Press Releases
Van Hollen, Cardin Praise Completion of Poplar Island Construction and “Solid Investments” in FY2021 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (Both D-Md.) today announced the inclusion of key priorities for Maryland within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) FY2021 Work Plan that will direct significant federal funding to dredging, beach re-nourishment, oyster restoration and critical environmental remediation throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The senators also applauded the completion of the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island, which received … Continue Reading
January 25, 2021
Maryland Delegation Members Announce More Than $1.17 Billion in COVID-19 Relief for Schools and Universities Across the State
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.) today announced more than $1.17 billion in federal funding for K-12 schools and higher education institutions across Maryland. Funding comes from the bipartisan COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress in late December.“This urgently needed relief will help provide students, educators and support … Continue Reading
January 25, 2021
Van Hollen, Young Release Joint Statement on Biden Administration’s Action on New START Extension
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) released the following statement regarding the Biden Administration’s efforts to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with Russia. The treaty, which is set to expire on February 5, 2021, imposes limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the United States and Russia. In August 2019, Senators Van Hollen and Young introduced bipartisan legislation to extend New START until 2026. More recently, in October … Continue Reading
January 22, 2021
Van Hollen, Gillibrand, Bennet, Colleagues Reintroduce Bicameral Health Force, Resilience Force, and Jobs to Fight Covid-19 Act to Combat Public Health and Economic Crises
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) announced the reintroduction of the Health Force, Resilience Force, and Jobs to Fight COVID-19 Act, legislation that would invest billions in the nation’s public health jobs and infrastructure and aid the … Continue Reading
January 22, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Biden’s Executive Order to Strengthen Civil Service, Reverse Trump Attempts to Undermine Federal Workforce
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding President Biden’s executive order to reverse President Trump’s attempts to undermine our civil service, including his executive order on Schedule F: “Our federal employees work day-in and day-out to provide vital services to the American people. Despite their dedicated efforts, the previous Administration preferred to use our civil service as a political punching bag. Today’s executive order from President … Continue Reading
January 22, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Biden Executive Actions to Address Economic Impacts of COVID-19
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding President Biden’s executive actions to address the economic impacts of COVID-19:“Not only has COVID-19 had a devastating impact on the health of our communities, neighbors, families, and friends, but it has also brought many Americans to the brink of poverty. The impact the pandemic has on Marylanders’ pocketbooks is all too real - and we must provide real economic support to small businesses and families … Continue Reading
January 22, 2021
Van Hollen, Coons, Tillis, Brown, and Cardin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Award Officer Eugene Goodman with Congressional Gold Medal
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) introduced legislation to award Officer Eugene Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal to honor his heroic actions on January 6, 2021. Goodman, a Marylander, confronted rioters in the Capitol, delaying their access to the Senate chamber and protecting the lives of those inside.“Officer Goodman is a hero. He protected our democracy by holding off and then … Continue Reading
January 22, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Vote to Confirm Lloyd Austin
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote to confirm Lloyd Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense:“Today, I was proud to vote in support of Lloyd Austin to serve as our next Secretary of Defense. I cast my vote with confidence that he will capably lead the Department of Defense through this difficult period in our nation’s history.“As a four-star general, Lloyd Austin was tasked with leading the drawdown of American troops from Iraq - and helped … Continue Reading
January 21, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Opposition to Waiving U.S. Law for Defense Nomination
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding his vote in opposition to waiving the U.S. law that prevents retired military officers from serving as Secretary of Defense less than seven years after their relief from active duty.“In order to maintain civilian control of our military, U.S. law requires a cooling-off period prior to allowing a recently retired officer to serve as the Secretary of Defense. I have long supported this cooling-off period, and … Continue Reading
January 21, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Biden National Strategy to Tackle the Pandemic, New Executive Actions
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness and his new executive actions to address the pandemic: “Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. I’m glad to see the Biden Administration hit the ground running with this national strategy to fully mobilize the federal government and improve coordination with state and local governments … Continue Reading
