Media

Good evening, and congratulations to tonight's honorees and to the entire Bowie State University community for another year of excellence in education. I am honored to be here with you to celebrate this year's Founder's Gala.

As the co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I have the privilege of working alongside our nation's firefighters and hearing firsthand about the challenges they face.

Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced the names of 10 Fifth District students nominated by him who have received appointment offers to attend one of four United States military service academies for the next school year. Yesterday, he held a reception honoring all Fifth District students who have received military service academy appointment offers and their families at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

From combating terrorism to keeping the peace in troubled regions, our military has an important role to play in the twenty-first century. That's why we must continue to produce strong and dedicated military officers.

I applaud Governor O'Malley and Lt. Governor Brown on making access to early childhood education a top legislative priority and for working with the Maryland General Assembly to enact the Pre-Kindergarten Expansion Act of 2014.

Today, the Maryland General Assembly took significant action to help lift Maryland families out of poverty and help ensure they have the opportunity to succeed by raising the state's minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.

Mr. Speaker, for the 23rd straight year, I am proud to sponsor this resolution allowing the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association to hold its 73rd annual race on the grounds of the United States Capitol on June 14.

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice-Chairman, and members of the Committee, I am pleased to be here today to offer my support for H.B. 1168.