Sarah Elfreth

Maryland Delegation Members Press Trump Administration for Transparency on Fuel Spill at Joint Base Andrews

Position: Maryland delegation members are pressing the Trump administration for transparency and accountability regarding a 30,000-gallon jet fuel spill at Joint Base Andrews that contaminated soil and Piscataway Creek, citing the Air Force's delayed notification to state environmental authorities and requesting information on containment efforts, detection systems, and prevention measures.

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) wrote to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, pressing him on the lack of transparency around a leak of over 30,000 gallons of jet fuel at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County earlier this year – which resulted in over 20,000 gallons of fuel released into the environment, contaminating soil outside the base and the nearby Piscataway Creek. In the letter, the lawmakers expressed concerns over the Air Force’s critical delay in providing full information regarding the leak to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) – the state entity charged with responding to environmental pollution incidents – stressing that their failure to promptly notify for many weeks prevented MDE from implementing measures to minimize the spread of the contamination. They asked for answers to a series of questions regarding the status of the fuel leak’s spread and containment efforts; current systems in place to detect such incidents and whether the Air Force has plans to improve them; and planned measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, among others. “We write regarding the recent fuel spill incident reported at Joint Base Andrews and to request additional information regarding both the discharge and the response actions taken,” the lawmakers began. “Joint Base Andrews notified the State of Maryland of a jet fuel leak after fuel odors and a visible fuel sheen were observed in Piscataway Creek on March 23, 2026. Subsequent correspondence confirmed that approximately 32,000 gallons of jet fuel had leaked across multiple dates and locations. Of this amount, 10,000 gallons from January and February incidents were reportedly contained within the system, while approximately 22,000 gallons of fuel were discharged into the environment, contaminating soils and nearby Piscataway Creek.” Underscoring the harmful consequences of the Air Force’s delay in notifying MDE, they wrote, “While containment efforts were significantly improved around April 15-16 following site visits and feedback from officials, earlier implementation of more effective measures could have reduced the extent of contamination reaching the creek.” “Legacy pollution from Joint Base Andrews has already resulted in PFAS contamination in Piscataway Creek and the surrounding area, and this fuel spill adds to existing environmental stressors affecting the watershed. The release has the potential to cause further ecological harm to the Piscataway Creek, which flows into the Potomac River, a key Chesapeake Bay tributary. It is of the utmost importance that Joint Base Andrews fully assess and remediate any damage caused by this leak and take protective measures to prevent an incident like this from happening again in the future,” the lawmakers stressed, going on to list a series of questions for the Air Force Secretary’s response. “We appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and request a briefing for our offices and your detailed written response. Given the scale of the discharge and the potential environmental impacts, timely and transparent communication will be critical,” they concluded. Text of the letter, including the questions posed to Secretary Meink, can be viewed HERE. Elfreth also questioned Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, General Lamontagne, on the jet fuel leak last month in a House Armed Services Committee hearing, which can be viewed HERE. Issues: National Security & Veterans

Elfreth Questions Hegseth On Sexual Assault Prevention, Support for Ukraine & Global Cooperation

Position: Congresswoman Elfreth pressed the Secretary of Defense on sexual assault prevention funding in the military, secured commitment for a 5% increase in SAPR funding, advocated for the release of $400 million in congressionally authorized Ukraine security assistance, and questioned the administration on NATO burden-sharing and support for European partners amid ongoing military operations.

