Latest news with #ChrisVanHollen
Al Jazeera
2 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Senator Van Hollen: Netanyahu ‘outsmarted' Trump on Iran
US President Donald Trump has made his administration 'a subcontractor, a junior partner' to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's objectives in the Middle East, argues Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. As the president mulls further involvement in Israel's attack on Iran, Senator Van Hollen tells host Steve Clemons that 'This notion that you can just drop a few big bombs and be done with it misunderstands history, because there is a real risk that the United States will get dragged deeper and deeper into this war.' Van Hollen also criticised the US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as 'death traps' for Palestinians.
The Hill
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Senators call for security funding uptick as Minnesota shootings spook Capitol Hill
Senators on Tuesday pleaded with top Capitol Police officials for an uptick in member security funding in the wake of the fatal shooting of a Minnesota state legislator. The killing of Melissa Hortman, a Democratic former Speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband over the weekend sent a chill down the spine of lawmakers who were already concerned about the heightened political rhetoric and increasing number of threats against officials. That prompted the Capitol Police and the Senate sergeant at arms to hold a briefing for members, during which multiple lawmakers made the case for more security funding. 'We need a more systematic approach to dealing with the security threats. The security threats are clearly going up and I think we need an overall plan and we need better security,' said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who attended the briefing. 'It's both funding and coordination, and general situational awareness,' he continued. 'If threats are coming in against members, it might help to ensure everybody's aware of it because everyone else may be experiencing something similar and we'd be able to be on the lookout.' The briefing came at the request of Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) days after an assailant, later identified by police as Vance Boelter, 57, killed Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman (D-Minn.) and his wife, Yvette. According to Schumer, members on both sides of the aisle — Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and David McCormick (R-Pa.) — called for spending to be increased to boost the security of senators. 'The Capitol police and the [Senate] Sergeant at Arms gave a very detailed discussion about how they can protect members here, back in our states, in our homes, in our offices. The violences, the threats against elected officials, including people in the Senate, has dramatically increased,' the Democratic leader said. 'That means we need more protection. We need more money,' he said. 'The rhetoric that's encouraging violence is coming from too many powerful in this country. We need firm, strong denouncement of all violence and violent rhetoric. That should be from the president and all of the elected officials.' Members were largely hesitant to discuss in-depth the issues that emerged from the meeting, especially as it concerns their own security. It's not unusual for members to shy away from delving into those details. But what lawmakers have made clear is that they are increasingly worried about these threats. According to Capitol Police, 9,474 threats made against lawmakers, their families and staff were investigated in 2024 — an increase from just over 8,000 the year prior and setting a new bar in the process. But whether the price tag will go up remains a question. Capitol Police has requested roughly $1 billion in funding for Fiscal year 2026. Thomas Manger, who recently departed his post atop the department, warned senators last month that there is a pressing need for more funds due to the 'increased threat climate,' even as the Trump administration tries to take a hatchet to funding across the government. Senators agree that this is not the right time to slice that funding. 'The prevailing feeling is we need to do more in terms of resources and encouragement of the Capitol Police. The expectation that we could adequately protect 535 people in 535 locations is daunting but certainly not impossible,' Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said. 'We're living in a moment where we probably have to do more — whatever that might be,' Cramer added, noting that he has asked for more patrols from the local sheriff's office in his home state. Authorities say that Boelter also had compiled a 'kill list' of 45 Democratic political officials, which featured a number of other Minnesota lawmakers. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and a group of House members were also among those listed The shooting in Minnesota also came less than a year after the first of two assassination attempts against President Trump, which also brought security under the microscope for politicians. It is also reminiscent of other attempts on lawmakers' lives, including the near-fatal shootings of former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) in 2011 and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) in 2017. Some senators said they have gone beyond what was offered through official congressional channels to secure their homes. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R) on Monday laid out the vast security upgrades he has made at his ranch in Oklahoma given the rising threats, saying that he has raised security concerns over the years with Capitol Police and the sergeant at arms. Among other things, Mullin said that he has bulletproof glass on the bottom part of his house, shatterproof glass at the top, cameras across the property and 'heavily trained' security dogs ready to deploy if need be. He admitted that this is a 'huge undertaking,' but pointed to a series of death threats as the reason. 'We don't just do that because we're overreacting. I'm not one to overreact on security stuff, but it's a threat,' he said, adding that agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have had to come to his house multiple times due to bomb threats. He added that he has paid out of pocket for some of those additional security expenses. Members are also able to tap into their campaign accounts to cover some security costs. 'It is unfortunately the reality that we live in and it's concerning,' he added. It should concern everybody.'
