News
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In the News: $4.6 million in grant funds will go to fight crime in Baltimore City and Baltimore County
December 16, 2019
$4.6 million in grant funds will go to fight crime in Baltimore City and Baltimore County
Jessica Anderson, The Baltimore SunBaltimore City and Baltimore County will receive $4.6 million in federal funding that is designed to help identify owners of guns used in violent crimes, provide services to children affected by the opioid crisis, fund body-worn cameras for police and serve other criminal justice needs.
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In the News: Eyeing 2020, House passes bill named after Elijah Cummings that would empower Medicare to negotiate drug costs
December 12, 2019
Eyeing 2020, House passes bill named after Elijah Cummings that would empower Medicare to negotiate drug costs
Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, The Associated PressSharpening their 2020 election message, House Democrats on Thursday pushed through legislation that would empower Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices and offer new benefits for seniors.
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In the News: House Passes Pelosi Drug-Pricing Bill
December 12, 2019
House Passes Pelosi Drug-Pricing Bill
Jack O'Brien, HealthLeaders MediaThe House of Representatives passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act Thursday afternoon.
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In the News: This is the silent political revolution of 2020
December 12, 2019
This is the silent political revolution of 2020
Lawrence Lessig, CNN (Opinion)As the Democratic Primary kicks into high gear, it is increasingly clear that 2020 could give America a choice that it has not had since Richard Nixon resigned: An election that promises critical change to our political system. At least 7 of the remaining candidates in the Democratic primary have committed to making fundamental government reform their first priority in office. We have not been this close to real change of America's politics since the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It is therefore time that the candidates' plans -- and how they differ --become the focus of more media attention.
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In the News: Sarbanes: President Trump's Misconduct Can't Go Unchecked
December 11, 2019
Sarbanes: President Trump's Misconduct Can't Go Unchecked
Tyler Waldman, WBAL-AMRep. John Sarbanes said Wednesday that Democrats are largely united behind the two articles of impeachment announced Tuesday.
"As I think you've heard many Dems say, it's not an action that we take lightly, but I think our constitutional oath of office requires us to stand up in this way," the 3rd District Democrat told Bryan Nehman. "And if you look at the president's conduct, this idea that you would put your own personal and political fortunes ahead of the national security interests really does represent an abuse of the office of the presidency, and it's not something that we can leave unchecked."
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In the News: Southern states take up fight for bold democracy reforms
December 6, 2019
Southern states take up fight for bold democracy reforms
Chris Kromm, Facing SouthOn Jan. 3 of this year, the first day of the 116th U.S. Congress, the new Democratic majority in the House introduced as its first bill a sweeping reform of the country's elections. H.R. 1, the For the People Act, a bold package of measures aimed at improving voting access, tackling Big Money's corrupting influence in politics, and bolstering ethics rules. The Washington Post called it "perhaps the most comprehensive political-reform proposal ever considered by our elected representatives."
The wide-ranging bill, expertly led to passage in the House by lead sponsor Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Maryland) and endorsed by a broad coalition including the Communications Workers of America, NAACP, and Sierra Club, was inspired by a key insight: that in the current political moment, marked by deep voter cynicism about corruption and rigged elections, piecemeal reforms aren't enough. What is needed, Sarbanes and other Democrats reasoned, is a far-reaching plan that outlines how all aspects of democracy can work better, and only a bill that tackles voting rights, Big Money, and ethics reform together could offer that larger vision.
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In the News: 3 in Md. Congressional Delegation Co-Sponsor 100% Clean Energy Bill
November 22, 2019
3 in Md. Congressional Delegation Co-Sponsor 100% Clean Energy Bill
Robin Bravender, Maryland MattersThree members of Maryland’s congressional delegation have signed on as co-sponsors to new legislation that would commit the U.S. to achieve a 100% clean energy economy by 2050.
Democratic Reps. Jamie Raskin, John P. Sarbanes and David J. Trone are among the more than 150 co-sponsors of the bill, which was floated this week by Rep. Don McEachin (D-Va.).
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In the News: Baltimore County Wins $1.65 Million Grant For Towson Circulator
November 21, 2019
Baltimore County Wins $1.65 Million Grant For Towson Circulator
WJZ-TV (Online)Baltimore County has won a federal grant award to support the launch of a Towson Circulator pilot.
The $1.65 million award was announced by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes.
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In the News: Baltimore County gets $1.65 Million grant for Towson Circulator pilot
November 21, 2019
Baltimore County gets $1.65 Million grant for Towson Circulator pilot
WBFF-TV (Online)On Thusday, officials announced that Baltimore County has won a federal grant award to support the launch of a Towson Circulator pilot.
The $1.65 million award, announced today by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes, was requested by County Executive Johnny Olszewski’s administration as it seeks to create innovative transportation options for Baltimore County residents.
