{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"ME\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanctions-imposed-russia-appropriate-response-election-hacking", "Sanctions imposed on Russia for an appropriate response for election hacking", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement President Obama\u2019s decision to impose sanctions on Russia for election-related hacking.\n\"It has been confirmed by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security as well as leading intelligence experts that Russia acted deliberately to influence the Presidential election. Given the stakes and what this means for the integrity of our democracy, action needs to be taken and I support President Obama's decision to pursue meaningful sanctions against those responsible.\n\u201cWe must respond accordingly to any foreign government's attempts to influence or corrupt our democratic process. These sanctions are an appropriate response. I hope that the incoming administration will follow President Obama's lead and stand firm\u2014our democracy demands it.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-passing-md-harmon", "Senator Collins Statement on Passing of M.D. Harmon", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins\u2019 Statement on Passing of M.D. Harmon \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Thu, 12/29/2016 - 17:25    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement regarding the passing of M.D. Harmon:\n\"I was so saddened to learn of M.D. Harmon's tragic death. For four decades, M.D. Harmon was a dedicated editor and columnist. His passing is a loss to his family and friends, his colleagues, and to generations of readers across our state.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-passing-graham-shimmield", "Senator Collins Statement on the Passing of Graham Shimmield", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins\u2019 Statement on the Passing of Graham Shimmield \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 12/28/2016 - 16:31    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement regarding the passing of Dr. Graham Shimmield, the executive director of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences:\n\u201cGraham was an accomplished scientist and leader who transformed Bigelow Laboratory through his energy and vision.\u201cUnder Graham\u2019s leadership, Bigelow made important contributions to Maine\u2019s economy and research sector and expanded its influence internationally. I enjoyed working with Graham to secure federal funding that assisted in nearly doubling the size of the institution a few years ago.\u201cGraham helped enhance our understanding of the ocean and emphasized the need to protect this vital ecosystem. Graham\u2019s passing is a loss to his family and friends, the research community, the State of Maine, and all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/countering-boko-haram-senator-collins%E2%80%99-legislation-combat-ruthless-terrorist-organization", "Countering Boko Haram: Senator Collins Legislation to Combat This Ruthless Terrorist Organization Becomes Law", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In 2014, the terrorist group Boko Haram shocked the world by kidnapping 276 Nigerian schoolgirls, sending them into lives of sexual slavery and forced \u201cmarriages.\u201d That horrific act was part of a nearly decade-long campaign of brutal violence by the extremist organization against the people of Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger in West and Central Africa.\nLast year, in response to the horrific kidnapping, I led all 20 women of the United States Senate in urging Secretary of State John Kerry to seek Boko Haram\u2019s addition to the United Nation\u2019s ISIL & Al-Qaida Sanctions List. Subsequently, the United Nations Security Council voted to subject Boko Haram to a complete asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo. This crucial vote followed a Global Terrorism Index Report finding that Boko Haram killed 6,664 people in 2014, more than the Islamic State.\nAs this Congress comes to a close, our nation has taken stronger steps to stop the spread of Boko Haram. In September 2015, the Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation I authored calling for a concerted strategy by the State and Defense Departments to counter this threat. The House passed it unanimously in early December of this year, and it was signed into law by the President on December 14th.\nThe need for this legislation was recently underscored when Boko Haram bombers attacked a busy market in Madagali, Nigeria, killing at least 50 and critically wounding many more.\nBoko Haram has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and continues to commit terrible acts of brutal violence against innocent civilians. My bipartisan legislation signals a renewed congressional commitment to pursuing Boko Haram and bolstering U.S. efforts throughout the region. The already dire situation there will continue to worsen, and this terrorist group will pose a threat not only to African countries but also to the United States and our allies.\nThe passage of my legislation in the House was aided by the strong backing of the Congressional Black Caucus. In a letter of support, the CBC notes that Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people since 2009. Additionally, as a result of the terrorist insurgency in northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, 2.6 million people have become refugees and millions more face starvation. Untold numbers have been tortured, sexually abused, and murdered, creating a humanitarian crisis that may take generations to heal.Indeed, the very name of the terrorist group proclaims its goal of destroying hope for a better future in the region. By definition, Boko Haram means \u201cWestern education is forbidden.\u201d We must never forget that the girls of Nigeria were targeted simply because they chose to pursue an education. That mass kidnapping was not an isolated incident: Boko Haram is particularly focused on terrorizing women, girls, and religious minorities, just as the Taliban sought to silence Malala Yousafzai, the teenage girl who was shot by a gunman after she took a school exam in Pakistan.\nMy legislation strengthens our efforts against Boko Haram, including the development of a long-term diplomatic and military strategy to counter the threat. This strategy includes bolstering the government of Nigeria\u2019s ability to protect schoolchildren and to combat gender-based violence and inequality.\nCombatting oppression against women and girls and increasing their opportunities around the world has been a long-standing priority of mine. This legislation sends a clear signal to the international community that these girls are not forgotten and that America will not sit idly by and allow these atrocities committed by Boko Haram or any other terrorist group to continue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/merry-christmas-rep-poliquin", "Merry Christmas from Rep. Poliquin", "2016-12-25", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cI want to wish everyone a very blessed and Merry Christmas!\u201d said Congressman Poliquin.\n\u00a0\n\u201cOn this Christmas Day, as friends and family gather around the Christmas Tree and dinner table, let\u2019s all keep in mind those who are selflessly serving our communities and Nation right now to keep use safe. From the thousands of firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors and emergency personnel in Maine to all those serving in our Armed Forces overseas, thank you for your sacrifice to protect our families and communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-holiday-message-", "King Releases Holiday Message", "2016-12-24", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Releases Holiday Message \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 24, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBRUNSWICK, ME \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released a video message wishing the people of Maine a happy holiday season. The video is available HERE and the full transcript of his remarks is below:\r\n\r\n\u201cNo matter what holiday tradition you follow \u2013 and for my family it\u2019s both Christmas and Hanukkah \u2013 this is the season for joy, celebration, and reflection. It\u2019s a time to come together with family and friends to show each other that we care, rejoice in another year together, and take stock of all we hold dear. So to everyone in Maine \u2013 and to Mainers in exile across the country and around the world \u2013 may you be surrounded by those you care about most, may you give more then you get, and may you have your best holiday season ever. Happy holidays from my family to yours!\u201d \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-signs-defense-bill-law-securing-900-maine-shoemaking-jobs", "President Signs Defense Bill Into Law, Securing 900 Maine Shoemaking Jobs", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, President Obama signed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, marking the end of a months-long, hard-fought battle led in the House by Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) to secure 900 Maine shoemaking jobs at New Balance. The bill that was signed into law today includes critical language championed by Congressman Poliquin and Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to follow the law and issue American-made athletic shoes to its new recruits. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis has been a long and hard-fought battle, but today it\u2019s finally done,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cThe 900 shoemakers at New Balance in Norridgewock, Skowhegan and Norway are the hardest working individuals in the world and unquestionably deserve this huge win. I applaud New Balance\u2019s leadership in keeping jobs here in America and in our State of Maine. Today, their investment in Maine workers has paid off.\u201d\n\u00a0\nFor the past several months, Congressman Poliquin has resiliently advocated and taken strong legislative action to push the DOD to comply with the Berry Amendment, the provision which requires the Pentagon to use American-made products for recruits whenever possible.\n\u00a0\nThis final provision, which was maintained in the NDAA during the conference committee between the House and Senate due to strong support from Congressman Poliquin and Senators Collins and King, mandates that the DOD consider athletic footwear issued to military recruits as subject to the Berry Amendment, requiring the Department to treat athletic footwear like other uniform items.\n\u00a0\nThe Berry Amendment is a provision in law that requires the DOD to use American-made products for new recruits whenever possible. However, since 2002 the DOD has circumvented this policy by issuing cash allowances to new recruits for training shoes, which are not required to be American-made or Berry Amendment-compliant. In 2014, the DOD agreed to change its policy and close this footwear loophole. Despite that announcement, more than two years later, the DOD has yet to actually implement it and rectify this fundamental inequity in the application of the Berry Amendment.\n\u00a0\nTimeline of Progress:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n September-November 2016: The House and the Senate go to conference to hash out the differences in the two chambers\u2019 versions of the NDAA\n \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n Today: The NDAA is officially signed into law\n \u00a0\nItems to Note:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-nearly-27-million-contract-cianbro-construction-and-dock-repairs", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $27 Million Contract to Cianbro for Construction and Dock Repairs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Navy is awarding Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield a $26,969,000 contract for construction and dock repairs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in Kittery.\n\u201cThe work done at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has a direct impact on our national security, and this contract for Cianbro will help make sure that the shipyard is well-equipped to continue in its important mission,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cWe commend the Navy for investing in PNSY, our national defense, and the Maine economy. And as always, we applaud the men and women at the shipyard for their hard work and dedication.\u201d\nThis competitively-awarded contract will support replacement of the caisson at PSNY\u2019s dry dock number #3. The work will also provide repairs to the concrete entrance structures of the dry dock, and is expected to be completed by May 2019.\nSenator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\nCianbro is a construction and construction services company based in Pittsfield.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-nearly-27-million-contract-to-cianbro-for-construction-and-dock-repairs-at-portsmouth-naval-shipyard", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $27 Million Contract to Cianbro for Construction and Dock Repairs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $27 Million Contract to Cianbro for Construction and Dock Repairs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 23, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Navy is awarding Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield a $26,969,000 contract for construction and dock repairs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in Kittery.\r\n\u201cThe work done at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has a direct impact on our national security, and this contract for Cianbro will help make sure that the shipyard is well-equipped to continue in its important mission,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cWe commend the Navy for investing in PNSY, our national defense, and the Maine economy. And as always, we applaud the men and women at the shipyard for their hard work and dedication.\u201d\r\nThis competitively-awarded contract will support replacement of the caisson at PSNY\u2019s dry dock number #3. The work will also provide repairs to the concrete entrance structures of the dry dock, and is expected to be completed by May 2019.\r\nSenator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\nCianbro is a construction and construction services company based in Pittsfield.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-signs-into-law-athletic-footwear-provision-championed-by-king-and-maine-congressional-delegation", "President Signs Into Law Athletic Footwear Provision Championed by King & Maine Congressional Delegation", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Signs Into Law Athletic Footwear Provision Championed by King & Maine Congressional Delegation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 23, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBRUNSWICK, ME \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today praised the President\u2019s signing of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, which ushers into law a provision he fought for that requires the Department of Defense to consider athletic footwear subject to the Berry Amendment by providing initial entry service members with American-made athletic shoes upon arrival at basic training. The provision, which will be implemented over the course of the next two years, will support domestic manufacturing, protect jobs for dedicated American workers, including potentially hundreds in Maine, and help ensure that American troops are equipped and outfitted with high-quality uniform items made in the United States.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThis is a momentous victory that the hardworking men and women of New Balance have long deserved,\u201d\u00a0Senator King said. \u201cFor far too long, the Department of Defense had failed to apply the Berry Amendment to athletic footwear for new recruits, but New Balance\u2019s employees remained undeterred, manufacturing the highest-quality athletic shoes here in Maine day-in and day-out. Today, their efforts have paid off and New Balance will be able to compete for future contracts to provide athletic footwear to recruits. I am incredibly proud of their work and pledge to continue to fight for them every day in the Senate.\u201d\r\nThe provision included in the final 2017 National Defense Authorization Act is similar to the\u00a0Buy American Act\u00a0introduced by Senator King and Senator Susan Collins as well as the\u00a0Stepping up for American Workers and Troops Act\u00a0introduced in by Representative Bruce Poliquin. Both bills were\u00a0introduced\u00a0earlier this year.\u00a0Representative Poliquin successfully pushed for adoption of the language in the House-version of the NDAA in April, and Senator King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, fought to successfully add the legislation as an amendment to the Senate-version of the NDAA during the Committee\u2019s markup of the bill in May.\r\nLast week, Senator King was joined by Senator Collins and Representative Poliquin at New Balance\u2019s factory in Skowhegan to recognize the company\u2019s Maine workers and celebrate the \u201cMade-in-USA\u201d footwear provision that became law today.\r\nThe final provision, which survived a conference committee between the House and Senate following the advocacy of Senators King and Collins and Representative Poliquin, mandates that the Department of Defense consider athletic footwear issued to military recruits as subject to the Berry Amendment, requiring the Department to treat athletic footwear for new recruits like other uniform items. The Berry amendment, passed in 1941, requires the U.S. military to provide its personnel with American-made equipment and uniforms to the greatest extent possible. Despite this long-standing law, and despite the fact that it issues similar Berry Compliant items such as combat boots and service uniforms, the Department of Defense has not previously issued new recruits athletic footwear that is compliant with the Berry Amendment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/urging-air-force-address-real-id-issue-could-prevent-veterans-accessing", "Urging Air Force to address REAL ID issue that could prevent veterans from accessing health care", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree sent a later today urging the U.S. Air Force to help address a REAL ID issue that could prevent hundreds of Maine veterans from continuing to receive their health care at a Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic on Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington, New Hampshire. \u00a0Pingree was joined on the letter by Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster of New Hampshire.\u00a0\nThe 500 Maine veterans who receive their primary health care at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic on the base were recently notified that, after February 1, their Maine driver\u2019s license and VA health care ID will no longer be sufficient to gain access to the base. The change in policy comes as the REAL ID Act is implemented\u2014Maine driver\u2019s licenses are not yet compliant with the law.\n\u201cI\u2019ve heard from many veterans who are concerned about not being able to see their doctors when this change goes into effect. They don\u2019t want to have to jump through yet another bureaucratic hoop to get the health care they have earned\u2014and I don\u2019t think they should have to,\u201d said Pingree. \u00a0\u201cThankfully, it is within the Air Force\u2019s authority to make an exception for veterans like them. After hearing about how these veterans will be affected, I hope the Air Force acts quickly to resolve the issue.\u201d\u00a0\nDepartment of Homeland Security guidelines state that after January 31, 2017, visitors to military bases must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification\u2014such as a passport\u2014or a driver\u2019s license from a state that has received an extension. \u00a0Maine\u2019s latest request for an extension was denied and New Hampshire\u2019s current extension is set to expire next October. Veterans from other non-compliant states are facing a similar situation.\nIn response, the Department of Defense issued follow-up guidance allowing an exception for those accessing VA health care on base. Under the exception, the combination of a driver\u2019s license and a VA Health Identification Card would be enough to gain access. \u00a0\nThe notification sent to Maine veterans can be seen here.\n Letter Text \nThe Honorable Deborah Lee James  \n\tSecretary  \n\tUnited States Air Force  \n\t1690 Air Force Pentagon  \n\tWashington, DC 20330-1670\nDear Secretary James,\nWe write to you to highlight an issue that is rapidly approaching for hundreds of Maine veterans who receive care at Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington, NH.\u00a0\nCurrently, 500 veterans in Maine receive care at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) located on the base. Unfortunately, due to the REAL ID implementation and the State of Maine not yet being in compliance with that law, these veterans anticipate an issue gaining access to the base to access this care. We are familiar with this particular case, but there are several other bases throughout the country facing a similar issue.\nDepartment of Homeland Security guidance states the following:\n\u00a0\u201cStarting January 31, 2017, visitors seeking access to military bases and almost all Federal facilities using their state-issued driver\u2019s licenses or identification cards must present proper identification issued by REAL ID compliant states or a state that has received an extension. When planning a visit to a Federal facility or military base, visitors should contact the facility to determine what identification will be accepted.\u201d\nIn light of this guidance, it is our understanding that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) issued follow-up guidance outlining a REAL ID exception for those entering a DOD installation to access VA health care on base. Under this guidance, veterans looking to access the base can do so with the combination of a state drivers license and a Veteran Health Identification Card Issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\nWe urge the Air Force to adopt this DOD guidance and allow Veterans access to installations like Pease Air National Guard Base with their VA Health Identification Card.\nIt is imperative that veterans are allowed to receive the health care they deserve on joint military installations without undue complications due to the REAL ID law and the related federal regulation.\nThank you for your work on behalf of our servicemembers and for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to hearing from you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-president-elect-to-help-congress-bring-down-drug-prices-", "King, Colleagues Urge President-elect to Help Congress Bring Down Drug Prices", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King, Colleagues Urge President-elect to Help Congress Bring Down Drug Prices \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 22, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBRUNSWICK, ME \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released a letter that he and several of his colleagues recently sent to President-elect Donald Trump expressing their desire to work with his new Administration on bringing down the cost of prescription drugs for Maine people.\r\n\u201cIt is undeniable that more and more families are struggling to access medications, and in many cases, are forced to choose between paying for prescription drugs and other necessities, like food and shelter. The American public is fed up, with roughly 8-in-10 Americans reporting that drug prices are unreasonable, and that we must take action to lower costs,\u201d said the Senators in the letter. \u201cYou now have the authority to push for a future that prioritizes patients. We are ready to advance measures to achieve this goal and we urge you to partner with Republicans and Democrats alike to take meaningful steps to address the high cost of prescription drugs through bold administrative and legislative actions.\u201d\r\n\r\nIn a letter sent to the President-elect, the Senators expressed their shared frustration over the cost of prescription drugs and outlined several ways they hoped the President-elect and Congress could work together in a bipartisan fashion to follow through on his promise to lower the rising cost of prescription drugs for consumers. Some of those proposals include:\u00a0allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate better prices for Medicare recipients; requiring drug companies to disclose costs associated with creating drugs so prices are more transparent; putting an end to abusive price gouging; and ensuring competition and innovation that will lead to greater competition and more affordable, effective drugs.\r\n\r\nSenator King is a cosponsor of the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, a bill that\u00a0would allow HHS to directly negotiate with drug companies for price discounts for the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. The legislation could help cut costs for more than 35 million seniors, including about 276,000 seniors in Maine, and boost Medicare savings.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe letter was led by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) and, along with Senator King, cosigned by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.).\r\n\r\nThe text of the letter is below:\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nDecember 20, 2016\r\n\r\n\r\nPresident-Elect Donald J. Trump \r\nPresidential Transition Headquarters\r\n1800 F Street, N.W., Room G-117\r\nWashington, D.C. 20270\r\n\r\nDear President-Elect Trump:\u00a0\r\nDuring your campaign, you promised to implement bold reforms to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. In fact, you acknowledged that \u201cCongress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America.\u201d You also supported allowing consumers\u2019 access to imported, safe, and dependable drugs from overseas and vowed to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors. And earlier this month you again promised to \u201cbring down drug prices.\u201d While there are many different policy options to achieve lower drug prices, it\u2019s clear that we all agree that all Americans deserve access to safe, effective, and affordable lifesaving medications. As Members of Congress, we are ready to advance bipartisan reforms that will help achieve the goal we all share: reducing the burden exorbitant drug prices are placing on hard-working Americans.\r\n\r\nPrescription drugs can work wonders \u2013 curing diseases and helping those with chronic illness live longer, healthier lives. Drug companies, however, have often engaged in abusive tactics that price lifesaving drugs out of reach for those in need. It is time to enact policies that improve transparency and competition in the commercial market and make the government a smarter purchaser of prescription drugs.\r\n\r\nIt is undeniable that more and more families are struggling to access medications, and in many cases, are forced to choose between paying for prescription drugs and other necessities, like food and shelter. The American public is fed up, with roughly 8-in-10 Americans reporting that drug prices are unreasonable, and that we must take action to lower costs. The public\u2019s concern is well founded, just last week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid\u2019s Office of the Actuary published that, in 2015, prescription drug spending grew faster than any other category of medical spending for the second year in a row. This evidence comes despite claims from the drug industry that high drug spending in 2014 would only be a temporary blip.\r\n\r\nYou now have the authority to push for a future that prioritizes patients. We are ready to advance measures to achieve this goal and we urge you to partner with Republicans and Democrats alike to take meaningful steps to address the high cost of prescription drugs through bold administrative and legislative actions, including but not limited to the following actions:\r\n\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Give the Secretary of HHS the Authority to Negotiate Drug Prices. As you noted on the campaign trail, permitting the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate drug prices under Medicare could not only produce savings but would bring the largest payer in America in line with the activities of the rest of the insurance industry. In fact, you promised that \u201c(w)hen it comes time to negotiate the cost of drugs, we are going to negotiate like crazy.\u201d However, under current law, the Secretary is prohibited from doing so. We urge you to work with Congress to pass a law that lifts the current ban and gives the Secretary the authority to take immediate action and negotiate better prices for prescription drugs for our nation\u2019s more than 40 million Medicare Part D beneficiaries.\r\n\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Increase Transparency. Throughout your campaign, you also endorsed price transparency for the entire healthcare system. Patients should know drugs\u2019 true cost, not just the price that the drug companies and insurance companies choose to charge. We already have measures in place to require hospitals, providers, and other sections of the healthcare system to report on different cost measures; drug companies should be held to the same standards. We urge you to take immediate administrative action to require drug companies to publicly disclose costs associated with research and development, materials and manufacturing, and the federal benefits they receive in the form of tax credits, government grants, and government-funded research on which their products are based.\r\n\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stop Abusive Pricing. We urge you to protect consumers from abusive pricing practices \u2014not only gouging consumers with the 5,000-percent overnight price hikes that have made recent headlines, but also the persistent, unjustified double-digit price increases that drug corporations have levied on the American people year after year. As members of Congress, we are ready to work on legislation to combat these abusive practices.\r\n\r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Protect and Incentivize True Innovation. Taxpayers, through the federal government, are deeply involved with every step of the drug development process, from supporting basic scientific research and clinical trials, to granting exclusive monopolies, tax incentives, and fee waivers. However, taxpayer funds need to be better targeted to deliver what we all want: safe, innovative, affordable, and effective drugs to address our most pressing public health issues and unmet medical needs. We urge you to work with Congress to pass commonsense reforms that better protect and incentivize innovation with the greatest need and health benefits to ensure affordable access and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ensure True Competition. It is past time to end the rigging of the prescription drug marketplace. Brand-name drug companies, for example, should not be allowed to take actions that block generic competitors from bringing their products to market. We urge you to task the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice with aggressively enforcing laws that currently exist and push for new provisions to ensure timely entrance of generics to the marketplace.\r\n\r\nDuring your campaign, you promised to address the high prescription drug prices that the vast majority of Republicans and Democrats expressed as a top concern in the election. In this letter, we have listed tangible ways your Administration can lead bipartisan work on this issue and fight for the millions of Americans who rely on prescription drugs to lead healthy lives. There will be ample opportunities to make good on these promises as Congress considers the Prescription Drug, Generic Drug, and Biosimilars User Fee Agreement reauthorizations and other health-related legislative priorities, and we look forward to your leadership on this issue by steering both sides of the aisle to work together to pass concrete reforms. We stand ready to support meaningful changes to the status quo and are committed to a future when all Americans can access lifesaving treatments when they need them. \r\nWe hope that you will join with Congress in living up to the expectations of the American people and prioritize this issue as President of the United States.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-king-poliquin-applaud-6-million-usda-investment-private-road", "Collins, King, Poliquin Applaud $6 Million USDA Investment in Private Road Infrastructure and Fish Habitat in Northern and Eastern Maine", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin applauded today\u2019s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding a $6 million grant to a Maine partnership led by the Nature Conservancy that will\u00a0help private forestland owners\u00a0reduce the impacts that flooding has on road networks and restore more than 250 miles of fish habitat in northern and eastern Maine. Senators Collins and King and Congressman Poliquin wrote a joint letter of support for the initiative, called the Maine Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Project, in September.\n\u00a0\n\u201cBy restoring and reconnecting waterways and improving roads and bridges, this project will help improve fish habitats and enhance the forest economy in northern and eastern Maine,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Collins.\u00a0 \u201cI commend The Nature Conservancy for partnering with local landowners and others on this collaborative effort that\u00a0will help protect our environment, improve fishing, and benefit communities throughout the region.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis project represents the very best of Maine \u2013 environmental stewardship combined with economic growth and driven by innovative collaboration \u2013 all of which once again shows that, in Maine, preserving our environment and building our economy can go hand-in-hand,\u201d\u00a0Senator King said.\u00a0\u201cI commend the Nature Conservancy for bringing this group together with the shared goal of improving fish habitats while also strengthening our forest roadway infrastructure, and appreciate the significant investment in Maine\u2019s future from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cOur State\u2019s fisheries and coastal habitats are treasures and key parts of Maine\u2019s identity, providing for thousands of jobs through tourism, harvesting and other critical industries,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have urged support for this important project and am thrilled to see its approval to help advance our infrastructure and protect our environment and the thousands of Maine families who depend on it.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe 5-year Maine Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Project aims to replace several hundred culverts and fix fractured aquatic connectivity to over a dozen priority watersheds with the goal of restoring 250 miles of brooks, streams and rivers in northern and eastern Maine. This\u00a0partnership is led by the Nature Conservancy and includes more than two dozen entities that include private forestland owners, tribal communities, federal agencies, conservation groups and local operators.