. Senate: the AppropriationsCommittee, the Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsCommittee, the Agriculture, Nutrition, and ForestryCommittee, and the BudgetCommittee. ""As Maryland's next U.S. Senator, I will work every day to help the people of our great state achieve our goals of economic and educational opportunity, retirement security, and social justice for all. I'm pleased to announce that I will serve on four committees that will allow me to work with Marylanders to achieve these goals. ""By taking up Senator Mikulski's mantle on the AppropriationsCommittee, I will be able to fight for important investments for Maryland. Our state is home to many federal facilities and critical military installations. From the work being done to keep our nation safe at the Cyber Command and NSA at Fort Meade, to the life-saving research happening at NIH, these facilities are central to America's future and Maryland's economy. ""My work on both the BankingCommitteeand the AgricultureCommitteewill allow me to ensure that the diverse needs of our state are being met. Whether it's the challenges and opportunities facing great cities like Baltimore or the special concerns facing farmers on the Eastern Shore and in Western Maryland, I look forward to working with all Marylanders to make sure we reach our full potential. A seat on the BankingCommitteewill also allow me to continue my work to ensure that Wall Street is held accountable and that Marylanders never again face the huge financial disruptions that we saw with the Great Recession in 2008. ""And as I've said many times, budgets are not just dollars and cents -- they are a statement of our nation's priorities. I've been honored to serve on the House BudgetCommitteefor the last six years, and I'm pleased to continue that work in the U.S. Senate. Marylanders know how important it is to make investments that fuel our nation's success -- from funding education and job training programs to supporting small business owners and job creators. ""Public service and standing up for what's right has never been more important. As U.S. Senator, I will fight every day to move Maryland -- and America -- forward."" ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2700,Hoyer Statement on the Discovery of Nooses at the Dominion Cove Point Construction Site,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after a fifth hangman’s noose was discovered at the Dominion Cove Point construction site:  “I am horrified to learn that hangman’s nooses continue to be discovered at the Dominion Cove Point construction site, despite efforts by Dominion and the Kiewit firm to cooperate with law enforcement and find the culprits. These disturbing and on-going hateful acts will not be tolerated, and I offer my full support to Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans and Calvert County NAACP President-Elect Michael Kent as they continue to investigate these occurrences. Those responsible for these acts of hateful harassment must be brought to justice, and I will continue to monitor this situation closely.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2701,Hoyer Congratulates Bowie State University Winter Graduates,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after he delivered remarks at the Bowie State University winter commencement ceremony, where Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden delivered the commencement address: “I was honored to join Dr. Carla Hayden today at the Bowie State University winter commencement ceremony. As our 14th Librarian of Congress, and the first woman and African American to hold the post, Dr. Hayden is not only an outstanding leader, but a true role model for the class of 2016. “When I was first elected to the Maryland State Senate fifty years ago, supporting Bowie State University was one of my top priorities. Over the years, I’ve been exceptionally proud of the progress the university has made, and I am continually impressed by the extremely talented students who have attended and graduated from Bowie State. “Today I see a class of bright, eager graduates who are poised to help us navigate the new challenges facing our world today. I join in congratulating the class of 2016 graduates and wish them the best of luck as they embark on their next journey.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senators-call-for-investigation-after-trump-transition-waves-off-reported-attempts-to-discriminate-against-federal-employees,Senators Call for Investigation After Trump Transition Waves Off Reported Attempts to Discriminate Against Federal Employees,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 16, 2016 Senators Call for Investigation After Trump Transition Waves Off Reported Attempts to Discriminate Against Federal Employees WASHINGTON – Following reports that transition officials for President-elect Donald Trump requested information about civil service employees who have worked on certain climate change policies, prompting widespread outcry, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and eight of his colleagues are calling on the Office of Special Counsel to investigate the apparent attempt to retaliate or discriminate against federal employees. As the Senators wrote, “These requests appear to have violated long-standing federal laws designed to protect civil servants against coercion for partisan purposes.” Reports last week showed that the Trump transition team had submitted a questionnaire to the Department of Energy requesting “…a list of all Department of Energy employees or contractors who have attended any Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Carbon meetings” as well as a list of “Department employees or contractors who attended any of the Conference of the Parties (under the UNFCCC) in the last five years.” Another question demands “a list of the top twenty salaried employees” at National Laboratories.  The Trump transition team’s opaque response to concerns regarding the questionnaire – indicating only that the staff member who made the request had been “properly counseled” – only increases the need for an independent investigation to ensure that appropriate action is taken in response to any violations of federal law. “We urge you to investigate whether this questionnaire, or any similar questionnaire being circulated by transition officials, violates federal law and to hold accountable those responsible,” the Senators wrote. “We also ask that you publicly communicate to Congress clear guidance on the circumstances under which the Office of Special Counsel will investigate instances of retaliation or discrimination against career civil servants for implementing the policies of any previous administration.” In addition to Senator Cardin, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Cory A. Booker (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.). The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and copied below. December 15, 2016   The Honorable Carolyn N. Lerner Special Counsel U.S. Office of Special Counsel 1730 M Street, N.W., Suite 218 Washington, D.C. 20036   Dear Special Counsel Lerner: It has come to our attention that President-elect Donald J. Trump’s transition officials have asked the Department of Energy through a questionnaire for a list of the individual personnel who have worked on certain climate change policies, as well as for lists of the publications and associations of scientists at the National Laboratories.  These requests appear to have violated long-standing federal laws designed to protect civil servants against coercion for partisan purposes.  We ask that you take immediate action to review these deeply troubling requests.  The questionnaire, which may be just one of many such documents, required the Department to “…provide a list of all Department of Energy employees or contractors who have attended any Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Carbon meetings” as well as a list of “Department employees or contractors who attended any of the Conference of the Parties (under the UNFCCC) in the last five years.”  Another question demands “a list of the top twenty salaried employees” at National Laboratories.  Taken together, these questions seem to demonstrate a clear intent to retaliate or discriminate against federal employees. Through the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), Congress established that federal personnel management should be conducted consistent with merit system principles, which are codified in section 2301 of Title V.  This section establishes that employees should be protected against coercion for partisan political purposes.  Officials who violate this law are subject to disciplinary action.  The CRSA also created the independent U.S. Office of the Special Counsel to safeguard the merit system by protecting federal employees from prohibited personnel practices.  The primary basis for a personnel practice to be considered prohibited is the motivations behind it.  As stated in the Senate’s CSRA report, a “prohibited personnel practice is a personnel action which is taken for a prohibited purpose.”  We are alarmed by the requests in the Energy Department questionnaire because they strongly appear to be motivated by partisan political purposes, which are forbidden by the Act and are therefore impermissible actions by transition officials.  We urge you to investigate whether this questionnaire, or any similar questionnaire being circulated by transition officials, violates federal law and to hold accountable those responsible.  In your investigation, we ask you to take a close look at the motives of the transition officials in singling-out federal employees for implementing our nation’s climate change policies.   We also ask that you publicly communicate to Congress clear guidance on the circumstances under which the Office of Special Counsel will investigate instances of retaliation or discrimination against career civil servants for implementing the policies of any previous administration.  Given the seriousness and urgency of this matter, we ask that you provide a response to this letter no later than December 23, 2016.   We thank you for your dedication to public service and to the career civil servants who, on a daily basis, apply their skills and energy on behalf of our country.   ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-democrats-convene-their-own-hearing-to-talk-about-donald-trump-s,House Democrats Convene Their Own Hearing to Talk About Donald Trumps Conflicts of Interest,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"Even though they hold no committee gavels in their hands and no subpoena power to command witnesses to testify, House Democrats are going to try and provide oversight of the Trump administration whether Republicans want to or not…. On Wednesday, Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), ranking member on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, showed what that would look like. In a meeting room in the Capitol Visitor Center, Cummings and four other Democrats ― Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), John Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) ― convened a hearing with three ethics experts to examine President-elect Donald Trump’s conflicts of interest.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-as-evacuation-of-eastern-aleppo-syria-continues,"Cardin Statement As Evacuation of Eastern Aleppo, Syria Continues",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2016 Cardin Statement As Evacuation of Eastern Aleppo, Syria Continues WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Thursday as the evacuation of civilians from Eastern Aleppo, Syria was underway: “I welcome the news that some civilians have been evacuated from eastern Aleppo. This evacuation operation is complex and will take time – it is absolutely critical that the ceasefire remains in place and humanitarian access continue to allow for safe and secure evacuation operations.  I implore the international community to maintain pressure on Assad, Russia, and Iran so that they comply with the terms of the ceasefire in order to save lives and protect civilians. “Whether civilians remain or evacuate, they deserve dignity and they deserve protection from grievous harm. “The world is watching the conduct of Bashar al-Assad, Russia, and Iran.  I am highly disturbed by reports that Iran-backed militias fired on evacuation vehicles – these atrocities must be prevented and when they cannot, the international community must unify in our condemnation and in our effort to hold the perpetrators accountable. “I whole-heartedly reject Assad’s assertions today that the evacuation is a triumphal event.  No one is fooled:  Assad and his backers are guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity, and have inflicted a gross campaign of torture, starvation, and violence on the people of Syria.  He has no legitimacy to lead Syria.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-democrats-to-introduce-bill-to-require-president-and-vice-president-to-fully-divest-personal-financial-conflicts-of-interest,Senate Democrats to Introduce Bill to Require President and Vice President to Fully Divest Personal Financial Conflicts of Interest,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2016 Senate Democrats to Introduce Bill to Require President and Vice President to Fully Divest Personal Financial Conflicts of Interest Senators Also Reiterate Their Demand for Trump to Comply with Constitution's Emoluments Clause Washington, D.C. - On the day President-elect Donald Trump was supposed to inform the American people about his future with the Trump Organization, a group of Democratic U.S. senators announced they will introduce a bill in January that would require the President and Vice President to disclose and divest any potential financial conflicts of interest. It also would require presidential appointees to recuse themselves from any specific matters involving the President's financial conflicts of interest that come before their agencies. The co-sponsors of this legislation include Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The senators have consistently asked for more transparency and accountability from President-elect Trump. In November, the lawmakers filed a Resolution stating the Senate's expectation that President-elect Trump needs to decisively and transparently divest all of his business interests and holdings and completely sever his affiliation with the Trump Organization to avoid any actual or perceived conflicts with the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, which prohibits the President from accepting gifts or benefits from foreign governmental actors. ""The American people do not want the President encumbered by conflicts of interest that put him in violation of the Constitution or US law,"" said Senator Cardin. ""He shouldn't want such conflicts either. Through legislation, resolutions, and advocacy we will continue to uphold the Constitution and current law and require the President-elect to take serious steps to give the American people the transparency they deserve."" ""The American people deserve to know that the President of the United States is working to do what's best for the country - not using his office to do what's best for himself and his businesses,"" said Senator Warren. ""The only way for President-elect Trump to truly eliminate conflicts-of-interest is to divest his financial interests and place them in a blind trust. This has been the standard for previous presidents, and our bill makes clear the continuing expectation that President-elect Trump do the same."" ""President-elect Trump's financial entanglements are unprecedented in American history, and the American people are still waiting to hear what steps he will take before January 20th to guard against conflicts of interest and corruption in his Administration. Just this week, the President-elect cancelled a scheduled announcement about severing his business ties, taking time instead to meet with Kanye West,"" said Senator Durbin.""The American people deserve to know that their President is putting the United States' interests before his own, his family's, or that of any foreign government."" ""It's simple. There's only one way for Donald Trump to end his conflicts of interest and reassure the American people that he is working for them and not for himself: Divest. Sell off the businesses and put the proceeds in a true blind trust,"" said Senator Merkley. ""Our President-elect has significantly greater risk of business and financial conflicts of interest than any other president, yet has so far refused to follow the precedent set by previous presidents.  To this day, President-elect Trump has refused to address his conflicts of interest,"" said Senator Coons. ""His continued delay in taking such steps is deeply troubling and calls into question his commitment to two fundamental responsibilities: running an open, transparent White House and fully severing his business ties before taking office. That's why Congress must act promptly to pass this legislation that will require the President to divest their financial interests and place the proceeds in a blind trust. The presidency is a full-time job with only one client: the American people."" A fact sheet about the bill is available here. The legislation will be introduced when the Senate returns to session in January. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-crisis-in-aleppo-syria,"Cardin Statement on Crisis in Aleppo, Syria",2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 14, 2016 Cardin Statement on Crisis in Aleppo, Syria U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Wednesday: “Not 24 hours after reports of civilians in Aleppo being slaughtered by the Assad regime and their Russian and Iranian backers, and a necessary but weak ceasefire was supposed to allow for evacuations, the aerial bombardment, shelling and killing have started again. The utter disregard for innocent human life in Syria is a stain on all of us. I join the international calls for the violence to cease and for the UN to be allowed access to Eastern Aleppo to deliver humanitarian emergency assistance. “I want the people of Syria to know that I will continue to use my position as Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to push for accountability for war crimes or crimes against humanity in the Syrian conflict through fair and independent investigations and prosecutions at the domestic or international level.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-deteriorating-situation-in-aleppo-syria,"Cardin Statement on Deteriorating Situation in Aleppo, Syria",2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 09, 2016 Cardin Statement on Deteriorating Situation in Aleppo, Syria “Assad’s war crimes are a stain on our collective humanity; We cannot allow Russia…a veneer of legitimacy.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Friday as the situation in Aleppo, Syria continues to deteriorate: “The late Elie Weisel said ‘I don’t want my past to become anyone else’s future.’  “For more than 70 years now, civilized people have carried forward the charge to ‘Never Forget’.  That charge has been decimated on the streets of eastern Aleppo.  The shame of the international community is piercing as countless innocent Syrian men, women, and children starve and bleed and are bombed to death.  No one can escape the chilling images of the 24/7 media cycle that compel us to bear witness to barrel bombs falling on Aleppo’s residents. “According to the United Nations, around 100,000 civilians are currently in areas under the control of armed opposition groups in eastern Aleppo.  There are also roughly 500 medical cases involving men, women and children who desperately need to be evacuated, especially after the regime intentionally destroyed hospitals and clinics, and targeted doctors and other health workers. “Bashar al-Assad’s war crimes and crimes against humanity are a stain on our collective humanity and a threat to the security of the United States and its allies and partners across the globe.  Assad’s regime forces are under-resourced and over-burdened; but he has been buttressed on the ground and in the air by Russia, Iran and Hezbollah.  Assad has violated Syria’s obligations under the Convention on Chemical Weapons as confirmed by the Joint Implementation Mechanism of the UN and the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; but he is protected by Russia.  Assad has lost legitimacy to govern and is himself a magnet for terror and violent extremism; but he is shielded at the Security Council by Russia.  “Russia and China’s December 5 veto of a U.N. Security Council Resolution that called for a temporary humanitarian pause in Aleppo was a vote to continue the Assad regime’s campaign of bombing, starving and murdering the Syrian people into surrender.  Russia and China voted to continue the atrocities, deny emergency humanitarian aid, bar hundreds of critically wounded and disabled civilians from evacuation and other grotesque violations of international humanitarian law.  “For years now, Russia has not been a partner for in ending the violence and engaging in a serious peace process.  We cannot allow Russia’s participation in the current Geneva negotiations to provide them a veneer of legitimacy. “The reality is that Russia and Iran should be held accountable for war crimes as they continue to take actions that ensure Syria will remain a terrorist attraction, with a generation of Syrians lost to malnutrition and radicalization.  They and the Assad regime must be held accountable.  “I welcome the December 7 statement by the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the U.S. that announced their readiness ‘to consider additional restrictive measures against individuals and entities that act for or on behalf of the Syrian regime.’  I am ready to work with my colleagues in Congress to reinforce these restrictive measures through legislation, including passing the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act when Congress reconvenes in January.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-statement-on-21st-century-cures-act,Sarbanes Statement on 21st Century Cures Act,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) issued the below statement after President Barack Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act into law. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives – with Congressman Sarbanes’ support – on November 30 by a vote of 392 to 26 and passed the U.S. Senate on December 7 by a vote of 94 to 5. “The 21st Century Cures Act is landmark legislation that will provide critical funding to the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration – two Maryland-based institutions that drive our nation’s medical research and innovation. Funding contained in this bill will allow both agencies to modernize clinical trials, support the development of new drugs and devices, speed up drug and device approvals, invest in new science like precision medicine and help young scientists begin their careers in research. “In all, these improvements will help expand access to life-saving treatments, especially for patients with rare diseases. “With that said, the 21st Century Cures Act is not a perfect bill. Along with my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, we have worked two years to craft the final version of this legislation. However, I am deeply concerned that the final product does not contain guaranteed funding. Moving forward, I will do everything possible to encourage the Republican-led Appropriations Committee to live up to the funding promises contained in this bill. Doing so will ensure that Congress does its part to improve the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures for all Americans.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-statement-on-russian-interference-in-us-elections,Sarbanes Statement on Russian Interference in U.S. Elections,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released the following statement after the CIA determined that Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election in an effort to sway its outcome: “I am deeply alarmed by the intelligence community’s findings that Russia interfered in our elections with the intent of helping elect Donald J. Trump as President of the United States. I am equally troubled by President-elect Trump’s dismissal of the CIA’s conclusions and his apparent determination to undermine the work of American intelligence analysts and agencies. The integrity and transparency of the election process is fundamental to our democracy, and we must closely examine the state-sponsored hacking and misinformation campaign deployed by Russia in order to prevent it from happening again in the future. “I am encouraged by the bipartisan support for further investigation into Russia’s activities. In particular, I want to commend the efforts of Congressman Elijah Cummings, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Congressman Eric Swalwell, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, who have introduced a bill that will establish a bipartisan, independent commission to examine Russia’s attempt to shape the 2016 election’s outcome. I also welcome President Obama's decision to order a comprehensive report on Russia’s activities and the bipartisan request for investigation in the Senate led by Republicans John McCain and Lindsey Graham, and Democrats Charles Schumer and Jack Reed. I call on my Republican colleagues in the House to support these investigations in order to restore the public’s confidence in our electoral process.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-rex-tillersons-nomination-as-secretary-of-state,Cardin Statement on Rex Tillerson’s Nomination as Secretary of State,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 13, 2016 Cardin Statement on Rex Tillerson’s Nomination as Secretary of State WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Tuesday after President-elect Donald Trump announced he will nominate Rex W. Tillerson, the president and CEO of Exxon Mobil, to be the 69th Secretary of State of the United States of America: “The President-elect deserves to nominate individuals he believes will best carry out his agenda and serve our country. But as a separate and co-equal branch of government, the Senate has a Constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent to the president-elect on this most important Cabinet position, America’s diplomat to the world. “I am deeply troubled by Mr. Tillerson’s vocal opposition to U.S. sanctions on Russia following its illegal invasion, occupation and annexation of Crimea, Ukraine, and his close personal relationship with Vladimir Putin. Exxon Mobil also has a troubling history with climate science and the environment. Mr. Tillerson has demonstrated he knows the corporate world and can put his shareholders’ interests first, but can he be a respected Secretary of State that puts the national security interests of the American people first? It remains to be seen. “I also want to know more about Mr. Tillerson’s worldview, because I found many of President-elect Trump’s foreign policy statements as a candidate, and now as the next President of the United States, to be disturbing at best and frightening at worst.  And I know many of our allies did and do as well. “As the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to meeting with Mr. Tillerson as I lead my Democratic colleagues through a thorough, thoughtful confirmation process where we will scrutinize his record, experience and qualifications for the job. “In a world increasingly wracked by gross human rights violations, endemic corruption, brutal conflicts and shifting alliances, I expect Mr. Tillerson to be prepared to answer the Senate’s questions and offer a comprehensive vision of the President-elect’s U.S. foreign policy.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/financial-services-members-move-the-needle-forward-on-housing-finance-reform,Financial Services Members Move the Needle Forward on Housing Finance Reform,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Delaney,D000620,delaney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -  Thursday, two bills were introduced by a bipartisan group of members on the House Financial Services Committee to lay the groundwork for housing finance reform next Congress -- H.R. 6500, the Moving Housing Forward Act, introduced by Congressmen John K. Delaney (D-MD), John Carney (D-DE), and Jim Himes (D-CT) and H.R. 6487, the Taxpayer Protections and Market Access for Mortgage Finance Act introduced by Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI). Both proposals seek to address issues in housing finance through pilot programs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. “An all-of-the-above approach to credit risk transfers by the GSEs is critical, as we look for ways to decrease taxpayer exposure to future losses and maintain a stable housing market. Members of both sides of the aisle agree that the status quo of a housing market dominated by the federal government is unsustainable,” said Congressman Royce. “Owning a home has long been a key part of the American Dream. If Congress isn’t ensuring access to affordable housing and a stable housing market, we are failing millions of middle class families,” said Congressman Delaney. “With the current difficulty millions of Americans face getting mortgages, it’s time for Congress to end the gridlock on housing finance reform and start advancing reasonable bipartisan ideas like these innovative pilot programs that will help Congress finalize larger reforms. I’m proud to work with Congressman Himes and Congressman Carney on our bill and I’m grateful for Congressman Royce and Congresswoman Moore’s efforts to also advance housing reform. In these two bills, we advance reform efforts that combine the strengths of the private sector and public sector to keep an affordable fixed-rate thirty-year mortgage alive and preserve a government guarantee, while introducing greater fiscal responsibility and stability to the housing finance system. