{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"ME\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-protect-patients-surprise-medical-bills-now-law", "Legislation to Protect Patients from Surprise Medical Bills is Now Law", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills was signed into law as part of the government funding package.\n\nAmericans increasingly pay more out-of-pocket for their health care, so it is crucial that they have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. The health and economic crisis we are currently experiencing due to COVID-19 has underscored the need for Congress to come together to increase the affordability and accessibility of medical care. \n\nFar too many Americans are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of health care, which places severe strain on family budgets and threatens access to the care and medications they need. The last thing patients should have to worry about while they are sick or recovering is receiving an unexpected bill because they were unaware they were receiving out-of-network care,said Senator Collins. Increasing the affordability and accessibility of health care is one of my highest priorities, and this new law ending the unfair practice of surprise medical billing will help provide significant relief.\n\nThe proposal to end surprise medical billing will also allow approximately $18 billion in savings to be used to fully fund Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education, and Special Diabetes Programs for three years. As the lead sponsor of theTraining the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act, Senator Collins has long worked to bolster and expand this successful training program. As the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, she has championed the Special Diabetes Program, which has been instrumental in promoting advances in diabetes care such as the artificial pancreas system. \n\nThe bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including:\n\n \nHolds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider.\n \n\n \nProhibits certain out-of-network providers from balance billing patients unless the provider gives the patient notice of their network status and an estimate of charges 72 hours prior to receiving out-of-network services and the patient provides consent to receive out-of-network care.\n \n\n \nCreates a framework that takes patients out of the middle, and allows health care providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patient.\n \n\n \nUnder the agreement, insurers will make a payment to the provider that is determined either through negotiation between the parties or an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. There is no minimum payment threshold to enter IDR, and claims may be batched together to ease administrative burdens.\n \n\n \nIf the parties choose to utilize the IDR process, both parties would each submit an offer to the independent arbiter. When choosing between the two offers the arbiter is required to consider the median in-network rate, information related to the training and experience of the provider, the market share of the parties, previous contracting history between the parties, complexity of the services provided, and any other information submitted by the parties.\n \n\n \nFollowing an IDR process, the party that initiated the dispute may not take the same party to arbitration for the same item or service for 90-days following a determination by the arbitrator. However, all claims that occur during the 90-day period are eligible for IDR after the 90-days.\n \n\n \nProvides additional consumer protections when insurance companies change networks, including a transition of care for people with complex care needs and appeal rights for consumers.\n \n\n \nEmpowers consumers by providing a true and honest cost estimate that describes which providers will deliver their treatment, the cost of services, and provider network status.\n \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-500000-maine-housing-authorities-0", "Senator Collins Announces More Than $500,000 for Maine Housing Authorities", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that nine housing authorities in Maine will receive a total of $509,826 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS).\n\nMaine's housing authorities provide an array of vital services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring that the housing needs of all Mainers are met. By supporting public housing agencies, this funding will help connect individuals with the resources they need to achieve economic independence.\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows:\n\nAugusta Housing Authoritywill receive $32,484.\n\nBangor Housing Authoritywill receive $63,709.\n\nCity of Caribouwill receive $57,446.\n\nHousing Authority of Brewerwill receive $60,978.\n\nHousing Authority of Old Townwill receive $47,944.\n\nLewiston Housing Authoritywill receive $58,873.\n\nMaine State Housing Authoritywill receive $62,467.\n\nPortland Housing Authoritywill receive $78,659.\n\nWestbrook Housing Authoritywill receive $47,266.\n\nAs the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine. Earlier this month, sheannounced$120,000 for housing authorities in Aroostook and Sagadahoc Counties. In addition, Senator Collins helped to secure a total of $46.5 million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communities throughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-hassan-protect-funding-nearly-200-rural-low-income-school-districts", "Collins, Hassan Protect Funding for Nearly 200 Rural, Low-Income School Districts", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced that they successfully reversed a Department of Education decision that jeopardized funding for nearly 200 rural, low-income school districts. A provision they negotiated that was included in the year-end government funding bill that was signed into law prevents a funding cliff for the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), the only dedicated federal funding stream to support rural schools.\n\nThe Department of Education's abrupt change in eligibility for REAP funding would have forced many ruralschools in Maine and throughout the country to forgo essential activities and services,said Senator Collins.REAP helps deliver an equitable and enriching education to thousands of students living in rural America. This bipartisanprovisionI pushed forwill ensure that students in rural communities continue to have access to these critical programs.\n\nRural schools in New Hampshire rely on this critical funding coming every year so that they can serve their students, and the bipartisan provision that Senator Collins and I worked on will help ensure that these resources aren't pulled out from under them,said Senator Hassan.This funding is particularly important now amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has presented unprecedented challenges to remote and in-person learning.\n\nREAP was created in 2002 by Senator Collins and former Senator Kent Conrad to help rural schools overcome the increased expenses caused by geographic isolation. It consists of two programs  the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program and the Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program.\n\nMany states have qualified for RLIS because the Department of Education has allowed school districts to measure poverty by the percentage of students receiving free lunch. Earlier this year, however, the Department abruptly announced that it would no longer accept the poverty measurements it had received from participating states in years past, threatening the eligibility and funding for schools without any notification to Congress. This change would have excluded nearly 200 school districts from the RLIS program, creating a funding cliff for rural schools already balancing tight budgets.