April McClain Delaney

Farm Bill Does Not Meet the Moment, Leaves Farmers Without Resources and Remedies Needed

Position: Congresswoman McClain Delaney opposed the Farm Bill, citing inadequate support for farmers facing tariff impacts, unsustainable SNAP cost-sharing burdens on states, cuts to USDA conservation programs, and the closure of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center despite Congressional directive to keep it open.

Watch Floor speech. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Maryland’s only Member on the House Agriculture Committee, voted no on the Farm Bill, citing reductions to SNAP which have thrust an unsustainable cost share burden on the state of Maryland, the $1 billion dollars of cuts to USDA conservation programs, and the undermining of critical USDA funded agricultural research at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). McClain Delaney grew up in a farming family and came to Congress ready to work on behalf of her rural and farming constituents to develop a bipartisan Farm Bill. Unfortunately, the bill brought to the House Floor failed to address the crisis now hitting farmers and rural America. “My father believed a good Farm Bill gives farmers the tools they need to thrive and feed our nation,” said McClain Delaney. “I could not support this bill because it fails to address the real pressures farming families face. It ignores the largest cuts to SNAP in the program’s history while thrusting an unsustainable cost share on our state, fails to provide adequate relief to farmers impacted by tariffs (that decimated overseas markets and drove up input costs) and allows a USDA reorganization which undermines critical technical assistance programs and other support services designed to support our farming communities.” The Congresswoman also sounded the alarm for the future of BARC, a nationally esteemed USDA research facility located in Maryland, which has been a cornerstone of ag research for almost a century. Last week, the Administration announced BARC’s closure, despite clear Congressional directive and FY26 funding to keep it open. “I waited for six hours to speak against the impacts of this Farm Bill and in opposition to unauthorized USDA facility closures. BARC is a lifeline for farmers, and its research addresses pests (like the dreaded screw worm parasite), nutritional needs, conservation techniques and threats to our national resources. It is also home to our National Bee Lab. Sadly, Republicans unanimously blocked my efforts to protect BARC as well as other efforts to help our rural communities thrive," she said. "When farmers are left without adequate resources or remedies to the problems they face, we in Congress have failed to do our job. While my Congressional office was able to negotiate some key wins on conservation policies and rural broadband, the legislation sadly did not meet the moment. Given the adverse implications of this Farm Bill on the livelihoods of farmers and on the state budget of Maryland, I could not in good conscience vote for this legislation. I will keep fighting to help our farming families and to further agricultural facilities and research for the agricultural sector,” she said. ### For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.

Reps. McClain Delaney, Miller-Meeks Introduce New Bipartisan Bill to Expand Childcare Facilities in Rural America

Position: Representatives McClain Delaney and Miller-Meeks introduced legislation to establish a low-interest loan program through the USDA to help rural childcare providers expand facilities, aiming to increase childcare capacity and affordability in underserved rural communities.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. April McClain Delaney (MD-06) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) introduced the Rural Child Care Facility Expansion Act to create a low-interest loan program to expand child care options for working families in rural communities. As Americans grapple with soaring everyday costs, finding affordable and reliable child care is a struggle for working families–especially in rural communities. Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that nationwide, 14.8 million children under age 5 may need child care, but only 10.8 million formal spots exist, creating a 28% gap that strains families, businesses, and communities. The Rural Child Care Facility Expansion Act aims to close this gap by creating a low-interest loan program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for rural childcare providers to renovate, retrofit, expand, or adapt existing buildings to increase childcare capacity. By making it easier for providers to expand their services, this bill will help ensure more families can find reliable, affordable childcare in their own communities. “When child care works, communities work—supporting parents, strengthening businesses, and creating opportunity,” said McClain Delaney. “Too many rural families face limited child care options because providers lack the support they need. This bill will reduce those barriers while increasing the supply of child care and lower costs for families, because every family deserves a fair shot.” “Access to affordable, reliable childcare is essential for working families and for the economic vitality of our rural communities,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “The Rural Childcare Facility Expansion Act takes a commonsense approach by giving providers the tools they need to expand and modernize facilities, especially in childcare deserts where access is limited. By investing in local infrastructure, we’re helping families get back to work, supporting small communities, and ensuring our rural economy can continue to grow.” This bill is endorsed by First Five Years Fund. View the bill text. ### For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.

Rep. McClain Delaney Statement Supporting the Utility RELIEF Act

Position: Rep. McClain Delaney supports the Utility RELIEF Act, which she describes as delivering relief to Maryland families through lower energy costs and strengthened energy infrastructure.

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative April McClain Delaney from Maryland's 6th District released the following statement in strong support of the Utility RELIEF Act announced by Wes Moore, Bill Ferguson, and Joseline Peña-Melnyk: “Maryland families are feeling the strain of rising energy costs, and this legislation delivers exactly what people need right now: real, tangible relief. The Utility RELIEF Act will put money back in people’s pockets and strengthen our energy infrastructure. “Just as importantly, Maryland is showing what real leadership looks like. Instead of overreacting or kicking the can down the road, our state is taking a disciplined, pragmatic approach - focused on affordability and long-term stability. While others talk, Maryland is acting. “I commend Governor Moore and our partners in the General Assembly for stepping up with smart, balanced solutions that lower costs today while building a more reliable and sustainable energy future for tomorrow that will help us meet growing energy demands. This is exactly the kind of steady leadership families deserve.” ### For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.

