Maryland

State Senators:

Ben Cardin (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2007

Full Name: Benjamin Louis Cardin
Date of Birth: October 5, 1943
Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Ben Cardin was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, in a family with a long history of public service. His grandfather, Meyer Cardin, was a member of the Baltimore City Council, and his father, Maurice Cardin, served in the Maryland House of Delegates. Ben Cardin graduated from Baltimore City College high school and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in 1964 from the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a member of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. He then received a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1967, graduating first in his class.

Personal Life: Ben Cardin is married to Myrna Edelman Cardin, and they have two children and several grandchildren. The family resides in Baltimore, Maryland. Cardin is known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents through effective and principled legislation.

Early Career: Following law school, Cardin was admitted to the Maryland Bar and began practicing law. He worked in private practice, gaining experience and establishing his credentials as an attorney. His early career in law provided him with a strong foundation and understanding of legal and legislative processes, which he later leveraged in his political career.

Political Career:

Maryland House of Delegates: Cardin was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1966 at the age of 23, becoming one of the youngest members in history. He served in the Maryland House of Delegates until 1986, including a term as Speaker from 1979 to 1986, where he was known for his work on fiscal issues and education reform.
U.S. House of Representatives: In 1986, Cardin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Maryland’s 3rd congressional district. He served ten terms from 1987 to 2007. During his time in the House, Cardin focused on healthcare, retirement security, and tax policy, and he played a significant role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the establishment of the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Minority Health.
U.S. Senate: Cardin was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, succeeding Senator Paul Sarbanes. He has been re-elected twice, most recently in 2018. In the Senate, Cardin is known for his work on foreign relations, environmental protection, and civil rights. He has been a strong advocate for the Chesapeake Bay, playing a key role in securing funding and implementing policies to protect and restore the bay.

Committee Assignments:

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Co-chairman)
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Committee on Finance
Committee on Foreign Relation (Chairman)
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Legislative Achievements:

Healthcare: Advocate for expanding access to healthcare and has worked on legislation to improve Medicare and Medicaid services. Supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has worked on initiatives to reduce prescription drug costs.
Environment: Strong proponent of environmental protection and sustainability. Advocates for clean energy initiatives and has worked on legislation to combat climate change. Has a high score from the League of Conservation Voters.
Foreign Policy: As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Cardin focuses on human rights, global health, and international security. He has been involved in efforts to promote democracy and human rights worldwide.
Small Business: Supports policies that promote small business growth and entrepreneurship. Has worked on legislation to provide support and resources for small businesses, especially during economic downturns.
Judiciary: Advocates for judicial reform and has supported the confirmation of judges who uphold the rule of law and civil rights.

Senator Cardin is known for his commitment to healthcare, environmental protection, foreign policy, and small business support. His long tenure in public service, spanning from the Maryland House of Delegates to the U.S. Senate, highlights his dedication to his constituents and his effectiveness as a legislator. Cardin’s focus on bipartisan solutions and his advocacy for human rights and democracy make him a respected figure in both national and international arenas.

Committees

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, this is a U.S. government agency that monitors and promotes the following in Europe and surrounding areas: Human Rights, Democracy, Military Security, Economic Cooperation, and Humanitarian Issues. The commission includes members from the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and executive branch, and it conducts various activities to inform U.S. policy and ensure adherence to international agreements.

Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs.

Finance: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the economic direction of a country or region by influencing fiscal and monetary policies that impact individuals, businesses, and governments.

Foreign Relations: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, providing a check on the executive branch’s conduct of international relations, and ensuring that America’s global engagements reflect the values and interests of its citizens.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee plays a crucial role in advocating for the needs of small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an environment conducive to small business success and economic growth.

Voting patterns

Senator Cardin has a voting record that reflects his commitment to healthcare, environmental protection, civil rights, and fiscal responsibility.

Key Voting Patterns:

Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: Senator Cardin has consistently supported measures to expand and protect healthcare access. He voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act and has supported efforts to improve Medicare and Medicaid services. He also supports reproductive rights, voting to protect and expand access to contraception and fertility treatments.
Environmental Issues: Cardin is a strong advocate for environmental protection and has played a significant role in efforts to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay. He supports legislation aimed at addressing climate change and promoting clean energy. For instance, he has voted for measures that enhance environmental regulations and protect natural resources.
Economic and Fiscal Policies: Cardin emphasizes fiscal responsibility and has supported various economic relief measures during crises, such as COVID-19 relief packages. He advocates for balanced budgets and responsible spending while ensuring that critical social programs are funded adequately.
Civil Rights and Social Justice: A champion for civil rights, Cardin has been involved in numerous legislative efforts to promote equality and justice. He supports the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and other measures aimed at protecting voting rights and combating discrimination. He has also been a vocal advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment and legislation to restore voting rights to individuals with criminal convictions who have served their sentences.
Foreign Policy and National Security: As a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Cardin has been involved in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in promoting human rights and combating corruption globally. He co-authored the Global Magnitsky Act, which allows the U.S. to sanction foreign officials involved in human rights abuses and corruption

In summary, Cardin’s legislative priorities include healthcare reform, environmental protection, and international human rights. He has been a vocal supporter of the Affordable Care Act and has introduced legislation to improve Medicare and Medicaid services. Cardin is also known for his efforts to combat corruption and promote democracy worldwide through his work on the Foreign Relations Committee. Additionally, he has been a leader in advocating for small businesses, particularly through his role on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.