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties next Congress.” “Ensuring the stability of our housing market is crucial to our communities and our economy,’ said Congressman Carney. “These bills seek to address critical issues at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and to do so in a responsible way. While I’m disappointed that I won’t be in Congress to continue this work, I’m glad we were able to keep the ball rolling.”  “Congress needs to make progress on issues that affect the lives of working families in tangible ways, and it is hard to think of anything that can build wealth and change lives more significantly than home ownership,” said Congressman Himes. “Our plan combines the best ideas and resources from the private and public sector, which is an approach that has wide support from the experts most knowledgeable in the field. This legislation can set the tone for a new way of doing business on Capitol Hill that puts the priorities of the American people first.” Eight years after the financial crisis housing finance reform remains unaddressed. Government conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac places taxpayers at risk for future bailouts and impacts access to credit for borrowers. On average, borrowers need a FICO score that is 50 points higher than they did 15 years ago. As a leading economic driver for the United States and an important asset for middle-class savings, stability in the housing sector and adequate access to mortgages for home buyers is imperative. To address these issues, House Financial Services members have introduced two proposals that establish pilot programs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It is crucial that Congress take up legislation to fix the structure of both Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) to prevent future housing crises and protect American taxpayers while also ensuring that Americans retain the dream of owning their own home. Both bills seek to test strategies and gain feedback to better inform future Congressional actions. The Moving Housing Forward Act would test a pari passu finance pricing structure for Credit Risk Transfers, while Taxpayer Protections and Market Access for Mortgage Finance Act expands mortgage insurance to lessen risk for the enterprises.  In addition, both efforts push the regulators and GSEs to explore new and innovative means of sharing risk and advance the conversation around how to best reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These pilots provide important real-world feedback to help Congress act on comprehensive housing finance reform. The members look forward to continuing to work together to examine new structures that ensure both affordability of mortgages and fiscal responsibility. To view bill text of the Taxpayer Protections and Market Access for Mortgage Finance Act click here. To view bill text of Moving Housing Forward Act click here. For a one-pager on the Moving Housing Forward Act click here.   ##",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-issues-statement-on-alleged-russian-interference-into-us,Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Alleged Russian Interference Into U.S. Elections,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,R000576,ruppersberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) — Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, former Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, today issued the following statement on alleged Russian interference into U.S. elections: “Today, I am calling for a bipartisan Congressional investigation into conclusions by the U.S. intelligence community that Russia interfered with our Presidential election. We must determine the facts to protect the validity of future elections. I also support the declassification of as much information surrounding the investigation into Russia’s activities as possible. This isn’t about who won this year’s election. It’s about the possibility of another country – Russia or otherwise – compromising the integrity of our democracy. I would feel the same if Hillary Clinton had won in November. No one is accusing the President-elect or his campaign of wrongdoing and his derogatory comments about our intelligence agencies are unhelpful. Our country’s intelligence workers are in dangerous and remote hotspots around the globe, fighting to keep us safe just as our men and women in uniform are doing. I can think of few issues more important than protecting the credibility of the checks and balances that make our country great.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2699,"Hoyer: Trump Transition Questionnaire Raises Serious Concerns about Motivation, Possible Retribution",2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today: ""I am alarmed by the questionnaire sent by the Trump transition team to the Department of Energy seeking the names of career civil servants who have worked on climate change policy. This raises serious concerns as to the motivation of such a request and raises questions of possible retribution for following President Obama's policies.  ""Civil servants are directed to implement the policies of the President, and they do so with distinction. We expect them to do so with fidelity to policy and to apply their expertise on behalf of those policies.  ""To conduct an inquiry targeting individuals for the work they were directed to carry out, based on the latest and most rigorous scientific research, is troubling. It also raises questions as to whether or not the Trump Administration intends to pursue their policy objectives without considering the substantive work and opinions of those who are charged with the responsibility of developing and implementing energy policy.  ""I will be following this issue closely and will fight for the rights of federal employees to be respected and protected in doing their duties properly. I hope leaders from both parties will respect our nation's nonpartisan career civil servants who have served administrations of both political parties professionally and ably.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senators-cardin-feinstein-leahy-call-for-independent-nonpartisan-commission-to-investigate-russian-interference-in-election,"Senators Cardin, Feinstein, Leahy Call for Independent Nonpartisan Commission to Investigate Russian Interference in Election",2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2016 Senators Cardin, Feinstein, Leahy Call for Independent Nonpartisan Commission to Investigate Russian Interference in Election WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) called Monday for the creation of an independent, nonpartisan commission to comprehensively investigate alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. The commission would fully investigate alleged Russian cyberattacks on U.S. political entities and election infrastructure, seek to identify those responsible, and recommend a response as well as actions the U.S. can take to defend itself in the future.  Modeled on other independent commissions, this body would compile all available classified intelligence and open source information, conduct hearings and interviews, with subpoena power, and report its findings to Congress within 18 months from being formed. The membership of the commission would be individuals appointed by the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional leadership. After the White House announced it was conducting its own review into alleged Russian interference in the election late last week, reporting in The Washington Post raised serious further questions about this matter. And in October, the Director of National Intelligence confirmed that senior-level Russian officials were involved in the hacks of the emails of the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign. The Senators’ announcement today complements the call by bipartisan leadership in the Senate for Congressional investigations as well as support in the House of Representatives for an independent commission. “We’ve seen what Russia can do with a MiG, but they can be equally destructive with a mouse. The American people deserve a nonpartisan, transparent, public investigation into this insidious attack on our democratic institutions,” said Senator Cardin, ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee. “Elections and the peaceful transfer of power are the foundational elements of our democracy.   They have been attacked and undermined by the world’s most destabilizing major power. As a nation it’s time to get to the bottom of it and learn what we can do to prevent it from ever happening again.” “An attack against our election system is an attack on our very way of life and must not go unchallenged,” said Senator Feinstein, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. “We need this commission to determine if my personal belief is correct—that the real intent of what appears to be a classic Russian covert influence campaign was to harm the candidacy of the Democratic candidate or undermine our democratic system. This bipartisan commission will help identify the specific ‘actors’ responsible and recommend a possible course of action to prevent this from ever happening again.” “For the last 20 years, as chairman or ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have worked to protect the voting rights of all Americans.  But the right to vote – the foundation of our democracy – is undermined if a foreign country can interfere with our democratic process,” said Senator Leahy, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  “It is time to rise above the fray and engage in a serious, independent, and bipartisan investigation of the allegations that the Russians interfered with the American presidential election.  This is larger than any one candidate or any one election.  This is about protecting our democracy now, and going forward.”   About the Commission: The Commission to End Russian Interference in United States Elections will conduct a comprehensive review of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The Commission will provide the Congress, the Executive Branch, and the U.S. public with full information regarding how alleged Russian interference may have affected the 2016 election, as well as recommendations to protect our elections going forward, so that the American people and their leaders can have faith and confidence in the integrity of our elections, our Constitution, and democratic form of government. The Commission will be bipartisan, with members appointed by Republican and Democratic leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Members of Congress would not be members of the Committee. The Members of the Commission would have access to all unclassified and classified information, including subpoena power, regarding all Russian activities with regards to the 2016 Presidential election. The Commission will produce a Report within 18 months outlining the facts of what occurred, in an unclassified form with a classified annex, and make recommendations to the Congress and Executive on appropriate actions to defend our system of elections and government, including a plan to counter Russian interference in US elections. Vladimir Putin has repeatedly shown the world that he aggressively seeks to undermine the sovereignty of sovereign countries, democratic institutions, and the rule of law.  He is a threat to democracy, peace, security, and human rights worldwide.   The Commission's report would show how and to what extent his activities, and the activities of those who do his bidding, impact the political system of United States and the American people.   Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-passage-of-the-water-resources-development-act,Cardin Statement on the Passage of the Water Resources Development Act,2016-12-10,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2016 Cardin Statement on the Passage of the Water Resources Development Act WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), issued the following statement on the Conference Report on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which was approved by the Senate 78-21 early Saturday. “The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is one bill that truly impacts every single person in our country. Every community— urban, rural and suburban neighborhoods — has a right to expect that water coming from their tap is safe to drink and that Congress will do everything within its power to ensure that happens. Clean water means good jobs and better health,” said Senator Cardin. “This bill is too important to have been left until the 11th hour to finalize where it was susceptible to last-minute provisions that could have derailed the whole hard-fought package. “I am proud of the concrete achievements in this WRDA, many sections taken from legislation that I authored such as improving testing in schools for lead, replacing lead pipes and revising financing programs so communities can replace their crumbling water infrastructure. Long before Flint was seared into the national consciousness, I have been fighting year after year to upgrade our hidden water infrastructure. The bill authorizes $300 million over 5 years for lead pipe replacement, $300 million over 5 years for underserved communities to do what they need to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act, $100 million over 5 years for testing specifically in schools. There is also a requirement that the EPA, state, and local governments notify residents immediately when lead is found in their water, something that would have stopped years of exposure and needless suffering in Flint and countless cities across America. “The heart of WRDA provides for the conservation and development of water resources. The high quality jobs associated with maintaining and building our water infrastructure means WRDA is incredibly important to strengthening and growing the middle class in the U.S. The investments this legislation makes to improve the safety and performance of the nation’s locks, levees and dams and ports, channels and harbors is essential to our country’s continued economic growth. Maryland, like many coastal states, has much at stake in this bill. The Port of Baltimore directly employs more than 1,000 workers while supporting thousands more jobs across the entire mid-Atlantic region. These jobs and the movement of the valuable cargo coming in and out of the port would not be realized if it weren’t for the Army Corps’ work to maintain the Baltimore Harbor Channel. I fought hard to ensure that WRDA, which includes provisions related to specific river basins, watersheds and coastal areas, increases the authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program in Maryland and Virginia from $60 million to $100 million. The health of our oyster population is critical to Maryland’s economy, the health of the Chesapeake Bay and our natural environment.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-issues-statement-on-passage-of-bill-greenlighting-critical,"Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Passage of Bill Greenlighting Critical Port, Harbor Projects",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,R000576,ruppersberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Timonium, MD) — The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed bipartisan legislation that authorizes funding for our nation’s ports, harbors and waterways, including the Port of Baltimore. The “Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act” passed in a 360-61 vote and is now under consideration by the U.S. Senate. Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger issued the following statement: “I applaud yesterday’s passage of bipartisan legislation, which includes investments that are absolutely critical to keeping the Port of Baltimore competitive and protecting the 122,000 jobs it supports. This bill makes it easier to deepen port berths – allowing some of the largest container ships in the world to call on the Port of Baltimore – and increases funding for fish and wildlife habitat projects in the Chesapeake Bay from $60 million to $100 million. These provisions will support a local effort to use dredged material to restore Chesapeake Bay islands. I am also pleased that the bill will continue to prevent raids of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to offset other federal spending. This funding belongs with our ports and our ports alone. I am also happy to see that Congress is getting back into the habit of passing 2-year authorizations. This helps both our public and private-sector partners in long-term planning, which means projects stand a better chance at coming in on-time and under-budget. This is ultimately a jobs bill and I hope that we can continue working together on common sense investments in infrastructure to get Americans back to work. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly follow suit and send this bill to the President’s desk.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2698,Hoyer Statement on Pay Parity for 2017,2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after the Obama Administration announced that all federal employees will receive a 2.1% pay increase in 2017, which establishes parity with military personnel:   “I’m glad that President Obama has responded to the letter that I and other Democratic Members sent this week asking for civilian-military pay parity by announcing that all federal employees will be receiving a 2.1% pay increase next year.  This is a major victory for those who serve our nation as federal employees and who constitute a critical national asset whose contributions should not be diminished.  The hardworking men and women of our federal civilian workforce support our national defense, ensure that equal protection and equal opportunity rules are enforced, keep our highways safe and waterways clean, and oversee grants that fund education and public health.  They guard our food supply from contamination and keep dangerous drugs out of our schools and neighborhoods.  It is just as critical to recruit and retain talented Americans for our federal civilian workforce as it is to do so for our military.  “It is disturbing that President-Elect Trump has promised to reduce the size of our federal workforce at a time when we are facing such enormous challenges.  Federal hiring freezes, pay freezes, and reductions in pensions and benefits only make us weaker as a nation and would make only a marginal difference when it comes to reducing deficits.  The best way to ensure fiscal sustainability and cut waste in government is to ensure that we are hiring and retaining the best possible workforce to serve the taxpayers.  I will continue to advocate strongly for that approach as well as for the pay parity between military and civilian personnel that recognizes the monumental contributions to our country made by both.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/as-tax-reform-talks-loom-in-2017-cardin-reintroduces-a-comprehensive-progressive-pro-growth-approach,"As Tax Reform Talks Loom in 2017, Cardin Reintroduces a Comprehensive, Progressive, Pro-Growth Approach",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 09, 2016 As Tax Reform Talks Loom in 2017, Cardin Reintroduces a Comprehensive, Progressive, Pro-Growth Approach WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, has reintroduced groundbreaking legislation that would eliminate income tax liability for most Americans and reduce corporate income tax rate to one of the lowest among industrialized nations. Cardin’s bill, S. 3529, the Progressive Consumption Tax Act (PCTA), changes the way the federal government raises revenue. Rather than taxing income, the Progressive Consumption Tax (PCT) generates reasonable revenue by taxing the purchase of goods and services. Designed to be at least as progressive as today’s tax system, low- and middle-income families would be protected from unfair consumption taxation through a rebate, and important benefits would be retained in a much simpler income tax code. A revenue circuit breaker, tied to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is built into the Cardin system to set reasonable limits on the amount of income generated by the new progressive consumption tax. The text of S. 3529 can be found here. More details are available at cardin.senate.gov/pct. Since the original introduction of the Progressive Consumption Tax Act in 2014, many policymakers, including in Congress, have become increasingly interested in moving to a border-adjustable consumption tax base. “Our tax code should be fair for families and employers. It should help make American-based businesses more competitive and our Nation’s economy stronger. And it should provide a way to responsibly and reliably collect reasonable revenues. Our current, 1980s-style tax code simply cannot accomplish these goals,” said Senator Cardin. “Credible tax reform is critical to America’s economic competitiveness. Every other developed country in the world, including all other Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, have a consumption tax. The Progressive Consumption Tax Act puts this country on a competitive playing field with other nations by providing for a broad-based progressive consumption tax, or PCT, at a rate of 10 percent. The PCT would generate revenue by taxing goods and services, rather than income. “The PCT is not simply an add-on tax. The revenues generated by this new system would be used to eliminate an income tax liability for most American households,” said Senator Cardin. The PCTA’s income tax exemptions, called “family allowances,” are set at $100,000 for joint filers, $50,000 for single filers, and $75,000 for head of household filers. The family allowances are indexed for inflation. Those who do still have an income tax liability would see a much simplified income tax with their marginal rates reduced—the top marginal individual income tax rate, applying to taxable income over $500,000 for joint filers, would be 28 percent versus the current top marginal rate (applying to taxable income over approximately $450,000 for joint filers) of 39.6 percent. Four important tax benefits remain: (1) the charitable contribution deduction; (2) the state and local tax deduction; (3) health and retirement benefits; (4) the mortgage interest deduction. In addition, the bill would slice the corporate rate by more than half, to just 17 percent. “A cornerstone of the Progressive Consumption Tax Act is its progressivity. Rebates and the family allowance will practically eliminate the consumption tax burden for lower- and moderate-income families and provide similar support as programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Like the EITC and CTC, individuals and families who do not have an income tax liability would still be able to receive these rebates,” Senator Cardin added. The Progressive Consumption Tax Act sets the PCT at a single rate of 10 percent. It is designed as a “credit invoice” method consumption tax that would be compliant with WTO rules. Since the U.S. is a low-tax country compared to other advanced-economy countries, the final PCT rate – if any change is made – will likely be set at a rate well below the current OECD average (about 19 percent). The updated Progressive Consumption Tax Act contains several refinements based on stakeholder input received since 2014. It was reintroduced in the current Congress to provide an opportunity for further review and to show what responsible legislation that moves towards a consumption-base could look like as tax reform discussions move forward in 2017. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-passage-of-yet-another-short-term-continuing-resolution,Cardin Statement on Passage of Yet Another Short-Term Continuing Resolution,2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 09, 2016 Cardin Statement on Passage of Yet Another Short-Term Continuing Resolution “Continuing resolutions keep the federal government running, which is good news for all Americans, but it is no way to run a government.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and a member of the Senate Finance Committee, expressed his frustration that House and Senate Republicans insisted on yet another continuing resolution (CR) rather than completing the appropriations bills that passed out of committee. “Continuing resolutions keep the federal government running, which is good news for all Americans, but it is no way to run a government, especially not for years at a time, which is what Congress has been doing. Two years ago we passed a bipartisan budget that was supposed to get us off this track of governing from missed deadline to missed deadline. This year, most appropriations bills passed out of committee with overwhelming margins. There was absolutely no logical reason that we could not pass all or most of the regular appropriations bills instead of yet another CR. Americans are counting on Congress to do its job in a fiscally responsible way; a CR is not the responsible way. It inherently undercuts key priorities. “Governing responsibly requires actual governing, not kicking the can down the road because you don’t like the other players. We all need to move on to the current business of paying our bills, keeping our country safe, and boosting the economy rather than playing partisan games with the economic security of the United States of America.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-van-hollen-urge-usda-to-prioritize-chesapeake-bay-watershed-when-reallocating-unspent-nrcs-funding,"Cardin, Van Hollen Urge USDA to Prioritize Chesapeake Bay Watershed When Reallocating Unspent NRCS Funding",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 09, 2016 Cardin, Van Hollen Urge USDA to Prioritize Chesapeake Bay Watershed When Reallocating Unspent NRCS Funding Maryland officials call for immediate assistance to help farmers comply with pollution reduction requirements, agency to make good on promises to nation’s largest estuary WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Senator-elect Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) today released the text of Senate and House letters sent to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack calling for additional resources for family farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed who are working to stop runoff pollution. When completed projects across the country have extra, unspent funding, they send it back to the USDA, where it can be reallocated. By investing that funding in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the USDA could contribute meaningfully to the cleanup goals in the Bay states and the protection of our vital national treasure. Senator Cardin and Senator-elect Van Hollen write: … Significant progress has been made to reduce pollution from the 64,000-mile watershed, according to a recent assessment by EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program. Commitment and collaboration from the six watershed states and the District of Columbia has been strong. Yet, there is still significant work to do, and federal funding is more important than ever. With the remarkable participation of the agriculture sector, several states have made significant reductions in nutrient and soil run-off. It is apparent that American farmers want what is good for their land and the supporting waterways. However, when farm incomes are strained and matching funds are limited or even eliminated, federal leadership is incredibly important to support continued investments in conservation. We know that we still face a major challenge in reducing pollution from agriculture, particularly in resource-strained regions of the Chesapeake watershed. Despite recent funding pressures, farmers throughout the country, and many in the Chesapeake Bay region, have shown that the necessary reductions in agricultural pollution can be achieved at modest cost and without degrading productivity. But family farmers, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet, cannot undertake these activities without financial help. Executive Order 13508 recognizes this by directing the USDA to be the lead agency to target resources to better protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary waters. In order to ensure continued success of this important effort, we need to deploy our limited federal resources as efficiently and effectively as possible. We urgently request your leadership by directing the Natural Resources Conservation Service to reallocate previously allocated, non-expended funds to states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. … The Chesapeake Bay TMDL presents an historic and comprehensive regulatory requirement. Reallocating any available non-expended funds will provide farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed with financial and technical assistance to help states comply with the TMDL. At the same time, prioritizing investment in the Bay through reallocation will fulfill existing commitments made in Executive Order 13508 to support priority conservation practices that most efficiently reduce nutrient and sediment loads to the Chesapeake Bay.  Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2695,Hoyer Joins Maryland and Virginia Lawmakers In Urging Fair Pay for Civilian Federal Workers Nationwide,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Maryland and Virginia lawmakers in writing to President Obama in an effort to maintain pay parity between America’s civilian and military public servants. Congressman Hoyer joined U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD), Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-08) in calling on President Obama to update his recent executive order affirming a 1.6 percent pay increase for civilians to match the 2.1 percent pay increase for military personnel included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “Our federal workforce is a critical national asset we should not take for granted,” the lawmakers wrote. “While we support the biggest pay increase possible for our military members, with very few exceptions we have had parity with respect to pay raises for the military and for civilian federal employees.” The text of the letter is below and here.                       December 7, 2016   The Honorable Barack H. Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President:   We anticipate that Congress will send you the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a 2.1 percent pay increase for our servicemen and women.  While we support the biggest pay increase possible for our military members, with very few exceptions we have had parity with respect to pay raises for the military and for civilian federal employees. The 2017 pay raise you have requested for civilian employees is 1.6 percent.  We respectfully request, therefore, that you issue a new Executive Order seeking a 2.1 percent pay increase for all federal workers, including civilian workers. Our federal workforce is a critical national asset we should not take for granted.  Federal workers are constantly being denigrated even as they carry out critical missions under difficult circumstances. Since 2011, federal workers have “contributed” over $180 billion to deficit reduction. Pay freezes, salaries lost to the sequestration-related furlough, and higher pension contributions have hurt a largely middle class workforce that has a higher percentage of women, minorities, and veterans than the private sector workforce. Federal workers are dedicated and patriotic public servants, and many of them also serve in harm’s way. Increasingly, they are asked to do more and more with less and less. That trend is likely to accelerate: President-elect Trump has promised to shrink the federal workforce substantially. And if past is prologue, we can expect that the Republican majorities in the House and Senate will pass punitive bills aimed at the collective bargaining rights, workplace conditions, civil service protections, and health care, retirement, and other benefits of those who remain.    We think our request is fair. We feel strongly that the principal of parity with respect to pay increases for the military and for our civilian employees should be maintained and earnestly hope that you will agree. Respectfully, Benjamin L. Cardin                                                           Barbara A. Mikulski                            Mark Warner                                                                      Tim Kaine Steny H. Hoyer                                                                   Chris Van Hollen",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2696,Hoyer Statement on Evergreen Health,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after the Maryland Insurance Administration announced that Evergreen Health will not offer health plans on the individual market in 2017: “I am deeply concerned that Republican efforts at the national level to undermine the Affordable Care Act have led to the instability of co-ops, including Evergreen Health in Maryland. This instability creates disruption in the marketplace and can potentially threaten access to health coverage for many Marylanders. I am focused on ensuring that Evergreen’s current customers can continue to access affordable health coverage through the Maryland Health Connection, and I will be working closely with the Maryland Delegation, Maryland Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, and other stakeholders to protect and strengthen Maryland’s marketplace in the months and years to come. I will also strongly oppose continued efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would take away coverage from nearly half a million Marylanders.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2697,Hoyer Floor Remarks Paying Tribute to Senator Barbara Mikulski,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) spoke on the House Floor to pay tribute to Senator Barbara Mikulski’s service in the United States Congress. Below is a transcript of his remarks and a link to the video: Click here to watch the video. “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to someone who I have known and called a friend for many, many years, over three decades and, perhaps, four. “Barbara Mikulski is the tallest short person I have ever met. She fills a room, everybody knows when Barbara Mikulski is in the chamber or in the room or in the auditorium. “Barbara Mikulski, as you’ve heard,  will retire at the end of this Congress after having served Maryland in the House and Senate since 1977. I had the opportunity to serve with her in this House for six years. “For forty years, she has been a voice for the people of our state. Not just a voice for all the people, but – in particular – for those people whose voices needed amplifying: the poor, the sick, the overworked, and the underpaid. “The Baltimore dock workers worried for their jobs. The women earning less than their male colleagues for the same work. The children in foster care or homeless shelters. All of them have come to see Barbara Mikulski as their champion. “In many ways, she began her career as a social worker and brought that work to Congress. She [retires] as one of the most successful social workers in history. “She’s worked hard to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, support America’s first responders, broaden our exploration of space and science—what a giant she has been for NASA—help seniors afford health care, and keep America’s promise to its veterans. “She passed the Lilly Ledbetter Equal Pay Act, introduced the Paycheck Fairness Act to end the wage-gap once and for all, and has fought continuously to raise the minimum wage. “Senator Mikulski blazed a trail as the longest-serving woman in the history of Congress, the first woman to be elected without a relative as a predecessor, and the first Marylander to chair the Appropriations Committee. “And she’s left an indelible mark on millions across Maryland and across America. “I’ve been proud to serve alongside her and will miss her in the Capitol, as I know so many others will as well. My colleagues and I rise — we will lament the loss of Barbara Mikulski as a colleague in the Congress, but we will be so proud to have called her our colleague and our friend.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-calls-ndaa-an-imperfect-but-important-bill-that-supports-americas-warriors-and-their-families,Cardin Calls NDAA an Imperfect but Important Bill that Supports America’s Warriors and Their Families,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 08, 2016 Cardin Calls NDAA an Imperfect but Important Bill that Supports America’s Warriors and Their Families “Congress perpetuates the wasteful and unnecessary use of the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was approved by the Senate 92-7 today “still has many flaws but is important for our national security and the men and women of our armed forces.” Senator Cardin’s comments on passage of the included Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act can be found at this link. He released the following statement on the overall bill, which is now headed to President Obama for signature. “Congress has sent a clear message to the men and women of our military that we have their backs on the battlefield and when they return home to their families. I’m proud to say that the NDAA invests in our Active duty, National Guard and Reserves and ensures they have the tools and resources needed to carry out their mission. This bill is important for the quality of life of our all-volunteer force and their families through fair compensation, policies and benefits, including first rate health care, and addressing the needs of the wounded, ill, and injured service members. NDAA also streamlines rules for contractors, helping Maryland businesses – large and small – compete on a more level playing field for defense acquisitions and assistance. Maryland is home to over 40,000 active and reserve service members who defend our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. They deserve the very best we can provide. “I regret that once again Congress perpetuates the wasteful and unnecessary use of the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, with counterproductive restrictions on the transfer of detainees. GTMO has been a blight on America’s human rights leadership in the world, it continues to be a target for those who wish to harm our citizens. Opponents have ignored the reality that we have a successful track record of prosecuting, convicting and imprisoning the most dangerous terrorists in U.S. courts and prisons. Detainees should be formally charged and tried in civilian or military courts, as appropriate. “I also continue to be concerned about the expansion of the Department of Defense’s authorities to engage in foreign assistance and security cooperation activities with foreign nations; it is vital that the Secretary of State is able to fulfill his or her longtime role in overseeing all foreign assistance activities of the United States. Wearing hats from both SFRC and the Senate Finance Committee, I am taken aback by the gimmicky use of the Overseas Contingency Operations to fund base operations. And I have previously expressed to President Obama my desire to maintain parity between our military and civilian federal workers. “Lastly, I am supportive of the provisions that elevate U.S. Cyber Command to its own Combatant Command. We live in a digital world where the online battlefield can be as dangerous as the front lines. America has endured recent cyberattacks from Russia, other state and non-state entities, making the elevation of U.S. Cyber Command timely and essential for protecting our national security. This shift also recognizes the incredible work being done at Fort Meade protecting American citizens and our military worldwide.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-mccain-hail-watershed-moment-in-global-human-rights-accountability-fight-against-corruption,"Cardin, McCain Hail Watershed Moment in Global Human Rights Accountability, Fight Against Corruption",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 08, 2016 Cardin, McCain Hail Watershed Moment in Global Human Rights Accountability, Fight Against Corruption WASHINGTON – Senate and House passage of the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a watershed moment in global human rights accountability and the fight against corruption. The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, part of the NDAA, now heads to President Obama for signature into law. Championed by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and John McCain (R-Ariz.), Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, the bill gives the President of the United States the authority to deny human rights abusers and corrupt officials entry into the United States and access to our financial institutions. The bipartisan legislation builds on the Russia-specific Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2013 to apply sanctions globally, and makes significant acts of corruption sanctionable offenses.   “Addressing human rights violations and corruption around the globe remains one of the most challenging aspects of U.S. foreign policy,” said Senator Cardin. “With today’s passage of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the United States has added a critical tool to our diplomatic toolbox, making clear that gross violators of human rights and those who engage in serious acts of corruption cannot escape the consequences of their actions even when their home country fails to act. Visiting the United States and using our financial institutions are privileges that should not be extended to the worst actors in the international system. But perhaps most importantly, passage of this legislation is a reminder to all those around the world who have the courage to stand up against corruption and human rights abuses, that the United States stands with them in solidarity.” “Last month marked the seventh anniversary of the murder of Sergei Magnitsky at the hands of Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Sergei’s torture and murder is an example of a problem that is unfortunately all too common and widespread in Russia and many parts of the world today: the flagrant violations of the rule of law and basic human rights,” said Senator McCain. “The Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act, which is on its way to becoming law, will provide new tools to punish perpetrators of corruption and human rights abuses and will send a clear message that if you violate the human rights and civil liberties of others, the United States will hold you accountable. In passing this legislation, we honor the life and memory of Sergei and affirm our commitment to all those fighting for freedom around the world.” Congressional passage of Global Magnitsky comes on the eve of two related days important to the international community: December 9th is International Anti-Corruption Day and December 10th is Human Rights Day. Below is a summary of the bill: The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act Authorizes the President to impose sanctions on any foreign individual the President determines is responsible for significant acts of corruption, extrajudicial killings, torture, or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights committed against individuals seeking to promote human rights or to expose illegal activity carried out by government officials.  Sanctions on these individuals include: Prohibiting or revoking U.S. entry visas or other entry documentation; and Freezing and prohibiting U.S. property transactions of an individual if such property and property interests are in the United States, come within the United States, or are in or come within the control of a U.S. person or entity. In determining whether credible evidence exists to apply sanctions, the President must consider requests made jointly by the Chairperson and Ranking Member of certain Congressional committees. Requires the President to report annually to Congress regarding actions taken pursuant to the bill. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-sens-ben-cardin-and-dianne-feinstein-in-usa-today-trump-could-threaten-us-superpower-status,ICYMI: Sens. Ben Cardin and Dianne Feinstein in USA TODAY: Trump could threaten U.S. superpower status,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 08, 2016 ICYMI: Sens. Ben Cardin and Dianne Feinstein in USA TODAY: Trump could threaten U.S. superpower status Trump is treating the Secretary of State nomination like a reality television show By Ben Cardin and Dianne Feinstein | December 8th, 2016 President Obama is right — if President-elect Donald Trump succeeds, America succeeds. But the opposite is equally true. The costs of a failed Trump presidency would be profound for the security of the United States and countries around the world. With each passing day, we grow increasingly concerned that President-elect Trump fails to grasp the solemn, serious responsibilities that come with being our nation’s commander in chief. Protecting and advancing our national security interests is arguably the president’s most important duty. As elected representatives of a separate and co-equal branch of government, we are honor-bound by our oaths to protect and defend the Constitution. We will also offer our advice and opinions to the president and share these views with the American people, particularly when it concerns our national security. And there is much to be concerned about. First, Donald J. Trump will pledge to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States when he takes the oath of office on Jan. 20. But by any objective measure, the president-elect is on a collision course with the Constitution, which states that federal office holders cannot receive monetary gifts or otherwise financially benefit from foreign governments or affiliates. But Trump’s company and its many dealings stand in direct conflict with this prohibition. Trump has announced he will address his future with his business empire next week, and we expect nothing less than an utterly clear, concrete, black-and-white decision that prevents any actual or perceived conflict with the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution. Second, Trump is treating the Secretary of State nomination like a reality television show. When it comes to the selection of our nation’s chief diplomat, we expect Trump to nominate someone who possesses unquestioned expertise, experience and judgment — not a political loyalist or ideological firebrand, characteristics of many of the individuals already surrounding the president-elect. Finally, we have been alarmed by the cavalier manner in which the president-elect appears to be approaching his initial interactions with foreign heads of state and other political leaders, potentially setting the stage for multiple diplomatic crises that could easily escalate. In his calls with foreign leaders, President-elect Trump has unnerved our partners, raised questions about U.S. commitments and even reportedly expressed tacit support for extrajudicial killings. Moreover, in preparing for these conversations he has ignored experts in U.S. intelligence agencies and the State Department. Indeed, we find it particularly troubling that President-elect Trump has mostly declined to take the daily intelligence briefing. Presidents and presidents-elect going back decades have begun their day this way — understanding national security threats and opportunities, asking probing questions, and making tough decisions. The information and analysis that our intelligence community provides to decision-makers is invaluable for developing a full and nuanced picture of the world. Candidate Trump’s comments on an array of foreign policy issues were disturbing at best and frightening at worst. This conduct cannot become the norm. At stake is America’s role as a global superpower: building coalitions, fostering development, combating disease, fighting terrorism, upholding democratic institutions and values, and filling leadership voids where other nations come up short. We do not yet know how President-elect Trump will treat these issues once he occupies the Oval Office, but we have little optimism at this time based on what he has presented thus far. Provocative tweets might satisfy a political base, but they do nothing to advance the national security interests of the United States. On the contrary, such missives could lead to serious misunderstandings with our allies and potential conflicts with our adversaries. We are committed to working with the new administration where we can, and we will stand in opposition when we must. Doing so fulfills the very checks and balances our Founding Fathers envisioned nearly 250 years ago. Congress has an important role to play in ensuring that the values that have animated and protected our nation since its founding continue to flourish, and that we continue the never-ending work of perfecting our union. It is in that spirit that we offer our advice to the president-elect today. We would do him no service by pulling punches, staying silent or offering platitudes. Donald Trump has undertaken an awesome task and responsibility, and he must now lead by example. We therefore owe it to him, and to the nation, to demand that when it comes to America’s national security imperatives, he take his new job more seriously. Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland is the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California is the top Democrat on the Select Committee on Intelligence.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2694,"Hoyer Statement on Resolution Authorizing a New, Fully-Consolidated FBI Headquarters",2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a resolution authorizing a new, fully-consolidated FBI headquarters: “Today’s Committee passage of a resolution to authorize the FBI project is an important step in providing a new, fully consolidated headquarters to the hardworking employees of the FBI.  The resolution authorizes the project so it can move forward once the funding is appropriated. “I’m pleased the resolution requires that the General Services Administration, which is charged with awarding the project, consider the National Capital Planning Commission’s parking recommendations and proximity to Metro. In addition, the resolution requires GSA to consider the significant cost of relocation and site preparation of the Springfield site, which ought to be a serious concern for taxpayers. I advocated strongly for these provisions, and their inclusion ensures that the resolution is favorable for Maryland. “Now that the project is authorized, Congress must turn to the task of appropriating the funding necessary to complete the project. While House Republicans’ continuing resolution does not contain full funding for the project, I will continue to work in the coming months to ensure that the necessary resources are provided for a new, fully-consolidated headquarters that FBI employees need and deserve.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-nomination-of-scott-pruitt-as-epa-administrator,Cardin Statement on Nomination of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 07, 2016 Cardin Statement on Nomination of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) made the following remarks in response to the announcement that President-elect Trump would nominate Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to be the next Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “I believe strongly in the cabinet confirmation process – including giving every nominee a fair and timely hearing. To that end, as a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I will listen to what Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has to say about his vision for the EPA. “However I am concerned about this nomination. Mr. Pruitt has made a name for himself out of denying the very existence of climate change. Now President-Elect Trump has selected him to lead the agency charged with addressing it. Mr. Pruitt has made a career out of suing the EPA. Now he wants to run the agency. “I find Mr. Pruitt’s selection for EPA Administrator troubling, both for the future of environmental justice in this country, as well as for what it signals more generally about President-Elect Trump’s relationship with science and established fact. “I will strongly dispute any nominee who denies the sum of empirical science and the very existence of climate change.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/maryland-and-virginia-lawmakers-write-to-president-obama-urging-fair-pay-for-civilian-federal-workers-nationwide,Maryland and Virginia Lawmakers Write to President Obama Urging Fair Pay for Civilian Federal Workers Nationwide,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 07, 2016 Maryland and Virginia Lawmakers Write to President Obama Urging Fair Pay for Civilian Federal Workers Nationwide WASHINGTON – Maryland and Virginia lawmakers have written to President Obama in an effort to maintain pay parity between America’s civilian and military public servants. U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.), Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-Va.), Congressman Steny H. Hoyer and Senator-elect Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) have called on President Obama to update his recent executive order affirming a 1.6 percent pay increase for civilians to match the 2.1 percent pay increase for military personnel included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “Our federal workforce is a critical national asset we should not take for granted,” the lawmakers write. “While we support the biggest pay increase possible for our military members, with very few exceptions we have had parity with respect to pay raises for the military and for civilian federal employees.” The text of the letter is below and at this link.                         December 7, 2016 The Honorable Barack H. Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500   Dear Mr. President: We anticipate that Congress will send you the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a 2.1 percent pay increase for our servicemen and women.  While we support the biggest pay increase possible for our military members, with very few exceptions we have had parity with respect to pay raises for the military and for civilian federal employees. The 2017 pay raise you have requested for civilian employees is 1.6 percent.  We respectfully request, therefore, that you issue a new Executive Order seeking a 2.1 percent pay increase for all federal workers, including civilian workers. Our federal workforce is a critical national asset we should not take for granted.  Federal workers are constantly being denigrated even as they carry out critical missions under difficult circumstances. Since 2011, federal workers have “contributed” over $180 billion to deficit reduction. Pay freezes, salaries lost to the sequestration-related furlough, and higher pension contributions have hurt a largely middle class workforce that has a higher percentage of women, minorities, and veterans than the private sector workforce. Federal workers are dedicated and patriotic public servants, and many of them also serve in harm’s way. Increasingly, they are asked to do more and more with less and less. That trend is likely to accelerate: President-elect Trump has promised to shrink the federal workforce substantially. And if past is prologue, we can expect that the Republican majorities in the House and Senate will pass punitive bills aimed at the collective bargaining rights, workplace conditions, civil service protections, and health care, retirement, and other benefits of those who remain.    We think our request is fair. We feel strongly that the principal of parity with respect to pay increases for the military and for our civilian employees should be maintained and earnestly hope that you will agree.   Respectfully,   Benjamin L. Cardin                                                            Barbara A. Mikulski                            Mark Warner                                                                      Tim Kaine Steny H. Hoyer                                                                    Chris Van Hollen                         ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-team-maryland-announce-15-million-ito-expand-preschool,"Ruppersberger, Team Maryland Announce $15 Million To Expand Preschool",2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,R000576,ruppersberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, along with U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, as well as U.S. Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, John Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards and John Delaney (all D-Md.), announced Tuesday that Maryland has been awarded $15 million through the Preschool Development Grants program to provide high-quality preschool programs in 19 school districts across Maryland. In the past three years, Maryland has been awarded more than $45 million in federal funds to expand proven-beneficial preschool programs throughout the state. “This is the type of common sense investment Americans expect during these tough times,” said Congressman Ruppersberger. “Research suggests that Pre-K can improve a child’s chance of success in school and in life – children who attend Pre-K are more likely to graduate from high school and earn more as adults. It is an investment in our future.” Maryland school districts receiving grant funding include: Allegany County Public Schools, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Schools, Caroline County Public Schools, Carroll County Public Schools, Charles County Public Schools, Dorchester County Public Schools, Frederick County Public Schools, Garrett County Public Schools, Harford County Public Schools, Howard County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, Somerset County Public Schools, St. Mary’s County Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools and Wicomico County Public Schools, in addition to many community-based programs. Through these Preschool Development Grant awards, more than 35,000 additional children across 18 states will be served in preschool programs that meet high-quality standards in the third year of the program, an increase from 28,000 in the first award year in 2014. States receiving grants will develop or expand high-quality preschool programs in regionally diverse communities — from urban neighborhoods to small towns to tribal areas— as determined by the state. Since 2014, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have provided more than $750 million to states in Preschool Development Grant awards. Preschool programs help create the foundation for children to thrive in school and in life. Studies show that children who participate in quality preschool programs are more likely to graduate from high school, grow up healthy, avoid involvement in our criminal justice system and find good jobs. Maryland is one of 18 states to receive an expansion grant, which were designated for states that currently serve 10 percent of more of four-year-olds or have received a Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant. States receiving expansion grants have ambitious and achievable plans to implement and sustain high-quality preschool programs that can reach and serve addition eligible children in two or high-need communities. Up to 5 percent of the expansion grant award may be used for state-level infrastructure and quality improvements. The Every Student Succeeds Act modifies the Preschool Development Grant program. For the first time, the nation’s education law includes provisions to promote coordination of early learning among local communities, alight preschool with early elementary school and build the capacity of teachers, leaders and others serving our young children to provide the highest-quality early learning opportunities. “We never get do-overs when it comes to our children’s early development, which makes this continued federal investment in Maryland to strengthen and expand our preschool programs incredibly important,” said Senator Cardin. “Our goal is to ensure that early learners have the chance to acquire the skills they need to be successful throughout their lives. With this federal investment, we will be able to provide additional opportunities to meet that goal, as well as meet growing demand to expand access to high-quality preschool programs. “Education is the opportunity ladder of this nation. Every child deserves their chance to get a foothold on that ladder,” said Senator Mikulski, senior member of the Senate House, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “These funds in the federal checkbook will help ensure children across Maryland get the care and education they need and deserve so they and their families can have a better, brighter future.” “For our economy to succeed, we need to invest in education from day one,” said Senator-Elect Van Hollen. “Maryland’s workforce is second to none, because we are committed to making sure our children have the best schools – from preschool through college and job training. Federal grants like this are key to this effort, as we fight every day to make sure our state has a strong education system and a strong economy.” “I’m glad we were able to secure $15 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education to support early childhood education in Maryland,” said Congressman Hoyer. “In the first two years of this four year grant, this funding has enabled our state to nearly double the number of Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Family Education Centers, known as 'Judy Centers,' named for my wife who spent her career as an early childhood education administrator in Prince George’s County. Judy Centers help prepare children from low-income families for kindergarten and elementary school by providing early education and comprehensive health and social services under one roof, helping the child prepare for school and ensuring their family can support learning. I'm proud to be a champion of Judy Centers, which have delivered proven results and serve as a model for the country.  All of our children deserve an opportunity to succeed and enter school prepared to learn and achieve.” “High-quality early childhood education is one of our best tools against poverty and income inequality,” Congressman Cummings said. “This grant will help our schools equip our youngest students with the foundation they need to be successful.” “The research is clear: Early childhood education improves future learning outcomes for our children and helps them succeed in the workplace,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “That’s why this new federal investment in Maryland’s education system is so important. It will help provide more high-quality preschool programs to young students across our state.” “Early education is one of the smartest investments we can make,” said Congressman John K. Delaney. “High-quality preschool helps young learners prepare for elementary school, can have long-term benefits and can help reduce the achievement gap. These federal funds are good news for Maryland kids and good news for Maryland families.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2693,Hoyer Joins Team Maryland to Announce $15 Million in Federal Funding To Expand High-Quality Preschool Programs,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski and U.S. Representatives Elijah Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards and John Delaney (all D-MD) to announce that Maryland has been awarded $15 million through the Preschool Development Grants program to provide high-quality preschool programs in 19 school districts across Maryland. In the past three years, Maryland has been awarded more than $45 million in federal funds to expand proven-beneficial preschool programs throughout the state. “I’m glad we were able to secure $15 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education to support early childhood education in Maryland,” said Congressman Hoyer. “In the first two years of this four year grant, this funding has enabled our state to nearly double the number of Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Family Education Centers, known as 'Judy Centers,' named for my wife who spent her career as an early childhood education administrator in Prince George’s County. Judy Centers help prepare children from low-income families for kindergarten and elementary school by providing early education and comprehensive health and social services under one roof, helping the child prepare for school and ensuring their family can support learning. I'm proud to be a champion of Judy Centers, which have delivered proven results and serve as a model for the country.  All of our children deserve an opportunity to succeed and enter school prepared to learn and achieve.” “We never get do-overs when it comes to our children’s early development, which makes this continued federal investment in Maryland to strengthen and expand our preschool programs incredibly important,” said Senator Cardin. “Our goal is to ensure that early learners have the chance to acquire the skills they need to be successful throughout their lives. With this federal investment, we will be able to provide additional opportunities to meet that goal, as well as meet growing demand to expand access to high-quality preschool programs.” “Education is the opportunity ladder of this nation. Every child deserves their chance to get a foothold on that ladder,” said Senator Mikulski, senior member of the Senate House, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “These funds in federal checkbook will help ensure children across Maryland get the care and education they need and deserve so they and their families can have a better, brighter future.” “For our economy to succeed, we need to invest in education from day one,” said Senator-Elect Van Hollen. “Maryland’s workforce is second to none, because we are committed to making sure our children have the best schools – from preschool through college and job training. Federal grants like this are key to this effort, as we fight every day to make sure our state has a strong education system and a strong economy.”   “High-quality early childhood education is one of our best tools against poverty and income inequality,” Congressman Cummings said. “This grant will help our schools equip our youngest students with the foundation they need to be successful.” “This is the type of common sense investment Americans expect during these tough times,” said Congressman Ruppersberger. “Research suggests that preK can improve a child’s chance of success in school and in life – children who attend pre-k are more likely to graduate from high school and earn more as adults. It is an investment in our future.” “The research is clear: Early childhood education improves future learning outcomes for our children and helps them succeed in the workplace,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “That’s why this new federal investment in Maryland’s education system is so important. It will help provide more high-quality preschool programs to young students across our state.” “Early education is one of the smartest investments we can make,” said Congressman John K. Delaney. “High-quality preschool helps young learners prepare for elementary school, can have long-term benefits and can help reduce the achievement gap. These federal funds are good news for Maryland kids and good news for Maryland families.” Maryland school districts receiving grant funding include: Allegany County Public Schools, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Schools, Caroline County Public Schools, Carroll County Public Schools, Charles County Public Schools, Dorchester County Public Schools, Frederick County Public Schools, Garrett County Public Schools, Harford County Public Schools, Howard County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, Somerset County Public Schools, St. Mary’s County Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools and Wicomico County Public Schools, in addition to many community-based programs. Through these Preschool Development Grant awards, more than 35,000 additional children across 18 states will be served in preschool programs that meet high-quality standards in the third year of the program, an increase from 28,000 in the first award year in 2014. States receiving grants will develop or expand high-quality preschool programs in regionally diverse communities — from urban neighborhoods to small towns to tribal areas— as determined by the state. Since 2014, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have provided more than $750 million to states in Preschool Development Grant awards. Preschool programs help create the foundation for children to thrive in school and in life. Studies show that children who participate in quality preschool programs are more likely to graduate from high school, grow up healthy, avoid involvement in our criminal justice system and find good jobs. Maryland is one of 18 states to receive an expansion grant, which were designated for states that currently serve 10 percent of more of four-year-olds or have received a Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant. States receiving expansion grants have ambitious and achievable plans to implement and sustain high-quality preschool programs that can reach and serve addition eligible children in two or high-need communities. Up to 5 percent of the expansion grant award may be used for state-level infrastructure and quality improvements. The Every Student Succeeds Act modifies the Preschool Development Grant program. For the first time, the nation’s education law includes provisions to promote coordination of early learning among local communities, alight preschool with early elementary school and build the capacity of teachers, leaders and others serving our young children to provide the highest-quality early learning opportunities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/team-maryland-announces-15-million-in-federal-funding-to-expand-high,Team Maryland Announces $15 Million in Federal Funding to Expand High-Quality Preschool Programs,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, together with U.S. Representatives Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards and John Delaney (all D-Md.), announced Tuesday that Maryland has been awarded $15 million through the Preschool Development Grants program to provide high-quality preschool programs in 19 school districts across Maryland. In the past three years, Maryland has been awarded more than $45 million in federal funds to expand proven-beneficial preschool programs throughout the state. “We never get do-overs when it comes to our children’s early development, which makes this continued federal investment in Maryland to strengthen and expand our preschool programs incredibly important,” said Senator Cardin. “Our goal is to ensure that early learners have the chance to acquire the skills they need to be successful throughout their lives. With this federal investment, we will be able to provide additional opportunities to meet that goal, as well as meet growing demand to expand access to high-quality preschool programs.” “Education is the opportunity ladder of this nation. Every child deserves their chance to get a foothold on that ladder,” said Senator Mikulski, senior member of the Senate House, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “These funds in the federal checkbook will help ensure children across Maryland get the care and education they need and deserve so they and their families can have a better, brighter future.” “For our economy to succeed, we need to invest in education from day one,” said Senator-Elect Van Hollen. “Maryland’s workforce is second to none, because we are committed to making sure our children have the best schools – from preschool through college and job training. Federal grants like this are key to this effort, as we fight every day to make sure our state has a strong education system and a strong economy.” “I’m glad we were able to secure $15 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education to support early childhood education in Maryland,” said Congressman Hoyer. “In the first two years of this four year grant, this funding has enabled our state to nearly double the number of Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Family Education Centers, known as 'Judy Centers,' named for my wife who spent her career as an early childhood education administrator in Prince George’s County. Judy Centers help prepare children from low-income families for kindergarten and elementary school by providing early education and comprehensive health and social services under one roof, helping the child prepare for school and ensuring their family can support learning. I'm proud to be a champion of Judy Centers, which have delivered proven results and serve as a model for the country.  All of our children deserve an opportunity to succeed and enter school prepared to learn and achieve.” “High-quality early childhood education is one of our best tools against poverty and income inequality,” Congressman Cummings said. “This grant will help our schools equip our youngest students with the foundation they need to be successful.” “This is the type of common sense investment Americans expect during these tough times,” said Congressman Ruppersberger. “Research suggests that Pre-K can improve a child’s chance of success in school and in life – children who attend Pre-K are more likely to graduate from high school and earn more as adults. It is an investment in our future.” “The research is clear: Early childhood education improves future learning outcomes for our children and helps them succeed in the workplace,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “That’s why this new federal investment in Maryland’s education system is so important. It will help provide more high-quality preschool programs to young students across our state.” “Early education is one of the smartest investments we can make,” said Congressman Delaney. “High-quality preschool helps young learners prepare for elementary school, can have long-term benefits and can help reduce the achievement gap. These federal funds are good news for Maryland kids and good news for Maryland families.” Maryland school districts receiving grant funding include: Allegany County Public Schools, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Schools, Caroline County Public Schools, Carroll County Public Schools, Charles County Public Schools, Dorchester County Public Schools, Frederick County Public Schools, Garrett County Public Schools, Harford County Public Schools, Howard County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, Somerset County Public Schools, St. Mary’s County Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools and Wicomico County Public Schools, in addition to many community-based programs. Through these Preschool Development Grant awards, more than 35,000 additional children across 18 states will be served in preschool programs that meet high-quality standards in the third year of the program, an increase from 28,000 in the first award year in 2014. States receiving grants will develop or expand high-quality preschool programs in regionally diverse communities — from urban neighborhoods to small towns to tribal areas— as determined by the state. Since 2014, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have provided more than $750 million to states in Preschool Development Grant awards. Preschool programs help create the foundation for children to thrive in school and in life. Studies show that children who participate in quality preschool programs are more likely to graduate from high school, grow up healthy, avoid involvement in our criminal justice system and find good jobs. Maryland is one of 18 states to receive an expansion grant, which were designated for states that currently serve 10 percent of more of four-year-olds or have received a Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant. States receiving expansion grants have ambitious and achievable plans to implement and sustain high-quality preschool programs that can reach and serve addition eligible children in two or high-need communities. Up to 5 percent of the expansion grant award may be used for state-level infrastructure and quality improvements. The Every Student Succeeds Act modifies the Preschool Development Grant program. For the first time, the nation’s education law includes provisions to promote coordination of early learning among local communities, alight preschool with early elementary school and build the capacity of teachers, leaders and others serving our young children to provide the highest-quality early learning opportunities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-75th-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-attack,Cardin Statement on the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 06, 2016 Cardin Statement on the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, issued the following statement to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. “December 7, 1941 was a day that will live in infamy for the brutal and deadly attack by the Japanese against our nation at Pearl Harbor. But it also is the day that launched America into World War II and solidified our collective resolve to turn anger into action and revenge into redemption. On this 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, we celebrate the honor and bravery of America’s ‘Greatest Generation’ that was borne from the sacrifices of war and imprinted on every family that sent their sons and fathers to fight on a distant shore or stood watch on the home front. On this day, we remind ourselves and the world that ‘American values’ still stands for freedom and a determination to use our unmatched strength to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. We also take time to honor the brave men and women who currently serve in our military, and their families. We pray for their safe return as they continue to serve in harm’s way.”  ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delaney.house.gov/news/blogs/on-the-house-floor-this-week-12516,On the House Floor This Week - 12/5/16,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Delaney,D000620,delaney.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House of Representatives will be in session this week. The legislative schedule, including which bills are brought to the floor for a vote, is set by the Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and the Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. To contact my office about the legislation we’re considering this week, please contact my office at 202-225-2721 or by clicking here.   MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016 On Monday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for Morning Hour debate and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30 p.m. Suspensions (6 bills) H.R. 2726 – Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act, as amended (Rep. Posey – Financial Services) H.R. 6427 – Creating Financial Prosperity for Businesses and Investors Act (Rep. Garrett – Financial Services) S. 795 – To enhance whistleblower protection for contractor and grantee employees (Sen. McCaskill – Oversight and Government Reform) H.R. 5015 – Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016, as amended (Rep. Rouzer – Ways and Means) S. 3395 – Prescribed Burn Approval Act of 2016 (Sen. Thune – Agriculture) House Amendment to S. 1635 – Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017, as amendment (Sen. Corker – Foreign Affairs) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. Suspensions (21 bills) H.R. 756 – Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2015 (Rep. Cartwright – Energy and Commerce) H.R. 6375 – Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act (Rep. Pompeo – Energy and Commerce) H.R. 3381 – Childhood Cancer STAR Act, as amended (Rep. McCaul – Energy and Commerce) H.Res. ___ – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all students should have access to the digital tools necessary to further their education and compete in the 21st century economy (Rep. Welch – Energy and Commerce) H.R. 6394 – Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act of 2016 (Rep. McNerney – Energy and Commerce) H.Res. 932 – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to third-party charges on consumer telephone bills (Rep. Schakowsky – Energy and Commerce) S. 2873 – Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes Act (Sen. Hatch – Energy and Commerce) H.R. 4680 – National Park Service Centennial Act, as amended (Rep. Bishop (UT) – Natural Resources) H.R. 1219 – Arbuckle Project Maintenance Complex and District Office Conveyance Act of 2016 (Rep. Cole – Natural Resources) H.R. 6401 – Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act (Rep. Sablan – Natural Resources) S. 817 – To provide for the addition of certain real property to the reservation of the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon (Sen. Wyden – Natural Resources) S. 818 – To amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to make technical corrections, and for other purposes (Sen. Wyden – Natural Resources) S. 3028 – Daniel J. Evans Olympic National Park Wilderness Act (Sen. Cantwell – Natural Resources) H.R. 6416 – Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (Rep. Roe – Veterans’ Affairs) H.R. 5399 – Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2016 (Rep. Roe – Veterans’ Affairs) H.R. 4150 – Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency Medical Staffing Recruitment and Retention Act, as amended (Rep. Ruiz – Veterans’ Affairs) H.R. 4352 – Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016 (Rep. Moulton – Veterans’ Affairs) H.R. 5428 – Military Residency Choice Act (Rep. Forbes – Veterans’ Affairs) S. 3492 – To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Traverse City, Michigan, as the ""Colonel Demas T. Craw VA Clinic"" (Sen. Peters – Veterans’ Affairs) S. 3076 – Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016 (Sen. Cotton – Veterans’ Affairs) H.R. 875 – Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2016, as amended (Rep. Cuellar – Ways and Means) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016 AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business, with last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.  On Friday, no votes are expected in the House. H.R. 5143 – Transparent Insurance Standards Act of 2016 (Rep. Luetkemeyer – Financial Services) (Subject to a Rule) Consideration of Water Resources Development Act of 2016 Consideration of a Continuing Resolution for FY 2017 Appropriations",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/democracy-hero-rep-john-sarbanes-part-two,Democracy Hero: Rep. John Sarbanes (Part Two),2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"Although virtually ignored by corporate media, some in Congress did hear our voices—most notably Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD) who immediately collected roughly 100 Congressional signatures on a petition to hold hearings on our demands.... John Sarbanes is a hero to many, shining the light on the mother of all issues: democracy itself. Recently we felt honored to chat with him. Below is the second half of our conversation (see Part One here).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-leads-maryland-delegation-in-urging-federal-funding-for,Sarbanes Leads Maryland Delegation in Urging Federal Funding for Baltimore Highway Improvements,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today led a Maryland Delegation letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Fox in an effort to secure federal funding for highway improvements on Interstate-95, better linking local communities with new development in South Baltimore planned by Sagamore Development. The Members wrote, “The project will transform an industrial brownfields site into a vibrant hub for a thriving mixed-use live-work-play community, anchored by a corporate headquarters, existing and new manufacturing, restaurants, shops, parks, athletic fields, and over 40 acres of accessible public waterfront.” A full copy of the letter is below. December 2, 2016 The Honorable Anthony R. Foxx Secretary United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary Foxx: We are writing to offer our strong support for the City of Baltimore and the Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) application to the US Department of Transportation for the Access I-95: Driving Baltimore’s City’s Growth (Access I-95) FASTLANE grant application.  State and private funds are already committed to this project. Federal funding, through the FASTLANE grant program, will allow the project to become a reality. As we stated in our previous letter, this grant will facilitate the redevelopment of Port Covington and ensure safe and efficient access to this waterfront complex at the southern end of the South Baltimore Peninsula bordering Interstate-95 (I-95).  The Access I-95 package improves freight and human movement to and from Port Covington and on I-95 in Baltimore City.  The project will transform an industrial brownfields site into a vibrant hub for a thriving mixed-use live-work-play community, anchored by a corporate headquarters, existing and new manufacturing, restaurants, shops, parks, athletic fields, and over 40 acres of accessible public waterfront. The highway improvements associated with this project will generate more than $5.5 billion of private investment in six Baltimore City communities that have not seen significant investment or economic growth. The communities, the City and the developer are already at work ensuring that the benefits are far-reaching and inclusive. Millions of dollars will be invested in workforce training programs that prepare local workers for the job opportunities made possible by the Access I-95 project. At least thirty percent of all infrastructure construction workers will be hired from Baltimore, and twenty percent of residential units will be set aside as affordable housing. A capacity-building loan program will help support and grow minority and women-owned businesses in Baltimore. And profit-sharing agreements between Baltimore’s communities and the developer will create sustainable funding for locally-chosen initiatives like educational scholarships, recreational programming, and anti-litter campaigns. The Access I-95 package is large in scope and beyond what city, state, and limited private resources are available. We request that the Maryland Transportation Authority and the City of Baltimore’s funding application for Access I-95: Driving Baltimore City’s Growth receives its full award under the FASTLANE grant program. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-praises-army-corps-response-halting-dakota-pipeline-to-protect-drinking-water-sources-for-standing-rock-sioux-reservation,Cardin Praises Army Corps Response Halting Dakota Pipeline to Protect Drinking Water Sources for Standing Rock Sioux Reservation,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 05, 2016 Cardin Praises Army Corps Response Halting Dakota Pipeline to Protect Drinking Water Sources for Standing Rock Sioux Reservation WASHINGTON – Weeks after U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and his colleagues sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting the administration halt construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline until affected tribes are consulted and a full environmental review is conducted, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that such a review will indeed need to be completed prior to any additional work. “In order to protect the drinking water sources for the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and to protect public health in the region, I voiced my solidarity with those asking the federal government to follow its own procedures before allowing such an enormous threat to the drinking water of the Native American tribe. I am pleased to see the Army Corps of Engineers has listened to lawmakers and the very people who would be impacted by a potential breach or spill from the proposed pipeline,” said Senator Cardin, a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “After a thorough environmental review, officials should seek an alternate route for the Dakota Access Pipeline. A risk too great for the people of Bismarck, N.D., and their drinking water certainly should be too great a risk for the nearby people of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-supportive-of-nomination-of-general-james-mattis-as-secretary,Ruppersberger Supportive of Nomination of General James Mattis as Secretary of Defense,2016-12-03,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,R000576,ruppersberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of General James Mattis as Secretary of Defense: “General James Mattis is a strong choice as our next Secretary of Defense and I urge my colleagues in Congress to work together to adopt a waiver to allow President-elect Trump’s nomination to move forward. In my longtime role on the House Intelligence Committee and, now, as a Defense Appropriator, co-chair of the House Army Caucus, Naval Academy Board Member and Congressional Representative for the National Security Agency, US Cyber Command and two Army bases, I have had the opportunity to meet with many military leaders. General Mattis has been among the best. Our Armed Forces are the strongest in the world under the leadership of the most capable military commanders like General Mattis, who can help us maintain our dominance on land, at sea, in the skies and throughout cyberspace.  