\n\nIn Maine alone, more than 100 of the 149 schools were eligible for RLIS program funding last year. Without this provision, they could have lost a total of $1.2 million in RLIS funding due to the Department of Education's decision.In New Hampshire, 43 school districts received funding this year. Without this provision, more than 30 districts would have lost funding  a nearly $600,000 funding loss statewide.\n\nSenator Collinsfirst raised this problemwith SecretaryDeVosin February. Additionally, Senator Collins and members of the Maine Delegationsent a follow-up letterto SecretaryDeVosurging her to restore this vital funding. In March, Senators Collins and Hassanled a letterto SecretaryDeVosthat was signed by 19 of their colleagues, expressing their strong opposition to this abrupt decision. Following that effort, the Department announced it would delay the change and prevent these cuts from taking effect this year.Earlier this month, SenatorsCollinsand Hassanled a bipartisan letterurging the Appropriations Committeeto support their request to protect state and school district participation in REAP in the government funding bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/provision-senator-collins-championed-prevent-medicare-physician-payment-cuts-signed-law", "Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 12/30/2020 - 09:18    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the year-end government funding bill that was signed into lawincludesaprovision based onbipartisanlegislation sheco-authoredto prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021.\n\nThese reimbursement cutswould have fallenprimarily on the backs of health care providers across non-primary care specialties  from radiology to physical therapy toorthopaedicsurgery andcould have hada devastating effect on health care practices and, most important, patient access to care,said Senator Collins. I am pleased that this provisionincluded in the government funding billwill halt theseill-timedpayment cuts from going into effect at the start of the New Year, helping to ensure that we do not further burden our health care system that is already struggling due to the pandemic.\n\nSenator Collins has long been a champion of improving access to health care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Inaddition tosponsoring legislationto avert destabilizing cuts to medical providers that would have harmed patients' access to health care, Senator Collinssent a letterto Senate leaders in October, urging them to advance legislation to prevent these sharp reductions in payment.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-improving-hope-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-act-signed-law", "Bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimers Act Signed into Law", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Shelley MooreCapito(R-WV)and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) announced that theImproving HOPE (Health, Outcomes, Planning, and Education) for Alzheimer's Actpassed Congress as part of the year-end omnibus package and has been signed into law.\nFollowing the lawmakers' successful bipartisan push in 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in November 2016 that Medicare would begin covering new care plans in 2017. TheImprovingHOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach to make more health care providers aware of this important benefit and to report back on rates of utilization and barriers to access.\n\"It is imperative that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their families receive the resources they need, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available,said Senator Collins.Fortunately, following our advocacy, CMS implemented a new rule in 2018 that allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive a care planning session.Our legislation will expand access to this service by increasing awareness of this policy change among physicians.As the Co-Chair of the Senate Alzheimer's Task Force, I will continue to support those living with Alzheimer's diseaseand their caregivers.\n\nCare plans are an important tool to ensure that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones who help care for them every day have the support they need to cope with this devastating disease,said Senator Stabenow.TheImproving HOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill help make sure patients, their families, and their health care providers know about and can take advantage of the available resources.\n\nWhile we work towards the goal of finding a cure for Alzheimer's by 2025, we must also ensure seniors with Alzheimer's get the best care possible. Developing care plans that assist families, caregivers, and seniors understand diagnosis and available treatments helps make that happen. Enacting the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act will mean more seniors will benefit for these plans. This is an important step forward for those suffering from Alzheimer's,said Senator Markey.\n\nDelivering accessible care to those struggling with Alzheimer's is crucial to the foundation of our families and gives hope to our loved ones. Now that certain care plans are offered, we must make sure this information is properly relayed to eligible families. The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act successfully strengthens our outreach strategy and makes resources available to those who need it most. I'm proud to have been part of this movement since 2015 and that our legislation was included in the year-end package,said SenatorCapito.\n\nI know how devastating it can be, not only for our loved ones struggling with Alzheimer's  like my mother did -- but for families trying to understand how to provide the best care possible. Although we fought to provide patients and their caregivers important services  like help in understanding a diagnosis, available treatments, and ways to manage the challenges ahead -- far too many seniors and their doctors have no idea the benefit is available. I'm thrilled to see our bill enacted so we can change that and ensure patients get the resources they need,said Senator Menendez.\n\nAlzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's. TheHOPE for Alzheimer's Actrequires Medicare to pay for an individual care plan for newly diagnosed Alzheimer's patients. This benefit encourages doctors to give a clear diagnosis to patients with Alzheimer's disease, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available.\n\nIn 2017, less than one percent of seniors living with Alzheimer's disease received the care planning benefit. TheImproving HOPE for Alzheimer's Actrequires HHS to conduct outreach to health care practitioners about comprehensive Alzheimer's disease care planning services, including education initiatives and materials on appropriate diagnostic evaluations and explanations of the requirements for eligibility.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/185-million-support-breweries-signed-law-following-senator-collins%E2%80%99-advocacy-0", "$18.5 Million in Support for Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins Advocacy", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         $18.5 Million in Support for Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins' Advocacy \n                    \n                              \n  \n  The bill also makes permanent several beneficial provisions for small brewers that were included in the 2017 tax reform law  \n        \n      Posted Mon, 12/28/2020 - 11:53    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee,announced that a total of $18.5 million to support breweries in Maine and across the country was signed into law as part of the fiscal year 2021 government funding bill. The legislation also permanently lowers excise taxes to help brewers reinvest in their businesses, employees, and communities.