Press Releases
Van Hollen, Murray Introduce Resolution Celebrating Anniversary of the EEOC, Push to Confirm Kalpana Kotagal Without Delay
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) in marking the 57th anniversary of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) with a resolution celebrating the agency's critical mission protecting workers' rights and enforcing our nation's workplace harassment and discrimination laws. The resolution commemorates the 57-year anniversary since the establishment of the EEOC in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on July 2, 1965, and recognizes … Continue Reading
July 12, 2022
Van Hollen, Jacobs Introduce Legislation to Expand Human Rights Vetting for Security Cooperation Programs
Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-53) introduced the Upholding Human Rights Abroad Act, legislation to close loopholes in the Leahy Laws, conduct needed oversight of Pentagon security cooperation programs, and ensure that the United States does not provide security assistance to human rights violators under two key Department of Defense funding authorities. The lawmakers' Upholding Human Rights Abroad Act would also increase transparency and expand … Continue Reading
July 12, 2022
Van Hollen Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Protect the Right of Women to Cross State Lines to Seek Abortion Care
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in introducing the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2022. This legislation would make it crystal clear that it is illegal for anti-choice states to limit travel for abortion services and would empower the Attorney General and impacted individuals to bring civil action against those who restrict a woman's right … Continue Reading
July 12, 2022
Van Hollen, Leahy, Murphy, Durbin Press Administration for Answers on US Review into Death of American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressing for answers regarding the United States Security Coordinator's (USSC) recent review into the shooting death of American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. In their letter, the Senators note the USSC review does not meet Blinken's call for "an independent, credible investigation" and ask that they be provided USSC's … Continue Reading
July 11, 2022
Van Hollen, Colleagues Press Big Banks on Widespread Zelle Fraud
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) alongside Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) in pressing seven of the nation's largest banks regarding widespread fraud on Zelle, their online peer-to-peer money transfer program. "In 2021, consumers and businesses made 1.8 billion payments…through Zelle…[and p]ayment … Continue Reading
July 08, 2022
Van Hollen, Menendez Call for TPS Extension, Re-Designation for Venezuela
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) called on the Biden administration to continue to protect displaced Venezuelans by extending and re-designating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). In a new letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, the senators underscored the Maduro regime's crimes against humanity in addition to the uptick in armed violence in Venezuela, growing humanitarian needs, and … Continue Reading
July 08, 2022
Maryland Delegation Members Announce Nearly $320,000 to Boost Harford Co. Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-Md.) announced $319,200 to invest in Harford County's travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation. This investment through the Economic Development Administration's Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program was funded by the American Rescue Plan which the lawmakers fought to pass. This funding will be used to construct a public boat pier and dock in Havre de Grace, purchase an electric shuttle … Continue Reading
July 05, 2022
Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Release Statement on Suspension of State’s ‘Good and Substantial Reason’ Standard for Concealed Carry Permits
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 B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) released the following statement on Governor Hogan's suspension of Maryland's 'good and substantial reason' standard for permits to carry a concealed firearm. The action follows the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, in which a New York … Continue Reading
July 01, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin Submit Direct Funding Requests for Community Projects Supporting Health Facility Expansions, Mental Health Care Services, Educational Enrichment, and Workforce Development
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) have announced their direct federal funding requests for Maryland community projects under the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee (LHHS) for fiscal year 2023. The senators worked with local community leaders to identify a wide range of projects, which will support health facility expansions, increasing mental health care services, K-12 and Higher Education programs, workforce … Continue Reading
June 30, 2022
Maryland Congressional Delegation Applauds DOT’s Opening of the Reconnecting Communities Grant Application to Revitalize Divided Communities
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 B. Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) applauded the Department of Transportation's (DOT) opening of the application process for the Reconnecting Communities grant program to help identify and remove or retrofit highway infrastructure that creates obstacles to mobility and opportunity. The $1 billion program is modeled off of legislation … Continue Reading
June 29, 2022
Van Hollen, King Urge FCC to Increase Robocall Accountability and Transparency
