Van Hollen, Cardin Secure Maryland Wins in Senate-Passed Funding Bill

Statement

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin applauded Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2019 Energy and Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill. As part of this legislation, the Senators worked to secure critical funding for several port maintenance projects in Maryland -- including the Port of Baltimore, Knapps Narrows, Poplar Island, and Mid-Chesapeake Bay. This legislation also supports our nation's veterans by providing $2 billion to address the maintenance backlog at Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics as well as funding for medical care and research, hospital and clinic construction, and disability and pension programs.

"This legislation includes a number of Maryland priorities -- from critical funding for our veterans' health care to investments in our state's ports, waterways, and military facilities," said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "I was proud to support this legislation, which will help ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve. Additionally, the work being done at Maryland's ports is central to our economy, and I'm glad we could secure this funding to maintain and expand these projects. I'll keep fighting for legislation that supports Maryland's priorities and economic growth throughout our state."

"Every corner of Maryland is helped in some way by the federal resources we were able to secure in this package, as well as our veterans and many of our military facilities that serve as anchors for so many communities in our state," said Senator Cardin. "Working together, using all the tools and resources of our delegation, we are creating partnerships and opportunities that will create and secure jobs, foster economic growth and protect the Chesapeake Bay and our environment for future generations."

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