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Memorial Day: Paying Tribute to Our Fallen Soldiers
May 30, 2016 marked the 147th observance of Memorial Day. This day commemorates the sacrifice of America’s service members, both from Maryland and across the country. The selfless acts of our departed service members strengthen our nation and we thank them and their families for their service and sacrifice.
Memorial Day began as an annual recognition following the conclusion of the Civil War, when government leaders established an annual Decoration Day to commemorate the fallen Union and Confederate soldiers. Since then, Decoration Day expanded to honor all fallen soldiers from every armed conflict, and came to be as known as Memorial Day.
Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve hosted district events for veterans and active duty service members. Throughout the 4th Congressional District, the most popular event is the Annual College and Career Fair which highlights the transition from active duty to civilian life. Additional programs include VETS Count: Day of Service and the Veterans History Project.
We owe our service members the continued gratitude and care their sacrifice deserves. It’s always been an honor to represent our service members in the U.S. Congress.
Proposed an Amendment to the Water Resources Development Act of 2016
Significant restoration to our nation’s infrastructure is needed in order to remain competitive in a globalized economy. The need to sustain our natural resources is a key component in achieving this goal.
During this past month, on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I was proud to propose an amendment to H.R. 5303, The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), formerly known as the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). In Maryland’s 4th Congressional District, we rely on the Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries for commerce in our region. This bill not only protects our waters, it also enables billions of dollars in economic activity in Maryland.
The amendment I introduced requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide written notice to elected officials and non-Federal entities on new developments and projects related to water resources on an annual basis. Historically, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has worked on projects to improve ecosystems surrounding Maryland’s major waterways. Groups like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and legislation like WRDA are critical to ensuring competitive and clean waterways for Maryland.
For background information on WRDA, please click here.
To read about Rep. Edwards’ previous work with the Water Resources Reform and Development (WRRDA) Conference Committee and the White House, please click here.
Leadership on Zika: Bringing Solutions to a Public Health Crisis
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(Left to Right) Mayor Mitch Landrieu (New Orleans, LA); Leader Pelosi; Dr. Anne Schuchat, Center for Disease Control (CDC); Dr. Anthony Fauci, National Institute of Health (NIH); Rep. DeLauro; and myself before the Steering and Policy Committee hearing on “The Zika Public Health Crisis: the Urgent Need for the President’s Emergency Funding Request.”
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There is no question that Zika is a true public health emergency. In the month of May, we saw legislation that did not propose adequate funding to either protect the public’s safety or stop the spread of Zika. Two bills that did not appropriately address the urgency of Zika were H.R. 897, the Zika Vector Control Act and H.R. 5243, the House Zika Response Bill.
To be clear, H.R. 897, the Zika Vector Control Act did not have anything to do with Zika or attempts to stop the threat of the Zika virus. Instead, this bill prevents the EPA from enforcing Clean Water Act provisions. This legislation puts our communities’ water supplies at risk and is an ineffective solution, as I mentioned in my floor statement.
You can watch my entire statement below:
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My floor statement on H.R. 897, the Zika Vector Control Act on May 17, 2016.
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H.R. 5243, the House Zika Response Bill, pulls funds from Ebola and other important public health programs to fund Zika. This method of reducing public health emergency funds for both Zika and Ebola responses proves problematic with the way we’re addressing public health crises in our country. Earlier in May, I moderated a hearing of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee
on “The Zika Public Health Crisis: the Urgent Need for the President’s Emergency Funding Request.” After hearing personal testimonies from Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Dr. Anne Schuchat, and Dr. Anthony Fauci it's clear full funding is needed to research vaccines and additional resources to end this medical emergency. Quickly throwing together inadequate bills is not beneficial to the public’s safety.
Promoting Sustainable Energy Policy for the 21st Century
This past month, House Leadership brought forth additional legislation that prioritizes the accelerated development of natural gas pipelines over the environment. The House amendment to S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016, is a far cry from modernizing U.S. energy policy and doubles down on our country’s outdated dependence on fossil fuels.
It undermines critical protections for endangered species and prevents federal agencies from using the best science available in their decision making. Instead of building infrastructure that preserves our natural resources, this bill exploits those resources. When construction that monetizes our natural resources trumps sustainability, it dismantles the eco-friendly legislation that was put in place to protect Maryland’s environmental future.
Annual Congressional Art Competition Reception
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Holding my Annual Congressional Art Competition at Harmony Hall Regional Center in Fort Washington, MD with 1st Place Winner, Kayla Durham, Class of 2016 of Suitland High School.
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Each year my office participates the Congressional Art Competition for all high school students in the 4th Congressional District. Students from the 4th Congressional District submit and display their art at Harmony Hall Regional Center in Fort Washington, MD in the weeks leading up to the Congressional Art Competition Reception. During the reception, judges from local high school art programs critique the students work and declare a winner. Each district winner's artwork is on display for one year in the U.S. Capitol Building.
Congratulations to our 1st place winner, Kayla Durham, Suitland High School, Class of 2016 in Suitland, Maryland. Thank you to all of the participants for putting your art on display for the public to enjoy!
For more information on the 2016 Congressional Art Competition, please click here.
2016 Commencement Address at DuVal High School
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Preparing to speak at DuVal High School’s Commencement in Lanham, MD.
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I was happy to be the commencement speaker for DuVal High School’s graduation on May 24, 2016. I would like to thank Principal Covington, the faculty at DuVal High School, parents, and graduates for inviting me to be a part of this extraordinary milestone in your lives. Your hard work and dedication to your studies have brought you to this moment, and I congratulate you on your achievements. Congratulations and good luck to all 340 graduates at DuVal High School, Class of 2016.
2016 Calendars Available
Call (301) 516-7601 to request yours.
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What:
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Nonprofit Forum
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When:
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June 28, 2016
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
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Where:
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Charles Herbert Flowers High School
10001 Ardwick Ardmore Road
Springdale, MD 20774
Map It!
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What:
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College and Career Fair & Forum
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When:
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October 15, 2016
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
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Where:
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Oxon Hill High School
6701 Leyte Drive
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Map It!
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Click here to sign up!
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What: |
The Congressional App Challenge |
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Competition
Submission Period
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July 18, 2016
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Competition
Submission Period
Closes: |
November 2, 2016
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Announcement of
Winners:
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December 2016 |
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Submit your app here!
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WMATA - Information on Track Repairs & Closures
CDC - Safety Information on Zika Virus
- CDC-RFA-TP16-1602, Public Health Preparedness and Response (PHPR) Cooperative Agreement for All-Hazards Public Health Emergencies: Zika 2016, Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control – OPHPR
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- ED-GRANTS-052316-001, Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII): Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Program CFDA Number 84.336S, Department of Education
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- FR-6000-N-21A, Fair Housing Initiative Program - Education and Outreach Initiative, Department of Housing and Urban Development
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- OWBO-2016-02, Women’s Business Center Program Renewal Grant, Small Business Administration
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Washington, D.C. Office
2445 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-8699 main
202-225-8714 fax
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Prince George's County Office
5001 Silver Hill Road, Suite 106
Suitland, Maryland 20746
301-516-7601 main
301-516-7608 fax
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