Van Hollen Statement on President Biden’s Budget

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees, released the following statement regarding President Biden’s fiscal year 2023 proposed budget:

“Growing an inclusive economy and providing greater opportunity to Americans are two of my top priorities. With his budget, President Biden makes clear that we are laser-focused on these objectives. This budget includes key investments that I’ve fought for over the years – such as fully funding the federal commitment to public education, initiatives to address the climate crisis and create clean energy jobs, and a federal commitment to end cancer and other diseases as we know them. It also tackles many of the immediate challenges Marylanders and folks across our country face – including rising prices – by working to lower costs on everything from prescription drugs, to college, to child and senior care. What’s more, the President’s budget proposal will put us on stronger fiscal footing, reducing our deficits by finally bringing more fairness to our tax code and ensuring the richest of the rich are contributing to the prosperity of all. I look forward to working alongside the Administration to hone this budget to fully encompass our shared priorities and to invest in the success of the Marylanders and the American people.” 

This proposal makes crucial investments in key priorities Senator Van Hollen has fought for including:

• A historic increase in funding to bolster our education system and expand community schools
• Funding to improve equitable access to health care and drive transformational research on diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s – an area that Senator Van Hollen has sat down with the President to discuss
• Investments in new housing vouchers and support for families to find homes in higher opportunity areas 
• Funds to tackle the climate crisis and improve our environment – a critical priority for our state as we continue working to protect and preserve the Chesapeake Bay

·      Funding to support initiatives like those in the Senator’s HOPE for HOMES Act, which would help low-income homeowners retrofit their homes to cut their monthly energy costs, stimulate the energy efficiency market for jobs and suppliers, invest in workforce training for this crucial industry, and combat the climate crisis by promoting clean, energy efficient technology

• Funding for crucial transit systems including WMATA and other regional transit programs

• Provisions to modernize the international affairs budget and no use of the Overseas Contingency Operations account as a slush fund

• Funding to support the Senator’s Federal Capital Revolving Fund Act of 2021, legislation to improve the funding process for large federal building projects and save taxpayer dollars by reducing wasteful spending on expensive leases

The President’s budget also includes language supporting a new, consolidated FBI Headquarters, a priority the Senator has fought for and worked to maintain the viability of throughout the previous Administration. 

And it provides funding to important Maryland projects including: 

• Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery, MD/VA: $3.5 million
• Baltimore Harbor and Channels: $24.75 million
• Ocean City Harbor and Inlet: $515,000
• Poplar Island (Construction): $21.345 million
• Wicomico River: $4.525 million
• Chester River: $205,000
• Honga River and Tar Bay: $3.22 million
• Rock Hall Harbor: $2.17 million