See how Johnny Olszewski's votes line up with your values.
DeepSyte scores Johnny Olszewski's record on the issues you care about — not party, not press releases. Take the 2-minute values quiz to see your personal alignment.
Sign in and take the values quiz to see how Johnny Olszewski's votes line up with your views.
Prediction track record
How often we called Johnny Olszewski's passage votes correctly, from their stated positions on each bill's tagged topics. Excludes “unclear” calls and abstentions.
32 predictions on record · none have been resolved by a passage vote yet. Check back as bills move.
Pending vote119-hr-5340
To prohibit the disclosure of records by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of individuals for the purposes of immigration enforcement, and for other purposes.
No paired statements and votes yet for Johnny Olszewski
We haven't yet found statement/vote pairs on the same topic for Johnny Olszewski. This usually means either the rep hasn't taken public positions on bills that have come to a passage vote, or those bills haven't been tagged yet. The checker runs as new press releases and votes come in.
Pro analysis
AI rep analysis — Pro
Get an AI-narrated read on Johnny Olszewski's full voting record against your stated values — aligned themes, conflicts, notable votes, and what to watch for.
Positions Johnny Olszewski took during their campaign, scored against their subsequent record — public statements cross-checked with related votes. “Kept” means 80%+ of those statement-vs-vote pairs aligned; “Broken” means 30% or fewer.
0 kept0 broken0 mixed0 no action yet
Johnny Olszewski has 19 tracked positions but no scored statement-vs-vote pairs touching them yet. Verdicts will appear here as related statements and votes accumulate.
No action yetSupports
Medicare should be allowed to negotiate lower prescription drug prices.
“Johnny O supports more aggressive price negotiations, capping out-of-pocket costs and improving price transparency so patients face fewer surprise bills.”
Enhanced ACA premium subsidies should be made permanent at expanded levels.
“He fought to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that help keep premiums down, while protecting core programs like Medicare and Medicaid from cuts.”
No party-break passage votes recorded for Johnny Olszewski. Either they've voted with Democrats on every substantive passage vote in the corpus, or their tenure overlaps few high-threshold party-line votes so far.
Olszewski to Introduce “Direct Democracy” Constitutional Amendment to Create National Referendum Process for American Public
Position: Congressman Olszewski proposes a constitutional amendment establishing a national direct-democracy process allowing citizens to propose and enact or repeal federal laws via signature gathering and nationwide voter approval, without Congressional or presidential action.
(Washington, DC) — Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) tomorrow will introduce a constitutional amendment that would establish a national “direct democracy” process, giving Americans a new way to propose and enact federal laws when Congress fails to advance issues with broad public support.
Across the country, Americans agree on more than our politics often suggests. For example, overwhelming majorities support banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, requiring insurance to cover fertility treatment and requiring police officers to wear body cameras. Yet even when most Americans agree on an issue, turning that consensus into federal action can take years — if it ever happens at all.
Olszewski’s amendment would empower citizens with a constitutional avenue to pass or repeal laws when an increasingly politicized Congress refuses to take action on issues that enjoy overwhelming consensus.
“As a former social studies teacher, I believe deeply in representative democracy — but I also believe democracy works best when people have a meaningful voice in their government,” Congressman Olszewski said. “Too many Americans feel that policy change is too slow and that it is too heavily influenced by entrenched interests. My amendment reimagines and reinvigorates our American democracy to turn consensus into action.”
Under Olszewski’s proposal, citizens could propose a new federal law or repeal an existing federal statute by:
Gathering signatures equal to at least 5 percent of voters who participated in the most recent presidential election nationwide in at least 25 states;
Completing the signature-gathering process within an 18 month window;
Having the signatures independently verified;
Placing the proposal on the ballot at the next eligible national election; and
Securing approval from at least 60 percent of voters nationwide.
If approved by voters, the measure would automatically become federal law — or repeal an existing federal law — without requiring Congressional action or the President’s signature.
The ambitious criteria ensures that the process is reserved for proposals with significant and geographically widespread support, rather than narrow or fleeting public interests.
“The goal isn't to replace Congress — it’s to give the American people a constitutional backstop to a paralyzed Washington,” Olszewski said. “If Americans across the country organize, meet a rigorous threshold, and also vote by a supermajority to enact a law, their voice should matter.”
The amendment would require a two-thirds vote in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states before taking effect.
This is the third constitutional amendment proposed by Congressman Olszewski to promote accountability and strengthen the checks and balances foundational to our democracy. His ROBE Act would create 18-year term limits for Supreme County justices and his Pardon Integrity Act would enable Congress to override egregious presidential pardons.
