Workgroup: Engaging Elected Officials

Mission Statement

To establish relationships with federal, state and local elected officials in Frederick County districts in order to amplify the efforts of our elected officials fighting the changes imposed by the Republican administration and mitigating the damage on our community, state and country.

5Bullets

Click here to access our weekly brief on what our federal representatives are engaged in

September 8

Senator Angela Alsobrooks

· September 8 – Released statement amplifying WNP report of Republican lawmakers expressing reservations about RFK

· September 5 – Appeared on MSNBC All In with Chris Hayes. Interview posted on X at https://x.com/Sen_Alsobrooks/status/1964126681561432575.

· September 4 – With 22 senators, filed Resolution of Disapproval against RFK

· September 4 - Senator Alsobrooks and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) released a damning 54-page report chronicling at least one example of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s costly, chaotic, and corrupt actions from every day he has served as Secretary.

· September 3 – Posted support for a strong Nuclear Regulatory Commission workforce, despite the President’s attempts to erode the NRC’s independence and mission.

Senator Chris Van Hollen

· September 5 - Van Hollen, Norton file bills to grant D.C. full control over its National Guard, Police

· September 5 – MD Delegation announce $1.1M+ to support students in Baltimore-area community colleges

· September 3 - With Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Representative Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) released the following statement after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr announced the FCC would vote to overturn its rule allowing schools and libraries to use their E-Rate funds to loan Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators

· September 3 – Posted support for judge ruling in favor of Harvard Un in face of Trump cuts

· September 3 – Posted against “backdoor, national sales tax...to help pay for [billionaire tax cuts]”

Representative April McClain Delaney

· September 8 – Posted about recent meeting with UFWC Local 1994 president

· September 6 – Posted about return visit to Washington County Boys and Girls Club now in their new building

· September 6 – Posted about joining Frederick County Government for Farm Bureau’s Soil Smart Farm Day

· September 4 – As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced the Protecting Agricultural Borrower Information Act, to prevent DOGE from accessing Americans’ most sensitive financial information under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including databases managed by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Congressmen Jim Costa (D-CA) and John Larson (D-CT) co-leading the effort.

· September 4 - Released a statement denouncing the House Majority’s Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

September 2

Senator Angela Alsobrooks

· August 28 – Hosted in-person town hall at Hood College with Representative April McClain Delaney to answer constituent questions. Summary of my notes on topics covered:

o MN mass shooting and gun control

o AMD to connect with FEMA Director to secure funds for Western MD

o Medicaid cuts – rural hospitals expected to close in District 6

o Gaza ceasefire, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, prospect of National Guard deployment to MD, cost of living increases, how to counter anti-science movement (win back the House and Senate), 2034 social security insolvency by requiring those making more than $400K to continue to pay into SS / raising cap

o Fielded how they represent both Democrat and Republican constituents

o Interesting tidbit: Senator Alsobrooks attends weekly bipartisan prayer breakfast. Relationship building has led to 2 pieces of her legislation being signed into law and currently working with AL senator on homelessness legislation

o Sponsor on Tarriff Transparency Act as part of Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee

· August 28 – While in Frederick for town hall, met with Frederick Health re legislation to support treatment for fibroids in women

· August 28 – Attended National Organization of Black Women in Law Enforcement's 40th Annual Scholarship Luncheon

· August 28 – Released another statement calling for RFK to be fired

· August 27 – Eastern Shore visit

Senator Chris Van Hollen

· September 2 – released statement about politicizing law enforcement in Baltimore, “Trump’s bloviating and theatrics are a distraction”

· August 31 – traveled to AFB in Jordan regarding humanitarian relief efforts for Gaza

· August 29 - Van Hollen, Alsobrooks announce $1.2M+ to support Eastern Shore college students

· August 28 – with MD delegation, urged USDA to keep Beltsville Agricultural Research Center open, detailing harms to American farmers if shuttered

· August 27 - Van Hollen, Alsobrooks announce $600K+ to support Western MD college students

Representative April McClain Delaney

· September 2 – Wished everyone fantastic start to school year (Garrett County started today)

· September 2 – Visted Flintstone, MD at Robinette Farm; met with Maryland Farm Bureau Allegany County Farm Bureau

· September 1 – Walked in Gaithersburg Labor Day parade with staff and District 6 supporters

· August 28 – With 9 colleagues, sent letter to the Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), requesting immediate clarification on how Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) applicants may use nondeployment funds under the recently issued BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice (BRPN) published on June 6th, 2025

· August 28 – Frederick Town Hall with Senator Alsobrooks. A few more notes from AMD:

o Focused on future career development and training (aka Workforce Development) vis a vis rising cost of living

o Member of Science, Space and Technology Committee

August 25

Senator Angela Alsobrooks

· August 25 – Released statement “The Trump Administration has made it clear: they are callously using Kilmar Ábrego García as a pawn and a distraction. We live in a nation of laws, and as much as Trump may hate it, Kilmar Ábrego García is entitled to due process.”

