Elfreth Leads Chesapeake Bay Democrats to Condemn Trump Administration’s Proposed Firings at Bay Office

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led Congressional Democrats representing the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in writing a letter condemning the Trump Administration’s proposal to terminate the majority of employees within the National Park Service’s (NPS) Chesapeake Bay Office.  

“The NPS Chesapeake Bay Office plays a critical role in fostering stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay through their work to enhance public access and recreation opportunities, support local tourism, and increase environmental and historical education throughout the watershed,” the lawmakers wrote. “Terminating these employees is a direct attack on the decades-long work to preserve the Chesapeake Bay. We urge you to swiftly reverse this decision.”

The letter highlights how these firings by the Trump Administration will harm constituents and significantly weaken efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay. 

“Terminating the majority of employees at the NPS Chesapeake Bay Office undermines the critical work required of this Office by law and endangers the ongoing support that this Office provides to the region,” the lawmakers continued. “Our communities rely on the services these employees provide to the public, and our constituents deserve continued access to the recreational opportunities that they support and manage.”

The letter was also signed by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-VA), Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). 

Full text of the letter can be found HERE.

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