Johnny Olszewski

Olszewski, Brown Introduce Refresh Act to Improve Teacher Wellness and Mental Health

Position: The REFRESH Act would establish a federal grant program administered by the Department of Education to fund educator wellness and mental health programs in states, with grants awarded competitively to districts facing workforce challenges.

Washington, DC – As the nation recognizes Teacher Appreciation Week, Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) have introduced the REFRESH Act, legislation to create a new federal grant program to support educator wellness and mental health programs. The REFRESH Act would authorize the Department of Education to administer grants to State Educational Agencies to implement educator wellness programs in their states. Mental health, stress, and a lack of wellness support are pushing educators out of the profession. A 2025 survey found that nearly 70% of early-career educators considered leaving teaching due to a lack of support or poor working conditions. Fifty-three percent of K-12 teachers report feelings of burnout. Another survey found that 37% of teachers plan to leave their current school in the next year and 18% plan to leave the profession entirely. "As a former public school teacher, I know firsthand that when we support our educators, we support our students and our schools,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). “The REFRESH Act invests in the well-being of school staff, strengthens retention, and helps create the conditions every student needs to succeed. I am proud to lead this important effort with Congresswoman Brown.” “Supporting educators shouldn’t just be a slogan, it should be federal policy. The REFRESH Act makes resources available to help educators thrive and keep doing the job love. Unfortunately, stress, burnout, and mental health issues caused by a lack of support are pushing teachers and educators out of the classroom. It’s bad for teachers, bad for students, and bad for schools. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Congressman Olszewski with the support of leading education advocates. Teaching has never been harder, and it’s time to step up and support educators,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11). REFRESH Act grants may be used to address burnout and workforce strain, improve the well-being and mental health, improve stress management and workplace conditions and more. Grants will be awarded by the Secretary of Education on a competitive basis, prioritizing programs in districts facing workforce challenges and serving high-need student populations. Bill text here. Congressman Olszewski is Education Task Force Chair for the New Democrat Coalition’s Workforce & Education Working Group. Congresswoman Brown is Mental Health Task Force Chair for the New Democrat Coalition’s Health Care Working Group. The REFRESH Act is endorsed by: the American Federation of Teachers, EdTrust, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the National School Boards Association, All4Ed, the National School Board Association’s Council of Urban Boards Education, the Council of Administrators of Special Education, the Center for Black Educator Development, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "Burnout, stress, and resulting job turnover are significant factors fueling the educator shortages plaguing communities across the country. We commend Congresswoman Brown's leadership in addressing this important issue through the REFRESH ACT, which will provide much needed support to schools as they seek to improve educators' working conditions," said Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D. CEO and President of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher’s Education. "Our educators and school leaders are the heartbeat of our communities, yet they are facing an unprecedented crisis of burnout and workforce instability. We cannot expect our students to thrive if the system supporting them is under constant strain. The REFRESH Act takes a crucial, common-sense step forward by investing directly in the well-being, mental health, and working conditions of our school personnel. By pairing federal support and state leadership with local flexibility, this legislation empowers districts to design tailored solutions that keep talented educators in the classroom and strong leaders at the helm. We are proud to endorse Congresswoman Shontel Brown’s REFRESH Act, which recognizes that supporting our educators is the single best way to ensure the long-term success of our students," said Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, Executive Director and CEO, National School Boards Association (NSBA). “I’ve been a classroom teacher and a district leader, and I know firsthand what’s at stake when we fail our educators. The REFRESH Act gets it right; it invests in the conditions that make great teaching possible and trusts local communities to design solutions centered on wellness, trust, and respect. Our students thrive and succeed when the adults who serve them are supported, rather than stretched past their breaking point. This legislation is long overdue, and we are proud to stand behind it,” said Dr. Amy Loyd CEO of All4Ed. “School personnel are on the front lines, navigating the complex needs of the young people they serve. The REFRESH Act addresses the growing strain on our educator workforce by prioritizing well-being, retention, and supportive school environments. By investing in evidence-based strategies that reduce burnout and expand access to mental health supports, this legislation recognizes that educator wellness is fundamental to student success. NAMI is proud to support this effort and thanks Rep. Brown for her leadership in strengthening school communities,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). ### Issues: Education