· August 25 – Attended Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Zeta Sigma Chapter’s 40th Annual Crab Feast in Baltimore

· August 22 – Posted invite to Frederick community discussion with Rep McClain Delaney https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgvXzHlMoFKn12E1-Z60ww-oYejSqwzx9NHLMrkMbWveKnBA/viewform

· August 19 – Posted commentary on news report about tariff impacts on consumer pricing and inflation

· August 19 – Posted that her office to work closely with state agencies and monitor explosion aboard cargo vessel W-Sapphire near the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge late Monday

Senator Chris Van Hollen

· August 25 – Released statement “While ICE is holding Kilmar Ábrego García and keeping his lawyers in the dark as to what is next for him, Administration officials continue to spread lies about the facts in his case. Instead of spewing unproven allegations in the press and social media, the Trump Administration needs to put up or shut up in court and allow Mr. Ábrego García the opportunity to defend himself. That is the right to due process that he and everyone else living in America is afforded by our Constitution, and we will keep fighting to ensure that right is honored.”

· August 24 – Met virtually with Kilmar Ábrego García

· August 22 – Released statement about Kilmar Ábrego García

· August 22 - Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $1 Million to Support Eastern Shore Airports funded through Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program part of 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

· August 21 - Viewed impact of FEMA cuts on City of Crisfield’s flood mitigation efforts and shared efforts to restore $36 million in federal funding from the BRIC program for Crisfield

Representative April McClain Delaney

· August 25 – Kicked off district community meeting tour, Allegany Community College meeting

· August 25 – Posted support for Garrett County priorities discussed at MACo (attainable, affordable housing for families, workers, and seniors, and Appalachian Regional Commission)

· August 25 – Interviewed on WYPR On the Record about how Republican Administration cuts affect rural areas differently than cities and suburbs

· August 25 – Announced office accepting Service Academy nominations

· August 21 - In Bipartisan push with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski, Maryland Congressional Delegation urged Administration to reverse denial of Federal Disaster Assistance for Allegany and Garrett Counties

August 18

Senator Angela Alsobrooks

August 18 – Decried Trump Administration $36M flood mitigation funding cuts from Crisfield, MD (Eastern Shore)

August 14 – Tested positive for COVID

August 13 – Posted comment about focus on protecting Chesapeake Bay

Senator Chris Van Hollen

August 15 – Posted response to court ruling that Trump administration CFPB (Credit Bureau credited with returning billions of dollars to scammed consumers) cannot be blocked from reducing staff

August 15 - With 30 Colleagues in demand EPA obey the law and Restore Solar for All and other Green Bank program funding

August 15 – With Senators Klobuchar and Schmitt, introduced bipartisan Able Employment Flexibility Act to allow employers to contribute to ABLE account in lieu of 401(k)

August 14 - Urged Trump Administration to address community disruptions from Navy ships at Port of Baltimore due to 2 Navy ships being docked there with no apparent mission to be there or estimated departure date

August 13 – With Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced four bills that would institute a moratorium on reductions in force (RIF) at federal science agencies under the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s jurisdiction, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

April McClain Delaney

August 18 – Shared her 36th anniversary on Facebook post

August 18 – Celebrated reopening on Garrett County public library while vowing to escalate denial of FEMA funding for on-going flood recovery

August 18 – Posted photo ops from MACO (Maryland Association of Counties), well-attended by local elected officials and community leaders

August 15 – Vowed to keep fighting to restore SNAP-Ed funding

August 14 – Marked 90th anniversary of Social Security Act

August 11

Angela Alsobrooks

August 11 – Posted opposition to DC Police takeover, pointing out Trump blocked DC spending its funds on public safety

August 6 – Marked 60th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act

August 6 – Called for firing RFK for cancelling vaccine funds

August 4 – Posted about Trump federal worker purge targeting NASA, impacting Goddard Space Center in MD

August 2 – Posted opposition to defunding Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Chris Van Hollen

August 11 – Posted outrage about revocation of Worcester County funds for highway project intended to reconnect communities divided by past highway project

August 11 – With Rep Holmes Nortan, announced plan to introduce bill to give DC back control of Police

August 6 – Supported bipartisan effort to secure $2M to support invasive blue catfish processing to address danger to Chesapeake Bay

August 5 – Wrote Ambassador Huckabee urging diplomatic efforts to protect Christian religious freedom in holy lands

July 31 – With Senator Blunt Rochester, introduced the Fresh Start Act, to support state record expungement automation to help formerly incarcerated Americans successfully rejoin their communities.