Rep. McClain Delaney Lauds Major Legal Ruling to Halt ICE’s Detention Warehouse in Washington County

Position: Rep. McClain Delaney opposes the construction of a 1,500-bed ICE detention facility in Washington County, Maryland, citing concerns about human rights, public health, community safety, and environmental impacts. She introduced legislation to cut federal funding for the facility and supports the state's legal challenge to halt the project.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. April McClain Delaney released the following statement: “Today, thanks to the extraordinary collective efforts of Team Maryland, construction and renovation of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention warehouse in Washington County, Maryland, has been halted until the State’s lawsuit is complete. “This milestone comes just days after reports that ICE officials are reconsidering the scope of the proposed 1,500-bed facility—plans that were thrust upon our Sixth District community under a shroud of secrecy, and without any meaningful opportunities for public comment. “My constituents shared legitimate concerns with my office regarding the human rights, public health, community safety, local infrastructure, and economic and environmental impacts such a facility would bring. I made it my mission to ensure their voices were heard in my comment letter to the Department of Homeland Security and in my Keep ICE Out of Washington County, Maryland Act which would have cut federal funds for this facility. I share my constituents' concerns–having seen with my own eyes the terror that ICE agents have inflicted on communities across the country, including the horrendous detention conditions I witnessed at ICE’s Baltimore field office. “This effort reflects a historic grassroots movement led by residents, community and business leaders, nonprofit and faith organizations, and advocates—from Washington County and across the whole Sixth District, around the state, and nationwide. Marylanders stood up, spoke out, and refused to be ignored. I was proud to stand with them alongside Governor Wes Moore, Maryland’s Democratic Delegation in Congress, and elected officials across the state who opposed this facility. “While today’s ruling is a significant step forward, this fight is not over. This Administration has shown no meaningful commitment to good-faith public engagement on this issue, and we cannot assume this threat is gone. I applaud Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown’s lawsuit and support his continued efforts to hold the Trump Administration accountable. In Maryland, we leave no one behind, and we will remain vigilant and continue to advocate for our communities so that this facility never opens its doors.” ### For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.

Statement from Rep. McClain Delaney on the Reported Conduct of Reps. Swalwell and Gonzales

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) released the following statement: "Sexual relationships between members of Congress and their staff violate House Ethics rules and betray the public trust. The reported conduct of both Congressman Swalwell and Congressman Gonzales is beyond inexcusable and could potentially trigger criminal penalties. This is not a partisan issue. It is an accountability issue. Both men should resign immediately and if they will not, the House Ethics Committee must open an investigation without delay, and both should be expelled if the facts are true. "If misconduct is not addressed by Congress, the credibility of the entire body is undermined. The women who were harmed deserve justice, and the remaining staffers must be protected. "The era of powerful men sexually abusing women - and specifically here when they work for them - is over. Enough is enough." ### For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.

Statement from Congresswoman April McClain Delaney on ICE Reconsidering Scope of Washington County Detention Warehouse

Position: Congresswoman Delaney opposes the proposed ICE immigration detention warehouse in Washington County and is advancing federal legislation to ban the facility, citing concerns about mass detention, lack of accountability, and human rights violations.

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released the following statement after federal officials indicated they are reconsidering the scope of a proposed immigration detention warehouse in Washington County: “Starting to see wins for Washington County but we must keep fighting! ICE is now reconsidering its detention warehouse in Washington County. It’s a testament to what “we the people” can do, and it demonstrates that when communities organize, speak out, and refuse to be ignored, it makes a difference. I will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with advocates and leaders across Maryland to fight this as well as partner with Governor Moore and Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to demand answers and accountability from ICE. Our MD6 office will continue to press my federal legislation banning this facility and support all of the legal actions being brought by the Attorney General. Together we’re applying real pressure, and won’t back down. From day one, we’ve been very clear - no community should be forced to host an illegal detention center or have tax payer dollars fund for an unjust immigration system that relies on mass detention, lacks accountability, and violates legal and human rights. Most importantly, we must all work to ensure that this proposal is fully defeated and this horrific facility never opens its doors.”

President’s War with Iran: Rep. McClain Delaney, Agriculture Committee Democrats Urge Action to Stabilize Fertilizer Prices

Position: Rep. Delaney and 17 Democratic Agriculture Committee members urge the USDA to take immediate action to stabilize fertilizer prices disrupted by the Trump administration's military conflict with Iran, which has blocked key fertilizer ingredient shipments and driven up costs for American farmers during planting season.

This week, Rep. April McClain Delaney—Maryland’s only member of the House Agriculture Committee—joined 17 fellow Democratic Members of the Committee in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take immediate action to stabilize fertilizer prices. These disruptions stem from President Trump’s war with Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers detail how blocked shipments of key fertilizer ingredients — including urea and ammonia — along with port backlogs and shutdowns at regional production facilities, are driving up costs for American farmers just as planting season begins. “It has become increasingly clear that the Administration decided to initiate hostilities without considering the obviously foreseeable consequences this would have upon American agriculture and the global economy,” the Members wrote. “Farmers will be forced to either pay higher prices for fertilizer that they need or go with less and risk low production yields; either way their tight margins—already in the red for many farmers—will only worsen.” The Members also called on the Secretary to: publicly release an action plan for how the administration will reduce fertilizer prices and stabilize markets; examine how existing tariffs can be suspended or reduced to ease fertilizer prices; and estimate the increase in costs to farms because of higher diesel and fertilizer prices since the onset of the war. Read the letter.