\n\nMaine is home to the best craft brewers in the country.In addition to producing exceptional beer, they are a major contributor to our state's economy and a significant source of jobs,said Senator Collins.With the economic duress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, beverage producers have been under significant strain. The permanent reduction in excise taxes that I worked to securealong with investments made in the brewing supply chainare critical to helping these small businesses keeptheir doors open and their employees on payroll.\n\nProvisions championed by Senator Collins to benefit Maine's craft beverage industry include:\n\nPermanent authorization of theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act(CBMTRA)The legislation provides excise tax relief to the growing craft beverage industry by making permanent a measure in the2017 tax reform law.Senator Collinswasa cosponsor of the standalone bill, which reduces taxes, compliance burdens, and regulations for brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers.Earlier this month, Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME)joined a bipartisan groupof 55 of their colleagues in urging Senate leadership to include theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Actin the next legislative package.\n\n$15 millionforU.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, which enhances the product safety and supply of barley and wheat. The goal of the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative is to develop as quickly as possible effective control measures that minimize the threat ofFusariumhead blight (scab) to the producers, processors, and consumers of wheat and barley.\n\n$3.5 millionfor theSmall Grains Genomic Initiative, which funds important barley, oat, and wheat research to improve quality and breeding.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-bill-advance-energy-storage-technology-signed-law", "Collins Bill to Advance Energy Storage Technology Signed into Law", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Bipartisan legislation to accelerate the development of next-generation energy storage was signed into law. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act, authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Tina Smith (D-MN), will support grid-scale energy storage research and development and improve the efficiency of the nation's electric grid, while helping to align research efforts on energy storage technologies.\n\nEnergy storage technology holds such great promise in the fight against climate change. Supporting current technology and advancing next-generation energy storage will allow us to integrate more renewables, such as wind and solar, which in turn will help to reduce emissions, Senator Collins said.The BEST Act will advance energy storage technologies, improve the efficiency of our nation's electricity grid, and help align research efforts on energy storage.I am delighted that this bipartisan piece of legislation is now law and will help shape our clean energy future.\n\nAs a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, advocating for the research and development of long-term energy storage has been a top priority,saidSenator Heinrich.I am proud to see the Better Energy Storage TechnologyAct signed into law so that we can truly invest in reshaping the power industry. This bipartisan effort offers federal agencies and national labs the opportunity to modernize our energy grid with advanced storage technologies that can provide days, even months, of capacity. With advances in solar and wind energy, New Mexico remains a leader in the charge towards a clean energy future. Signing this bill into law adds the extra spark to boost New Mexico power grids  with the potential to do the same around the globe.\n\nWhen we expand energy storage capabilities, we can increase our use of renewables like wind and solar while contributing to our nation's energy and economic security, said Senator Smith. This is a great step forward for our country and the clean energy future, and I'm pleased that parts of my Promoting Grid Storage Act are included in this bipartisan legislation soon to become law.\n\nWe will never realize the promise of a clean energy future without significant advances in our ability to store and access power generated from renewable sources, said Heather Reams, Executive Director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. The BEST Act helps activate our most precious natural resource, America's capability to innovate, in order to develop new energy storage technologies and more secure, more resilient energy grids. Energy storage may not be the most glamorous or exciting clean energy subject, but it is absolutely fundamental to driving the entire industry forward. Congratulations, Senator Collins, for successfully championing this legislation and thank you for doing the hard work it takes to bring us closer to our clean energy future.\n\nThe inclusion of the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act as part of the year-end spending and relief package is further proof of the bipartisan, bicameral support for energy storage to improve grid reliability and flexibility, said U.S. Energy Storage Association CEO Kelly Speakes-Backman. Congress has recognized the critical role of energy storage in building a clean energy future. We commend Senator Collins and Senator Heinrich, along with Representatives Casten, Foster, and Herrera Beutler, for their leadership in introducing this important legislation.\n\nSenator Collins has been one of the strongest leaders in the U.S. Senate for clean energy innovation, and her bill, the BEST Act included in the omnibus, will encourage all types of grid-scale energy storage technologies, including those that will address long duration and seasonal duration challenges, said Rich Powell, Executive Director of ClearPath Action. \"By reorienting the federal grid scale storage research, development, and demonstration program we will set ambitious technology goals necessary to facilitate important breakthroughs for the grid of the future with far lower carbon emissions.\n\nEnergy storage provides a range of benefits including increased resilience and reliability on the grid. Supporting current and next-generation energy storage devices will complement the growth of clean, renewable resources on the power grid, replacing other sources of energy that release harmful emissions that cause climate change. In addition to these benefits, energy storage systems can help decrease energy costs by reducing the need for expensive peak power.\n\nOne of the biggest impediments to the commercialization of energy storage systems is cost. This legislation aims to increase the affordability of this technology by supporting Department of Energy (DOE) research, planning and technical assistance, and demonstration and pilot projects. DOE has successfully demonstrated how federal support for research and development can reduce the cost of innovative technology. For example, DOE's SunShot Initiative reduced the price of solar by approximately 75 percent in less than a decade.\n\nThe BEST Act includes the following provisions:\n\n \nResearch and Development: Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a cross-cutting energy storage system research and development program with the goal of reducing the cost and extending the duration of energy storage systems.\n \n\n \nDemonstration Projects: Requires DOE to undertake three energy storage system demonstration projects, including a minimum of one project designed to address seasonal variations in supply and demand.