April McClain Delaney

August 11 – Joined National Capital Region Delegation in opposition to Trump’s police actions in DC

August 8 – WCBCRadio.com reports Rep McClain Delaney secured $3.8M funding for Allegany County projects

August 7 – MD06 Newsletter sent with 3 tidbits: 1) Rep McClain Delaney is only MD Rep on House Agriculture Committee, 2) Joined Agri-Pulse, 3) Requested Farm Service Agency to address reports of private farmers’ data being accessed inappropriately.

August 7 – Hosted members of Frederick County Teachers Association

July 30 – Joined Rep Ellsworth at Frederick County Democrats Plowfish event

July 28

Angela Alsobrooks

July 28 – Alsobrooks with Sen Van Hollen and Representatives Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, Johnny Olszewski, Jr., and Sarah Elfreth, denied entrance to Baltimore ICE facility

July 24 - Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, Governor Wes Moore, and Representatives Steny Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth, Johnny Olszewski and April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.), released the statement advocating to retain the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

July 24 – Co-chaired “The Road Ahead: Proposals to Improve America’s Transportation Infrastructure” as ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on the Environment and Public Works Committee. MD DOT Samantha Biddle testified. Supporting legislation to allow states to transfer federal funds among programs.

July 24 - Joined Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and four Senate colleagues in introducing new legislation to address appraisal bias in the home buying and selling processes related to Housing Appraisals.

July 24 – Released statement with Sen Van Hollen against Trump denial of Maryland’s request for a presidential disaster declaration to support the recovery efforts in Allegany and Garrett Counties following the flash flooding that occurred in May

Chris Van Hollen

July 28 – ICE Facility visit video posted on Facebook

July 27 – Sen Van Hollen and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led 19 of their Senate colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration for answers on the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators called on the Administration to immediately cease funding for GHF and restore support for existing United Nations aid distribution mechanisms.

July 25 - With Angela Alsobrooks, urged the Trump Administration to immediately release federal funds that have been withheld from Maryland-based grantees of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a U.S. Department of Labor program that provides community service and work-based job training resources for low-income and unemployed older Americans. Withholding funds is putting our neighbors at risk of food, housing, and financial insecurity.

July 24 - Led 28 Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Attorney General Pam Bondi calling on the Administration to conduct an independent investigation into the death of Saifullah Kamel Musallet, an American citizen recently killed near the West Bank town of Sinjil.

July 23 - Released statement regarding Judge Xinis’ ruling that Kilmar Abrego Garcia must be returned to Maryland upon release in the Tennessee proceedings

April McClain Delaney

July 28 – Appeared on The Hill – DC News Now to discuss denial of FEMA funding to rebuild Westernport

July 28 – Met with Hagerstown municipal leaders regarding $1M+ funding for San Mar Housing for Transition-Age Youth and $850K for Hagerstown’s bridge repair program the Representative secures through Community Project Funding

July 28 – Announced launch of the bipartisan Congressional Deafblind Caucus with Rep. Morgan McGarvey. “This Caucus isn’t about politics—it’s about people. The Deafblind community has shaped our world, and their perspectives must be part of the decisions that affect them. Now, they’ll finally have the Congressional support they deserve.”

July 26 – Marked anniversary of ADA

July 26 – Celebrated 250th anniversary of US Postal Service

July 13 – This past week has been All About a Bill

Angela Alsobrooks

July 11 – Attended Delta Sigma Theta 57th national congress in DC
July 11 – Posted concern for those affected by Baltimore mass overdose incident
July 11 – Co-signs letter to Trump condemning accepting Qatari plane
July 10 – Teamed up with Republican Representative Kevin Cramer (ND) to challenge closure of Economic Development Administration – Congress authorized $1B in 2024 funding 583 projects across the country.
July 9 – Highlighted NIH Cuts Prompt Layoffs at University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

