Press Releases
Van Hollen Presents Award to Local Maryland Hero
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen presented the Carnegie Hero Medal to John Hollyfield of Accokeek, Maryland for his heroism in saving the life of then-6-year-old Ashley Gruwell. The Carnegie Medal is given throughout the United States and Canada to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. "I am honored to present this award to Mr. Hollyfield, whose actions were selfless and heroic," said Senator Van Hollen. … Continue Reading
January 23, 2018
Senate Democrats Urge Secretary Zinke to Keep Public Lands in Public Hands
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and a group of Senate Democrats, led byU.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), is urging Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to keep public lands public by prohibiting widespread sale and transfer of public lands. The senators asked Zinke to uphold the Department of the Interior's responsibility to retain America's public lands so every American can continue to access public lands. In response to a growing movement by some states to sell or transfer federal lands to … Continue Reading
January 23, 2018
Biden Expresses Support for DETER Act
Today, at the Council on Foreign Relations, former Vice President Joe Biden endorsed Senators Van Hollen and Rubio's bipartisan DETER Act, legislation to prevent foreign interference in U.S. Elections. A transcript of the former Vice President's remarks regarding the DETER Act is below, and the full transcript and video of the event can be found here (Question at 41:51). RACHEL OSWALD, CQ: Vice President Biden, there-to be a little bit more specific, there is bipartisan legislation in the … Continue Reading
January 22, 2018
Van Hollen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Burmese Ethnic Cleansing, Calling for Safe Repatriation of Rohingya
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Todd Young (R-IN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and John McCain (R-AZ) introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution condemning the Burmese campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya and calling for the "safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable return" of the refugees who have been displaced by this violence. The Senators were also joined by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Dick Durbin (D-IL), … Continue Reading
January 22, 2018
Van Hollen Statement on Government Funding Bill
Today U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement on the government funding bill: "We now finally have the commitment we needed from our Republican colleagues to address key national priorities on a long-term budget deal - this includes providing funding for our community health centers, combatting the opioid epidemic, and a promise for a vote on a bipartisan bill to protect the Dreamers. That is something Republican leadership has refused to do before today, regardless of … Continue Reading
January 19, 2018
Van Hollen Statement on Republican Government Shutdown
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement regarding the Republican government shutdown: "I am extremely disappointed that President Trump and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell rejected bipartisan proposals to keep the government open and to reach a budget agreement that supports our troops, funds vital community health centers, gives security to Dreamers, and makes critical investments in combatting the opioid epidemic and supporting our economy. We must now work … Continue Reading
January 17, 2018
Van Hollen, Harris Urge FCC Chairman Pai to Accurately Report the State of Broadband in America
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-Md.) wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Pai urging the FCC to reconsider their proposal to end the distinction between mobile and fixed broadband in their annual 706 Broadband Progress report, upending decades of FCC precedent. The annual report gathers crucial data on the state of broadband in America in order to ensure that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a timely … Continue Reading
January 17, 2018
Van Hollen, Harris Urge FCC Chairman Pai to Accurately Report the State of Broadband in America
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-Md.) wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Pai urging the FCC to reconsider their proposal to end the distinction between mobile and fixed broadband in their annual 706 Broadband Progress report, upending decades of FCC precedent. The annual report gathers crucial data on the state of broadband in America in order to ensure that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a timely … Continue Reading
January 17, 2018
Van Hollen Calls for Immediate Implementation of Wells Fargo Fixes to Strengthen Consumer Protections, Prevent Repeat of Widespread Fraud
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen today urged the agency responsible for supervising our nation's banks to immediately implement a series of recommendations to address serious lapses in government oversight that failed to prevent Wells Fargo's widespread fraudulent account scandal while ignoring numerous red flags. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) last April, following an internal review initiated by the Obama Administration, issued a series of recommendations to strengthen … Continue Reading
January 17, 2018
Van Hollen, 40 Senators Stand Up to Protect Consumer Bureau’s Independence
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, joined a group of 40 Senators in standing up for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) independence and power to obtain justice for consumers who have been wronged by large financial institutions. In a letter to Senate leaders Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer, the Senators urged the leaders to reject any government funding deals that would subject the CFPB's funding to political interference. The independence of the CFPB's structure and funding … Continue Reading
January 16, 2018
Van Hollen Discusses New Bipartisan Legislation to Deter Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections
This morning, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) joined MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle to discuss the bipartisan DETER Act, legislation he and Senator Rubio introduced today. This bill aims to prevent future attacks on American elections by proposing severe, tangible consequences on foreign governments or actors if they interfere in U.S. elections. Highlights of his interview are below and video of the full interview is available here. STEPHANIE RUHLE, MSNBC: New this morning, two Senators … Continue Reading
January 16, 2018
Van Hollen, Rubio Introduce Legislation to Deter Foreign Interference in American Elections
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced the Defending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines (DETER) Act. It sends a powerful message to any foreign actor seeking to disrupt our elections: if you attack American candidates, campaigns, or voting infrastructure, you will facesevereconsequences. We know Russia manipulated social media channels and hacked political campaign committees and local elections boards to undermine our democratic process … Continue Reading
January 09, 2018
Van Hollen, Democrats Announce Net Neutrality Resolution Reaches 40-Vote Milestone in the Senate
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senate Democrats in announcing that 40 senators have signed on to co-sponsor a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval that overturns the anti-consumer regulations passed in December by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and supported by Donald Trump to end net neutrality. At a press conference in the Capitol attended by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer-among others-Democrats made clear they will "force a vote" on the resolution to restore … Continue Reading
January 09, 2018
Van Hollen, Cardin Rebuke Trump Administration’s Offshore Drilling Plan
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (both-D-Md.)andBen Cardin have joined three dozen U.S. Senators, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, in sharply criticizing the Trump administration's decision to reopen offshore drilling leases three years ahead of schedule. This decision puts vast stretches of coastline along Maryland's Atlantic coast at risk. "Allowing drilling off our coasts directly threatens some of Maryland's key economic drivers, such as fishing and tourism, with the risk of an oil … Continue Reading
January 09, 2018
Van Hollen Statement on New Health Care Proposal in Maryland
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement on the new health insurance 'down payment' proposal to help uninsured Maryland residents get health care coverage, which was introduced this morning by State Senator Brian Feldman, State Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk, and the Maryland Health Care for All! Coalition: "President Trump and Congressional Republicans have been relentless in their attacks on our health care system. With their recent repeal of the individual mandate … Continue Reading
January 09, 2018
Van Hollen Announces New Committee Assignment
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen announced that he will be joining the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee as part of a series of committee assignment changes being made with the addition of new Senators Doug Jones (D-AL) and Tina Smith (D-MN). The EPW Committee has jurisdiction over many areas vital to Maryland, including the Environmental Protection Agency and many of the programs to protect the Chesapeake Bay. It also provides oversight over most federal infrastructure … Continue Reading
January 07, 2018
Van Hollen Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to End TPS for El Salvador
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen spoke out against the Trump Administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 200,000 Salvadorians who have been living legally in the United States since at least 2001. Senator Van Hollen has introduced the SECURE Act, which would allow qualified TPS recipients to apply for legal permanent residency. "This decision is shameful, but sadly it's not surprising," said Senator Van Hollen. "The United States has long been a beacon of hope … Continue Reading
January 04, 2018
Van Hollen Continues to Push for Resolution to Heating Issue in Baltimore Schools
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh have discussed the emergency actions that the Mayor has been taking to address the Baltimore City schools hearing crisis, and he has commended her on those efforts. The Senator also wrote to Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises today to urge her to take all actions within her power to restore heat to the schools without delay. As Mayor Pugh has noted, the school system and the State have the immediate … Continue Reading
January 01, 2018
Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $287,900 in Federal Funding for Maryland Sea Grant
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) have announced $287,900 in federal funding to the University of Maryland for the Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The MDSG program works to protect the environmental and economic sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay through educational and restorative projects. "The Maryland Sea Grant Program is an essential partner in efforts to improve the health and quality of the … Continue Reading
December 27, 2017
Statement from Baltimore Congressional Delegation on the FBI Refusal to Lead Investigation of the Murder of BPD Detective Sean Suiter
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Elijah Cummings, Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) today released the following joint statement: "We are disappointed by the refusal of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to take the lead in investigating the murder of Baltimore Police Department Detective Sean Suiter. While we appreciate the FBI contention that no evidence exists to suggest that Det. Suiter's homicide was directly connected to the corruption … Continue Reading
