Johnny Olszewski

So a full banning of stock trading by government officials should be an easy first act in the new Congress, right? https://t.co/dPc8QhCQzX

Two simple ways to lower costs: ❌ End the war with Iran. ❌ Repeal the tariffs. Americans are paying thousands more under Trump. https://t.co/eBPk4YF7hT

Happy World Teachers' Day! As a former public school teacher, I know firsthand how demanding this profession is. That's why I introduced the REFRESH Act with @RepShontelBrown to address educator burnout, mental health, and retention. True teacher appreciation requires action. https://t.co/98YzEKyRGL

Calling Ohio for Amy Acton.

Transparency and accountability are fundamental to good government. I’ve asked for a public dashboard so Marylanders can track the Key Bridge rebuild every step of the way and I’m thankful to @GovWesMoore for making it happen. Getting the bridge built as safely and quickly as possible is a top Maryland and national priority. https://t.co/nmg3Xs3uPM

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, too many Americans can't get the insurance coverage they need to recover. Proud to introduce the Community Disaster Protection Act alongside @SEEC and @CongressMin to make disaster protection more affordable for high-risk communities. https://t.co/BaCRNVd3xh

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Building Resilient Housing Task Force Reps. Dave Min (CA-47) and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) introduced the Community Disaster Protection Act, which would establish a five-year pilot program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help local governments and community organizations design community-based catastrophe insurance that will help Americans in the most high-risk areas access affordable disaster coverage. “As extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe, too many Americans are unable to obtain the insurance coverage they need to recover from a disaster,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. “The Community Disaster Protection Act takes a commonsense approach by helping high-risk communities close coverage gaps and make disaster protection more affordable. I’m proud to work with the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) and Congressman Min to help communities prepare for the challenges ahead, protect families from devastating financial losses, and build a more resilient future.” “Families across the country are watching their insurance premiums skyrocket—or losing coverage altogether—because their communities are increasingly exposed to wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters,” said Congressman Dave Min. “We cannot wait until after disaster strikes to figure out how families and communities are going to recover. The Community Disaster Protection Act gives local communities new tools to close dangerous insurance gaps, invest in resilience, and develop coverage that actually reflects the risks they face. As these disasters become more costly, Congress has a responsibility to help ensure Americans are not left financially devastated simply because of where they live.” “The Community Disaster Protection Act is a great first step to address the rising costs and unmet needs facing Americans, and EDF research makes clear that new and innovative solutions will be critical as climate change increases disaster risk. This bill will be essential to help more communities identify the solutions that meet their needs. By supporting locally designed pilots that pair insurance coverage with investments in risk reduction, The CDPA would support the development of insurance products that help high-risk communities secure affordable insurance coverage, incentivize effective disaster prevention, and provide greater stability to property insurance markets. We thank Representatives Min and Olszewski for their leadership and urge Congress to move this bill forward,” said Joanna Slaney, Vice President for Political and Government Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund. “APCIA applauds Congressman Min and Congressman Olszewski for introducing the Community Disaster Protection Act, which would support community-based catastrophe insurance solutions, including parametric and other innovative risk-transfer models, to help close protection gaps and expand options for communities facing natural disasters,” said Sam Whitfield, Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations and Political Engagement at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). “Importantly, the bill recognizes that these approaches are intended to complement, not replace, the traditional, private property casualty insurance market. By encouraging risk mitigation, promoting community resilience, expanding access to financial protection, and testing new risk-transfer models, this pilot program can help communities prepare for disasters and speed recovery when disasters strike.” “Architects are an essential part of the solution to helping communities prepare for growing disaster risks. The Community Disaster Protection Act will give communities new tools to better understand, manage, and insure against those risks—helping create the conditions for property owners and local governments to invest in the resilient buildings and infrastructure architects are uniquely equipped to design,” said Illya Azaroff, FAIA, 2026 National President, American Institute of Architects. “AIA is proud to support this legislation and looks forward to continuing our work with Representative Dave Min, Johnny Olszewski, and the SEEC Building Resilient Housing Task Force to advance practical solutions that strengthen communities before disasters strike.” “As natural disasters continue to worsen in both intensity and impact across the country, we need innovative