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As students return to the campus for the new school year, many are busy getting organized for the year ahead. Setting up dorm rooms, purchasing books, signing up for student activities these are all big parts of any students back-to-school "to do" list. But this fall, another important item deserves to be near the top of that list: registering to vote.

Im pleased to be part of todays groundbreaking ceremonies for new facilities that will greatly augment two important missions at Webster Field communications and unmanned aircraft. The Special Communications Engineering Facility will ensure Webster Field has the secure space needed to meet the needs of our defense community and the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems Operation facility will support the important mission of the Maryland National Guard. Patuxent River Naval Air Station and Webster Field play strategic roles in our national security efforts, and I will continue to fight for the investments needed to strengthen these installations and support our local economy.

Im pleased the University of Maryland has received this funding to support nine additional fellowships in the engineering and chemistry programs. These areas of study are critical to boosting American competitiveness and developing a highly-skilled workforce. The Make It In America jobs plan I am leading in Congress makes STEM learning in higher education a priority investment, and I will continue to work with our states higher education institutions so that we can out-educate and out-innovate our competitors and ensure our students have the education and skills needed for well-paying jobs.

Congratulations to MedStar St. Marys Hospital on being awarded this critical funding to develop a Community Health Center Planning Network that will help meet health care needs in St. Marys County. Improving access to affordable, quality health care in the Fifth District is a toppriority. I will continue to work with the hospital so that they have the resources needed to develop comprehensive and coordinated health care services in our community and we can ensure all residents have access to the care they need.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of J. Frank Raley, a dear friend and a passionate public servant. He was a tireless advocate for our state and was dedicated to improving the quality of life in Southern Maryland, helping to transform this region into one of the most prosperous in the nation.

Id like to thank the Advisory Committee on Aging for providing input on health care reform and efforts in Congress to help seniors afford the quality of life in retirement they deserve.

Already federal employees have agreed to pay freezes and pension changes that have brought $75 billion in deficit savings, and House Republicans have insisted on additional contributions from federal employees but refuse to ask the wealthiest in this country to contribute as well. It is simply unfair to continue singling out these middle-class workers at a time when they have been working harder than ever.