Press Releases
Van Hollen Statement on Leader Hoyer Decision to Step Down from House Democratic Leadership
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's decision to step back from senior leadership of the House Democratic Caucus. "Steny Hoyer has been a lifelong champion for our families and workers, and a strong voice for American leadership in the world. As he steps away from the House Democratic Leadership team, we salute him for his exemplary service to Maryland and the nation. I look forward to continuing to partner … Continue Reading
November 17, 2022
Van Hollen, Portman, Davis, Schweikert Introduce Legislation to Fix American Opportunity Tax Credit Inequity
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.) and David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) reintroduced their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to address systematic injustices within the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). The AOTC is the primary tax credit available to students seeking a higher education; however, students with a prior felony drug conviction are permanently ineligible from using the credit. This backwards requirement … Continue Reading
November 17, 2022
Van Hollen Statement on Speaker Pelosi Decision to Step Down
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding Speaker Nancy Pelosi's decision to step down as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives after decades of strong leadership of the House Democratic Caucus. Senator Van Hollen served closely with Speaker Pelosi as a member of the House of Representatives, including on her leadership team as House Democratic Assistant to the Leader. "Not only did Speaker Pelosi make history as the first woman Speaker of … Continue Reading
November 16, 2022
Van Hollen, Merkley, Bonamici, Jayapal Team Up to Introduce Legislation to Protect Consumers from Predatory Payday Lending Practices
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01) and Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07) to introduce the Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Electronic (SAFE) Lending Act. The SAFE Lending Act will protect consumers from deceptive and predatory practices that strip wealth from working families by cracking down on some of the worst abuses stemming from the payday lending industry, particularly in online payday lending. Under the … Continue Reading
November 16, 2022
Van Hollen Statement on Senate Vote to Move Forward on Respect for Marriage Act
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of moving forward to Senate consideration of the Respect for Marriage Act: "It is long past time for Congress to make clear that equal rights are guaranteed across America, no matter who you love, who you marry, or where you live. The Respect for Marriage Act ensures that, no matter where in America they live, all married couples are afforded equal rights, freedom, and … Continue Reading
November 15, 2022
On Anniversary of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Van Hollen, Markey, Blumenthal, Colleagues Call on NHTSA to Implement Critical Safety Provisions
On the first anniversary of the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) alongside their colleagues Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) in sending a letter to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety … Continue Reading
November 14, 2022
Van Hollen Statement on Reports of FBI Investigation into Shooting Death of American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding reports that the FBI is investigating the shooting death of American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh: "This is an overdue but necessary and important step in the pursuit of justice and accountability in the shooting death of American citizen and journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. I will continue pressing for the full facts and truth in this case." Senator Van Hollen has led two letters calling for answers on … Continue Reading
November 14, 2022
Van Hollen, Sarbanes, Members of Working Group Unveil Chesapeake National Recreation Area Draft Plan for Public Input and Review
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman John Sarbanes (both D-Md.) were joined by state and local officials, economic leaders, watermen, advocates for conservation, and others at Burtis House in Annapolis as they released draft legislation they've authored to create a unified Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). The lawmakers' proposal would unite a series of National Park Service (NPS) owned and operated park areas and visitor centers as well as iconic Bay properties … Continue Reading
November 10, 2022
Photos and Video: Van Hollen, Kaine Host State Department, Members of Virginia and Maryland's African Diaspora for Discussion on U.S.-Africa Policy
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) released the following statements after welcoming members of Maryland and Virginia's African diaspora community to the U.S. Senate for a briefing and panel discussion by the U.S. Department of State and other key stakeholders. Senators Van Hollen and Kaine both serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and on the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, which is chaired by Senator Van Hollen. "The United States has a … Continue Reading
November 09, 2022
Maryland Police Departments Receive Nearly $380,000 for Mental Health Support Services and Community Policing Training
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) today announced $378,538 to promote community policing and provide mental health support to Maryland police departments. This federal funding comes through the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Community Policing Development (CPD) program and the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) … Continue Reading
