Crisfield’s volunteer firefighters put themselves at risk when severe weather leaves residents in need of rescue. A new fire station and emergency shelter will help them respond and give residents a place to shelter during storms. I secured $1,357,500 in FY26 funding to help design and build this facility, and I enjoyed visiting the department this week with Fire Chief Frankie Pruitt and Mayor Darlene Taylor.

This week, I joined Mayor Darlene Taylor and city officials for a tour of Crisfield’s wastewater treatment plant. Replacing aging equipment is a big expense for a small city. That’s why I worked to secure $2.28 million in the FY27 Agriculture Appropriations bill to help Crisfield replace that equipment, keep the plant running reliably, and meet treatment standards. We got this funding through the House. Now we need the Senate to act so Crisfield can get these upgrades done.

Yesterday, I visited Lufco in Aberdeen and met with Heather Lufborough and her team. This woman-owned small business develops software and systems that help our military respond to evolving threats. It was great to meet the people behind this work. I’m proud to have businesses like Lufco contributing to our national defense right here in Maryland’s First District.

This week, I visited the future site of Delmar’s new fire station. It was great to talk with the volunteer firefighters about their work and how this additional location on the Maryland side of town will help them reach residents faster in an emergency. I’m proud to have secured $2.25 million for this project in the FY27 House Agriculture Appropriations Bill. I’m urging the Senate to pass this bill so Delmar can get it built.

This week, I met with Hebron town officials about replacing lead water pipes in the town. Nobody should have to think twice about the water coming out of their faucet. That’s why I secured $2.55 million for this project in the FY27 House Interior Appropriations Bill. It’s a priority for Hebron residents, and it’s a priority for me.

Sharptown’s volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line for their neighbors. They deserve a station with the space to house their equipment and prepare safely for emergencies. Yesterday, I visited the department to discuss the $3 million I fought to secure in the House-passed FY27 Agriculture funding bill for an engine bay addition and renovations to a station last updated in 1970. These improvements would give firefighters more room to work and help the station meet the demands of today’s emergency response. I’m urging the Senate to pass this bill and deliver for the volunteer firefighters who do so much to protect Sharptown.

Happy 251st birthday to the United States Navy! Having personally served in the Navy Reserve, this birthday means a great deal to me. Thank you to the men and women serving today. For 251 years, sailors have risked their lives to defend our country. Today, I honor those serving and the families who endure long deployments, missed holidays, and time apart.

Our farmers here in Maryland’s First District put in long hours raising poultry and growing corn, soybeans, and feed crops that help feed Maryland and our country. It’s demanding work, and the people doing it deserve our thanks and respect. On National Farmer’s Day, I’m proud to represent them. As Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, I take seriously my responsibility to fight for Maryland farmers and the families whose livelihoods depend on farming.

Happy Columbus Day!

Today marks three years since the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel. More than 1,200 innocent men, women, and children were brutally murdered by Hamas, and hundreds more were taken hostage in the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. We remember and honor every life taken that day and keep their families and loved ones in our prayers. The United States stands firmly with Israel and the Jewish people. We will never forget.