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 and singular honor to serve as your Representative in Congress.

No matter the twists and turns of national politics, my office is here to serve you and your loved ones in Maryland’s Eighth District, and I am committed to making our government work for everyone in our shared democratic future.

As always, I encourage all of my constituents across the Eighth District to connect with me on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram and Threads. 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 team will be in touch. 

All Best,

Rep. Raskin's October in Photos

Promoting Renewable Energy and Lowering Consumer Costs

In October, I joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representatives Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Don Beyer (VA-08), in leading 30 of our colleagues in a letter to PJM Interconnection, our region’s power grid operator, emphasizing that it must comply with federal energy standards and swiftly improve the reliability of our electricity grid. These actions will pave the way for more affordable energy prices and address our biggest roadblocks in transitioning to renewable energy—a win for our consumers and our climate.

Leading House Democrats on the Oversight Committee

Last month, I was proud to continue my work leading Democrats on the House Oversight Committee to promote ethics, integrity and transparency in government.

Ahead of the 2030 Census, Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and I pushed for adequate funding for the U.S. Census Bureau. Communities across Maryland and America depend on an accurate count to provide sufficient education funding for our public schools, invest in physical infrastructure and road construction and allocate Congressional representation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and I wrote a letter to Chief Justice John Roberts seeking an explanation for his decision to replace Justice Samuel Alito as the author of the Supreme Court’s opinion in Fischer v. United States, a case involving the January 6 insurrection, but not demanding Justice Alito’s recusal from participating in the case entirely. This decision came just days after the public learned that Justice Alito’s homes allegedly flew flags and banners that were allegedly supportive of right-wing activism.

Oversight Democrats also released a report detailing how Trump allegedly used his former D.C. hotel to overcharge the Secret Service which purchased rooms to protect the president, his family and foreign leaders. The report alleges how the Trump organization regularly charged the Secret Service more than the standard government rate.

As Ranking Member of the Committee, I wrote a letter to Donald Trump and JD Vance urging them to sign the necessary memorandums of understanding to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of government. Signing these documents would help ensure a safe presidential transition. As of early November, the President- and Vice President-elect have yet to return these documents.

Rejecting Gun Violence Against Candidates and in our Communities

After gunfire broke out at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, this summer, Democrats and Republicans united to act.  We convened bicameral hearings, launched investigations and appropriated more funding to protect presidential candidates from firearm violence. In a new op-ed for the New Republic, I argue that we must summon that same shared resolve wherever gun violence and mass shootings threaten our communities.

Recognizing the Local Heroes of the Eighth District

It was my honor to engage with several Local Heroes in October. Not only is Jack Fitzgerald a regionally-known and successful MoCo auto dealer of more than a half-century, he is a celebrated consumer  safety advocate. We salute his work and community leadership as he transitions his company to an employee stock ownership plan for his workers to lead in his retirement.

I was delighted to recognize Delegate Jared Solomon as a Local Hero to celebrate his recent appointment to the National Assessment Governing Board—known as the nation’s education ‘report card’ to evaluate national educational standards. Delegate Solomon’s teaching experience and advocacy for students will help him cultivate academic success for communities across America.

A former MCPS student herself, Vilma Najera, the principal of Watkins Mill High School, has devoted herself and her career to MoCo students. Our community is proud of the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Educator of the Year.

When disaster strikes in our community or across America, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel like Captains Josh Kurland and Dave Hutchinson leap to action. Recently, these Local Heroes helped support our FEMA rescue response to Hurricane Helene. Thank you, Josh and Dave, for your excellent service to MD-08, Maryland and America.

In October, we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month and recognize everyone in our community who supports professional development opportunities for people with disabilities. Local Heroes and MD-08 business owners Dawn Hipsley and Rick Allison shared with us their experiences and successes intentionally building a workforce that leaves no one behind.

Promoting Ranked-Choice Voting in Congressional Elections

In September, Senator Peter Welch, Rep. Don Beyer and I introduced our Ranked Choice Voting Act to adopt ranked-choice voting (RCV) in primary and general elections for Congress. In a new video, I explain how RCV can make our elections and our government more efficient and more representative.

Constituent Corner

As the proud representative and champion of over 50,000 federal employees, I am delighted to help usher in the start of the Federal Benefits Open Season! The Federal Benefits Open Season began Monday, November 11th and ends Monday, December 9th. During this time, federal employees will be able to modify and review their health, dental/vision, and flexible spending accounts. To review the changes taking place and additional resources, please visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website. We also encourage all federal employees to watch this information session produced by our team where experts on the FEHB program share their knowledge during Open Season.

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