Press Releases
Van Hollen Statement on Vote to Override Trump NDAA Veto
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote to override Trump’s veto of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):“The National Defense Authorization Act includes vital measures to strengthen America’s security both at home and abroad. It includes a pay raise for our troops, critical investments for Maryland’s military installations, and support for key national security priorities. Additionally, I worked to secure new funds for the … Continue Reading
December 29, 2020
Van Hollen, Cardin Weigh in on Major Baltimore SCOTUS Climate Case
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.), with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), have filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in a major case concerning the power of state and local governments to hold fossil fuel polluters financially liable for the damages caused by their products. In an attempt to avoid potentially massive monetary judgments against it, the fossil fuel industry … Continue Reading
December 23, 2020
Van Hollen Secures Key Maryland Funding Priorities in Omnibus Package
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement regarding provisions to benefit Maryland within the bipartisan coronavirus relief and omnibus package passed by the House and Senate that awaits President Trump’s signature. The legislation includes all 12 Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) spending bills and roughly $900 billion in additional COVID-19 relief. Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Senator Van Hollen … Continue Reading
December 23, 2020
Van Hollen Statement on the President’s Signing of the Fallen Journalists Memorial Act
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the President’s signing of the Fallen Journalists Memorial Act into law:“Marylanders will never forget the lives we lost in the Capital Gazette shooting on June 28, 2018. This memorial is a fitting way to honor Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith, Wendi Winters, and countless others who have lost their lives in their line of duty - reporting the facts and upholding the First Amendment,” said … Continue Reading
December 23, 2020
Van Hollen Brings on former City Councilwoman Shannon Sneed to Lead Baltimore Outreach
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) announced the hiring of former Baltimore City Councilwoman Shannon Sneed to serve as his Baltimore City Regional Director.“Representing the City of Baltimore in the United States Senate is an honor and addressing the needs of its residents - from voicing their concerns on the Senate floor, to advocating for legislation to support our city, to helping constituents access services and solve problems with federal agencies - is one of my key priorities. … Continue Reading
December 23, 2020
Van Hollen Statement on Trump Veto of the NDAA
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on Trump’s veto of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):“The NDAA includes a pay raise for our troops, critical investments for Maryland’s military installations, and support for key national security priorities. Trump’s veto of this legislation - which has passed Congress and been signed into law without fail every year for the last sixty years - is shameful. And he’s taking this unprecedented … Continue Reading
December 23, 2020
Van Hollen Statement on Senator Mike Miller’s Resignation
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding Senator Mike Miller’s announcement that he will resign from the Maryland Senate due to his health:“Mike Miller is a student of Maryland history and his departure from its Senate marks the end of an era. Governors have come and gone, but Senator Miller, with unmatched political acumen, has steered Maryland on a progressive course and toward a more perfect union. “Senator Miller has dedicated his life to … Continue Reading
December 21, 2020
Van Hollen Statement on the Passage of COVID-19, Government Funding Package
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the passage of the bipartisan COVID-19 relief and omnibus funding bill: “Now more than ever, Americans are feeling the weight of the pandemic. From watching more of their neighbors and family members fall ill, to struggling to pay mounting bills and put food on the table - the costs of this virus are all too real. Today’s package - while not perfect - will provide much-needed help. This bill includes crucial … Continue Reading
December 21, 2020
Van Hollen, Fischer Bipartisan BUILD Act Passes Senate
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statements after the Building Up Independent Lives and Dreams (BUILD) Act passed the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would allow nonprofits to once again use forms that are less complex when they are issuing 0% interest loans. This will help ensure the organizations can continue to make these loans to borrowers.“Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofit organizations offer help when … Continue Reading
December 21, 2020
Van Hollen, Merkley, Colleagues Push 22 Financial Services Companies to Prioritize American Health, Safety, Economic Security by Not Insuring Arctic Drilling
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) teamed up with U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) to press executives of 22 financial services companies to not insure any oil and gas developments in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, citing significant financial risk, catastrophic damage to one of the world’s most delicate ecosystems, and the acceleration of climate chaos. The senators’ letters—which were … Continue Reading
December 20, 2020
Van Hollen Statement on Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the bipartisan COVID-19 relief package: “Congress has a moral responsibility to act now. With COVID-19 cases and economic pain on the rise in Maryland and across the country, the American people need real relief and cannot afford to wait any longer. The bipartisan plan released today - while not perfect - represents a serious step forward in providing that relief. I’m glad that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle … Continue Reading