\n \n\n \nTechnical and Planning Assistance: Establishes a program at DOE to assist electric utilities with identifying, evaluating, planning, designing, and developing processes to procure energy storage systems.\n \n\n \nJoint Long-Duration Demonstration Initiative: Establishes a joint program between DOE and the Department of Defense to demonstrate long-duration storage technologies.\n \n\n \nRecycling Program: Establishes a program at DOE to advance the recycling of critical energy storage materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.\n \n\nThe legislation is supported by the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE), American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Bipartisan Policy Center, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES), ClearPath, Energy Storage Association, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), National Audubon Society, National Hydropower Association, National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Natural Resources Council of Maine, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Union of Concerned Scientists.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-covid-19-relief-government-funding-package-being-signed-law", "Senator Collins Statement on COVID-19 Relief-Government Funding Package being Signed into Law", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, released this statement following President Trump signing the COVID-19 reliefgovernment funding omnibus into law. Senator Collins and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) co-led the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition that developed the framework for the COVID-19 relief package.\n\nThe President's decision to sign the bipartisan COVID emergency relief bill into law is welcome news for the American people.\n\nThe agreement that our bipartisan, bicameral group negotiated was the foundation for this much-needed assistance. The law extends the Paycheck Protection Program I coauthored and allows our hardest-hit small businesses, such as restaurants and others in the hospitality sector, to receive a second forgivable PPP loan. This additional assistance will help prevent small businesses from having to shut their doors for good, allow them to continue paying their employees, and cover certain overhead costs, such as modifications to comply with public health guidelines. A new program I authored with Congressman Jared Golden will also provide targeted assistance to loggers for the first time.\n\nThe compromise also provides urgently needed housing, nutrition, and unemployment compensation to struggling families; appropriates additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and provider assistance to our stressed health care system; allocates funding for schools that have been challenged to operate safely in a COVID environment; assists the overwhelmed Postal Service; and provides assistance to our airlines, airports, mass transit, and bus and motorcoach companies that keep our country moving.\n\nThe package also fully funds our government through September 2021 and provides significant investments including strengthening our defense and assisting our veterans to providing funding for biomedical research and public health to supporting transportation and economic development programs that will help our country as we make progress to defeat the pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/signed-law-funding-appropriations-bill-support-shipbuilders-biw", "SIGNED INTO LAW: Funding in Appropriations Bill to Support Shipbuilders at BIW", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2021Defense Appropriations Billhas been signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. This legislation includes provisions Senator Collins championed to support Maine industries that have an indispensable role in our defense, including Bath Iron Works (BIW).\n\nThe value and importance of our naval assets and shipyards to our national security have never been greater, which is why it is so critical that we continue to grow the Navy to be able to meet challenges around the world,said Senator Collins. Through my senior position on the Appropriations Committee, I secured funding for two DDG-51 Flight III ships. Funding included in this legislation will also help BIW make investments in the shipyard to ensure their hardworking employees have the cutting-edge tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. BIW is home to the best shipbuilders in the world, and this funding will help them stay competitive far into the future.\n\nThe FY 2021 Department of Defense funding bill provides $696 billionan increase of $2.6 billion above the FY 2020 enacted level.\n\nAdditionally, the bill includes a number of priorities Senator Collins advocated for:\n\n \nDDG-51 Shipbuilding:Includes funding fortwoDDG-51 Flight III ships. The bill also includes $130 million above the President's budget request of $29 million for DDG-51 advanced procurement specifically for a third DDG-51 in the next fiscal year.\n \n\n \nSurface Combatant Shipyard Infrastructure:Includes $215 million for surface combatant shipyard infrastructure.This funding can be used foryard improvements similar to the $130 millionawarded to BIWearlier in the year.\n \n\n \nDDG-51 Acquisition strategy report language:To ensure stability in the industrial base and shipyards, the bill includes explanatory language requiring the Navy to provide a fully funded strategy for the procurement of large surface combatants (LSC) in next year's budget request.\n \n\nIn January, Senators Collins and Angus Kingsent a joint letterto Defense Secretary MarkEsperobjecting to the Navy's proposal to reduce its shipbuilding program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-group-%E2%80%98908-coalition%E2%80%99-president-trump-sign-relief-package-or-veto-it", "BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL GROUP 908 COALITION TO PRESIDENT TRUMP: SIGN RELIEF PACKAGE OR VETO IT IMMEDIATELY", "2020-12-27", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) again urged President Trump to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package.\n\nMr. President, we are asking you to please sign the emergency relief bill. This act will show your support for the American people who are in need of emergency lifelines like food, shelter, unemployment benefits and small business relief during these challenging times.\n\nHowever, if your objection to the COVID-19 relief bill will prevent you from signing, please veto it immediately. You've made your position clear and rejecting it quickly will allow those in favor to act before it is too late.\n\nNever before in your personal, professional, or political life have you been characterized as a man of inaction. Now is not the time to sit idly by - please do the right thing and sign or veto this bill immediately.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-%E2%80%98908-coalition%E2%80%99-urges-president-trump-sign-covid-19-emergency-relief", "BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL 908 COALITION URGES PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SIGN COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) urged the President to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package:\n\nAs members of the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition,' we urge the President to sign the COVID relief package. The legislation would bring desperately needed help to struggling families, unemployed workers, hard-hit small businesses, an overburdened health care system, stressed schools, and so many others. It would provide robust funding for testing and vaccine distribution at a critical time. \n\nBy signing the bill, the President would be providing the best possible Christmas gift to the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-protect-seniors-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-other-dementias-elder-abuse-signed-law", "Bill to Protect Seniors with Alzheimers & Other Dementias from Elder Abuse Signed into Law", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Approximately one in 10 seniors aged 60 and older have experienced some form ofelderabuse. For people with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the prevalence is much higher, with some estimates putting it at just over 50 percent.