Press Releases
Van Hollen Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging Increased Funding for Affordable Housing
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is leading 40 of his colleagues on a bipartisan letter urging increased funding for the Section 4 Capacity Building program. The Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Section 4 Program works with local community development organizations to improve affordable housing, finance small businesses, and provide for other community needs. Last year alone, Maryland organizations received over $445,000 in funding under Section 4 and recipients … Continue Reading
April 12, 2019
Van Hollen Leads Letter Urging Extension of New START Treaty with Russia
Today U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen led a letter with 23 Democratic Senators urging President Trump to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with Russia for another five years. This week marked the ninth anniversary of the signing of the treaty. "Without inhibiting the ability of the United States to maintain a survivable, reliable, and effective nuclear deterrent, New START has advanced the security interests of the United States and underpinned strategic stability with … Continue Reading
April 11, 2019
Van Hollen, Cardin, Senate Democrats Unveil Legislation to Cut Taxes for Workers & Families
Ahead of tax day, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the Working Families Tax Relief Act. At a time when wages are stagnant and the cost of childcare has exploded, the Working Families Tax Relief Act would cut taxes for workers and families by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). EITC and CTC are two of the most effective tools … Continue Reading
April 11, 2019
Van Hollen Cosponsors New Legislation to Provide Federal Workers with Paid Family Leave
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) cosponsored the Federal Employees Paid Leave Act, new legislation that would provide federal employees with 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child or a sick loved one. Although the Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave to tend to medical and family issues, it does not provide any paid leave. Studies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million … Continue Reading
April 11, 2019
Van Hollen Statement on David Bernhardt
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen released the following statement regarding his vote opposing the confirmation of David Bernhardt as Secretary of the Department of the Interior: "The Department of the Interior oversees the protection of America's natural treasures - our vast public lands, our diverse wildlife, and our environment. But David Bernhardt's record makes one thing clear: these treasures are not his first priority. Instead, he's spent his career, both as a former oil lobbyist and in … Continue Reading
April 11, 2019
Van Hollen, Senate Democrats Introduce New Legislation to Tackle Nationwide Digital Equity Gap
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) joined a group of Senate Democrats in introducing new legislation aimed at closing the growing digital divide in communities across the country. The Digital Equity Act of 2019 creates new federal investments targeted toward a diverse array of projects at the state and local level that promote "digital equity"- a concept defined by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance as the "condition in which all individuals and communities have the information … Continue Reading
April 11, 2019
Sen. Van Hollen, Rep. Lee introduce Bicameral Bill to Invest in Our Students and Fully Fund Title I, Special Education
Today U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Susie Lee (D-Nev.) introduced the Keep Our Promise to America's Children and Teachers (PACT) Act, which would put Congress on a fiscally-responsible path to meet its obligation to fully fund Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a mandatory basis over the next 10 years. "Every child in our country deserves access to a quality education. But for too long, Congress has fallen short on our … Continue Reading
April 10, 2019
Van Hollen Presses Attorney General Barr on Findings of Mueller Report
"You put your conclusion out there, and now you refuse to talk about any basis of your conclusion." Today U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) questioned Attorney General William Barr on his recent summary of the Mueller report and the need for full transparency. A transcript of their exchange is below, and video of the hearing is available here: SENATOR CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, D-MD: Let me ask you with regard to the Mueller report in your March 24th letter. You say that Mueller set out evidence … Continue Reading
April 10, 2019
Van Hollen, Coons Push to Repeal Muslim Ban, Prevent Future Discriminatory Bans
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) and U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Calif.) today introduced companion bills in the Senate and House to repeal the President’s existing executive order blocking travel from majority Muslim countries and prevent another baseless, discriminatory travel ban from happening again.The National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act repeals the three versions of President Trump’s Muslim ban, strengthens the … Continue Reading
April 09, 2019
Van Hollen Co-sponsors Legislation to Defend U.S. Citizens and Diplomatic Staff from Political Prosecution in Turkey
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) co-sponsored the Defending United States Citizens and Diplomatic Staff from Political Prosecutions Act of 2019 (S. 1075) to address the ongoing wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens and diplomatic staff by the Government of Turkey. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (MS) and Senator Ben Cardin (MD), this legislation was also co-sponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (IL), Marco Rubio (FL), and Thom Tillis (NC). "Turkey's blatant disregard for the rights … Continue Reading