Issues:
Congress
Olszewski and McBride Introduce ASSURE Act to Expand Voter Registration Opportunities
Position: The release supports introducing the ASSURE Act to embed voter registration into federal agency services and restore voter registration assistance at naturalization ceremonies, positions that were reversed by the Trump administration. It also criticizes the administration's rollback of voting access.
(Washington, DC) – Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski today introduced the ASSURE Act to expand opportunities for eligible Americans to register to vote ahead of this year’s midterm elections. The bill would embed voter registration into everyday interactions with the federal government. Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride joined Olszewski as an original co-sponsor of the legislation.
With the midterm elections just weeks away, voter registration deadlines are fast approaching across the country. In Maryland, the deadline to register is today, October 13.
“As a government teacher, I spent years teaching my students that democracy only works when people participate in it,” said Congressman Olszewski. “That participation requires something basic: making sure people can register to vote and have their voices heard. If someone is interacting with their government to access veterans benefits, Social Security, or another federal service, we should use that opportunity to make sure they know how to register to vote.”
“Access to the ballot box should be a basic promise of our democracy, not a privilege that depends on who occupies the White House,” said Congresswoman McBride. “The ASSURE Act puts that principle into practice by restoring voter registration opportunities that President Trump has rolled back and ensuring Americans have access to reliable election information. At a moment when this administration continues to undermine voting rights, particularly for Black Americans and communities of color, this work is more urgent than ever. I’m grateful to Rep. Olszewski for his leadership on this legislation, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard.”
The ASSURE Act – short for the Agency Support for Secure and Universal Registration Enhancement Act – codifies a Biden-era executive order, later reversed by President Trump, that directed federal agencies to integrate voter registration opportunities into services Americans already use. It also restores a longstanding policy – also reversed by President Trump – that permits nonpartisan groups to provide voter registration assistance and civic participation information at naturalization ceremonies for new Americans.
Together, these measures would give eligible Americans more opportunities to register without having to seek out a separate government office, website, or registration event.
Olszewski has made expanding civic participation and strengthening democratic institutions a central focus of his work in Congress. He has also supported legislation to make Election Day a national holiday and require states to offer same-day voter registration.
“We should make it easier for eligible Americans to participate in our democracy – not put up unnecessary barriers,” Congressman Olszewski said. “The ASSURE Act is a simple idea: meet people where they are, make registration easier, and make our democracy more accessible to everyone who is eligible to participate.”
Issues:
Congress
Maryland Delegation Pushes for Funding for Mental Health at U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade
Position: Members of Congress from Maryland and the House Armed Services CITI Subcommittee urge appropriators to retain an $11 million program increase for mental health support and high-performance team training at U.S. Cyber Command, following reported suicides among personnel at Fort Meade.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02) joined the Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation (CITI) Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee and the Maryland Delegation in requesting an additional $11 million in funding for mental health support at U.S. Cyber Command following reports of multiple suicides earlier this year. Olszewski joined Representatives Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Rich McCormick (R-GA-07), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Herbert Conaway (D-NJ-03), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), and Pat Ryan (D-NY-18). On the letter from the Maryland members, Elfreth was joined by her Maryland delegation colleagues, including Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who co-led the letter, along with Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), and April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06). Both letters were directed to the heads of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
“We respectfully urge you to retain the $11 million program increase for U.S. Cyber Command high-performance team training… Headquartered at Fort George G. Meade, U.S. Cyber Command is central to Maryland’s national security community and relies on service members, civilian employees, and families throughout our state to conduct some of the Nation’s most demanding and persistent missions,” wrote the CITI members.
“As the Congressional Delegation of Maryland, we are troubled by recent public reporting describing several deaths by suicide among personnel in cyber operations and the Fort Meade community over a short period. These deaths have a severe impact on the family, friends, and wider community. The concentration of these tragedies within a small, highly specialized workforce demands sustained attention and an institutional response proportionate to the operational strain these personnel bear,” wrote the Maryland lawmakers. “Cyber personnel operate in a uniquely stressful environment. Many are effectively ‘deployed in place’ for two- or three-year assignments, conducting real-world operations against capable adversaries without the clear start and end points, protected recovery periods, or unit-level reconstitution cycles associated with conventional deployments. Because much of their work is classified, they may be unable to discuss the sources of their stress with family members or medical professionals who lack the clearances or access to secure facilities necessary for a complete conversation. These conditions can isolate personnel, delay appropriate care, and ultimately weaken readiness, retention, and operational effectiveness.”
