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Office Location
Prince George's County Office
5001 Silver Hill Road
Suite 106
Suitland, Maryland 20746
301-516-7601 main
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8730 Georgia Avenue
Suite 610
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
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Edwards, Rahall lead 69 Members of Congress to Urge President Obama to Protect "Buy American" Policies in TPP
Congresswoman Edwards and Congressman Nick Rahall (WV-3), Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, led 69 Members of Congress in a letter urging President Obama to protect “Buy American” policies in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. The 12th round of negotiations for the TPP are set to begin Tuesday, May 8th, between Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam.
“We must buy American to build America, and government procurement policy is no exception,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “We are focused on creating jobs and revitalizing our manufacturing base, and our trade agreements must not take away this important policy tool. Since 1933, Buy American policies have helped invest large sums of U.S tax dollars to create jobs, grow our economy, and strengthen domestic manufacturing. That is why my 68 colleagues and I urge President Obama to ensure that this trade pact does not limit our rights to spend U.S. tax dollars on U.S. goods and services. Let’s continue to use government procurement to support our manufacturing sector and create good, high-wage American jobs.”
To read more, including the letter to President Obama, click here.
Rep. Edwards Speaks on Importance of Const. Amendment at Citizens United Summit
Rep. Edwards, along with several other Members of Congress and advocacy groups, helped organize a Citizens United Summit to disc
uss the importance of a constitutional amendment to overturn the flawed ruling. Rep. Edwards and then Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) sponsored a constitutional amendment, H.J.Res 78, a week after the Supreme Court's ruling. The summit showed the groundswell of support at the federal, state, and local levels to address Citizens United and the resulting influx of unlimited money into the election process. Click here to watch Rep. Edwards' statement at the summit.
Rep. Edwards Highlights Equal Pay Day, More Needs To Be Done
On Equal Pay Day, here are several facts regarding the gender pay gap.
- Women still only earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men.
- In typical married households, women’s incomes accounted for 36 percent of total family income in 2008, up from 29 percent in 1983.
- $10,784: Amount the gender pay gap cost women & their families this year.
Although the Lilly Ledbetter Act has been enacted, more needs to be done. As a cosponsor, Rep. Edwards is fighting for the enactment of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would provide a much-needed update to the 49-year-old Equal Pay Act by providing effective remedies to women who are not being paid equal wages for doing equal work.
Click here to see a breakdown of what $10,784 could pay for.
Rep. Edwards Highlights Impact of Speculation on Rising Gas Prices During Hearing
Rep. Edwards highlights impact of speculation on the rise of gas prices during the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Hearing on "Protecting America's Consumers from Excessive Speculation: American Energy for American Jobs". Mr. Guilford, President and CEO of the Independent Connecticut Petroleum Marketers Association, responded to Rep. Edwards' question that speculation raises the cost of gas approximately $1 per gallon.
Rep. Edwards' Statement on Fairness of GSA Leasing During T&I Full Committee Markup
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a Full Committee markup of pending legislation and General Services Administration (GSA) resolutions. Three of the GSA resolutions dealt with federal leases in the Suburban Maryland area, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Fourth Congressional District of Maryland, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health.
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I had the opportunity to review the several General Services Administration (GSA) resolutions the Committee is considering today, including three in the Suburban Maryland area,. In reviewing the prospectus for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is located currently in the Congressional District I represent in the House, I noticed that it is for a replacement lease. I support the resolution and it is my expectation that GSA will be able to negotiate a lease that allows the CDC to remain at its current location."
Read the entire statement here. Additional information on these leases can be found on pages 7 – 9 of the following link.
Congresswoman Edwards Applauds Nearly $1 Billion for Maryland Victims of Mortgage Crisis
Congresswoman Edwards applauded a nearly $26 billion dollar settlement with the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers, including
approximately $960 million for the state of Maryland. The largest joint state-federal settlement in US history will help thousands of Marylanders stay in their homes through enhanced loan modifications and will provide financial assistance to many who already lost their homes. The settlement also includes comprehensive reform of mortgage loan servicing standards.
