April McClain Delaney

Maryland Delegation Members Press Trump Administration to Cancel ICE Detention Warehouse in Washington County

Position: The Maryland delegation opposes the Trump Administration's plan to construct an ICE detention warehouse in Washington County, citing inadequate infrastructure, lack of community input, environmental concerns, and the need for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement before proceeding.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks joined by U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, Johnny Olszewski, Sarah Elfreth (all D-Md.) in pressing the Trump Administration to cancel plans for the ICE Detention Warehouse in Washington County due, in part, to the potential environmental impacts and infrastructure deficiencies of the proposed facility. With these concerns in mind and the lack of community input, the members urged the Department of Homeland Security to cancel its plans. "As we shared in our March 5 comment letter, the process that the Administration has used to purchase, plan, and develop this site has wrongfully excluded the voices of our constituents and the communities that would be impacted by its operation," the lawmakers wrote. The letter highlights significant concerns about the proposed facility's infrastructure, noting that the warehouse DHS purchased for $102.4 million was originally equipped with only four commercial toilets and would require extensive upgrades to support a detention center housing up to 1,500 people. "DHS cannot credibly claim that such sweeping infrastructure deficiencies can be addressed through a superficial assessment while ignoring the significant public safety, infrastructure, environmental, and community impacts that would accompany a detention facility of this scale," the lawmakers wrote. "We call on DHS to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement, informed by meaningful public participation, before any further development proceeds." The Maryland Delegation also criticized DHS for continuing to pursue the project despite reports that ICE plans to dispose of seven of the eleven detention warehouses it previously purchased after spending nearly $1 billion on the properties. "DHS continues to fail to justify this project, meaningfully engage the public, and answer Congress's oversight inquiries," the lawmakers concluded. "We urge you to terminate this proposal and stand ready to pursue every available avenue to ensure accountability if you do not." The Members’ letter was also submitted as part of DHS’ public scoping request seeking public feedback on potential environmental issues or concerns. Read the letter

ICE Detention Warehouse: Rep. McClain Delaney’s Constituents Speak Out as Public Comment Deadline Nears

Position: Rep. McClain Delaney opposes the construction of a 1,500-bed ICE detention facility in Washington County, Maryland, citing environmental, infrastructure, and human rights concerns. She calls for the project to be abandoned and demands a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement with community input.

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, Rep. April McClain Delaney (MD-06) sent another letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to amplify the voices of her constituents who largely remain opposed and concerned about plans to transform a commercial warehouse in Washington County, Maryland, into a massive 1,500-bed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. The letter comes as DHS remains embattled in a lawsuit with the State of Maryland and was ordered by a judge to halt construction. “The residents of Western and Mountain Maryland have made their disapproval of this project clear, and as their Representative in Congress it is my duty to ensure that their voices are heard, and to demand that the Department’s plan be abandoned,” wrote Rep. McClain Delaney. “As I have shared in prior correspondence and comment letters, my constituents should not be forced to live with the impacts of such a facility on our environment, our infrastructure, or our community’s moral fabric." The Congresswoman’s letter was also submitted as part of DHS’ public scoping request seeking public feedback on potential environmental issues or concerns, which remains open through Wednesday, July 1. “A project of this scale demands more than the cursory Environmental Assessment that DHS has proposed. The communities that would carry the public safety, infrastructure, and environmental burdens created by this detention facility deserve a comprehensive review and a full Environmental Impact Statement, complete with community input - prior to continued development,” wrote the Congresswoman. “While the Department may wish to ignore the residents of Maryland’s Sixth District, we will not be silenced." “On a personal note, I believe that these warehouses represent a grave threat to American ideals. The tragic, preventable deaths that have occurred at the hands of DHS officials have undermined trust in our institutions and have failed to meet our values. As the Representative for Maryland’s Sixth District, I will take all steps necessary to ensure that fundamental constitutional and human rights are protected throughout the nation,” she concluded. The Congresswoman received nearly 2,000 responses to an official office survey that she distributed earlier this month via her weekly newsletter, media appearances, and social media posts. Nearly 80% of responses received were opposed to the facility. Her letter included several constituent responses, including concerns about human rights, environmental impacts, strains on local infrastructure, and the burden this facility would place on tax payers. A resident of Frederick wrote: “I am a public school teacher. My students, whose parents are documented or otherwise, should not be afraid to come to school. My students should not be disappearing from the rosters because an innocent parent was detained and good families have to return to the parents’ country of birth to beg for their release. ICE is ripping our communities apart, violating our constitutional rights, and acting in opposition to every ideal for which America stands. They are attacking the undocumented with no criminal records, documented, immigrants, and citizens alike. This is atrocious.” A resident of Hagerstown wrote: “This detention facility does not belong in Washington County, Md. It will cause increased fees for residents by increasing water/ sewer bills. These bills are already high. It could possibly cause environmental problems in the form of increased pollution from having 1500 people in a warehouse not designed for this use.” A resident of Frederick County wrote: “DHS launching a new environmental review doesn’t make this project any more acceptable — it only underscores how aggressively ICE is still trying to force a massive detention complex into Washington County despite overwhelming community opposition, serious environmental risks, and the complete mismatch between this industrial-scale proposal and the character, infrastructure, and values of the region. A 1,500-bed detention warehouse and a 750,000-gallon water tank would strain local systems, threaten nearby wells, and permanently alter the landscape, all while expanding a detention model that Marylanders have repeatedly rejected as inhumane and unnecessary. No amount of procedural paperwork changes the fundamental truth: this facility is the wrong project in the wrong place, and the community has every right to continue fighting it.” A resident of Middletown wrote: “Humans who have committed the misdemeanor of being in the United States illegally do not deserve the cruel and unusual punishment of detention of unknown duration in a warehouse. Marylanders cannot trust the current leadership of ICE to develop and manage a large-scale facility for housing people, as the frequent whistleblower reports around the nation prove.” A resident of Frederick wrote: “As an infectious disease physician, in ADDITION to all the above, I am concerned about overcrowding and poor sanitation resulting in promotion of communicable infectious diseases which is a serious concern both for the occupants and the community. Too many people, too crowded, with poor medical facilities. Sounds concentration camp like, not something the US should be associated with or promoting.” Read the Congresswoman’s letter to see more comments from Sixth District constituents. ### 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 Votes Against the Republicans' Reconciliation Bill