“One loss of life is one too many. We must do everything we can to make sure our servicemembers and everyone at NSA and Cyber Command has the full mental health support and resources they need, so that a tragedy like this does not occur again,” wrote the CITI members.
The full CITI letter can be accessed HERE. The full Maryland letter can be accessed HERE.
Issues:
Health
Olszewski Applauds $3.7 Billion Investment in Tradepoint Atlantic at Sparrows Point
Position: The release applauds a $3.7 billion Anduril Industries advanced manufacturing investment at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point, citing expected jobs and national security benefits from building Virginia-class submarines for the U.S. Navy.
(Baltimore, MD) — Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski today applauded Anduril Industries’ plans to build a new advanced manufacturing facility at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point, a $3.7 billion investment expected to create 3,100 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs building Virginia-class submarines for the U.S. Navy.
“Every family deserves the dignity that comes with a good paycheck, and this project will help deliver that promise to thousands of Marylanders,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. “As someone whose roots run deep in Sparrows Point, I know what this historic site has meant to generations of Marylanders. I’ve had the privilege of fighting for its future as a state delegate, Baltimore County Executive, U.S. Congressman — and, most importantly, as someone who has always called this community home.
“For years, we’ve worked to transform Sparrows Point from a symbol of industrial decline into a center of opportunity, and today’s announcement is a powerful sign of how far we’ve come. This investment – with the help of commitments by the State of Maryland and Baltimore County – brings good-paying jobs, advanced manufacturing and new capabilities that will strengthen our national security back to a site with a proud history of building for America.
“I’m proud of the role I’ve played in helping lay the groundwork for Sparrows Point’s next chapter, and I’m even prouder to see that work creating new opportunities for working families. This is an investment in Baltimore County, in Maryland’s manufacturing future and in the workers who will build it.”
Maryland Congressional Delegation and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Meet to Discuss Baltimore City Priorities
Position: Members of Maryland's congressional delegation and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott met to discuss federal and city priorities including affordable housing, transportation, public safety, and healthcare. Speakers expressed support for coordinated work across levels of government and opposition to actions by the Trump Administration affecting Baltimore and other cities.
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott held a meeting at the United States Capitol to discuss their work on a range of priorities for Baltimore residents, including affordable housing, transportation, public safety, healthcare, and more.
“The biggest priority for Baltimore families is the same as it is for families everywhere: lowering costs and making sure they have a fair shot at building a good life,” said Congressman Olszewski. “I appreciated the opportunity to connect with Mayor Scott and my colleagues on how we can better partner across all levels of government to deliver on that priority.”
“Improving life for Baltimore residents is one of our top shared priorities, and I appreciate Mayor Scott’s partnership and the work being done across the city under his leadership. Yesterday’s meeting was an opportunity to discuss our efforts on behalf of the people of Baltimore – from strengthening public safety, to updating our infrastructure, to creating greater economic opportunity. This work is all the more important as the Trump Administration continues to attack our communities and essential programs that serve the City. I will continue to fight alongside Federal Team Maryland to deliver for Baltimore and to make progress on our shared goals to continue moving the City forward,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“I say it all the time: Baltimore has the best federal delegation in the country, and meetings like this one underscore their commitment to our city,” said Mayor Scott. “Each and every day, we're seeing the impact of investments they've secured, from our public safety progress, to our housing investments, to new schools, rec centers, and more all across Baltimore. Especially as we deal with an administration that's actively sabotaging cities across the country, we are so grateful to have this delegation fighting for us in Washington.”
“We’ve seen the news of continued progress in Baltimore, on everything from gun violence to how the Port of Baltimore continues to thrive, and it’s a story to be proud of. The city and its leadership have proven how success happens when you plan effectively and when you’re prepared to respond to the unexpected. Baltimore has shown the nation what you can accomplish when you stick together. Team Maryland on Capitol Hill is committed to fighting for Baltimore and working together. We will continue to find areas where we can coordinate effectively, and we’ll continue to do all we can to make sure Baltimore and all of Maryland has everything needed to thrive,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
“I was glad to join my colleagues in the Maryland Congressional Delegation to meet with Mayor Scott and discuss the achievements, challenges, and top priorities for the greater Baltimore area. I applaud Mayor Scott for his leadership that has had impacts far beyond the region. Our partnership is critical to ensuring Marylanders across the state can benefit from a growing and vibrant economy, and Team Maryland remains committed to working together to improve the safety and livelihood of all who call Maryland home,” said Congressman Hoyer.