\n\nLegislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to protect seniors with dementia from harm and exploitation has been signed into law. ThePromoting Alzheimer's Awareness to PreventElderAbuseActwill ensure that the Department of Justice'selderabusetrainingmaterials take into account individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The bipartisan billpassedCongress unanimously earlier this month.\n\nAs Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, one of my top priorities is protecting our seniors againstabuse,said Senator Collins, a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic,there may be increased risk forelderabuse, includingelderfinancial exploitation.This law I co-authored with Senators Menendez and Grassleywill help to ensure that the frontline professionals who are leading the charge againstelderabusehave the training needed to respond to cases where the victim or a witness has Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.\n\nI watched my mother struggle and ultimately succumb to Alzheimer's, and it pains me that a growing number of Americans living with Alzheimer's and dementia are at risk of potential abuse, neglect and exploitation,said Sen. Menendez.I am thrilled that our legislation has now become law. With it, we can help ensure that those suffering with AD/ADRD are able to live with dignity in safe and healthy environments, while providing critical education and training to caregivers, health providers and law enforcement. \n\nWe ought to do all we can to ensure the Justice Department is well-prepared to respond to crimes involving Alzheimer's patients and folks with other forms of dementia. These cases can be particularly challenging at each stage, from investigation to prosecution. This legislation will strengthen our collective response to these crimes, which are unfortunately all too common. I'm glad, with the bill now signed into law, that the government can now more effectively handle and address these problems,SenatorGrassley said.\n\nThe legislationwassupported by the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Foundation of America,Alzheimer's Impact Movement,ElderJustice Coalition, American Geriatrics Society, American Society on Aging, B'nai B'rith International,GerontologicalSociety of America, International Association for Indigenous Aging, Jewish Federations of North America, Justice in Aging, LEAD Coalition (Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease), National Adult Protective Services Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A), National Association ofElderLaw Attorneys, and SAGE: Advocacy and Services for LGBTElders.\n\nOn behalf of the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's I want to thank Senators Collins, Menendez, and Grassley for their leadership on this critical bill,said RobertEgge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) executive director.The bipartisanPromoting Alzheimer's Awareness to PreventElderAbuseActwill help protect our nation's most vulnerable fromabuseand lead to better outcomes for all people living with dementia. \n\nSpecifically, thePromoting Alzheimer's Awareness to PreventElderAbuseActwill:\n\nRequire that the NationalElderJustice Coordinator take into account people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias when creating or compilingelderabusetraining materials;\n\nInstruct DOJ to consult with stakeholders, as appropriate, in developing these materials and to review and update existing materials; and\n\nInclude information in DOJ's annual report about where to access the publicly available training materials.\n\nThelawbuilds on theElderAbusePrevention and Prosecution Act, which became law in October 2017 and required DOJ to create training materials to help criminal justice, health care, and social services personnel assess and respond toelderabusecases. It also aligns with the latest recommendations from the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease, which include disseminating information onabuseof those with dementia and educating law enforcement about interacting with these individuals.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-bill-signed-law-curbing-plastic-marine-debris", "Collins, King Bill Signed Into Law, Curbing Plastic Marine Debris", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) are applauding the signing into law of theirSave Our Seas 2.0 Act. The bipartisan bill,introduced in June,seeks to tackle the problem of plastic waste on a global scale by spurring innovation and finding uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans. The legislation builds on the initial progress made by theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018.\n\nCountless jobs in Maine and in coastal communities across our country rely on the health of the ocean. The Maine lobster, aquaculture, and tourism industries are among the many critical sectors of our economy that are dependent on Maine's pristine waters,said Senator Collins. I am pleased to see this legislation become law, which will help to accelerate the removal of plastic waste and prevent future marine debris, protecting this vital resource for generations to come.\n\nMaine's waters and Maine's well-being are inextricably linked  meaning any threat to our oceans is also a threat to the livelihood of Maine people,said Senator King.By enacting this bipartisan legislation into law, we are building on our vital work to protect our oceans and allow future generations can access its widespread economic potential and its unparalleled beauty.\n\nRoughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife and wash ashore on even the most isolated stretches of coastline. Plastic has been found in areas as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean.\n\nTheSave Our Seas 2.0 Actis also cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Collinswas honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Awardfrom ConservAmerica for her leadership in conservation and clean energy initiatives at the organization's annual dinner. To honor his lifelong environmental stewardship and advocacy, Senator King received theinaugural Hero Award last monthfrom the National Park Foundation.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-34-million-maine-health-care-providers-amid-covid-19", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $34 Million for Maine Health Care Providers Amid COVID-19", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $34 Million for Maine Health Care Providers Amid COVID-19 \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 12/23/2020 - 09:15    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that 234 Maine health care providersincluding behavioral health providers such as addiction counseling centers and mental health counselorshave been awarded a total of $34,082,143 in federal funding to support their efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Phase 3 General Distribution funding was provided through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).\n\nMedical providers are the backbone of Maine's health care system, providing primary and preventive care that is vital to the wellbeing of individuals and families throughout our state,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this additional funding, which will help 234 Maine health care providers continue to safely care for patients amid the pandemic.