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine during the Committee Hearing on the Department of Defense's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request. Elfreth focused her questions on funding for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR), $400 million Congressionally authorized funding for Ukraine, and support for our NATO allies. "Every base I go to internationally – and every military base I go to in Maryland – I insist on meeting with servicemembers and hearing what we can all do better. Mr. Secretary, I insist on those meetings," " said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. "There's a whole lot we can talk about today: war in Iran, boat strikes in the Caribbean and East Pacific, the firing of a number of people we all respect here on this dais 61 days into this war, but I want to start with quality of life issues." Elfreth's first question on SAPR funding was a follow-up from her line of questioning of Secretary Hegseth last year. The Department has stated a commitment to driving sexual assault in the military to zero and maintaining a strong SAPR program. Hegseth committed to a 5% increase in SAPR funding. Elfreth was also the first member to press the Secretary on the $400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which Republican majorities on both Senate and House Armed Services Committees had authorized. Hegseth announced the release of that funding in response to the Congresswoman's line of questioning. Finally, following this Administration's threats against our NATO allies, Elfreth questioned the Secretary and Chairman on the specific requests the United States has made to our NATO allies and European partners for operations in the Strait and the President's war in Iran. CLICK HERE or the image below to view Elfreth's full remarks. Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth Remarks as Delivered House Armed Services Committee Hearing April 29th, 2026 ELFRETH: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to start by thanking SEAC Isam and General Caine for inviting a number of us to the Pentagon last week to talk about the 1.8 million enlisted servicemembers we have, the challenges, and opportunities that we can work together. Every base that I go to internationally, and every single major military base in Maryland over the last year, I insist on meeting with servicemembers and hearing what we can all do better. Mr. Secretary, I want to assure you, I insist on those meetings. There's a whole lot we can talk about today, war in Iran – and I, too, want to thank the families of the 14 servicemembers we have lost in this war so far – boat strikes in the Caribbean and the East Pacific, firing of a number of people we all respect on this dais, on both sides, 61 days into this war. But I want to start with those quality of life issues, Mr. Secretary. A number of members of this committee met with survivors of sexual assault at Fort Hood, enlisted members, and family members. You sat here last year, and you said, "I applaud Congress for the efforts that have been ongoing to address sexual assaults, which we do need to drive down to zero, that funding has not been reduced." I appreciate that, but the budget we have before us is level-funded from last year, which you would agree is a realized cut year-over-year. So I want to give you the opportunity to talk about how you're still going to drive those sexual assault numbers down to zero, via flat funding. HEGSETH: I'm told we've added 5% so it's actually not flat, but we remain committed to that, and I think you've seen throughout the force reductions, not enough, we want more, we want to go to zero, but we remain committed. ELFRETH: We're going to hold you accountable for that. Thank you. I want to move on to Ukraine. I don't normally agree with Mitch McConnell, but as you know, the Department is withholding approximately $400 million in appropriated security assistance to Ukraine. Despite some public belittling, Ukraine has stepped up perhaps more than any other ally for us in the Middle East. They're harnessing the superiority that they have generated from a hard fought war with Russia, they are intercepting Iranian drones that threaten U.S. and partner forces in the Middle East, but Mr. Secretary, I'm very concerned about that $400 million dollars. Can you please let this Committee know, folks watching at home, the Ukrainian people, when they can expect that $400 million in Ukraine support passed by Congress bipartisanly last year to be released and put on contract for its congressionally intended purpose, the defense of Ukraine? HEGSETH: So the department recognizes that $400 million was allocated for European capacity building, and as of yesterday, it has been released. ELFRETH: As in released and under contract, released as of yesterday? HEGSETH: How would you describe it, Jay? HURST: Not under contract, but released to be put under contract. ELFRETH: Let me ask you a different way, Mr. Hurst. When will it actually be on the ground in Ukraine? HURST: That depends on what they buy with the money. We're going to take the advice of the EUCOM commanders who employ those funds for best use. ELFRETH: Okay, we're going to keep on that, because it's incredibly important, as we heard from everybody, including the King of England, yesterday. I'm going to stay on our allies here. It's clear that the President didn't account for the Strait of Hormuz being closed, global market, oil market disruption, gas prices skyrocketing. Mr. Secretary, gas in my district in Maryland, not California: $4.11. The President did not notify allies abroad or Congress before he went to war. He has repeatedly berated and belittled our NATO allies, and I am not interested in Twitter diplomacy; I'm interested in our actual exit strategy from this war. So I'm actually going to pose it to General Caine if I could. HEGSETH: Well, the President did understand the risks and had the courage to undertake the endeavor, nonetheless, which the American people voted for that kind of courage in taking on that Iranian nuclear threat. ELFRETH: General Cain, have you or what have you formally and specifically requested of our NATO allies and European partners for operations in the Strait? Can you tell me – escort duties, air defense, peace enforcement – specific requests of our NATO allies? CAINE: Both us and State have reached out through a variety of mechanisms to pulse our international partners, not just in Europe, but in the Pacific as well, to see what capabilities could be brought to bear down there, as this is largely, we don't move much trade through there. I'll defer to Energy, Commerce, and Treasury to comment. ELFRETH: But we've been specific with our allies about what we need? CAINE: We have. ELFRETH: Ok. Can I ask you for specificity on another issue that's been brought up today? From a military perspective, not a policy perspective, what will it require of our servicemembers to actually eradicate any Iranian nuclear threat? Can you help us understand that? CAINE: There's such a wide range, ma'am, of options in there, all of which are classified. It would be out of my swim lane, but we always deliver the full range of options, the associated risks and advice, to go do the things that we would be asked to do. There's many. ELFRETH: I can't speak for everybody on this Committee. CHAIR: The gentlewoman's time has expired. ###