“It was a productive opportunity for our Congressional delegation to meet with Mayor Scott again to discuss our priorities and the critical issues facing Baltimoreans today," said Congressman Mfume. "We discussed ongoing efforts to improve public safety, progress on the Key Bridge rebuild and B&P Tunnel, and the escalating negative impacts that the Big Ugly Bill is having on our Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP benefits. I am incredibly proud to be a part of a team that is committed to working together to tackle difficult problems and deliver meaningful results for the people of our City and our State.”
“I’m grateful for Mayor Scott’s steady vision and partnership so we can keep delivering for Marylanders,” said Congressman Raskin. “From Baltimore to Bethesda, the tie that binds us is delivering services, lowering costs and protecting the rights of our people across the Free State as ICE and Border Patrol continue their reign of lawlessness and chaos in our communities."
“It was good to continue our focus on affordability and economic opportunities for folks in the greater Baltimore area and across the great state of Maryland with Mayor Scott and my colleagues in the Maryland Delegation. We look forward to assisting our state and local partners in ameliorating the economic climate through these very tough times,” said Congressman Ivey. “We must meet these challenges head on in unity of purpose. Today’s meeting reaffirms that continued aim.”
“Amid funding cuts and chaos from Washington, Mayor Scott has led the City of Baltimore with a steady hand and worked diligently to expand health care coverage, protect our immigrant neighbors, strengthen public safety, and so much more. I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss the investments we can make together at the local and federal level to invest in the Port of Baltimore and our regional economy to expand opportunities for Maryland families,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.
###
SEEC Building Resilient Housing Task Force Co-Chairs Johnny Olszewski and Dave Min Champion Insurance Coverage for Disaster-Prone Communities
Position: Reps. Dave Min and Johnny Olszewski introduced the Community Disaster Protection Act, which would establish a five-year FEMA pilot program to help local governments and community organizations design community-based catastrophe insurance for high-risk areas.
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Building Resilient Housing Task Force Reps. Dave Min (CA-47) and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) introduced the Community Disaster Protection Act, which would establish a five-year pilot program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help local governments and community organizations design community-based catastrophe insurance that will help Americans in the most high-risk areas access affordable disaster coverage.
“As extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe, too many Americans are unable to obtain the insurance coverage they need to recover from a disaster,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. “The Community Disaster Protection Act takes a commonsense approach by helping high-risk communities close coverage gaps and make disaster protection more affordable. I’m proud to work with the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) and Congressman Min to help communities prepare for the challenges ahead, protect families from devastating financial losses, and build a more resilient future.”
“Families across the country are watching their insurance premiums skyrocket—or losing coverage altogether—because their communities are increasingly exposed to wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters,” said Congressman Dave Min. “We cannot wait until after disaster strikes to figure out how families and communities are going to recover. The Community Disaster Protection Act gives local communities new tools to close dangerous insurance gaps, invest in resilience, and develop coverage that actually reflects the risks they face. As these disasters become more costly, Congress has a responsibility to help ensure Americans are not left financially devastated simply because of where they live.”
“The Community Disaster Protection Act is a great first step to address the rising costs and unmet needs facing Americans, and EDF research makes clear that new and innovative solutions will be critical as climate change increases disaster risk. This bill will be essential to help more communities identify the solutions that meet their needs. By supporting locally designed pilots that pair insurance coverage with investments in risk reduction, The CDPA would support the development of insurance products that help high-risk communities secure affordable insurance coverage, incentivize effective disaster prevention, and provide greater stability to property insurance markets. We thank Representatives Min and Olszewski for their leadership and urge Congress to move this bill forward,” said Joanna Slaney, Vice President for Political and Government Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund.
“APCIA applauds Congressman Min and Congressman Olszewski for introducing the Community Disaster Protection Act, which would support community-based catastrophe insurance solutions, including parametric and other innovative risk-transfer models, to help close protection gaps and expand options for communities facing natural disasters,” said Sam Whitfield, Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations and Political Engagement at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). “Importantly, the bill recognizes that these approaches are intended to complement, not replace, the traditional, private property casualty insurance market. By encouraging risk mitigation, promoting community resilience, expanding access to financial protection, and testing new risk-transfer models, this pilot program can help communities prepare for disasters and speed recovery when disasters strike.”