\n\nThrough theCARES Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, HHS has allocated $175 billion in relief funds to hospitals and other health care providers. As Maine continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and providers across the state have received more than half a billion dollars in HHS relief funding. In June, Senators Collins and Kingannouncedthat safety net hospitals in Maine received more than $52 million to support their efforts to combat the pandemic. \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-feinstein-bill-establish-smithsonian-american-women%E2%80%99s-history-museum-be-signed-law", "Collins, Feinstein Bill to Establish Smithsonian American Womens History Museum to be Signed into Law", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) announced thatTheSmithsonian Women's History Museum Actpassed the Senate as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. This bipartisan legislation will establish a Smithsonian museumin Washington, D.C.honoring American women. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nAs our Women's Suffrage Centennial year draws to a close, I am delighted that Congress was able to work together in a bipartisan way to pass this legislation,said Senator Collins. I look forward tothe creation of a museum in our nation's capital that celebrates the invaluable contributionswomen have madeto our nation.\n\nWomen have been a central part of American history from our founding to the present day in every way, whether it's science, business, the arts or politics,said Senator Feinstein. A permanent museum to celebrate those contributions and tell the stories of so many incredible women is long overdue. I'm pleased to see our bill to establish a Smithsonian museum for women's history finally pass.\n\n\"On behalf of the Commissioners of the US Commission to study the potential for an American Women's History Museum, we offer our sincere praise and gratitude to Senators Collinsand Feinsteinfortheiryears of leadership on this momentous piece of legislation. The personal energy and drive thattheyput forth was supported by ideas and input from women and men from across the country, of all ages and walks of life, in addition to leading authorities and experts on women's history and the museum community,saidJaneAbraham, chair of theAmerican Museumof Women's History Congressional Commission.We enthusiastically look forward to the day when our citizens and visitors visit the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum and gain a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the role that women played in building America. Congratulations Senators CollinsandFeinstein!\"\n\nIn December 2014, Congress created a Congressional Commission to study the potential for an American museum of women's history in Washington, D.C. This bipartisan commission unanimouslyrecommendedthe creation of a new Smithsonian museum dedicated to women's history. Incorporating their recommendations, this bill will establish a national museum to collect, study, and create programs on a wide spectrum of American women's experiences, contributions, and history.\n\nThe bipartisan bill is supported by the American Historical Association, the National Coalition for History, the Women's Business Development Center, Women in Aerospace, the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Women in Defense, the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission, and many other organizations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-golden-announce-200-million-help-loggers-timber-haulers-facing-covid-19-economic", "Collins, Golden Announce $200 Million to Help Loggers, Timber Haulers Facing COVID-19 Economic Crisis", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that the COVID-19 relief package that passed Congress and was signed into law included $200 million for logging and log hauling businesses that have been seriously impacted by the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introduced and Senator Angus King (I-ME) and CongresswomanPingree(ME-01) co-sponsored logger relief legislation earlier this year, and Senator Collins championed the funding in the final agreement.\n\nThroughout Maine's history, our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, and strengthened rural communities,said Senator Collins. This industry is built on the backs of our dedicated loggers, who sustainably harvest and haul one of Maine's most precious resources. Loggers were already facing significant headwinds due to a changing 21st century economy and unfair trade practices, as well as the explosion at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay and the shutdown of the paper machine at Sappi in Westbrook. COVID-19 has only compounded these challenges. Maine's family logging and log hauling businesses need our support. That's why I worked to secure $200 million in the COVID-19 emergency relief package to provide critical financial assistance to the skilled professionals who work in this industry to help them get through this difficult period.\n\nBetween COVID-19 and the Jay Mill explosion, many loggers and truck drivers are seeing workslow downas markets for their products decline. Maine loggers don't want a handout, but they deserve the same support during tough times that we have already provided for farmers and fishermen,said Congressman Golden.Senator Collins and I have worked together to introduce new legislation to provide targeted relief for loggers and log haulers, and we've successfully included it in the COVID-19 package that passed Congress today. Once this bill is law, we'll keep working together to make sure these funds get to Maine loggers and truckers.\n\nFor generations, Maine's forest products industry has supported jobs and communities, especially in our state's rural regions,said Senator King.Thanks to our state's abundant forests and our world-class workforce, Maine has been a global leader in this important industry. The sector has faced hard times, and weathered them  but the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily curbed market demand for forest products, and have contributed to the immense challenges facing this industry. For the sake of our logging industry, and all the Maine people who rely on it, I am proud to have worked with my colleague Senator Collins on the inclusion of $200 million in this aid package. This industry is essential to communities across our state, and I will continue to stand behind its workers in the challenging days ahead.\n\nMaine's forests are a vital part of our way of life and our economy, supporting more than 34,000 jobs and serving as the backbone of our rural communities. That's why I've advocated for meaningful relief for the logging industry from the very beginning of this economic crisis. This funding will help to support the forest products industry as they weather this storm,said CongresswomanPingree. I know this package doesn't solve all of the pressure this industry is facing, and while it certainly doesn't go far enough to support Maine families who are struggling during this crisis, I'm proud that this bill includes targeted funding for the forest products industry as they report historic reductions in their markets.\n\nThe significance of this announcement for timber harvesters and haulers in the United States cannot be overstated,Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, said.At no prior time in our nation's history have loggers been offered formal support and relief from our nation's government, and we especially want to thank U.S. Senator Susan Collins and U.S. Representative Jared Golden for leading the effort to secure this aid on behalf of the hard-working small family businesses in the industry here in Maine, and Senator Angus King and U.S. Representatives ChelliePingreefor joining that effort. Loggers and truckers need the same help and recognition farmers and fishermen have received since the pandemic began, now at long last they are getting it.