I respect his unwavering patriotism and his candor and I share his distaste for partisan politics –we both believe that there is no room for politics when it comes to the safety of American citizens. I look forward to working with General Mattis in this new role.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/entire-maryland-delegation-voices-support-for-i-81-fastlane-grant,Entire Maryland Delegation Voices Support for I-81 FASTLANE Grant,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Delaney,D000620,delaney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – All ten members of the Maryland congressional delegation have signed onto a bipartisan letter organized by Congressman John K. Delaney (D-MD-6) on behalf of Maryland’s request for FASTLANE grant funding for the I-81 Corridor Widening project. U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Senator-Elect Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD-5), Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD-7), Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-2), Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD-3), Rep. Donna F. Edwards (D-MD-4), Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD-1) and Rep. Delaney signed the letter, which was sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on December 2 . The FASTLANE program was established in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to fund critical freight and highway projects nationwide. The text of the letter is below:   The Honorable Anthony Foxx Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20590   Subject:      I-81 Corridor Widening: Improving Safety, Capacity, and Reliability in Western Maryland Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) 2017 Grant Request   Dear Secretary Foxx:   We are writing to express our strong support for the request from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) for FASTLANE grant funding to support the I-81 Corridor Widening project. To improve safety for local drivers, regional and national freight movement, and traffic operations, I-81 will be widened from four lanes to six lanes through a comprehensive four-phase project. With Phase 1 of the project having commenced in October 2016, MDOT is requesting FASTLANE funding, which will be utilized for Phase 2 construction and will leverage MDOT’s ability to move forward with Phase 3 and 4.   These upgrades are important both nationally and locally. I-81 is a strategic transportation asset that promotes and supports global and national commerce in the United States’ Appalachian and Northeast markets. It carries more than 19,400 trucks per day in Maryland, which falls within the top 1% of truck volume by lane mile in the entire nation. The expansion project has overwhelming support from public and private stakeholders who recognize the essential nature of expanding freight capacity and addressing safety deficiencies. Crash rates along the 12-mile segment doubled between 2010 and 2015, and are compounded by an increasingly high percentage of truck-involved incidents. Addressing this is important for interstate commerce, but even more importantly for the safety of the Maryland residents and residents of nearby states commuting on I-81 every day.   When completed, the I-81 Corridor Widening project will include the construction of two additional lanes of travel (northbound and southbound), reconstruction of existing bridges and overpasses, and interchange improvements along the 12 mile segment of I-81 contained within Maryland, which extends from the West Virginia state line to the Pennsylvania state line through Washington County. The expansion is a pivotal $396.5 million investment that will position the corridor to serve as a national asset for freight movement for the next several decades while also mitigating significant safety hazards.    As you know, smart investments in infrastructure can improve people’s quality of life, make their daily commutes safer and grow our economy locally, regionally and nationally. It is clear that widening I-81 falls into this category.   Thank you for your consideration of this project and MDOT’s request for FASTLANE grant funding. If you have any questions regarding our support for this project, please do not hesitate to contact us.    Sincerely,     ##",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-statement-on-dakota-access-pipeline,Sarbanes Statement on Dakota Access Pipeline,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline protests near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota: “As tensions continue to rise over the Dakota Access Pipeline, I urge law enforcement personnel to de-escalate the situation and respect the right of Native American tribe members and other citizens to engage in peaceful protest. Members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe have raised serious questions about the construction of the pipeline so close to their sacred sites and those questions must be fully answered before the project proceeds any further. “Each and every citizen in this nation is entitled to clean water and air, and petitions to the government seeking to protect the integrity of our environment must be given a fair and open hearing. Native American tribes and communities have a particular legacy of stewardship when it comes to our natural resources and their voices deserve to be heard and respected on a project that carries such consequence.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-meets-with-charles-county-economic-development-team-on-boosting-local-economy,Cardin Meets with Charles County Economic Development Team on Boosting Local Economy,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 02, 2016 Cardin Meets with Charles County Economic Development Team on Boosting Local Economy WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, visited with officials from the Charles County Department of Economic Development and local small business leaders in Waldorf, Md., on Monday to discuss ongoing initiatives to expand the local economy and address the challenges faced by small businesses. The roundtable discussion featured presentations on how business leaders and government can work together to bring added mass transit options to local communities and commuters.  Senator Ben Cardin meets with Darrell Brown, Director of the Charles County Department of Economic Development; Marcia Keeth, Deputy Director of the Charles County Department of Economic Development; Peter Murphy, President of the Charles County Board of Commissioners; and small business leaders from across Southern Maryland. “Southern Maryland has become one of the fastest-growing economic engines in the state,” said Senator Cardin. “I’m going to continue working hard to make sure the region has every resource to keep expanding and fostering the growth of Southern Maryland’s vibrant small business community. Rapid transit, infrastructure expansion, regulation reform – these are all critical elements to modernizing Southern Maryland and helping its businesses stay competitive. My meeting with local business owners and Charles County’s economic development team was tremendously productive toward these ends. They were forthright about the challenges they face and came prepared with solutions. I look forward to working with them in the coming years to bring those solutions and our shared goals for Southern Maryland to fruition.”   # # # Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/entire-maryland-delegation-voices-support-for-i-81-fastlane-grant,Entire Maryland Delegation Voices Support for I-81 FASTLANE Grant,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 02, 2016 Entire Maryland Delegation Voices Support for I-81 FASTLANE Grant WASHINGTON – All ten members of the Maryland congressional delegation have signed onto a bipartisan letter organized by Congressman John K. Delaney (D-MD-6) on behalf of Maryland’s request for FASTLANE grant funding for the I-81 Corridor Widening project. U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), Senator-Elect Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD-5), Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD-7), Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-2), Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD-3), Rep. Donna F. Edwards (D-MD-4), Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD-1) and Rep. Delaney signed the letter, which was sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on December 2 . The FASTLANE program was established in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to fund critical freight and highway projects nationwide. The text of the letter is below: The Honorable Anthony Foxx Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20590   Subject:      I-81 Corridor Widening: Improving Safety, Capacity, and Reliability in Western Maryland Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) 2017 Grant Request Dear Secretary Foxx: We are writing to express our strong support for the request from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) for FASTLANE grant funding to support the I-81 Corridor Widening project. To improve safety for local drivers, regional and national freight movement, and traffic operations, I-81 will be widened from four lanes to six lanes through a comprehensive four-phase project. With Phase 1 of the project having commenced in October 2016, MDOT is requesting FASTLANE funding, which will be utilized for Phase 2 construction and will leverage MDOT’s ability to move forward with Phase 3 and 4. These upgrades are important both nationally and locally. I-81 is a strategic transportation asset that promotes and supports global and national commerce in the United States’ Appalachian and Northeast markets. It carries more than 19,400 trucks per day in Maryland, which falls within the top 1% of truck volume by lane mile in the entire nation. The expansion project has overwhelming support from public and private stakeholders who recognize the essential nature of expanding freight capacity and addressing safety deficiencies. Crash rates along the 12-mile segment doubled between 2010 and 2015, and are compounded by an increasingly high percentage of truck-involved incidents. Addressing this is important for interstate commerce, but even more importantly for the safety of the Maryland residents and residents of nearby states commuting on I-81 every day. When completed, the I-81 Corridor Widening project will include the construction of two additional lanes of travel (northbound and southbound), reconstruction of existing bridges and overpasses, and interchange improvements along the 12 mile segment of I-81 contained within Maryland, which extends from the West Virginia state line to the Pennsylvania state line through Washington County. The expansion is a pivotal $396.5 million investment that will position the corridor to serve as a national asset for freight movement for the next several decades while also mitigating significant safety hazards.  As you know, smart investments in infrastructure can improve people’s quality of life, make their daily commutes safer and grow our economy locally, regionally and nationally. It is clear that widening I-81 falls into this category. Thank you for your consideration of this project and MDOT’s request for FASTLANE grant funding. If you have any questions regarding our support for this project, please do not hesitate to contact us.  Sincerely,   ###   Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-statement-on-more-gop-giveaways-to-wall-street,Sarbanes Statement on More G.O.P. Giveaways to Wall Street,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released the following statement after the Republican-controlled Congress passed the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2016 (H.R. 6392), a bill that further erodes Wall Street oversight, and after President-elect Donald J. Trump announced the nomination of former Goldman Sachs partner and hedge fund manager Steven Mnuchin for Treasury Secretary: “If one thing is clear from the recent election, it’s that Americans of all stripes are fed up with business as usual in Washington. Most Americans want to create an economy that works for everyone and a democracy where every voice is heard. The G.O.P.’s consistent attempts to strip away the safeguards put in place to prevent another financial crisis and President-elect Trump’s appointment of Steven Mnuchin to be our nation’s chief financial watchdog shows that the message hasn’t been received. “For years, the Republican Party has sought to tear down effective oversight of Wall Street. And today, the Republican-controlled House voted to suspend critical risk controls for some of the nation’s largest financial institutions – making the prospect of another taxpayer bank bailout more likely. “In addition, President-elect Trump has nominated Steven Mnuchin – an elite Wall Street insider who personally profited from the financial ruin of hardworking Americans during the financial crisis of 2008. The nomination of Steven Mnuchin is a blatant departure from President-Elect Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp” and should offend President-elect Trump’s supporters and detractors alike. “Unfortunately, the nomination of Mr. Mnuchin and the passage of H.R. 6392 should come as no surprise – giveaways to Wall Street are par for the course in the Republican Party.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-world-aids-day-2016,Cardin Statement on World AIDS Day 2016,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 01, 2016 Cardin Statement on World AIDS Day 2016 Senator calls for continued bipartisan commitment to PEPFAR; investments to combat transmission in Maryland, across U.S. WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Thursday in recognition of World AIDS Day: “Thirty years ago the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine issued a report calling for a ‘massive media, educational and public health campaign to curb the spread of the HIV infection.’ The global community heeded that call, and today, on World AIDS Day, we celebrate progress that we have made in treating and preventing HIV/AIDS both at home and abroad, and recommit ourselves to creating an AIDS-free generation. “Earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit an HIV/AIDS clinic in Namibia supported by PEPFAR and The Global Fund. While there I met a 30-year-old man named Simon who said he would not be alive without the international community’s HIV/AIDS assistance. While the individual stories of people like Simon are a testament to the hard-fought progress this global response has achieved, the aggregate impact of our efforts cannot be understated. PEPFAR has been a bipartisan success story that began with a strong commitment by President George W. Bush and grew under President Obama. It must continue to have broad-based support in a Trump Administration and in the 115th Congress so we can keep making inroads against this pernicious disease. Since 2005, AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 45 percent globally. In Africa, new HIV infections have declined 14 percent since 2010, including a 66 percent reduction in new infections in children in the region. And today, 18.2 million men, women, and children worldwide are on anti-retroviral therapy, double the number that had access just five years ago. “Nevertheless, there remains more work to be done. In my home state of Maryland, there were 1,334 new HIV diagnoses in 2015, ranking it the third highest adult HIV diagnosis rate per capita in the country. And globally we are seeing data that indicates AIDS-related deaths are increasing among adolescents. At home and abroad, such trends are troubling. “We therefore cannot rest on our laurels. The United States must continue to lead this global fight. Through strong funding for PEPFAR and multilateral organizations like The Global Fund, we will ensure the continued commitment and leadership of partner countries reinforced with support from donor nations, civil society, and people living with HIV, faith-based organizations, the private sector, and foundations. And at here at home we must ensure that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and our state, local and community partners have the resources they need to continue making significant progress to prevent, treat and eventually cure this disease. “With our work cut out for us, and the memories of far too many loved ones in our hearts, we strive on this World AIDS Day as an international community toward a world free of HIV/AIDS, and recommit to mobilize the resources needed for treatment, to summon the compassion and understanding to prevent stigma, and to unleash our collective ingenuity and persistence in search of a cure.”   ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-issues-statement-on-dakota-access-pipeline-and-treatment-of,Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Dakota Access Pipeline and Treatment of Protestors,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,R000576,ruppersberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) — Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today issued the following statement regarding the treatment of protesters and the controversy over the Dakota Access Pipeline: “Peaceful protest is a vital part of our Constitutional rights, and the reports of intimidation and injuries to unarmed protesters of the Dakota Access Pipeline are alarming. Army Corps of Engineers leaders have said they will not engage in forcible removal of protestors and I urge them to honor this commitment and take steps necessary to ensure protestors can continue to exercise their rights. After 17 years of experience in local government, I know that public involvement and transparency are critical to the success of any development project. In addition to environmental concerns associated with this project, any potential threat to sacred Native American land and cultural sites must be taken seriously. Army Corps officials earlier this month said additional analysis and consultation with the Standing Rock Sioux are warranted and that they will withhold a final permit while they engage further with the tribe. This is the right course of action. Construction should not begin until all of the tribe’s legitimate concerns are adequately addressed.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/baltimore-sun-editorial-urges-president-elect-trump-to-adopt-delaney,Baltimore Sun Editorial Urges President-Elect Trump to Adopt Delaney Infrastructure Plan,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Delaney,D000620,delaney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – An editorial published today in the Baltimore Sun urges President-Elect Trump to adopt Congressman John K. Delaney’s (MD-6) proposal to use revenues from international tax reform as part of a bipartisan plan to rebuild America’s infrastructure and create good jobs.   Congressman Delaney has authored two bills that create a new national infrastructure fund for state and local projects; The Partnership to Build America Act (H.R. 413) and The Infrastructure 2.0 Act (H.R. 625) and over the past four years Congressman Delaney’s framework has generated significant bipartisan support. The possibility of the President-Elect adopting Delaney’s framework was also mentioned today in coverage by the Washington Post.   The op-ed is available online here and is copied below: Don, the builder Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 11/29/16 Can Trump boost jobs and demonstrate leadership? A bipartisan infrastructure bill offers his best shot If President-Elect Donald J. Trump is the dealmaker that he claims to be, sometime between now and Jan. 20, he ought to stop by the Longworth House Office Building's Room 1632 and ask for John. The two men might find they have a few things to talk about.   That's because Maryland's 6th District Rep. John K. Delaney, a Democrat, has been a leading voice in his party for leveraging greater private investment in the nation's failing infrastructure — its roads, bridges, airports, water and sewer systems, rail lines, schools and the like. During the campaign, Mr. Trump touted his own plan to increase such spending by $1 trillion over the next 10 years, chiefly through tax incentives.   Both plans have their flaws. But at their core, they also have something, if readers can pardon the expression, to build upon. Encouraging greater private sector investment in infrastructure — building privately-owned toll roads, for example — can be a net positive, and encouraging such projects through appropriate changes in tax law can work as well. Maryland's best examples of this are the public-private partnerships that built new rest stops on the John F. Kennedy Highway and financed a much-needed expansion of the Port of Baltimore.   As frequently as we have bemoaned Washington's failure to update the federal government's circa-1993 gas tax to reflect 21st century realities (the higher cost of construction, the reduced rate of fuel consumption and the need to encourage conservation in the wake of climate change), it's clear that a Republican-controlled Congress and a Republican president are unlikely to raise the federal gas tax from its current 18.4 cents per gallon. But it's also clear that Republicans can't increase needed infrastructure spending without Democratic votes — too many in the GOP's ultra-orthodox wing are allergic to a yes vote on the subject.   And make no mistake, this is needed spending. The most recent report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers rates U.S. infrastructure at a D-plus and in need of a $3.6 trillion boost. The problem didn't happen overnight; we've maintained a systemic underinvestment in infrastructure over decades. But it represents a ""yuuuge,"" as the president-elect might say, impediment to the nation's economy if the disrepair is allowed to continue.   Mr. Delaney's Partnership to Build America Act would use repatriated corporate profits now held overseas (made available by a reduced tax rate on overseas earnings brought home and a larger tax on profits that remain off-shore) to put billions in the Highway Trust Fund and to create a bank — a $750 billion infrastructure fund — that would be available to state and local governments. The beauty of this concept is that it spares Republicans from raising taxes but still contributes to traditional government-managed infrastructure.   Mr. Trump's plan, while lacking in specifics, has already been criticized as more of a profit opportunity for large corporations than any real fix for neglected infrastructure. It's one thing to find private equity to create a toll road, it's another to find investors anxious to sink millions into lead-free water pipes in Flint, Mich. Yet there are public-private partnership opportunities out there, as Maryland's recent examples demonstrate, that ought to be encouraged.   The solution? Probably a deal with Democrats that takes the best of both proposals and perhaps adds an inflation-escalator to the federal gas tax in future years. That's not raising taxes so much as embracing the realities of basic economics. And given the nation's historically low gasoline prices of late, we seriously doubt Trump supporters will be bothered by a penny or two in future years — particularly if it means tens of thousands of new jobs created almost overnight by infrastructure construction projects.   Here's the best part. Democrats have already signaled a desire to work with Mr. Trump on this issue. Given the undiminished (and perhaps even rising) levels of anxiety among traditional Democratic supporters following the election, that's not something to be taken lightly. As House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi observed, a robust jobs and infrastructure bill could allow the two sides to ""work together."" That's a deal practically begging to be done.   ##",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2692,Hoyer: I Am Deeply Disappointed the Administration Did Not Use Its Authority to Establish Pay Parity,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement expressing disappointment that the Administration did not use its authority to establish pay parity for military personnel and federal civilian employees in Fiscal Year 2017: “I am disappointed that the Administration did not use its authority to provide for an average 2.1% pay raise in 2017 for federal civilian employees, which would establish parity with the 2017 raise for military personnel serving in non-combat areas that Congress is expected to include in the FY2017 defense authorization bill.  The principle of parity, which the Administration supported in its 2017 budget proposal when it proposed a 1.6% raise for both military personnel and federal civilian employees, is critical because it recognizes the essential services that both uniformed military personnel and federal civilian employees provide to the American people, whether they wear a uniform, conduct research in a federal lab, or provide medical services to our veterans.  I will continue to fight for the pay and benefits that our federal employees earn through their outstanding service to our country.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-statement-in-support-of-leader-pelosi,Sarbanes Statement in Support of Leader Pelosi,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released the following statement in support of Nancy Pelosi's bid for Democratic Leader. “I look forward to Nancy Pelosi's continued leadership of the House Democratic Caucus. During my time in Congress, she has consistently and forcefully decried the outsized influence that money has in Washington. Those of us who have made this issue a key focus of our efforts in Congress know that Leader Pelosi is committed to empowering everyday Americans to take back their government from special interests. “We hear President-Elect Trump talking tough about ‘draining the swamp,’ but along with the Republican-controlled Congress and a legion of high-priced lobbyists, he is poised to unleash a torrent of policies that put special interests ahead of the interests of hardworking families. “It is Leader Pelosi and the Democratic Caucus that have actually proposed real reforms to protect our democracy. Safeguarding the ballot box, disclosing secret money, building small donor matching systems to fund campaigns, curbing the influence of Super PACs and ending partisan gerrymandering. On all of these issues, Democrats are leading the way.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delaney.house.gov/news/blogs/on-the-house-floor-this-week-112816,On the House Floor This Week - 11/28/16,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Delaney,D000620,delaney.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week the House of Representatives will be in session Tuesday through Friday. The legislative schedule and agenda, including which bills are brought to the floor for a vote, is set by the Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and the Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. To contact my office about the legislation we’re considering this week, please contact my office at 202-225-2721 or by clicking here.   TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016 On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for Morning Hour debate and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30 p.m. Suspensions (16 bills) H.R. 5458 – Veterans TRICARE Choice Act (Rep. Stewart – Ways and Means) H.R. 6135 – To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 719 Church Street in Nashville, Tennessee, as the ""Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and United States Courthouse"" (Rep. Blackburn – Transportation and Infrastructure) House Amendment S. 546 – RESPONSE Act of 2016 (Sen. Heitkamp – Transportation and Infrastructure) House Amendment to S. 2577 – Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Sen. Cornyn – Judiciary) H.R. 5422 – To ensure funding for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and for other purposes (Rep. Poe – Judiciary) H.R. 5877 – United States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act of 2016, as amended (Rep. Ratcliffe – Homeland Security) H.R. 5843 – United States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2016, as amended (Rep. Langevin – Homeland Security) H.R. 4757 – To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the eligibility for headstones, markers, and medallions furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for deceased individuals who were awarded the Medal of Honor and are buried in private cemeteries, as amended (Rep. Miller (FL) – Veterans’ Affairs) H.R. 5399 – Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2016 (Rep. Roe – Veterans’ Affairs) H.R. 5047 – Protecting Veterans' Educational Choice Act of 2016 (Rep. Hice – Veterans’ Affairs) H.R. 5166 – WINGMAN Act, as amended (Rep. Yoho – Veterans’ Affairs) H.R. 3286 – HIRE Vets Act, as amended (Rep. Cook – Veterans’ Affairs) H.R. 5600 – No Hero Left Untreated Act, as amended (Rep. Knight – Veteran’s Affairs) H.R. 6323 – To name the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system in Long Beach, California, the ""Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center"" (Rep. Lowenthal – Veterans’ Affairs) H.Con.Res. 165 – Expressing the sense of Congress and reaffirming longstanding United States policy in support of a direct bilaterally negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and opposition to United Nations Security Council resolutions imposing a solution to the conflict (Rep. Royce – Foreign Affairs) H.Con.Res. 40 – Encouraging reunions of divided Korean American families (Rep. Rangel – Foreign Affairs) WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016 AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK On Wednesday and Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.  