Press Releases
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
December 17, 2020
Van Hollen Meets with Biden USTR Nominee Katherine Tai
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committees on Budget, Appropriations, and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs released the following statement regarding his virtual meeting with Katherine Tai, President-elect Biden’s nominee to serve as United States Trade Representative.“From the cost of groceries to the availability of good-paying manufacturing jobs, our trade policy impacts the lives and pocketbooks of Americans every day. Strong and effective trade … Continue Reading
December 16, 2020
Van Hollen, Cardin Laud Passage of Senate Bill to Honor Mikulski
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) celebrated their former colleague Senator Barbara A. Mikulski today as the Senate unanimously voted to rename one of its meeting rooms in her honor. During her years in the Senate, Mikulski was a regular participant in events in S-115. The resolution the Senate passed Tuesday also honored former Senator Margaret Chase Smith (R-Maine), the first woman to serve in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.“From her start as … Continue Reading
December 16, 2020
Van Hollen Requests CDC Consider Young Adults with Chronic Conditions in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) sent a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert Redfield, requesting that CDC consider the effect of COVID-19 on young adults with chronic conditions in their future vaccine prioritization recommendations.“As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deliberates over further vaccine prioritization recommendations, I write to respectfully request that you review and take into account recent evidence on … Continue Reading
December 16, 2020
Baltimore’s Congressional Delegation Announces Nearly $1 Million to Boost STEM Education Programs at Towson University
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) today announced $999,152 in federal funding to expand student access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs at Towson University.“We’re proud to announce this important new investment in Maryland’s STEM education capabilities,” the lawmakers said. “Recruiting and mentoring a more diverse pipeline of students will help drive greater … Continue Reading
December 16, 2020
Baltimore Delegation Members Announce More Than $2.8 Million for Head Start Programs Across Region
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $2,809,748 in federal funding for Head Start programs at the Y of Central Maryland and Community Action Council of Howard County. “Early childhood education provides our children with a strong foundation at a young age and positions students for lifelong success,” the lawmakers said. “These federal funds will help more families in the Baltimore area … Continue Reading
December 16, 2020
Van Hollen, Warner, Colleagues Urge Relief for Foster Youth Facing Unique COVID-19 Challenges
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), and a number of their colleagues urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide relief for young people in the foster care system as they continue to face a number of unique challenges as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. In a letter to Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson, the Senators asked that HHS work with states to extend relief to foster families and implement temporary and long-term changes to help … Continue Reading
December 15, 2020
Van Hollen Meets with Biden OMB Nominee Neera Tanden
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committees on Budget, Appropriations, and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs released the following statement regarding his virtual meeting with Neera Tanden, President-elect Biden’s nominee to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.“OMB needs a strong leader who understands the core of its mission - to ensure our government is best able to serve our constituents and to enact a federal budget that … Continue Reading
December 14, 2020
Senators Van Hollen, Smith, Rep. Bass Press Attorney General Barr for Information on Use of Ketamine During Arrests
In an effort to protect the health, safety and civil rights of Americans, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representative Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and colleagues in pressing U.S. Attorney General William Barr for information about the use of ketamine and other sedatives or chemical restraints on individuals during their arrest or detention by law enforcement. Recent incidents highlight the dangers of administering sedatives during an arrest—in … Continue Reading
December 14, 2020
Senators Van Hollen, Markey, Bennet; Rep. Meng Applaud Inclusion of $3 Billion in E-rate Distance Learning Funding in Bipartisan Senate Coronavirus Proposal
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) today applauded inclusion of their legislation, the Emergency Educational Connections Act, and $3 billion in funding for the E-rate program in the bipartisan Senate coronavirus relief proposal. The lawmakers’ legislation funds elementary and secondary schools and libraries, including tribal schools and libraries, to provide Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and … Continue Reading
December 14, 2020
Van Hollen, Schatz, Booker Reintroduce Legislation To Ensure Roads, Bridges Can Withstand Flood Damage
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) reintroduced the Flood Risk Management Act, legislation to ensure that infrastructure projects that receive federal funding are built to withstand flood damage. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, flooding is the most common natural disaster and between 2000 and 2017 flooding cost the United States more than $845 billion.Understanding the dangerous consequences of … Continue Reading