“Architects are an essential part of the solution to helping communities prepare for growing disaster risks. The Community Disaster Protection Act will give communities new tools to better understand, manage, and insure against those risks—helping create the conditions for property owners and local governments to invest in the resilient buildings and infrastructure architects are uniquely equipped to design,” said Illya Azaroff, FAIA, 2026 National President, American Institute of Architects. “AIA is proud to support this legislation and looks forward to continuing our work with Representative Dave Min, Johnny Olszewski, and the SEEC Building Resilient Housing Task Force to advance practical solutions that strengthen communities before disasters strike.”
“As natural disasters continue to worsen in both intensity and impact across the country, we need innovative solutions to help communities and economies recover from devastation,” said Jessie Ritter, Associate Vice President for Water and Coasts at the National Wildlife Federation. “The Community Disaster Protection Act encourages proactive risk mitigation, while also giving communities a flexible solution to support recovery after disasters, particularly in areas that are the most vulnerable to extreme weather. We look forward to working with Representatives Min and Olszewski on this legislation.”
“CSAC looks forward to working with Congressmember Min on the Community Disaster Protection Act to advance practical, workable solutions for California communities. Local governments need more tools and flexibility to help protect families and residents facing growing disaster risks and insurance challenges,” said California State Association of Counties (CSAC) President and Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg.
Background
As climate change drives more frequent and severe extreme weather events, communities face widening disaster coverage gaps, making it harder and more expensive for them to rebuild. In 2024, economic losses from natural disasters in the U.S. reached $217.8 billion, approximately $105 billion of which was left uninsured. Rising climate-related damage has increased insurer payouts, driven up premiums, and prompted insurance carriers to withdraw from high-risk markets. Addressing this coverage crisis requires innovative approaches that expand insurance access, promote effective resilience, and strengthen the stability of insurance markets nationwide.
Communities are exploring ways to secure or facilitate insurance for a group of properties, leveraging their local knowledge and purchasing power to improve affordability, streamline enrollment, and incentivize risk mitigation tailored to local needs. These arrangements, known as community-based catastrophe insurance (CBCI), offer significant potential to close disaster coverage gaps but are only now beginning to be explored, with just a handful of U.S. jurisdictions currently piloting or implementing CBCI programs. For example, CBCI can be developed to act as a supplement to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), such as a parametric flood insurance program, or to cover wildfire risk in communities where insurers are withdrawing coverage or declining to write new policies.
The Community Disaster Protection Act would promote the development of new disaster insurance products to help high-risk communities secure affordable coverage; incentivize effective disaster prevention; and provide greater stability to property insurance markets. It would direct FEMA to establish a 5-year pilot program to award competitive grants to local governments, quasi-government bodies, and community-based organizations to design, develop, implement, or facilitate CBCI.
Specifically, this bill would:
Close Disaster Coverage Gaps: Authorize grants to develop or facilitate CBCI products that cover disaster risks uninsured or underserved by traditional insurance; set actuarially justified premiums that enable broad participation; and prioritize applicants facing the greatest coverage gaps or disaster risks.
Preserve Local Flexibility: Allow funds to support a range of CBCI frameworks, without restricting the disaster risks or properties covered. Eligible uses of funds could include consumer outreach and education, catastrophe-risk modeling or research into disaster risks, and leveraging non-federal funds to support long-term program sustainability.
Promote Resiliency Investments: Require CBCI programs to promote specific individual or community-wide investments to mitigate disaster risks, reduce potential losses, and secure lower premiums.
Address Regulatory Ambiguity: Direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office to conduct periodic evaluations of program performance to determine the regulatory treatment of CBCI and other alternative insurance products with respect to federal disaster aid eligibility.
Preserve State Insurance Authority: Explicitly preserve States’ authority to regulate insurance markets and require all grant recipients to comply with applicable State insurance laws and regulations. Grants would only be a catalyst for CBCI arrangements operating within State regulatory frameworks.
This bill is endorsed by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, American Institute of Architects, California State Association of Counties, Environmental Defense Fund, Evergreen Action, League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, and Natural Resources Defense Council.
In addition, Reps. Ami Bera (CA-06), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Ed Case (HI-01), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Mike Levin (CA-49), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13) have joined as original cosponsors.
Text of the legislation can be found here.
A one-page summary can be found here.
###
The Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) is a coalition of 111 members of the U.S. House of Representatives that was founded in January 2009 to be a focused, active, and effective coalition for advancing policies that address climate change, promote clean energy innovation and domestic manufacturing, develop renewable energy resources, create family-sustaining clean jobs, protect our nation’s air, water, and natural environment, and promote environmental justice.
