He also discusses some national issues.
Frederick, Md (KM) Senator Chris Van Hollen was in Frederick on Saturday, visiting the Flying Dog Brewery. He called it “a great Maryland business” and he wanted to see how the state and federal governments can continue supporting these types of businesses.
A message sent to the media about his visit said Senator Van Hoilen will discuss his efforts in the US Senate to support Maryland’s craft brewing industry. “The Senate has a number of provisions, including trying to extend a tax incentives for breweries like this,” he said.
The Senator said he’s “a drinker of Flying Dog,” and was looking forward to tasting some of the company’s new products.
WFMD News also spike with Van Hollen about a number of national issues. The Senate Judiciary Committee continues to wrestle with the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court. Van Hollen says Kavnaugh is “way out of the judicial mainstream” and “will turn the clock back on important protections for Americans.” “Including a woman’s right to choose,” says Senator Van Hollen. “He’s also shown hostility toward protecting affordable health care. And he would rule in favor proposals to get rid of protections for pre-existing conditions. And finally, he has an extreme view of presidential power.”
Allegations have been leveled at Judge Kavanaugh, claiming he sexually assaulted a student while the two were in high school many years ago. He has denied them. “These are very serious and very credible allegations which is why we should have an independent FBI investigation,” says Van Hollen. “Doctor Ford has asked for that investigation. We know lying to the FBI is a crime.”
As of Saturday, attorneys for Judge Kavanaugh’s accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, says their client has agreed to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. The details still need to be worked out.
Another issue making national news is whether the federal government will shut down on October 1st, the day a new fiscal year begins. President Trump has said a shutdown could occur if funding is not provided for a border wall. “We’ve got a bipartisan bill that’s passed the Senate to keep the federal government operating. Lots of important investments for Maryland and the country,” says Van Hollen. “It’s going to the House next week. And if the President doesn’t sign it and shuts down the government, shame on him. He will disrupt all sort of important services for people throughout the country.”
The federal government was shut down early in President Trump’s term.
So is the federal government in danger of shutting down on October 1st, Van Hollen was asked. “Well, it’s all up to the President. The President can shut the government. He’s been talking about it. He should know that the American people are going to be very unhappy if he does that,” says Senator Van Hollen.
By Kevin McManus