Press Releases
Van Hollen, Booker Introduce Bill to Improve Access to Care, Quality of Life for Sickle Cell Disease Patients
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the Sickle Cell Care Expansion Act to improve access to medical treatment and quality of life for people suffering from Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The Senators are introducing the bill ahead of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day on Sunday, June 19. This bill, which complements legislation introduced earlier this year by Congressman Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), will enable the National Health Service Corps to provide … Continue Reading
June 16, 2022
Van Hollen, Markey, García Introduce Legislation to Boost Pay, Benefits for Nation’s Airport Workers
Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congressman Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Ill.-04) to announce the introduction of the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation that would provide airport workers with the pay, benefits, and labor standards they deserve after serving on the frontlines of our nation's aviation system and keeping airports safe through a global pandemic, climate disasters, and peak travel seasons. In the face of … Continue Reading
June 16, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin Submit Direct Funding Requests for Community Projects Supporting Infrastructure, Affordable Housing, Sustainable Development
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced their direct federal funding requests for Maryland community projects under the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee for fiscal year 2023. The Senators worked with local community leaders to identify a wide range of projects, which will support infrastructure upgrades, public transit improvements, affordable housing, and access to community centers and green spaces, among other … Continue Reading
June 15, 2022
Maryland and Virginia Senators Urge WMATA Acting GM to Keep Prioritizing Safety Culture at Metro
As Metro announces the return to service of some 7000-Series cars, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (Both D-Md.) and Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-Va.) are calling on Metro Interim General Manager Andy Off to use his remaining time at the helm of the region's public transit agency to "productively to lay the groundwork for a lasting course correction that reaches deep within Metro that values rules, procedures, transparency, and accountability as a matter of routine." With … Continue Reading
June 15, 2022
Senate Passes Resolution to Recognize May as Stroke Awareness Month
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution led by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to recognize May as Stroke Awareness Month. The resolution encourages continued coordination and cooperation between the federal government, researchers, families, and the public to improve prognoses by increasing access to timely treatments for individuals who suffer strokes. "When I experienced a minor stroke … Continue Reading
June 15, 2022
Van Hollen, Rubio Introduce Resolution Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced a resolution commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia, by eight Greek immigrants to help unify, organize, and protect individuals of all ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds against the terror, hatred, and bigotry perpetrated predominantly by the Ku Klux Klan. The Senators' … Continue Reading
June 14, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin, Harris, Trone Announce $9 Million for Airport Runway Maintenance in Eastern Shore and Western Maryland
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Andy Harris, M.D. and David Trone (all Md.) announced $9,219,719 in federal funding for Eastern Shore and Western Maryland airports to reconstruct and rehabilitate their runways. "Maryland's regional airports provide access to more of Maryland's communities and are essential to our state's economy," the lawmakers said. "This federal funding will help these airports improve safety and service for passengers, and accommodate … Continue Reading
June 14, 2022
Van Hollen, Sarbanes Announce Chesapeake National Recreation Area Working Group Principles to Guide Legislation
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman John Sarbanes (both D-Md.) announced the release of key principles guiding their work to create a unified Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA), developed in conjunction with the working group the lawmakers have convened. The working group, which is comprised of federal and state lawmakers and over 30 regional stakeholder organizations, will continue to collaborate over the coming months to release a draft bill for public comment … Continue Reading
June 13, 2022
Van Hollen Statement on Death of Deputy Hilliard of Wicomico County
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the line of duty death of Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office: "The death of Wicomico County Deputy Glenn Hilliard, who was killed last night in the line of duty, is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire Wicomico County Sheriff's team. We are so grateful to those across our state who put their lives on the line every day to keep our … Continue Reading
June 10, 2022
Van Hollen, Duckworth, Durbin Call on DOJ to Ensure Government Websites Comply with the ADA
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) along with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in urging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide better guidance and regulations to help State and local governments better comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act's (ADA) accessibility requirements on their websites, mobile applications and other forms of technology. In a letter sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the … Continue Reading
