Congressman Anthony Brown

The termination of FBI Director James Comey is highly troubling at best, or Nixonian at worst, given that the Director was leading the ongoing investigation into the ties between the Russian government and Trump campaign, and Russian efforts to undermine our democracy. I renew my call for a special counsel and independent commission to fully and impartially investigate Russian interference in our elections. Nothing less will restore trust in our justice system.

This is a shameful day for the House. The GOP burned the midnight oil and horse-traded behind closed doors to rush this bill to the floor to blindly fulfil a campaign promise and give this inept Administration a desperately needed political victory. But this bill is a disgrace. We are kicking 24 million Americans off their health insurance; increasing costs for veterans, seniors and middle class families; ending Medicaid as we know it; and eliminating protections for 326,000 people in Maryland’s Fourth District with pre-existing conditions. No matter how many band-aids the GOP puts on TrumpCare, we are now forcing Americans - who might get sick or ever need our healthcare system - to fend for themselves while we give the wealthy a huge tax cut.

I am impressed by the world-class scientific research done at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, which increases our understanding of the Earth and tries to answer some of our universe’s greatest questions. NASA Goddard employees have demonstrated a commitment to innovate and develop cutting-edge solutions and foster public-private partnerships. These breakthroughs stimulate economic growth and enhance education and workforce development opportunities. While I strongly supported the bipartisan NASA Transition Authorization Act that was signed into law, I am troubled that the Trump Administration’s budget proposal would cut key Goddard activities in earth science, heliophysics and planetary science that allow us to better study the environment, model climate change and mitigate potential negative impacts on modern society. I will fight to restore these funds.