Media

Unfortunately, far too many Fifth District residents are still without power following Fridays storm. I encourage all Fifth District residents still waiting for service to be restored to visit a local cooling center and to stay cool and hydrated, given the extreme heat. I will continue to monitor the response, and work with officials to ensure the Fifth District has the necessary resources to recover from the storm.

Our highest court has weighed in, and its decision to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a victory for all Americans who have ever worried about being able to access or afford the care they need. Democrats are proud to have worked hard to pass this landmark legislation in 2010 and of our efforts to make sure it is implemented in a way that continues to yield new benefits for patients, employers, and care providers.

I want to thank Richard Sarles for joining me today to discuss efforts to increase the safety and reliability of Metro for millions of residents, commuters, and visitors. Our regional economy depends on a strong Metro and making investments in our local infrastructure, and I am committed to ensuring we have the necessary resources as we move forward with the appropriations process.

Im pleased the House rejected this amendment today and will preserve federal matching funds of $150 million for capital improvements to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Forty years ago tomorrow, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was enacted to remove barriers to equal opportunity in education and school athletics. This was a milestone that enabled the achievements of the tens of millions of American women who have since participated in the full range of educational and athletic opportunities this country has to offer.

Im pleased the College of Southern Maryland has received this critical funding so that we can intervene to keep juvenile offenders from reoffending and help reconnect them with their community. This project will help ensure these young adults have the education and skills needed to be successful, as well as benefit our community and help local businesses grow and expand as they hire trained workers.

Each year, students from the Fifth District submit exceptional artwork for the Congressional Art Competition, and Id like to thank each of the participants for their outstanding submissions. I am pleased to announce that the selection panel has chosen In the Hands of Liberty by Victoria Wolf to represent the Fifth District this year, a painting that features text of a section of the U.S. Constitution. It is a wonderful painting, and Im proud of Victoria and all Fifth District participants for their talent and creativity.

I want to thank these business leaders for joining me today to discuss how we can strengthen our economy and support job creation. Marylands small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and Im committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to expand and put more Marylanders back to work. Already, the Make It In America plan is helping small businesses in Maryland and throughout the country, and I am focused on moving this agenda forward so that more Maryland businesses and families can make it in America.