June 10, 2022
Van Hollen, Colleagues Urge President Biden to Issue Executive Order to Defend Americans’ Right to an Abortion
This week, United States Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) sent a letter to President Biden urging him to immediately issue an executive order directing the federal government to develop a national plan to defend Americans' fundamental reproductive rights, including their right to an abortion. "Abortion access is under attack in the United States and already completely eliminated in swaths of the country. After decades of activism by … Continue Reading
June 10, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin, Colleagues Hold Dedication Ceremony for Rooms Honoring Senators Barbara Mikulski and Margaret Chase Smith
This week, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, in hosting a ceremony dedicating two rooms in the U.S. Capitol in honor of former Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) and Margaret Chase Smith (R-Maine). Out of more than 540 rooms in the Capitol, these two rooms are the first to be named after women senators. The resolution which … Continue Reading
June 10, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin Join Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced a Senate resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month. The Senators' resolution highlights the contributions LGBTQ individuals have made to American society, notes several major milestones in the fight for equal treatment of LGBTQ Americans, and resolves to continue efforts to achieve full equality for LGBTQ individuals. The resolution also … Continue Reading
June 10, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin, Colleagues Urge U.S. Intelligence Agencies to Prepare to Counter Russian Disinformation Targeting Upcoming Elections
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (Both D-Md.), along with Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chairwoman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee with oversight over federal elections, and Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee and 13 other colleagues are urging U.S. intelligence agencies to prepare to combat Russian disinformation campaigns targeting the upcoming 2022 midterm elections. "As the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to an increase in Russian … Continue Reading
June 09, 2022
Van Hollen Statement on Smithsburg, Md. Shooting
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the mass shooting today in Smithsburg, Maryland: "I'm devastated by the lives taken today in Smithsburg and for the pain and suffering their loved ones are experiencing. Today's horrific shooting comes as our state and nation have witnessed tragedy after tragedy, and it's got to stop. We must act to address the mass shootings and the daily toll of gun violence on our communities. As we learn more about the … Continue Reading
June 09, 2022
Van Hollen, Sanders, Warren, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Social Security by $2,400 a Year and Extend Solvency for 75 Years
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) alongside Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) in introducing legislation that would expand Social Security benefits by $2,400 a year and fully fund it for the next 75 years past the year 2096 - all without raising taxes by one penny on over 93 percent of American households. … Continue Reading
June 09, 2022
Van Hollen, Risch, Rounds Applaud Committee Passage of Somaliland Legislation
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) applauded committee passage of their Somaliland Partnership Act, legislation requiring the Department of State to report to Congress on engagement with Somaliland, and to conduct a feasibility study, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, regarding the establishment of a partnership between the United States and Somaliland. "Enhancing our cooperation with those on the Horn of Africa that are … Continue Reading
June 08, 2022
Van Hollen, Markey, Colleagues Raise Concerns Over Skyrocketing Motor Vehicle Fatalities
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg, highlighting the skyrocketing rates of motor vehicle fatalities and the need for swift action to reverse this disturbing trend. As the number of traffic fatalities has fallen in other countries, the United States ranked first among 34 countries for the largest percentage increase in traffic fatalities in 2020. In the letter, the lawmakers note that … Continue Reading
June 07, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin, Hoyer Announce $1.9 Million for Piney Point Lighthouse and Museum Shoreline Restoration in St. Mary’s County
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (all D-Md.) announced $1,937,953 in federal funding to enhance shoreline restoration and coastal resiliency at the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park. This funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Emergency Coastal Resilience Fund (ECRF) will be directed to the St. Mary's County Department of Public Works and Transportation to combat ongoing shoreline erosion and flooding issues and … Continue Reading
June 06, 2022
Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $3.8 Million in Federal Funding to Help Local Colleges Set Students Up for Success
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $3,783,406 in federal funding for colleges and universities across the state of Maryland to help underrepresented communities enter and complete higher education degree programs. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Education's Upward Bound Program, which provides preparation and … Continue Reading
