The Latest News from Senator Rosapepe's Office September 2025

Protecting the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

As you may have heard, as part of Donald Trump’s attack on our people, our state, and science, he wants to close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC).

Founded in 1910 and expanded by FDR’s New Deal, BARC is America’s premiere agricultural science institute and one of the top in the world. Its more than 500 scientists and other employees work every day to improve agriculture and nutrition, as well as fight pollution and climate change.

And, at 6,500 acres, it is the largest green space in northern Prince George’s county.

Together with our County, State, and Congressional leaders, delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman’s and I are going to fight this attack tooth and nail.

BARC’s employees, many of them our neighbors, should not be DOGED, its scientific research destroyed, and its acres of open space developed in a Trump Hotel and Golf Resort!

When I was a State Delegate, I worked with then-Senator Art Dorman and Delegates Pauline Menes and Tim Maloney to pass a state law that keeps BARC’s 6500 acres green — even if Trump and his accomplices sell it.

Here’s what the Maryland law, passed in 1993, says the Prince George’s County Council must do, sitting as the District Council on land use and zoning matters:

“If the United States Department of Agriculture sells any portion of the property known as the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, the district council shall place and permanently maintain the land in a zoning classification of agricultural open space immediately after the transfer of the land to the buyer.”

As we fight all aspects of the closure, we will do everything in our power to safeguard BARC, its employees, and this treasured open space in Prince George’s County.”

Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics

As we prepare for the new school year, Prince George’s County Public Schools and the Health Department are hosting free Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics. These events will include food, backpack giveaways, and family fun, while helping students get the immunizations they need to start school healthy and strong.

Weekend clinics will be held at:

Largo High School – August 24, 1:00 – 5:00 PM

James Madison Middle School – September 13, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

High Point High School – September 27, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

I encourage every family to take advantage of this opportunity to protect your children and set them up for success this school year.

What’s Next in Our Community

Below is a fall roundup of nearby happenings:

Emancipation Day 5K – Laurel, Sat., Sept. 6, 8:00 AM

Kick-off the day with purpose by joining the 13th Annual Emancipation Day 5K Run/Walk at Alice B. McCullough Field. Whether you're racing or strolling, it's a great way for Beltsville families to honor our shared heritage and support local health services. Instagramhttps://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Laurel/EmancipationDay5K

Laurel Pride Day – Laurel Lake at Granville Gude Park, Sat., Oct. 11, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

Celebrate community and inclusion at this family-friendly festival featuring music, dancing, food, and local vendors. It’s a joyous reminder that Beltsville stands together with our neighbors in unity.https://laurelpride.org/

College Park Day – College Park Aviation Museum & Airport, Sat., Oct. 18, 12:00–6:00 PM

One of our region’s biggest festivals, this event is filled with live music, a kids’ zone, arts & crafts, a helicopter fly-in, museum exhibits, food trucks, and more. A perfect fall day trip for Beltsville families.https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/284/College-Park-Day

Beltsville may not be the exact address, but these events are just around the corner—and a wonderful way to connect, celebrate, and support our larger community.

Contact me

Please let me know if there are other issues you have questions or thoughts about. And, of course, feel free to be in touch if I can be of help to you. Just email 21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com or call 410-841-3141.