Elfreth Votes No on FISA Reauthorization

Position: Congresswoman Elfreth opposed the reauthorization of Section 702 of FISA, arguing that the legislation lacks meaningful privacy protections, judicial oversight, and warrant requirements necessary to prevent government surveillance abuses, despite acknowledging Section 702's importance for national security.

WASHINGTON DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth voted no on S. 1318- Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, which extends Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for three years. The legislation passed 235-191. Elfreth released the following statement on her vote. “At the behest of the President, House Republicans have muscled through a reauthorization of Section 702 of FISA without any substantive reforms that would ensure the privacy of American citizens. Republicans negotiated this legislation behind closed doors without any input from House Democrats. “After firing the DOJ and FBI watchdogs who protected Americans against Section 702 abuses, this Administration has shown little interest in protecting the Constitutional rights of the American people. This legislation has no real warrant requirements and no judicial oversight – the bill as passed is asking this Administration to self-report and self-police its own abuses. Congress must establish new, meaningful guardrails to address the emerging risks of oversurveillance. “As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I take our country’s national security with the gravity that the issue demands. Section 702 of FISA is one of the most important tools the US government has to prevent terrorism and cyberattacks, which is why I met with multiple experts ahead of this vote to understand how we can responsibly balance serious national security concerns with serious privacy concerns. This bill falls far short of that balance.” ###

Maryland Delegation Members Statement on Key Bridge Construction

Position: The Maryland delegation supports federal funding for the Francis Scott Key Bridge reconstruction and emphasizes the importance of efficient, cost-effective project management to ensure the bridge is rebuilt as a matter of national economic significance.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) alongside U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) released the following statement on the termination of the contract for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore: “The Key Bridge was a gateway to the Port of Baltimore and a vital artery for commerce in the Mid-Atlantic. Its collapse impacted not only our region but our entire nation. Replacing the Key Bridge is an economic imperative, which is why Federal Team Maryland fought to deliver a 100 percent federal cost match for the reconstruction – giving our state the certainty it needed to move forward. This is a critical infrastructure project requiring significant resources, and responsible stewardship of those resources is essential. As a matter of national significance, it must move forward efficiently so we are encouraged that the early stages of reconstruction work will continue while the state seeks a more cost-effective contract. We will continue to do all we can to support the construction of a stronger and safer bridge over the Patapsco.” ###

Maryland Delegation Members Announce Nearly $40 Million to Expand Freight Capacity at Tradepoint Atlantic