“This historic agreement provides some much-needed relief to thousands of Maryland homeowners who have suffered during this housing crisis,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “It is an important move towards righting the wrongs of years of abuse and neglect on behalf of the mortgage servicers, and will address institutional flaws that contributed to the housing crisis. I want to thank the Obama Administration and Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler for their hard work in this important endeavor. The fight to restore a fair housing market based on accessibility and affordability is not over, but this is a tremendous first step.”
Homeowners should be aware of people promising to assist them with guaranteed results of a loan modification for a fee. It is likely a scam. For a list of trained and certified non-profit housing counselors working with Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) go to www.mdhope.org.
Those who made payments with the five mortgage servicers, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citi, JP Morgan Chase, and Ally Bank/GMAC, can contact the Maryland HOPE hotline at 1-877-462-7555 or visit www.mdhope.org. More information will be made available as the settlement programs are implemented.
For more information on the agreement visit Attorney General Gansler’s website:
• http://www.oag.state.md.us/
Additional information is available at:
• www.NationalMortgageSettlement.com
• www.HUD.gov
• www.DOJ.govMortgage Servicers Offering Independent Reviews of 2009-2010 Home Foreclosures
Fourteen U.S. mortgage servicers and their affiliates are making available free, impartial Independent Foreclosure Reviews to certain of their borrowers as part of the consent orders entered into with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in April 2011.
If eligible borrowers believe that they were financially injured as a result of servicer errors, misrepresentations or other deficiencies in the foreclosure process on their primary residence, they can request a review of their foreclosure file to verify that their foreclosure process was handled properly.
Throughout this process, servicers will continue their efforts to help homeowners who have not yet gone through a foreclosure sale stay in their homes, where possible.
Borrowers are eligible to submit a Request for Review if 1) their loan was serviced by one of the participating mortgage servicers, 2) their loan was active in the foreclosure process between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010, and 3) the property securing the loan was their primary residence.
To participate in an official review, eligible borrowers must submit a completed Request for Review Form by April 30, 2012.
The participating servicers are:- America’s Servicing Company
- Aurora Loan Services
- BAC Home Loans Servicing
- Bank of America
- Beneficial
- Chase
- Citibank
- CitiFinancial
- CitiMortgage
- Countrywide
- EMC
- EverBank/Everhome Mortgage Company
- GMAC Mortgage
- HFC
- HSBC
- IndyMac Mortgage Services
- MetLife Bank
- National City Mortgage
- PNC Mortgage
- Sovereign Bank
- SunTrust Mortgage
- U.S. Bank
- Wachovia
- Washington Mutual (WaMu)
- Wells Fargo
- Wilshire Credit Corporation
An estimated 4.3 million borrowers have been notified by a letter explaining the review process and a Request for Review Form. Information also may be found at www.IndependentForeclosureReview.com. Borrowers who believe they may be eligible for a review but did not receive a mailing can call 1.888.952.9105 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET to determine if they are eligible.
Congresswoman Edwards to Host 3rd Annual Nonprofit Forum
Your Nonprofit: Build It! Grow It! Fund It! Sustain It!
Monday, May 21st, 2012
8:30 am - 4:30pm
Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD
RSVP to 4mddistrict@mail.house.gov
For more information, please call (301) 562-7960.
To view the event flyer, please click here.
Congresswoman Edwards to Host "Blastoff! Encouraging Young People to Enter and Stay in the STEM Fields"
June 6, 2012
8:45am to 1:30pm
Capitol Hill
2168 Rayburn House Office Building (Gold Room)
Speakers will discuss how we can work together to find and form STEM talent, build the STEM workforce, and forum successful models and partnerships.
Seating is limited and lunceon will be served, so please RSVP to 4mddistrict@mail.house.gov with STEM FORUM in the subject line.
Any questions, please contact Selena Mendy Singleton at (301) 562-7960 or selena.singleton@mail.house.gov.
To view the event flyer, please click here.
