In the news this week is Trump’s G20 meeting with Putin, increased tensions in North Korea, and the continuing fight against repealing the ACA in the Senate.
Russia
Senator Cardin joined four other Democratic senators in urging President Trump to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin about Russia’s meddling in our 2016 presidential election. Instead, President Trump sought to downplay allegations of Russian interference, dismissing the intelligence community’s conclusion and seeking “a collaborative partnership” with Putin.
North Korea
Senator Van Hollen and Republican Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania have vowed to introduce legislation that would impose secondary sanctions on financial entities that do business with North Korea, which launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4.
Healthcare
Senator Cardin expressed hope that Democrats and Republicans can work together to improve Obamacare. Senator Van Hollen said that Senate Republicans need to scrap the bill they introduced before Independence Day.
Representative Cummings (MD-7) writes on health care, Republican efforts to repeal Obamacare..
Environment
Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen asked Governor Hogan to act on behalf of the state to block proposed seismic air gun testing off the mid-Atlantic coast.
Chesapeake Bay restoration funding likely to be restored (Sabanes)
Ethics
Representative Cummings (MD-7) wants Office of Government Ethics chief Walter Shaub to testify before Oversight Committee
Representative Sarbanes (MD-3) issues statement on Shaub’s resignation; Democracy Reform Task Force Update
Census
Representative Cummings (MD-7) raises concerns about unreliable cost estimates and leadership.