solutions to help communities and economies recover from devastation,” said Jessie Ritter, Associate Vice President for Water and Coasts at the National Wildlife Federation. “The Community Disaster Protection Act encourages proactive risk mitigation, while also giving communities a flexible solution to support recovery after disasters, particularly in areas that are the most vulnerable to extreme weather. We look forward to working with Representatives Min and Olszewski on this legislation.” “CSAC looks forward to working with Congressmember Min on the Community Disaster Protection Act to advance practical, workable solutions for California communities. Local governments need more tools and flexibility to help protect families and residents facing growing disaster risks and insurance challenges,” said California State Association of Counties (CSAC) President and Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. Background As climate change drives more frequent and severe extreme weather events, communities face widening disaster coverage gaps, making it harder and more expensive for them to rebuild. In 2024, economic losses from natural disasters in the U.S. reached $217.8 billion, approximately $105 billion of which was left uninsured. Rising climate-related damage has increased insurer payouts, driven up premiums, and prompted insurance carriers to withdraw from high-risk markets. Addressing this coverage crisis requires innovative approaches that expand insurance access, promote effective resilience, and strengthen the stability of insurance markets nationwide. Communities are exploring ways to secure or facilitate insurance for a group of properties, leveraging their local knowledge and purchasing power to improve affordability, streamline enrollment, and incentivize risk mitigation tailored to local needs. These arrangements, known as community-based catastrophe insurance (CBCI), offer significant potential to close disaster coverage gaps but are only now beginning to be explored, with just a handful of U.S. jurisdictions currently piloting or implementing CBCI programs. For example, CBCI can be developed to act as a supplement to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), such as a parametric flood insurance program, or to cover wildfire risk in communities where insurers are withdrawing coverage or declining to write new policies. The Community Disaster Protection Act would promote the development of new disaster insurance products to help high-risk communities secure affordable coverage; incentivize effective disaster prevention; and provide greater stability to property insurance markets. It would direct FEMA to establish a 5-year pilot program to award competitive grants to local governments, quasi-government bodies, and community-based organizations to design, develop, implement, or facilitate CBCI. Specifically, this bill would: Close Disaster Coverage Gaps: Authorize grants to develop or facilitate CBCI products that cover disaster risks uninsured or underserved by traditional insurance; set actuarially justified premiums that enable broad participation; and prioritize applicants facing the greatest coverage gaps or disaster risks. Preserve Local Flexibility: Allow funds to support a range of CBCI frameworks, without restricting the disaster risks or properties covered. Eligible uses of funds could include consumer outreach and education, catastrophe-risk modeling or research into disaster risks, and leveraging non-federal funds to support long-term program sustainability. Promote Resiliency Investments: Require CBCI programs to promote specific individual or community-wide investments to mitigate disaster risks, reduce potential losses, and secure lower premiums. Address Regulatory Ambiguity: Direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office to conduct periodic evaluations of program performance to determine the regulatory treatment of CBCI and other alternative insurance products with respect to federal disaster aid eligibility. Preserve State Insurance Authority: Explicitly preserve States’ authority to regulate insurance markets and require all grant recipients to comply with applicable State insurance laws and regulations. Grants would only be a catalyst for CBCI arrangements operating within State regulatory frameworks. This bill is endorsed by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, American Institute of Architects, California State Association of Counties, Environmental Defense Fund, Evergreen Action, League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, and Natural Resources Defense Council. In addition, Reps. Ami Bera (CA-06), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Ed Case (HI-01), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Mike Levin (CA-49), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13) have joined as original cosponsors. Text of the legislation can be found here. A one-page summary can be found here. ### The Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) is a coalition of 111 members of the U.S. House of Representatives that was founded in January 2009 to be a focused, active, and effective coalition for advancing policies that address climate change, promote clean energy innovation and domestic manufacturing, develop renewable energy resources, create family-sustaining clean jobs, protect our nation’s air, water, and natural environment, and promote environmental justice. SEEC Co-Chairs are Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Paul Tonko (D-NY).

As a former @BaltCoPS teacher, I know investing in schools means investing in our future. Proud to celebrate Lansdowne High School's $156 million expansion, which I helped secure funding for as Baltimore County Executive—one of the largest school investments in our county's history! 🏫

