Chris Van Hollen

Special tax carve-outs are highly discussed in Congress as lawmakers seek to address voters' affordability concerns ahead of midterms. Proposals covering areas like utility bills, health care, tips, and car loans are modeled after provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The trend has generated frustration among some conservatives regarding code clutter, while progressives worry about lost funding dollars; meanwhile, fiscal hawks raise concerns over shrinking the tax base.

The article addresses the political labeling of policies like expanded health coverage or higher taxes, arguing that these measures are not socialist because they do not abolish private property or transfer control to a collective. The piece emphasizes that true socialism and communism fundamentally concern who owns the means of production, while routine modern policy discussions operate within a capitalist framework.

Democratic senators continue to back Maine Senate nominee Troy Jackson despite a report claiming he fathered two children with his second cousin. The allegations surfaced after former candidate Graham Platner dropped out of the primary following previous scandals. Lawmakers, including Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, focused instead on the importance of Democrats winning swing state races in Maine.

Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated Haley Stevens in Michigan’s U.S. Senate primary, positioning him to face Republican Mike Rogers in November. His win reflects progressive gains and internal Democratic Party divisions, with establishment figures backing Stevens while El-Sayed campaigns on progressive policies like Medicare for All and campaign finance reform.

U.S. Senate Democrats criticized the Department of Education's plan to transfer its special education programs and civil rights enforcement responsibilities to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Justice Department, respectively. Advocates and former officials expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on students with disabilities and civil rights protections.

Abdul El-Sayed's win in Michigan marks the second primary defeat of a candidate supported by Chuck Schumer, increasing potential opposition to his Senate leadership. Multiple Democratic candidates, including El-Sayed, Juliana Stratton, and Troy Jackson, have expressed support for replacing Schumer with Chris Van Hollen.

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary over U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, positioning him to face Mike Rogers in the November general election. The victory strengthens the Democratic Party’s progressive wing and highlights the importance of the Senate seat in Democrats’ efforts to flip control.

U.S. Senate Democrats criticized the Department of Education's plan to transfer special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, a move part of President Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle the department. The transfers include moving special education programs to the Department of Health and Human Services and civil rights enforcement to the Justice Department, with Democrats arguing the Education Department is better equipped to handle these responsibilities.

U.S. Senate Democrats criticized the Department of Education's plan to transfer special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, arguing these moves undermine expertise and harm students with disabilities. The transfers, part of efforts to dismantle the Education Department, would shift responsibilities to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Justice Department.

U.S. Senate Democrats criticized the Department of Education's plan to transfer special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, calling it part of President Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle the department. Critics argue the Health and Human Services and Justice Departments lack expertise to manage these responsibilities, risking harm to students with disabilities and civil rights protections.

U.S. Senate Democrats criticized the Department of Education's plan to transfer special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, a move seen as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle the department. Critics argued the Health and Human Services and Justice Departments lack the expertise to handle these responsibilities, which include managing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and investigating student discrimination complaints.

U.S. Senators, including Chris Van Hollen, urged the State Department to halt arms sales to external actors like the United Arab Emirates to prevent further atrocities in Sudan and end the conflict. The letter highlights concerns over UAE's role in arming the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen accused Republicans in Congress of acting as 'gelatinous blobs' and 'rubber stamps' for ceding authority to Donald Trump regarding his war on Iran. They claimed the Republican-controlled Congress has surrendered its constitutional authority to the president.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen attempted to advance a bill (S. 2106) to create a legal pathway for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders in the U.S. Senate, but his request for unanimous consent was blocked by Sen. Eric Schmitt. The effort followed a Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to end TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, risking imminent deportations to countries facing violence and instability.

A U.S. Senate bill (S. 2106) aimed at creating a legal pathway for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders was blocked by Republican Senator Eric Schmitt after Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen sought to advance it. The bill responds to a Supreme Court decision enabling the Trump administration to end TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, risking imminent deportations to countries with ongoing instability.

A Senate bill aiming to provide a legal pathway for Haitian and Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders was blocked by Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt. The bill, S. 2106, seeks to address the Supreme Court's decision allowing the Trump administration to terminate TPS protections, which could lead to deportations to countries deemed unsafe by the U.S. State Department.

A U.S. Senate bill (S. 2106) aimed at creating a legal pathway for immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was blocked by Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt after Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen sought unanimous consent to expedite it. The bill responds to a Supreme Court decision upholding the Trump administration's efforts to end TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, who face imminent deportation to countries with unsafe conditions.

A U.S. Senate bill (S. 2106) aimed at creating a legal pathway for immigrants with Temporary Protected Status was blocked by Republican Senator Eric Schmitt after Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen sought unanimous consent to advance it. The bill responds to a Supreme Court decision enabling the Trump administration to continue terminating TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, risking their deportation to countries with ongoing violence and instability.

A Senate bill aiming to create a legal pathway for immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was blocked by Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt, preventing action to halt imminent deportations of Haitians and Syrians. The Supreme Court's recent decision allowed the Trump administration to continue ending TPS protections, risking deportation to countries with ongoing violence and instability.

A rally in Ferndale, Michigan, featured U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed seeking support from former state Sen. Mallory McMorrow's voters. Warren criticized corporate PAC influence in the race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, while U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal also attended, endorsing El-Sayed's electability.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, which includes a race against Abdul El-Sayed, supported by figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The primary winner will face Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers in November for a key Senate seat previously held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters.