CBS News
5 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Immigration advocates ask judge to halt inhumane practices at Baltimore ICE facility
The Amica Center for Immigrant Rights and the National Immigration Project have asked a judge to halt inhumane practices at a Baltimore Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. Last month, a judge ruled that two women living in Maryland who were detained by ICE will remain in the United States after a judge's ruling in federal court to suspend their deportation. The ruling was the result of a class action lawsuit filed by the Amica Center and the National Immigration Project on behalf of the two women, whose attorneys said were living in Maryland lawfully. Attorneys say facility conditions are "inhumane" The attorneys said that ICE was illegally holding the two women and that they were subjected to inhumane conditions. The women were being held in holding rooms at the George Fallon Federal Building downtown before being moved to other facilities in New Jersey and Denver, Colorado, the attorneys said. Immigrant advocacy organizations and state leaders have said that conditions inside the Baltimore federal building are of concern. In March, community members rallied outside the building where detainees were being held. Staffers for U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) also visited the ICE holding facility in downtown Baltimore in March. After their visit, Van Hollen and Alsobrooks sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Todd Lyons, addressing reports about the conditions detainees have experienced in the holding rooms at the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in the Baltimore Field Office. The letter included concerns about the duration that detainees were being held, the proportion of detainees to room size, lack of medical staff on site, and the absence of a food service contract.
CBS News
7 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
'No Kings' movement gains momentum as thousands of Marylanders take to the streets
Thousands of people attended several protests across Maryland as part of the nationwide 'No Kings' movement Saturday. One of the largest demonstrations took place at Patterson Park in East Baltimore. "This is our fight," said Kelsey Johnston, who attended one of Baltimore's protests. "This is our moment." Demonstrators said they're taking a stance against policies coming from the Trump Administration. "The politicization of the military," Johnston said. "That is something that should never be happening." "You got money to spend money on a military parade while at the same time you're saying the government is in debt and cutting from those who need it the most," Daniel Fien-Helfman, another protester, said. "It's just been really hard with the Medicaid cuts, and everyone is struggling financially," said protestor Stephanie Puszka. Maryland senator joins 'No Kings' protests A crowd of people packed the park for speeches from Senator Chris Van Hollen and Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen. "So are we going to stand together united against bullies and again say 'No Kings' in the United States of America?" Senator Van Hollen said. Following several speeches in the middle of Patterson Park, they marched around the area with signs in hand. "Right now the power is in the people," Ronoldo Appleton, another protester, said. "The more people that show up, the more impact we can have." Bel Air rallies In Harford County, protestors marched along Main Street in Bel Air. They gathered outside the office of Congressman Andy Harris, calling on him to step up. "He needs to exercise the power of Congress to restrain what this president is doing," said DeLane Lewis, the president of Together We Will Harford County. "Stop this rampant grab for power that is happening right now. "Are you listening, Andy Harris?" said Louanne Calvin, who marched in Bel Air. "We the people are not happy right now." Calvin was surprised to see the large crowd of people who joined her on Saturday afternoon. "I've never seen that many people in Harford County, Maryland, out on the streets," she said. "This is a very, I would say, red district." Protestors said they're advocating and amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities. "Everyone is equal under the law and should have due process," Calvin said. "We're just raising our voice to say, 'You do not have a mandate.'"