December 20, 2020
Senate Passes Van Hollen, Sasse Bill to Punish Foreign Companies, Individuals for IP Theft
Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Protecting American Intellectual Property Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) to mandate strong economic penalties on firms and individuals involved in stealing American intellectual property. The Senators’ bill requires sanctions on individuals and firms found to engage in, benefit from, or enable the significant and serial theft of U.S. intellectual property. “Foreign companies are … Continue Reading
December 19, 2020
Van Hollen, Burr, McBath Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Child Care Protection Improvement Act
Today, the Senate unanimously passed the Child Care Protection Improvement Act, legislation introduced by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Richard Burr (R-NC) and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA). This bipartisan legislation will create a task force to assist states in the process of implementing federal work requirements for child care workers and will now be delivered to the President’s desk for signature. Van Hollen, Burr, and McBath applauded Congress’ bipartisan work.“As our nation … Continue Reading
December 18, 2020
Van Hollen Meets with Biden HUD Nominee Rep. Marcia Fudge
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committees on Appropriations, and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs released the following statement regarding his virtual meeting with Representative Marcia Fudge, President-elect Biden’s nominee to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):“Across our country, Americans are struggling to keep a roof over their heads - families are living in fear of eviction or of missing their next … Continue Reading
December 18, 2020
Senate Passes Van Hollen-led Legislation to Honor Henrietta Lacks, Improve Equity in Cancer Research
Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act, legislation introduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Henrietta Lacks and examine access to government-funded cancer clinical trials for traditionally underrepresented groups. Senator Van Hollen initially introduced this legislation alongside the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, and it has since been taken on by Representative Kweisi Mfume. The legislation is … Continue Reading
December 18, 2020
Van Hollen, Cardin, Senate Democrats Introduce the Economic Justice Act, Expanding the Historic Proposal to More Than $435 Billion to Address Systemic Racism and Historic Underinvestment in Communities of Color
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-MD) along with 24 of their Senate colleagues, introduced the Economic Justice Act, a major legislative proposal that will provide more than $435 billion in immediate and long-term investments in communities of color to address systemic racism and reverse decades of historic underinvestment. “Our economy currently puts the interests of big corporations and the wealthiest individuals before the needs of everyday Americans,” said … Continue Reading
December 18, 2020
Van Hollen Recognizes Urban One's 40th Anniversary and the Leadership of Founder Cathy Hughes in Congressional Record Statement
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) submitted the following statement for the congressional record recognizing Cathy Hughes for her work in broadcast media as the founder and chairperson of Urban One Inc., headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland. Urban One, which was founded in 1980, has served as a trusted source for the African American community and millions of listeners across the country.“Mr. President, I rise today to honor a tenacious entrepreneur, visionary radio personality, and … Continue Reading
December 18, 2020
Van Hollen, Sherman, Gonzalez Applaud Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act’s Signing into Law
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congressmen Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio) released the following statements regarding the signing of their bipartisan Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act into law. “It’s our job to protect American investors from fraudulent businesses seeking to take advantage of them. Requiring all publicly listed companies on our U.S. exchanges to be held to the same standards is the best way to do that. Taking this action is … Continue Reading
December 17, 2020
Van Hollen, Senate Democrats Push to Ensure COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials Continue to Enroll Diverse Participants
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), along with eight of his Senate colleagues, sent a letter calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Operation Warp Speed, and the U.S. Army Material Command (AMC) to make sure COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials continue to enroll a diverse group of participants. In addition to underscoring this priority, the Senators urged HHS Secretary Alex Azar, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, Operation … Continue Reading
December 17, 2020
Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $70,000 for Economic Development in Western Maryland
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $70,000 in federal funding for the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland’s Economic Development District Planning program. The funding, awarded through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), will be used to develop and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy for Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties. “The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the pocketbooks of … Continue Reading
