Dear Friends,
I wish each of you a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year as we bring 2015 to a close, and look ahead to the promise of 2016.
As is often the case, 2015 had its share of legislative successes and disappointments. Being selected to co-chair the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee was a great way to start the year. Working with Leader Nancy Pelosi and co-chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), we held forums to highlight critical issues, including domestic violence and guns and skyrocketing prescription drug costs.
I was then appointed by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to the conference committee to negotiate the final legislation, I was proud to work on and support the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). This bipartisan, bicameral, long-term reauthorization will fund highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier safety, hazardous materials safety, and even passenger rail programs and projects. Not only will the FAST Act help create high-wage, middle-class jobs, improve the nation’s aging infrastructure, and boost the economy, it will also provide state and local governments in Maryland and across the country with the necessary certainty to undertake large-scale, complex transportation projects for the first time in years. I championed several provisions that were included in the final transportation reauthorization (more details below).
At the same time, I am discouraged by the inaction of Congress to pass any common sense gun safety legislation. As we see on a daily basis, gun violence is an epidemic impacting communities in Maryland and throughout the country. Universal background checks, gun violence prevention research, and enhanced enforcement of the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban are immediate steps that can be taken that will help save lives. The status quo is not acceptable, and I will continue to be a vocal advocate for common-sense gun safety legislation in the New Year.
I want to also recognize my staff for their great work assisting the people of Maryland’s 4th Congressional District throughout 2015. I am proud that our team processed and closed over 650 cases, saving or returning over $3 million for constituents. We held 26 events in the district this year, including the College Fair, Small Business Workshops, Job Fair, and Nonprofit Forum that were widely attended. Many informative events are already scheduled for 2016. I invite you to visit my website to find details on upcoming events and learn more about federal issues with which my office can provide assistance.
I hope you enjoy a wonderful, safe holiday season, and I extend my best wishes to each of you for a happy New Year full of peace, health, and prosperity.
With warm regards,
Donna F. Edwards