Dear Friend,

I hope you had a safe and healthy Thanksgiving! 

I wanted to update you on the status of the next COVID relief bill and share the news of historic legislation passed by the House to create a more just criminal justice system.

UPDATE ON COVID RELIEF

Over the past several months, Congressional leadership and the White House have been in negotiations for another COVID relief package.

We need a deal, and we need it now.

I’ve heard from families that they’re struggling to make ends meet. I’ve spoken to business leaders from across the district that are close to having to shut their doors for good.

It is completely unacceptable that we have been unable to reach a deal thus far. The American people are suffering. It’s our job to step in and help.

Thankfully, we learned this week that signs are pointing to a deal. While we don’t know the nature of this deal yet, I will continue to fight hard for a relief bill that puts Maryland workers, families, and small businesses FIRST.

That includes funding to combat the opioid and mental health crises, invest in medical research and vaccine development, and expand broadband to every home in America.

We cannot stop until we get this done.

This morning, I joined the Politics of the United States (POTUS) Sirius XM Radio show to discuss COVID relief and the worsening opioid crisis. You can listen to our conversation here.

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON VACCINES

Next week, I will be hosting a Candid COVID Conversation with vaccine expert Dr. Ruth Karron of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to learn more about vaccine development and what to expect from the COVID vaccine. 

During our conversation, I want to get your questions answered.

If you have any questions that you think I should ask Dr. Karron, you can submit them using the form below.

FIXING OUR BROKEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

We have a criminal justice system that is anything but just. 

According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), although white and Black Americans use marijuana at roughly the same rate, Black Americans are over 3.7 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana.

Today, we took a big step toward creating a more equitable justice system. I voted in favor of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, historic legislation to decriminalize marijuana and strike the criminal records of those incarcerated for the manufacturing, distribution, or possession of marijuana.

This bill isn’t just about reforming our country’s antiquated drug policy, it’s about correcting a systemic injustice that disproportionately impacts communities of color.

Decriminalizing marijuana and expunging the records of those charged with marijuana offenses brings us one step closer to creating a justice system that works for all Americans.

COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

My team and I just updated our COVID-19 Community Resource Guide. This 100-page guide contains federal, state, and local information to keep you and your family safe. You can find the most updated version here.

My team and I will continue to keep you updated on how Congress is working for you. As always, follow my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and website for additional information.

Sincerely,

David Trone
Member of Congress

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