April 07, 2019
Van Hollen Statement on Speaker Michael Busch
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the passing of Maryland Speaker of the House, Michael Busch: "Maryland has lost one of her greatest champions today. And I have lost a dear friend and former colleague. Mike Busch was a titan of unstinting character who served the state he grew up in and did his job for Marylanders with passion, integrity, determination, and exuberance. "As the longest serving Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, … Continue Reading
April 05, 2019
Van Hollen, Cardin Applaud $90 Million Dollar Investment in Baltimore Penn Station
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement applauding the announcement of Amtrak's Master Development Agreement with Penn Station Partners to provide $90 million in funding to modernize and improve Baltimore Penn Station: "Commuters throughout Maryland rely on Baltimore Penn Station every day. This funding will make necessary updates to improve the lives of those who live and work in our community. We're glad to see this significant investment in … Continue Reading
April 05, 2019
Van Hollen Releases New State Department Data on Travel Ban
Data Shows Staggering Rate of Denial - Adding Questions to Legality of Ban Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen released new statistics from the U.S. Department of State in response to his October 12, 2018 letter pressing for more information regarding the travel ban and waiver process. Senator Van Hollen has consistently raised concerns about the executive order and pushed for more data on the program, making some of the first statistics publicly available in March of last year. … Continue Reading
April 03, 2019
Van Hollen, Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Implementation of Farm Bill Dairy Improvements
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) has joined a group of his Senate colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, urging him to prioritize the implementation of the dairy provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill. As dairy farmers across the country continue to struggle from market instability, the 2018 Farm Bill dramatically expands support for dairy producers, providing flexible, affordable coverage options through the Dairy Margin Coverage program. Early … Continue Reading
April 03, 2019
Van Hollen Secures EPA’s Commitment to the Chesapeake Bay, Raises Concerns on Trump Budget Cuts to Bay Program
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen questioned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler about the Chesapeake Bay Program during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior hearing. After the Senator secured the Administrator's ongoing commitment to the Bay, he raised the fact that the Trump Budget contains significant cuts to the Bay - which Senator Van Hollen is committed to blocking. Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, the Senator has … Continue Reading
April 03, 2019
Van Hollen, Cardin, Democrats Introduce Bills to Protect Federal Health Benefits during Government Shutdowns
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) along with Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced a pair of bills aimed at protecting federal healthcare benefits in the event of a government shutdown. Similar bipartisan legislation was introduced in the House yesterday, led by Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.). The two bills introduced would amend current law to ensure that workers who have qualifying life … Continue Reading
April 03, 2019
Van Hollen, Rubio Reintroduce the DETER Act
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) reintroduced the Defending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines (DETER) Act. The legislation, which gained strong momentum last Congress, sends a clear and powerful message to Russia and any other foreign actors seeking to disrupt our elections: If you attack American candidates, campaigns, or voting infrastructure, you will face swift and severe consequences. In addition to the clear interference by Moscow in … Continue Reading
April 02, 2019
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Totally Fails to Answer Van Hollen Questions about Planned Exports to Saudi Arabia
Svinivki, Commissioners Unable to Speak to Involvement Despite Legal Requirement that NRC be Consulted Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen questioned U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Kristine Svinicki on the NRC's role in the Administration's recently reported approval of the export of civil nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia. In response to Senator Van Hollen's questions, neither Chairman Svinivki nor the four other NRC Commissioners on the panel could provide answers on … Continue Reading
April 01, 2019
Van Hollen, Senators Demand Equal Pay for U.S. Women’s Soccer Team
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined his Senate colleagues today in calling on U.S. Soccer to establish equal pay for its athletes. Despite their successes on the field, players on the U.S. Women's National Team are still paid considerably less than their male counterparts. In 2016, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution calling for U.S. Soccer to immediately eliminate gender pay inequity and treat all athletes with the same respect and dignity. Despite that resolution and other … Continue Reading
April 01, 2019
Van Hollen Statement on Decision to Halt Transfer of F-35 Equipment to Turkey
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the Pentagon's decision to halt the transfer of equipment related to the F-35 fighter aircraft to Turkey as the Turkish government continues efforts to obtain the S-400 missile defense system from Russia: "I'm pleased to see that the Pentagon is heeding our calls to stop the transfer of F-35 related equipment to Turkey. Turkey operating both the S-400 missile and the F-35 is a non-starter. It puts our … Continue Reading
