Letters from Ben
Capital Wheel, National Harbor, Maryland
These are regular letters to constituents about what's happening in Maryland, nationally and around the world. Beginning as a way to share information during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become a must-read for Marylanders to connect happenings in our nation's capital to daily life.
Political Violence
Dear Fellow Marylanders, From Alexander Hamilton’s and Aaron Burr’s duel 220 years ago this month, to the assassinations of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to the more recent murder of Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, and most recent assassination attempt on the former president, political violence has been an unfortunate part of American history. Political violence is indicative of a strained political climate and often happens in the context of a country that is seemingly pulling itself apart, at all levels of government, with Americans “picking sides” and declaring the other side an “enemy.” Today, once again, our democracy and...
Political Violence
Dear Fellow Marylanders, From Alexander Hamilton’s and Aaron Burr’s duel 220 years ago this month, to the assassinations of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to the more recent murder of Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew...
NATO Summit
Dear Fellow Marylanders, This week, Washington, D.C. was buzzing as leaders from Europe converged here for the NATO Summit. It’s a big deal, and I want to share why this meeting is so important for all of us. Let's take a trip back in time to 75 years ago, when the...
Worst Fears Realized
Dear Fellow Marylanders, Days before the United States of America celebrated the 248th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence from a tyrannical British monarchy, our highest court, the Supreme Court of the United States, opened the door to an American monarchy...
From Riots to Rainbows
Dear Fellow Marylanders, This weekend, we wrap up Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. Marylanders have packed a lot into these 30 days – from the June 1 Westminster Pride Festival to the June 30 Pride in the Plaza in Silver Spring. In...
A Solemn Anniversary
Dear Fellow Marylanders, “There is nothing more terrifying than hearing multiple people get shot while you’re under your desk and then hear the gunman reload.” Outside the United States, the terror of this scenario primarily exists for those in the throngs of war....
Old Glory
Dear Fellow Marylanders, The history books say that in the midst of the War of 1812, Baltimore resident Mary Pickersgill was asked by General Samuel Smith to make a flag “so large that the British will have no difficulty seeing it from a distance.” That flag – 30-feet...
D-Day 80 Years Later
Dear Fellow Marylanders, Thursday marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the major Allied landing on the beaches of Normandy, France, that turned the tide of war against Nazi Germany. The Allied forces, consisting of soldiers and sailors from 12 countries,...
Unprecedented
History. Unprecedented. Remarkable. Unthinkable. Whatever you want to call it, Thursday, May 30, 2024 marked a sad day in nearly 250 years of American history as a former president was convicted on felony criminal charges. No one is above the law. Not Donald Trump....
Women’s Health
May is Women’s Health Month. June is Men’s Health Month. I would argue that every month should be a time to focus on physical and mental health and encourage everyone to pay attention to the signs their body is sending them. Take advantage of early screenings and...
Graduation Season
Dear Fellow Marylanders, Maryland weather can be epic. As you know, often we can experience at least three of the four major seasons, maybe Winter, Spring and Summer, all in one day. I will tell you, though, one of my favorite seasons is graduation season and we are...
The Past is Prologue
Dear Fellow Marylanders, The 1960s and 70s were defined by incredible turmoil, yet monumental progress for civil rights and equity. Student-led protests and other demonstrations and civil unrest led to landmark legislation expanding civil rights and transformational...
Public Service
Dear Fellow Marylanders, When the cargo ship Dali lost control and slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and others were on the scene immediately, working...
Full Steam Ahead
Dear Fellow Marylanders, It’s hard to believe it’s been one month since we awoke to the horrific news that the Francis Scott Key Bridge had collapsed into the Patapsco River. As the cargo ship Dali lost power and all control, it slammed into one of the bridge’s...
Plastic vs. World
Dear Fellow Marylanders, The miracle of plastic is that “it takes between 500 and 1000 years to break down,” and can protect food and other items from bacteria. It has been life changing and lifesaving. Plastic is used nearly everywhere due to its relatively cheap...
Letters to Vladimir
Dear Fellow Marylanders, This week marks two years since the arrest and jailing of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition leader, historian, and journalist. He was arrested just days after testifying in Washington before the U.S. Helsinki Commission, which I...
A Total Eclipse
Dear Fellow Marylanders, We’re just days away from the next total solar eclipse. On Monday, April 8, using appropriate safety glasses, we’ll watch together as the moon crosses the sun’s path and block its light. Those in what is called the path of totality will...
Baltimore Strong
Dear Fellow Marylanders, It’s hard to imagine Baltimore’s skyline without the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a visual symbol of connectivity and commerce, framing the backdrop of the city. Completed in 1977, five years after its construction began, the Key Bridge was an...
Confirming History
Dear Fellow Marylanders, As a senator and Member of Congress, the most consequential decisions I have ever made were related to whether to approve sending brave American men and women to war. Inherently, lives are at risk, so it’s not a decision anyone takes lightly....
Blue Catfish on the Menu
Dear Fellow Marylanders, Do you have a favorite recipe for blue catfish? You should find one. By most accounts, blue catfish are both tasty and nutritious. And there are far too many of them in the Chesapeake Bay, so eat up and help the Bay. Blue catfish are not...
Celebrating Women Worldwide
How a nation treats its women is a barometer for success. This is a fact that I have shared with you frequently. It is especially relevant today, as women’s rights are under attack in the United States of America and around the world. Yesterday, the world celebrated...
Washington’s Warnings
Dear Fellow Marylanders, This week, as the Senate returned from its state work period for the Presidents Day holiday, I had the honor of reading President George Washington’s Farewell Address to the Nation. This annual reading from the Senate floor is a tradition...
Presidential Propriety
Dear Fellow Marylanders, This weekend, as we celebrate Presidents Day, I wonder what some of our most notable American Presidents would think about the recent comments from one particular former Commander-in-Chief, who said he would encourage Russia to “do whatever...
Black History from Bellevue to Baltimore and Beyond
Last week marked the beginning of Black History Month, a celebration of the important roles Black Americans have played in our country. Paying homage to the richness of Black heritage— including learning about the success and challenges Black Americans have...
How Is Everybody Doing
Like millions of Americans, my children, and now grandchildren, grew up watching Sesame Street. I appreciated that it could teach children rudimentary reading, writing and math lessons while tackling life’s complicated issues through lovable muppets. This week when,...
Facts Under Fire
Dear Fellow Marylanders, Today, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is one of the most solemn days of the year, not only for the Jewish people, but for all those who value freedom and life. It was on this day in 1945 that Soviet troops liberated the Nazi-run...
Saving Roe
Dear Fellow Marylanders, Fifty-one years ago this Monday, the Supreme Court of the United States made it the law of the land that Americans have the right to control their own bodies, including whether and when they might be pregnant. The Roe v. Wade decision, which...
Give Us the Ballot
This Monday, January 15, we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a national federal holiday. More than a day off from work or school, to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, this day is recognized as a day of service. Many Americans use this day...
Democracy Under Pressure
Dear Fellow Marylanders, I was asked by a local student recently, after hearing a news story on the latest January 6th convictions, “why are they still talking about January 6?” As we mark three years since the insurrection that saw intruders storm the U.S. Capitol...