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe grant announced today comes through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which is administered by the USDA\u2019s Natural Resources Conservation Service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-poliquin-moves-new-office-location-washington-start-new-congress", "Rep. Poliquin Moves to New Office Location in Washington for Start of a New Congress", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The start of the new Congress brings with it a change of scenery for Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02), his Washington, D.C. staff, and his Murphy bed, as the team moves into a new office space.\u00a0 Congressman Poliquin and his Washington, D.C. staff completed their move this week from their previous location at 426 Cannon House Office Building to their new one at 1208 Longworth House Office Building.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to returning to work for Mainers at the start of the 115th Congress and am ready to immediately act to fix the most important problems facing our State and our Nation,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cWhile my staff and I will have a new location, we aren\u2019t going to let up an inch in our commitment to serving on behalf of our Maine families, small businesses and communities. For all Mainers visiting Washington, please make sure to come by our new office for an ice cold Moxie.\u201d\n\u00a0\nOffice supplies are removed from Congressman Poliquin\u2019s former office location during the move.\n\u00a0\nOffice supplies are boxed up and made ready for the move.\n\u00a0\nWorkers disassemble Congressman Poliquin\u2019s Murphy bed to bring it to the new office location.\n\u00a0\nCongressman Poliquin\u2019s new Washington, D.C. office location at 1208 Longworth House Office Building.\n\u00a0\nNote: Congressman Poliquin\u2019s Washington, D.C. office phone and fax numbers will remain unchanged. Phone: 202-225-6306.\u00a0 Fax: 202-225-2943.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAll future mail should be addressed to 1208 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-poliquin-applaud-6-million-usda-investment-private-road-infrastructure-and", "Collins, King, Poliquin Applaud $6 Million USDA Investment in Private Road Infrastructure and Fish Habitat in Northern and Eastern Maine", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin applauded today\u2019s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding a $6 million grant to a Maine partnership led by the Nature Conservancy that will\u00a0help private forestland owners\u00a0reduce the impacts that flooding has on road networks and restore more than 250 miles of fish habitat in northern and eastern Maine. Senators Collins and King and Congressman Poliquin wrote a joint letter of support for the initiative, called the Maine Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Project, in September.\n\u201cBy restoring and reconnecting waterways and improving roads and bridges, this project will help improve fish habitats and enhance the forest economy in northern and eastern Maine,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Collins.\u00a0 \u201cI commend The Nature Conservancy for partnering with local landowners and others on this collaborative effort that\u00a0will help protect our environment, improve fishing, and benefit communities throughout the region.\u201d\n\u201cThis project represents the very best of Maine \u2013 environmental stewardship combined with economic growth and driven by innovative collaboration \u2013 all of which once again shows that, in Maine, preserving our environment and building our economy can go hand-in-hand,\u201d\u00a0Senator King said.\u00a0\u201cI commend the Nature Conservancy for bringing this group together with the shared goal of improving fish habitats while also strengthening our forest roadway infrastructure, and appreciate the significant investment in Maine\u2019s future from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\u201d\n\u201cOur State\u2019s fisheries and coastal habitats are treasures and key parts of Maine\u2019s identity, providing for thousands of jobs through tourism, harvesting and other critical industries,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have urged support for this important project and am thrilled to see its approval to help advance our infrastructure and protect our environment and the thousands of Maine families who depend on it.\u201d\nThe 5-year Maine Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Project aims to replace several hundred culverts and fix fractured aquatic connectivity to over a dozen priority watersheds with the goal of restoring 250 miles of brooks, streams and rivers in northern and eastern Maine. This\u00a0partnership is led by the Nature Conservancy and includes more than two dozen entities that include private forestland owners, tribal communities, federal agencies, conservation groups and local operators.\u00a0\nThe grant announced today comes through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which is administered by the USDA\u2019s Natural Resources Conservation Service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-mccaskill-release-committee-report-bipartisan-drug-pricing-investigation", "Collins, McCaskill Release Committee Report of Bipartisan Drug Pricing Investigation", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, released a report on drug pricing\u00a0today titled, \u201cSudden Price Spikes in Off-Patent Prescription Drugs: The Monopoly Business Model that Harms Patients, Taxpayers, and the U.S. Health Care System.\u201d The comprehensive report details the findings stemming from the Committee\u2019s bipartisan investigation into abrupt and dramatic price increases for prescription drugs whose patents expired long ago. Through close examination of the monopoly business model used by four pharmaceutical companies to exploit market failures, the report examines how companies acquired decades-old, off-patent, and previously affordable drugs and then raised the prices suddenly and astronomically at the expense of patients. The report provides case studies of the four companies; explores the influence of investors; assesses the impacts of price hikes on patients, payers, providers, hospitals, and the government; and discusses potential policy responses.\u00a0\n\"The skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs affect every American family, particularly our seniors,\" said Chairman Collins. \"This report is the culmination of the Senate Aging Committee's year-long, bipartisan investigation into the egregious price increases on a number of decades-old drugs acquired by pharmaceutical companies that act more like hedge funds. We must work to stop the bad actors who are driving up the prices of drugs that they did nothing to develop at the expense of patients just because, as one executive essentially said, \u201cbecause I can.\u201d\u201cThe hedge fund model of drug pricing is predatory, and immoral for the patients and taxpayers who ultimately foot the bill\u2014especially for generic drugs that can be made for pennies per dose,\u201d Ranking Member McCaskill said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to find ways to increase competition for medicines and ensure that patients and their families aren\u2019t being gouged.\u201dChairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill launched the Aging Committee\u2019s bipartisan investigation in November 2015 following a series of media reports detailing dramatic drug price increases after the acquisition of decades-old, off-patent, and previously affordable drugs. The investigation centered on Turing Pharmaceuticals, Retrophin, Inc., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., and Rodelis Therapeutics. Evidence gathered by the Committee also suggests that additional companies have employed the monopoly business model uncovered in this report, putting the health and lives of Americans at risk.The views of a wide-range of health policy experts and clinicians were considered, and the report identifies potential policy responses:\n \nEnact the Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act, introduced by Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill, to incentivize competition to address regulatory uncertainty, small market size, and other factors that serve as limitations to generic entry;\n \n \nEncourage generic competition by ensuring the right to obtain samples and simplifying Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies;\n \n \nConsider allowing highly targeted, temporary prescription drug importation to provide prompt price relief for major price increases in off-patent drugs;\n \n \nTake steps to prevent the misuse of patient assistance programs and copay coupons;\n \n \nReinvigorate the Federal Trade Commission to take greater enforcement action on drug company mergers, operations, and drug market dynamics; and\n \n \nImprove transparency in the health care system.\n \nThroughout the investigation, Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill have been committed to promoting innovation while improving access and affordability of prescription medications for patients, particularly for the 90 percent of our nation\u2019s seniors who take prescription drugs. Chairman Collins and Ranking Member McCaskill strongly support continued efforts to stop bad actors who are acquiring drugs that have been off-patent for decades and driving up their prices solely because they can.Background on the Aging Committee\u2019s InvestigationDuring the course of its bipartisan investigation, the Aging Committee held three hearings; interviewed scores of patients, doctors, hospital administrators, consumer advocates, health experts, and pharmaceutical industry executives and board members; reviewed more than one million pages of documents obtained from the four companies; and deposed or took transcribed interviews of numerous corporate witnesses.The first hearing of the series, held on December 9, 2015, sought to identify and define the problems resulting from these price increases. The second hearing, held on March 17, 2016, took an in-depth look inside the monopoly business models of Turing and Retrophin, both formerly headed by Martin Shkreli. The third hearing, held on April 27, 2016, investigated Valeant\u2019s business model, its investor relationships, and the harm caused to patients and the health care system by the enormous price increases Valeant imposed on certain drugs it acquired.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-poliquin-applaud-6-million-usda-investment-in-private-road-infrastructure-and-fish-habitat-in-northern-and-eastern-maine", "Collins, King, Poliquin Applaud $6 Million USDA Investment in Private Road Infrastructure and Fish Habitat in Northern and Eastern Maine", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collins, King, Poliquin Applaud $6 Million USDA Investment in Private Road Infrastructure and Fish Habitat in Northern and Eastern Maine\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCollaborative project led by Nature Conservancy in partnership with more than two dozen other groups\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 21, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin applauded today\u2019s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding a $6 million grant to a Maine partnership led by the Nature Conservancy that will\u00a0help private forestland owners\u00a0reduce the impacts that flooding has on road networks and restore more than 250 miles of fish habitat in northern and eastern Maine. Senators Collins and King and Congressman Poliquin wrote a joint letter of support for the initiative, called the Maine Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Project, in September.\r\n\u201cBy restoring and reconnecting waterways and improving roads and bridges, this project will help improve fish habitats and enhance the forest economy in northern and eastern Maine,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Collins.\u00a0 \u201cI commend The Nature Conservancy for partnering with local landowners and others on this collaborative effort that\u00a0will help protect our environment, improve fishing, and benefit communities throughout the region.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis project represents the very best of Maine \u2013 environmental stewardship combined with economic growth and driven by innovative collaboration \u2013 all of which once again shows that, in Maine, preserving our environment and building our economy can go hand-in-hand,\u201d\u00a0Senator King said.\u00a0\u201cI commend the Nature Conservancy for bringing this group together with the shared goal of improving fish habitats while also strengthening our forest roadway infrastructure, and appreciate the significant investment in Maine\u2019s future from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur State\u2019s fisheries and coastal habitats are treasures and key parts of Maine\u2019s identity, providing for thousands of jobs through tourism, harvesting and other critical industries,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have urged support for this important project and am thrilled to see its approval to help advance our infrastructure and protect our environment and the thousands of Maine families who depend on it.\u201d\r\nThe 5-year Maine Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Project aims to replace several hundred culverts and fix fractured aquatic connectivity to over a dozen priority watersheds with the goal of restoring 250 miles of brooks, streams and rivers in northern and eastern Maine. This\u00a0partnership is led by the Nature Conservancy and includes more than two dozen entities that include private forestland owners, tribal communities, federal agencies, conservation groups and local operators.\u00a0\r\nThe grant announced today comes through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which is administered by the USDA\u2019s Natural Resources Conservation Service.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswaomn-pingree-fairpoint-reverse-decision-holiday-layoffs", "Congresswoman Pingree to Fairpoint: reverse decision on holiday layoffs", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined several of her colleagues from Northern New England in sending a letter to FairPoint late last week asking the company to reverse its decision to lay off 10 percent of its workforce during the holidays. FairPoint\u2019s move comes while Consolidated Communications is negotiating to purchase the company.\nIn a letter to FairPoint CEO Paul Sunu, the Members said, \u201cWe write regarding our concern for your employees and their families given the recent announcement by FairPoint that it will lay off 10 percent of its workforce in Northern New England. This will impact Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, and will be rolled out at a particularly difficult time of year. \u2026 We urge you to reverse this decision and send the clear message that FairPoint values its workers and the communities in which the company operates.\u201d\nPingree was joined by Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Representative Peter Welch of Vermont, as well as Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Representative Ann Kuster of New Hampshire.\u00a0\nFull text of the letter is below and a signed copy is available here.\nDecember 16, 2016\nPaul H. Sunu  \n\tChief Executive Officer  \n\tFairPoint Communications  \n\t521 E Morehead Street, Suite 500  \n\tCharlotte, NC 28202\nDear Mr. Sunu:\nWe write regarding our concern for your employees and their families given the recent announcement by FairPoint that it will lay off 10 percent of its workforce in Northern New England. This will impact Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, and will be rolled out at a particularly difficult time of year. Understanding that Consolidated Communications is working to acquire FairPoint for a significant sum of $1.5 billion, we ask you work on a seamless transition that avoids any employee layoffs.\nAs our largest telecommunications provider, we have contacted you several times throughout your tenure operating in Northern New England. \u00a0We have been frustrated with inconsistent customer service, a stagnant infrastructure, and unattended service outages. We have always worked to better the services available to our states, and we have always appreciated the contributions of FairPoint employees to our states\u2019 workforce. It is in that spirit that we sincerely hope the sale, if approved, will result in improved customer service, expanded access to broadband service in rural areas, and the creation of more good jobs in our communities, not a reduction in workforce or a relocation of the workforce. However, it is deeply distressing that one of FairPoint\u2019s last actions in our three states is laying off even more workers.\u00a0\nWe urge you to reverse this decision and send the clear message that FairPoint values its workers and the communities in which the company operates.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-pingree-helps-lead-bipartisan-effort-support-hops-research", "Congresswoman Pingree helps lead bipartisan effort to support hops research", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A brewing industry roundtable Pingree hosted in July 2016\u00a0WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Peter DeFazio. (D-OR), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) led 100 other Members in a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics, Dr. Cathie Woteki. The letter requests that USDA\u2019s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) increase its commitment to hop-related research to reflect the growing cultural and economic importance of this crop.\nThe Members wrote in the letter: \u00a0\u201cOverall, the brewing industry generated more than $250 billion in economic activity in 2014, directly and indirectly employing over 1.75 million Americans. This activity is only sustained through a healthy, stable hop market. Hop growers face a variety of challenges, including mites, mildews, blights, and other pests that harm production\u2026.The development of new hop varieties that are pest-resistant and climate-tolerant would help growers increase yields while reducing pesticide use. Additionally, while commercial hop production now exists in 29 states, developing new climate-tolerant varieties could help further expand commercial production, putting growers closer to their customers and reducing the threat that a disaster in the Pacific Northwest would affect U.S. and global supplies.\u201d\u00a0\n\"Maine brewers are buying up every ounce of locally grown hops, yet less than 1 percent of hops used by Maine brewers are supplied by local growers. The barrier to growth in the hop farming industry is not a lack of market demand. The barrier to growth is at the ground level; it is the ongoing challenges presented by pests and diseases that are slowing the growth of the hop farming sector while driving up costs for Maine's brewers and beer consumers,\" said Sean Sullivan, Executive Director of the Maine Brewers' Guild.\u00a0\"Maine brewers applaud Congresswoman Pingree and her colleagues for their efforts to increase funding for hops research. We are confident that Maine's hop growers, \u00a0brewers, and institutions that perform hops research, like UMaine Cooperative Extension, would directly benefit.\"\n Background \nCurrently, USDA\u2019s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) has committed 1.7 full time employee (FTE) scientists to conduct research into hops \u2013 one scientist who researches hops pathology, and another who commits 70 percent of efforts to hops genetics research. Despite the growth of the U.S. brewing industry over the past decade to generate more than $250 billion in economic activity, and indirectly support more than 1.75 million jobs, ARS research still only offers a 1.7 FTEs in hop research. Additionally, it has been reported that many brewers are having trouble procuring the types of hops that they need for brewing because the slowly-increasing supplies cannot keep up with the rapidly-growing demand.\nSigners of the letter include Reps. Newhouse, DeFazio, Paulsen, Pingree, Bilirakis, Bishop (GA), Blumenauer, Bonamici, Bost, Boustany, Butterfield, C\u00e1rdenas, Carter (GA), Chabot, Cicilline, Comstock, Conyers, Costello, Cramer, DelBene, DesJarlais, Duffy, Emmer, Farenthold, Farr, Fudge, Gallego, Garamendi, Hanna, Heck (WA), Herrera Beutler, Higgins, Hudson, Huizenga, Huffman, Hurd, Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX), Jones, Kaptur, Kelly (PA), Kilmer, Kind, King (NY), Kuster, Lamborn, Larsen, Lieu, Lipinski, LoBiondo, Loebsack, Lofgren, Lowenthal, Lucas, Luetkemeyer, Lujan Grisham, Lynch, Marino, McCaul, McCollum, McGovern, McHenry, McMorris Rodgers, Meadows, Meehan, Moore, Moulton, Neal, Nolan, Norton, Pascrell, Payne, Pearce, Plaskett, Pocan, Polis, Reichert, Renacci, Rooney, Rouzer, Rush, Sensenbrenner, Schrader, David Scott (GA), Simpson, Sinema, Smith (NE), Speier, Stefanik, Thompson (MS), Thompson (PA), Tipton, Titus, Tonko, Tsongas, Vargas, Wagner, Walberg, Watson Coleman, Welch, Yarmuth, Yoder, Young (AK), Zeldin, Zinke.\n Full letter text \nDecember 1, 2016\nThe Honorable Tom Vilsack  \n\tSecretary  \n\tUnited States Department of Agriculture  \n\t1400 Independence Ave., SW\u00a0  \n\tWashington, DC 20250\nDr. Cathie Woteki  \n\tUnder Secretary for Research, Education and Economics  \n\tUnited States Department of Agriculture  \n\t1400 Independence Ave., SW\u00a0  \n\tWashington, DC 20250\nDear Secretary Vilsack and Under Secretary Woteki:\nWe write to request your support for an industry that has been a model of U.S. economic growth over the past decade. The brewing industry sustains millions of jobs in the U.S., and especially through the emerging popularity of craft brewing, has boosted domestic sales and exports, and supports a growing supply chain of U.S. farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. U.S. hop cultivation is central to this industry, and we request USDA\u2019s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) increase its commitment to hop-related research to reflect the growing cultural and economic importance of this crop for FY 2017.\nOverall, the brewing industry generated more than $250 billion in economic activity in 2014, directly and indirectly employing over 1.75 million Americans. This activity is only sustained through a healthy, stable hop market. Hop growers face a variety of challenges, including mites, mildews, blights, and other pests that harm production. It is estimated that 15 percent of hop yields are lost to pests annually. The increased threat of drought and extreme heat in the Pacific Northwest, where the majority of U.S. commercially-produced hops are grown, is also a persistent threat to crops. The development of new hop varieties that are pest-resistant and climate-tolerant would help growers increase yields while reducing pesticide use. Additionally, while commercial hop production now exists in 29 states, developing new climate-tolerant varieties could help further expand commercial production, putting growers closer to their customers and reducing the threat that a disaster in the Pacific Northwest would affect U.S. and global supplies.\nUSDA\u2019s previous hop research has resulted in the development of varieties that are now universal to the industry. The two largest varieties of U.S.-produced hops, Cascade and Centennial, are products of public hop breeding programs. As consumers continue to demand beers with new aroma and flavor traits, research into developing these characteristics could result in significant benefit to growers, brewers, and the customers they serve.\nGiven these great advantages that would come with additional research, we request that USDA-ARS increase the commitment to hops genetics/molecular biology from 0.7 full time employees (FTE) to 1.0 FTE, while continuing to fund the existing 1.0 FTE pathology research program for FY 2017. This critical boost in research would result in breakthroughs in hop cultivation that will help sustain the significant growth of this important industry.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/usda-issues-new-guidance-food-date-labeling", "USDA issues new guidance on food date labeling", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree applauded guidance the USDA released yesterday encouraging manufacturers to use a \u201cBest if used by\u201d date label.\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s estimated that 30 percent of the food consumers purchase gets thrown out. \u00a0Much of that waste has to do with confusion over the meaning of a barrage of inconsistent date labels\u2014\u2018Best by,\u2019 \u2018Sell by,\u2019 and \u2018Use by\u2019 among them. The USDA\u2019s new guidance is welcome progress toward reducing consumer confusion by encouraging manufacturers to adopt a consistent standard,\u201d said Pingree. \u201cThe next step is to formalize date labeling phrasing in legislation, to establish a uniform system, and make sure states do not restrict the donation of food that has passed its date. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to advance legislation that reduces both food waste and consumer confusion around date labels.\u201d\nEarlier this year, Pingree introduced the Food Date Labeling Act. \u00a0The bill establishes a uniform national system for date labeling that clearly distinguishes between foods that bear a label indicating peak quality from foods that bear a label indicating they may become unsafe to consume past the date. This bill would also ensure that food is allowed to be sold or donated after its quality date, and educate consumers about the meaning of new labels so that they can make better economic and safety decisions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-dairy-industry-roundtable", "VIDEO: Dairy Industry Roundtable", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Pingree held a roundtable for stakeholders from Maine's dairy industry on December 15 to get their feedback on how federal programs are working for them. \u00a0With her is USDA Farm Services Agency Deputy Administrator Brad Pfaff, who oversees some of these programs. \u00a0The event was the second she held to collect feedback from Mainers ahead of Congress' upcoming reauthorization of the Farm Bill. The first was held in Wiscasett in November.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-126-million-contract-modification-bath-iron-works", "Collins, King Announce $126 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Announce $126 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 12/19/2016 - 12:14    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works a $125,950,046 contract modification. The funding will be used to continue Integrated Planning Yard services for Arleigh Burke-class and Oliver Hazard Perry-class ships.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis funding is critical to ensuring that the highly-skilled men and women of Bath Iron Works have the necessary resources to continue manufacturing the best, most-advanced destroyers in our Navy,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cWe applaud the Navy for this contract modification, which will support our country\u2019s national security and the Maine economy.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThis funding is a cost-plus-award-fee modification to a previously awarded contract for the continuation of Integrated Planning Yard services. The modification covers integrated planning and support for the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Oliver Hazard Perry-class of frigates built at Bath, and tasks include design, planning, and modernization efforts. Funding was allocated through the Navy\u2019s Naval Sea Systems Command.\n\u00a0\nSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/manufacturing-bill-cosponsored-collins-king-set-become-law", "Manufacturing Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King Set To Become Law", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that President Obama is expected to sign into law soon bipartisan legislation they cosponsored that will help support small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies across Maine.\n\u00a0\nThe Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act, which will be signed into law as part of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, will expand and improve the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program \u2013 the premier federal program that addresses the crucial needs of small- and medium-sized manufacturers by offering resources to help them compete globally, support greater supply chain integration, and provide access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIn Maine, manufacturing has always driven economic prosperity and helped create stable, good-paying jobs for people across our state,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cTo continue that success in this globally-competitive economy will require forging new relationships, increasing collaboration among public and private sectors, and prioritizing innovation \u2013 all of which Maine MEP does day-in and day-out in support of manufacturers throughout the state. This legislation will enhance Maine MEP\u2019s ability to provide critical resources to companies that will create jobs and spur economic growth.\u201d\n\u00a0\nBuilt on a nationwide network of centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP program is a partnership between the federal government and a variety of private sector entities that serve as trusted business advisors and technical experts to thousands of small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies.\n\u00a0\nThe Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act was introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-126-million-contract-modification-for-bath-iron-works", "Collins, King Announce $126 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collins, King Announce $126 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 19, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works a $125,950,046 contract modification. The funding will be used to continue Integrated Planning Yard services for Arleigh Burke-class and Oliver Hazard Perry-class ships.\r\n\u201cThis funding is critical to ensuring that the highly-skilled men and women of Bath Iron Works have the necessary resources to continue manufacturing the best, most-advanced destroyers in our Navy,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cWe applaud the Navy for this contract modification, which will support our country\u2019s national security and the Maine economy.\u201d\r\nThis funding is a cost-plus-award-fee modification to a previously awarded contract for the continuation of Integrated Planning Yard services. The modification covers integrated planning and support for the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Oliver Hazard Perry-class of frigates built at Bath, and tasks include design, planning, and modernization efforts. Funding was allocated through the Navy\u2019s Naval Sea Systems Command.\r\nSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backed-bill-to-improve-training-and-support-for-first-responders-signed-into-law-", "King-Backed Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders Signed into Law", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King-Backed Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBipartisan RESPONSE Act will help provide better resources & training to respond to incidents, including train derailments like Lac-Megantic \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 19, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSALEM TOWNSHIP, ME \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the President has signed into law the RESPONSE Act, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored that supports first responders by making sure they have the resources and tools to handle potential hazardous incidents, including crude oil train derailments.\r\nSenator King has been working with his colleagues to equip emergency response teams with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for hazmat incidents on the rails and keep communities safe since 2013, after a train carrying crude oil derailed in Lac-Megantic, Quebec near the western Maine border, killing more than 45 people.\r\n\u201cLocal law enforcement is our first line of defense in the event of a crisis, and first responders on the scene can truly mean the difference between life and death. And, in so many cases, coordination is key to ensuring first responders get what they need to ensure they can do what it takes to keep Maine people safe from harm and cared for in the face of a tragedy,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThis isn\u2019t the only step, but it\u2019s certainly an important step forward in providing Maine\u2019s first responders with the tools and resources they need as they do their critical work.\u201d\r\nThe Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act establishes a public-private council that combines emergency responders, federal agencies, and leading experts to review training and best practices for first responders. This council, co-chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), will provide Congress with expert recommendations on how to address first responders\u2019 safety needs with increased railway safety challenges so they can best protect communities across the country.\r\nThe bill was led by Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Representative Ron Kind (D-Wisc.). Along with Senator King, other cosponsors include Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), and Bob Casey (D-Penn.).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-visits-with-students-teachers-at-mt-blue-and-mt-abram-high-schools", "King Visits with Students, Teachers at Mt. Blue & Mt. Abram High Schools", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Visits with Students, Teachers at Mt. Blue & Mt. Abram High Schools\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 19, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\u00a0\r\nSALEM TOWNSHIP, ME \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today visited with students and teachers at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington and Mt. Abram High School in Salem Township. At Mt. Blue, Senator King toured the school and spoke with students. At Mt. Abram, he spoke to the entire student body to describe his work in the U.S. Senate and also took questions.\r\n\u201cI can\u2019t step inside a Maine school without being impressed by our thoughtful and hardworking students,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cThere were innovative projects and insightful questions at both Mt. Blue and Mt. Abram today, and Maine has a bright future with such talented kids \u2013 and that\u2019s a testament to the dedicated work being done by our educators every day. I thank both Mt. Blue and Mt. Abram for the great visits today. These are two impressive schools with a great, infectious spirit of learning.\u201d\r\n\r\nMt. Blue High School is part of Regional School Unit 9, serving more than 680 students from Farmington, Wilton,\u00a0Starks, Industry, Chesterville, New Sharon, Weld, Temple, Vienna and New Vineyard. As part of the tour, Senator King met with students and teachers at the Foster Career and Technical Education Center that provides hand-on learning opportunities on the Mt. Blue campus. He also spoke with a group of approximately 50 students during their lunch break.