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Throughout June, we celebrate the immigrant heritage of most Americans, recognizing the hardships endured by our forebears and recognizing the contributions of those who came here to build a better life and helped build a better country in the process.

As we celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month, I join in recognizing the many important contributions that LGBTQ Americans have made to our country.

I join in remembering all those who have fallen in defense of our nation today and all who have served. From the uncertain winter in Valley Forge to the sanctified fields of places like Antietam and Monocacy, from distant beaches in Normandy and the Pacific to the mountain passes of Afghanistan, Americans have laid down their lives for the freedom, safety, and success of their fellow citizens and for future generations.

Today, President Biden released a budget proposal that makes investments in programs that will help Fifth District families get ahead and help our economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m pleased that the President’s budget seeks to rebuild and strengthen infrastructure systems, which will create good-paying jobs in our state. The President’s proposal also makes important investments in our families.

At a time when police departments around the nation are working to stamp out systemic bias and ensure our officers have the tools they need to effectively protect the communities they serve, I was pleased to meet with Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz. During our conversation, Chief Aziz reaffirmed his pledge to address the most pressing issues facing his department, including a particular focus on community-policing, rebuilding officer morale, and reducing crime in Prince George’s County.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been glad to hear how the American Rescue Plan has helped Fifth District families including Waldorf resident Wanda Matthews, Lanham resident Emmanuel Osuji, and College Park resident Colleen McGraw. While our state has seen significant progress in defeating the COVID-19 virus, many Marylanders continue to rely on the benefits of the American Rescue Plan.

One year ago today, Americans watched with horror the video of George Floyd's tortured final moments. In his pleas, so many of us heard the despair of millions of our fellow Americans who feel suffocated every day by the fear of encounters with police and the pain from generations of inequality.