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Week of July 27th
CLOSING GUANTANAMO: As chairman of the Judiciary Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee, I have repeatedly called for the closing of the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay. I commended President Obama when he announced his decision to close the facility within days of taking office. In an effort to understand how the U.S. will deal with the accused terrorists being held, I will chair a hearing this week with representatives of the Departments of Justice and Defense, along with other legal experts, to examine how those currently being held might be prosecuted, what type of legal protections may be needed in both civilian and military courts, and how both civilian and military courts are prepared to handle potential trials.
SOTOMAYOR NOMINATION: After a week of delay, on Tuesday the Judiciary Committee will vote on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Shortly after the vote, her nomination is expected to be debated and voted on by the full Senate next week. I had the privilege of participating in the hearings for Judge Sotomayor - my first Supreme Court confirmation - and I found that her forthright responses throughout the proceedings solidified my confidence that she will follow the law to preserve the protections found in our Constitution.
APPROPRIATIONS: This week, the Senate will consider S. 1436, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. This legislation provides funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, certain programs in the Department of Interior, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. The DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which will receive $2.23 billion in funding from this bill, does critical work managing the nation's investment in research, development and deployment of renewable energy resources and energy conservation technologies. Maryland will gain from this bill with funds for the Chesapeake Bay and other vital projects around our state.
MARYLAND EVENTS: On Monday I will visit the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) for a briefing, tour and an award presentation to the Lab from the National Weather Service (NWS). The CBL was founded in 1925 and is the oldest state-supported marine laboratory on the East Coast, serving as a foundation for many environmental practices currently used to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay. I also plan to travel Monday to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in St. Mary's County for a tour and to address the residents and staff. Charlotte Hall opened in 1985 and is the only veterans' home in Maryland, providing a continuum of care from assisted living to skilled nursing care.
MD FIRST RESPONDERS: On Tuesday, I will have the honor of hosting a group of Maryland's First Responders during a visit to the U.S. Capitol. These men and women go to work every day with a mission to protect our communities and our nation. As fire fighters, police, and other emergency personnel, they stand ready to serve if a crisis or disaster should arise. It will be a special opportunity for me to meet with and thank these brave first responders for all they do every day to keep us safe.
UPCOMING MEDIA: Monday night (7/27) at 7:30 p.m., I will on Maryland Public Television's "Direct Connection" for an interview with Jeff Salkin on health care reform. For those of you on the Eastern Shore this week, I also will be talking with Bill Reddish on WICO (1320AM) Thursday morning (7/30) at 8:00 a.m.
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