\r\nMt. Abram High School is part of School Administrative District #58, which serves the towns of Strong, Avon, Phillips, and Kingfield \u2013 as well as the surrounding townships and plantations. The entire school body of approximately 230 students met with Senator King in the auditorium, where he discussed his work in Washington and took questions from the students.\r\n Photo 1: Senator King takes a selfie with students at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington.  \r\n Photo 2: Senator King speaks with students at Mt. Abram High School in Salem Township.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manufacturing-bill-cosponsored-by-collins-king-set-to-become-law", "Manufacturing Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King Set To Become Law", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Manufacturing Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King Set To Become Law\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLegislation will help Maine manufacturers get resources needed to compete globally\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 19, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that President Obama is expected to sign into law soon bipartisan legislation they cosponsored that will help support small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies across Maine.\r\nThe Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act, which will be signed into law as part of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, will expand and improve the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program \u2013 the premier federal program that addresses the crucial needs of small- and medium-sized manufacturers by offering resources to help them compete globally, support greater supply chain integration, and provide access to information, training, and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.\r\n\u201cIn Maine, manufacturing has always driven economic prosperity and helped create stable, good-paying jobs for people across our state,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cTo continue that success in this globally-competitive economy will require forging new relationships, increasing collaboration among public and private sectors, and prioritizing innovation \u2013 all of which Maine MEP does day-in and day-out in support of manufacturers throughout the state. This legislation will enhance Maine MEP\u2019s ability to provide critical resources to companies that will create jobs and spur economic growth.\u201d\r\nBuilt on a nationwide network of centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP program is a partnership between the federal government and a variety of private sector entities that serve as trusted business advisors and technical experts to thousands of small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies.\r\nThe Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act was introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-over-12-million-funding-promise-early-education-center", "Collins, King Announce Over $1.2 Million in Funding for Promise Early Education Center", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 Administration for Children and Families has awarded Promise Early Education Center in Lewiston $1,227,569 to support early childhood education.\n\u00a0\n\u201cEarly childhood education provides the essential building blocks for a healthy life,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cPromise Early Education Center works day in and day out to encourage educational opportunity for all children, and we commend this investment in Maine\u2019s future.\u201d\n\u00a0\nHead Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. The Office of Head Start (OHS), an office within the Administration for Children and Families, administers grant funding and oversight to the local agencies that provide Head Start services in Maine and across the country. \u00a0\n\u00a0\nPromise Early Education Center aims to provide a safe, affordable, and engaging place for children to learn and grow. The center serves children from six weeks to five years old and their families throughout Androscoggin County.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/us-senators-collins-king-welcome-navy%E2%80%99s-new-fleet-plan", "U.S. Senators Collins & King Welcome Navys New Fleet Plan", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         U.S. Senators Collins & King Welcome Navy\u2019s New Fleet Plan \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 12/16/2016 - 15:15    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement after the Navy announced a new fleet plan calling for a goal of 355 battle force ships. This includes an increase of 16 large surface combatant ships compared to the Navy\u2019s current goal. These ships include the DDG-1000 and Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyers produced by Bath Iron Works. In light of the increasing capabilities of foreign adversaries, the Navy has determined that these additional destroyers are necessary to increase air defense and ballistic missile defense capacity, as well as provide escorts for additional aircraft carriers. The Navy\u2019s new assessment is also consistent with President-elect Trump\u2019s stated goal of building a 350-ship Navy.\n\u201cWe welcome the Navy\u2019s candid assessment of the naval fleet that is necessary to protect the United States. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has been a staunch supporter of shipbuilding during his eight year tenure, and we applaud him today for taking a fresh look at the necessary size and capability of the Navy\u2019s fleet, particularly while China continues to modernize its own naval forces,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cThe Navy\u2019s new 355 ship goal is not only an important benchmark to achieve for our nation\u2019s security, but good news for Bath Iron Works and the State of Maine, where the Navy\u2019s world-class destroyers are built.\u201dSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-over-12-million-in-funding-for-promise-early-education-center", "Collins, King Announce Over $1.2 Million in Funding for Promise Early Education Center", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collins, King Announce Over $1.2 Million in Funding for Promise Early Education Center\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 16, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 Administration for Children and Families has awarded Promise Early Education Center in Lewiston $1,227,569 to support early childhood education.\r\n\u201cEarly childhood education provides the essential building blocks for a healthy life,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cPromise Early Education Center works day in and day out to encourage educational opportunity for all children, and we commend this investment in Maine\u2019s future.\u201d\r\nHead Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. The Office of Head Start (OHS), an office within the Administration for Children and Families, administers grant funding and oversight to the local agencies that provide Head Start services in Maine and across the country. \u00a0\r\nPromise Early Education Center aims to provide a safe, affordable, and engaging place for children to learn and grow. The center serves children from six weeks to five years old and their families throughout Androscoggin County.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-welcome-navys-new-fleet-plan", "Collins, King Welcome Navy’s New Fleet Plan", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collins, King Welcome Navy\u2019s New Fleet Plan\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 16, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement after the Navy announced a new fleet plan calling for a goal of 355 battle force ships. This includes an increase of 16 large surface combatant ships compared to the Navy\u2019s current goal. These ships include the DDG-1000 and Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyers produced by Bath Iron Works. In light of the increasing capabilities of foreign adversaries, the Navy has determined that these additional destroyers are necessary to increase air defense and ballistic missile defense capacity, as well as provide escorts for additional aircraft carriers. The Navy\u2019s new assessment is also consistent with President-elect Trump\u2019s stated goal of building a 350-ship Navy.\r\n\u201cWe welcome the Navy\u2019s candid assessment of the naval fleet that is necessary to protect the United States. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has been a staunch supporter of shipbuilding during his eight year tenure, and we applaud him today for taking a fresh look at the necessary size and capability of the Navy\u2019s fleet, particularly while China continues to modernize its own naval forces,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cThe Navy\u2019s new 355 ship goal is not only an important benchmark to achieve for our nation\u2019s security, but good news for Bath Iron Works and the State of Maine, where the Navy\u2019s world-class destroyers are built.\u201d\r\nSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-senate-intelligence-committees-expected-review-of-russian-involvement-in-us-election", "King Applauds Senate Intelligence Committee’s Expected Review of Russian Involvement in U.S. Election", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Applauds Senate Intelligence Committee\u2019s Expected Review of Russian Involvement in U.S. Election\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 16, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCARIBOU, ME \u2013 In response to an announcement that the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence will conduct a review of Russia\u2019s interference in the U.S. election, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Committee, released the following statement:\r\n\u201cI welcome the Chairman\u2019s announcement that the Senate Intelligence Committee will pursue a thorough and expeditious review of Russia\u2019s involvement in our election. It is unacceptable to allow a foreign government to interfere in the American electoral process. This review will be central to understanding the scope of their involvement and will provide Congress with crucial information that can help prevent this from happening again. For me, this is not about the last election. This is about the next election \u2013 and it\u2019s about protecting and preserving the integrity of American democracy.\u201d\r\n\u201cI also continue to hope that, to the greatest extent possible, our Committee can make information available to the American people because the first line of defense against intrusions like these is an educated and vigilant public.\u201d\r\nTo read Chairman Richard Burr\u2019s (R-N.C.) announcement about the Senate Intelligence Committee\u2019s review, click HERE.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/social-security-administration-incorporates-king-proposals-in-new-rule-to-improve-disability-programs", "Social Security Administration Incorporates King Proposals in New Rule to Improve Disability Programs", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Social Security Administration Incorporates King Proposals in New Rule to Improve Disability Programs\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tInclusion of King\u2019s suggestions will help better support Maine people living with disabilities\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 16, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAUGUSTA, ME \u2013 The Social Security Administration (SSA) today released a final rule that incorporates several proposals from U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) that will better support people in Maine living with disabilities.\r\nIn Maine today, an applicant for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits has to wait 13 months on average from the time they request an appeals hearing at the Portland SSA hearing office to the date that it takes place. The proposals from Senator King incorporated into today\u2019s final rule will help reduce the considerable wait times that people with disabilities experience when applying for programs that can help them support themselves if they are unable to perform substantial work. The changes to the rule are in line with those suggested by Senator King in a letter he wrote to the SSA last month.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI am encouraged the Social Security Administration has incorporated many of my suggestions into this final rule. It\u2019s simply unfair and wrong to force people living with work-limiting disabilities to wait so long to figure out what benefits they are eligible for \u2013 and what\u2019s worse, to essentially not allow them to make any money while they wait,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cWith the inclusion of these suggestions, I am hopeful that the disability appeals backlog will be reduced significantly and the program will become a more efficient and effective tool to support people with disabilities across Maine.\u201d\r\nToday\u2019s final rule is the culmination of a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that the SSA had been working on to improve the procedures used to review applicants for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. SSDI and SSI provide critical support for people with disabilities in Maine and around the country, but unfortunately, applicants often face substantial wait times that cause hardship and uncertainty. For example, the average wait time for applicants in Maine is 13 months from the time they request an appeals hearing at the Portland SSA hearing office to the date that it takes place.\r\nSeveral of the proposals included in the draft NPRM were similar to suggestions made by Senator King in a 2015 disability whitepaper. However, Senator King believed that there were ways to improve on the draft version of SAA\u2019s proposal, and in November, he wrote a letter urging SSA to adjust some of those proposals to promote a faster appeals process that increases efficiency while maintaining fairness for applicants.\r\nIn his November letter, Senator King suggested a 75-day advance hearing notice for SSDI and SSI applicants along with a requirement that applicants submit evidence of their disability at least five days before their hearing \u2013 instead of the 60-day notice originally proposed by SSA. Senator King\u2019s letter also called for a good-cause exemption to the 5-day pre-hearing evidence submission requirement for applicants that is consistently enforced and applied to the full range of submissions. Both of those suggestions were included in the final rule announced by SSA today.\r\nSenator King held a disability roundtable last fall where he heard directly from Mainers, after which he has worked with SSA to improve the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. He published a whitepaper last November with his proposals to help Mainers with disabilities enter the workforce.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/president-signs-bipartisan-bill-cosponsored-collins-king-protect-northern-border-law", "President Signs Bipartisan Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Protect Northern Border into Law", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the President has signed the Northern Border Security Review Act, a bipartisan bill to assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border, into law. Both Senators Collins and King are cosponsors of the legislation, which will help to make sure that Maine communities remain strong and safe.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s absolutely critical that we have a secure Northern Border, and the comprehensive review triggered by this bill is a valuable step forward in assessing and strengthening those efforts on the ground,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cWe\u2019re glad that the President has signed the Northern Border Security Review Act into law, and will continue to work with Maine law enforcement, federal partners, and other border community members with the shared goal of keeping Maine safe and secure.\u201d \n\u00a0\nNow law, the Northern Border Security Review Act requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to evaluate security threats at the border \u2013 the longest common land border in the world \u2013 through a comprehensive examination of current resources and personnel levels. The assessments called for in the bill will help tackle the coordination challenges that federal border security officials and local law enforcement face, and address how to recruit and retain a strong border security workforce.\n\u00a0\nThe U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved the bill late last month, just weeks after it unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. After the bill passed the Senate, Senators Collins and King received a classified briefing by high-ranking officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on threat reporting, smuggling and trafficking trends, border security technology requirements, and staffing in remote locations.\nAt 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has more than 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas. Approximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. The Northern Border Security Review Act will require a comprehensive examination of how to strengthen American security at the Northern Border by looking into issues with:\n\u00a0\n \nRecruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border;\nDetermining tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border;\nIdentifying technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and\nFinding vulnerabilities in cooperation between state, county, local, tribal, and Canadian law enforcement.\n \n\u00a0\nThe bill was led by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.). Other cosponsors include Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). A summary of the bill is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/signaling-renewed-commitment-pursuing-terrorist-organizations-worldwide-senator-collins%E2%80%99", "Signaling a Renewed Commitment to Pursuing Terrorist Organizations Worldwide,  Senator Collins Legislation to Combat Boko Haram is Signed into Law", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that the President has signed into law bipartisan legislation she authored aimed at stopping the spread of the terrorist organization Boko Haram. The new law will strengthen the United States\u2019 response to Boko Haram\u2019s brazen and vicious acts of terrorism. Senator Collins\u2019 legislation unanimously passed the Senate in September of 2015 and unanimously passed the House last week.\u00a0\nSenator Collins\u2019 legislation requires a new five-year U.S. government strategy to counter the threat of Boko Haram and assist the Government of Nigeria in addressing the legitimate grievances of vulnerable populations affected by this terrorist organization.\n\u201cBoko Haram has pledged allegiance to ISIS and continues to commit terrible acts of brutal violence against civilians in Nigeria as well as in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. This new law, which received strong bipartisan support, signals a renewed commitment to pursuing Boko Haram and bolstering U.S. efforts throughout the region. The already dire situation there will continue to worsen if the current trajectory is not significantly altered,\u201d Senator Collins stated. \u201cBy definition, Boko Haram means Western education is forbidden. As we develop this comprehensive five-year strategy, we will send an international signal that we will never forget the girls of Nigeria who were targeted simply because they chose to pursue an education.\u201d\nIn 2014, in response to Boko Haram\u2019s kidnapping of the 276 school girls in Nigeria, Senator Collins, joined by Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), led all twenty women Senators in urging Secretary Kerry to seek Boko Haram\u2019s addition to the United Nation\u2019s al-Qaeda Sanctions List. Following this letter, the United Nations Security Council voted to subject Boko Haram to a complete asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.\nCo-sponsors of Senator Collins\u2019 legislation included eighteen Senators: Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Patty Murray (R-WA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), David Vitter (R-LA), and James Inhofe (R-OK).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-signs-bipartisan-bill-cosponsored-by-collins-king-to-protect-northern-border-into-law-", "President Signs Bipartisan Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Protect Northern Border into Law", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Signs Bipartisan Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Protect Northern Border into Law \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLegislation will assess and strengthen security along Northern Border, unanimously passed both U.S. Senate and House of Representatives   \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 15, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the President has signed the Northern Border Security Review Act, a bipartisan bill to assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border, into law. Both Senators Collins and King are cosponsors of the legislation, which will help to make sure that Maine communities remain strong and safe.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s absolutely critical that we have a secure Northern Border, and the comprehensive review triggered by this bill is a valuable step forward in assessing and strengthening those efforts on the ground,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cWe\u2019re glad that the President has signed the Northern Border Security Review Act into law, and will continue to work with Maine law enforcement, federal partners, and other border community members with the shared goal of keeping Maine safe and secure.\u201d\r\nNow law, the Northern Border Security Review Act requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to evaluate security threats at the border \u2013 the longest common land border in the world \u2013 through a comprehensive examination of current resources and personnel levels. The assessments called for in the bill will help tackle the coordination challenges that federal border security officials and local law enforcement face, and address how to recruit and retain a strong border security workforce.\r\nThe U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved the bill late last month, just weeks after it unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. After the bill passed the Senate, Senators Collins and King received a classified briefing by high-ranking officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on threat reporting, smuggling and trafficking trends, border security technology requirements, and staffing in remote locations.\r\nAt 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has more than 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas. Approximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. The Northern Border Security Review Act will require a comprehensive examination of how to strengthen American security at the Northern Border by looking into issues with:\r\n \r\nRecruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border;\r\nDetermining tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border;\r\nIdentifying technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and\r\nFinding vulnerabilities in cooperation between state, county, local, tribal, and Canadian law enforcement.\r\n \r\nThe bill was led by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.). Other cosponsors include Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). A summary of the bill is available HERE.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-applauds-new-rules-protect-nation-s-contract-poultry-farmers", "Pingree applauds new rules to protect nations contract poultry farmers", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Pingree talks with a group of contract poultry farmers about the unfair practices large processors have subjected them to.\nCongresswoman Chellie Pingree today applauded the release of new Farmer Fair Practice Rules by the USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). \u00a0The new rules will help level the playing field between poultry farmers and the large processors they contract with.\n\u201cI applaud the release of these long-awaited protections. \u00a0They are absolutely necessary in supporting farmers across the country by promoting transparency, equity, and certainty in contract farming,\u201d said Pingree. \u00a0\u201cI had dinner with a group of contract poultry farmers just last week. \u00a0It was appalling to hear how these unbalanced contracts go beyond just hurting their businesses to actually forcing their families into poverty or causing them to lose their homes.\"\nThe rules include one interim final rule clarifying that farmers do not have to show competitive injury under the Packers and Stockyards Act, as well as two proposed rules that address additional abusive and unfair practices in contract poultry farming.\nOn the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Pingree has actively fought against appropriations amendments that have blocked the USDA from writing the rules for years. She helped defeat such an amendment last year, which allowed USDA to finally release the rules.\u00a0\n\u201cSaying these rules are long overdue is an understatement,\u201d said Pingree. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s a travesty that Congress has held them up for so many years\u2014despite my best efforts and that of several colleagues\u2014but I very much appreciate the Obama Administration for prioritizing them.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-retirement-john-leonard-president-memic", "Senator Collins Statement on Retirement of John Leonard, President of MEMIC", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins\u2019 Statement on Retirement of John Leonard, President of MEMIC \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 12/14/2016 - 16:08    \n    \n    \n    \n  U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement following the announcement that John Leonard, the president of MEMIC, plans to retire:\n\u201cJohn Leonard has had a truly remarkable career, capped by 23 years at the helm of Maine Employers\u2019 Mutual Insurance Company.\n\u201cWhen John came to MEMIC as its first permanent CEO in early 1993, Maine was struggling to implement crucial reforms passed to avert the near-collapse of our workers\u2019 comp insurance market. Employers faced sky-high premiums they could not afford, while workers faced injury rates far above the national average. Right away, John and his team at MEMIC set out to improve workplace safety and reduce premiums.\n\u201cUnder John\u2019s leadership, MEMIC has far exceeded its goals, helping to make a safer, fairer, and more affordable workplace a reality for employers and employees across Maine. I congratulate John on his remarkable success, and wish him all the best in the years to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/exxonmobil-ceo-rex-tillerson-nominated-secretary-state", "ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson nominated as Secretary of State", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on President-elect Trump\u2019s nomination of ExxonMobil chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State.\u00a0\n\u201cIn itself, Rex Tillerson\u2019s lack of experience in foreign policy and diplomatic relations raises serious questions that should be examined closely. \u00a0But what\u2019s most concerning right now is his close connection to Russia. \u00a0With all that we are discovering about Russia\u2019s work to sway the outcome of our election, it\u2019s deeply troubling to see a possible Secretary of State who not only has ongoing business interests in Russia but a personal closeness to Vladimir Putin. \u00a0I urge my colleagues in the Senate to look at all of these questions very closely.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rick-perry-wrong-choice-secretary-energy", "Rick Perry wrong choice for Secretary of Energy", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement today on news that President-elect Trump will nominate former Texas Governor Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy.\n\u201cAs Maine is already dealing with the effects of climate change, it\u2019s crucial that our country move away from fossil fuels while promoting energy efficiency and developing sources of clean, renewable power. \u00a0The Department of Energy has a key role in these efforts. \u00a0Over the last eight years, the agency\u2019s investments have been vital in advancing exciting projects in Maine, from the University of Maine\u2019s development of an offshore wind turbine to Ocean Renewable Power Company\u2019s tidal generators. \u00a0With his fondness for fossil fuels, denials of climate change, and past proposals to disband the Department of Energy outright, I think Governor Perry will take our energy policy and economy in the wrong direction.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/21st-century-cures-act-signed-law-today-5-provisions-authored-senator-collins", "21st Century Cures Act Signed into Law Today with 5 Provisions Authored by Senator Collins", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Act Will Help Fight Against Opioid Abuse Through $1 Billion in State Grants; Spur Innovative Treatments and Cures for Alzheimer\u2019s, Cancer, and Many Other Diseases; and Improve Mental Health Programs\n\u00a0\nTo read a copy of Senator Collins' floor statement in support of the 21st Century Cures Act, click HERE\nTo watch Senator Collins' floor statement, click HERE\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 The 21st Century Cures Act, legislation that was championed by U.S. Senator Susan Collins and will benefit every American, was signed into law today. The new law will spur the advancement of biomedical research, help combat the opioid abuse epidemic, and improve our mental health system.\u00a0\nSenator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee and a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, authored or co-authored five provisions contained within the legislation, which passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 94-5 last week. The legislation cleared the House in a similarly overwhelming bipartisan vote of 392-26. Senator Collins recently spoke on the Senate floor in support of this important legislation to promote medical innovation and attended the enrollment ceremony in the U.S. Capitol with other Committee leaders and members of House and Senate leadership.\n\u201cAll of us know someone who courageously faces the struggles of living with a debilitating chronic illness or rare disease, or who received a devastating diagnosis and was gone too soon. Through the strong support of research and development, the 21st Century Cures Act will help us achieve our dream of conquering disease,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act will also make the most significant reforms to our mental health system in more than a decade and help direct $1 billion in much-needed funding to address the heroin and opioid epidemic in this country, which has hit Maine communities particularly hard. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I am proud to have pushed for and contributed to this landmark law, which will make a tremendous difference in the life of every American.\u201d\u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act is an important step forward for life-saving biomedical research. The Jackson Laboratory is leading the search for tomorrow\u2019s cures and we are so grateful to Senator Collins for her leadership and advocacy in passing this act,\u201d said Ed Liu, M.D., President and CEO, The Jackson Laboratory.Advancing Biomedical ResearchThe 21st Century Cures Act provides $4.8 billion over ten years for the National Institutes of Health. That funding includes $1.6 billion for the BRAIN Initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s, our nation\u2019s costliest disease. Additionally, it will help allocate $1.8 billion for the Vice President\u2019s Cancer Moonshot, $1.5 billion for the President\u2019s Precision Medicine Initiative, and $30 million for regenerative medicine using adult stem cells. The law\u2019s cancer provisions are named after Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s son, Beau Biden, who died from cancer last year.The 21st Century Cures Act also incorporates several notable bipartisan provisions introduced by Senator Collins to encourage medical innovation, including:\n \nSenator Collins\u2019 provisions to encourage the use of Health Information Exchanges to promote patient access to health information.\n \n  Improving the Mental Health SystemThe 21st Century Cures Act also strengthens and improves important mental health programs for the first time in more than a decade. One in five Americans\u2014nearly 44 million people\u2014experience some type of mental illness each year. The reforms in the law will enhance coordination, address a lack of resources, and develop real solutions to improve outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness and their families.Notable mental health provisions introduced by Senator Collins include:\n \nThe Durbin-Collins Mental Health Reform Act, which will support college and university efforts to directly provide mental health services; increase awareness and training to respond effectively to students with mental health and substance use disorders; and establish an interagency working group to promote federal agency collaboration to support innovations in mental health services for students on college and university campuses; and\n \n \nLanguage requiring the Government Accountability Office to study the Protection and Advocacy programs.\n \nFighting Opioid Abuse EpidemicThe 21st Century Cures Act also includes $1 billion over two years for grants to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities, including prescription drug monitoring programs, prevention activities, training for health care providers, and improving access to opioid treatment programs. This money will benefit every state, including Maine, which has tragically experienced a record number of overdose deaths.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-congressional-delegation-urges-va-fill-vacancies-maine-vet-centers-0", "Maine Congressional Delegation Urges VA to Fill Vacancies at Maine Vet Centers", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the Maine Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Veterans Administration (VA) expressing concern about several long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in Maine. The letter from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin urges the VA to fill those vacancies with qualified staff as soon as possible to ensure that Maine veterans have access to the quality and timely care they deserve.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices,\u201d\u00a0the Maine Delegation wrote in their letter.\u00a0\u201cNevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve.\u201d\n\u00a0\nMaine has one of the highest number of veterans per capita of any state in the country. There are five Vet Centers across the state that are administered by the VA \u2013 in\u00a0Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, and Sanford-Springvale.\u00a0\u00a0These Vet Centers\u00a0help veterans readjust to civilian life by providing free counseling, screening, and referral services, while removing the stigma of seeking mental health care.\n\u00a0\nHowever, the\u00a0Caribou and Portland Vet Centers have had inadequate staff levels for months. While the Caribou Vet Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time, which has led to a lack of consistent counseling for veterans in Northern Maine. The Portland Vet Center currently has only four staff members despite being authorized for six, and lacks administrative staff. As a result, staff may have to cover both mental health needs while taking on additional administrative duties.\n\u00a0\nThe delegation\u2019s letter, which was addressed to VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin, also asks the VA to provide a timeline for the hiring process to fill these vacancies in Maine.\n\u00a0\nThe letter is available\u00a0HERE\u00a0and the text is below:\n\u00a0\n+++\n\u00a0\nDear Honorable Dr. Shulkin,\n\u00a0\nWe are writing to express our concerns regarding several, long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in the State of Maine. The Readjustment Counseling Service provides a variety of social and psychological services\u00a0to veterans, and due to the current staffing vacancies at Vet Centers in Caribou and Portland, veterans are not receiving the level and consistency of care they deserve. This has unfortunately been a persistent problem, and we urge the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to act quickly to fill vacancies with qualified staff to ensure our veterans can access the quality care they have earned. We also ask that you provide us with a hiring timeline for filling these vacancies.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWith one of the highest number per capita of veterans in the country, Maine has five Vet Centers. Of the five Vet Centers in Maine, the two in Caribou and Portland have had inadequate staff levels for months:\u00a0\n\u00a0\n \nCaribou, Maine: The Caribou Vet Center is tasked with serving the needs of Veterans throughout Aroostook County. While the Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time. This lack of availability of consistent counseling is a disservice to the Veterans in Northern Maine.\n \n\u00a0\n \nPortland, Maine: The Portland Vet Center is authorized to have a staff of six, but currently has a staff of four and lacks administrative staff. As such, we understand that current staff may be covering both their jobs addressing mental health needs, as well as taking on the additional responsibilities of basic administrative duties.\n \n\u00a0\nWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices. Nevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve. \u00a0If you have any questions about this request, please contact us directly or have your staff contact William Ellis (King) at 202-224-5344 or Mike Wakefield (Collins) at 202-224-3913.\n\u00a0\nThank you for your prompt attention to this issue.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/us-senators-susan-collins-and-tammy-baldwin%E2%80%99s-legislation-supporting-young-researchers", "U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Tammy Baldwins Legislation Supporting Young Researchers Signed into Law", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today bipartisan legislation supporting young researchers authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) was signed into law by President Obama. Senators Collins and Baldwin introduced the Next Generation Researchers Act to build opportunities for new researchers, address the debt burden that young researchers face today, and invest in the future of research, science, and innovation. The bipartisan legislation was included in the 21st Century Cures Act, which passed Congress last week.\n\u201cMaintaining our nation\u2019s competitive edge in both research and innovation depends greatly on the strength of our commitment to attracting, cultivating, and equipping world-class scientific minds,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation strengthens our nation\u2019s commitment to the next generation of cutting-edge researchers. This critical investment will help to empower these young innovative researchers in Maine and across our country with the resources they need to continue to lead the world in groundbreaking scientific research and development.\u201d\n\u201cIn order for America to out-innovate the rest of the world and create an economy built to last, we must protect and strengthen our investments in research, science, and innovation,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cWe can\u2019t accomplish this without supporting and investing in the next generation of researchers. Our best and brightest minds deserve to know that our country stands with them. This new law will make a strong commitment to our young scientists, who are being held back by state and federal budget cuts and are in need of greater support to pursue life-saving research and discover the next medical breakthrough.\u201d\nThe Next Generation Researchers Act will establish the Next Generation of Researchers Initiative within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of the Director to coordinate all current and new NIH policies to promote opportunities for our new scientists and earlier research independence. This measure will also improve NIH\u2019s loan repayment programs by increasing the amount of loans that NIH can forgive for trainees, from $35,000 a year to $50,000.\nThe Next Generation Researchers Act was also supported by: AcademyHealth, American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), American Association for Dental Researchers (AADR), American Heart Association, American Society of Transplantation (AST), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), BioForward, Inc., and Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-sanford-vet-center-king-thanks-maine-veterans-during-holiday-luncheon", "At Sanford Vet Center, King Thanks Maine Veterans During Holiday Luncheon", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At Sanford Vet Center, King Thanks Maine Veterans During Holiday Luncheon\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSPRINGVALE, ME\u00a0\u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the annual Sanford Vet Center Holiday Luncheon in Springvale where he expressed his gratitude to veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice for the nation. The luncheon was jointly sponsored by the Sanford Vet Center and American Legion T.W. Cole Post 19, and serves hundreds of veterans and their families.\r\n\u201cOur veterans have served and sacrificed to preserve the gift of freedom that we as Americans are fortunate to enjoy every day,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cAs we come together during the holidays to give thanks for all our blessings, let us also once again give thanks for these brave men and women, for their courage, and for their selflessness \u2013 for it is these remarkable Americans, and those continuing to serve us today, to whom we are indebted. Many of them are serving right now, here at home or halfway around the world, and cannot be with their families during the holiday season. So let us remind them just how much they are appreciated and valued \u2013 today and every day of the year.\u201d \u00a0 \r\nToday\u2019s luncheon also featured an ugly sweater competition, which Senator King was happy to join.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-17-2016-%E2%80%9Cwreaths-across-america-day%E2%80%9D", "Senate Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 17, 2016, as Wreaths Across America Day", "2016-12-11", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution designating Saturday, December 17, 2016 as \u201cWreaths Across America Day.\u201d\n\u201cOnce again, the United States Senate has recognized the wonderful message of gratitude and respect that Wreaths Across America extends to our country\u2019s veterans,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cFor twenty-five years, this Maine-led tradition has been a powerful symbol that highlights the service and sacrifice of our veterans, while displaying the spirit of generosity that makes the holiday season so special. We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who \u2018remember, honor, teach\u2019 through Wreaths Across America.\u201dTo honor of our fallen heroes, wreaths will be laid on each of their graves as part of a ceremony at Arlington Cemetery in Washington and over 1,100 other locations across the country. Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement, and first responders. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition.The resolution is available HERE and the full text is below:+++Whereas, 25 years before the date of adoption of this resolution, the Wreaths Across America project began with an annual tradition that occurs in December, of donating, transporting, and placing 5,000 Maine balsam fir remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery;Whereas, in the 25 years preceding the date of adoption of this resolution, more than 3,317,000 wreaths have been sent to locations, including national cemeteries and veterans memorials, in every State and overseas;Whereas the mission of the Wreaths Across America project, to \u2018\u2018Remember, Honor, Teach\u2019\u2019, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 States and overseas, including at\u2014  (1) Arlington National Cemetery;  (2) veterans cemeteries; and  (3) other locations;Whereas the Wreaths Across America project carries out a week-long veterans parade between Maine and Virginia, stopping along the way to spread a message about the importance of\u2014  (1) remembering the fallen heroes of the United  States;  (2) honoring those who serve; and  (3) reminding the people of the United States about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve freedoms in the United States;  Whereas, in 2015, approximately 901,000 remembrance wreaths were sent to more than 1,100 locations across the United States and overseas, an increase of more than100 locations compared to the previous year;Whereas, in December 2016, the tradition of escorting tractor-trailers filled with donated wreaths from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery will be continued by\u2014  (1) the Patriot Guard Riders; and  (2) other patriotic escort units, including motorcycle units, law enforcement units, and first responder units;Whereas hundreds of thousands of individuals volunteer each December to help lay remembrance wreaths;Whereas the trucking industry in the United States continues to support the Wreaths Across America project by providing drivers, equipment, and related services to assist in the transportation of wreaths across the United States to over 1,200 locations;Whereas the Senate designated December 12, 2015, as \u2018\u2018Wreaths Across America Day\u2019\u2019; andWhereas, on December 17, 2016, the Wreaths Across America project will continue the proud legacy of bringing remembrance wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery:Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate\u2014  (1) designates December 17, 2016, as \u2018\u2018Wreaths Across America Day\u2019\u2019;  (2) honors\u2014  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(A) the Wreaths Across America project;  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(B) patriotic escort units, including motor cycle units, law enforcement units, and first responder units;  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(C) the trucking industry in the United States; and  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(D) the volunteers and donors involved in this worthy tradition; and  (3) recognizes\u2014  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(A) the service of veterans and members of the Armed Forces; and  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(B) the sacrifices that veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families have made, and continue to make, for the United States, a great Nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-major-bipartisan-bill-invest-nations-water-infrastructure", "Senate Passes Major Bipartisan Bill to Invest in the Nation's Water Infrastructure", "2016-12-11", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014With U.S. Senator Susan Collins\u2019 support,\u00a0the Senate passed\u00a0the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, a major bipartisan water infrastructure bill that authorizes dozens of crucial port and harbor projects across our country, including the Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Project, as well as key safe drinking water investments. The legislation will now go to the President's desk for his signature.\u00a0\n\u201cThis bipartisan water infrastructure bill will help create good jobs, ensure our nation\u2019s ports and waterways remain competitive, and provide urgent aid for communities across our country that are suffering from excess lead levels in their drinking water systems,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Collins.\u00a0\n\u201cMore than 99 percent of our country\u2019s trade passes through our nation\u2019s ports and harbors, which serve as crucial economic engines for communities in Maine and across our country,\u201d\u00a0Senator Collins continued.\u00a0\u201cThis legislation\u00a0green lights\u00a0a much-needed navigation project for the Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River, an important victory for the safe and efficient flow of goods into our state.\u00a0At present, the Portsmouth Harbor handles nearly 3.5 million tons of shipping each year and is\u00a0also\u00a0used by\u00a0submarines from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. \u00a0The current\u00a0turning basin and waterway are far too narrow for such a large volume of commerce and through traffic.\u00a0This authorization will allow for the construction of a wider turning basin that will better meet the needs of the region.\nThe final bill authorizes $10.3 billion for 31 new Army Corps projects and modifies eight existing projects.\u00a0\nIt includes several provisions of importance to Maine, including:\n \nPortsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Improvement Project.\u00a0The WIIN Act authorizes a key improvement project in Maine that will enable vessels to safely navigate this area. At present the Portsmouth Harbor handles nearly 3.5 million tons of shipping each year yet the turning basin and waterway are far too narrow for such a large volume of commerce. This project would increase both safety and efficiency by constructing a wider turning basin that will serve the terminals on the upper section of the Piscataqua River, as well as by widening the waterway at several bends and bridges.\n \n \nEmerging Harbors.\u00a0The\u00a0WIIN Act makes permanent the 10 percent Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund set-aside for emerging harbors.\u00a0 The bill also requires that at least 10 percent of priority funds be used for the operations and maintenance needs of emerging harbors. \u00a0\u201cEmerging harbors\u201d include small harbor projects around the country like York, Biddeford, Wells, Saco, Kennebunkport, Beals Harbor, and Pig Island Gut.\n \n \nRecognizes the Beneficial Use of Dredged Material.\u00a0\u00a0The WIIN Act clarifies that dredged material disposal projects do not require ongoing maintenance and can be a single application of sediment.\u00a0 The Corps' current interpretation is that projects need to be maintained forever, which is more costly and burdensome and not always necessary. This provision will provide flexibility for shorter-term projects and is important to Wells, Kittery, and Cape Elizabeth.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-praises-maine-wins-water-infrastructure-bill", "Pingree praises Maine wins in water infrastructure bill", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree applauded Senate passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, reauthorizing several water infrastructure projects nationwide and in Maine. Pingree voted in support when the House passed the legislation on Thursday. It will now be sent to the President for signature.\n\"I am very glad that this important legislation will now become law. The authorization of our Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Project\u2014one of only a select few specified projects in the final bill\u2014will bring better navigation to those who use the river and harbor,\u201d said Pingree. \u00a0\u201cAnd I am very encouraged that the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund now will have a 10 percent set aside for small and emerging harbors. \u00a0Maine's small harbors are critical economic drivers for our communities and many are in dire need of federal support for dredging. As they've had such a hard time competing against the nation's large harbors for assistance, I've long advocated for this dedicated source of funding.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-nearly-11-million-award-bath-iron-works", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $11 Million Award for Bath Iron Works", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Announce Nearly $11 Million Award for Bath Iron Works \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 12/09/2016 - 21:42    \n    \n    \n    \n  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that Bath Iron Works has been awarded a $10,965,890 order against an existing Navy basic ordering agreement\u00a0related to the testing and evaluation of the USS Rafael Peralta. More specifically, the award will\u00a0support planning, management, engineering services, and emergent availability and repairs.\n\u201cThis announcement is welcome news for the hardworking and highly-skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works,\u201d\u00a0said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.\u00a0\u201cAn investment in BIW is not only an investment in the future of the Navy, but also in Maine\u2019s economy and our people. These funds will support our outstanding shipbuilders as they continue to make sure that the USS Rafael Peralta is ready to join the Navy fleet as another world-class, Maine-built ship.\u201d\nSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\u00a0 Senators Collins and King delivered remarks at the Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) christening ceremony at Bath Iron Works in October 2015.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-passage-short-term-government-funding-bill", "Senator Collins Statement on Passage of Short-Term Government Funding Bill", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 After voting in support of the continuing resolution to fund the government through April 28, 2017, which passed by a vote of 63-36, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement:\n\u201cWhile I fundamentally disagree with funding our government through continuing resolutions, I voted to support this bill in order to prevent a government shutdown and to ensure that the essential functions of our government do not lapse.\u201cWere it not necessary to keep the government open and operating, I would have voted against this stop-gap measure. Continuing resolutions put our government on autopilot, funding outdated programs at rates that may not be appropriate and locking in the previous year\u2019s priorities. These measures also create uncertainty, delay the start of vital programs, and end up costing the government more money.\u201cAs a Subcommittee chairman and senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I find these continuing resolutions particularly frustrating. This year, the Appropriations Committee successfully followed the regular order and completed work on all 12 funding bills, passing many of them with unanimous support. Several of these individual funding bills were brought before the full Senate for members to examine, debate, and vote on in a transparent manner. In fact, under my leadership, the full Senate passed in May an appropriations bill I authored with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) with overwhelming bipartisan support, 89-8. The legislation incorporated recommendations from more than 75 Senators and would have made vital investments in our nation\u2019s infrastructure, helped meet the housing needs of the most vulnerable among us, and provided funding for economic development projects that create jobs in our communities.\u201cDespite my deep frustrations with this measure, there are some important new provisions in the continuing resolution. For example, there is funding for state grants that will supplement opioid abuse and treatment programs. Those funds are particularly important to Maine, which is now losing approximately one person per day to this horrible epidemic. The continuing resolution also includes $872 million to fund the recently passed 21st Century Cures bill, which included five provisions I authored. In addition, there is $170 million to address the drinking water crisis in cities such as Flint, Michigan, and funding for lead exposure programs, which is important for schools and homes in states like Maine that have a very old housing stock. The bill also incorporates the Security Assistance Appropriations Act, which provides an additional $10.1 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding to pay for costs related to counterterrorism operations.\u201cFinally, this bill is important for what it does not include. It does not include a House proposed cut in the funding for the Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51) destroyers built by Bath Iron Works.\u201cMoving forward, Congress must abandon these stop-gap measures and return to funding the government through regular order.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-passage-of-major-legislation-boosting-water-infrastructure-projects-in-maine", "King Applauds Passage of Major Legislation Boosting Water Infrastructure Projects in Maine", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Applauds Passage of Major Legislation Boosting Water Infrastructure Projects in Maine\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 10, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate early this morning passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, legislation that invests in America\u2019s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and authorizes 31 critical Army Corps projects, including the Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Project.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMaine\u2019s waters are a crucial resource for thousands of people across the state who rely on them for a livelihood, which is why ensuring that our state\u2019s water-related infrastructure is strong and safe is so critical,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cThis legislation will help protect the public\u2019s health through improved water and wastewater management, and strengthen our state\u2019s commercial maritime economy by preserving access to critical funding for Maine\u2019s small harbors. The authorization of the Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Project is also a victory for the safer and more efficient flow of commercial goods into the state, which will bolster our economy and help contribute to economic growth.\u201d\r\nThe Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act invests in the country\u2019s ports and waterways to improve commerce, improves flood protection and safety for communities, streamlines reviews and increases local participation, promotes innovative technologies to address water resources challenges, provides essential investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and increases flexibility and federal assistance to address drought. The bill passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support today.\r\nThe legislation supports several water infrastructure projects in Maine, including:\r\n \r\nThe authorization of the Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Project. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, Portsmouth Harbor handles about 3.5 million tons of shipping a year for New Hampshire, eastern Vermont, and southern Maine. Items include petroleum products, rubber and plastics, iron and steel scrap, salt, limestone, gypsum, and fish products. The harbor is used by submarines from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery and for fuel deliveries to Pease International Tradeport in Newington. Portsmouth Harbor is also used extensively by a large lobstering fleet, charter fishing vessels, commercial fishermen, excursion boats to the Isles of Shoals situated nine miles offshore, and local and transient boats based at or visiting the nearly 20 boating facilities in the area. The Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River Navigation Project would significantly expand the turning basin in the harbor so that larger ships can navigate the area safely.\r\n \r\n \r\nEstablishment of a permanent 10 percent set aside in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund that will be dedicated to funding small or emerging harbors like those in Maine and around the country.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-17-2016-as-wreaths-across-america-day", "Senate Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 17, 2016, as “Wreaths Across America Day”", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution designating Saturday, December 17, 2016 as \u201cWreaths Across America Day.\u201d\r\n\u201cOnce again, the United States Senate has recognized the wonderful message of gratitude and respect that Wreaths Across America extends to our country\u2019s veterans,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cFor twenty-five years, this Maine-led tradition has been a powerful symbol that highlights the service and sacrifice of our veterans, while displaying the spirit of generosity that makes the holiday season so special. We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who \u2018remember, honor, teach\u2019 through Wreaths Across America.\u201d To honor of our fallen heroes, wreaths will be laid on each of their graves as part of a ceremony at Arlington Cemetery in Washington and over 1,100 other locations across the country. Patriot Guard Riders will once again continue their tradition of escorting the wreath trucks down the East Coast, along with other patriotic escorts including motorcycle units, law enforcement, and first responders. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in this proud tradition. The resolution is available HERE and the full text is below:+++Whereas, 25 years before the date of adoption of this resolution, the Wreaths Across America project began with an annual tradition that occurs in December, of donating, transporting, and placing 5,000 Maine balsam fir remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery; Whereas, in the 25 years preceding the date of adoption of this resolution, more than 3,317,000 wreaths have been sent to locations, including national cemeteries and veterans memorials, in every State and overseas;Whereas the mission of the Wreaths Across America project, to \u2018\u2018Remember, Honor, Teach\u2019\u2019, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 States and overseas, including at\u2014 (1) Arlington National Cemetery; (2) veterans cemeteries; and (3) other locations;Whereas the Wreaths Across America project carries out a week-long veterans parade between Maine and Virginia, stopping along the way to spread a message about the importance of\u2014 (1) remembering the fallen heroes of the United States; (2) honoring those who serve; and (3) reminding the people of the United States about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve freedoms in the United States; Whereas, in 2015, approximately 901,000 remembrance wreaths were sent to more than 1,100 locations across the United States and overseas, an increase of more than100 locations compared to the previous year;Whereas, in December 2016, the tradition of escorting tractor-trailers filled with donated wreaths from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery will be continued by\u2014 (1) the Patriot Guard Riders; and (2) other patriotic escort units, including motorcycle units, law enforcement units, and first responder units;Whereas hundreds of thousands of individuals volunteer each December to help lay remembrance wreaths; Whereas the trucking industry in the United States continues to support the Wreaths Across America project by providing drivers, equipment, and related services to assist in the transportation of wreaths across the United States to over 1,200 locations;Whereas the Senate designated December 12, 2015, as \u2018\u2018Wreaths Across America Day\u2019\u2019; andWhereas, on December 17, 2016, the Wreaths Across America project will continue the proud legacy of bringing remembrance wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery:Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate\u2014 (1) designates December 17, 2016, as \u2018\u2018Wreaths Across America Day\u2019\u2019; (2) honors\u2014 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(A) the Wreaths Across America project; \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(B) patriotic escort units, including motor cycle units, law enforcement units, and first responder units; \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(C) the trucking industry in the United States; and \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(D) the volunteers and donors involved in this worthy tradition; and (3) recognizes\u2014 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(A) the service of veterans and members of the Armed Forces; and \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(B) the sacrifices that veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families have made, and continue to make, for the United States, a great Nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-amendment-protecting-maine-urchin-fishery", "Senate Passes King Amendment Protecting Maine Urchin Fishery", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes King Amendment Protecting Maine Urchin Fishery\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 10, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the Senate early this morning unanimously passed an amendment he authored that would exempt urchins exported from the United States from mandatory inspections by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials, providing important relief for an industry that employs approximately 650 people in Maine.\r\n\u201cThis is an important step forward in protecting the livelihoods of hundreds of hardworking people in Maine,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has overstepped its bounds, and Maine\u2019s urchin harvesters, processors, and shippers are unfairly paying the price. With the passage of this amendment, we are another step closer to getting the feds off their backs so that they can once again thrive in their work.\u201d\r\nThe amendment passed by the Senate tonight, which had been offered by Senator King, would end the unnecessary inspections of urchins and sea cucumbers being exported from the country. The amendment ensures both that if the exemption from inspection would negatively impact the species\u2019 conservation, or if either species were to become listed as endangered or threatened in the future, their exports would still be subject to inspection. In June 2015, Senator King had also sent a letter to the heads of two separate Senate subcommittees urging them to help stop the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) from conducting the unnecessary inspections that are not required of most other fishery products.\r\nUntil several years ago, the sea urchin and sea cucumber industries were able to export their products out of the United States free from regulatory burdens because, under current regulations, fishery products are exempt from FWS import and export inspection requirements so long as they are intended for human or animal consumption and the species is not listed as injurious, threatened or endangered, or protected internationally under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Congress intended FWS to guard against wildlife trafficking \u2013 not to inspect otherwise harmless seafood.\r\nHowever, FWS has too narrowly interpreted the definition of \u2018shellfish and fishery products\u2019 \u2013 for which there has been a longstanding inspection exemption \u2013 excluding sea urchins and sea cucumbers. As a result, processors now must pay inspection fees and obtain licenses, the cost of which cuts into their profit margin as well as the price they can pay harvesters. Further, FWS requires 48 hours notice to carry out an inspection, which greatly affects the quality and even feasibility of such perishable products reaching their destination retail market in the desired high quality condition.\r\nSimilar language introduced by U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin has already passed the House of Representatives. The language will need to be reconciled and pass both houses again before it can be sent to the President for his signature to become law.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/obama-opens-federal-investigation-election-related-hacking", "Obama opens federal investigation into election-related hacking", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on news today that President Obama has ordered an investigation into election-related hacking.\n\"I appreciate that President Obama has called for a full investigation into election-related hacking. The prospect that a foreign power meddled in our democratic process is extremely concerning and it\u2019s imperative that we find out as much as we can.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/remembering-maine-conservation-leader-bill-townsend", "Remembering Maine conservation leader Bill Townsend", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement today on the death of Maine conservation leader Bill Townsend.\n\u201cMaine has a proud legacy of standing up for the conservation and restoration of our spectacular natural resources. Bill Townsend represents the most effective and passionate of these advocates. \u00a0His passionate leadership for Maine\u2019s rivers and environment has left an indelible mark throughout the state, both in the organizations he helped lead and the causes he advocated for. \u00a0I truly appreciate and admire his contributions to our great state.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-congressional-delegation-urges-va-fill-vacancies-maine-vet-centers", "Maine Congressional Delegation Urges VA to Fill Vacancies at Maine Vet Centers", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, the Maine Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Veterans Administration (VA) expressing concern about several long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in Maine. The letter from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin urges the VA to fill those vacancies with qualified staff as soon as possible to ensure that Maine veterans have access to the quality and timely care they deserve.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices,\u201d\u00a0the Maine Delegation wrote in their letter.