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) alongside Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) announced $39,662,903 in federal funding for the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) to expand freight handling capacity at the Tradepoint Atlantic terminal within the Port of Baltimore. The investment supports the development of the new Sparrows Point Container Terminal at Tradepoint Atlantic. The new terminal will further the continued revitalization of the former Sparrows Point steel mill and expand container cargo capacity within Baltimore by 70%. The project is also estimated to create 1,100 new International Longshoremen Association jobs and support an additional 7,000 jobs connected to the Port. This announcement comes after the lawmakers wrote to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in September in support of MEDCO’s application for the funding. “I am thrilled to see Team Maryland deliver this $39 million federal investment for the Port of Baltimore, a critical supply chain artery for our state and the country. This container yard expansion will increase capacity of the Sparrows Point Container Terminal at Tradepoint Atlantic to allow for more cargo throughput and moving equipment. Especially as our nation faces economic uncertainty and affordability challenges ahead, this federal funding is a critical investment in our economy,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. “Tradepoint Atlantic and the greater Port of Baltimore are economic engines for Maryland and the entire country. This federal funding comes as a direct result of our passage of the infrastructure modernization bill and underscores the importance of investing in the foundations of economic growth and opportunity. This effort to modernize the Sparrows Point Container Terminal will support good-paying union jobs and increase the Port’s capacity, efficiency, and reliability,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “The Port of Baltimore is an economic engine not just for Maryland, but well beyond. I am thrilled to join my colleagues in announcing federal investment to develop the new Sparrows Point Container Terminal at Tradepoint Atlantic, at the Port of Baltimore, increasing capacity for an additional 25,000 containers. I will always stay committed to ensuring the Port of Baltimore can continue fueling our local, national, and global economy,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “The new Tradepoint Atlantic Terminal being constructed at Sparrows Point represents a tremendous opportunity for the people of my district and the State of Maryland as a whole," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "The new well-paying jobs for the people of Dundalk and Turner Station, and the additional marine traffic in the Port of Baltimore will be an economic boon for our State and will cement our Port as one of the nation's busiest and most prominent commercial gateways. This federal investment recognizes the Port of Baltimore's importance to America's supply-chains and economy at large, and I am proud to be a part of a Maryland Delegation that will not cease working to bring important investments like these back home to our communities,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “These federal funds for the new Sparrows Point container terminal is an investment in Maryland’s future: it supports more ships, more jobs and more business growth,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. “It reinforces Tradepoint Atlantic's position as a critical hub for trade around the world and is exactly the type of investment our taxpayers expect and deserve— delivering real results for our workers, our businesses, and our communities.” “We are thrilled to have a meaningful federal investment in this important project that enhances our nation’s supply chain resiliency, creates high paying jobs and helps grow Baltimore’s port economy,” said Kerry Doyle, Managing Director of Tradepoint Atlantic. “We are grateful to the Administration and our Congressional delegation for their continued partnership in helping catalyze the ongoing transformation of Sparrows Point.” “We welcome this important federal investment, which reflects a shared commitment to strengthening America’s supply chains, supporting well-paying jobs, and expanding the economic role of Baltimore,” said Ammar Kanaan, Chief Executive Officer of Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). “We are grateful for the strong partnership with Maryland’s Congressional delegation and the Administration as we continue transforming Sparrows Point into a modern, high capacity terminal that will serve the community for decades to come.” The federal investment comes from the U.S. Maritime Administration’s FY25 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), a program that Federal Team Maryland fought to fund at $2.25 billion over five years through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The FY25 PIDP funding included dollars from the FY24 PIDP awards that were rescinded or canceled by the Trump Administration in August of 2025, including the $47.3 million for the Sparrows Point Steel Marshalling Port Project. While the lawmakers opposed the Administration’s backward decision to revoke these initial funds, they continued fighting to secure these federal dollars for investment in Tradepoint Atlantic and the greater Port of Baltimore. “This federal investment is an important step forward for the Port of Baltimore and a clear win for our state,” said Governor Wes Moore. “By expanding capacity at Tradepoint Atlantic, we are fueling our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and amplifying the State’s ongoing investments to ensure Maryland remains a competitive, premier hub for global commerce. I want to extend my gratitude to our entire congressional delegation for their work in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Maritime Administration to secure this critical funding.” “Creating jobs, supporting communities, and strengthening our economy are priorities for Baltimore County, and I’m proud to continue working with our federal partners to ensure that our residents can be successful,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “The addition of nearly $40 million in federal funding is a significant boost for the Sparrows Point Container Terminal Project, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue investing in our residents, our region, and our future.” “The Port of Baltimore is an economic hub for the entire country—chances are, if you've purchased a car, it came through Charm City—which means investments here have national and global impact,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Each and every day, we see the benefits of this port's growth for workers, businesses, and communities both in Charm City and beyond. I want to thank Senator Van Hollen and the entire Maryland delegation for securing funding for this project, and their continued advocacy on behalf of our city.” ###

Elfreth Votes No on Funding ICE, Urges Funding for TSA, FEMA, CISA, and Coast Guard