\n\nThe logging industry has experienced a steep decline in demand for wood fiber since the coronavirus pandemic began, leading to an estimated 20 percent or more drop in the timber harvest this year.\n\nThe $200 million in relief funding will go to timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have, because of the COVID19 pandemic, experienced a loss of 10 percent or more in gross revenue during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 1, 2020, compared to the same period last year. As a co-leader of the bipartisan, bicameral group that provided the framework for the COVID-19 relief negotiations, Senator Collins pushed for the inclusion of the funding in the final package.\n\nThe program is modeled afterlegislation Senator Collins and Congressman Golden introducedand Senator King and Congresswoman co-sponsored earlier this year to establish a new program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide direct payments to timber harvesting and hauling businesses. It is similar tothe USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which has been providing direct relief to growers and producers experiencing dramatic drops in prices and overall business activity due to the pandemic.\n\nMaine's logging industry is a linchpin of the state's economy, generating an estimated $619 million in economic output, and providing $342 million in income to around 9,000 Mainers, most of whom live in rural communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/covid-19-package-includes-collins-cantwell-provision-make-medical-expense-deduction", "COVID-19 Package Includes Collins, Cantwell Provision to Make Medical Expense Deduction Permanent", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that a provision they pushed for to assist families who are struggling to afford high medical costs was included in the government funding legislation that passedCongress and will now be signed into law.Companion legislation was sponsored in the House of Representatives by Representatives Katie Porter (D-CA) and DavidSchweikert(R-AZ).\n\nFor those households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses, this provision, which is based on theMedical Expense Savings Act,Senators Collins and Cantwellintroduced in 2019, will allow them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bill.\n\nMillions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction. The burden of high medical expenses falls disproportionately on seniors and those with disabilities. The medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance.\n\nThe medical expense deduction is a lifeline for Americans struggling with high medical costs, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities,said Senator Collins. By making this deduction permanent, our legislation will help provide certainty for those with pre-existing conditions and support millions of Americans with large medical bills.\n\nThe medical expense deduction provides much-needed financial relief for Americans with high medical bills, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The extension we secured is critical for more than 200,000 Washingtonians who claim the deduction in order to lower their health care costs and help pay for unexpected medical expenses and life-saving treatment,said Senator Cantwell.\n\n\"The signing of this bill is a victory for the millions of Americans with high out-of-pocket medical expenses,\"Congresswoman Porter said.\"By making it easier for people to use the medical expense tax deduction, we're delivering much needed help to the far too many Americans facing out of control healthcare costs, including older adults, people with disabilities, and people with chronic illnesses.\"\n\nI am very pleased to see Congress providecriticalrelief to taxpayers bypermanently reducing the medical expense deductionincomethreshold,said RepresentativeSchweikert. The pandemic has brought on unprecedented challenges, and this legislation takes an important step forward in helping hard-working Americans, particularlyseniors and individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities, afford theirhealthcareexpenses. I am proud to be a part of this effort, and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to advance solutions to reduce the cost ofhealth care.\n\nAARP applauds Congress for making permanent the 7.5% threshold on medical expenses. This effort has been long in the making. On behalf of the approximately 4.4 million Americans with high health care costs who rely on this deduction, we thank Senator Collins and Senator Cantwell for their bipartisan leadership in the Senate on this important issue,said Megan O'Reilly, Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP.\n\nSenators Collins and Cantwell have long been supporters ofthe medical expense deduction.AARP estimates that nearly 20,000 Mainers already benefit from this deduction.In theTax Cuts and Jobs Act, Senator Collinssecureda provision that provides deductions of medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI) for taxpayers filing in 2017 and 2018, instead of 10 percent of AGI. Following Senators Collins and Cantwell'sadvocacy,another extensionof this provision wassecuredlast year,extending the deduction tothe end of thiscalendar year. Earlier this year, Senator Collinssent a letterto Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calling for extending the medical expense deduction as part of the next COVID-19 relief package.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/government-funding-bill-passes-senate-measures-championed-senator-collins", "Government Funding Bill Passes Senate with Measures Championed by Senator Collins", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. The Senate passed a bipartisan appropriations package that will fund the government at updated levels through the end of September. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, successfully pushed for a number of provisions that were incorporated in the final bill.\n\nOne of Congress' most important responsibilities is to pass an appropriations bill that sets the government's priorities for the year while balancing the need for fiscal responsibility,said Senator Collins. This legislation makes significant investments in our future, from strengthening our defense, to providing funding for biomedical research and transportation infrastructure, to supporting public health and economic development programs that will help Americans as we make progress to defeat the pandemic.\n\nThe funding bill makes investments in numerous areas and reflects priorities Senator Collins strongly advocated for, such as:\n\nBiomedical Research\n\nI have long worked to secure significant investments for biomedical research, which will help us conquer so many diseases that take both an emotional and financial toll,Senator Collins said. This funding will help spur important research that is already underway to develop treatments, means of prevention, and cures for diseases that affect nearly every American family.\n\nBiomedical researchand public health provisions include:\n\n$42.9billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH),a $1.25billion increase.Over the past six years, Senator Collins has worked to increase funding for NIHby $12.85 billion.\n\n\n \n$15 million for theCDC's continuedimplementation of the BOLD Actthat Senator Collins authored to create a national public health infrastructure to combat Alzheimer's.