Chris Van Hollen

July 12 – Comments on SSA rolling back restrictions for filing for benefits by phone
July 11 – Senate Foreign Relations Committee letter to Marco Rubio objecting to State Department reductions in force
July 10 – As ranking member of an appropriations subcommittee proposed bi-partisan amendment to prohibit Congressionally approved funds from being used to move FBI anywhere but Greenbelt. Did not pass.
July 10 – As member of Senate Foreign Relations committee, reintroduced bipartisan Young African Leaders Initiative Act.
July 9 - U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and John Curtis (R-Utah), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, & International Cybersecurity Policy, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to support Taiwan’s ability to participate in international organizations as China continues working to curtail Taiwan’s influence in global affairs.

April McClain Delaney

July 13 – Posts about pushing IRS to fix staffing shortages delaying returns and inviting constituents to request help https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/contact
July 11 – Attends celebration of C&O Canal historic building project funded by Great American Outdoors Act
July 11 – Requested $2.5M federal Community Project Funding for Town of Oakland, MD aging water system
July 10 – Town Hall at MCCC with MD Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Attorney General Anthony Brown. I attended (front row seat!) – Comptroller released report assessing impact of Federal budget on MD to provide data for response and mitigation efforts. Silver lining (if there can be one) – announced new program to support Affordable Housing in MD based on previously allocated funding.
July 10 – Comments on support for advocating for Medicaid in light of budget cuts “though it won’t happen for years” – this is the kicker about BBB – many cuts don’t take effect until after the midterms. My 2 cents: leading into the midterms, arguments will be democrats are spinning fear; post-midterms, Administration will be ready to blame democrats.

Recommended Action Items

Click here to sign up for elected officials' newsletters, send them stories about how the Trump administration's changes have affected you personally, attend local government meetings and more!

Sign up for our elected officials newsletters:
- 1. Senator Chris Van Hollen: https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/contact/newsletter-sign-up
  2. Senator Angela Alsobrooks: https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/services/newsletter/
  3. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney - http://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/contact/newsletter-subscribe
  4. Jessica Fitzwater – Frederick County Executive newsletter: https://frederickcountymd.gov/5931/County-Executive

Take Congresswoman April McClain Delaney’s Spot Polls
- 1. - You can find this in her newsletter – Help her understand what we think is important!

Submit stories about how the Trump administration’s changes have personally affected you to our Senators and Congress people:

a. After speaking with our Senators and Congresswoman – it has been repeatedly asked by all three of them that we take the time to submit stories to their websites about the impacts of the changes the Trump Administration has made. If you have been personally affected, or know anyone personally affected, by any changes made from this administration – PLEASE consider writing testimonials on all three websites. These stories are vital if they need to pursue a lawsuit, need to reach out to talk to constituents to gain more information, or need people to testify or share their experiences/concerns.

b. Below are the three websites for sharing your experiences. It is recommended that you submit your story to ALL websites. Thank you for taking your time to share your individual experiences.

Senator Van Hollen: https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/share-how-president-trumps-executive-orders-are-impacting-you-or-your-family
Senator Alsobrooks: https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
Congresswoman Delaney: https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/contact/email-me
Congressman Raskin: https://raskin.house.gov/email-jamie

Attend Local Meetings: Our goal is to have at least one Rise Up Frederick member at the following meetings:

a. City Council Regular Public Meeting

Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 6 P.M, City Hall Boardroom. This is a formal meeting where the City Council votes on agenda items.

b. County Council Meetings:

Tuesdays @ 5:30 PM at 1st floor hearing room, Winchester Hall
Listen to the meeting via phone: Call 855-925-2801 and enter code 8365
Call 855-925-2801 and enter code 8365, press *2 to record a voicemail message that will be transcribed and forwarded to the Council Members.
Call 855-925-2801 and enter code 8365, press *3 to be placed in a muted queue to speak during public comment.

c. Immigrant Affairs Commission

https://frederickcountymd.gov/8282/Immigrant-Affairs-Commission
Meetings will be held on the fourth (4th) Wednesday of each month
At 5PM at Winchester Hall

d. Board of Education Meetings

https://www.fcps.org/boe/meeting-schedule
July: 9 – CANCELED; August: 6,27; September: 10, 24; November: 5,19; December: 10 @ 3 pm
October: 8, 22 – October 15th is community listening session

e. Board of Election Meetings: Next meeting July 9, 2025 @ 2pm. Follow this link for agenda and more information on meetings: https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/1198/Board-of-Elections