Press Releases
Van Hollen Joins Bennet, Hirono, Duckworth, Shaheen, Bipartisan Colleagues in Calling on Pentagon to Expand Access to Over-The-Counter Contraceptives for Service Members and Their Families
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) alongside their senate colleagues in sending a letter urging the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure over-the-counter birth control is available for service members and their families on military bases, without a copay and without a prescription. In July, the Food and Drug Administration approved Opill as the first daily oral … Continue Reading
October 23, 2023
Van Hollen Joins Durbin, Colleagues in Urging the Department of Labor to Hold Companies Accountable for Violating Child Labor Laws
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Acting Secretary Julie Su urging the Department to continue holding companies accountable for violations of child labor laws. The letter follows a New York Times Magazine article that raised serious concerns about the influx of unaccompanied noncitizen children that are working long hours in dangerous conditions. In the letter, … Continue Reading
October 20, 2023
Van Hollen Statement on Judge Andrew Wilkinson
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) made this statement on the murder of Judge Andrew Wilkinson: “I’m appalled and saddened by the news that Judge Andrew Wilkinson was killed in a senseless act of gun violence. Judge Wilkinson was a dedicated public servant with a true appreciation for the rule of law, and his tragic murder represents outright disregard for the institution he was committed to upholding. My thoughts are with his family and with the entire Hagerstown community during … Continue Reading
October 19, 2023
Van Hollen Statement on Vote for Bipartisan Resolution Affirming Support of Israel
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding his vote to pass a bipartisan resolution affirming support of Israel. Senator Van Hollen is an original cosponsor of the resolution: “Israel has not only a right but also a responsibility to defend itself and to end Hamas’ operational control in Gaza. Following the horrific Hamas terrorist attack and ongoing violence, we stand by our partner and ally Israel in support of this right, as it prosecutes its … Continue Reading
October 19, 2023
Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $650,000 for Opioid and Drug Prevention Programs on the Eastern Shore
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced $650,000 in U.S. Department of Justice funding to help implement Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore mentoring programs for youth affected by opioid and other substance misuse. “As the opioid epidemic devastates communities across the state each year, drug overdose is claiming the lives of more and more young Marylanders. Early prevention is just one of the many ways we can help win the fight against … Continue Reading
October 18, 2023
Van Hollen, Cardin Praise Biden Nominee Clint Fuchs for U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) praised President Joe Biden’s nomination of Clint Fuchs to be the new U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland. “Maryland needs a U.S. Marshal with a proven track record combating violent crime, including the persistent gun violence that continues to plague Baltimore City. Clint Fuchs meets this mark, and we were proud to recommend him to President Joe Biden for this critical position,” the senators said. “Clint has demonstrated a … Continue Reading
October 18, 2023
As President Biden Makes Trip to Israel, Van Hollen, Welch, and Schatz Urge Administration to Reinforce Humanitarian Protections in Gaza
Yesterday, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) sent a letter to President Joe Biden ahead of the President’s meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging him to reinforce the importance of protecting civilians and the need for immediate humanitarian aid into Gaza—including providing civilians with water, food, electricity, fuel, and medicine. Earlier this week, the Senators issued a joint statement condemning Hamas for its … Continue Reading
October 18, 2023
Van Hollen, Murphy, Senate Colleagues Call for Providing Humanitarian Aid to Address Emergency Needs in Gaza
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn) and Senate colleagues in urging the Biden administration to lead the international community in contributing to the United Nations’ emergency appeal of $294 million to address the immediate humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza. “As a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza prompted by Hamas’ horrific terror attacks, more than 1.2 million people are in urgent need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. … Continue Reading
October 17, 2023
Van Hollen, Wicker, Norton Introduce Bill Prohibiting Permanent Fencing Around Capitol Complex
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) introduced the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, legislation to prohibit funding for permanent fencing around the U.S. Capitol complex. “We can’t ever allow the U.S. Capitol to become a fortress where the American people are left on the outside looking in. We can and should secure Congress without walling it off. This bill is about making sure the people … Continue Reading
October 16, 2023
Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce More Than $500,000 for Firefighters in Western Maryland