\u00a0\u201cNevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve.\u201d\n\u00a0\nMaine has one of the highest number of veterans per capita of any state in the country. There are five Vet Centers across the state that are administered by the VA \u2013 in\u00a0Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, and Sanford-Springvale.\u00a0\u00a0These Vet Centers\u00a0help veterans readjust to civilian life by providing free counseling, screening, and referral services, while removing the stigma of seeking mental health care.\n\u00a0\nHowever, the\u00a0Caribou and Portland Vet Centers have had inadequate staff levels for months. While the Caribou Vet Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time, which has led to a lack of consistent counseling for veterans in Northern Maine. The Portland Vet Center currently has only four staff members despite being authorized for six, and lacks administrative staff. As a result, staff may have to cover both mental health needs while taking on additional administrative duties.\n\u00a0\nThe delegation\u2019s letter, which was addressed to VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin, also asks the VA to provide a timeline for the hiring process to fill these vacancies in Maine.\n\u00a0\nThe letter is available\u00a0HERE\u00a0and the text is below:\n\u00a0\n+++\n\u00a0\nDear Honorable Dr. Shulkin,\n\u00a0\nWe are writing to express our concerns regarding several, long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in the State of Maine. The Readjustment Counseling Service provides a variety of social and psychological services\u00a0to veterans, and due to the current staffing vacancies at Vet Centers in Caribou and Portland, veterans are not receiving the level and consistency of care they deserve. This has unfortunately been a persistent problem, and we urge the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to act quickly to fill vacancies with qualified staff to ensure our veterans can access the quality care they have earned. We also ask that you provide us with a hiring timeline for filling these vacancies.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWith one of the highest number per capita of veterans in the country, Maine has five Vet Centers. Of the five Vet Centers in Maine, the two in Caribou and Portland have had inadequate staff levels for months:\u00a0\n\u00a0\n Caribou, Maine: The Caribou Vet Center is tasked with serving the needs of Veterans throughout Aroostook County. While the Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time. This lack of availability of consistent counseling is a disservice to the Veterans in Northern Maine.\n \u00a0\n Portland, Maine: The Portland Vet Center is authorized to have a staff of six, but currently has a staff of four and lacks administrative staff. As such, we understand that current staff may be covering both their jobs addressing mental health needs, as well as taking on the additional responsibilities of basic administrative duties.\n \u00a0\nWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices. Nevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve. \u00a0If you have any questions about this request, please contact us directly or have your staff contact William Ellis (King) at 202-224-5344 or Mike Wakefield (Collins) at 202-224-3913.\n\u00a0\nThank you for your prompt attention to this issue.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-congressional-delegation-urges-va-fill-vacancies-maine-vet-centers", "Maine Congressional Delegation Urges VA to Fill Vacancies at Maine Vet Centers", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, the Maine Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Veterans Administration (VA) expressing concern about several long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in Maine. The letter from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin urges the VA to fill those vacancies with qualified staff as soon as possible to ensure that Maine veterans have access to the quality and timely care they deserve.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices,\u201d\u00a0the Maine Delegation wrote in their letter.\u00a0\u201cNevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve.\u201d\n\u00a0\nMaine has one of the highest number of veterans per capita of any state in the country. There are five Vet Centers across the state that are administered by the VA \u2013 in\u00a0Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, and Sanford-Springvale.\u00a0\u00a0These Vet Centers\u00a0help veterans readjust to civilian life by providing free counseling, screening, and referral services, while removing the stigma of seeking mental health care.\n\u00a0\nHowever, the\u00a0Caribou and Portland Vet Centers have had inadequate staff levels for months. While the Caribou Vet Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time, which has led to a lack of consistent counseling for veterans in Northern Maine. The Portland Vet Center currently has only four staff members despite being authorized for six, and lacks administrative staff. As a result, staff may have to cover both mental health needs while taking on additional administrative duties.\n\u00a0\nThe delegation\u2019s letter, which was addressed to VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin, also asks the VA to provide a timeline for the hiring process to fill these vacancies in Maine.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe letter is available\u00a0HERE\u00a0and the text is below:\n\u00a0\nDear Honorable Dr. Shulkin,\n\u00a0\nWe are writing to express our concerns regarding several, long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in the State of Maine. The Readjustment Counseling Service provides a variety of social and psychological services\u00a0to veterans, and due to the current staffing vacancies at Vet Centers in Caribou and Portland, veterans are not receiving the level and consistency of care they deserve. This has unfortunately been a persistent problem, and we urge the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to act quickly to fill vacancies with qualified staff to ensure our veterans can access the quality care they have earned. We also ask that you provide us with a hiring timeline for filling these vacancies.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWith one of the highest number per capita of veterans in the country, Maine has five Vet Centers. Of the five Vet Centers in Maine, the two in Caribou and Portland have had inadequate staff levels for months:\u00a0\n\u00a0\n \nCaribou, Maine: The Caribou Vet Center is tasked with serving the needs of Veterans throughout Aroostook County. While the Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time. This lack of availability of consistent counseling is a disservice to the Veterans in Northern Maine.\n \n\u00a0\n \nPortland, Maine: The Portland Vet Center is authorized to have a staff of six, but currently has a staff of four and lacks administrative staff. As such, we understand that current staff may be covering both their jobs addressing mental health needs, as well as taking on the additional responsibilities of basic administrative duties.\n \n\u00a0\nWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices. Nevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve. \u00a0If you have any questions about this request, please contact us directly or have your staff contact William Ellis (King) at 202-224-5344 or Mike Wakefield (Collins) at 202-224-3913.\n\u00a0\nThank you for your prompt attention to this issue.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-nearly-11-million-award-for-bath-iron-works", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $11 Million Award for Bath Iron Works", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $11 Million Award for Bath Iron Works\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that Bath Iron Works has been awarded a $10,965,890 order against an existing Navy basic ordering agreement\u00a0related to the testing and evaluation of the USS Rafael Peralta. More specifically, the award will\u00a0support planning, management, engineering services, and emergent availability and repairs.\r\n\u201cThis announcement is welcome news for the hardworking and highly-skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works,\u201d\u00a0said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.\u00a0\u201cAn investment in BIW is not only an investment in the future of the Navy, but also in Maine\u2019s economy and our people. These funds will support our outstanding shipbuilders as they continue to make sure that the USS Rafael Peralta is ready to join the Navy fleet as another world-class, Maine-built ship.\u201d\r\nSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\u00a0 Senators Collins and King delivered remarks at the Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) christening ceremony at Bath Iron Works in October 2015.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-applauds-order-to-review-russias-involvement-in-us-elections", "King Applauds Order to Review Russia’s Involvement in U.S. Elections", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Applauds Order to Review Russia\u2019s Involvement in U.S. Elections\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRenews call for making information available to the American public\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement today in response to the announcement that President Obama has ordered a review of Russia\u2019s involvement in the U.S. election:\r\n\u201cI am pleased to see the President take this step and welcome the growing number of concerned voices \u2013 on both sides of the aisle \u2013 about Russia\u2019s attempts to interfere with our electoral process. The Russian government\u2019s activities are nothing less than an arrow aimed at the heart of our democracy, and their actions merit a full, thorough, and bipartisan investigation. It is also crucial that, to the greatest extent possible, more information be made available to the American people because the first line of defense against intrusions like these is an educated and vigilant public.\r\n\u201cFor me, this is not about the last election. It\u2019s about the next election \u2013 and it\u2019s about protecting and preserving the integrity of American democracy.\u201d\r\nAs a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator King last year visited Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, where he met with defense and security officials who described to him Russia\u2019s repeated attempts to involve themselves in their elections and the spread of disinformation. Earlier this week, Senator King also met with officials from several of the Baltic States who reinforced that message and emphasized the importance of making the public aware of attempts to deceive them via disinformation.\u00a0\r\nLast week, Senator King joined several of his colleagues on the Senate Intelligence Committee in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to declassify information relating to the Russian government and the U.S. election.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-mourns-passing-of-bill-townsend", "King Mourns Passing of Bill Townsend", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Mourns Passing of Bill Townsend\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the passing of Bill Townsend:\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI am deeply saddened by the passing of Bill, a dear friend and one of my most treasured mentors,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cHe was a man of enormous intellect and even greater character who fought tirelessly to deliver justice for people across Maine and who worked unceasingly to preserve and protect Maine lands and resources for the enjoyment of future generations. I will miss Bill tremendously but am grateful for his many years of friendship and counsel, and more importantly, for all that he has done on behalf of our beloved state.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-passage-of-continuing-resolution", "King Statement on Passage of Continuing Resolution", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Statement on Passage of Continuing Resolution\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement tonight after voting in favor of a Continuing Resolution to fund the government:\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhile I am pleased this bill finally includes long-overdue and desperately-needed funding to fight the opioid and heroin epidemic, the sad fact remains that passing one short-term bill after another is no way to govern,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cOne of Congress\u2019s most fundamental responsibilities is to do the tough work of passing a budget, and I hope that when we come back in January, we will finally be able to roll up our sleeves, put politics aside, and do the job we were elected to do.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-congressional-delegation-urges-va-to-fill-vacancies-at-maine-vet-centers", "Maine Congressional Delegation Urges VA to Fill Vacancies at Maine Vet Centers", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Maine Congressional Delegation Urges VA to Fill Vacancies at Maine Vet Centers\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCaribou, Portland Vet Centers are currently understaffed\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, the Maine Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Veterans Administration (VA) expressing concern about several long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in Maine. The letter from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin urges the VA to fill those vacancies with qualified staff as soon as possible to ensure that Maine veterans have access to the quality and timely care they deserve.\r\n\u201cWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices,\u201d\u00a0the Maine Delegation wrote in their letter.\u00a0\u201cNevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve.\u201d\r\nMaine has one of the highest number of veterans per capita of any state in the country. There are five Vet Centers across the state that are administered by the VA \u2013 in\u00a0Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, and Sanford-Springvale.\u00a0\u00a0These Vet Centers\u00a0help veterans readjust to civilian life by providing free counseling, screening, and referral services, while removing the stigma of seeking mental health care.\r\nHowever, the\u00a0Caribou and Portland Vet Centers have had inadequate staff levels for months. While the Caribou Vet Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time, which has led to a lack of consistent counseling for veterans in Northern Maine. The Portland Vet Center currently has only four staff members despite being authorized for six, and lacks administrative staff. As a result, staff may have to cover both mental health needs while taking on additional administrative duties.\r\nThe delegation\u2019s letter, which was addressed to VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin, also asks the VA to provide a timeline for the hiring process to fill these vacancies in Maine.\r\nThe letter is available\u00a0HERE\u00a0and the text is below:\r\n+++\r\nDear Honorable Dr. Shulkin,\r\nWe are writing to express our concerns regarding several, long-unfilled vacancies at two Vet Centers in the State of Maine. The Readjustment Counseling Service provides a variety of social and psychological services\u00a0to veterans, and due to the current staffing vacancies at Vet Centers in Caribou and Portland, veterans are not receiving the level and consistency of care they deserve. This has unfortunately been a persistent problem, and we urge the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to act quickly to fill vacancies with qualified staff to ensure our veterans can access the quality care they have earned. We also ask that you provide us with a hiring timeline for filling these vacancies.\u00a0\r\nWith one of the highest number per capita of veterans in the country, Maine has five Vet Centers. Of the five Vet Centers in Maine, the two in Caribou and Portland have had inadequate staff levels for months:\u00a0\r\n \r\nCaribou, Maine: The Caribou Vet Center is tasked with serving the needs of Veterans throughout Aroostook County. While the Center is authorized to have five employees, it has had multiple vacancies for some time. This lack of availability of consistent counseling is a disservice to the Veterans in Northern Maine.\r\n \r\n \r\nPortland, Maine: The Portland Vet Center is authorized to have a staff of six, but currently has a staff of four and lacks administrative staff. As such, we understand that current staff may be covering both their jobs addressing mental health needs, as well as taking on the additional responsibilities of basic administrative duties.\r\n \r\nWe understand that the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s Regional Counseling Service is in the process of overhauling the human resources processes related to Vet Centers, and we support this effort to optimize the hiring practices. Nevertheless, the vacancies in Caribou and Portland have been open for far too long and need to be filled as soon as possible. Our veterans selflessly served the United States and their communities, and as such, they deserve access to the highest level of care when they return home. We urge you to fill these positions as soon as possible so that no veteran is denied the care they deserve. \u00a0If you have any questions about this request, please contact us directly or have your staff contact William Ellis (King) at 202-224-5344 or Mike Wakefield (Collins) at 202-224-3913.\r\nThank you for your prompt attention to this issue.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-poliquin-applauds-senate-s-passage-defense-bill-which-includes-made", "Rep. Poliquin Applauds Senates Passage of Defense Bill, Which Includes Made-in-USA Language Protecting Hundreds of Maine Jobs", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)\u2014which includes critical language championed by Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) and Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to protect hundreds of Maine shoe manufacturing jobs\u2014passed in the Senate, clearing the final hurdle before going to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\u00a0\nThe defense bill\u2019s passage in the Senate today marks the final stage in a hard-fought, months-long battle by Congressman Poliquin and Senators Collins and King to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to follow the law and issue American-made athletic shoes to its new recruits. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cI applaud the Senate\u2019s passage of this defense bill and especially commend my colleagues Senators Collins and King for their hard work in helping make sure this critical language was included,\u201d said Congressman Bruce Poliquin. \u201cMainers have waited for this win for a long time. I am absolutely thrilled that today we have finally pushed this monumental language onto the President\u2019s desk. I\u2019m not going to let up an inch until this is signed into law and fully implemented.\u201d\n\u00a0\nLast week, the House passed the NDAA. Congressman Poliquin wore his own red, white and blue, 100% American-made New Balance athletic shoes down to the House floor to cast his vote.\n\u00a0\nFor the past several months, Congressman Poliquin has resiliently advocated and taken strong legislative action to push the DOD to comply with the Berry Amendment, the provision which requires the Pentagon to use American-made products for recruits whenever possible.\n\u00a0\nThis final provision, which was maintained in the NDAA during the conference committee between the House and Senate due to strong support from Congressman Poliquin and Senators Collins and King, mandates that the DOD consider athletic footwear issued to military recruits as subject to the Berry Amendment, requiring the Department to treat athletic footwear like other uniform items.\n\u00a0\nThe Berry Amendment is a provision in law that requires the DOD to use American-made products for new recruits whenever possible. However, since 2002 the DOD has circumvented this policy by issuing cash allowances to new recruits for training shoes, which are not required to be American-made or Berry Amendment-compliant. In 2014, the DOD agreed to change its policy and close this footwear loophole. Despite that announcement, more than two years later, the DOD has yet to actually implement it and rectify this fundamental inequity in the application of the Berry Amendment.\n\u00a0\nTimeline of Progress:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n September-November 2016: The House and the Senate go to conference to hash out the differences in the two chambers\u2019 versions of the NDAA\n \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n December 8, 2016: The Senate passes the final version of the NDAA\n \u00a0\nItems to Note:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-nearly-60-million-contract-modification-bath-iron-works", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $60 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works a contract modification worth $59,417,202. The funding will be used to provide engineering and technical assistance for new construction DDG 51 class ships.\n\u201cThis announcement is welcome news for the hardworking men and women of Bath Iron Works who deliver the highest-quality ships to our Navy, and this contract modification will allow them to continue to make important improvements to those ships,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement.\nMore specifically, the funding will be dedicated towards continuing Lead Yard services, which include liaison for follow ship construction, general class services, class logistic services, class design agent services, continuation of the DDG 51 Class Flight III upgrade design efforts, and class change design services for follow ships.\nSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-floor-senator-collins-urges-only-senator-blocking-senior-afe-act-reconsider", "From the Senate Floor, Senator Collins Urges Only Senator Blocking the Senior $afe Act to Reconsider", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins\u2019 floor statement on the Senior $afe Act  Note to assignment editors and news directors: Click HERE to watch Senator Collins\u2019 floor statement on the Senior $afe Act\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, took to the Senate floor this afternoon to express her deep disappointment that one Senator is holding up the passage of the Senior$afe Act\u2014bipartisan legislation she authored to help protect seniors from financial exploitation and fraud. Senator Collins has been a steadfast champion of efforts to shed light on and put a stop to the national epidemic of financial abuse of seniors, which robs them of their hard-earned savings.\n\u201cI am greatly disappointed that we have been unable to overcome objections from just one Senator from the other side of the aisle who is blocking the passage of the Senior$afe Act, legislation I introduced to help protect our seniors from financial fraud and exploitation,\u201d said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, from the Senate floor. \u201cThis is a bill that I introduced with my colleague, Senator Claire McCaskill, as a result of extensive hearings and investigations that we have conducted in the Senate Aging Committee. Nationally as many as five million seniors may be victims of financial abuse each year, and putting an end to this tsunami of fraud has long been one of my top priorities.\n\u201cThis commonsense bill would help so many seniors avoid becoming the victim of financial fraud and abuse,\u201d Senator Collins continued. \u201cI hope that the Senator in question will reconsider and allow us to send this important bill to the President for his signature.\u201dIn a letter to Senator Collins, Jaye Martin, Executive Director of Maine Legal Services, expressed strong support for the legislation, writing that, \"In a landscape that includes family members who often wish to keep exploitation from coming to light because they are perpetrating the exploitation, the risk of facing potential nuisance or false complaints over privacy violations is all too real. This is a barrier that must be removed so that financial institutions will act immediately to make a report to the proper authorities upon forming a reasonable belief that exploitation is occurring. These professionals are on the front lines in the fight against elder financial exploitation and are often the only ones in a position to stop the exploitation before it is too late.\u201d\nThe Senior$afe Act, which will help protect seniors from financial fraud, is based on Maine\u2019s innovative and important Senior$afe program pioneered by Maine Securities Administrator Judith Shaw. In February 2015, Chairman Collins invited Judith Shaw to testify at a hearing that examined ways to prevent the financial exploitation of seniors. Ms. Martin, who testified before the Senate Aging Committee last month, said hundreds of financial institution managers and employees have been trained to identify possible fraud as a result of Maine\u2019s Senior$afe law.The Senior$afe Act would:\n \nEncourage banks, credit unions, investment advisors, broker-dealers, insurance companies and insurance agencies to report suspected senor financial fraud; and\n \n \nProtect these institutions from being sued for making reports so long as they have trained their employees, and make reports in good faith and on a reasonable basis to the proper authorities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-fy-2017-national-defense-authorization-act-provisions-championed-senator", "Senate Passes FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act with Provisions Championed by Senator Collins", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 With U.S. Senator Susan Collins\u2019 strong advocacy, the Senate passed the fiscal year (FY) 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today by an overwhelming bipartisan majority (92-7). Senator Collins is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.\nThe FY 2017 NDAA, which authorizes $619 billion for national defense and includes provisions supporting members of the armed services, is critically important to preserving our nation\u2019s security. The House passed this legislation last week by a vote of 375 to 34, and it will now head to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\u201cThis bill is vital to ensuring that our military has the critical resources and equipment necessary to accomplish national security missions around the world and meet the ever-expanding threats facing our nation. Moreover, this important legislation supports our men and women in uniform through the largest pay increase since 2010,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThis bill reflects a bipartisan commitment by members of both chambers of Congress to put aside their differences to keep the United States safe.\u201d\nThe legislation includes $3.2 billion to authorize the procurement of two Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyers and a $49.8 million increase for incremental funding for an additional FY 2016 destroyer. The FY 2017 NDAA also authorizes $271.8 million for the continuing construction of Zumwalt (DDG 1000) destroyers. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins secured $433 million in funding for these additional ships in the Defense Appropriations bill that passed the Committee unanimously in May 2016. The funding builds on the $1 billion Senator Collins secured toward the construction of an additional DDG 51 destroyer last year. At present, the Navy has 272 deployable battle force ships, well short of the goal set by the Navy\u2019s 30-year shipbuilding plan, which calls for the United States to have 308 ships by fiscal year 2021.\nIn addition, the legislation includes a provision championed by Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME) and Representative Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) that will require the Department of Defense to consider athletic footwear subject to the Berry Amendment by providing initial entry service members with American-made athlete shoes upon arrival at basic training. The provision is a significant victory for American jobs and respected American manufacturers like New Balance that will now be able to compete for contracts to provide domestically produced athletic footwear to military recruits.\nThe FY 2017 NDAA also provides vital assistance to our troops by authorizing a 2.1 percent pay raise\u2014the largest since 2010\u2014bolsters ground and aviation training, and increases the end strength of our armed forces.\nOther key provisions that are important to Maine and our nation include:\n \nFunding for projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, including $17.8 million for authorized for unaccompanied housing, $30.1 million for utility improvements, and $27 million to construct a replacement medical and dental clinic. Senator Collins successfully advocated for funding for these projects as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n \n\u00a0\n \nA provision permitting the Secretary of Defense to waive the flat-rate requirement for long-term temporary duty for military and civilian personnel if the secretary determines that the reduced rate per diem for meals and incidental expenses is insufficient to pay for actual travel expenses. Senator Collins has strongly pushed to ensure servicemembers and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, including public shipyard workers, receive full reimbursement when traveling on long-term temporary duty.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-passing-john-glenn", "Senator Collins Statement on the Passing of John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins\u2019 Statement on the Passing of John Glenn \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Thu, 12/08/2016 - 15:33    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement regarding the passing of John Glenn:\n\u201cJohn was a true American hero who devoted his life to serving his country and his home state of Ohio.\n\u201cAs a legendary astronaut, decorated Marine pilot, and four-term United States Senator, John\u2019s life was marked by exceptional and groundbreaking leadership. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that will inspire millions of Americans for generations to come.\n\u201cIt was an honor to serve alongside John in the Senate, and his passing is a loss to his family and friends, the country, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-joins-other-committee-leaders-bipartisan-ceremony-marking-passage-21st", "Senator Collins Joins Other Committee Leaders in Bipartisan Ceremony Marking the Passage of the 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation Will Help Fight Against Opioid Abuse Through $1 Billion in State Grants; Spur Innovative Treatments and Cures for Alzheimer\u2019s, Cancer, and Many Other Diseases by investing $4.8 billion in the NIH; and Improve Mental Health Programs\nClick HERE for a high resolution photo of Senator Collins at the enrollment ceremony for the 21st Century Cures Act\nClick HERE for B-roll of the enrollment ceremony  Note to assignment editors and news directors: Click HERE for higher quality B-roll of the enrollment ceremony\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Following her strong advocacy in advancing the 21st Century Cures Act, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) took part in a bipartisan enrollment ceremony in the U.S. Capitol with other Committee leaders and members of House of Senate leadership to mark the passage of this landmark medical innovation bill. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Collins authored and successfully included five provisions contained within the final legislation.\nAt the enrollment ceremony, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) and the Senate president pro tempore Orrin Hatch (R-UT) signed the bill before sending it to the White House to be signed into law.\n\u201cAll of us know someone who has courageously faced a devastating health diagnosis. The 21st Century Cures Act will help us achieve our dream of conquering disease by investing $4.8 billion in biomedical research and development. Moreover, this legislation will provide $1 billion in much-needed funding to address the heroin and opioid epidemic and makes the most significant reforms to our mental health system in more than a decade,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cAs a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I am proud to have pushed for and contributed to this landmark bill, which will make a tremendous difference in the life of every American,\u201d\nThe 21st Century Cures Act was championed by Senator Collins and will benefit every American family. Among its many major components, this landmark bill provides $1 billion to fight opioid abuse through grants to states, invests $4.8 billion in the National Institutes of Health to spur biomedical research and finally unlock cures to diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s and diabetes, and improves our mental health system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-nearly-60-million-contract-modification-for-bath-iron-works", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $60 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $60 Million Contract Modification for Bath Iron Works\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works a contract modification worth $59,417,202. The funding will be used to provide engineering and technical assistance for new construction DDG 51 class ships.\r\n\u201cThis announcement is welcome news for the hardworking men and women of Bath Iron Works who deliver the highest-quality ships to our Navy, and this contract modification will allow them to continue to make important improvements to those ships,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement.\r\nMore specifically, the funding will be dedicated towards continuing Lead Yard services, which include liaison for follow ship construction, general class services, class logistic services, class design agent services, continuation of the DDG 51 Class Flight III upgrade design efforts, and class change design services for follow ships.\r\nSenator Collins is a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-defense-bill-with-wins-for-maine-sends-athletic-shoe-provision-to-president-to-become-law", "Senate Passes Defense Bill with Wins for Maine; Sends Athletic Shoe Provision to President to Become Law", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Defense Bill with Wins for Maine; Sends Athletic Shoe Provision to President to Become Law\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKing wears Maine-made New Balance shoes as he casts vote to send hard-fought Made-in-USA athletic footwear provision to President\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In a significant win for domestic shoe manufacturers including New Balance in Maine, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the U.S. Senate has passed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a provision he championed that will require the Department of Defense to consider athletic footwear subject to the Berry Amendment by providing initial entry service members with American-made athletic shoes upon arrival at basic training. Senator King wore his Maine-made New Balance shoes today as he cast his vote in favor of the legislation, which will now head to the President\u2019s desk for his signature to become law.