Senator Mastriano

Shavuot begins at sunset on May 21, 2026 through nightfall on May 23, 2026

Today, Jewish communities around the world celebrate the holiday of Shavuot, commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the covenant between God and the people of Israel.

Shavuot is a time of faith, gratitude, learning, and reflection. It reminds us of the enduring importance of God`s word, the pursuit of wisdom, and the responsibilities that come with freedom and faith.

To all those celebrating, may this special holiday be filled with joy, peace, and abundant blessings.

Chag Sameach!

THROWBACK THURSDAY: On NATO’s eastern frontier, I stand along the icy Narva River, with Narva, Estonia on my left and Ivangorod, Russia on my right — a stark reminder that freedom and tyranny can exist only yards apart.

This photograph was taken during a strategic survey mission assigned to me by General Raymond T. Odierno to assess Northern Europe and the Baltic states and to help develop NATO land‑power deterrence against Russian aggression. #ThrowbackThursday

May 21st, 1881 - American Red Cross Founded

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🚧 Road Work Alert – Adams County 🚧

PennDOT crews are scheduled to mill and pave sections of Lake Meade Road (Route 1010) between Route 94 (Carlisle Pike) and Germany Road (Route 1005) in Reading Township.

📅 May 26–29
⏰ 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (weather permitting)

🚦 Expect single-lane traffic with flaggers directing vehicles through the work zone.

Please slow down, stay alert, and use caution to help keep both motorists and road crews safe.

For the latest traffic conditions and travel information, visit 511PA.com.

May 20th, 1862 - President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act into law. This act granted U.S. citizens or future citizens up to 160 acres of public land, provided they lived on and improved it for a specified period. The Homestead Act was a major factor in the westward expansion of the United States and played a significant role in settling the American West.

Today we remember James McHenry — physician, Revolutionary War patriot, signer of the United States Constitution, and statesman from Maryland.

Born in Ireland and immigrating to America as a young man, McHenry answered the call of liberty during the American Revolution, serving alongside General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. He later became a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and helped shape the foundation of the American republic.

As Secretary of War under Presidents Washington and Adams, McHenry advocated for strengthening America’s defenses during the nation’s fragile early years. Fort McHenry — the fort that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812 — proudly bears his name.

Yet like many Founding Fathers, James McHenry’s career was not without controversy. He was criticized for intense partisanship during the bitter political battles of the 1790s and was eventually forced to resign by President John Adams amid growing divisions within the Federalist Party. And like many leaders of his time, he operated within a society burdened by inequality and slavery.

History is best remembered honestly — recognizing both achievement and imperfection. James McHenry helped build the foundations of the United States while reflecting both the promise and the struggles of the early republic.

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we continue learning from the men and women who shaped our nation and the enduring principles of liberty, constitutional government, and national unity.

#America250 #AMERICA250PA #FoundingFathers #JamesMcHenry #USConstitution #AmericanHistory #Semiquincentennial #Maryland #Patriotism #WeThePeople #AmericanRevolution

May 19, 2026 - Pennsylvania Primary Election Day