June 2, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

I wanted to take a moment to share with you a brief update about how my staff and I have been working for the people of the 8th District. It is a surpassing honor to continue serving as your Representative in Congress. 

As always, I encourage all 8th District residents to connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. If you need help with a federal agency and want to request assistance from my staff, please complete the online request form here, and my District Office will be in touch.

All Best,

Announcing Winners of 2021 Congressional Art Competition for MD-08

I was thrilled to announce the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Maryland's 8th District: Yun Ji Choi of Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda. Ms. Choi’s digital art piece, titled “Promise To Keep You Safe,” will hang in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year alongside the winning entries from every congressional district in the nation. Seventeen high school students from Carroll, Frederick and Montgomery Counties received second-place recognition. Learn more here.

View a virtual gallery of our students' artwork here. 

Requesting Federal Funding for Community Projects Across MD-08

I requested federal funds from the House Appropriations Committee for 10 important community projects in Carroll, Frederick, and Montgomery Counties. 

To learn more about my Community Project Funding requests for Fiscal Year 2022, click here.

On behalf of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, I requested federal funding to equip every law enforcement deputy with a body-worn camera and to provide all patrol and community-related personnel with an in-car camera. I also requested funding on behalf of The Hill Y in Westminster for accessibility and safety renovations to The Hill Y’s facilities for individuals with disabilities. Learn more here.

On behalf of the Frederick County government, I requested federal funding for a proposed Crisis Stabilization Center and a Mobile Career Center. Learn more here.

Lastly, I requested federal funding for public health and safety projects across Montgomery County. Learn more here.

Urging Eligible Families to Receive Child Tax Credit 

I recognized Ken Oldham, President and CEO of United Way Frederick, as a Local Hero for his organization’s efforts to connect working families with the Child Tax Credit and other tax breaks for working families that were included in the American Rescue Plan. You can watch my Local Hero interview with Ken here.

Did you know that the Child Tax Credit may help 110,500 children across the 8th District by providing families with regular, monthly payments throughout the year to help with the costs of food, child care, diapers, healthcare, clothing and more? Starting as soon as July, many families with children may receive up to $300 per month for every child under six and up to $250 per month for every child under 18. Learn more here.

Questioning Emergent BioSolutions CEO About Vaccine Failures

After Emergent BioSolutions cross-contaminated millions of COVID-19 vaccines created at taxpayer expense, it awarded millions of dollars in bonuses to top executives overseeing the debacle. I questioned Emergent's CEO about this during our Coronavirus Oversight hearing. Watch our exchange here. Learn more here.

Recognizing Dr. DeRionne Pollard For Her Community Leadership

I was honored to name Dr. DeRionne Pollard an 8th District Local Hero. Dr. Pollard has served as the dazzling President of Montgomery College for a decade, increasing access to education and enhancing our community. As she prepares to depart Montgomery College to become the new President of Nevada State College, we thank her for years of service, especially through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch our Local Hero discussion here.

Embracing National Teacher Appreciation Week

During National Teacher Appreciation Week, I proudly named Universities at Shady Grove Executive Director Dr. Anne Khademian our Local Hero of the Week. An unyielding champion of students, educators and schools, Dr. Khademian has been a guiding light as they navigate the challenges of COVID-19. Learn more here.

Introducing a Historic Resolution to End Poverty

I was proud to join Reps. Barbara Lee and Pramila Jayapal in introducing a historic Resolution to end poverty. To learn more about our legislation, click here. 

Standing Up for Press Freedom

Just days after Senator Ron Wyden and I sent a letter urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to end the Department of Justice's (DOJ) long-standing practice of spying on reporters, President Biden announced he will prevent the DOJ from seizing reporters’ phone or email records. I applaud President Biden for his great commitment to a free press. Click here to learn more about our bicameral effort.

Supporting the 1/6 Commission

Last month, the House passed bipartisan legislation establishing an independent bipartisan 1/6 Commission. I want to salute all the brave Capitol Police officers who defended and protected Members of Congress, our staff, our Capitol, and our democracy on January 6th.

To read my statement following the House vote on the 1/6 Commission, click here.

Recognizing Our Nation's Fallen Heroes

As America observed Memorial Day and honored our nation's brave fallen Servicemembers, I was proud to recognize Wayne Miller as our Local Hero of the Week. As Director of the Silver Spring Vet Center and Chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs, he has dedicated his career to serving veterans in our community. Click here to learn more about Wayne. 

To view the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs tribute to fallen heroes, click here.

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