The House passed a resolution to halt U.S. military action in Iran with a 214-208 vote, while the Senate rejected a similar measure. The war, initiated by joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in late February, has faced criticism for lacking a clear strategy, and President Trump declared a previous ceasefire over. The White House dismissed the resolutions as non-binding, emphasizing constitutional authority to act against Iran.

Democrats are preparing to oppose a Trump administration nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, citing concerns over lack of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight and the timing amid the Iran war. The deal aims to strengthen US-Saudi relations and benefit the US nuclear industry, but lawmakers question its compliance with nonproliferation standards.

Republicans in Congress continue to support the Iran war despite public disapproval and rising costs, with lawmakers defending President Trump's decisions while facing pressure to demand more information. The conflict has led to increased military spending, including $37.5 billion, and escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, as Democrats push for congressional approval votes.

Republicans in Congress continue to support the Iran war despite public disapproval and rising political risks ahead of midterms. Lawmakers face pressure over escalating costs, gas prices, and U.S. military actions in the Strait of Hormuz, while polls show most Americans believe the war is not worth fighting.

Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, played a key role in blocking foreign aid cuts during the first Trump administration and restoring USAID funding after Elon Musk’s DOGE effort. His bipartisan work, particularly in global health funding like PEPFAR, was highlighted by lawmakers and advocates as critical to saving lives worldwide.

Former federal workers and lawmakers gathered at the U.S. Capitol to commemorate one year since the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts, which displaced tens of thousands of State Department and USAID employees. Attendees criticized the abrupt job losses, arguing the reductions harmed humanitarian and health programs and failed to improve efficiency.

Senate Democrats, including Bernie Sanders, are refraining from intervening in Maine's Senate primary to let residents decide their nominee. The party faces internal division after Graham Platner's political downfall and is avoiding backing unknown candidates. The shift aims to avoid repeating past failures in defeating Sen. Susan Collins.

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh avoided detailed answers during Senate testimony on AI's impact on inflation, his communication with President Donald Trump, and the Fed's approach to assessing inflation persistence. He emphasized independence from political pressure and downplayed recent positive inflation data, citing imperfect measures and a task force to evaluate data sources.

Four Democratic senators from Maryland and Virginia have sent a letter to the Department of the Interior, expressing concerns over the Trump administration's plan to redevelop the East Potomac Golf Links. The senators allege the administration prematurely canceled a lease held by the National Links Trust and seek transparency regarding the project's impact on affordability, accessibility, and environmental compliance.

Four Democratic senators from Maryland and Virginia sent a letter to the Department of the Interior demanding answers about the Trump administration's plan to redevelop East Potomac Golf Links. They expressed concerns that canceling the lease of the National Links Trust, which managed the course, could reduce affordability and accessibility for public users. The senators requested a transparent plan addressing costs, environmental compliance, and preservation of public access.

Four Democratic senators from Maryland and Virginia sent a letter to the Department of the Interior demanding answers about the Trump administration's plan to redevelop East Potomac Golf Links. They expressed concerns over the cancellation of the National Links Trust's lease and potential impacts on the course's affordability and accessibility. The senators requested a transparent plan by July 20 to address public access, environmental regulations, and preservation of historic elements.

Senators from Maryland and Virginia have sent a letter to the Interior Department and National Park Service seeking detailed information about the Trump administration's plans to redevelop East Potomac Park's golf course. The letter criticizes the lack of public disclosure and transparency regarding design changes, funding, and potential impacts on park features like the Hains Point bicycle trail and historic cherry trees.

Four senators from Maryland and Virginia sent a letter to the Department of the Interior demanding transparency about the Trump administration’s plan to redevelop the East Potomac Golf Links, which involves canceling the lease of the National Links Trust. The senators expressed concerns about the impact on affordability, accessibility, and environmental compliance, requesting answers to eight specific questions by July 20.

President Donald Trump's plan to renovate the East Potomac Golf Links has drawn criticism from four Democratic senators from Maryland and Virginia, who sent a letter to the Department of the Interior expressing concerns over the cancellation of the National Links Trust's lease and potential impacts on the course's affordability and accessibility.

Four Democratic senators from Maryland and Virginia sent a letter to the Department of the Interior, expressing concerns over the Trump administration's plan to redevelop East Potomac Golf Links. They criticized the premature cancellation of the National Links Trust's lease and demanded transparency regarding the project's affordability, environmental compliance, and impact on public access.

US Democrats are urging a debate on proposals to strengthen US-Israel ties before advancing military legislation. A group led by Senator Chris Van Hollen seeks to block new military spending until the Senate addresses these proposals, reflecting growing divisions within the Democratic Party over its stance on Israel.

Gavin Newsom urges Democrats to embrace socialist candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, rejecting claims they threaten the party. He advocates for a 'big tent' approach to attract voters, echoing similar sentiments from other Democrats like Chris Van Hollen and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez following socialist primary wins.

Maryland's congressional delegation emphasized the need for affordable housing after President Donald Trump canceled a signing ceremony for a bipartisan housing bill. Lawmakers, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Reps. Kweisi Mfume and Andy Harris, called for the bill's immediate enactment, which Trump refused to sign until Congress passes his proposed SAVE AMERICA ACT.

President Donald Trump’s renovations in Washington, DC, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, have sparked debate over their cost to taxpayers, with some criticizing the projects as excessive and others defending them as necessary maintenance. The Trump administration has undertaken numerous construction projects, potentially costing over $1 billion, with critics alleging favoritism toward contractors and defenders citing long-neglected repairs.