Position: Congresswoman Elfreth voted against DHS funding that includes ICE and CBP, and calls for Congress to pass alternative legislation funding TSA, FEMA, CISA, and the Coast Guard without allocating resources to ICE and CBP.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) voted against the House Republicans’ continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This follows the Senate’s passage of funding for DHS, excluding funding for ICE and CBP. After the vote, Elfreth released the following statement: “The American people are tired of the inaction from Congress. For weeks, House Democrats have had a proposal to pay the hardworking federal employees at TSA, FEMA, CISA, and the Coast Guard and prevent the chaos we are now seeing at airports across the country. I commend my colleagues in the Senate for taking up and passing legislation on a bipartisan basis to reopen DHS without sending another penny to ICE and CBP. “Representing the Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport and over 45,000 federal employees, nothing is more important than paying our civil servants and ensuring the American people can travel safely. Unfortunately, House Republicans have refused to take up legislation House Democrats put forward weeks ago, which means we are once again lurching between continuing resolutions and playing politics with the livelihoods of our civil servants. “I have always been clear that we cannot fund President Trump’s weaponization of ICE and the brutality they have unleashed on communities around our country. I urge House leadership to take up Congresswoman DeLauro’s legislation to pay our employees at TSA, FEMA, CISA, and the Coast Guard who have been caught up in the chaos of Washington.” ###

Elfreth, Maryland Delegation Members Issue Statement on Two-Year Anniversary of Key Bridge Collapse

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) issued the following statement in advance of tomorrow's two-year anniversary of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge: “The collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge was a tragedy bigger than Baltimore. This disaster took the lives of six members of our community and resulted in harmful aftershocks that reverberated throughout the Port of Baltimore, our state, and our nation. Working hand-in-hand with our state and local partners, Federal Team Maryland acted quickly to deliver federal funding to address the immediate priorities: recovering those we lost, clearing the shipping channel, and getting Port workers back on the job. We then took the fight to Congress, pushing relentlessly for months to ultimately pass our Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act into law – a unified, bipartisan effort to ensure the federal government provides the full resources necessary to build a safer and stronger bridge for the future." “But out of this tragedy, Maryland came together. Since the day the Key Bridge came down, our communities in Baltimore and throughout Maryland have demonstrated remarkable grit and resilience. Two years later, the Port of Baltimore is making a strong comeback while our state continues to make headway in the reconstruction process. As this work proceeds, our delegation will keep fighting every step of the way to ensure the federal government delivers on its legal commitment to fund 100 percent of the reconstruction until the new bridge is complete.” ###

Elfreth Conducts Oversight of Baltimore ICE Facility

Position: Congresswoman Elfreth conducted oversight of a Baltimore ICE detention facility to examine conditions and treatment of detainees, including access to legal resources, medical care, and hygiene products. She has consistently opposed funding for ICE and testified against a proposed ICE facility in her district.

BALTIMORE, MD – Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) held a meeting and conducted an official Congressional oversight visit of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facility located in the George H. Fallon Federal Building in Baltimore, Maryland. “We had many outstanding questions based on reporting, but mostly feedback we heard from constituents. We covered a number of critical issues, including: access to an attorney, access to medication and menstrual products, health and safety concerns, detaining people with no criminal records, and so much more. My job is to conduct oversight and hold this agency to their word to make sure people are treated with dignity and respect,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. Elfreth sat down for a meeting with leaders at the Baltimore Field Office to ask questions on behalf of her constituents around access to legal resources, hygiene products, food, water, medical treatment, and more. She also inquired about the procedures of detaining individuals, when individuals are transferred, and how their families are notified. This is the third time that Elfreth has conducted oversight of the Baltimore ICE facility. She visited in July 2025 with members of the Maryland Congressional delegation when she was originally denied entry and then again in August 2025. Elfreth's visit comes a few weeks after several members of the Maryland Congressional delegation arrived to find the facility empty. Elfreth has voted against blank checks for ICE and has signed onto House Democrats’ discharge petition to fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the U.S. Coast Guard, along with every other part of DHS except for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Office of the Secretary. In February, Elfreth was outspoken and testified against an ICE Facility in Maryland’s Third District in Elkridge. If you or a loved one is detained by ICE or needs assistance with any federal agency, you can speak to a member of Elfreth’s casework team at (410) 832-8890. ###