U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen speaks at Eastern Shore Delegation meeting

MARYLAND. – The Eastern Shore Delegation with a huge meeting for their weekly session, having U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen speaking to the delegation about topics affecting the Eastern Shore.

Senator Van Hollen speaking on the federal oyster disaster funding request made by the state of Maryland. “We have collectively sent a letter, but have not directly heard back yet; I’m told it’s under review.”

This took place because of the Potomac Interceptor that collapsed, pushing out millions of gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River, and eventually into the Chesapeake Bay. The incident has devastated watermen who make a living on the Maryland waters.

Van Hollen fielded questions after his closing, and Delegate Jay Jacobs asked about the invasive blue catfish population in the Chesapeake Bay. “Hundreds of tons of blue catfish in the upper bay right now, and that’s not a good thing.”

The Senator has made it clear during the meeting, he has been addressing the issue.

“On the blue catfish issue, Congressman Harris and I teamed up and secured $6 million in funding to help expand the processing of blue catfish.”

During the meeting, passionate discussion on immigration and how the state is handling the issues on the federal level, Delegate Steve Arentz posing the question to U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“The deportation effort is creating huge disruptions in communities all over America. I’m sure you are aware of the pastor from the Eastern Shore.” Delegate Steven Arentz, cutting off the Senator Van Hollen, pushing for a more direct answer.

“Senator, I apologize. I don’t want to get into that, I wanna know what we’re doing, and I apologize because that’s when the controversy comes.”

Adding that it will take both sides working together to get to a resolution. “There has to be a conversation between Republicans and Democrats on how to fix it. We know what’s happened; what are you guys doing to fix it today?

Senator Van Hollen said that good conversation came out of the ESD meeting, and looks forward to meeting again.