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Angus King (I-Maine) are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide timely, public disclosures on if telecommunications companies are enabling illegal robocalls. In a letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, the lawmakers highlight how regular disclosures on robocalls would increase transparency and public accountability, while enabling telecom providers, public advocates, law enforcement and regulators to hold bad actors … Continue Reading
June 29, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin Submit Direct Funding Requests for Community Projects Supporting Water Infrastructure Improvements, Conservation and Preservation
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 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee for fiscal year 2023. The Senators worked with local community leaders to identify these projects, which will support the modernization of water infrastructure systems, watershed restoration, and growth of tourism through historic preservation, among other initiatives. "Investing … Continue Reading
June 29, 2022
Van Hollen and Cardin Lead the Senate in Celebrating the University of Maryland Men’s Lacrosse Team’s National Championship
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced the passage last week of a Senate Resolution (S.Res.699) they authored to celebrate the University of Maryland Men's Lacrosse fourth NCAA Division I championship and second national championship in five seasons. Led by Coach John Tillman, the Maryland Men's Lacrosse team had a historic undefeated season, winning 18 games - an NCAA record for the most victories in a season without a loss. The perfect season closed with a 9-7 … Continue Reading
June 29, 2022
Maryland Delegation Members Urge Purple Line Contractors to Forge Project Labor Agreement with Construction Workers
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, John Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, and Jamie Raskin (all D-Md.) urged Maryland Transit Solutions (MTS), the group of contractors leading the development of the Purple Line, to complete a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the project's construction workers. In their letter to MTS Project Director Terry Gohde, the lawmakers stressed the need for a PLA to ensure quality and reliable work. Maryland workers had … Continue Reading
June 28, 2022
Van Hollen, Booker Introduce Resolution Recognizing African American Contributions to Music
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in introducing a resolution celebrating the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States and designating June 2022 as African American Music Appreciation Month. In addition, the resolution further recognizes the lack of access to arts education and training for African American students and calls for greater access to music education. The resolution was cosponsored in addition to … Continue Reading
June 28, 2022
Van Hollen, Murray, Democrats Push Biden for “Bold Action” to Protect Abortion Access in a Post-Roe America
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging "bold action" to protect abortion access after the conservative wing of the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Republicans made this generation of women the first with fewer rights than their mothers. "We appreciate that in your speech yesterday, you acknowledged the reality that the 'health and life of women across this nation are now at risk.' Now is the time for bold action … Continue Reading
June 28, 2022
Maryland Delegation Members Press Navy for Update on New Walter Reed Base Firehouse After Firefighter Injury
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) called on U.S. Navy leadership to immediately address the unsafe working conditions that firefighters face at the fire station on Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda, the site of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. In their letter to the Secretary of the Navy and Commandant of Naval District Washington, … Continue Reading
June 26, 2022
Van Hollen Statement on President’s Newly Announced Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committee released the following statement regarding President Biden's newly announced Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII): "I commend President Biden and his team for developing this initiative to work with fellow G7 democracies to meet the vast infrastructure needs of low- and middle-income countries, particularly in the critical areas of digital technology, … Continue Reading
June 24, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin, Kaine, Warner Present Prisoner of War Medals to Maryland Veteran Ronald Dolecki & Virginia Veteran David Strickland
Yesterday, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) presented Army Specialist Ronald Dolecki, a veteran residing in Huntingtown, Maryland, with a Prisoner of War (POW) Medal honoring his military service in Ethiopia. Senator Van Hollen authored a legislative provision to secure Mr. Dolecki's medal following the Army's misapplication of the law to his unique case. They were joined by Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner (both D-Va.) who presented a POW medal to Virginia veteran … Continue Reading
June 24, 2022
Van Hollen Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Overturning Roe v. Wade
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade: "Today's outrageous ruling from the far-right packed Supreme Court jeopardizes the health of millions of women around our nation. The Supreme Court has thrown aside the Constitution and is instead forcing its ideological beliefs down the throats of the American people. This is a results-driven ruling, not a rule of law decision, and it undermines the … Continue Reading
