Press Releases
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
June 03, 2022
Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $500,000 in Federal Funding for Frostburg State University’s ASTAR Program
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced that Frostburg State University will receive $457,247 in federal funding for the Appalachian Service Through Action and Resources (ASTAR) program. ASTAR is a Maryland AmeriCorps program that provides services and support to Western Maryland communities. These services include educational programming, health care resources, drug safety awareness, senior programming, food pantries, and community … Continue Reading
June 03, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin: New Director of EPA Chesapeake Bay Program “Solidly Prepared to Deal with the Challenges the Bay Faces and the Realities of a Rapidly Changing Climate”
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement welcoming the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement that Dr. Kandis Boyd will direct the agency's Chesapeake Bay Program. "The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and the selection of Dr. Kandis Boyd as Director of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program makes clear that the agency understands the many challenges that are facing our home watershed, including those stemming from the … Continue Reading
June 03, 2022
Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $7 Million in AmeriCorps Funding for Maryland
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 $7,050,429 to support AmeriCorps' service and volunteerism efforts in communities across Maryland. These awards were funded by both the fiscal year 2022 Appropriations package and the American Rescue Plan which the lawmakers fought to pass. AmeriCorps members help make our communities … Continue Reading
June 02, 2022
New Third Way Report Details Importance of Van Hollen, Bera Easy Health Enrollment Bill
Today, Third Way released a new report detailing the many benefits of Senator Chris Van Hollen's (D-Md.) and Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (D-Calif.) Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act, legislation to simplify health care enrollment for Americans by allowing them to begin the process of enrolling in health insurance when they file their federal income tax return. As noted by the report, which can be found here, the lawmakers' bill will reduce inequities across our health care system by, … Continue Reading
June 02, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin Submit Direct Funding Requests for Community Projects Supporting Economic and Small Business 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 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee for fiscal year 2023. The Senators worked with local community leaders to identify these projects, which will support local economic development, position small businesses for future growth, and provide more opportunity for Marylanders. "Direct federal investments can … Continue Reading
June 01, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin, Chesapeake Bay Watershed Senators Urge Strong Funding for Bay Restoration Efforts
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and fellow Chesapeake Bay State-senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Kirstin Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) announced that they urged Senate leaders to support across-the-board funding sufficient to answer the many threats facing the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. "Our states are heavily invested in implementing a Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint designed to … Continue Reading
May 31, 2022
Van Hollen, Markey, Meng Urge Passage of More Funding to Close the Digital Divide as FCC Funding for Student Internet Access Wanes
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Grace Meng (N.Y.-06) released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it received $2.8 billion in requests for funds from the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) in the third application window. The ECF - which the lawmakers created as part of the American Rescue Plan - has helped more than 12.5 million students connect to the internet but only has an … Continue Reading
May 31, 2022
Baltimore Congressional Delegation Announces Over $15 Million to Increase Capacity at Port of Baltimore through Infrastructure Improvements
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, and Anthony Brown (all D-Md.) announced $15,680,000 to improve rail infrastructure and safety at the Port of Baltimore. This federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (DOT-FRA) will support the construction of four new working rail tracks totaling 16,000 track feet and two crane rail beams totaling 7,000 linear feet within the … Continue Reading