\r\nSenator King secured the provision in the NDAA during the Senate Armed Service Committee\u2019s consideration of the bill earlier this year. The provision will be implemented over the course of the next two years and could help support the jobs of hundreds of Maine manufacturing workers. The passage of this provision represents the culmination of a long-fought battle by the Maine Congressional delegation.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe long-awaited and hard-fought passage of this measure is a landmark victory for American shoe manufacturers, like New Balance, who will finally have the opportunity to compete to provide entry-level recruits with high-quality, American-made athletic shoes,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cI could not be prouder of the hardworking men and women at New Balance, and I\u2019m thrilled this bill will reward their efforts by supporting American companies that prioritize keeping good-paying jobs here in the United States, even as other companies ship their work overseas. I urge the President to sign this measure into law quickly, and I will track its implementation closely.\u201d\r\nThe NDAA also includes several other victories for Maine that Senator King was able to secure as a member of the Senate Armed Services, including robust funding for shipbuilding and military construction projects, and additional funding to combat the drug epidemic.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThousands of Mainers have dedicated themselves to serving in our Armed Forces and to working in defense-related industries that support our national security interests day-in and day-out, and I\u2019m pleased this bill reflects and supports their critical contributions to the defense of our nation,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cThis legislation takes important steps to advance shipbuilding priorities at Bath Iron Works and critical construction projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and it continues to provide additional opportunities for Maine manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney \u2013 all of which are victories for our national defense and our state\u2019s economy.\u201d\r\nMore specifically, the additional wins Senator King secured include:\r\n \r\nFUNDING FOR SHIPBUILDING PRIORITIES: The bill authorizes $3.5 billion for Navy destroyer programs, including $271.8 million for the construction of DDG-1000 Zumwalt destroyers \u2013 all of which are being built at Bath Iron Works \u2013 and $3.3 billion for the procurement of two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in Fiscal Year 2017, one of which will be built at Bath.\r\nOf the $3.2 billion in procurement for the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Senator King was able to authorize an additional $50 million in funding for the DDG-51 that was authorized and partially funded last year due to the work of Senators King and Susan Collins. That ship has since been identified by the Navy as one of its top unfunded priorities, and this authorization secured by Senator King lays the groundwork to appropriate the remaining funding necessary to build it.\u00a0\r\nMILITARY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: The bill authorizes $17.8 million for unaccompanied housing at Portsmouth Navy Shipyard (PNSY) to provide housing for the crew of submarines; $30.1 million for utility improvements of nuclear platforms at PNSY; and $27.1 million to construct a replacement medical/dental clinic at PNSY. Senator King specifically requested these authorizations.\r\nFULL PER DIEM FOR PNSY WORKERS ON LONG-TERM TEMPORARY DUTY: The bill would authorize the Navy to provide full per diem to public shipyard workers traveling on long-term temporary duty. The provision is based on\u00a0legislation\u00a0introduced by Senator King and Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) that would modify the existing, flawed Department of Defense long-term temporary duty policy for shipyard workers conducting off-yard maintenance.\r\nNO NEW BRAC ROUND: This legislation rejects the President\u2019s call in his Fiscal Year 2017 budget request for additional base closures under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. The last BRAC process occurred in 2005 when the Pentagon's recommendation to close the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was ultimately overturned by the BRAC Commission, but their recommendation to realign Brunswick Naval Air Station was rejected in favor of closing the base.\r\nJOINT STRIKE FIGHTER: The bill authorizes the procurement of 63 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters of all three variants. Several Maine-based companies, including Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick and General Dynamics in Saco, are in the supply and production chain for this fifth generation fighter.\r\nLONG RANGE STRIKE-BOMBER:\u00a0The bill authorizes $1 billion for procurement of a new long-range stealth bomber, B-21, which will be a central pillar of our national security strategy to deal with future threats. Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick will produce components for the B-21\u2019s engine.\r\nDEFINITION OF CYBERWAR: The bill includes language similar to\u00a0legislation authored by Senators King and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)\u00a0that would require the Administration to develop options for deterring threats in cyberspace and determining what types of actions in cyberspace may warrant a military response.\r\nFIGHTING THE OPIOID AND HEROIN EPIDEMIC:\u00a0The bill includes a provision, offered by Senator Kelly Ayotte and supported by Senator King, that would ensure that at least $191.5 million will be dedicated to counter the production and trafficking of illicit drugs, including heroin and fentanyl.\r\n \r\nThe Fiscal Year 2017 NDAA establishes policies and authorizes funding for the Department of Defense as well as the national security programs of the Department of Energy. It provides for the pay and benefits earned by members of the military and their families, provides for national defense including authorization of funds for counter-ISIL operations in Iraq and Syria, and represents a vision of America\u2019s national security goals, resources, and policies.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/marking-75th-anniversary-attack-pearl-harbor", "Marking 75th anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Meeting with Pearl Harbor veteran Jim Watson of South Portland in 2015\nCongresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement to recognize the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.\u00a0\n\u201cPresident Franklin Roosevelt rightly predicted that December 7, 1941, would \u2018live in infamy.\u2019 The attack on Pearl Harbor still represents one of the darkest days in American history, and 75 years have done nothing to diminish the terrible sacrifices made by the 2,335 service members and 68 civilians who lost their lives that day. \u00a0\n\u201cBut within that nightmare, there were also many stories of resilience, courage, and strength that defined our nation\u2019s response. \u00a0Today we pay tribute to that spirit as well.\n\u201cAs we say goodbye to the generation of veterans who were there to see it firsthand, may we take special steps to ensure that their stories are told, their memories are preserved, and their bravery not forgotten.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-applauds-60-million-modification-biw-contract", "Pingree applauds $60 million modification for BIW contract", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree lauded the announcement of a $59.4 million contract modification to BIW.\n\"I am excited to see the Navy award\u200e this funding to Bath Iron Works as part of this contract modification. This is money well spent. It is further proof of the great work done by the men and women at BIW and the Navy's recognition of that.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-proposed-sale-fairpoint-communications-consolidated", "Statement on Proposed Sale of FairPoint Communications to Consolidated Communications", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 Today Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Peter Welch (VT-AL) released the following statement on the proposed sale of FairPoint Communications to Consolidated Communications:\n\u201cThousands of customers across our districts rely on FairPoint Communications for access to internet and phone services both at home and at their businesses. Any acquisition or merger of FairPoint must ensure that these services are not disrupted or reduced. As the Federal Communications Commission examines this merger we will push to ensure that the economic competitiveness of our region is carefully taken into consideration. We will closely monitor this proposed merger to ensure that there is no negative impact to our constituents that rely on FairPoint services.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/house-passes-legislation-authored-and-introduced-senator-collins-combat-boko-haram", "House Passes Legislation Authored and Introduced by Senator Collins to Combat Boko Haram", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 In an effort to strengthen the United States\u2019 response to the brazen and vicious acts of terrorism carried out by Boko Haram, U.S. Senator Susan Collins authored and introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at stopping the spread of this terrorist organization. Senator Collins\u2019 bill passed the Senate in September of 2015. This evening, following ongoing advocacy from Senator Collins, the House unanimously passed this bipartisan legislation. The legislation will now go to the President's desk for his signature.\nSenator Collins\u2019 legislation would require a new 5-year U.S. government strategy to counter the threat of Boko Haram and assist the Government of Nigeria in addressing the legitimate grievances of vulnerable populations affected by this terrorist organization.\n\u201cBoko Haram has pledged allegiance to ISIS and continues to commit terrible acts of brutal violence against civilians in Nigeria as well as in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. This bipartisan legislation signals a renewed congressional commitment to pursuing Boko Haram and bolstering U.S. efforts throughout the region. The already dire situation there will continue to worsen if the current trajectory is not significantly altered,\u201d Senator Collins stated. \u201cBy definition, Boko Haram means Western education is forbidden. I urge the President to immediately sign this bill into law and send an international signal that we will never forget the girls of Nigeria who were targeted simply because they chose to pursue an education.\u201d\nIn 2014, in response to Boko Haram\u2019s kidnapping of the 276 school girls in Nigeria, Senator Collins, joined by Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), led all twenty women Senators in urging Secretary Kerry to seek Boko Haram\u2019s addition to the United Nation\u2019s al-Qaeda Sanctions List. Following this letter, the United Nations Security Council voted to subject Boko Haram to a complete asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.\nCo-sponsors include eighteen Senators: Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Patty Murray (R-WA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), David Vitter (R-LA), and James Inhofe (R-OK).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-21st-century-cures-act-5-provisions-authored-senator-collins", "Senate Passes 21st Century Cures Act with 5 Provisions Authored by Senator Collins", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation Will Help Fight Against Opioid Abuse Through $1 Billion in State Grants; Spur Innovative Treatments and Cures for Alzheimer\u2019s, Cancer, and Many Other Diseases; and Improve Mental Health Programs\nTo read a copy of Senator Collins' floor statement in support of the 21st Century Cures Act, click HERE  To watch Senator Collins' floor statement, click HERE\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 The U.S. Senate today passed the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation that was championed by U.S. Senator Susan Collins and will benefit every American by spurring the advancement of biomedical research, combating the opioid abuse epidemic, and improving our mental health system. Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee and a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, authored or co-authored five provisions contained within the legislation, which passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 94-5. The legislation cleared the House in a similarly overwhelming bipartisan vote of 392-26 earlier this week. The legislation will now go to the President's desk for his signature. \u00a0On Monday, Senator Collins spoke on the Senate floor urging her colleagues to pass this important bill to promote medical innovation.\n\u201cAll of us know someone who courageously faces the struggles of living with a debilitating chronic illness or rare disease, or who received a devastating diagnosis and was gone too soon. Through the strong support of research and development, the 21st Century Cures Act will help us achieve our dream of conquering disease,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act will also make the most significant reforms to our mental health system in more than a decade and help direct $1 billion in much-needed funding to address the heroin and opioid epidemic in this country, which has hit Maine communities particularly hard. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I am proud to have pushed for and contributed to this landmark bill, which will make a tremendous difference in the life of every American.\u201d\n\u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act is an important step forward for life-saving biomedical research. The Jackson Laboratory is leading the search for tomorrow\u2019s cures and we are so grateful to Senator Collins for her leadership and advocacy in passing this act,\u201d said Ed Liu, M.D., President and CEO, The Jackson Laboratory.\nAdvancing Biomedical Research\nThe 21st Century Cures Act provides $4.8 billion over ten years for the National Institutes of Health. That funding includes $1.6 billion for the BRAIN Initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s, our nation\u2019s costliest disease. Additionally, it will help allocate $1.8 billion for the Vice President\u2019s Cancer Moonshot, $1.5 billion for the President\u2019s Precision Medicine Initiative, and $30 million for regenerative medicine using adult stem cells. The bill\u2019s cancer provisions are named after Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s son, Beau Biden, who died from cancer last year.\nThe 21st Century Cures Act also incorporates several notable bipartisan provisions introduced by Senator Collins to encourage medical innovation, including:\n \nSenator Collins\u2019 provisions to encourage the use of Health Information Exchanges to promote patient access to health information.\n \nImproving the Mental Health System\nThe 21st Century Cures Act also strengthens and improves important mental health programs for the first time in more than a decade. One in five Americans\u2014nearly 44 million people\u2014experience some type of mental illness each year. The reforms in the bill will enhance coordination, address a lack of resources, and develop real solutions to improve outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness and their families.\nNotable mental health provisions introduced by Senator Collins include:\n \nThe Durbin-Collins Mental Health Reform Act, which will support college and university efforts to directly provide mental health services; increase awareness and training to respond effectively to students with mental health and substance use disorders; and establish an interagency working group to promote federal agency collaboration to support innovations in mental health services for students on college and university campuses; and\n \n \nLanguage requiring the Government Accountability Office to study the Protection and Advocacy programs.\n \nFighting Opioid Abuse Epidemic\nThe 21st Century Cures Act also includes $1 billion over two years for grants to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities, including prescription drug monitoring programs, prevention activities, training for health care providers, and improving access to opioid treatment programs. This money will benefit every state, including Maine, which has tragically experienced a record number of overdose deaths.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-75th-commemoration-attack-pearl-harbor", "Senator Collins Statement on 75th Commemoration of the Attack on Pearl Harbor", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 In recognition of the 75th commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor, U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement:\n\u201cThroughout our nation and our state, we pause on this most solemn anniversary in memory of the more than 2,300 Americans who lost their lives 75 years ago, and in gratitude to the millions of Americans who met a great challenge with courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty.\n\u201cOn the morning of December 7, 1941, America was a nation at peace. Within minutes, the men and women of our armed forces at Pearl Harbor, including many from Maine, found themselves on the front lines of a battle for the future of civilization, and they fought back. In the days that followed, millions more put the comfort and safety of home aside and joined the fight. Throughout the country, Americans of all ages worked and saved and rationed and sacrificed as never before to support our troops.\n\u201cOn this 75th commemoration of the attack, we honor those who fought and were killed at Pearl Harbor as well as the brave men and women who answered the call to defend our freedoms in World War II and brought liberty to so many others.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-calls-on-fda-to-explain-decision-delaying-release-of-critical-information-about-risky-heart-surgery-device", "King Calls on FDA to Explain Decision Delaying Release of Critical Information about Risky Heart Surgery Device", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Calls on FDA to Explain Decision Delaying Release of Critical Information about Risky Heart Surgery Device\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 7, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explain its decision to delay for more than a year the release of a safety alert that would have notified hospitals and patients of the severe risks associated with the use of a device in heart surgeries.\r\nThe device, a Sorin 3T heater-cooler, has been used in thousands of heart surgery operations across Maine and has also been shown to put patients at risk of acquiring a dangerous mycobacterial infection. The FDA was made aware of evidence of those risks in August 2014, but neglected to release a safety alert until October 2015.\r\n\u201cThe heater-cooler devices associated with these infections are used for heart surgeries in Maine and across the country. While no infections have yet been reported as a result of this device\u2019s use in Maine and the risk remains low, the dozens of reported cases in the U.S. and abroad are a serious cause for concern for me and for my constituents who were exposed to the device,\u201d Senator King wrote in his letter to the FDA. \u201cWhat I find particularly troubling is that, despite evidence presented to federal regulators in August 2014 of the device\u2019s link to these infections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) demurred on releasing a safety alert until more than a year later, and furthermore did not give hospitals and patients detailed recommendations to deal with the issue at hand for another year after that.\u201d\r\nSenator King called on the FDA to explain its decision to not alert the public and to also explain why it waited two years to provide detailed advice and recommendations to hospitals.\r\nThe complete text of the letter can be read HERE and is below:\r\n+++\r\nDecember 7, 2016\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Robert M. Califf, MD\r\nCommissioner\r\nFood and Drug Administration\r\n10903 New Hampshire Avenue\r\nSilver Spring, MD 20993\r\n\r\nDear Dr. Califf:\r\nI am writing today to express my deep concern about the Sorin 3T heater-cooler device, which has been used in thousands of heart surgery operations across Maine and which has also been shown to put patients at risk of acquiring a dangerous mycobacterial infection.\r\nThe heater-cooler devices associated with these infections are used for heart surgeries in Maine and across the country. While no infections have yet been reported as a result of this device\u2019s use in Maine and the risk remains low, the dozens of reported cases in the U.S. and abroad are a serious cause for concern for me and for my constituents who were exposed to the device.\r\nWhat I find particularly troubling is that, despite evidence presented to federal regulators in August 2014 of the device\u2019s link to these infections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) demurred on releasing a safety alert until more than a year later, and furthermore did not give hospitals and patients detailed recommendations to deal with the issue at hand for another year after that.\r\nI am left to ask: given the severe safety concerns associated with the device, why did the FDA choose not to alert the public of the risks associated with the device until 14 months after regulators were made aware of the infections it caused? Furthermore, why did hospitals and patients have to wait two years after the FDA was first informed of the infection risk to be given detailed advice and recommendations?\r\nThank you for your attention to these concerns. I look forward to your response to this letter.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-commemorates-75th-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-", "King Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 7, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor:\r\n\u201cOn this day seventy-five years ago, a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor shook our country \u2013 a tragic event that claimed the lives of 2,403 Americans, wounded many others, and plunged the United States into World War II.\u00a0Today, we commemorate this solemn occasion and honor the brave men and women who proudly served in defense of our country at Pearl Harbor that day.\u00a0\r\n\u201cOur state has a long and proud legacy of military service, and while the events at Pearl Harbor were tragic and resulted in great loss of life, this day now stands as a reminder of the great strength and resilience of our brave servicemembers.\u00a0Generations since have been inspired by the Americans who answered the call to action during the attack on December 7, 1941.\r\n\u201cToday, we memorialize their patriotism, sense of duty, and bravery in the face of grave peril.\u00a0Their selfless actions demonstrated the fortitude of the American spirit, and embodied the values evident in Maine\u2019s storied history of military service. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, and their contributions to our nation will never be forgotten.\u00a0Even many years later, we are humbled by the example of these veterans and their unwavering resilience in defense of our nation.\r\n\u201cThank you for allowing me to join with you today as we honor those who answered the call at Pearl Harbor seventy-five years ago, including many who called Maine home.\u00a0We thank them for their sacrifice, and we are proud to call them our own.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bill-to-promote-innovation-in-fight-against-pressing-health-care-challenges-", "Senate Passes Bill to Promote Innovation in Fight Against Pressing Health Care Challenges", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Bill to Promote Innovation in Fight Against Pressing Health Care Challenges \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBill authorizes funding to fight opioid epidemic, creates working group for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, bolsters NIH research & includes comprehensive mental health care reform  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 7, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the United States Senate today passed the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation that will help address some of the most pressing health care issues currently facing America. By promoting innovation and bolstering investment in medical research, the Cures Act will provide vital support for efforts across the country on issues such as the opioid epidemic, mental health reform, tick-borne diseases like Lyme, Alzheimer\u2019s, cancer, physical therapy, and medical software technology.\r\n\u201cBy investing in innovation and empowering our nation\u2019s brightest minds, this legislation will spur medical research that will help solve some of the most difficult health challenges facing Americans today,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cImportantly, it will finally start to provide much-needed resources in the critical fight against opioid addiction, which continues to take lives and tear at the fabric of Maine communities, and it will also bolster efforts to combat Lyme disease and help advance research to cure Alzheimer\u2019s and cancer \u2013 all of which have touched countless people across Maine.\u201d\r\nThe 21st Century Cures Act is a $6.3 billion medical innovation package that aims to accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of new health care cures and treatments. The legislation provides new funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), updates major mental health programs, and supports major health initiatives like Vice President Joe Biden\u2019s \u201cmoonshot\u201d to end cancer. Senator King is a member of the Senate NIH Caucus, which promotes advances in medical research.\r\nNotably, the new funding in the bill includes $1 billion in state grants to fight opioid abuse. Senator King has been a relentless advocate for increased funding in the fight against Maine\u2019s opioid epidemic.\r\nThe wide-ranging Cures Act also includes several other provisions supported by Senator King that will promote innovative solutions to health care issues facing Maine, such as:\r\n \r\nThe creation of a Tick-Borne Diseases Working Group that would compile a report on federal research efforts related to Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. This provision would help accelerate improved methods for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment \u2013 and is based on the Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act, which was cosponsored by Senator King.\r\n \r\n \r\nA provision that would support prize competitions to develop innovations that advance biomedical science and improve health outcomes, which is based on the EUREKA Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator King and Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) that was originally targeted specifically at curing Alzheimer\u2019s but has been expanded to incentivize cures for other conditions as well.\r\n \r\n \r\nA provision mirroring the Preventing Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act, legislation which Senator King cosponsored that would improve continuity of care for patients by allowing a physical therapist to bring in another licensed provider to treat Medicare patients and bill Medicare through the practice provider number during temporary absences for illness, pregnancy, vacation, or continuing medical education.\r\n \r\n \r\nLegislative language clarifying which types of medical software the FDA does and does not have the authority to regulate as medical devices, which is similar to the bipartisan PROTECT Act introduced by Senator King and Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) that makes clear the FDA does not have the authority to include administrative software, wellness software, electronic health records, software to transmit test results, and certain types of clinical decisions support in the medical device category.\r\n \r\nThe 21st Century Cures Act has already been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. It will now go to the President\u2019s desk for signature.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ruth-moore-act-provision-clears-important-legislative-step", "Ruth Moore Act provision clears important legislative step", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House today passed a key provision from the Ruth Moore Act, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree\u2019s legislation to help survivors of military sexual trauma obtain disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Reporting language was included in a larger package of veterans-related legislation, the bipartisan Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, which is likely to receive a vote in the Senate.\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful that language from the Ruth Moore Act was included in this bill, and I hope the Senate takes swift action on the legislation. It will provide the information we need to make sure the VA follows through on its promises to fairly treat our veterans,\u201d Pingree said. \u201cBut there is more to be done. I will continue pushing the VA and Congress to ease the burdensome standards that survivors of military sexual assault must meet to receive benefits.\u201d \u00a0\n  \n\tPingree also gave remarks on the floor. \u00a0Full text is below.\nCongresswoman Pingree has long championed helping survivors of military sexual trauma obtain disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. \u00a0The bill to make these changes\u2014the Ruth Moore Act\u2014is named for a Maine veteran who had to fight for 23 years to get VA compensation for disabilities caused by being raped during her time in the military.\u00a0\nThe legislative language passed today calls on the VA to annually report to Congress a range of information related to claims of military sexual trauma. \u00a0That information would include: the number of claims denied and approved; the most common reasons for claim denials; and the number of pending claims and those on appeal. \u00a0\nPingree\u2019s bill has passed the Republican-controlled House before\u2014the last time in 2015\u2014but has not been voted on in the Senate. Developed by members of both chambers, the Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 has bipartisan support and is likely to come for a vote in the Senate.\u00a0\nCongresswoman Pingree's full floor remarks:\u00a0\nThank you Mr. Speaker, and I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Takano for their work on this bill. I think it\u2019s clear this committee is truly working for our nation\u2019s veterans.\nI\u2019m grateful that language from the Ruth Moore Act was included in this bill. It\u2019s an important step in making sure the VA follows through on its promises to fairly treat our veterans.\nMr. Speaker, almost every day I hear from another veteran who is the survivor of military sexual trauma\u2014or MST.\u00a0\nThese are men and women of all ages, from every branch of the service. They \u00a0include veterans from World War II to the war in Afghanistan and every era in between.\nThose assaults leave indelible marks on their lives in the form of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and many other conditions. But despite some progress at the VA on their claims, too many are denied the disability benefits they have earned.\u00a0\nI\u2019m glad the Defense Department and the VA have increased training and prevention efforts around rape and harassment, but let me be clear\u2014this problem is NOT fixed. \u00a0  \n\tSurvivors of sexual assault have been shamed and suffer continued harassment and recrimination. \u00a0Far too many have been involuntarily discharged in retaliation for reporting sexual assault and harassment\u2014meaning the survivor, not the perpetrator, has paid the price for this criminal behavior.\u00a0\nI\u2019d like to close by talking for a minute about a very brave woman\u2014Ruth Moore, a Maine veteran and my bill\u2019s namesake. Ruth fought for 23 years before she was finally given the benefits we owed her.\u00a0\nThere are thousands and thousands of Ruth Moores out there, who have been fighting for their benefits for years or even decades. \u00a0We can and must do better. \u00a0This issue is too important to ignore, and this provision ensures that the VA and survivors know Congress is watching. \u00a0\nI\u2019m so glad this language from my bill was included in this legislation, and I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-welcome-tariff-announcement-protect-maine-papermaking-jobs", "Collins, King Welcome Tariff Announcement to Protect Maine Papermaking Jobs", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In response to an announcement today from the U.S. Trade Commission (ITC) that it will help protect Maine papermaking jobs by extending existing duties on imports of coated paper from China and Indonesia, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe welcome the International Trade Commission\u2019s decision to maintain its current tariffs on coated paper from China and Indonesia. This decision will support companies in Maine, like Verso, that provide good-paying jobs to hundreds of people,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cMaine\u2019s papermakers can compete with anyone on a level playing field, which is why tackling these illegal and unfair trade practices by foreign competitors is so critical.\u201d\n\u00a0\nToday, the ITC announced an extension of duties on imports of certain coated paper from China and Indonesia as a step to ensure continuing fair market conditions for the domestic market. The decision by the ITC to continue existing duties resulted from a petition filed under a so-called \u201csunset review.\u201d Under existing law, remedial tariffs that are authorized in antidumping and countervailing duty cases are subject to reassessment five years under sunset review procedures. The original effort to address unfair trade for the subject products was decided in November 2010. The petitioners \u2013 including Verso Corporation, Sappi North America, and Appleton Coated LLC \u2013 requested extension of relief to prevent unfairly subsidized imports from China and Indonesia from harming U.S. manufacturers and workers.\n\u00a0\nSenators Collins and King led a bipartisan letter signed by fifteen of their colleagues in July calling on the ITC to extend the tariffs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/us-senator-susan-collins-meets-dr-ben-carson-washington", "U.S. Senator Susan Collins Meets with Dr. Ben Carson in Washington", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE for B-roll of Senator Collins with Dr. Carson\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with Dr. Ben Carson, the President-elect\u2019s nominee to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in her Washington, D.C., office this afternoon for 50 minutes. Senator Collins chairs the subcommittee that sets HUD\u2019s funding.