Chris Van Hollen

Hollen has spent time focused on a few core fights. Each is tied to bills actually introduced or votes actually cast.

• 01
  Federal funding for special education should increaseVan Hollen sponsored the IDEA Full Funding Act (S.1277), which would raise the federal share of funding provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The bill has been reintroduced across multiple Congresses, reflecting a sustained legislative focus on closing the gap between the federal funding level originally authorized under IDEA and amounts actually appropriated.
• 02
  Handgun purchases should require a permitVan Hollen sponsored the Handgun Permit to Purchase Act (S.123), which would establish a federal requirement that purchasers obtain a permit before buying a handgun. The bill has been reintroduced in successive Congresses, indicating a continuing legislative priority on permit-based requirements as a condition of handgun acquisition.
• 03
  Climate costs should be borne by polluting entitiesVan Hollen sponsored the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2025 (S.25), which would establish a fund drawing on contributions from entities responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. He has also sponsored the Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 (S.897), which would restrict the sale of certain foam products associated with environmental contamination, and S.935, which would restrict export licenses for certain products.
• 04
  Health care enrollment access should be expandedVan Hollen sponsored the Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act (S.2057), which would create mechanisms to connect individuals with health insurance coverage options through existing government processes. He also sponsored the NEWBORN Act (S.992), addressing health-related provisions for newborns. Both bills have been reintroduced across multiple Congresses.
• 05
  Veterans exposed to toxins deserve expanded federal benefitsVan Hollen sponsored the Keep Our PACT Act (S.343), which would expand eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and health care for veterans who experienced exposure to toxic substances, including burn pits and other hazardous materials. The bill has been reintroduced with 23 cosponsors in the current Congress.