SEEC Co-Chairs are Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Paul Tonko (D-NY).
SEEC Vice Chairs are Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sean Casten (D-IL), Mike Levin (D-CA), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME).
Maryland Congressional Delegation Meets to Discuss Critical Priorities for the Port of Baltimore
Position: The delegation supports continued federal investment in the Port of Baltimore's infrastructure, modernization, and workforce to strengthen its economic role and rebuild following the Key Bridge collapse.
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation held a meeting at the United States Capitol to discuss their work on a range of issues relating to the Port of Baltimore, including its infrastructure needs, long-term stability, and growth. During the meeting, the lawmakers heard from Port leadership and stakeholders about upcoming modernization projects, investments, general workforce updates, and more. The Port of Baltimore generates $70 billion annually in economic impacts to Maryland, and 273,000 total jobs in Maryland are connected to the Port.
“Maryland is a leading hub for trade and commerce – and the Port of Baltimore is a key part of our success, generating thousands of jobs and bolstering our economy. Yesterday’s meeting was a great opportunity for Team Maryland to come together with Port leadership and key stakeholders to discuss our past efforts and plan for how we will build on those efforts for the future of the Port. Working alongside state and local partners, we will keep fighting to deliver resources and support so communities across Maryland reap the benefits of a strong and vibrant Port,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Investing in the Port of Baltimore isn’t just about concrete, cranes, and cargo — it’s about investing in people,” said Congressman Olszewski. “Two and a half years after the Key Bridge collapse, we have a responsibility to rebuild stronger and keep investing in the infrastructure that makes the Port a national economic asset. When we prioritize the Port, we are prioritizing jobs, families, and the future of Maryland.”
“The Port is more than just the pride of Baltimore. It’s a state treasure, and it’s an economic engine for the nation and the rest of the world. Our support for Baltimore and the Port remains strong, because a strong Port makes us better, makes our economy stronger, and makes us more sustainable. We have to continue looking at every opportunity to invest in this economic engine that consumers, businesses, workers, and economies worldwide depend on. And I look forward to working with Team Maryland on Capitol Hill to continue fighting for the resources that keep us on the cutting edge,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
“The Port of Baltimore has always been a mighty force in job creation and economic growth in our state. I was glad to meet with the Maryland Congressional Delegation, Maryland Port Administration leadership, and local Port leaders to discuss the significant economic development accomplishments and opportunities for our nation's exports out of Baltimore. Investing in our infrastructure and transportation systems at the Port will improve shipping capacity, competitiveness, and business opportunities for the communities across Maryland that depend on the port. The delegation will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to secure the investments needed to strengthen the Port of Baltimore, grow our economy, and create jobs here in Maryland and across the country,” said Congressman Hoyer.
“The Port of Baltimore is a booming economic gateway for the Free State and the nation,” said Congressman Raskin. “While President Trump’s chaotic and costly trade war and tariffs have reduced imports, Team Maryland will continue fighting for the federal funding needed to keep the port an accessible, attractive destination for the largest cargo ships and create more high-paying union jobs.”
“The Port of Baltimore has been able to survive ups and downs of the economy for over 100 years. Now, the President’s economic strategy that prioritizes tariffs over jobs is adding additional hardship. The President’s ongoing, illegal war in Iran is driving up the cost to ship everything, which directly impacts our port and our economy. But Team Maryland will be able to overcome that. We're in Washington and working together to deliver, not just for the Port, not just for the 2,400 Longshoremen who work in the Port, but for our economy and state as a whole,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “To write the future of the Port of Baltimore, we will be taking inspiration from what once was – back to the Baltimore clippers and the hundreds of Liberty ships built during World War II. It is time for Maryland to lead in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing once again.”
###
Issues:
Congress
Economy
Energy
Maryland Delegation Members Press USDA, USFS to Make Good on Commitment to Keep Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore
Position: The lawmakers call on USDA and the U.S. Forest Service to reverse the decision to close the Baltimore Urban Field Office and relocate its staff outside Baltimore, citing a prior commitment to keep the office in the area.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.), in calling for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden and United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz to reverse course on the decision to close the USFS Baltimore Field Office and relocate staff outside of Baltimore. The USFS Baltimore Urban Field Station leads forestry-related projects that benefit the local Baltimore community and conducts important forestry and urban ecology research that informs land use decision-making throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and beyond. The lawmakers pose several questions to USDA and USFS around the decision, which comes after Senator Van Hollen questioned Chief Tom Schultz in the Senate Appropriations Committee and received commitment to maintain presence in Baltimore.