January 20, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Biden Immigration Plan & Executive Actions
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s immigration plan and executive actions:“Immigrants make our communities stronger, bolster our economy, and underscore the very values and principles our country was built upon. That’s why I’m so pleased to see President Joe Biden not only take immediate action today to protect DACA recipients, but also lay out a sweeping plan to fix our immigration system as a whole. This plan provides … Continue Reading
January 20, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Biden Executive Order to Rejoin the WHO
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s executive order reinstating the United States as a member of the World Health Organization (WHO): “The Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization in the middle of a pandemic was deeply misguided and shortsighted. To stop the spread of COVID-19, we must work together. This common-sense decision by the Biden Administration will ensure … Continue Reading
January 20, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Biden Executive Order Reversing Trump Muslim Ban
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s executive order revoking Trump’s Muslim Ban:“From day one, Donald Trump’s Muslim Ban weakened our national security and reinforced his bigotry and politics of division. His actions played into the hands of our enemies and made our country far less safe. That’s why, over the past four years, I’ve fought to end the ban and expose the Trump Administration’s sham visa waiver program. … Continue Reading
January 20, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Biden Executive Actions to Address the Climate Crisis
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s executive actions addressing the climate crisis: “We are facing an urgent climate crisis that requires immediate action. The Biden-Harris Administration understands the gravity of this crisis and the impact it will have on everyday Americans - from flooding their homes to driving up their energy bills - and today’s executive actions are the first step in tackling these problems. In … Continue Reading
January 20, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Biden Executive Actions on COVID-19
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding President Biden’s executive actions on the COVID-19 pandemic: “To beat the COVID-19 pandemic we need a strong, coordinated national response with leadership and guidance from the highest levels of government. The Biden-Harris Administration understands this fact and today’s actions will help us immediately right the course of our national response. From the decision to extend the eviction moratorium, to the … Continue Reading
January 20, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on Biden-Harris Swearing-In
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the swearing-in of Joe Biden to serve as the President of the United States and Kamala Harris to serve as Vice President. “Today is a new day for our country. Today we witness the historic swearing-in of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to serve as our next President and Vice President of the United States. As we turn this new page, I’m filled with hope for a brighter future. While our nation faces some of the most … Continue Reading
January 19, 2021
Van Hollen, Senate Democrats Support Biden Administration Plan to Fully Utilize Defense Production Act, Increase Supply of Necessary Medical Equipment and Vaccine Supplies
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) sent a letter to President-Elect Joe Biden, supporting his incoming administration’s plan to quickly utilize all available authorities under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to rapidly increase the production and stockpiling of medical, testing, and protective equipment supplies. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Van Hollen and Senate Democrats have been calling on the Trump Administration to fully … Continue Reading
January 19, 2021
Van Hollen Announces New Members of Senior Staff
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) announced two new additions to his senior staff team: Teri Weathers, to serve as the Senator’s Deputy Chief of Staff, and Francesca Amodeo, to serve as his Communications Director.“Teri combines a deep understanding of Maryland priorities with the legislative experience needed to navigate Capitol Hill. She will be a great addition to our team and will help lead our staff in our efforts to serve Marylanders across our state and promote their … Continue Reading
January 15, 2021
Van Hollen Statement on the Passing of Mike Miller
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the passing of Maryland Senate President Emeritus Mike Miller:“Maryland has lost a giant, and I have lost a dear friend. Governors have come and gone, but Mike Miller was a historic figure and force of nature, always pushing our state forward. His legacy of results for Marylanders is unmatched. Katherine and I send our love to Patti and his … Continue Reading
January 15, 2021
Van Hollen, Cardin Call for FEMA Cost-Sharing Waiver To Help States Combat COVID-19
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-MD) joined more than 30 of their colleagues in urging the incoming Biden Administration to take immediate action upon assuming office to grant pending requests to waive the 25% non-federal cost-share requirement for FEMA assistance related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To date, the Trump Administration has declined to allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to waive the full amount of cost-sharing requirements … Continue Reading