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott held a meeting at the United States Capitol to discuss their work on a range of priorities for Baltimore residents, including affordable housing, transportation, public safety, healthcare, and more. “The biggest priority for Baltimore families is the same as it is for families everywhere: lowering costs and making sure they have a fair shot at building a good life,” said Congressman Olszewski. “I appreciated the opportunity to connect with Mayor Scott and my colleagues on how we can better partner across all levels of government to deliver on that priority.” “Improving life for Baltimore residents is one of our top shared priorities, and I appreciate Mayor Scott’s partnership and the work being done across the city under his leadership. Yesterday’s meeting was an opportunity to discuss our efforts on behalf of the people of Baltimore – from strengthening public safety, to updating our infrastructure, to creating greater economic opportunity. This work is all the more important as the Trump Administration continues to attack our communities and essential programs that serve the City. I will continue to fight alongside Federal Team Maryland to deliver for Baltimore and to make progress on our shared goals to continue moving the City forward,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I say it all the time: Baltimore has the best federal delegation in the country, and meetings like this one underscore their commitment to our city,” said Mayor Scott. “Each and every day, we're seeing the impact of investments they've secured, from our public safety progress, to our housing investments, to new schools, rec centers, and more all across Baltimore. Especially as we deal with an administration that's actively sabotaging cities across the country, we are so grateful to have this delegation fighting for us in Washington.” “We’ve seen the news of continued progress in Baltimore, on everything from gun violence to how the Port of Baltimore continues to thrive, and it’s a story to be proud of. The city and its leadership have proven how success happens when you plan effectively and when you’re prepared to respond to the unexpected. Baltimore has shown the nation what you can accomplish when you stick together. Team Maryland on Capitol Hill is committed to fighting for Baltimore and working together. We will continue to find areas where we can coordinate effectively, and we’ll continue to do all we can to make sure Baltimore and all of Maryland has everything needed to thrive,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “I was glad to join my colleagues in the Maryland Congressional Delegation to meet with Mayor Scott and discuss the achievements, challenges, and top priorities for the greater Baltimore area. I applaud Mayor Scott for his leadership that has had impacts far beyond the region. Our partnership is critical to ensuring Marylanders across the state can benefit from a growing and vibrant economy, and Team Maryland remains committed to working together to improve the safety and livelihood of all who call Maryland home,” said Congressman Hoyer. “It was a productive opportunity for our Congressional delegation to meet with Mayor Scott again to discuss our priorities and the critical issues facing Baltimoreans today," said Congressman Mfume. "We discussed ongoing efforts to improve public safety, progress on the Key Bridge rebuild and B&P Tunnel, and the escalating negative impacts that the Big Ugly Bill is having on our Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP benefits. I am incredibly proud to be a part of a team that is committed to working together to tackle difficult problems and deliver meaningful results for the people of our City and our State.” “I’m grateful for Mayor Scott’s steady vision and partnership so we can keep delivering for Marylanders,” said Congressman Raskin. “From Baltimore to Bethesda, the tie that binds us is delivering services, lowering costs and protecting the rights of our people across the Free State as ICE and Border Patrol continue their reign of lawlessness and chaos in our communities." “It was good to continue our focus on affordability and economic opportunities for folks in the greater Baltimore area and across the great state of Maryland with Mayor Scott and my colleagues in the Maryland Delegation. We look forward to assisting our state and local partners in ameliorating the economic climate through these very tough times,” said Congressman Ivey. “We must meet these challenges head on in unity of purpose. Today’s meeting reaffirms that continued aim.” “Amid funding cuts and chaos from Washington, Mayor Scott has led the City of Baltimore with a steady hand and worked diligently to expand health care coverage, protect our immigrant neighbors, strengthen public safety, and so much more. I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss the investments we can make together at the local and federal level to invest in the Port of Baltimore and our regional economy to expand opportunities for Maryland families,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. ###

Our Founding Founders knew they were leaving their legacy to generations they’d never meet—and protecting it means being willing to change it for the better when needed. Great to join students at @McDanielCollege to discuss and celebrate Constitution Day! https://t.co/ggdwBvU2zH

Sleepy Jo…oh that’s actually Trump.

Remember when Trump criticized Kristi Noem’s tax-funded cowgirl ads? Now he’s doing the same thing. A hypocrite using your hard-earned money to promote himself while you struggle to pay for gas and groceries. He simply does not care about you. https://t.co/SRGddnhZ8x

Your hard-earned money isn’t a slush fund for the President’s self-promotion. There are strict rules about using taxpayer resources — and these ads speak volumes about how little Trump cares about those rules and about you. https://t.co/wPJNDdZKh6

Community events like the Essex Day Festival are what make #MD02 special! Proud to celebrate the festival's 51st year and present the organizers with a citation for bringing our community together. https://t.co/cO1ri7vIWQ

Loop there it is. @Ravens

From national parks to neighborhood green spaces, our public lands are an essential part of our communities and national heritage. Let’s continue investing in conservation and protecting these shared spaces for future generations. https://t.co/S9Wifk0cJY

Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Barrett, and Justice Kavanaugh were on the Trump-Xi state dinner guest list. Justices are meant to be independent of the president, not at lavish state dinners with them. My ROBE Act will help restore fairness and trust.