\n\u201cIt was a pleasure to sit down with Dr. Ben Carson this afternoon. We had a very interesting discussion on ways we can work together to help spur job creation, improve housing options for low-income families and seniors, and strengthen communities across our country. I look forward to hearing more about Dr. Carson\u2019s ideas at his upcoming Senate confirmation hearing,\u201d said Senator Collins.\nThe Senate is expected to consider Dr. Carson\u2019s nomination in early January.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-welcome-tariff-announcement-to-protect-maine-papermaking-jobs", "Collins, King Welcome Tariff Announcement to Protect Maine Papermaking Jobs", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collins, King Welcome Tariff Announcement to Protect Maine Papermaking Jobs\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSenators led a bipartisan letter urging government to protect domestic papermaking manufacturing industry\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 6, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In response to an announcement today from the U.S. Trade Commission (ITC) that it will help protect Maine papermaking jobs by extending existing duties on imports of coated paper from China and Indonesia, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King released the following statement:\r\n\u201cWe welcome the International Trade Commission\u2019s decision to maintain its current tariffs on coated paper from China and Indonesia. This decision will support companies in Maine, like Verso, that provide good-paying jobs to hundreds of people,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cMaine\u2019s papermakers can compete with anyone on a level playing field, which is why tackling these illegal and unfair trade practices by foreign competitors is so critical.\u201d\r\nToday, the ITC announced an extension of duties on imports of certain coated paper from China and Indonesia as a step to ensure continuing fair market conditions for the domestic market. The decision by the ITC to continue existing duties resulted from a petition filed under a so-called \u201csunset review.\u201d Under existing law, remedial tariffs that are authorized in antidumping and countervailing duty cases are subject to reassessment five years under sunset review procedures. The original effort to address unfair trade for the subject products was decided in November 2010. The petitioners \u2013 including Verso Corporation, Sappi North America, and Appleton Coated LLC \u2013 requested extension of relief to prevent unfairly subsidized imports from China and Indonesia from harming U.S. manufacturers and workers.\r\nSenators Collins and King led a bipartisan letter signed by fifteen of their colleagues in July calling on the ITC to extend the tariffs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-joins-bipartisan-effort-to-attract-experienced-entrepreneurs-innovators-to-public-service-", "King Joins Bipartisan Effort to Attract Experienced Entrepreneurs, Innovators to Public Service", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Joins Bipartisan Effort to Attract Experienced Entrepreneurs, Innovators to Public Service \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLegislation would continue beneficial program that attracts promising minds to tackle nation\u2019s biggest challenges\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 6, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today announced that he has cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would make the Presidential Innovation Fellows\u00a0(PIF) program permanent, establishing in law a pathway for government to attract experienced technology entrepreneurs and innovators to public service.\r\nThe Presidential Innovation Fellows program, which was established by the White House in 2012 and enjoys bipartisan support, brings the innovation economy into government by pairing talented, diverse technologists, entrepreneurs, and innovators with top civil-servants and change-makers across multiple federal agencies to tackle some our nation\u2019s biggest challenges.\r\n\u201cAs advancement in technology changes lives, it also has the power to make government more efficient and effective in meeting the challenges we face as a country,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cBut in order to seize those opportunities, we need to attract and steer the best and brightest minds towards government service for at least part of their careers. By providing a permanent pathway to the public sector for tech innovators via the Presidential Innovation Fellows program, this bipartisan legislation would help continue to provide our government with a pipeline of innovative entrepreneurs and ideas to help meet the critical challenges of today and the future.\u201d\r\nThe program is administered as a partnership between the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the White House Office of Management and Budget, and the General Services Administration. Fellows serve for between six and 24 months, during which they collaborate with each other and federal agency partners on high-profile initiatives aimed at saving lives, saving taxpayer money, fueling job creation, and building the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within government. The program does not create any new funding obligations, and agencies requesting a fellow reimburse GSA for both direct and indirect costs incurred by the program.\r\nThe legislation was introduced in November by Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). A similar bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and was overwhelmingly passed by the House in June.\r\nMore information on the bill is available HERE.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/23-maine-students-nominated-united-states-service-academies", "23 Maine students nominated to United States Service Academies", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has announced her office\u2019s nominees to the United States Service Academies\u2014the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. \u00a0To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cThis group of students represents some of Maine\u2019s best and brightest. \u00a0They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic standards, and a passion for helping others,\u201d said Pingree. \u00a0\u201cWhatever happens from here, they should all be proud of themselves. \u00a0We are lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country, and it\u2019s an honor to nominate them.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe nominees were interviewed by a panel of six on their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and exemplified commitment to serving their country.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tPingree nominated several students to more than one academy. \u00a0The full list of nominations is below.\u00a0\nUnited States Naval Academy  \n\tKayla Eddy, Kittery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School  \n\tHayden Eilinger, Hollis Center, Southern Maine Community College; Bonny Eagle High School\u00a0  \n\tMaxwell Heathco, Freeport, Freeport High School\u00a0  \n\tNathan Hersom, Rockland, Oceanside High School  \n\tSamuel Jamison, Windsor, Erskine Academy  \n\tOwen Kelley, Gorham, Millbrook School  \n\tJames Mannette, Windham, Windham High School  \n\tDylan Roberts, Cape Elizabeth, Marion Military Institute; Cape Elizabeth High School  \n\tAdam Sciretta, Bath, Annandale High School\u00a0  \n\tTimothy Small, South Portland, South Portland High School  \n\tIra Toracinta, Kittery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School  \n\tEdward Vatcher, Kennebunk, Berwick Academy\nUnited States Military Academy  \n\tBenjamin Abbott, Winslow, Winslow High School  \n\tEmma Begin, Chelsea, U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School; Hall-Dale High School  \n\tKayla Eddy, Kittery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School  \n\tMaxwell Heathco, Freeport, Freeport High School\u00a0  \n\tSamuel Jamison, Windsor, Erskine Academy  \n\tKatherine Lopes, Waterville, Waterville High School  \n\tRyan Rosado, Freeport, Freeport High School  \n\tKaren Yurek, Bath, Morse High School\nUnited States Air Force Academy  \n\tBenjamin Abbott, Winslow, Winslow High School  \n\tCourtney Christoforo, Saco, Thornton Academy  \n\tKayla Eddy, Kittery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School  \n\tToby Foelix, Camden, Purdue University, Lexington High School  \n\tNathan Hersom, Rockland, Oceanside High School  \n\tPatrick Hopkins, Winslow, Winslow High School  \n\tJennifer Lorbeski, Richmond, Gardiner Area High School  \n\tJames Mannette, Windham, Windham High School  \n\tIra Toracinta, Kittery, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy  \n\tAndrew Cloutier, Lyman, Massabesic High School  \n\tPatrick Hopkins, Winslow, Winslow High School  \n\tThomas Lawson, Gorham, Stevens Institute of Technology; Cheverus  \n\tJames Mannette, Windham, Windham High School  \n\tDylan Roberts, Cape Elizabeth, Marion Military Institute; Cape Elizabeth High School", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-says-dr-ben-carson-not-qualified-serve-secretary-housing-and", "Pingree says Dr. Ben Carson not qualified to serve as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement today on news that President-elect Trump has chosen surgeon Dr. Ben Carson as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\n\u201cThe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development oversees many programs that are critical to Maine communities and families. To name just a few, Community Development Block Grants help fund infrastructure improvements in our downtowns, affordable housing programs and rental assistance ensure that people in need have a roof over their heads, and Federal Housing Authority mortgage guarantees make the dream of home ownership possible for thousands of Maine families. I worry for the future of these important programs if Dr. Ben Carson is confirmed as Secretary.\n\u201cAs any employer knows, you should base hiring decisions on someone\u2019s relevant experience and skill set. By his own admission, Dr. Carson has neither. \u00a0He expressed just last month that he has no experience in government and has never run this scale of operation. Maine and the country deserve better. HUD is simply too important to have someone so uniquely unqualified at the helm.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/18-maine-students-nominated-us-military-service-academies-0", "18 Maine Students Nominated for U.S. Military Service Academies", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BANGOR\u00a0\u2013 Today, Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) announced that he has nominated 18 students from Maine\u2019s 2nd District to attend one of our Nation\u2019s prestigious military service academies next year. The Congressman will personally call each nominee to congratulate them. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am honored to nominate these dedicated Mainers for consideration to be admitted to one of our Nation\u2019s prestigious military service academies,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cEvery year I am struck by the incredible talent, commitment to duty and record of service of all those who apply and are awarded these nominations. These young men and women are truly among the best and brightest. I wish all these nominees great success and hope they will continue to work hard serving our communities and Great Nation.\u201d\n\u00a0\nCongressman Poliquin\u2019s nominations were informed by the recommendations of his distinguished Service Academy Nomination Advisory Panel, which personally interviewed student applicants last month in Bangor. That board included military, community and educational leaders and had nearly 200 years of combined service in the United States Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy.\n\u00a0\nTo be considered for appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by a Member of Congress or other authorized nominating source. The following is the full list of 2nd District students who received Congressman Poliquin\u2019s nomination as candidates to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.:\n\u00a0\n Anna Sewall, East Millinocket, Schenck High School: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tChase Harkins, Bethel, Gould Academy: U.S. Military Academy\n\tCody Craig, Skowhegan, Maine Virtual Academy: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tConnor Grant, Houlton, Houlton High School: U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tEmily Mikoud, Dover-Foxcroft, Foxcroft Academy: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy\n\tEthan Boucher, Rumford, Mountain Valley High School: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\tHailey Davis, Liberty, Mount View High School: U.S. Military Academy\n\tHoward Francis, Lee, Lee Academy: U.S. Naval Academy and\u00a0 U.S. Air Force Academy \u00a0\n\tJohn Pepin, Rumford, Mountain Valley High School: U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy\n\tJoseph Baumann, Leeds, Leavitt Area High School: U.S. Naval Academy\n\tJoshua Burns, Bangor, International School of Stavanger: U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\n\tKeenan Collett, Orono, Orono High School: U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\tMax Santagata, Dover-Foxcroft, Foxcroft Academy: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\tRyan Moore, Bangor, Phillips Exeter Academy: U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy\n\tScott Pierce, Auburn, Buckfield High School: U.S. Naval Academy\n\tSeth Davis, Liberty, Mount View High School: U.S. Military Academy\n\tThomas Carmack, Veazie, John Bapst Memorial High School: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force\n\tTrajdan MacFayden, Greenville, Greenville High School: U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\n \u00a0\nThe application period for 2nd District students seeking nomination to a military service academy from Congressman Poliquin in 2017 will open in May.\n\u00a0\nAdditionally, Congressman Poliquin urges military service academy graduates and other Veterans in need of assistance to contact his offices by phone or in person in Lewiston (784-0768), Bangor (942-0583) or Presque Isle (764-1968) or by visiting\u00a0poliquin.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-speak-senate-floor-21st-century-cures-act-landmark-medical-innovation", "Senator Collins to Speak from the Senate Floor on 21st Century Cures Act, Landmark Medical Innovation Legislation That Includes 5 Pieces of Legislation She Authored", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins\u2019 floor statement on the Senior $afe Act  \u00a0\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, took to the Senate floor this afternoon to express her deep disappointment that one Senator is holding up the passage of the Senior$afe Act\u2014bipartisan legislation she authored to help protect seniors from financial exploitation and fraud. Senator Collins has been a steadfast champion of efforts to shed light on and put a stop to the national epidemic of financial abuse of seniors, which robs them of their hard-earned savings.\n\u201cI am greatly disappointed that we have been unable to overcome objections from just one Senator from the other side of the aisle who is blocking the passage of the Senior$afe Act, legislation I introduced to help protect our seniors from financial fraud and exploitation,\u201d said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, from the Senate floor. \u201cThis is a bill that I introduced with my colleague, Senator Claire McCaskill, as a result of extensive hearings and investigations that we have conducted in the Senate Aging Committee. Nationally as many as five million seniors may be victims of financial abuse each year, and putting an end to this tsunami of fraud has long been one of my top priorities.\n\u201cThis commonsense bill would help so many seniors avoid becoming the victim of financial fraud and abuse,\u201d Senator Collins continued. \u201cI hope that the Senator in question will reconsider and allow us to send this important bill to the President for his signature.\u201d\nIn a letter to Senator Collins, Jaye Martin, Executive Director of Maine Legal Services, expressed strong support for the legislation, writing that, \"In a landscape that includes family members who often wish to keep exploitation from coming to light because they are perpetrating the exploitation, the risk of facing potential nuisance or false complaints over privacy violations is all too real. This is a barrier that must be removed so that financial institutions will act immediately to make a report to the proper authorities upon forming a reasonable belief that exploitation is occurring. These professionals are on the front lines in the fight against elder financial exploitation and are often the only ones in a position to stop the exploitation before it is too late.\u201d\nThe Senior$afe Act, which will help protect seniors from financial fraud, is based on Maine\u2019s innovative and important Senior$afe program pioneered by Maine Securities Administrator Judith Shaw. In February 2015, Chairman Collins invited Judith Shaw to testify at a hearing that examined ways to prevent the financial exploitation of seniors. Ms. Martin, who testified before the Senate Aging Committee last month, said hundreds of financial institution managers and employees have been trained to identify possible fraud as a result of Maine\u2019s Senior$afe law.\nThe Senior$afe Act would:\n \nEncourage banks, credit unions, investment advisors, broker-dealers, insurance companies and insurance agencies to report suspected senor financial fraud; and\n \n \nProtect these institutions from being sued for making reports so long as they have trained their employees, and make reports in good faith and on a reasonable basis to the proper authorities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-statement-nomination-dr-ben-carson", "Senator Collins' Statement on Nomination of Dr. Ben Carson", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins' Statement on Nomination of Dr. Ben Carson \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 12/05/2016 - 14:03    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. \u2014 Following the nomination of Dr. Ben Carson to be the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, issued this statement:\n\u201cThrough his decades of world-renowned service in the medical community, Dr. Ben Carson has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of Americans. As the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working with Dr. Carson to improve our housing assistance to disadvantaged families, people with disabilities, and low-income seniors as well as programs to assist our homeless youth and veterans, where we are making such progress. I also envision our partnership will help spur job creation and economic development through programs such as the Community Development Block Grants.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-united-states-military-service-0", "Senators Collins and King Announce Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced their nominees to the United States Military Academies. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress. Admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy, also a federal service academy, does not require a congressional nomination.\n\u201cWe are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation\u2019s distinguished service academies,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cThe young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character.\u201d\nThe following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King:\nUnited States Air Force Academy \u2013 Colorado Springs\nName \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Home Town \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0High School\nBenjamin Abbott \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Winslow \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Winslow High School  Thomas Carmack \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Veazie \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0John Bapst Memorial High School  Courtney Christoforo \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Saco \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Thornton Academy  Adrian Dyer \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Easton \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lee Academy  Toby Foelix \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Camden \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lexington High School, MA  Connor Grant \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Houlton \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Houlton High School  Nathan Hersom \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Rockland \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Oceanside High School  Patrick Hopkins \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Winslow \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Winslow High School  Jacob Lennon \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Albion \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Lawrence High School  Jennifer Lorbeski \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Richmond \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Gardiner Area High School  James Mannette \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Windham \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Windham High School  Ryan Moore \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bangor \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Phillips Exeter Academy, NH  John Pepin \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Rumford \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mountain Valley High School  Ira Toracinta \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Kittery \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 St. Thomas Aquinas High School\u00a0\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point\nName \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Home \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Town High School\nEthan Roger Boucher \u00a0 \u00a0Rumford \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mountain Valley High  Andrew Cloutier \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lyman \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Massabesic High School  Keenan Collett \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Orono \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Orono High School  Thomas Lawson \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Gorham \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Cheverus High School  Jacob Lennon \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Albion \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Lawrence High School  James Mannette \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Windham \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Windham High School  Dylan Roberts \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Cape Elizabeth \u00a0 \u00a0Cape Elizabeth High School  Adam Sciretta \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bath \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Annandale High School, VA\nUnites States Military Academy \u2013 West Point\nName \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Home Town \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 High School\nBenjamin Abbott \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Winslow \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Winslow High School  Emma Begin \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Chelsea \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Hall-Dale High School  Joshua Burns \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bangor \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 International School of Stavanger, Norway  Thomas Carmack \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Veazie \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0John Bapst Memorial High School  Keenan Collett \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Orono \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Orono High School  Hailey Davis \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Liberty \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mount View High School  Seth Davis \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Liberty \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mount View High School  Kayla Eddy \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Kittery \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 St. Thomas Aquinas High School  Maxwell Heathco \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Freeport \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Freeport High School  Samuel Jamison \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Windsor \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Erskine Academy  Emily Mikoud \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Dover-Foxcroft \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Foxcroft Academy  Ryan Moore \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bangor \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Phillips Exeter Academy, NH  Ryan Rosado \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Freeport \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Freeport High School  Karen Yurek \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Bath \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Morse High School\nUnited States Naval Academy- Annapolis\nName \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Home Town \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 High School\nThomas Carmack \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Veazie \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 John Bapst Memorial High School  Keenan Collett \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Orono \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Orono High School  Howard Francis \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lee \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Lee Academy  Maxwell Heathco \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Freeport \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Freeport High School  Nathan Hersom \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Rockland \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Oceanside High School  Owen Kelley \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Gorham \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Millbrook School, CT  Jacob Lennon \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Albion \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lawrence High School  Eloise Lienert \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Brunswick \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Brunswick High School  Trajdan MacFadyen \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Greenville \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Greenville High School  Max Santagata \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Dover-Foxcroft \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Foxcroft Academy  Adam Sciretta \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bath \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Annandale High School, VA  Anna Sewall \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0East Millinocket \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Schenck High School  Timothy Small \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 South Portland \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0South Portland High School  Ira Toracinta \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Kittery \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0St. Thomas Aquinas High School  Edward Vatcher \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Kennebunk \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Berwick Academy  Jack Venden \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Yarmouth \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Yarmouth High School", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/trust-betrayed-financial-abuse-older-americans-guardians-and-others-power", "\"Trust Betrayed: Financial Abuse of Older Americans by Guardians and Others in Power\"", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Earlier this year, an attorney in Belfast was sentenced to 30 months in prison for bilking two elderly female clients out of nearly a half a million dollars over the course of several years.\nThe lawyer\u2019s brazen theft was uncovered when a teller at a local bank noticed that he was writing large checks to himself on his clients\u2019 accounts. When confronted by authorities, he offered excuses that the prosecutor later described as \u201cbreathtaking.\u201d For example, according to press reports, he put one of his clients into a nursing home to recover from a temporary medical condition, and then kept her there for four years until the theft of her funds came to light. Meanwhile, he submitted bills for \u201cservices,\u201d sometimes totaling $20,000 a month, including charging her $250 per hour for six to seven hours to check on her house, even though his office was just a one-minute drive down the road.\nAnother tragic case of theft and abuse was featured in a Maine Sunday Telegram article last month. The article detailed the story of an elderly woman from Los Angeles, California, who went missing in 2008. In 2012, authorities found her, alive but in poor health, abandoned in a tiny cabin in Maine by three people who had \u201cbefriended\u201d her years earlier. After gaining the woman\u2019s trust, and control of her finances, these criminals sold her house and stole her money, cheating her of an estimated $1 million in assets. Today, this 90-year-old woman is a ward of the state and lives in a nursing home in rural Maine \u2013 thousands of miles away from the life she used to know.\nThese Maine cases represent shocking breaches of trust and shed light on a national epidemic of financial abuse of seniors by those they trust. Sometimes, that abuse is perpetrated by \u201cfriends\u201d or family members who are handling the victim\u2019s affairs informally. Other times, the abuse is committed under color of a fiduciary relationship, such as a Power of Attorney in the Maine cases, or what\u2019s known as a conservatorship or guardianship. One would hope that this abuse would be unusual where guardians or conservators are involved since these fiduciaries are formally appointed and overseen by state courts. But experience has shown that this is not always the case.\nAs the Chairman of the Aging Committee, I have been long been concerned by guardianship abuse that robs seniors of their hard-earned savings and often puts their health and safety at risk. I recently chaired a hearing on this subject to examine the extent to which our seniors remain at risk of financial exploitation by guardians, and what is being done to protect them from this reprehensible crime. At my invitation, Jaye Martin, the Executive Director of Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE) in Maine, testified.\nAccording to Ms. Martin, LSE assisted 260 victims of elder abuse during the last 12 months. This is a 24 percent increase from the prior year. While this number includes physical and emotional abuse as well, roughly half of the cases handled by LSE involved financial exploitation of seniors. Even more alarming was Ms. Martin\u2019s testimony that in 75 percent of those cases, the financial exploitation was carried out by a family member. Unfortunately, these numbers only represent the tip of the iceberg, since so many abuse cases go unreported. Oftentimes, victims are too ashamed or afraid to alert authorities about financial exploitation, particularly when it involves a family member.\nDuring the hearing, the Committee heard testimony about some of the promising initiatives that are being undertaken at the state level to combat this form of financial exploitation. One such example is Minnesota\u2019s Conservator Account Auditing Program, which monitors guardians of seniors by requiring them to file regular reports. The state uses an automated software-based system that scans these conservator reports for 30 \"red flags\" that may indicate abuse or mismanagement of the estate. Minnesota is making this innovative software reporting and analysis system available to other states free of charge.\nLegal organizations like Ms. Martin\u2019s, and others around the nation, are also a significant part of the solution to this burgeoning problem and are making a real difference. I asked Ms. Martin whether additional tools would be beneficial to her efforts on the frontlines to better protect seniors. In response, she noted that Maine\u2019s innovative Senior$afe program has been an \u201cextraordinary success,\u201d and she was thrilled that I introduced a bill earlier this Congress that would take this concept to the nation. My Senior$afe Act would help protect seniors by encouraging banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to train their employees to spot financial abuse of older Americans and report it to the proper authorities.\nSeniors in need of assistance to manage their financial affairs should not have their trust betrayed, leaving them destitute in some cases. While progress is being made, and most guardians are ethical, much more needs to be done to oversee guardians and uncover potential abuse in time to stop it. It is essential that the federal and state governments work together to better ensure that guardians are protecting vulnerable seniors, not stealing from them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-embarks-on-nuclear-powered-aircraft-carrier-surveys-operational-capabilities", "King Embarks on Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier, Surveys Operational Capabilities", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Embarks on Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier, Surveys Operational Capabilities\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThanks Navy sailors, including ten from Maine, for their dedicated service to the country\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 5, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 At the invitation of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) stayed aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON this weekend where he surveyed the ship\u2019s operational capabilities as it conducted exercises off the coast of North Carolina. While aboard the ship, Senator King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, observed day and night flight operations, toured the ship and met with various crewmembers to gain a better understanding of carrier operations, and had dinner with ten sailors from Maine.\r\nSenator King posted pictures of the trip to his Instagram, which be viewed HERE.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFrom the destroyers built in Bath to the submarines overhauled at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, I\u2019ve long known that our Navy has extraordinary capabilities \u2013 but this weekend\u2019s embark upon the USS George Washington has reinforced for me the wide range and versatility of our Navy\u2019s operations,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cAircraft carriers like the USS George Washington are central to the Navy\u2019s mission to protect our national interests across the globe, and I am grateful to our incredible sailors, including those from Maine who I was fortunate to meet, whose pride and professionalism continue to impress me day-in and day-out. We are so lucky to have these great people looking after us.