On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business, with last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m. Suspensions (13 bills) H.R. 5948 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 830 Kuhn Drive in Chula Vista, California, as the ""Jonathan 'J.D.' De Guzman Post Office Building"" (Rep. Davis (CA) – Oversight and Government Reform) H.R. 6138 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 560 East Pleasant Valley Road, Port Hueneme, California, as the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion ""Seabees"" Fallen Heroes Post Office Building (Rep. Brownley – Oversight and Government Reform) H.R. 6282 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2024 Jerome Avenue, in Bronx, New York, as the ""Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. Post Office Building"" (Rep. Serrano – Oversight and Government Reform) H.R. 6304 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 501 North Main Street in Florence, Arizona, as the ""Adolfo 'Harpo' Celaya Post Office"" (Rep. Gosar – Oversight and Government Reform) H.R. 6303 – To designate facilities of the United States Postal Service, to establish new ZIP Codes, and for other purposes (Rep. Chaffetz – Oversight and Government Reform) H.R. 6009 –  Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2016 (Rep. Russell – Oversight and Government Reform) H.R. 5384 – Federal Register Printer Savings Act of 2016 (Rep. Russell – Oversight and Government Reform) H.R. 6186 – Follow the Rules Act (Rep. Duffy – Oversight and Government Reform) H.R. 6302 – Overtime Pay for Secret Service Agents Act of 2016 (Rep. Chaffetz – Oversight and Government Reform) S. 2234 – Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act (Sen. Blunt – Financial Services) H.R. 2992 – Merchant Marine of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (Rep. Brooks (IN) – Financial Services) S. 1555 – Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 (Sen. Hirono – Financial Services) H.R.     – Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Rep. Nunes – Intelligence) H.R.6392 – Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2016 (Rep. Luetkemeyer – Financial Services) (Subject to a Rule) Consideration of Legislation Related to 21st Century Cures Possible Consideration of the Conference Report to Accompany S. 2943, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-announces-winners-2016-congressional-app-challenge,Cummings Announces Winners of 2016 Congressional App Challenge,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Elijah Cummings,C000984,cummings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. (Nov. 28, 2016) — Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) announced the winners of his 2016 Congressional App Challenge, Mr. Will Cervi, Ms. Priyanka Kargupta and Mr. Rees Draminski, all students at Mount Hebron High School.  The students won for creating an app called Foodspin, which allows users to locate local restaurants. “I look forward to hosting the Congressional App Challenge every year because it inspires many students my district to be creative and build an application on the platform of their choice,” Cummings said.  “I was very impressed by Priyanka, Rees and Will’s demonstration video.  I look forward to seeing the great careers they will undoubtedly have.”  The contest was open to high school students in the Seventh Congressional District of Maryland and is designed to promote innovation and engagement in coding and computer science.  Students competed against their peers by creating an application or “app,” for mobile, tablet or computer devices.Submissions were judged on the following criteria: quality of the idea, including creativity and originality; implementation of the idea, including user experience and design; and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.The four judges who helped pick the winners were Ms. Sharon Kramer, Career and Technology Coordinator with Howard County Public Schools, Dr. Jayfus Doswell, Chief Executive Officer of Juxtopia, LLC and Ms. Lindsey Jones and Mr. Jordan Snyder, both Distance Learning Specialists with the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.        A video of the students demonstrating their app is available here. Foodspin will be featured on the House of Representatives website and will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol alongside winning applications from Congressional districts nationwide.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/leggett-pushes-brt-in-eastern-montgomery,Leggett Pushes BRT in Eastern Montgomery,2016-11-25,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"In July, Sarbanes helped the County secure a $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help fund the proposed 14-mile BRT along U.S. 29, which is estimated to cost $67 million…. “You know, it is not easy to get these TIGER grants, because a $10 million TIGER grant for this kind of a project represents a real win for Montgomery County and demonstrates the strength of the application,” Sarbanes said…. Sarbanes said he lobbied Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to pledge the TIGER grant to the County for the BRT…. “I even called Secretary Foxx right in the final minutes of these decision and said, ‘You got to do this, this is a very competitive grant,’’ Sarbanes said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-statement-thanksgiving-holiday,Cummings Statement on Thanksgiving Holiday,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Elijah Cummings,C000984,cummings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. (Nov. 23, 2016)—Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) issued the following statement to commemorate Thanksgiving: “The Thanksgiving holiday allows us to reflect on the things that matter most. The holiday season draws us closer to family and friends as we share a Thanksgiving meal and give thanks for the blessings in our lives.  “Today, I thank my neighbors in the 7th district of Maryland for granting me the honor of representing them; I am honored to have their trust.” “As we give thanks for our blessings in life, it is imperative that we think of others—those who are displaced and recovering from economic hardships, veterans still seeking work, and the children who will shape our future.  We must always extend our support to those who are too often unheard.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-the-nomination-of-gov-nikki-haley-to-un-ambassador-post,Cardin Statement on the Nomination of Gov. Nikki Haley to UN Ambassador Post,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 23, 2016 Cardin Statement on the Nomination of Gov. Nikki Haley to UN Ambassador Post WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump nominated South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations: “I want to acknowledge Governor Haley’s nomination to be our next ambassador to the United Nations. I look forward to leading my Democratic colleagues on the Foreign Relations Committee in a thorough hearing of her qualifications, her foreign policy experience, and world view. The UN can be an indispensable force for a better world and America’s ambassador to the UN is on the front lines of international diplomacy every day, doing crucial work to build coalitions, stand up for our values, and call out wrongs when they arise. A strong and capable US Ambassador to the United Nations is critical for American leadership in the world and to safeguard and extend our interests and values. “The UN must continue to improve its operations, but through United States leadership it can play a vital role in achieving key American foreign policy goals, helping to resolve international conflicts, confront terrorism, and deliver humanitarian aid to desperately vulnerable men, women and children. America’s leadership at the UN has also advocated for sustainable development goals that promote economic development, support civil society, strengthen governance, combat corruption, and advance international efforts to protect against climate change. “Our Ambassador at the United Nations must also lead the fight for American values at the United Nations by standing up against violations of international law, against war crimes, against human rights violations, and by speaking up for democracy and freedom of speech. These core values must be at the forefront of America’s foreign policy agenda. We must continue to be there for our allies and stand firm against illegal aggression.  “Our new UN Ambassador will also confront the task of dealing with the Russians at the United Nations. Unfortunately, Russia has shown itself to be a global bully and not a partner. Our UN Ambassador will have to ensure that Russia will be held accountable and not be permitted to manipulate facts or ignore international norms and the rule of law. Embracing these values has never been more important than it is today. “I believe strongly that America’s ambassador to the UN must also stand up for human rights. Taking up the cause of human rights is not just the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do. Countries that don’t protect civil society, ethnic minorities, or religious freedom create cleavages that destabilize whole regions.  “President Trump will need a national security team with strong international experience who can lead the country through the critical national challenges facing our country, while also fight for the American values which have made this country great at home and the democratic leader of the world.     “I look forward to meeting Gov. Haley and discussing these and other issues with her in the coming weeks and months.” # # # Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/baltimore-congressional-delegation-inquires-on-status-of-police-consent,Baltimore Congressional Delegation Inquires on Status of Police Consent Decree,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,R000576,ruppersberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)  — Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger along with U.S. Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, Senator-Elect Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Elijah E. Cummings and John Sarbanes (all D-MD) sent a letter yesterday to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Mayor-Elect Catherine Pugh to inquire on the status of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the City of Baltimore’s consent decree negotiations. The Members wrote, “We appreciate that it is no small task to ensure the decree fully addresses the DOJ recommendations and includes workable implementation steps.  However, we are hearing growing concern from the community about the status of and delay in drafting the decree.  We share those concerns.  It is absolutely imperative that decisive, steady, urgent progress toward crafting a meaningful consent decree be made a top priority by all involved.”  Following the release of the DOJ Civil Rights Division’s report on the “pattern or practice” investigation into the Baltimore City Police Department in August, the DOJ and the City began negotiating a consent decree with a goal of having the decree completed by November 1, 2016. The Members continued, “We are writing to request: (1) an update on the status of the consent decree; and (2) an updated timeline for its completion.  We also write to strongly urge you to redouble your efforts to ensure that a meaningful decree is completed and approved as soon as possible.”  The full text of the letter follows: The Honorable Loretta Lynch             Attorney General United States Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Office of the Mayor 250 City Hall, 100 N. Holliday Street Baltimore, MD 21202 The Honorable Catherine Pugh 2901 Druid Park Drive, Suite 200C Baltimore, MD 21215 Dear Attorney General Lynch, Mayor Rawlings-Blake, and Mayor-Elect Pugh, We thank you for your ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the City of Baltimore work together to improve policing in our community through the DOJ’s “pattern or practice” investigation.  The findings released by the DOJ Civil Rights Division in its report this summer, as well as subsequent input from the Baltimore City community, have reaffirmed that the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) is in dire need of reform and that the relationship between the BPD and the community is in disrepair. We understand that the City of Baltimore and the DOJ are negotiating a consent decree as the next step in the process of this investigation, and had been working toward a goal of November 1, 2016.  However, that date passed almost three weeks ago, and a draft consent decree has still not yet been released.   We appreciate that it is no small task to ensure the decree fully addresses the DOJ recommendations and includes workable implementation steps.  However, we are hearing growing concern from the community about the status of and delay in drafting the decree.  We share those concerns.  It is absolutely imperative that decisive, steady, urgent progress toward crafting a meaningful consent decree be made a top priority by all involved.   We are writing to request: (1) an update on the status of the consent decree; and (2) an updated timeline for its completion.  We also write to strongly urge you to redouble your efforts to ensure that a meaningful decree is completed and approved as soon as possible.  We appreciate the significant time and energy required to prepare for the transition of a mayoral administration, but it is absolutely necessary that the consent decree be a top priority for all at this crucial time.  The safety of our community is at stake. Thank you again for your devotion to the people of Baltimore.  We are eagerly awaiting an update.   Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/baltimore-congressional-delegation-inquires-status-consent-decree,Baltimore Congressional Delegation Inquires on Status of Consent Decree,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Elijah Cummings,C000984,cummings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. (Nov. 22, 2016) — U.S. Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, Senator-Elect Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Elijah E. Cummings, Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes (all D-MD) sent a letter yesterday to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Mayor-Elect Catherine Pugh to inquire on the status of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the City of Baltimore’s consent decree negotiations.The Members wrote, “We appreciate that it is no small task to ensure the decree fully addresses the DOJ recommendations and includes workable implementation steps.  However, we are hearing growing concern from the community about the status of and delay in drafting the decree.  We share those concerns.  It is absolutely imperative that decisive, steady, urgent progress toward crafting a meaningful consent decree be made a top priority by all involved.” Following the release of the DOJ Civil Rights Division’s report on the “pattern or practice” investigation into the Baltimore City Police Department in August, the DOJ and the City began negotiating a consent decree with a goal of having the decree completed by November 1, 2016.The Members continued, “We are writing to request: (1) an update on the status of the consent decree; and (2) an updated timeline for its completion.  We also write to strongly urge you to redouble your efforts to ensure that a meaningful decree is completed and approved as soon as possible.” Click here for PDF of the letter, the full text follows:The Honorable Loretta Lynch             Attorney General United States Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Office of the Mayor 250 City Hall, 100 N. Holliday Street Baltimore, MD 21202The Honorable Catherine Pugh 2901 Druid Park Drive, Suite 200C Baltimore, MD 21215Dear Attorney General Lynch, Mayor Rawlings-Blake, and Mayor-Elect Pugh,We thank you for your ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the City of Baltimore work together to improve policing in our community through the DOJ’s “pattern or practice” investigation.  The findings released by the DOJ Civil Rights Division in its report this summer, as well as subsequent input from the Baltimore City community, have reaffirmed that the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) is in dire need of reform and that the relationship between the BPD and the community is in disrepair.We understand that the City of Baltimore and the DOJ are negotiating a consent decree as the next step in the process of this investigation, and had been working toward a goal of November 1, 2016.  However, that date passed almost three weeks ago, and a draft consent decree has still not yet been released.  We appreciate that it is no small task to ensure the decree fully addresses the DOJ recommendations and includes workable implementation steps.  However, we are hearing growing concern from the community about the status of and delay in drafting the decree.  We share those concerns.  It is absolutely imperative that decisive, steady, urgent progress toward crafting a meaningful consent decree be made a top priority by all involved.  We are writing to request: (1) an update on the status of the consent decree; and (2) an updated timeline for its completion.  We also write to strongly urge you to redouble your efforts to ensure that a meaningful decree is completed and approved as soon as possible.  We appreciate the significant time and energy required to prepare for the transition of a mayoral administration, but it is absolutely necessary that the consent decree be a top priority for all at this crucial time.  The safety of our community is at stake.Thank you again for your devotion to the people of Baltimore.  We are eagerly awaiting an update.  Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/baltimore-congressional-delegation-inquires-on-status-of-consent-decree,Baltimore Congressional Delegation Inquires on Status of Consent Decree,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, Senator-Elect Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Elijah E. Cummings, Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes (all D-MD) sent a letter yesterday to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Mayor-Elect Catherine Pugh to inquire on the status of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the City of Baltimore’s consent decree negotiations. The Members wrote, “We appreciate that it is no small task to ensure the decree fully addresses the DOJ recommendations and includes workable implementation steps. However, we are hearing growing concern from the community about the status of and delay in drafting the decree. We share those concerns. It is absolutely imperative that decisive, steady, urgent progress toward crafting a meaningful consent decree be made a top priority by all involved.” Following the release of the DOJ Civil Rights Division’s report on the “pattern or practice” investigation into the Baltimore City Police Department in August, the DOJ and the City began negotiating a consent decree with a goal of having the decree completed by November 1, 2016. The Members continued, “We are writing to request: (1) an update on the status of the consent decree; and (2) an updated timeline for its completion. We also write to strongly urge you to redouble your efforts to ensure that a meaningful decree is completed and approved as soon as possible.” Click here for PDF of the letter, the full text follows: * * * The Honorable Loretta Lynch            Attorney General United States Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Office of the Mayor 250 City Hall, 100 N. Holliday Street Baltimore, MD 21202 The Honorable Catherine Pugh 2901 Druid Park Drive, Suite 200C Baltimore, MD 21215 Dear Attorney General Lynch, Mayor Rawlings-Blake, and Mayor-Elect Pugh, We thank you for your ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the City of Baltimore work together to improve policing in our community through the DOJ’s “pattern or practice” investigation. The findings released by the DOJ Civil Rights Division in its report this summer, as well as subsequent input from the Baltimore City community, have reaffirmed that the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) is in dire need of reform and that the relationship between the BPD and the community is in disrepair. We understand that the City of Baltimore and the DOJ are negotiating a consent decree as the next step in the process of this investigation, and had been working toward a goal of November 1, 2016. However, that date passed almost three weeks ago, and a draft consent decree has still not yet been released.  We appreciate that it is no small task to ensure the decree fully addresses the DOJ recommendations and includes workable implementation steps. However, we are hearing growing concern from the community about the status of and delay in drafting the decree.  We share those concerns. It is absolutely imperative that decisive, steady, urgent progress toward crafting a meaningful consent decree be made a top priority by all involved.  We are writing to request: (1) an update on the status of the consent decree; and (2) an updated timeline for its completion. We also write to strongly urge you to redouble your efforts to ensure that a meaningful decree is completed and approved as soon as possible. We appreciate the significant time and energy required to prepare for the transition of a mayoral administration, but it is absolutely necessary that the consent decree be a top priority for all at this crucial time. The safety of our community is at stake. Thank you again for your devotion to the people of Baltimore. We are eagerly awaiting an update.  Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-to-introduce-senate-resolution-asking-trump-to-ensure-foreign-dealings-do-not-violate-us-constitution,Cardin to Introduce Senate Resolution Asking Trump to Ensure Foreign Dealings do not Violate U.S. Constitution,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 22, 2016 Cardin to Introduce Senate Resolution Asking Trump to Ensure Foreign Dealings do not Violate U.S. Constitution Senator cites Constitution’s language recognizing inherent danger of foreign financial influence WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and a senior Member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced today he will introduce a resolution next week stating the sense of Congress that President-elect Trump should convert his assets to simple, conflict-free holdings, adopt blind trusts, or take other equivalent measures, in order to ensure compliance with the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution will note that in the absence of such actions by the President-elect before he assumes office or specific authorization by Congress, Congress will regard dealings by Trump-owned companies with any entity owned by a foreign government as potential violations of the Constitution. It will also give the President the opportunity to affirmatively prove his dealings are arms-length transactions, where all parties are independent and on an equal footing. Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution provides that “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under [the United States], shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” “The Founding Fathers were clear in their belief that any federal office holder of the United States must never be put in a position where they can be monetarily or otherwise influenced by a foreign governmental actor.  This resolution is intended to prevent a crisis or any misunderstanding regarding the consistency of the President’s actions with the U.S. Constitution.  Unless he takes appropriate action, Mr. Trump’s many international financial interests pose a great risk of violating the Constitution once he assumes the Presidency of the United States,” Senator Cardin said. “In the two months before President-elect Trump’s inauguration, he should provide the American people with clarity and certainty that he will in no way, shape, or form use the office of the President to advance his substantial personal fortune.” A new CNN/ORC poll out today shows that nearly 60 percent of the American people do not think Mr. Trump’s thus-far stated intentions for his personal business go far enough. Additionally, the President-elect’s aides would not answer direct questions from the media today about whether Mr. Trump is still involved in his business.   ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/donald-trump-s-potential-conflicts-of-interest-continue-to-mount,Donald Trumps Potential Conflicts of Interest Continue to Mount,2016-11-19,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"You can’t have conflicts of interest that are that significant, present those to the public and have a straight face about it,” Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) said.... Sarbanes says to expect Democrats to continue to demand that these conflicts of interest be resolved.... “I think Trump’s going to give us endless examples or instances of things that on their face are offensive to people’s sense of what’s proper,” he said. “He’s already doing it.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-announces-320-million-in-new-tax-credits-for-maryland-companies,Sarbanes Announces $320 Million in New Tax Credits for Maryland Companies,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today announced that the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) will provide Maryland companies with $320 million in tax credits to spur economic growth and investment in low-income communities. The tax credits come from the CDFI Fund’s New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) awards, which will provide 120 organizations around the country with a total of $7 billion in tax credits to invest in community projects that improve public facilities, good and services – and create more jobs. This year’s NMTC award is the single largest investment since the program’s inception in 2001. “This program helps stimulate local distressed communities,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “By making these kinds of investments, we’re not only creating more job opportunities and improving goods and services. We’re also signaling our deep commitment to residents by making a concerted effort to revitalize neighborhoods, enrich communities and improve lives.” Maryland awardees include: ESIC New Markets Partners LP (Columbia, Maryland): $80,000,000 Harbor Bankshares Corporation (Baltimore, Maryland): $70,000,000 Mid-City Community CDE, LLC (Bethesda, Maryland): $45,000,000 Urban Action Community Development LLC (Baltimore, Maryland): $45,000,000 Urban Research Park CDE, LLC (Hunt Valley, Maryland): $80,000,000 To learn more about the NTMC awards, see the NMTC Fact Sheet or visit www.cdfifund.gov/nmtc. For more information about this year’s awardees, see the 2015-2016 NMTC Program Award Book.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-joins-white-house-officials-energy-secretary-moniz-labor,"Sarbanes Joins White House Officials, Energy Secretary Moniz, Labor Secretary Perez to Bring More Solar Energy to Baltimore",2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today joined several Obama Administration officials, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Mayor-Elect Catherine Pugh to highlight a new public-private initiative between the City of Baltimore, the Department of Energy and the Maryland Clean Energy Center that will enhance home weatherization and install solar panels on at least 1,000 low-income homes throughout the city. “By helping Baltimore residents finance home weatherization upgrades and install solar panels, we can lower energy bills, improve indoor health and increase the city’s renewable energy capacity,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “Creating a strong market for solar installation also spurs new job opportunities across the city. To that end, this public-private partnership will create job-training programs in Baltimore that help residents acquire the skills needed to join the solar-energy workforce.” In July, Congressman Sarbanes announced a new agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy, the Maryland Clean Energy Center and the City of Baltimore to help homeowners in Baltimore install solar panels and improve the weatherization of their homes. The program will also support job training for unemployed or underemployed community members to become a part of the renewable energy industry workforce. Today, the new initiative is in full swing and leaders at the federal, state and local levels announced solar energy and workforce goals, as well as new tools to provide sustainable financing for low-income solar installations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-general-mike-flynn-selection-as-national-security-adviser,Cardin Statement on General Mike Flynn Selection as National Security Adviser,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 18, 2016 Cardin Statement on General Mike Flynn Selection as National Security Adviser “The United States of America deserves a National Security Adviser who can bring precision and focus to the national security threats facing the United States, not biases and baggage from the darkest corners of American political discourse.