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $534,431 in federal funding for Maryland firefighters in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties. The funding will enhance firefighters’ emergency response capabilities and their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and themselves. It will also support the recruitment and retention of additional firefighters. “Maryland’s firefighters and first responders risk their lives … Continue Reading
October 16, 2023
Statement from Senators Van Hollen, Schatz, and Welch
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), released the following joint statement: “We are appalled by the unfathomable violence against Israeli civilians and unequivocally condemn Hamas and its brutal actions. We mourn for those who were ruthlessly murdered and injured, as well as for their loved ones and communities who are living through a nightmare. We must do everything possible to rescue the hostages who remain in the hands of Hamas … Continue Reading
October 12, 2023
Van Hollen, Cardin Release Statements on Long-Term Solution for Fort Howard Mail Service
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) released statements in response to the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) announcement that it will install mailboxes on Baltimore County-owned property where Fort Howard residents can continue to retrieve their mail following the closure of the nearby Post Office branch. This development comes after the lawmakers sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressing concern over the agency’s initial plan to close the Fort Howard … Continue Reading
October 10, 2023
Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $200,000 to Boost Clean Energy Manufacturing in Western Maryland
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $200,000 for the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to support local manufacturing businesses and create job opportunities in Western Maryland. This federal funding, awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) grant program, will provide support to manufacturers of renewable energy, hydrogen power, … Continue Reading
October 09, 2023
Van Hollen, Romney Issue Statement on 112th National Day of Taiwan
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, released this statement on the 112th National Day of Taiwan: “We extend our warmest regards to the people of Taiwan on the 112th National Day of Taiwan. We are honored to stand with you in marking this important occasion. “With a foundation of common democratic values, the United States … Continue Reading
October 07, 2023
Van Hollen Statement on Horrific Terrorist Attacks on Israel
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the attacks on Israel: “I unequivocally condemn the abhorrent attacks against innocent civilians launched by Hamas and other terrorist groups and stand in strong solidarity with the people of Israel as they defend themselves. There is never any justification for … Continue Reading
October 06, 2023
Van Hollen, Lofgren, Johnson Welcome Biden Administration’s Re-Designation of TPS for Cameroon
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), and Congressman Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) released the following statement on the Biden Administration’s decision to extend and re-designate Cameroon’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This development comes after the lawmakers led over 25 of their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas last month calling for this action. “We’re grateful that the Biden Administration … Continue Reading
October 05, 2023
Van Hollen, Cardin, Harris Announce More Than $2 Million for Eastern Shore Firefighters
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (all Md.) announced $2,134,583 in federal funding for Maryland firefighters in Cecil, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, and Worcester Counties. The funding will enhance firefighters’ emergency response capabilities and their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and themselves. It will also support the recruitment and retention of additional firefighters. “Maryland’s firefighters and first … Continue Reading
October 05, 2023
Van Hollen, Peters, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Bill Removing Presidential Authority to Provide Aid to Azerbaijan following Attacks on Armenian People
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced legislation that would prevent the U.S. from providing security assistance to Azerbaijan until it has been determined that they are not taking offensive action against the Armenians. The Senators introduced the legislation in response to the unilateral seizure, by force of arms, of Nagorno-Karabakh by … Continue Reading
October 04, 2023
Van Hollen, Cardin Praise Bipartisan Senate Confirmation of Judge Brendan Hurson for the U.S. District Court of Maryland
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today praised confirmation of U.S. Magistrate Judge Brendan Hurson to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Maryland. “With Brendan Hurson’s confirmation, the U.S. District Court for Maryland has a new judge with an unwavering commitment to providing Americans with fair, just, and equal treatment under the law. From his time volunteering and teaching in underserved communities to his many years working as a public … Continue Reading
October 04, 2023
Van Hollen, Murphy, Durbin, Welch Lead 16 Senators in Letter to President Biden on U.S. Role in Potential Normalization Agreement Between Saudi Arabia and Israel
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on Wednesday led 16 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to President Biden, expressing their support for the prospect of normalization and sharing their views on the parameters of the United … Continue Reading