Congresswoman Edwards' Floor Speech on Importance of Extending Unemployment Insurance
Congresswoman Edwards Joins Leader Pelosi, Democratic Leadership to Urge House Republicans to Return to Work
Congresswoman Edwards joined Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (D-SC), Caucus Chair John Larson (D-CT), and other Democratic colleagues in leadership today to urge House Republicans to return to work to create jobs and pass a long-term payroll tax cut extension.
“On January 3rd, millions of American workers across the country went back to work, except my House Republican colleagues. One year since Republicans took control of the House, we are not in session. Republicans continue to ignore their responsibility to do the work of the American people. It's no surprise. When we were last in session, Republicans focused on an ideological and partisan agenda while refusing to do anything to create jobs and grow our economy.
“Democrats are in Washington ready to create jobs, pass a one-year extension of the pay-roll tax cut and unemployment benefits, and re-ignite the American dream. But we are being stifled by Republicans who expect to earn a month’s worth of pay for five days of work. I am ready to go to work right now for the American people."Congresswoman Edwards’ Statement on the End of the War in Iraq
“I echo the sentiments of many Americans in expressing relief that after nearly 9 years in Iraq we are able to bring this war to a close. I offer my sincere gratitude to the families of the 4,487 American service men and women who gave their lives, the 32,226 wounded warriors to whom we owe a lifetime of gratitude and care, and remember an estimated 100,000 Iraqi civilians who died. As President Obama remarked “history will judge” the war in Iraq, but, as Americans, we must all stand behind all the service members and their families who sacrificed so much.
“It is now time for our country to focus on the essential issue of creating jobs and growing our economy. The end of the war in Iraq closes a significant chapter in our country’s history, but the fight for a better future for our children must begin anew here at home.”
Comprehensive Resource from the Congressional Research Service on Financial Aid for Students
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has a report that includes both general and comprehensive financial aid resources, as well as ones targeted toward specific types of aid and circumstances (e.g., non-need-based scholarships; female and minority students; students studying abroad; or veterans, military personnel, and their dependents). This is a great place for students and parents to begin their research on financial aid and planning for higher education.
Please click here to view the CRS Report.
Highlighting What the American Jobs Act Would Mean for African American Families
Please see information below from the White House on the positive impact the American Jobs Act would have on African American families and the economy:
The American Jobs Act reflects a commitment to strengthen the recovery and help increase access to jobs for all Americans. With unemployment among African-Americans at an unacceptably high rate of 16.7 percent – and 1.4 million African-Americans out of work for more than six months – the President believes that inaction is not an option. With the American Jobs Act, President Obama is putting out a plan to increase the pace of job creation, and why he is committed to fighting for Congress to act on this plan. These measures – which will expand opportunities for the long-term unemployed to reenter the workforce, provide incentives for businesses to hire, and make investments in revitalizing schools, infrastructure and neighborhoods – will help create new job opportunities in African-American communities and across the country. For example:- The extension of unemployment insurance will benefit 1.4 million African-Americans and their families. At the same time, the President is proposing bipartisan reforms that will enable that – as these families continue to receive UI benefits – the program is better tailored to support reemployment for the long-term unemployed.
- Targeted support for the long-term unemployed could help the 1.4 million African-Americans who have been looking for work for more than six months: To help them in their search for work, the President is calling for a new tax credit for hiring the long-term unemployed.
- A commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing communities across the country will target investments to the communities hardest-hit by the recession. The President’s investments in infrastructure include a school construction initiative with a significant commitment to the largest urban school districts, an investment in revitalizing communities that have been devastated by foreclosures, and a new initiative to expand infrastructure employment opportunities for minorities, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
- Support for subsidized jobs and summer/year-round jobs for African-American youth – for whom unemployment is above 30%. In an environment with an unemployment rate of 32.4% for African-American youths, the President is proposing to build on successful programs like the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund to create jobs and provide training for those hardest-hit by the recession.