November 07, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce an Additional $170,000 in Support of Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure in the Town of Luke
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $170,000 in federal funding to support the replacement of the entire sewer system in the Town of Luke. This funding is in addition to the $802,000 in federal funds that the lawmakers announced last year for the town to replace its water distribution lines following the closure of the Verso Paper Mill that threatened the wellbeing and livelihood of Luke residents. The funding is administered … Continue Reading
November 04, 2022
Maryland Congressional Delegation Urges State Action on Innovative Health Care Model
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone today wrote to Gov. Larry Hogan urging the state to work with stakeholders to protect Maryland's unique, innovative and effective health care model. The Members of Congress underscored that the state is at risk of failing to meet its contractual obligations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services … Continue Reading
November 02, 2022
Van Hollen, Blumenthal, Colleagues Urge DOJ & ATF to Clarify & Enforce Ghost Guns Rule
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) along with a group of senators in urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to issue enforcement guidance and clarify the recently finalized Ghost Gun Rule. The rule regulates unfinished frames and receivers that are the core components used to construct ghost guns, which have become the preferred instruments for criminals and violent extremists and pose … Continue Reading
November 02, 2022
Van Hollen, Murphy, Merkley, Cicilline, Keating, Colleagues Call on Administration to Center Human Rights Ahead of COP27 in Egypt
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and U.S. Reps. David Cicilline (D-R.I.-01) and Bill Keating (D-Mass.-09) in sending a letter to President Biden urging the Administration to raise human rights concerns with the Egyptian government ahead of COP27. "We are therefore deeply troubled by the message it sends to the world that the Egyptian government is hosting COP27 while imprisoning tens of thousands of political prisoners - … Continue Reading
November 02, 2022
Van Hollen Applauds Administration Action on Provisions to Lower Energy Costs for Americans
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement applauding the Biden-Harris Administration's action to move forward on provisions he authored within the Inflation Reduction Act to lower energy costs for American families while tackling the climate crisis: "For Americans working to make ends meet, saving money on their energy bills is a big win. Through my HOPE for HOMES provision in the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners will soon have the opportunity to receive … Continue Reading
November 01, 2022
Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces Over $1 Million to Support Mental Health Services Across the State
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.) announced $1,295,259 for the Maryland Department of Health to provide community mental health services for adults and children across Maryland. "We need a strong network of mental health services to ensure all Marylanders can access the care they need to lead healthy lives. This funding is critical … Continue Reading
October 31, 2022
Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Announce Over $10 Million for Enhanced Security Measures at Houses of Worship Across the State
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.) announced $10,691,398 to enhance security measures at local religious and nonprofit community organizations across the state. This federal funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which the lawmakers fought to deliver a $70 … Continue Reading
October 28, 2022
Van Hollen, Norton, Raskin, and Cardin Urge National Park Service to Remove Name of Segregationist Newlands from Chevy Chase Circle
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) wrote the Director of the National Park Service (NPS) requesting permanent removal of the name Francis Griffith Newlands in Chevy Chase Circle, a federal park located both in D.C. and Maryland. The lawmakers have introduced legislation in the House and Senate, respectively, to remove the name. "We urge you to permanently remove or conceal the … Continue Reading
October 27, 2022
Van Hollen, Cardin and Biden-Harris Administration Announce $9.4 Million from EPA’s Clean School Bus Program for Baltimore City Schools
On Wednesday U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) and the Biden-Harris administration announced the Fiscal Year 2022 recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, awarding over $9.4 million from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Baltimore City Public School System. The grant will help the school district purchase 25 electric school buses that will accelerate the transition to zero emissions … Continue Reading
October 26, 2022
Van Hollen, Markey, Colleagues Urge TPS Extension and Redesignation for Haiti as Gang Violence, Civil Unrest Force Thousands to Leave
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) in urging the Biden administration to immediately extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, which would authorize Haitian nationals in the United States to remain in the country until conditions improve in Haiti. The island nation continues to face compounding crises - escalating gang violence, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, reports of cholera deaths for the first time in three … Continue Reading
