Maryland’s political leaders in Washington have been very busy this week:

Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings continues his fight to give states more funds to protect witnesses by fighting witness intimidation.

Just yesterday the House of Representatives voted to pass Cummings’ bill which would direct $30 million dollars a year for the next five years to programs in states across the country geared at keeping witnesses safe from harm. The vote was 412-11.

The problem of witness intimidation here in Baltimore has garnered national attention, given the conviction of Patrick Byers who ordered a hit on witness Carl Lackl to prevent Lackl from testifying in a murder case against him. Byers was sentenced to life without parole.

 

{Thanks, AP}

Maryland’s newest addition to Congress, Congressman Frank Kratovil is making his presence known on Capitol Hill.

Over the course of the last week Kratovil has been outspoken in his criticism of GM and Chrysler given their plans to close numerous dealerships including some in Maryland, as the automakers face significant financial difficulties.

Kratovil is joining another Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, who represents a suburban D.C. district and is one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress, as Assistant to the Speaker. Later today the pair will join a number of other members of Congress in promoting the Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009. The bill has been introduced in order to help protect automobile dealers their businesses, their workers, and their investments.

Also, it was announced yesterday that the confirmation hearings for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Sonia Sotomayor will begin on July 13th. Political analysts say this puts the nomination on track to be voted on by members of the Senate before their August recess, which is what the President had asked for. When those hearings get underway Maryland Senator Ben Cardin will be among those who not only vote on Sotomayor’s nomination but also get to ask her question in the hearings. Cardin is of course a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

If you have questions or comments feel free to message me at bchrisnelson at gmail dot com.

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