- An extension and expansion of the payroll tax cut for nearly 20 million African-American workers. By extending the payroll tax cut for employees next year and expanding it to cut payroll taxes in half, the President’s plan will help increase the paychecks of nearly 20 million African-American workers – providing them with more money to spend in their communities.
For additional detailed information breaking down what the American Jobs Act would do for African American families, please click here.Reps. Edwards and Conyers Reintroduce Constitutional Amendment to Address Flawed Citizens United Ruling
Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI) reintroduced an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, H. J. Res 78, that would reverse the Supreme Court’s unprecedented application of the First Amendment to corporations allowing them to spend unlimited money to influence elections. The amendment will give specific authority to Congress and the states to regulate corporate expenditures on political activity.
“Justice John Paul Stevens warned that the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizen’s United threatened ‘to undermine the integrity of elected institutions around the nation’ and how right he was,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “Since that flawed ruling was issued, campaign spending by outside groups including corporations surged more than four-fold to reach nearly $300 million in the 2010 election cycle. I am proud to join with Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Conyers to reintroduce this constitutional amendment, which is the only way to once and for all put the American people, and not corporations, in charge of our treasured democracy.”
“Last year, the Supreme Court overturned decades of law and declared open season on our democracy,” Conyers said. “It is individual voters who should determine the future of this nation, not corporate money. I commend Rep. Edwards for her work in developing this narrowly crafted constitutional amendment that will undo the effects of this radical decision and I look forward to working with her to restore balance to our electoral process.”
Congresswoman Edwards Joins With Democratic Colleagues to Support American Jobs Act
Congresswoman Edwards joined with her Democratic colleagues on the East steps of the Capitol to show their unified support of President Obama's American Jobs Act. Speakers echoed the fact that now is the time to take action to get America back to work.
Congresswoman Edwards' Statement on the Terrorist Attacks in Southern Israel
I join all Americans and the international community in condemning today’s heinous attacks in southern Israel. The loss of innocent life and the harm to those injured is never justifiable and must not be tolerated. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the people of Israel.
Washington Post: Amid debt debate, Maryland Rep. Donna Edwards emerges as liberal leader
Excerpt:
Rep. Donna Edwards had a clear message for the small group of constituents who gathered Saturday at an auto-glass store in Lanham: “Protecting Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid are incredibly important, more now than ever before.”
To read the entire article and view photos, please click here.
Congresswoman Edwards and 69 Other House Democrats Urge No Cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security
Congresswoman Edwards was joined by 69 other House Democrats in sending a letter to President Obama urging him not to consider Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefit cuts in a deal to raise the debt ceiling, including changes to the chained Consumer Price Index (CPI).
“The American people have made it very clear – do not cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “We join with them in urging the President not to use these programs as a bargaining tool to raise the debt ceiling.”To see a list of cosigners and to read the letter, please click here.
Rep. Edwards Opposes Funding Cuts to James Webb Space Telescope
Congresswoman Edwards voiced her opposition to funding cuts that would eliminate the James Webb Space Telescope, which is supporting 2,000 jobs, including 500 in Maryland. . Here are excerpts from the article:
The move drew opposition from some Democrats, who have called it the latest blow to the nation's space program.
“Days before NASA embarks on its final space shuttle mission, we can ill afford to jeopardize both the current and future leadership our country has in space exploration and observation," said Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) in a statement voicing strong opposition to the cuts.
Click here to read the entire article.
Congresswoman Edwards Welcomes Winners of the 2011 Congressional Art Competition
Congresswoman Edwards and Congressman Leonard Lance (R-NJ), co-chairs of the 2011 Congressional Art Competition, welcomed th
e winners of the competition to Washington, D.C. Winners took part in a reception and opening ceremony at the Capitol Visitors Center to mark the beginning of their artistic works being on display between the Cannon Tunnel and the U.S. Capitol. Initiated by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, the event is a nationwide annual art competition that allows high school students from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories to showcase their artistic ability.If interested in the 2012 Art Competition, please check back as information will be updated as soon as it becomes available.