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In the News: Turkey’s Targeting of Minorities Highlighted on Capitol Hill
November 20, 2019
Turkey’s Targeting of Minorities Highlighted on Capitol Hill
MassisPostWASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaking at the Ninth Annual St. Andrew’s Human Rights and Religious Freedom Reception on Capitol Hill, Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights David L. Phillips addressed the subject of “Turkey’s Targeting of Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Syria,” reported the Armenian Assembly of America.
“I want to thank David for coming and taking part in this event. His outstanding scholarship in this area and his experience as a practitioner of diplomacy and foreign policy is well-documented,” Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) said in his welcome statement.
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In the News: Fort Meade: Covenant signing presents a unified voice
November 20, 2019
Fort Meade: Covenant signing presents a unified voice
Fort Meade Public Affairs, The Capital GazetteA number of community leaders gathered together Nov. 7 for the signing of the Fort Meade Community Covenant.
The covenant is the guiding document for signatories who “commit in the spirit of collaboration to build relationships, identify and combine resources, and address critical needs,” according to the document.
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In the News: Alumni in Congress speak on service, policy
November 15, 2019
Alumni in Congress speak on service, policy
Yael Marans and Naomi Hess, The Daily PrincetonianThe Daily Princetonian spoke to members of Congress who are University alums, and asked them how they believe they work “in the Nation’s Service.”
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In the News: ‘We Lost Our Champion For Social Justice’ | Md. Lawmakers Reflect On The Life Of Rep. Elijah Cummings
October 25, 2019
‘We Lost Our Champion For Social Justice’ | Md. Lawmakers Reflect On The Life Of Rep. Elijah Cummings
Pat Warren, WJZ-TV (CBS)BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Thousands gathered at New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore Friday at a funeral for Rep. Elijah Cummings.
The funeral brought former presidents and ordinary people alike to the Baltimore church where the congressman worshipped for four decades.
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In the News: Baltimore says goodbye to Cummings at Morgan State University tribute
October 24, 2019
Baltimore says goodbye to Cummings at Morgan State University tribute
Capital News ServiceMarking the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings last week, community leaders, elected officials and friends gathered together Wednesday night to honor the former congressman at Morgan State University, where Cummings served as a member of the Board of Regents for 19 years.
“I have lost a friend,” Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) said. “Our nation has lost a booming voice for truth, fairness and liberty.”
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In the News: Metro hours, fares, ethics scandal focus of Capitol Hill hearing
October 22, 2019
Metro hours, fares, ethics scandal focus of Capitol Hill hearing
Max Smith, WTOP-FM (Online)A potential return of at least some of the hours Metro cut a few years ago and possible fare increases or naming rights sales were among issues that came up Tuesday at a congressional oversight hearing on the transit agency.
Members also questioned Metro’s General Manager Paul Wiedefeld, Board Chairman Paul Smedberg, Inspector General Geoff Cherrington and Washington Metrorail Safety Commission CEO David Mayer about safety and security issues, the need for additional customer service improvements, Silver Line concrete concerns and the botched handling of an ethics probe into then-Metro Board Chairman Jack Evans.
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In the News: U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, Key Democrat In Trump Impeachment Inquiry, Has Died At The Age Of 68
October 17, 2019
U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, Key Democrat In Trump Impeachment Inquiry, Has Died At The Age Of 68
Mike Hellgren, WJZ-TV (CBS)BALTIMORE (WJZ)– Representative Elijah Cummings died early Thursday morning at the Gilchrist Hospice Care, a Johns Hopkins affiliate, according to his office.
He was 68.
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In the News: House to vote this month on legislation to combat foreign interference in elections
October 11, 2019
House to vote this month on legislation to combat foreign interference in elections
Maggie Miller, The HillThe House will vote on legislation later this month aimed at limiting foreign interference in U.S. elections after a bipartisan report from the Senate Intelligence Committee this week called on Congress to take action on the issue.
The move by House Democrats is likely to place additional pressure on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), whom Democrats have targeted on election security.
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In the News: Your Voice: Rep. John Sarbanes
October 2, 2019
Your Voice: Rep. John Sarbanes
WBFF-TV (Online)
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In the News: Sarbanes on Impeachment and Ukraine
September 27, 2019
Sarbanes on Impeachment and Ukraine
Maryland Public Television (‘State Circle’)
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In the News: Democrats press Senate to take up overhaul of campaigns and ethics
September 27, 2019
Democrats press Senate to take up overhaul of campaigns and ethics
Kate Ackley, Roll CallAs House Democrats pursue an impeachment inquiry based largely on possible campaign finance violations against President Donald Trump, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other House Democrats sought a fresh spotlight for their stalled political money, ethics and elections overhaul measure.
The House passed the bill by a vote of 234-193 along party lines on March 8, 200 days ago, the California Democrat noted.