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Friday after President-elect Donald Trump announced Ret. Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn would serve as his national security advisor:  “I honor General Mike Flynn’s three decades of service to the United States as part of our Armed Forces. Unfortunately, I have serious concerns regarding General Flynn’s temperament, worldview, and potential conflicts of interest should he serve in one of the highest national security positions in our federal government. “As a staunch critic of Russia’s approach to the liberal democratic process, human rights, sovereignty and the rule of law, I am disturbed by General Flynn’s relationships and ties with Russian actors.  I am concerned about General Flynn’s relationship with RT, a television network funded by the Russian government and well-known for promoting the Kremlin’s political agenda, but which Flynn has characterized as no different than CNN or MSNBC.  General Flynn was paid to attend RT’s 10-year anniversary gala in Russia, where he gave a talk on world affairs and was photographed sitting next to Russian President Vladimir Putin – a photograph Mr. Putin has used repeatedly to promote his own causes. “My concerns with General Flynn are not limited to Russia. I have serious questions about the fact that while General Flynn was sitting in on the classified national security briefings given to Donald Trump since August 2016, his lobbying firm, the Flynn Intel Group, was providing foreign government clients with ‘all-source intelligence support.’  “And to say that General Flynn has made inflammatory remarks about Islam understates the severity and insensitivity of his words. He has called the religion of Islam a “malignant cancer” and claimed that “Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL.” At a time when our nation is working with a broad coalition, including Muslim-majority countries, to defeat ISIL and prevent future terrorist attacks, this kind of rhetoric hurts our national security priorities. “General Flynn has also been involved in controversies that have affected other religions and groups. Earlier this year, he retweeted an anti-Semitic Twitter message, and was later forced to apologize. “The United States of America deserves a National Security Adviser who can bring precision and focus to the national security threats facing the United States, not biases and baggage from the darkest corners of American political discourse. I implore President-elect Trump to search further into the deep reserve of seasoned national security professionals and choose someone in whom the American people can place their confidence.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-trump-national-security-positions,Cardin Statement on Trump National Security Positions,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 18, 2016 Cardin Statement on Trump National Security Positions ""Individuals not willing to support and defend the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans should have no place in our government."" BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism, and Intolerance for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, issued the following statement on the announcement of members of President-elect Trump’s national security team. “I did not support Donald Trump for President because we disagree on nearly every issue of concern to the American people. However, as president, I believe he generally has a right to have a team around him that he trusts and supports him. As a United States Senator, I take seriously the Constitutional responsibility to provide Advice and Consent for those nominees. Unlike my Republican colleagues who have failed in their duty to provide a timely confirmation hearing for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, I will do my best not to prejudge any individual before a proper hearing. I will, however, freely raise what issues I think need to be a priority for the incoming administration. “I urge Mr. Trump to understand that if he truly wants to be a president for all the people, he must renounce the ugly rhetoric of the campaign and surround himself with men and women of the highest character who want to bring communities together rather than tear one another apart. His nominees – men and women – should support and defend the full Constitution – not only their interpretation of the Second Amendment. Of utmost importance is the First Amendment: ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.’ Hate and fear should not the ruling forces for our nation. The rise in race- and religious-based hate crimes and incidents across the country since the election have been troubling and need to be repeatedly discouraged at the highest level. We need individuals who will help to rebuild the trust that has eroded between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect. Individuals not willing to support and defend the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans should have no place in our government. “As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I urge President-elect Trump to take seriously the warnings and assessments from our intelligence community and national security professionals. I believe America must lead the world by standing up against violations of international law, against war crimes, against human rights violations and by speaking up for democracy and freedom of speech. These core values must be at the forefront of America's foreign policy agenda. We must be there for our allies and stand firm against illegal aggression. Russia must be regarded as the global bully and adversary that it is and not a partner. Russia has committed cyberattacks against the United States and war crimes in Syria; it should be held accountable and not be permitted to manipulate facts or ignore international norms and the rule of law. We need leaders who will treat climate change as a national security imperative, putting put science and the public health before politics. I believe that America should be embracing our diversity while leading the way in support for human rights at home and around the globe. Embracing these values has never been more important than it is today.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-lauds-obama-administration-allocating-more-250-million-tax,Cummings Lauds Obama Administration for Allocating More Than $250 Million in Tax Credits to Baltimore-Area Community Development Organizations,2016-11-17,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Elijah Cummings,C000984,cummings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. (Nov. 17, 2016)— Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) lauded the Department of Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions Fund for providing four organizations in his district $275 million in tax credits.  The tax credits were awarded under the New Markets Tax Credit Program to Harbor Bankshares Corporation and Urban Action Community Development, LLC, both in Baltimore, Urban Research Park CDE, LLC in Hunt Valley, and ESIC New Markets Partners LC in Columbia.“I applaud the Obama Administration for awarding tax credits to these organizations so they can invest in jobs, community facilities and affordable housing for struggling families in Maryland and throughout the country,” Cummings said. The New Markets Tax Credit Program, established by Congress in December 2000, permits individual and corporate taxpayers to receive a non-refundable tax credit against federal income taxes for making equity investments in vehicles known as Community Development Entities (CDEs). CDEs that receive the tax credit allocation authority under the program are domestic corporations or partnerships that provide loans, investments, or financial counseling in low-income urban and rural communities. The tax credit provided to the investor totals 39 percent of the cost of the investment and is claimed over a seven-year period. The CDEs in turn use the capital raised to make investments in low-income communities.   CDEs must apply annually to the CDFI Fund to compete for New Markets Tax Credit Program allocation authority. The 120 organizations receiving awards nationally were selected from a pool of 238 applicants that requested approximately $17.6 billion in allocation authority.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/sarbanes-targets-trump-transition-team-with-new-bill-to-ban-lobbyists,Sarbanes Targets Trump Transition Team with New Bill to Ban Lobbyists,2016-11-17,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. John Sarbanes has introduced a bill to ban lobbyists from Presidential transition teams in response to reports President-elect Donald Trump's team includes several people who have lobbied on behalf of major corporations…. Titled the ""No Lobbyists on Presidential Transition Teams Act,"" the bill would amend the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 to ban President-elects and Vice President-elects from paying registered lobbyists to be a part of Presidential transition teams.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-next-administration-s-interest-in-infrastructure-bank-encouraging,"Delaney: Next Administrations Interest in Infrastructure Bank Encouraging, Bipartisan Solution Ready",2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Delaney,D000620,delaney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Steve Mnuchin, a member of the next Administration’s executive committee and transition team told reporters Thursday that they are “looking at the creation of an infrastructure bank to fund infrastructure investments.” Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) is the leading champion in Congress on using revenues from international tax reform to rebuild America’s infrastructure and Congressman Delaney’s framework has generated significant bipartisan support. Congressman Delaney has authored two bills that create a new national infrastructure fund for state and local projects; The Partnership to Build America Act (H.R. 413) and The Infrastructure 2.0 Act (H.R. 625). Over the last two Congresses, over 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans have cosponsored one of Congressman Delaney’s proposals in the House or Senate. Delaney’s framework was also included in President Obama’s budget. “We have a big bipartisan coalition in Congress that is ready to work on rebuilding America using revenues from international tax reform, and we are encouraged that Mr. Mnuchin has indicated that the next Administration is moving in this direction,” said Congressman Delaney. “We’ve built a bipartisan framework and developed the legislation that shows you can bring Republicans and Democrats together around a really good idea; if they are serious about a real solution, this is where they should look. We worked with the last Administration on this issue and look forward to continuing the effort. Conservatives, moderates and progressives understand that by combining international tax reform and infrastructure we can create good jobs, encourage more domestic investment and improve our business climate for decades to come.” The Partnership to Build America Act sells $50 billion of bonds to private companies to capitalize an infrastructure fund that can provide $750 billion of financing for projects. In exchange for purchasing these bonds, the companies will be able to bring back a portion of their overseas earnings, one-time, tax free. The Infrastructure 2.0 Act creates the same national infrastructure fund and additionally provides a long-term funding solution for the Highway Trust Fund by establishing a mandatory, one-time 8.75% tax on existing overseas profits (less taxes already paid), ending the deferral option, and lowering the go-forward tax rate which permanently fixes our broken international tax system. ##",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-issues-statement-on-appointment-of-steve-bannon-to-senior,Ruppersberger Issues Statement on Appointment of Steve Bannon to Senior White House Position,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,R000576,ruppersberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) — Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger issued the following statement today on president-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Steve Bannon as his Chief Strategist:  “I am deeply troubled by President-elect Trump’s choice to appoint Steve Bannon as his Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor. Under Mr. Bannon’s leadership, Breitbart News has published offensive comments about women, the LGBTQ community and minorities including the Jewish community. I always say, “you’re only as good as your team,” and I understand President-elect Trump’s desire to create a team of advisors he can trust. But Trump has pledged to bring this country together after a long and divisive campaign season. The appointment of Steve Bannon achieves the opposite, alienating and offending huge segments of our population. As President Obama has said, if Trump succeeds, we all succeed. I am committed to working with the President-elect and finding common ground wherever we can – on strengthening our national security, rebuilding our infrastructure, and defeating ISIS, for examples. My record reflects my willingness to put politics aside for the good of our country and I wish my first statement since Trump’s election was one of support and encouragement, and not alarm. That said, I am respectfully asking President-elect Trump to reconsider his choice of Steve Bannon as his chief strategist. If the President-elect truly wants to move our country forward, he needs to surround himself with people who believe our country is better off united, regardless of our differences.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-cicilline-168-house-democrats-urge-president-elect-trump,"Cummings, Cicilline, 168 House Democrats Urge President-Elect Trump to Reverse Bannon Appointment",2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Elijah Cummings,C000984,cummings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) joined Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) and 168 House Members to send a letter asking President-elect Donald Trump to rescind alt-right leader Steve Bannon’s appointment as White House Chief Strategist. Although Republican members of the House were invited to sign Cicilline’s letter, none did so. “We strongly believe that Mr. Bannon’s appointment will not allow the country to heal and come together as one. As one of your top advisors, the White House chief strategist will help set the tone for your administration. The person in this role must be prepared to serve the interests of all Americans, not those of a select few,” the Members wrote. Click here for a PDF of the letter. The full text and list of signers follows:  Dear President-elect Trump: Immediately following your victory, many Americans were optimistic and hopeful that you would take the steps necessary to unify our country following the divisive and contentious election.  In your election night speech you said, “Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division.  It is time for us to come together as one united people.”  Unfortunately, your appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the White Nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country.  As elected representatives of millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to appoint Mr. Bannon to White House Chief Strategist.  Since the election there have been a number of incidents across the country in which minorities, including Muslim Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Jewish Americans, have been the targets of violence, harassment and intimidation. Mr. Bannon’s appointment sends the wrong message to people who have engaged in those types of activities, indicating that they will not only be tolerated, but endorsed by your Administration.  Millions of Americans have expressed fear and concern about how they will be treated by the Trump Administration and your appointment of Mr. Bannon only exacerbates and validates their concerns. As the Executive Chairman of Breitbart News, Mr. Bannon repeatedly and aggressively pushed stories that promote anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and racism. During an interview last summer, Mr. Bannon bragged that Breitbart was “the platform for the alt-right,” a movement that upholds White Nationalism while strongly rejecting diversity in any form. Under Mr. Bannon’s leadership, Breitbart has referred to a leading Republican who opposed your election as a “Renegade Jew,” suggested “Young Muslims in the West are a ticking time bomb,” declared that the “Confederate flag proclaims a glorious heritage,” and praised the alt-right as a “smarter” version of “old-school racist skinheads.” Disturbingly, leading white nationalists like former KKK Grand Dragon David Duke, American Nazi Party Chairman Rocky J. Suhadya, Richard Spencer, Peter Brimelow, and Brad Griffin have praised the news of Mr. Bannon’s appointment.  We believe it should concern you that civil rights groups, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, are widely opposed to Mr. Bannon’s appointment. We strongly believe that Mr. Bannon’s appointment will not allow the country to heal and come together as one. As one of your top advisors, the White House chief strategist will help set the tone for your administration. The person in this role must be prepared to serve the interests of all Americans, not those of a select few.  Once again, we strongly urge you to rescind this appointment immediately and build a diverse White House staff who are committed to the core American values of inclusiveness, diversity and tolerance. Sincerely, David N. Cicilline (RI-1) Alma Adams (NC-12) Pete Aguilar (CA-31) Karen Bass (CA-37) Joyce Beatty (OH-3) Xavier Becerra (CA-34) Ami Bera (CA-7) Donald Beyer (VA-8) Sanford Bishop (GA-2) Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1) Madeleine Bordallo (Guam) Brendan Boyle (PA-13) Robert Brady (PA-1) Julia Brownley (CA-26) Cheri Bustos (IL-17) G.K. Butterfield (NC-1) Michael Capuano (MA-7) Tony Cardenas (CA-29) John Carney (DE-At large) Andre Carson (IN-7) Matt Cartwright (PA-17) Kathy Castor (FL-14) Joaquin Castro (TX-20) Judy Chu (CA-27) Katherine Clark (MA-5) Yvette Clarke (NY-9) William Lacy Clay (MO-1) Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5) James Clyburn (SC-6) Steve Cohen (TN-9) Gerald Connolly (VA-11) John Conyers (MI-13) Jim Cooper (TN-5) Joe Courtney (CT-2) Joseph Crowley (NY-14) Elijah Cummings (MD-7) Danny Davis (IL-7) Susan Davis (CA-53) Peter DeFazio (OR-4) Diana DeGette (CO-1) John Delaney (MD-6) Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) Suzan DelBene (WA-1) Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) Ted Deutch (FL-21) Debbie Dingell (MI-12) Lloyd Doggett (TX-35) Michael Doyle (PA-14) Tammy Duckworth (IL-8) Donna Edwards (MD-4) Keith Ellison (MN-5) Eliot Engel (NY-16) Anna Eshoo (CA-18) Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) Dwight Evans (PA-2) Sam Farr (CA-20) Bill Foster (IL-11) Lois Frankel (FL-22) Marcia Fudge (OH-11) Ruben Gallego (AZ-7) John Garamendi (CA-3) Gwen Graham (FL-2) Al Green (TX-9) Gene Green (TX-29) Raul Grijalva (AZ-3) Luis Gutierrez (IL-4) Janice Hahn (CA-44) Colleen Hanabusa (HI-1) Alcee Hastings (FL-20) Denny Heck (WA-10) Brian Higgins (NY-26) James Himes (CT-4) Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15) Michael Honda (CA-17) Jared Huffman (CA-2) Steve Israel (NY-3) Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) Hank Johnson  (GA-4) Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) William Keating (MA-9) Robin Kelly (IL-2) Joseph Kennedy (MA-4) Dan Kildee (MI-5) Derek Kilmer (WA-6) Ron Kind (WI-3) Ann Marie Kuster (NH-2) James Langevin (RI-2) Rick Larsen (WA-2) John Larson (CT-1) Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) Barbara Lee (CA-13) Sander Levin (MI-9) John Lewis (GA-5) Ted Lieu (CA-33) Dave Loebsack (IA-2) Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) Nita Lowey (NY-17) Ben Ray Lujan (NM-3) Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-1) Stephen Lynch (MA-8) Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) Doris Matsui (CA-6) Betty McCollum (MN-4) Jim McDermott (WA-7) James McGovern (MA-2) Jerry McNerney (CA-9) Gregory Meeks (NY-5) Grace Meng (NY-6) Gwen Moore (WI-4) Seth Moulton (MA-6) Patrick Murphy (FL-18) Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) Grace Napolitano (CA-32) Richard Neal (MA-1) Richard Nolan (MN-8) Donald Norcross (NJ-1) Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) Beto O'Rourke (TX-16) Frank Pallone (NJ-6) Bill Pascrell (NJ-9) Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10) Ed Perlmutter (CO-7) Scott Peters (CA-52) Chellie Pingree (ME-1) Mark Pocan (WI-2) Jared Polis (CO-2) David Price (NC-4) Mike Quigley (IL-5) Kathleen Rice (NY-4) Cedric Richmond (LA-2) Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) Raul Ruiz (CA-36) Tim Ryan (OH-13) Linda Sanchez (CA-38) John Sarbanes (MD-3) Jan Schakowsky (IL-9) Adam Schiff (CA-28) Kurt Schrader (OR-5) Bobby Scott (VA-3) Jose Serrano (NY-15) Terri Sewell (AL-7) Albio Sires (NJ-8) Louise McIntosh Slaughter (NY-25) Adam Smith (WA-9) Jackie Speier (CA-14) Eric Swalwell (CA-15) Mark Takano (CA-41) Bennie Thompson (MS-2) Mike Thompson (CA-5) Dina Titus (NV-1) Paul Tonko (NY-20) Norma Torres (CA-35) Niki Tsongas (MA-3) Chris Van Hollen (MD-8) Juan Vargas (CA-51) Marc Veasey (TX-33) Nydia Velazquez (NY-7) Timothy Walz (MN-1) Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) Maxine Waters (CA-43) Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) Peter Welch (VT-At large) Frederica Wilson (FL-24) John Yarmuth (KY-3)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bill-would-bar-lobbyists-from-presidential-transition-teams,Bill Would Bar Lobbyists from Presidential Transition Teams,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"A bill introduced Wednesday in Congress by a Maryland representative would prevent President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence from using taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists onto the presidential transition teams…. Rep. John Sarbanes introduced the No Lobbyists on Presidential Transition Teams Act (H.R. 6324)…. ""On the campaign trail, President-elect Trump promised to 'drain the swamp' in Washington,"" Sarbanes said in a statement. ""But he’s not living up to that promise by stocking his transition team with corporate lobbyists. This bill is a meaningful step toward reducing the undue influence of wealthy and entrenched special interests in Washington.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-calls-on-president-elect-trump-to-withdraw-bannon-appointment,Sarbanes Calls on President-Elect Trump to Withdraw Bannon Appointment to White House,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) joined 169 Members of Congress in urging President-elect Donald Trump to rescind his appointment of ""alt-right"" leader Steve Bannon as White House Chief Strategist. In a letter to President-elect Trump, the Members wrote: “In your election night speech you said, ‘Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division.  It is time for us to come together as one united people.' Unfortunately, your appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the White Nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country. As elected representatives of millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to appoint Mr. Bannon to White House Chief Strategist.” A full copy of the letter is below. * * * Dear President-elect Trump: Immediately following your victory, many Americans were optimistic and hopeful that you would take the steps necessary to unify our country following the divisive and contentious election. In your election night speech you said, “Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division.  It is time for us to come together as one united people.” Unfortunately, your appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the White Nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country. As elected representatives of millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to appoint Mr. Bannon to White House Chief Strategist. Since the election there have been a number of incidents across the country in which minorities, including Muslim Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Jewish Americans, have been the targets of violence, harassment and intimidation. Mr. Bannon’s appointment sends the wrong message to people who have engaged in those types of activities, indicating that they will not only be tolerated, but endorsed by your Administration.  Millions of Americans have expressed fear and concern about how they will be treated by the Trump Administration and your appointment of Mr. Bannon only exacerbates and validates their concerns. As the Executive Chairman of Breitbart News, Mr. Bannon repeatedly and aggressively pushed stories that promote anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and racism. During an interview last summer, Mr. Bannon bragged that Breitbart was “the platform for the 'alt-right,'” a movement that upholds White Nationalism while strongly rejecting diversity in any form. Under Mr. Bannon’s leadership, Breitbart has referred to a leading Republican who opposed your election as a “Renegade Jew,” suggested “Young Muslims in the West are a ticking time bomb,” declared that the “Confederate flag proclaims a glorious heritage,” and praised the alt-right as a “smarter” version of “old-school racist skinheads.” Disturbingly, leading white nationalists like former KKK Grand Dragon David Duke, American Nazi Party Chairman Rocky J. Suhadya, Richard Spencer, Peter Brimelow, and Brad Griffin have praised the news of Mr. Bannon’s appointment. We believe it should concern you that civil rights groups, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, are widely opposed to Mr. Bannon’s appointment. We strongly believe that Mr. Bannon’s appointment will not allow the country to heal and come together as one. As one of your top advisors, the White House chief strategist will help set the tone for your administration. The person in this role must be prepared to serve the interests of all Americans, not those of a select few. Once again, we strongly urge you to rescind this appointment immediately and build a diverse White House staff who are committed to the core American values of inclusiveness, diversity and tolerance. Sincerely, Members of Congress ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-introduces-bill-to-bar-lobbyists-from-presidential-transition,Sarbanes Introduces Bill to Bar Lobbyists from Presidential Transition Teams,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today introduced the No Lobbyists on Presidential Transition Teams Act (H.R. 6324), a bill to prevent the President-elect and Vice President-elect from using taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists onto the Presidential transition teams. The bill comes after several public sources reported that President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team includes top special-interest lobbyists from Wall Street and corporate America. “On the campaign trail, President-elect Trump promised to ‘drain the swamp’ in Washington,"" said Congressman Sarbanes. “But he’s not living up to that promise by stocking his transition team with corporate lobbyists. This bill is a meaningful step toward reducing the undue influence of wealthy and entrenched special interests in Washington.” For more information about the No Lobbyists on Presidential Transition Teams Act, see here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-portman-join-with-tiberi-neal-for-bicameral-effort-to-protect-retirement-security-for-working-families,"Cardin, Portman Join with Tiberi, Neal for Bicameral Effort to Protect Retirement Security for Working Families",2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 16, 2016 Cardin, Portman Join with Tiberi, Neal for Bicameral Effort to Protect Retirement Security for Working Families WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), both members of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representatives Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio) and Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.), both members of the House Ways & Means Committee, introduced updated legislation Wednesday designed to protect the retirement security of many American workers.  