Position: Rep. McClain Delaney opposed the House GOP reconciliation bill, arguing it fails to address affordability challenges facing Maryland families while allocating $70 billion to ICE and CBP without transparency measures and funding what she characterizes as wasteful executive spending.

Yesterday, Rep. McClain Delaney (MD-06) posted the following statement: "As Maryland families are struggling with the rising costs of groceries, housing, health care, and childcare, the House GOP is jamming through legislation that addresses none of the affordability issues. "Instead, they are giving $70 billion to ICE and CBP without any measures to ensure transparency or accountability - despite repeated judicial pushbacks and national concern about DHS’s lawless immigration enforcement tactics. Moreover, many residents in my MD6 district continue to live in the shadow of a proposed ICE detention warehouse in Washington County which Team Maryland is fighting to stop. "While families struggle with rising costs, this reckless bill does nothing to stop Trump's $1.8 billion slush fund for violent criminals and bankroll vanity projects like his ballroom and arch. "Americans deserve solutions, not political theater. That's why I voted NO." ### 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: Agriculture Appropriations Bill Fails to Support Our Farmers and Rural Communities

Position: Rep. Delaney opposed the FY27 Agriculture Appropriations bill because it failed to address previous SNAP benefit cuts, reduced rural broadband and business investments, and included anti-LGBTQ+ provisions.

Today, Rep. McClain Delaney posted the following statement: "I sadly could not support the FY27 Ag Appropriations bill as it failed to support our farmers and rural communities counting on me to lower costs and expand opportunity. "In MD-6, 1 in 9 families relies on SNAP, and nearly half of them are kids. This bill does nothing to address previous cuts to SNAP benefits and also cuts investments in rural broadband, business and energy investments that help connect our rural communities to jobs, education, and health care. "Moreover, this bill includes divisive anti-LGBTQ+ provisions that have no place in government funding bills. Hate should have no place in our country - and especially for our LGBTQ+ communities. "That's why I voted NO. I urge my Senate colleagues to amend this legislation and deliver a bill that better meets the needs of the American people." ### 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 and Sens. Van Hollen and Alsobrooks Urge Allegany County Officials to Condemn Bel Air-Pinto Water System

Position: The lawmakers urge Allegany County officials to condemn the Bel Air-Pinto Water System and assume public control from private operators due to unaffordable utility rates that have created financial hardship for residents.

WASHINGTON, DC–Yesterday, Rep. April McClain Delaney (MD-06) and Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) called on Allegany County officials to condemn the Bel Air-Pinto Water System, which serves 1,200 residents. According to news reports, water utility and sanitation bills here have skyrocketed to between $400 and $900 a month, among the highest rates in the country. The lawmakers’ letter comes ahead of a meeting of the Allegany County Commissioners to consider filing and adopting the resolution of condemnation. "Based on what these residents have shared, we believe there is a clear and urgent need for the County to assume control of the Bel Air–Pinto Water System from Maryland Water Systems and Nexus Group," the lawmakers wrote. "The combination of escalating and unpredictable costs and the profound strain placed on households makes it evident that the status quo is no longer acceptable." The letter also follows a survey sent last week by Rep. McClain Delaney, which received 255 responses from constituents in Allegany County illustrating the severity and urgency of the situation. "We are permitted 2 baths a week... and with minimal water use! The dishwasher can be run only once a week. The toilet only gets flushed after several uses... We are thinking of selling the home we have lived in since 1988. Our kids grew up here,” wrote a Bel Air-Pinto constituent. "Our water bill exceeds our mortgage payment, and that is without flushing each time the toilet is used. My family is forced to bathe 1-2 days per week. Our water bill runs between $285-$350 a month, with EXTREME hygiene care that is abandoned," wrote another Bel Air-Pinto constituent. "We recently replaced 2 toilets with water-conserving options in an attempt to reduce cost, with minimal reduction in the water bill. At this point, we are considering putting our house on the market and moving out of state," wrote another Bel Air-Pinto constituent. "We have really cut back on water consumption, but it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference. My elementary-age boys only bathe/shower about once per week," wrote another Bel Air-Pinto constituent. "Often, I have to decide whether to get my medication or pay this outrageous water bill each month. It has caused me an enormous amount of stress and anxiety, and I am now taking medication for anxiety," wrote another Bel Air-Pinto constituent. Read the letter. ### 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.

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.