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House approves measure to let Maryland pursue delinquent federal obligations; critics warn of legal risk
Summary
The House passed legislation authorizing state remedies, including recording liens, where the federal government is delinquent on obligations to the state. Supporters said it protects communities denied FEMA and other funds; opponents warned it risks preemption, court defeats and could threaten federal facilities and jobs.
A contentious floor debate on March 23 produced passage of legislation that would give Maryland officials additional enforcement tools when federal obligations — such as disaster relief or grant funding — are withheld or improperly denied.
Supporters described real-world cases where communities were left without federal disaster relief and said the state must have tools to make affected residents whole. "The people in this body bind…
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