Maryland Delegation Members Announce $44 Million For FDA Consolidation ProjectU.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD), were joined by House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-5th), Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-8th) and Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MD-4th), today in announcing that the General Services Administration (GSA) will be allocating $44 million of its $82 million construction budget for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consolidation project at White Oak in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
The Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2011 reduced funding for GSA construction projects to $82 million and provided no designated funding for the FDA’s White Oak facility. On April 29, Senators Cardin and Mikulski and Representatives Hoyer, Van Hollen and Edwards wrote to GSA Administrator Martha Johnson urging the agency to include as much funding as possible for the FDA consolidation.
“The FDA consolidation project at White Oak is critical in modernizing the agency with the laboratory space and equipment necessary to protect the American people in the 21st Century,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “This funding ensures that the White Oak project stays on track to meet this goal and help create jobs, improve the local economy, and increase the capacity of the Life Sciences Biodefense cluster to protect the public from bioterrorism threats. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Maryland delegation to ensure funds are available until this important project is complete.”
To read more, click here.
Congresswoman Edwards Hosts 2nd Annual Nonprofit Forum
Over 350 representatives from the nonprofit, foundation, government, and business communities from throughout the region attended the
2nd Annual Nonprofit Forum. The Forum was held at the Silver Spring Civic Center. The wide variety of plenary sessions and workshops helped nonprofits build and grow their nonprofits, identify ways to gain funding and other resources, and develop new relationships with nonprofits with similar missions and goals.Congresswoman Edwards' Statement on Passage of the Republican Budget
Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards released a statement following House passage of the Republican budget. The Republican Budget calls for a reduction in spending of over $5 trillion in the next ten years with two-thirds reductions in programs for low- and middle-income families. It proposes cuts that would end Medicare, raising seniors’ costs substantially. It proposes changing Medicaid, turning it into a block grant that cuts $770 billion from the program. It proposes freezing discretionary spending levels, while ignoring defense. The budget passed the House by vote of 235 - 193.
“The Republican budget is neither bold nor balanced,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “It does not provide the fair approach we need to solve our nation’s problems. With one hand, the Republican budget takes away Medicaid from low-income families, and with the other extends permanently and increases the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. With one hand, the Republican budget ends Medicare for seniors, and with the other it gives billions in tax breaks to oil companies.
“Republicans say this budget is about confronting our nation’s shared challenges, but it would exempt defense spending, repeal healthcare reform for millions of Americans, and eliminate 1.7 million jobs. This is simply unacceptable and it is a far cry from the solutions our country needs to create jobs and prepare our children for the 21st Century.”
Congresswoman Edwards' Floor Speech: "A Lesson for My Republican Colleagues Courtesy the White Stripes"
Congresswoman Edwards Questions GSA Commissioner Bob Peck on Leasing Rate Disparities in the Washington Metro Region
Congresswoman Edwards continued to press the General Services Administration (GSA) for rationale behind federal leasing disparities in the Washington Metropolitan Region. Congresswoman Edwards received confirmation from GSA’s Commissioner of Public Buildings Service, Robert A. Peck, that such disparities do not exist in New York, Denver, Los Angeles, Baltimore, or any other metropolitan region in the country. Congresswoman Edwards asked Mr. Peck to produce a rationale for continuing to stand by these leasing practices. The hearing was conducted by the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Congresswoman Edwards: GOP Foreclosure Bills Worsen Housing Crisis and Hurt Working Americans
Congresswoman Edwards voted this week against Republican bills that will eliminate two foreclosure mitigation programs. H.R. 830, the FHA Refinance Program Termination Act of 2011, and H.R. 836, the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act of 2011, both passed the House.
“Instead of focusing on creating jobs and moving the economy forward, my Republican colleagues decided to add to the problem of home foreclosures, depressed home values, and destabilized neighborhoods in the 4th Congressional District and across the country,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “This is another policy failure terminating funding for programs that are helping families underwater to refinance into lower-cost mortgages and are at risk of losing their homes. Those facing the possibility of foreclosure deserve better. It is my sincere hope that the Senate and President Obama do not allow these terminations to become law.”
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