Olszewski Leads Maryland Delegation in Urging Apple to Reexamine Towson Store Closure

(Towson, MD) — Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) is leading members of the Maryland Congressional delegation in urging Apple to reconsider its decision to close its Towson retail store, a move that would impact nearly 100 workers and disrupt services for local residents and small businesses across the Baltimore region. In a letter sent to current Apple CEO Tim Cook and Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus, Congressman Olszewski – along with Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, as well as Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth and April McClain Delaney – questioned the rationale of closing its Towson Town Center store despite its strong performance and new hires. The closure is reportedly set to take effect on June 20, 2026. “We urge Apple to reconsider whether there are viable paths forward that would preserve jobs and maintain a retail presence in the region,” the lawmakers wrote. “Maryland residents value employers who invest in their workforce and demonstrate a sustained commitment to the communities they serve. We stand ready to engage constructively with Apple to better understand this decision and to explore potential solutions.” The lawmakers are requesting detailed information from Apple regarding the decision-making process behind the closure, including whether relocation or other operational adjustments were considered. The letter also seeks clarity on the company’s assessment of economic impacts and its plans to support affected employees through severance and job placement assistance. The members requested a formal response from Apple by May 15.

Olszewski to Introduce ROBE Act to Establish Term Limits for Supreme Court Justices

Position: Congressman Olszewski is introducing a constitutional amendment to establish 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices, arguing that lifetime appointments have become politicized and eroded public confidence in the Court's impartiality.

(Washington, D.C.) — Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski today will introduce the Reform of Bench Eligibility (ROBE) Act — a constitutional amendment that would establish 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices. His announcement comes in the wake of the Court’s recent and dangerous ruling effectively gutting the Voting Rights Act. That decision adds to growing concern that the nation’s highest court has become increasingly partisan, eroding public confidence in its role as an impartial arbiter of the law. “Faith in the Court depends on its legitimacy as a fair and independent institution,” Congressman Olszewski said. “Recent rulings that have thrown out decades of legal precedent, combined with ethically dubious behavior by sitting judges, are testing that faith. Justices should not be hobnobbing at White House dinners and flying on the private jets of friends who have business before the Court. By establishing term limits, we can reduce the political gamesmanship surrounding appointments, restore balance to the process, and strengthen the integrity of the Court.” Under the current system, Supreme Court Justices serve lifetime appointments, enabling justices to serve for decades without accountability. Modern tenure lengths are the longest in American history, and retirement decisions have increasingly become strategic — often aligned with the political preferences of the sitting president. This dynamic has also reshaped the confirmation process. Rather than focusing solely on qualifications, presidents are incentivized to nominate younger, more ideologically predictable candidates to secure long-term influence over the Court. The result is a more contentious and politicized process that further undermines public trust. Congressman Olszewski also cited alarmingly partisan behavior from sitting judges, including the presence of six members of the bench at a recent White House state dinner. Justices have also accepted luxury gifts from political donors and friends with business before the court. One sitting judge was accused of flying a “stop the steal” flag outside his home less than a week after the January 6 riots. The ROBE Act would create 18-year terms for Supreme Court Justices, ensuring regular and predictable turnover. The amendment would apply to current Justices and include provisions for a fair and orderly transition to the new system. The proposal aims to lower the stakes of any single nomination, promote a more consistent appointment process, and ultimately rebuild public confidence in the judiciary. ### Issues: Congress

Olszewski Issues Statement on Decision to ‘Off-Ramp’ Key Bridge Contractor

(Towson, MD) – Congressman Johnny Olszewski today issued the following statement following Governor Wes Moore’s announcement that Kiewit Infrastructure Co. will not be retained for Phase 2 construction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge: “The Key Bridge’s absence is still deeply felt every day. Rebuilding it as quickly as possible isn’t just a Baltimore priority – it is an American priority – and we must pursue every option to expedite this work and reduce costs. Thanks to the efforts of Team Maryland, in partnership with federal, state, and local leaders, the shipping channel was cleared in record time. The Port of Baltimore is thriving again, and funding for the new bridge is now established law. But we must keep going. I support all actions to ensure the Key Bridge project moves forward with the urgency, focus, and resolve this moment demands. We must also ensure the public remains fully informed every step of the way, with clear and consistent communication about progress, challenges, and costs.” ###