The lawmakers begin, “On April 30, 2026, during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the United States Forest Service (USFS) FY27 budget, Chief Schultz assured Senator Van Hollen that USFS would not force Baltimore Urban Field Office employees to relocate outside of the Baltimore area during the USDA reorganization. Despite this commitment, when USFS announced earlier this month that the Baltimore Urban Field Office will close, we learned that USFS intends to relocate Baltimore employees to Beltsville, Maryland – a location that is decidedly outside of the broader Baltimore area. USFS must make good on its word and keep Baltimore Urban Field Office employees in Baltimore so they can effectively continue their place-based and partnership-dependent work in the Baltimore area.”
On the critical benefits for keeping the Baltimore Urban Field Office in the Baltimore area, the lawmakers write, “When Secretary Rollins announced the USDA reorganization, one of the stated pillars of the plan was to ‘bring USDA closer to its customers.’ Closing the Baltimore Field Office and relocating employees away from Baltimore violates this core principle, since the primary ‘customers’ of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office are in Baltimore; they are the community groups, local government, and academics with whom the Field Office has developed partnerships and collaborations during its nearly 40-year tenure on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. These relationships have enabled important research projects that benefit the Chesapeake Bay watershed and regional forests, as well as urban forestry projects in the Baltimore community. For example, the Office supports community-led restoration and urban revitalization efforts in Baltimore by leading the Baltimore Urban Waters Partnership. It delivers professional skill building and workforce training to urban youth in Baltimore by supporting youth forestry projects at the Stillmeadow Church and Peace Park. And it started an urban wood reuse project that successfully spun off into a city-run urban sawmill and wood recycling center.”
Among other questions, the lawmakers go on to ask the following:
— Did USDA or USFS conduct an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with closing the Baltimore Urban Field Office as compared to keeping them in the current location?
— Has USDA or USFS assessed the impact that closure of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office and relocation of employees outside of the Baltimore area will have on the important work that the Baltimore Urban Field Office has been conducting?
“The Baltimore location is critical to the ability of the Baltimore Urban Field Office to successfully accomplish its place-based and partnership-driven work. This work not only benefits the Baltimore community but serves as a model for urban forestry work in cities across the country and the world. The Baltimore Urban Field Office is an asset to the nation and its closure serves no one. Keep your word and keep the work of the Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore.” the lawmakers conclude.
The full text of the letter is available here.
###
Issues:
Energy
Olszewski on Trump’s Attack on the Press: “Outrageous and Unconstitutional”
Position: The congressman calls the President's barring of CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO from the White House and revocation of their journalists' press credentials outrageous and unconstitutional, and argues that an independent press must be protected from government retaliation.
(Towson, MD) – Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski today issued the following statement after President Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from the White House and confiscated the press credentials of their journalists. The three outlets announced today they are suing the Trump Administration over the ban.
“A free and independent press is fundamental to our democracy. President Trump’s attack on news organizations he doesn’t like is outrageous and unconstitutional.
This issue is bigger than any one news outlet. It’s about whether the President of the United States gets to decide which journalists are allowed access to him based on favorable coverage. He doesn’t.
Unfortunately, this is part of a broader pattern from the Trump Administration — using the power of the federal government to punish journalists and restrict the ability of the press to hold those in power accountable. That is the kind of overreach we associate with authoritarian regimes, not a healthy democracy. I commend other, competing news organizations for standing in solidarity to defend the First Amendment.
The White House belongs to the American people. They have a right to an independent press that asks tough questions, reports the facts, and holds their government accountable.”
###
House Passes Olszewski Bills to Strengthen America’s Diplomatic Workforce
Position: The release supports two bipartisan bills, the Foreign Service Language Readiness Act and the Open Doors to Diplomacy Act, which would strengthen State Department language planning and recruitment at community colleges and other nontraditional institutions. The bills have passed the House and been included in the broader Foreign Service Modernization Act, which now moves to the Senate.
(WASHINGTON, DC) — Two bipartisan bills authored by Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week, advancing efforts to strengthen America’s diplomatic workforce and ensure the State Department is prepared to meet emerging global challenges.
The Foreign Service Language Readiness Act, introduced with Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), will require the State Department to maintain an up-to-date list of critical foreign languages tied to national security priorities and improve workforce planning around language proficiency and training. The Open Doors to Diplomacy Act, introduced with Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), will strengthen State Department recruitment and outreach at community colleges, junior colleges, career and technical institutions, and other nontraditional institutions of higher education.