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
A parade — of speakers — and a hint of rain at annual Hoyer bull roast, but no hints on his plans
Rep. Steny Hoyer thanks friends and fellow Democrats Friday at his 44th annual bull roast at Newton White Mansion in Prince George's County. A cake was brought out to celebrate his 86th birthday, which is June 14. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) For almost an hour, the speakers at Rep. Steny Hoyer's (D-5th) 44th annual bull roast took turns heaping praise on the long-serving Democrat and heaping scorn on President Donald Trump (R). When it finally came time for him to speak, Hoyer mostly followed that script. And then he danced. Despite humid temperatures and threatening skies, and the prospect of a military parade Saturday on what happens to be Trump's 79th birthday, the overall mood was light among the hundreds who turned out to honor the dean of Maryland's congressional delegation — who turns 86 Saturday on the birthday he shares with Trump. 'We're gathered here today before Donald Trump is spending millions and millions of dollars of taxpayer money to have a parade to feed his ego on Donald Trump's birthday,' said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md). 'I can tell you, I'm not going to be anywhere near President Trump tomorrow, but I am very proud to be here to celebrate the birthday of a great American who didn't choose to have his birthday the same day as Donald Trump,' Van Hollen said. Bashing Trump and praising Hoyer served as part of the main theme Friday at the bull roast at Newton White Mansion in Prince George's County. Lawmakers including Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-4th) and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D), all of whom took a turn at the microphone. Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-3rd) chastised the Trump administration one day after U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed by federal law enforcement officials at a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The secretary held it amid multiday protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. 'The garbage that is being thrown at us [by the administration] where a group of goons threw a United States senator to the ground. It is unprecedented,' Elfreth said. 'What gives me calm on that House floor is, I can turn to Steny and sit down and say, 'This is just bulls— and what are we going to do about it?'' said Elfreth, who served long ago as an intern in Hoyer's office. 'And without a doubt, he has an answer.' One thing Hoyer didn't have the answer for Friday is whether he plans to seek a 24th term in Congress — a question that always seems to be lingering in the background of recent bull roasts. 'It'll be time for that,' Hoyer said in a brief interview after the bull roast celebration. Hoyer has been prominent in Maryland politics since before his tenure in Congress, winning a seat in the state Senate at age 27 and becoming its youngest president nine years lalter. He was elected to the House in 1981 to represent the district that currently includes portions of Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties and all three Southern Maryland counties. During that time he has risen to serve as No. 2 Democrat in the House. He has been credited with helping former President Joe Biden (D) get the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed and is seen as the quarterback behind an on-again, off-again push to relocate the aging FBI headquarters from Washington, D.C., to a site in Greenbelt in Prince George's County. After getting General Services Administration clearance for the Greenbelt site, the FBI effort has recently shifted to defense, after the Trump administration said it wants to relocate the FBI to Alabama. Hoyer has emerged as a leader of that fight Gov. Wes Moore (D) highlighted how Hoyer was instrumental in getting the Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990. 'The reason that I love Steny Hoyer is time and time again when it was hard, Steny stood up,' Moore said to an applause from some attendees. Even with all the accolades, Hoyer has at least one Democratic challenger for the 2026 primary election. Harry Jarin, 35, an emergency services consultant and volunteer firefighter who resides in Edgewater in Anne Arundel County, officially launched his candidacy for the seat May 29. 'We don't need more career politicians who can't really connect with voters and don't really understand what people go through on a daily basis just to live in this country,' Jarin said in an interview Friday afternoon. CONTACT US 'If we put someone like Steny Hoyer back up for office for a 24th term, we're sending a message to the rest of the country that we're all about the status quo and that Democrats aren't offering anything different,' he said. 'Voters made it very clear back in November that they want something different.' Jarin didn't shy away from the age differential between him and Hoyer, noting the death last month of Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), who was 75. Connolly was the third House Democrat to die in office this year. 'I don't think we should be reelecting people where we need to consult an actuary to determine whether or not they're going to survive another two-year term,' Jarin said. But for attendees at Friday's bull roast, there was no question about whether Hoyer deserves to remain in office. Prince George's County resident Henrietta Holiday recalled when she met Hoyer in 2002 at Joint Base Andrews. Holiday is an Air Force veteran. 'His relationships are genuine. When you're dealing with Steny Hoyer, you never feel like you're dealing with a politician,' Holiday said. 'I can see him running for another term. I would love to see him do what he loves for the rest of his life.' Most of the three-hour event was spent socializing between elected officials and friends, bottled water in hand on a humid day, and even some chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches for the fortunate ones. Minutes before the bull roast ended, Hoyer was presented a birthday cake. Then he decided to do a little dance. 'Ladies and gentlemen: Tomorrow, I want you to do something for me. When that parade comes on, you say, 'That parade for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army — and Steny Hoyer,'' he said. 'God bless you.'