\u201d\r\nFollowing his embark on the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, Senator King traveled to Newport News, Virginia to visit the USS GERALD R. FORD, the first of the Ford-class carriers, to better understand the capabilities of the newest class of carriers.\r\nUSS GEORGE WASHINGTON is the sixth ship of ten in the Nimitz-class of aircraft carriers and the fourth ship in the Navy\u2019s history to bear the name.\r\nSenator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and also sits on its Seapower Subcommittee, which exercise oversight of the U.S. Navy.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/army-corps-engineers-will-explore-alternate-routes-dakota-access", "Army Corps of Engineers will explore alternate routes to the Dakota Access Pipeline", "2016-12-04", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today applauded the decision of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to explore different routes for the Dakota Access Pipeline and not approve a permit for current siting near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.\u00a0\n\u201cThis is a huge victory today for the Standing Rock Sioux and the many who have braved the freezing cold and brutal violence to oppose this project and its threat to the tribe's sacred sites and water supply,\u201d said Pingree. \u00a0\u201cI applaud President Obama and the Army Corps of Engineers for acting on their concerns, but I will continue working to ensure those promises are kept in the months ahead.\u201d\u00a0\nIn September, Pingree joined her colleagues in urging the USACE for greater consultation with the Standing Rock Sioux. \u00a0\nAnd in light of recent violence against protesters, Pingree has been working with other members of Congress in urging a briefing from the Department of Justice, White House, and Army Corps of Engineer officials before the holiday to hear specifically what actions are being taken to deescalate this situation. Additionally, she joined colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Lynch to express concerns about the health and safety of the protesters and affirm that their right to peacefully demonstrate should be the top priority for the state of North Dakota and the USACE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-made-usa-legislation-championed-rep-poliquin-protecting", "House Passes Made-in-USA Legislation Championed by Rep. Poliquin, Protecting Hundreds of Maine Jobs", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In a milestone victory for hundreds of Maine manufacturing jobs\u2014after a hard-fought, months-long battle\u2014the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final version of the NDAA today that includes critical language pushed forward by Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) to ensure the Department of Defense (DOD) follows the law and issues American-made athletic shoes to its new recruits.\n\u00a0\nCongressman Poliquin, who wore his own red, white and blue, 100% American-made New Balance athletic shoes down to the House floor to cast his vote, released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis is a milestone victory for our Great State of Maine, for our families, and for 900 of the hardest working folks in the world,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cThis is a win that Mainers have long been waiting for. After a months-long and hard fought battle, I am absolutely thrilled that today we have finally pushed this monumental language through the House. I\u2019m not going to let up an inch until we get this to the President\u2019s desk, signed into law and fully implemented.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cNew Balance is proud to be the only major company that still makes athletic footwear in the United States. We are grateful that the U.S. House and Senate has again agreed that our military\u2019s domestic purchasing requirements as stated by law need to be followed. On behalf of the hundreds of men and women in our five New England shoe factories, we want to thank Representative Poliquin for his tireless advocacy in serving the state of Maine,\u201d said Rob DeMartini, President and CEO, New Balance.\n\u00a0\nFor the past several months, Congressman Poliquin has resiliently advocated and taken strong legislative action to push the DOD to comply with the Berry Amendment, the provision which requires the Pentagon to use American-made products for recruits whenever possible.\n\u00a0\nNow, the NDAA will go to the Senate for a final vote.\u00a0 If passed, it will go to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\u00a0\nThis final provision, which was maintained in the NDAA during the conference committee between the House and Senate due to strong support from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Poliquin, mandates that the DOD consider athletic footwear issued to military recruits as subject to the Berry Amendment, requiring the Department to treat athletic footwear like other uniform items.\n\u00a0\nThe Berry Amendment is a provision in law that requires the DOD to use American-made products for new recruits whenever possible. However, since 2002 the DOD has circumvented this policy by issuing cash allowances to new recruits for training shoes, which are not required to be American-made or Berry Amendment-compliant. In 2014, the DOD agreed to change its policy and close this footwear loophole. Despite that announcement, more than two years later, the DOD has yet to actually implement it and rectify this fundamental inequity in the application of the Berry Amendment.\n\u00a0\nTimeline of Progress:\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n September-November 2016: The House and the Senate go to conference to hash out the differences in the two chambers\u2019 versions of the NDAA\n \u00a0\n\u00a0\n December 2, 2016: The House passes the final version of the NDAA with the language included\n \u00a0\nItems to Note:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-37-million-preschool-development-grant-maine", "Collins, King Announce $3.7 Million Preschool Development Grant in Maine", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n    \n    \n      \n      \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Announce $3.7 Million Preschool Development Grant in Maine \n                   \n      \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 12/02/2016 - 09:01    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have awarded $3,735,439 in grant funding to the State of Maine to continue to expand access to high-quality preschool for children from low-income families.\n\u00a0\n\u201cEarly childhood education is an investment in the future of our children,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cThis funding will expand access to pre-K and help build a foundation for Maine children that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe Preschool Development Grant program supports state efforts to create or enhance preschool programs in high-need communities, while building or improving infrastructure to better deliver preschool services. Maine is one of 18 states receiving funding through the Preschool Development Grant program.\n\u00a0\nThis is the third year out of four that awards are given to states that are working with local communities to prepare the nation\u2019s most vulnerable children for success in school and in life.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-leads-bipartisan-push-address-technicality-harming-veterans%E2%80%99-access-timely", "Senator Collins Leads Bipartisan Push to Address Technicality That is Harming Veterans Access to Timely and Quality Health Care, Including Veterans in Southern Maine", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led a bipartisan letter with Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) urging that all pending VA medical centers be authorized before Congress adjourns. The issue affects 24 facilities in 15 states, including the proposed Portland community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) lease for which Senator Collins secured funding earlier this year. The letter, which was addressed to Senate leadership as well as to the leadership of the Senate Appropriations and VA Committees, was signed by 18 Senators, including Senator Angus King (I-ME).\nAll 24 of these leases have already been fully funded by Congress, but their authorization has been delayed due to a budgetary technicality. Under current rules, the Congressional Budget Office scores these leases as having large, up-front direct costs even though spending would not increase and the leases are subject to annual appropriations. As a result of this scoring issue, Congress has had difficulty authorizing major medical leases for the past three years.\nThe proposed CBOC in Portland would consolidate the existing Saco and Portland CBOCs and enhance VA outpatient services. The lease would increase veterans\u2019 access to a core set of services and additional specialty care in a right-sized, state-of-the-art, energy efficient health care facility in the Portland area. The planned full deployment of tele-medicine technologies in the new clinic would further improve veterans\u2019 access to care in rural locations throughout Maine. Although Senator Collins secured funding for the proposed Portland CBOC earlier this year, it cannot move forward without authorization.\n\u201cVeterans deserve convenient access to high-quality health care services they have earned through their service,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cCBOCs provide an essential service to our veterans by allowing them to receive outpatient care without the stress and difficulty of traveling to larger VA medical centers, which may be located far away from veterans\u2019 homes. I will continue to urge my colleagues to support the authorization of these leases so that vital facilities like the proposed Portland CBOC can begin serving our veterans.\u201d\n\u201cThe longer these VA medical facility leases sit unauthorized, the longer our veterans might be waiting for the quality health care services they earned,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThat, quite simply, is unacceptable. It is past time that Congress stepped up to allow these important projects, like the proposed CBOC in Portland, to move forward in order to support veterans in Maine and across the country.\u201d\nThe full list of leases needing authorization is below:\n1. Ann Arbor, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  2. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Mental Health Clinic  3. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Specialty Clinic  4. Boston, MA \u2013 Research Space  5. Charleston, SC \u2013 Research Space  6. Daytona Beach, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  7. Denver, CO \u2013 Chief Business Office Purchased Care  8. Gainesville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  9. Hampton Roads, VA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  10. Mission Bay, CA \u2013 Research Space  11. Missoula, MT \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  12. Northern Colorado, CO \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  13. Ocala, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  14. Oxnard, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  15. Pike County, GA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  16. Portland, ME \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  17. Raleigh, NC \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  18. Santa Rosa, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  19. Corpus Christi, TX \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  20. Jacksonville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  21. Pontiac, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  22. Rochester, NY \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  23. Tampa \u2013 FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  24. Terre Haute, IN \u2013 Outpatient Clinic\nIn September, Senators Collins and King joined Senator Warner in introducing the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, standalone legislation to authorize the leases.\nThe text of the bipartisan letter is below. Click HERE to read the signed PDF letter.\n\u00a0\nNovember 30, 2016\nDear Leader McConnell, Leader Reid, Chairman Cochran, Vice Chairwoman Mikulski, Chairman Isakson, and Ranking Member Blumenthal:\nWe write to urge the authorization of 24 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases before the 114th Congress adjourns. Funding for these leases has already been provided by Congress in previous appropriations acts. These authorizations are necessary to enable VA to deliver vital care and services to veterans across the United States.\nA 2012 change in budgetary scoring of VA\u2019s major medical leases by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has hampered the authorization of these important leases. Due to the change, the lease authorizations receive large, up-front direct spending scores covering the entire life of the lease, even though actual spending would not increase and the leases are subject to annual appropriations. This scoring issue has prevented Congress from easily authorizing major medical leases for the past three years, affecting 24 facilities across 15 states.\nThe full list of leases needing authorization is below:\n25. Ann Arbor, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  26. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Mental Health Clinic  27. Birmingham, AL \u2013 Outpatient Specialty Clinic  28. Boston, MA \u2013 Research Space  29. Charleston, SC \u2013 Research Space  30. Daytona Beach, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  31. Denver, CO \u2013 Chief Business Office Purchased Care  32. Gainesville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  33. Hampton Roads, VA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  34. Mission Bay, CA \u2013 Research Space  35. Missoula, MT \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  36. Northern Colorado, CO \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  37. Ocala, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  38. Oxnard, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  39. Pike County, GA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  40. Portland, ME \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  41. Raleigh, NC \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  42. Santa Rosa, CA \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  43. Corpus Christi, TX \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  44. Jacksonville, FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  45. Pontiac, MI \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  46. Rochester, NY \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  47. Tampa \u2013 FL \u2013 Outpatient Clinic  48. Terre Haute, IN \u2013 Outpatient Clinic\nVeterans in each of these states deserve the timely and quality health care benefits they have earned through their service. As such, we ask that you work to include authorization for these leases in the December funding bill, or another appropriate vehicle, to be signed into law this year. We thank you for your continuing dedication to our nation\u2019s veterans and look forward to working with you to ensure their timely access to VA health care.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/collins-king-announce-37-million-preschool-development-grant-in-maine", "Collins, King Announce $3.7 Million Preschool Development Grant in Maine", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collins, King Announce $3.7 Million Preschool Development Grant in Maine\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 2, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have awarded $3,735,439 in grant funding to the State of Maine to continue to expand access to high-quality preschool for children from low-income families.\r\n\u201cEarly childhood education is an investment in the future of our children,\u201d Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. \u201cThis funding will expand access to pre-K and help build a foundation for Maine children that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.\u201d\r\nThe Preschool Development Grant program supports state efforts to create or enhance preschool programs in high-need communities, while building or improving infrastructure to better deliver preschool services. Maine is one of 18 states receiving funding through the Preschool Development Grant program.\r\nThis is the third year out of four that awards are given to states that are working with local communities to prepare the nation\u2019s most vulnerable children for success in school and in life.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-keynotes-maine-food-network-event", "King Keynotes Maine Food Network Event", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Independent", "House", "ME", "Angus King", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "King Keynotes Maine Food Network Event\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThanks Hundreds for Access to Local Goods, Growing Local Economy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 2, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tORONO, ME \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today delivered keynote remarks at the 2016 Maine Food Network Gathering held at the Wells Conference Center at the University of Maine in Orono, where he applauded the years of hard work that have helped grow Maine\u2019s thriving local food movement.\r\n\u201cMaine has a rich history of agriculture and fisheries. The broad scope of agricultural production, from small local direct market farms to larger commodity growers, is strengthening our rural economy,\u00a0gives us more access to fresh, locally-produced goods, and also creates jobs and grows businesses,\u201d Senator Angus King said. \u201cThe growth we\u2019ve seen didn\u2019t happen overnight; it took years of hard work and collaboration to build the impressive local food network we have today. And events like this one are critically important as we look to continue that positive momentum moving forward.\u201d\r\nToday\u2019s event brought together leaders from Maine\u2019s food economy, and focused on issues such as\u00a0the role that local networks play in overcoming barriers to fresh food, workforce development resources available for small business owners, and opportunities for Maine\u2019s marine economy such as aquaculture. More than 150 attendees from agriculture, fisheries, food production, and food recovery organizations participated in the event.\r\nSenator King has been a strong voice for local agriculture in the Senate, working to support the positive trends in Maine\u2019s local food movement. During debate on the 2014 Farm Bill, which defines our country\u2019s agricultural policies for a period of five years, Senator King worked to make sure the voice of Maine\u2019s farmers was heard.\r\nWhen the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was working to implement the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA), Senator King made sure that Maine farmers\u2019 concerns were heard in the process in an effort to keep the FSMA rules from unduly burdening Maine\u2019s small and midsized farmers. In 2014, he ushered into law the\u00a0Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act, a bipartisan and common-sense bill with Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) that allows veterinarians to legally carry and dispense controlled substances to treat animals on the farm. \u00a0And he has also teamed up with Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) to introduce the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act, or\u00a0PRIME Act, which would make it easier for small farms and ranches to provide locally-produced meats to consumers.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-congressional-delegation-stands-sanford-rug-manufacturer-trade", "Maine Congressional Delegation Stands Up for Sanford Rug Manufacturer in Trade Appeal", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin announced today that they have sent a letter to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board in support of Maine manufacturer Flemish Master Weavers\u2019 (FMW) trade appeal.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe Sanford-based rug manufacturer has applied to the FTZ Board for production authority status that would exempt them from certain tariffs. Currently, textile tariffs that are designed to protect American manufacturers like FMW are actually putting the company at a disadvantage and stifling growth.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cA strong manufacturing industry is essential to Maine\u2019s future, and securing fair trade regulations for Maine-based companies is of critical importance to our communities and economy,\u201d wrote the Maine Congressional Delegation in their letter. \u201cFlemish Master Weavers employs 127 people in Sanford, Maine, and is one of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers. [\u2026] Approval of the FTZ application would not only increase competitiveness, but set the company on a track to expand operations.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tFlemish Master Weavers manufactures machine-made woven area rugs, and as the smallest of only four such producers in the United States, faces competition from foreign manufacturers who increasingly dominate the area rug market here at home. In order to remain competitive, FMW imports yarn that carries an eight-percent U.S. tariff. Despite being designed to protect U.S. businesses, that tariff is actually putting FMW at a competitive disadvantage against the foreign competitors who enjoy duty-free access to the U.S. for the area rugs they manufacture abroad with identical yarn.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tIf the Foreign-Trade Zones Board approves FMW\u2019s application for production authority status, the company would be able to avoid the eight-percent yarn tariff. That would increase FMW\u2019s competiveness and potentially set the company on a course to expand operations.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tFlemish Master Weavers is based in Sanford and employs 127 people. One of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers, FMW has eleven high-speed looms and fully-automated packing and finishing operations. If granted production authority status, the company has indicated that it could potentially increase employment to 170 jobs as part of a 72,000 square foot building expansion.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe foreign-trade zones (FTZs) program was authorized by Congress in 1934 and is used to support U.S. companies in competition with foreign alternatives by allowing delayed or reduced duty payments on foreign merchandise, as well as other savings. The Foreign-Trade Zones Board licenses designated sites as FTZs.  \n\t\u00a0  Text of the letter is below  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t+++  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tNovember 30, 2016  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tMr. Andrew McGilvray  \n\tExecutive Secretary  \n\tForeign-Trade Zone Board  \n\tU.S. Department of Commerce  \n\t1401 Constitution Ave., NW Room 21013  \n\tWashington, DC 20230  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tDear Mr. McGilvray:  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tWe write to express our support for Flemish Master Weavers\u2019 (FMW) recent appeal to the Foreign Trade Zone Board for production authority to manufacture area rugs at FTZ 186, subzone 186A. \u00a0A strong manufacturing industry is essential to Maine\u2019s future, and securing fair trade regulations for Maine-based companies is of critical importance to our communities and economy.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tFlemish Master Weavers is a Maine manufacturer of machine-made woven area rugs and is the smallest of four such producers in the United States. \u00a0The company competes for market share with foreign manufacturers who increasingly dominate the domestic area rug market. \u00a0To remain competitive, FMW imports continuous filament polypropylene yarn, a material carrying a U.S. tariff of eight percent. \u00a0Despite efforts to adjust to a changing market, FMW still faces an uphill battle as foreign area rug competitors enjoy duty-free access to the United States for area rugs made in foreign factories with identical yarn. \u00a0In other words, foreign rugs with the same yarn come in with no U.S. tariff, while FMW\u2019s ability to make the rugs in America is stymied by a U.S. tariff on yarn imports. \u00a0The end result is that American jobs are, ironically, threatened by a tariff designed to protect them. Inverted tariff relief through production authority is needed to ensure that U.S. tariff policy is not putting FMW at a disadvantage relative to foreign area rug producers.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tFlemish Master Weavers employs 127 people in Sanford, Maine, and is one of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers. With 11 high speed looms, fully automated packing, and finishing operations, FMW provides meaningful employment to its workers in Maine, helping them to maintain and improve their financial stability. Approval of the FTZ application would not only increase competitiveness, but set the company on a track to expand operations. The company has stated its interest in a 72,000 square foot building expansion and the addition of two new looms and four replacement looms, which could potentially increase employment from 127 to 170 jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maine-congressional-delegation-stands-sanford-rug-manufacturer-trade", "Maine Congressional Delegation Stands Up for Sanford Rug Manufacturer in Trade Appeal", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin announced today that they have sent a letter to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board in support of Maine manufacturer Flemish Master Weavers\u2019 (FMW) trade appeal.\n\u00a0\nThe Sanford-based rug manufacturer has applied to the FTZ Board for production authority status that would exempt them from certain tariffs. Currently, textile tariffs that are designed to protect American manufacturers like FMW are actually putting the company at a disadvantage and stifling growth.\n\u00a0\n\u201cA strong manufacturing industry is essential to Maine\u2019s future, and securing fair trade regulations for Maine-based companies is of critical importance to our communities and economy,\u201d wrote the Maine Congressional Delegation in their letter. \u201cFlemish Master Weavers employs 127 people in Sanford, Maine, and is one of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers. [\u2026] Approval of the FTZ application would not only increase competitiveness, but set the company on a track to expand operations.\u201d \n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers manufactures machine-made woven area rugs, and as the smallest of only four such producers in the United States, faces competition from foreign manufacturers who increasingly dominate the area rug market here at home. In order to remain competitive, FMW imports yarn that carries an eight-percent U.S. tariff. Despite being designed to protect U.S. businesses, that tariff is actually putting FMW at a competitive disadvantage against the foreign competitors who enjoy duty-free access to the U.S. for the area rugs they manufacture abroad with identical yarn.\n\u00a0\nIf the Foreign-Trade Zones Board approves FMW\u2019s application for production authority status, the company would be able to avoid the eight-percent yarn tariff. That would increase FMW\u2019s competiveness and potentially set the company on a course to expand operations.\n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers is based in Sanford and employs 127 people. One of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers, FMW has eleven high-speed looms and fully-automated packing and finishing operations. If granted production authority status, the company has indicated that it could potentially increase employment to 170 jobs as part of a 72,000 square foot building expansion.\n\u00a0\nThe foreign-trade zones (FTZs) program was authorized by Congress in 1934 and is used to support U.S. companies in competition with foreign alternatives by allowing delayed or reduced duty payments on foreign merchandise, as well as other savings. The Foreign-Trade Zones Board licenses designated sites as FTZs.\n\u00a0\nThe Maine delegation\u2019s letter to the FTZ Board is available HERE and the text is below:\n\u00a0\n+++\n\u00a0\nNovember 30, 2016\n\u00a0\nMr. Andrew McGilvray\nExecutive Secretary\nForeign-Trade Zone Board\nU.S. Department of Commerce\n1401 Constitution Ave., NW Room 21013\nWashington, DC 20230\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nDear Mr. McGilvray:\n\u00a0\nWe write to express our support for Flemish Master Weavers\u2019 (FMW) recent appeal to the Foreign Trade Zone Board for production authority to manufacture area rugs at FTZ 186, subzone 186A.\u00a0 A strong manufacturing industry is essential to Maine\u2019s future, and securing fair trade regulations for Maine-based companies is of critical importance to our communities and economy.\n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers is a Maine manufacturer of machine-made woven area rugs and is the smallest of four such producers in the United States.\u00a0 The company competes for market share with foreign manufacturers who increasingly dominate the domestic area rug market.\u00a0 To remain competitive, FMW imports continuous filament polypropylene yarn, a material carrying a U.S. tariff of eight percent.\u00a0 Despite efforts to adjust to a changing market, FMW still faces an uphill battle as foreign area rug competitors enjoy duty-free access to the United States for area rugs made in foreign factories with identical yarn.\u00a0 In other words, foreign rugs with the same yarn come in with no U.S. tariff, while FMW\u2019s ability to make the rugs in America is stymied by a U.S. tariff on yarn imports.\u00a0 The end result is that American jobs are, ironically, threatened by a tariff designed to protect them. Inverted tariff relief through production authority is needed to ensure that U.S. tariff policy is not putting FMW at a disadvantage relative to foreign area rug producers.\n\u00a0\nFlemish Master Weavers employs 127 people in Sanford, Maine, and is one of Southern Maine\u2019s largest manufacturing employers. With 11 high speed looms, fully automated packing, and finishing operations, FMW provides meaningful employment to its workers in Maine, helping them to maintain and improve their financial stability. Approval of the FTZ application would not only increase competitiveness, but set the company on a track to expand operations. The company has stated its interest in a 72,000 square foot building expansion and the addition of two new looms and four replacement looms, which could potentially increase employment from 127 to 170 jobs.\n\u00a0\n\tSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://poliquin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-poliquin-applauds-passage-medical-cures-bill-funding-combat-opioid", "Rep. Poliquin Applauds Passage of Medical Cures Bill, Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "ME", "Bruce Poliquin", "P000611", "poliquin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) applauded the U.S. House of Representative\u2019s passage of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act yesterday, a comprehensive bill that will make major investments in innovative medical research, help find cures and treatments for diseases, and provide critical support to combat the opioid epidemic in Maine and other states across the nation. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:\n\u00a0\n\u201cFor more than a half century, our nation has led the world in medical research and innovation,\u201d said Congressman Poliquin. \u201cWith the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, we will continue to make sure that our top medical research institutions, such as Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor and the Mount Desert Island Laboratory, have the tools they need so they can press on in their work and find more cures and treatments to help patients around the globe. I\u2019m especially pleased that provisions were included in this legislation to specifically improve methods for prevention, diagnosis and treatment for tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cAs someone whose family has been personally impacted by the horrific opioid crisis in our State, I\u2019m very pleased this bill will provide critical support to Maine to combat this epidemic.\u00a0 I am working to do everything I can to support our families, community members, health care workers, and law enforcement to help curb this crisis.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe 21st Century Cures Act will help accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures for patients across our nation by providing medical researchers with the resources they need and by streamlining and improving the Federal Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) review of life-saving drugs for patients. Specifically, this bill will provide $4.8 billion of funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).\n\u00a0\nAdditionally, the bill includes $1 billion for grants to states to combat the opioid crisis. Congressman Poliquin is a founding member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 851, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "ME", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ME&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 424, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ME&year=2016&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Independent", "label": "Independent", "count": 250, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ME&year=2016&party=Independent", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 177, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ME&year=2016&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ME&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 851, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ME&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ME&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "ME", "label": "ME", "count": 851, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ME&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 851, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ME", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-12-01,https~3A~2F~2Fpoliquin~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-poliquin-applauds-passage-medical-cures-bill-funding-combat-opioid", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ME&year=2016&_next=2016-12-01%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fpoliquin~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-poliquin-applauds-passage-medical-cures-bill-funding-combat-opioid&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 229.23343908041716, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}