Senator Cardin’s voting record demonstrates his dedication to fiscal responsibility, comprehensive healthcare reform, strong national defense, environmental protection, and progressive social policies. His balanced approach to legislation highlights his commitment to both economic growth and the well-being of his constituents in Maryland and across the United States.

Full Name: Christopher J. Van Hollen Jr.
Date of Birth: January 10, 1959
Birthplace: Karachi, Pakistan

Early Life and Education: Chris Van Hollen was born in Karachi, Pakistan, where his father was a Foreign Service officer. He grew up in various countries, including Turkey, India, and Sri Lanka, due to his father’s diplomatic assignments. Van Hollen attended the Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Swarthmore College in 1982, a Master of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1985, and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1990.

Personal Life: Chris Van Hollen is married to Katherine Wilkens, and they have three children. The family resides in Kensington, Maryland. Van Hollen is known for his dedication to public service and his efforts to bring about positive change through effective legislation and bipartisan cooperation.

Early Career: After completing his education, Van Hollen worked as an attorney for the federal government, including as a legislative assistant for defense and foreign policy to Senator Charles Mathias, a senior aide to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and an attorney at the U.S. Department of State. He later served as a senior legislative advisor to Governor Parris Glendening of Maryland.

Chris Van Hollen (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2017

Political Career:

Maryland House of Delegates: Elected in 1990, served until 1994
Maryland State Senate: Elected in 1994, served until 2002.
- During his time in the Maryland General Assembly (both in Maryland’s House and Senate), Van Hollen focused on education, healthcare, and environmental issues
U.S. House of Representatives: In 2002, Van Hollen was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Maryland’s 8th congressional district, defeating incumbent Republican Connie Morella. He served from 2003 to 2017. In the House, Van Hollen quickly rose to leadership positions, including serving as the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee from 2007 to 2011 and ranking member of the House Budget Committee from 2011 to 2017. He played a key role in budget negotiations and healthcare reform during his tenure in the House.
U.S. Senate: Elected In 2016, Van Hollen ran for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Barbara Mikulski. He won the election and took office on January 3, 2017. As a senator, Van Hollen has continued to focus on issues such as healthcare, education, and the environment. He has been a strong advocate for progressive policies and has worked on various bipartisan initiatives.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Committee on Foreign Relations
Committee on the Budget

Legislative Achievements:

Economic Policy: Advocates for economic equality and has supported measures to increase the minimum wage, expand access to affordable housing, and provide tax relief for working families.
Healthcare: Supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has worked to expand healthcare access and reduce prescription drug costs. He has also focused on mental health services and opioid addiction treatment.
Education: Strong advocate for public education funding, including support for Pell Grants and measures to reduce student loan debt.
Environment: Proponent of environmental protection and clean energy initiatives. Has supported legislation to combat climate change and promote renewable energy sources.
Foreign Policy: Focuses on international human rights, diplomacy, and global security. He has worked on legislation related to sanctions against adversarial nations and support for democratic movements.

Senator Van Hollen is known for his commitment to economic equality, healthcare access, education, environmental protection, and a balanced approach to foreign policy. His legislative efforts reflect his dedication to improving the lives of his constituents and addressing both national and global challenges.

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly
Banking, Housing, and Urban Development: Committee ensures that the banking system is safe, housing is accessible, urban areas are well-developed, and consumers are protected in financial matters.
Foreign Relations: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, providing a check on the executive branch’s conduct of international relations, and ensuring that America’s global engagements reflect the values and interests of its citizens.
Budget: Committee plays a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy, ensuring that government spending and revenue collection are managed responsibly and align with economic priorities.

Voting patterns

Senator Van Hollen has a voting record that aligns with his progressive and pragmatic approach to legislation.

Key Voting Patterns:

Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: Van Hollen has consistently supported measures to expand and protect healthcare access. He has been a strong advocate for the Affordable Care Act and has voted in favor of expanding reproductive rights, including access to contraception and fertility treatments.
Environmental Issues: Senator Van Hollen is known for his strong environmental stance. He has a lifetime environmental score of 98% from the League of Conservation Voters and scored 100% in 2023. He supports legislation aimed at addressing climate change and promoting renewable energy.
Economic and Fiscal Policies: Van Hollen emphasizes fiscal responsibility and has supported various economic relief measures during crises, such as COVID-19 relief packages. He advocates for balanced budgets and responsible spending while ensuring that critical social programs are funded adequately.
Foreign Policy and National Security: As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Van Hollen has been involved in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in promoting human rights and combating corruption globally. He has supported military aid to Ukraine to help fend off Russian aggression and has advocated for humanitarian aid to Gaza while being critical of Israeli actions that harm civilians.
Civil Rights and Social Justice: A champion for civil rights, Van Hollen has been involved in numerous legislative efforts to promote equality and justice. He supports the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and other measures aimed at protecting voting rights and combating discrimination.

Senator Van Hollen’s voting record demonstrates his dedication to progressive policies in economic equality, healthcare reform, national defense, environmental protection, and social justice. His legislative efforts are marked by a commitment to improving the lives of his constituents in Maryland and addressing critical national issues through bipartisan cooperation and innovative policy solutions.