It was sponsored by 6th District Rep. April McClain Delaney.
Rep April McClain Delaney
Frederick, Md (KM) The National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg has reopened and it’s providing training for fire fighters across the country. But that didn’t stop Elaine from Emmitsburg from asking about that during a virtual town hall meeting Tuesday night held by 6th District Representative April McClain Delaney. “Are they getting rid of the firemen’s program in Emmitsburg,” she wondered.
“Oh my gosh! The National Fire Academy; I actually spoke on the House Floor,” McClain Delaney responded.
“Because I do not politically align with that town, but I do like that program,” Elaine replied.
The Academy was closed in March by the Trump Administration to determine if the facility was a good use of the taxpayer’s money. Congresswoman McClain Delaney said she and the Maryland Congressional Delegation fought to get that facility reopened. “I am coincidentally making this a big priority because I’m a big, big proponent of our fire fighters, our law enforcement, and first responders, “she said. “And I’m planning to introduce legislation soon—maybe even as soon as next week–to insure this never happens against, and insure that our classes remain open and we have more resources for our fire fighters.”
Another question had to do with the Budget Reconciliation Act, that President Trump has called “a big beautiful bill.” It has passed the House, and is before the US Senate. Ann from Frederick called in and said it has some “horrible spending cuts.” “But my understanding is there is just a horrific provision that restricts the authority of federal courts to hold government officials in contempt when they violate court orders,” she said. “And how I interpret that means that they can violate the Constitution with impunity.”
Congresswoman McClain Delaney said she is familiar with that provision of the bill, calling it “unconstitutional” and “illegal.” “I am working with other colleagues and will be raising this issue up on House side. But I’m actually reaching out to my Senate colleagues.”
The future of Social Security came up as well. A woman named Reba sent in a question about whether Social Security will be impacted by the Budget Reconciliation Act. “Social Security is forthrightly out of bounds, for reconciliation but it’s not immune the Administration attacks,” says David Horowitz with the American Federation of Government Employees, who was part of a panel invited to take part in the town hall. . ” And one of the ways they’re going about that is by putting so much pressure on the head count at the Social Security Administration that it will be increasingly unable to do its work.”
Congresswoman McClain Delaney defended Social Security. “Social Security is an earned benefit. It is not an entitlement. You are citizens who have paid into it your whole life have he earned. It must be preserved. It’s the world’s best social safety net, and I going to fight like you cannot believe to preserve the benefits and the high quality service,” she said.
The town hail was held on line where citizens could call in, or send questions through email of Facebook messages to Representative McClain Delaney.
By Kevin McManus