The bills—included in the broader Foreign Service Modernization Act—will now move to the U.S. Senate. Together, they address two critical pieces of America’s diplomatic readiness: ensuring the Foreign Service has the expertise it needs and making sure it can recruit the talent it needs.
“America’s diplomatic strength depends on having the right people, with the right skills, ready to serve wherever our national security interests demand it,” said Congressman Olszewski. “That means investing in critical language capabilities, planning ahead for emerging threats, and making sure talented Americans from every corner of our country see themselves in a career in the Foreign Service. I’m proud these bipartisan bills are moving forward as part of a broader effort to modernize our diplomatic workforce and give our diplomats the tools they need to keep America safe.”
The Foreign Service Language Readiness Act would:
Require the State Department to develop and regularly update a list of critical foreign languages based on national security priorities;
Establish clear proficiency standards for positions requiring critical language expertise;
Better align language training, career development, and assignments with mission-critical workforce needs; and
Improve the Department’s ability to surge qualified, language-capable personnel during international crises.
“Language proficiency isn't a luxury — it’s a national security necessity,” Congressman Olszewski said when the legislation was introduced. “Whether responding to conflict, countering strategic competitors, or protecting Americans abroad, our diplomats need the expertise to understand the countries where they serve and communicate effectively with the people there.”
The Open Doors to Diplomacy Act would expand State Department outreach and recruitment efforts at nontraditional institutions of higher education, including community colleges, junior colleges, and career and technical institutions. It would also broaden eligibility for certain Foreign Service internship opportunities and expand digital and hybrid recruitment efforts.
“America needs a Foreign Service that can draw on the full depth of talent our country has to offer,” Congressman Olszewski said. “Too many talented Americans may never consider a career in diplomacy simply because they have limited exposure to the opportunities available to them. We should be opening doors to public service, not narrowing the pipeline.”
Issues:
Congress
Economy
Source: GDELT 2.0 GKG, filtered to a curated list of national outlets. Inclusion is not endorsement; opinion pieces and reported news are mixed.
Recent stock activity
Periodic transaction reports filed under the STOCK Act — disclosed by the rep, sourced from public filings.
No disclosed trades on record.
Source: open-data mirrors of the Senate eFD and House Clerk financial-disclosure systems. Disclosure within 30 days of trade is required by law (45 for spouse/dependent trades).
Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.DEMOCRATS UNITED TO CHANGE AND HOPE PAC2 contributions$10,000
2.AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE COUNTY & MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES P E O P L E4 contributions$10,000
3.STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE3 contributions$7,500
4.AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (AAJ PAC)3 contributions$7,500
5.AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (ASA PAC)Health4 contributionsMedical-specialty PAC representing anesthesiologists — backs candidates supporting physician practice autonomy, reimbursement rates, and healthcare policy aligned with anesthesia providers' interests.AI$7,000
6.CHUGACH ALASKA CORPORATION PAC (CAC PAC)Business2 contributionsAlaska-based corporate PAC — likely backs candidates and policies supporting business operations and economic development in Alaska.AI · low$6,500
7.AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION PACLabor4 contributionsTrade-union PAC for commercial airline pilots — backs candidates supporting pilot workplace protections, collective bargaining rights, and aviation safety standards.AI$6,000
8.AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY ASSOCIATION PAC1 contribution$5,000
9.MACHINISTS NON PARTISAN POLITICAL LEAGUE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS & AEROSPACE WORKERSLabor1 contributionTrade-union PAC of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers — backs candidates supporting union organizing, prevailing wages, and aerospace manufacturing jobs.AI$5,000
10.INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SHEET METAL, AIR, RAIL AND TRANSPORTATION WORKERS POLITICAL ACTION LEAGUELabor1 contributionTrade-union PAC for sheet metal, air, rail, and transportation workers — backs candidates supporting union organizing, prevailing wages, and infrastructure investment.AI$5,000
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.WEINMAN COMPANY$15,000
2.PERRY JACOBSON$10,000
3.BROWN ADVISORY$9,000
4.CORDISH COMPANIES$7,000
5.ST. JOHN PROPERTIES, INC.$7,000
6.MOSES GATE HOLDINGS$7,000
7.PROUD MOMENTS MSO LLC$7,000
8.CAPITAL FUNDING GROUP$7,000
9.SAUL EWING LLP$7,000
10.DRAFTKINGS$7,000
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