Olszewski, Lawler Introduce Bipartisan FAIR Act to Support America’s Diplomats

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressmen Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) and Mike Lawler (NY-17) today introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the U.S. Foreign Service by retaining experienced personnel, reducing training costs, and ensuring career diplomats are able to receive their full earned retirement benefits. The Foreign Service Age Integration and Reform (FAIR) Act would raise the mandatory retirement age for America’s diplomats from 65 to 67— aligning it with the full Social Security retirement age (FRA). The legislation also ensures the retirement age for Foreign Service Officers automatically adjusts alongside any future changes to the FRA, which is the age in which retirees are eligible to receive 100 percent of their benefits. “America’s diplomats dedicate their careers to advancing our national security, protecting American interests abroad, and representing the very best of our country,” said Congressman Olszewski. “This bipartisan, commonsense legislation reflects modern workforce realities and ensures experienced professionals are not forced out of service before they are eligible to receive their full Social Security benefits. It’s a practical solution that strengthens national interest and supports the people who serve it.” "Modernizing our Foreign Service is essential to supporting the dedicated Americans who serve our country abroad. By aligning the Foreign Service retirement age with Social Security’s standard, this legislation ensures we retain experienced diplomats, strengthen institutional knowledge, and promote continuity in our foreign policy efforts,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “The current Foreign Service mandatory retirement age of 65 effectively sidelines our most experienced diplomats prematurely,” said John Dinkelman, President of the American Foreign Service Association. “Raising the mandatory retirement age to 67 is a practical, long overdue step that keeps vital expertise in service of U.S. foreign policy and the American People.” The FAIR Act is the House companion to bipartisan legislation, S. 4002 introduced last month by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Dave McCormick (R-PA). By allowing seasoned diplomats to continue serving longer, the legislation helps preserve institutional knowledge, reduce costly turnover and retraining, and maintain a strong, experienced diplomatic corps at a time of growing global challenges. ###

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

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

Olszewski Statement on the Firing of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

Position: Congressman Olszewski expresses relief at Secretary Noem's removal, criticizing ICE enforcement practices under her tenure as unlawful and harmful to communities and families. He calls for DHS reform to restore constitutional accountability and rule of law in immigration enforcement.

(Washington, DC) – Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski today issued the following statement after President Donald Trump fired Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem: “The removal of Kristi Noem from the Department of Homeland Security is a huge relief to the majority of Americans concerned about the lawlessness of ICE. During her tenure, the department strayed far from its mission to protect the homeland – instead terrorizing communities, tearing families apart, and victim blaming as Americans lost their lives. Secretary Noem had countless opportunities to hold herself and her department accountable. Instead, she has chosen denial and deception. Her removal is important and overdue, but the job is only half done. The Department of Homeland Security must now be reformed so that it protects the American people while upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. The President must nominate and the Senate must confirm a qualified new Secretary who will rebuild public trust, restore accountability, and ensure that this department once again serves the nation.”

Olszewski Issues Statement on US-Israel Attacks on Iran

Position: Congressman Olszewski opposes the U.S.-Israel military strikes on Iran without prior congressional authorization and argues that President Trump failed to justify the military action to Congress and the American people or to identify an imminent threat. He calls for Congress to reassert its constitutional authority to authorize military force.

(Washington, DC) – Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski issued the following statement on coordinated American-Israeli military strikes in Iran: “President Trump pledged to avoid wars. His actions today may instead begin one. Iran is led by a brutal and oppressive regime that can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. Our commitment to peace and democracy in Iran as well as the freedom of its people is unwavering. Military action can be justified, but President Trump has an obligation to make the argument for such action to the Congress and the American people. Instead, President Trump expects a blind trust he has not earned. Once again, Trump has failed to make an argument for military strikes, or to identify an imminent threat from Iran. Once again, he has failed to explain the objective, the strategy, the risks, what comes next, and – most importantly – how this benefits America. As a result, there are American troops and civilians in harm’s way. I pray for their safety. Americans who are being crushed by higher costs at home overwhelmingly oppose what could become another “forever war.” They have every right to demand a say before this Administration recklessly drags us into another costly, ill-defined conflict. Our system requires checks and balances. Congress must act now to reclaim its constitutional power to authorize military force.”