   
Dear Neighbor,
I wanted to take a moment to share an update about how my staff and I have been working for the people of Maryland’s Eighth District. It remains a surpassing honor to serve as your Representative in Congress.
As always, I encourage all of my constituents across the Eighth District to connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you need help with a federal agency and want to request my assistance, please complete the online request form here, and my District Office will be in touch.
All Best,
Jamie Raskin
Investing in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure in Our Community
I’m delighted to report that Montgomery County was awarded $2.6 million to fund the installation of up to 17 new electric vehicle charging stations, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law spearheaded by the Biden-Harris Administration.
It’s gratifying to witness this legislation, which I proudly voted for three years ago, strengthen MD-08 and communities across America. These electric vehicle charging stations will be installed at county-owned locations—including parking garages, park-and-ride lots, libraries and community centers—to bolster our charging infrastructure and encourage electric vehicle adoption.
Investments in EVs will help secure a cleaner future for our families. During the 2024 appropriations process, I secured $850,000 to add new electric vehicle charging infrastructure to public parking garages in downtown Silver Spring.
Marking Two Years of the Inflation Reduction Act
Two years ago in August, the Biden-Harris Administration and Democrats in Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This remains the biggest investment in climate action in human history, with provisions to curb emissions, invest in clean energy and more. Check out this resource to determine your eligibility for the IRA's energy-efficiency tax credits to lower your utility costs and do your part to save our planet.
The Inflation Reduction Act also empowered Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time in history, which will save money for seniors and Americans. On August 15, the Biden-Harris Administration negotiated major price reductions for ten of the most expensive prescriptions so seniors and others on Medicare will soon see lower out-of-pocket costs for these drugs that treat life-saving conditions, like blood clots, diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
Rejecting Antisemitism and Hate
I’m standing in solidarity with members of our local Jewish community reeling from recent episodes of antisemitic graffiti in Montgomery County. This vandalism is not only illegal, but an affront to our shared values of tolerance and inclusion, and it jeopardizes the security of students, children and families. I’m thankful that local law enforcement is aggressively investigating. I will continue to support efforts to keep our Jewish community safe and hold perpetrators accountable.
Introducing the Bivens Act to Hold Federal Officials Accountable
Thanks to a Civil War era federal law, when state and local officials violate our rights as citizens, Americans have legal recourse. But did you know that no such protections exist when federal officials violate our rights? That’s why in August, Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04) and I reintroduced the Bivens Act. Our legislation empowers people to seek damages from the federal government when federal law enforcement officers overstep their authority and violate a person’s constitutional rights. You can read more about the Bivens Act at my website.
Promoting Supreme Court Ethics
You’ve seen the headlines: conservative billionaires showering Supreme Court justices with luxury gifts, private jet travel and school tuition for relatives, all while these wealthy “friends” have business before the Court. In this new video, I explained the troubling situation unfolding at the top of our judicial system—and what Congress can do about it. One promising remedy is new legislation I introduced with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) to institute a $50 gift ban for Supreme Court justices and federal judges—the same rule that already applies to members of Congress and executive branch employees. It’s past time to close this chapter of corruption at the Supreme Court, and our legislation is an essential step forward towards integrity and accountability.
Leading House Democrats on the Oversight Committee
This month, I led Democrats on the House Oversight Committee and across our Caucus in writing a letter to USPS Postmaster Louis DeJoy demanding his agency adopt federal heat protections developed by the Biden-Harris Administration to keep letter carriers safe from extreme temperatures. Since 2018, at least five USPS employees have died while working in weather over 94 degrees. USPS leaders have an obligation to protect the hardworking Americans who deliver our mail.
I also joined my colleagues in taking concrete steps to hold Department of Defense (DoD) contractors accountable for their role in fueling America’s gun violence epidemic. By introducing the Stop Militarizing Our Streets Act, we’re aiming to prohibit DoD-owned manufacturing plants and contractors from selling military-grade assault weapons and ammunition to civilians. I am proud to stand alongside Representatives Andy Kim and Robert Garcia and Senator Elizabeth Warren to protect public safety and the right to live free from the endless gun violence and mass shootings that are tragically commonplace in America.
Finally, I helmed Oversight Democrats response to what I believe was a baseless Republican impeachment investigation into President Biden, a man who has dedicated his life to public service. You can read more in this report from Oversight Democrats.
Recognizing the Local Heroes of the Eighth District
In August, we honored in our ongoing Local Hero Video Series four remarkable individuals who have made a significant impact on Maryland’s beautiful eighth congressional district.
First, we celebrated Dr. Tollie Elliott, Sr. who continues to raise the bar for health care in Montgomery County and across the region as the remarkable leader of Mary’s Center. During National Health Center Week, we uplifted his great gifts to our community.
Next, we put the spotlight on MoCo native David Silbert who has provided millions of meals to families across our region through "So What Else?”. This Local Hero rescues surplus food from big companies, preventing waste and providing nourishment to our people.
In a special episode, I was joined by Administrator of the Social Security Administration Martin O’Malley, who leads an agency serving tens of millions of Americans. This MD-08 native and former Governor is on the frontlines of protecting this sacred trust for all our families.
Lastly, as executive director of Interfaith Works, Courtney Hall leads a group dedicated to addressing the needs of people living in poverty in Montgomery County. This Local Hero knows how to get powerful things done in our community.
Celebrating MD-08 Athletes at the Olympics
Marylanders won big at the 2024 Summer Olympics, and I couldn't be prouder of our local athletic champions. Congratulations to Montgomery County’s own Katie Ledecky, Erin Gemmell, Quincy Wilson, Helen Maroulis and Masai Russell on winning a combined eight medals for Team USA and setting numerous records in Paris. MoCo also made its mark on the Dominican team, with former MCPS student and teacher Thea LaFond taking home the gold for her home country.
Our community also sends our warmest wishes to the Marylanders who competed in the Paralympic Games. You all make us proud.
Constituent Corner
Scams and frauds are on the rise across the country, including in Montgomery County. The FBI has compiled an online resource hub for Americans to learn more about some of the most common scams being employed against our people and what to do if you believe you have been a victim. I encourage constituents to remain vigilant when interacting with unknown individuals, especially online or by phone, and to report suspicious activity to authorities.
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