The Retirement Security Preservation Act of 2016 (RSPA) amends the nondiscrimination rules that apply to qualified retirement plans to protect older, longer-service participants whose defined benefit plans have been closed or frozen. The bill builds on previous legislation and regulatory work to address this issue, and was approved unanimously by the Senate Finance Committee as part of a retirement-related legislative package in September. “Older workers who have been saving for their retirement should not be penalized playing by the rules and planning ahead,” said Senator Cardin. “We need to get back to the original intent of the regulations, which was to encourage greater participation in retirement savings programs.” “This measure will help safeguard the retirement security of hundreds of thousands of working families who are counting on their pension benefits in their retirement,” Senator Portman said. “There is strong bipartisan support for this measure in both the House and Senate, and both chambers should pass it quickly so it can be signed into law.” “This common sense fix will go a long way to protect retirement and pension plans for older Americans,” said Congressman Tiberi. “The Retirement Security Preservation Act would give certainty to employers and prevent their longer-service employees from unfairly losing their pension benefits due to the IRS’s nondiscrimination rules.” “I have always believed that helping Americans achieve retirement security in their golden years should not be a partisan issue. And this common sense legislation that enjoys support on both sides of the aisle would immediately protect the retirement nest eggs for millions of households. The Congress should vote on this important retirement savings measure at the earliest opportunity,” said Congressman Neal. Over the past several years, many companies have transitioned from “traditional” defined benefit (DB) plans to other retirement plan models, such as defined contribution (DC) plans. In doing so, a large number of these companies have elected to grandfather existing employees by closing their traditional DB plans (also known as “soft freezing”); other companies have “hard frozen” their traditional DB plans but assisted existing employees in other ways, such as through enhanced DC plan contributions. When a plan closes, existing participants or a subset of participants continue to earn benefits under the traditional DB plan. When a plan is “hard frozen,” employees earn no new benefits under the plan. Over time, existing employees in the closed plan typically build seniority and become more highly compensated than younger, newer employees, who are more likely to have greater job turnover. This widens the income gap between the employees in the closed plan and the new employees. Because the grandfathered group in the closed plan generally becomes more highly compensated, closed plans almost always end up inadvertently violating the IRS nondiscrimination testing rules. This clearly is not the intended effect of the nondiscrimination rules, which were written to strengthen retirement security, rather than to force many older employees into different types of plans that may not provide enough time to accumulate sufficient benefits before retirement. The RSPA addresses the problem by amending the nondiscrimination rules to protect older workers in plans that have been closed or frozen.  The bill also contains anti-abuse rules related to closed and frozen plans. The legislation is based on H.R. 5381 and S. 2855, which were introduced in the 113th Congress. Since the introduction of those bills, Treasury has proposed regulations that partially address these issues, but only for a certain subset of affected plans. The RSPA incorporates elements of the Treasury regulations and provides targeted relief to plans who are not be able to take advantage of the Treasury regulations.  A summary of the bill can be found here.  Bill text can be downloaded here. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delaney.house.gov/news/in-the-news/delaney-uns-anti-israel-resolutions-are-unjust,Delaney: UN's Anti-Israel Resolutions Are Unjust,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Delaney,D000620,delaney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) published the following op-ed in Washington Jewish Week on November 9, 2016: UN's Anti-Israel Resolutions Are Unjust By Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) World War II taught the international community that more needed to be done to protect at-risk cultures, especially since the war targeted the Jewish population and attempted to dissolve the Jewish identity. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, established in 1945 in response to World War II, seeks to preserve history and culture around the world. The UNESCO constitution states: “The purpose of the Organization is to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations.” This history makes it all the more baffling as to why UNESCO and other agencies under the United Nations have considered inflammatory and one-sided resolutions that deny Israel’s right to existence and to its history. While there is much to be done to pursue peace and stability, the consideration and adoption of one-sided resolutions contradict the United Nations’ work to contribute to peace and security. Last month, UNESCO’s executive board approved a resolution that is fundamentally flawed and a threat to the delicate Israel-Palestine peace process, seeking to rewrite Jerusalem’s diverse and complex history. Jerusalem is among the holiest cities in the world for millions of people from many backgrounds. The resolution, offered by Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, and Sudan, ignores the Jewish and Christian connection to both the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, only referring to the historical holy sites by Muslim names. The resolution is counterproductive; the city of Jerusalem is sacred to the three main monotheistic religions in the world: Islam, Christianity and Judaism, and efforts to erase these connections are dangerous. It is reckless to use an international body to de-legitimize Israel and rewrite the region’s history by disregarding historical facts. While the resolution was approved 24-6, I am proud that the United States opposed this resolution and stood with Israel. However, I am discouraged that these types of resolutions receive a vote in the first place. The UNESCO resolutions are just the most recent example of countries using the United Nations to undermine Jewish history and allow anti-Israel activism. We should be discussing how to make the world a safer place, but yet we have to constantly defend established and indisputable history. If we truly want a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, we should stop voting on one-sided resolutions that have no basis in reality and instead focus on direct bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The United Nations should be a place for productive dialogue to produce results that will positively contribute to the world; antagonistic measures that reject history only enhances tensions. The United States. must continue to stand strong with Israel and encourage the peace process to be settled outside of the international arena.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delaney.house.gov/news/blogs/on-the-house-floor-this-week-111416,On the House Floor This Week - 11/14/16,2016-11-14,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Delaney,D000620,delaney.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House of Representatives will be in session this week. The legislative schedule and agenda, including which bills are brought to the floor for a vote, is set by the Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and the Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. To contact my office about the legislation we’re considering this week, please contact my office at 202-225-2721 or by clicking here.   MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 On Monday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30 p.m. Suspensions (8 bills) 1) H.R. 1192 – National Clinical Care Commission Act (Sponsored by Rep. Pete Olson / Energy and Commerce Committee) 2) H.R. 1209 – Improving Access to Maternity Care Act (Sponsored by Rep. Michael Burgess / Energy and Commerce Committee) 3) H.R. 2713 – Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Lois Capps / Energy and Commerce Committee) 4) H.R. 4365 – Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Richard Hudson / Energy and Commerce Committee) 5) H.R. 985 – Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Brett Guthrie / Energy and Commerce Committee) 6) H.R. 4665 – Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Don Beyer / Energy and Commerce Committee) 7) H.R. 2566 – Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. David Young / Energy and Commerce Committee) 8) H.R. 2669 – Anti-Spoofing Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Grace Meng / Energy and Commerce Committee) TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules: 1) H.R. 5732 – Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Eliot Engel / Foreign Affairs Committee) 2) H.R. ___ – Iran Sanctions Extension Act (Sponsored by Rep. Ed Royce / Foreign Affairs Committee) 3) H.R. 5332 – Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Kristi Noem / Foreign Affairs Committee) 4) H.Res. 780 – Urging respect for the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the democratic transition of power in 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith / Foreign Affairs Committee) WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK   On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m. On Friday, no votes are expected in the House. H.R. 5711 – To prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from authorizing certain transactions by a U.S. financial institution in connection with the export or re-export of a commercial passenger aircraft to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Bill Huizenga / Financial Services Committee) H.R. 5982 – Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2016 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa / Judiciary Committee)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delaney.house.gov/news/press-releases/delaney-statement-on-veterans-day-1,Delaney Statement on Veterans Day,2016-11-11,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Delaney,D000620,delaney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Friday November 11 is Veterans Day. Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) releases the following statement: “First, as an American, I would like to personally thank our veterans and their families for their service. Veterans Day is a reminder of the gratitude and appreciation that we should carry with us on all days, in all seasons, in all communities across the country, for the men and women who have served our country and defended our values in a dangerous world. We must also remember those who did not return home and that this most total sacrifice for others is something all veterans have been willing to make. I am proud to represent tens of thousands of Maryland veterans in Congress and believe that supporting veterans should be one of Washington’s top priorities. We have real work to do to improve VA services, expand and update benefits to reflect changing needs and make sure that veterans and military families can thrive. I encourage any veteran who needs help to contact my office immediately and we will do everything we can to assist them.” Rep. Delaney is the author of bipartisan legislation to protect veterans from having their credit score negatively impacted by delayed VA payments and bipartisan legislation to expedite access to protected medical leave for working disabled veterans. Local veterans who need help receiving their benefits can call Rep. Delaney’s office at 301-926-0300.   ##",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-statement-on-veterans-day,Sarbanes Statement on Veterans Day,2016-11-11,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) issued the following statement in observance of Veterans Day: “Today we come together as a nation to share our deep and longstanding appreciation for the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans and their families. We may never be able to fully repay the debt we owe our veterans, but we must do anything and everything we can to fulfill our commitments to them.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-welcomes-federal-decision-to-keep-hagerstown-regional-airport-hgr-in-essential-air-service-program,Cardin Welcomes Federal Decision to Keep Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) in Essential Air Service Program,2016-11-10,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 10, 2016 Cardin Welcomes Federal Decision to Keep Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) in Essential Air Service Program WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today praised the U.S. Department of Transportation for approving a waiver that will allow Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) to remain part of the Essential Air Service program, which was created to guarantee that small communities served by certificated air carriers before airline deregulation maintain commercial service. Under the terms of the FAA Modernization Act of 2012, in order to maintain federal subsidies, communities must maintain an average of 10 enplanements or more per service day. HGR averaged more than 10 enplanements for most of the last decade with Cape Air providing service. The number dipped in 2013 during the transition to Sun Air, but the number has risen steadily since. In approving the one-year waivers allowing HGR and 21 other communities to remain part of the EAS, the FAA acknowledged that the decrease was temporary. “Regional airports that service Maryland’s rural communities provide vital connections for our travelers and local economies, so I have worked for years to ensure that they receive essential and warranted federal support to continue achieving their critical missions,” said Senator Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “Hagerstown and HGR alike are making considerable strides in growth and economic expansion, and this decisions helps maintain that momentum. I applaud the DOT for continually engaging in productive conversations about how we can best ensure quality air service to communities throughout Maryland, and applaud this decision to maintain HGR’s role in the Essential Air Service.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cummings.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cummings-statement-election-results,Cummings Statement on Election Results,2016-11-09,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Elijah Cummings,C000984,cummings.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. (Nov. 9, 2016)— Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) issued the following statement on the results of the 2016 presidential election:“I congratulate President-elect Trump on winning the electoral college, and I thank Hillary Clinton for her decades of service to the American people.   “I have always believed that we as a nation fare best when our eyes are focused on the road in front of us, rather than looking in the rear-view mirror. The campaign was difficult and hard-fought, but now is the time for us to look forward, not back. Now is the time to work together as a nation, not as two parties  competing against another. Now is the time to unite as Americans not merely to find common ground, but to aspire to lift our nation to higher ground. “President-elect Trump said last night that he wants to unite our country; I take him at his word.  It is now more important than ever that Congress does the very important business that the American people sent us to Washington to do: passing laws that uplift all Americans.“The President-elect and I may not agree on all things, but we both are determined to grow our economy and create more jobs to lift up America's working families. I am especially encouraged about Mr. Trump's expressed desire to increase infrastructure spending and begin repairing our roads, bridges, train stations and airports. I look forward to working with him on these issues and all matters that protect our rights and improve our lives.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sarbanes-announces-17-million-grant-to-baltimore-based-green-healthy,Sarbanes Announces $1.7 Million Grant to Baltimore-Based Green & Healthy Homes Initiative,2016-11-03,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today announced that the Green & Health Homes Initiative (GHHI) will receive a $1.7 million grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Grant funding will help the Baltimore-based nonprofit enhance health conditions and energy efficiency in homes around the country. Funding for GHHI comes from CNCS’s Social Innovation Fund, a program that brings together public- and private-sector resources to create economic opportunity, strengthen youth development and boost health outcomes in communities across the country. “Every child in every family should have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and healthy home,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “By continuing to make investments in community-based nonprofits – like the one that CNCS is making in GHHI – we can continue improving health and life outcomes for residents in our most vulnerable and underserved communities.” Congressman Sarbanes has been a steadfast and longstanding advocate for CNCS. During this year’s appropriations process, he joined a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education & Related Agencies, encouraging the committee to fund CNCS at the level recommended by the national service community. To learn more about GHHI, visit www.ghhi.org or follow the organization on Twitter @HealthyHousing. For more information about CNCS’s Social Innovation Fund, see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/sicp/initiatives/social-innovation-fund. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-frosh-alsobrooks-urge-marylanders-to-know-your-rights-resist-all-efforts-to-intimidate-voters,"Cardin, Frosh, Alsobrooks Urge Marylanders to Know Your Rights, Resist All Efforts to Intimidate Voters",2016-11-02,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Benjamin Cardin,C000141,www.cardin.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 02, 2016 Cardin, Frosh, Alsobrooks Urge Marylanders to “Know Your Rights,” Resist All Efforts to Intimidate Voters Early voting ends in Maryland on Thursday, November 3 at 8 PM LANDOVER, Md. – During Maryland’s early voting this week, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks and fellow leaders gathered outside the Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex, an Early Voting site, to underscore the important rights of voters as they head to the polls. Voters will have support through 1-866-OUR-VOTE or one of the other hotlines set up by the Justice Department, Attorney General, or State’s Attorney if they feel they are being unnecessarily challenged or harassed at the polls. “Casting a vote is one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy and we must staunchly reject any and all efforts to make it harder to exercise that right – in Maryland and across the country,” said Senator Cardin. “In this first election since the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, we want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to vote free from intimidation or delay. The tactics we have seen in Maryland and across America in previous elections are not new. We have a moral obligation to stop these reprehensible activities that are aimed at keeping minorities from exercising their inalienable right to vote.” “Every registered voter has a right to cast a ballot, free of unlawful intimidation, discrimination or obstruction,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Voter fraud, voter intimidation and voter suppression are illegal.  Our office will do everything it can to ensure that our right to vote is respected and protected.” “The right to vote is not only a sacred one, but it is also a sacred obligation,” said State’s Attorney Alsobrooks. “Our parents and grandparents stood in front of dogs and water hoses, some giving their lives to ensure we had the right to vote. So I challenge everyone to not sit at home, but get out and vote and let nothing turn you away from casting your ballot.” “Time to mobilize, act and fight for democracy! 2016 is the first presidential election in over 50 years without the full protections of the Voting Rights Act,” said Bob Ross, President of the Prince George’s County Chapter of the NAACP. “Now we must act and fight for democracy! There are two main components of this 2016 voter registration campaign. First, to recruit volunteers. Second, to register voters. Get Out The Vote is an additional component outside actually registering voters, and we’ll focus on that specific activity to get people out to the polls.”                  “Keeping our elections fair, open and accessible is the hallmark of our Democracy,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, Washington Director and Counsel, of the Brennan Center for Justice. “We commend Senator Cardin for making sure that voters stay informed about their rights through public education efforts. Every voter and every voice matters in helping to strengthen our nation and our Democracy.”  “No citizen should be deprived of the right to vote,” said Josephine Mourning, Southern Christian Leadership Conference. “The Prince Georges County SCLC stands with our leaders in ensuring every citizen is afforded the right to vote and that their right is not threatened.  Voter suppression anywhere is a threat to voters everywhere.” “Thousands of Election Protection volunteers stand ready to help voters nationwide through our 866-OUR-VOTE hotline and will be in 26 states on Election Day,” said Marcia Johnson-Blanco, Co-Director, Voting Rights Project of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.  “For 14 years, the non-partisan Election Protection program has provided information to voters and worked with election officials to ensure voters can cast a ballot that counts.  As always, the program stands ready to help all voters during this election cycle.” “The right to vote is the most important right in our democracy,” said Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Through our 866-OUR-VOTE hotline and Election Protection program, we encourage voters across the state to report complaints or raise questions between now and Election Day.” Maryland Early Voting is from October 27 until November 3.  During Early Voting, voters are allowed to vote at any polling place in the county in which they live. Maryland law allows for same-day registration during early voting. Before heading out to vote, voters should check their early voting polling place or their election day polling place, and in particular new voters should check whether they need to bring an ID to the polling place. Voters should know what to do if they are not on the voter list, such as insisting on asking to cast a provisional ballot. # # # Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hoyer.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2691,Hoyer Encourages Marylanders to Sign Up for Health Coverage As Open Enrollment Begins,2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,MD,Steny Hoyer,H000874,hoyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05)encouraged Marylanders to review and sign up for health coverage through the Maryland Health Connection as open enrollment begins today and runs through January 31. “Beginning today, consumers throughout Maryland will be able to sign up for health coverage through the Maryland Health Connection and check their eligibility for tax credits to lower the cost of coverage,” said Congressman Hoyer. “I’m proud that the Affordable Care Act has significantly lowered the uninsured rate in Maryland and is providing patient protections to millions of Marylanders. Young people can stay on their parents' insurance, seniors have saved millions on prescription drugs, and people with pre-existing conditions can no longer be discriminated against by insurance companies. However, Congress must do more to ensure that every Marylander continues to have access to affordable coverage, and I will be working with stakeholders to strengthen the Affordable Care Act.” “As enrollment gets underway, Marylanders have a number of options for signing up for coverage, including a redesigned website, a new mobile app, over the phone, or in person,” Congressman Hoyer continued. “I encourage all Marylanders to review their options and find the plan that best meets their needs.” Maryland consumers can apply for coverage online at MarylandHealthConnection.gov, which was recently redesigned based on consumer testing. A new app, “Enroll MHC,” recently launched so consumers can shop and apply for coverage on a mobile device. The app is available free in the App Store (iOS) and the Google Play Store (Android). Free in-person help to enroll is also available, and Marylanders can find assistance close to home by clicking here. Assistance is also available over the phone by calling toll-free 1-855-642-8572 (TTY: 1-855-642-8573) to reach the consumer support center. The deadline to sign up for coverage that begins January 1 is December 15. January 31 is the last day to enroll for coverage for 2017. For more information on the Maryland Health Connection, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/vote-yes-on-howard-countys-question-a,Vote 'Yes' on Howard County's Question A,2016-10-31,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"Change is coming to Howard County. In this era where big money dominates politics at all levels, Howard County residents have a chance to move Maryland and our country in a different direction — toward a government truly of, by and for the people…. A ""yes"" vote on Question A will send a powerful message that citizen-owned elections are the new standard of good government in Howard County. This transformative ballot initiative gives small donors a way of competing against the big-money interests that too often exercise undue influence over public policy…. Proposed by council members Jon Weinstein and Jen Terassa — alongside a diverse coalition of organizations, including Maryland PIRG, Common Cause Maryland, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, NAACP and the Howard County League of Women Voters — Question A will authorize the Howard County Council to establish a small-donor driven system of financing campaigns.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sarbanes.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/instead-of-term-limits-consider-changing-the-game-with-public-finance,Instead of Term Limits Consider Changing the Game with Public Finance,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MD,John Sarbanes,S001168,sarbanes.house.gov,,,legacy,"This finding is consistent with efforts of Congressman John Sarbanes who has spearheaded a major effort through his Government By The People Act to level the playing field for candidates who must currently rely on special interest money to fund their campaigns.  Congressman Sarbanes' quest  is to provide his colleagues with an alternative to big money interests which has the added effect of encouraging legislators to reach out and, in so doing, provide a greater opportunity for other voices to be heard.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ruppersberger.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ruppersberger-issues-statement-on-national-guard-members-repaying-enlistment,Ruppersberger Issues Statement on National Guard Members Repaying Enlistment Bonuses,2016-10-25,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MD,C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,R000576,ruppersberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) —Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today issued the following statement on requiring California National Guard service members to repay enlistment bonuses and other incentives:   “I am requesting immediate action to halt the repayment of enlistment bonuses and other incentives given to some members of the California National Guard, many of them a decade after volunteering to go to war. When our men and women in uniform enlist and re-enlist in our Armed Services, they are making a commitment to our country. We must keep our commitment to them in return. Today, I joined colleagues in the House of Representatives in sending a bipartisan letter to the Secretary of Defense that: 1.    Requests that recoupment efforts be halted immediately; 2.    Requests the Secretary report to Congress if he needs additional authorities to do so; 3.    Requests information on any ongoing and completed recoupments so that Congress can determine the full scope of the issue. If the Department of Defense requires a blanket waiver authority to provide relief to these service members and their families, Congress should act to provide one. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure our service men and women are treated fairly. It is my understanding that overpayments of this scale are limited to California, where one employee was imprisoned for fraudulently approving payment of enlistment bonuses. The National Guard has already implemented a program to prevent this again.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://delaney.house.gov/news/in-the-news/delaney-honors-rohrersville-band-former-director,"Delaney Honors Rohrersville Band, Former Director",2016-10-24,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,MD,John Delaney,D000620,delaney.house.gov,,,legacy,"ROHRERSVILLE — Back in 1916, the Rohrersville Cornet Band built a small concert hall on property formerly owned by the band's founder, G. Washington McCoy. A few years later, Richard L. Haynes was born. This weekend, the band will mark the hall's centennial during this year's band fair. But last week, U.S. Rep. John Delaney, D-6th, dropped by to pay tribute to the band and its century-old hall — and to Haynes, who served as the band's director for 44 years and still plays in the trumpet section at age 92. ""Any organization that's been serving a community for as long as you have deserves tremendous recognition,"" Delaney told assembled band members and fans, ""because it really is organizations like your band, like so many other community-based organizations, that keep communities together — give communities a sense of pride, create opportunities to engage their community, get to know each other and have fun, and remind us what's so great about our country.""   Read the full story from the Hagerstown Herald-Mail here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z