Thanks to @wcdccmd for having me at its annual BBQ in Boonsboro last night! Great food, great energy and great candidates making the case for Democratic values where it’s not always easy. Let’s fight and let’s win! https://t.co/Jz7B2WjMzb

Lupus affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans, and advocacy like @lupusorg's Walk to End Lupus Now makes a real difference. Great to join our #MD02 community at the Walk to End Lupus Now at Canton Waterfront Park! 💜 https://t.co/jGKPIapMYv

The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure—and Trump just revoked the federal order protecting it. The full bipartisan Maryland Congressional Delegation is fighting for our Bay. https://t.co/V98ort83vJ

All Trump cares about is Trump.

The president is focused on himself, not you. @NewsCentralCNN https://t.co/yRlgfusiVN

In 2022, my colleague called a move to suspend the gas tax a “stunt” to distract from a “self-inflicted” crisis. We need to address the cost of living crisis, and we can lower the cost of gas, groceries and more by ending the war in Iran and the Trump tariffs.

The Reisterstown Festival makes summer last just a little longer! It was great to join the 39th annual @ReistersFest and connect with so many incredible local vendors and neighbors. 🍽️🎶🥤 https://t.co/qCasD7x6gC

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski, Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.), in calling for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden and United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz to reverse course on the decision to close the USFS Baltimore Field Office and relocate staff outside of Baltimore. The USFS Baltimore Urban Field Station leads forestry-related projects that benefit the local Baltimore community and conducts important forestry and urban ecology research that informs land use decision-making throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and beyond. The lawmakers pose several questions to USDA and USFS around the decision, which comes after Senator Van Hollen questioned Chief Tom Schultz in the Senate Appropriations Committee and received commitment to maintain presence in Baltimore. The lawmakers begin, “On April 30, 2026, during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the United States Forest Service (USFS) FY27 budget, Chief Schultz assured Senator Van Hollen that USFS would not force Baltimore Urban Field Office employees to relocate outside of the Baltimore area during the USDA reorganization. Despite this commitment, when USFS announced earlier this month that the Baltimore Urban Field Office will close, we learned that USFS intends to relocate Baltimore employees to Beltsville, Maryland – a location that is decidedly outside of the broader Baltimore area. USFS must make good on its word and keep Baltimore Urban Field Office employees in Baltimore so they can effectively continue their place-based and partnership-dependent work in the Baltimore area.” On the critical benefits for keeping the Baltimore Urban Field Office in the Baltimore area, the lawmakers write, “When Secretary Rollins announced the USDA reorganization, one of the stated pillars of the plan was to ‘bring USDA closer to its customers.’ Closing the Baltimore Field Office and relocating employees away from Baltimore violates this core principle, since the primary ‘customers’ of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office are in Baltimore; they are the community groups, local government, and academics with whom the Field Office has developed partnerships and collaborations during its nearly 40-year tenure on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. These relationships have enabled important research projects that benefit the Chesapeake Bay watershed and regional forests, as well as urban forestry projects in the Baltimore community. For example, the Office supports community-led restoration and urban revitalization efforts in Baltimore by leading the Baltimore Urban Waters Partnership. It delivers professional skill building and workforce training to urban youth in Baltimore by supporting youth forestry projects at the Stillmeadow Church and Peace Park. And it started an urban wood reuse project that successfully spun off into a city-run urban sawmill and wood recycling center.” Among other questions, the lawmakers go on to ask the following: — Did USDA or USFS conduct an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with closing the Baltimore Urban Field Office as compared to keeping them in the current location? — Has USDA or USFS assessed the impact that closure of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office and relocation of employees outside of the Baltimore area will have on the important work that the Baltimore Urban Field Office has been conducting? “The Baltimore location is critical to the ability of the Baltimore Urban Field Office to successfully accomplish its place-based and partnership-driven work. This work not only benefits the Baltimore community but serves as a model for urban forestry work in cities across the country and the world. The Baltimore Urban Field Office is an asset to the nation and its closure serves no one. Keep your word and keep the work of the Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore.” the lawmakers conclude. The full text of the letter is available here. ###