\n \n\n \n$2.13billion for research at the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disorders, a $16.8million increase.\n \n\n \nA total of a $14million increase for research on Lyme and relatedtickbornediseases at NIH and CDC.\n \n\n \n$4million for the implementation of the Tick Act thatSenator Collins authoredto combat tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.\n \n\nOpioids\n\nThe opioid abuse epidemic is continuing to harm families and communities across Maine,said Senator Collins. This legislation will help alleviate this crisis by providing much-needed resources to boost prevention efforts, expand treatment options, and support law enforcement.\n\nProvisions to fight the opioid crisis include:\n\n \n$4billion, an increase of $85million, to combat the opioid abuse crisis, including new flexibility to address stimulant use.\n \n\n\nFishing, Agriculture, and Forestry\n\nThe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on many Mainers, particularly fishermen and lobstermen, farmers, and loggers,said Senator Collins. I have strongly advocated for them to receive COVID-19 emergency relief, and these continued investments in research will help these industries emerge from the current crisis.\n\nProvisions to support Maine fishermen and lobstermen, farmers, and loggers include:\n\n \n$2 million for Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank American lobster research priorities. \n \n\n \nReport language Senator Collins authored encouraging NOAA to work with Canadian and state fisheries officials to develop a cooperative fisheries management plan for the Gray Zone surrounding Machias Seal Island to eliminate confusing, contrasting fishing regulations.\n \n\n \n$20 million for the Potato Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, which supports research atUMaineto help potato farmers protect their crops from pests and diseases.\n \n\n \nReport language authored by Senator Collins directing the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to continue partnering with institutions to research lowbush blueberries.\n \n\n \n$32 million for forest products research, including $20 million for advanced manufacturing with bio-based composites, $5 million for mass timber, $5 million for efficient wood heaters, and $2 million for research on forest-basednanocellulosematerials.\n \n\n\nEconomic Development\n\nIncreasing economic opportunities and promoting job creation in rural communities are among my top priorities,said Senator Collins. The government funding bill includes multiple provisions I championed that will improve the availability of high-speed Internet and invest in projects that position rural areas to achieve long-term growth.\n\nProvisions to support economic development include:\n\n \n$550 million to support rural broadband programs.\n \n\n \n$30million for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), which provides grants for projects throughout northern and central Maine, spurring economic and community development.This funding includes $5 million to support rural broadband.In2020, NBRC awardednearly$6 million to projects in Maine.\n \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/housing-funding-bill-authored-senator-collins-key-wins-maine-be-signed-law", "Housing Funding Bill Authored by Senator Collins with Key Wins for Maine to be Signed into Law", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that theFiscal Year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Billshe authored with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has passed the Senate and House and will be signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. The legislation includes Senator Collins' provisions to support vulnerable Mainers and strengthen communities.\n\nIncreasing the supply of safe, affordable housing, strengthening our communities, and supporting job creation are among my top priorities as Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee,said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will bolster housing for low-income families and seniors, reduce homelessness, and support community revitalization projects across Maine.\n\nThe final appropriation provides $75.4 billion, which is $1.1 billion more than the previous year. Housing provisions secured by Senator Collins that benefit Maine include:\n\n \nCommunity Development Block Grants.The bill provides $3.45 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation.\n \n\n \nHousing during substance abuse recovery.The bill provides $25 million for assistance to States to provide temporary housing to those who are in recovery from a substance use disorder.Maine will receive $850,000.\n \n\n \nFunding for youth homelessness.The bill includes $80 million for grants and technical assistance to test comprehensive efforts to end youth homelessness in urban and rural areas.\n \n\n \nSection 8 Vouchers for youth aging out of foster care.The bill includes $20 million for new family unification vouchers to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless.\n \n\n \nHousing Vouchers for Homeless Veterans (HUD-VASH).The bill includes $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness. These vouchers have been critical to reducing veterans' homelessness by 50 percent since 2010.Since the program was first established, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans.\n \n\n \nIncreased funding for lead grants.The bill includes $360 million to combat lead hazards, $70 million above last year's level. These grants help communities like Lewiston protect children from the harmful effects of lead poisoning.\n \n\n \nAging in Place Home Modifications for Seniors.The bill includes $10 million for grants for home modifications to enable low-income seniors to age in place' and remain in their own homes.\n \n\n \nSection 202 Housing for the Elderly.The bill includes $855 million for the Section 202 program. Of this total, $52 million is for the development of new senior housing properties, and $25 million is for the expansion of service coordinators to properties that do not have coordinators.\n \n\n \nFamily Self-Sufficiency (FSS).The bill includes $105 million for the FSS program. This program enables HUD-assisted families to increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies.\n \n\nThis legislation was approved by Congress as part of the annual budget process. Additional, emergency transportation funding Senator Collins secured is also being provided for key transportation needs to help address challenges in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-900-billion-covid-19-emergency-relief-support-families-health-care-system-and", "Senate Passes $900 Billion in COVID-19 Emergency Relief to Support Families, Health Care System, and Small Businesses", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation includes a provision authored by Senator Collins toallow hardest-hit small businesses to receive second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan\n\nWashington, D.C. The U.S. Senate passed COVID-19 emergency relief legislation that will help American families, health care providers, small businesses, employees, and students during the ongoing health and economic crisis.\n\nThe framework for the legislation was developed by a bipartisan, bicameral groupled by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Mark Warner (D-VA)including Senators Angus King (I-ME),Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and RepresentativesGottheimer(D-NJ-5)and Tom Reed (R-NY-23).\n\nThis bipartisan relief legislation is a victory for the American people. Our bipartisan group led the way, working night and day to develop the commonsense plan that was both the foundation and the necessary impetus for this final agreement,said Senator Collins. This legislationalong with the distribution of safe and effective vaccinesfuels hope that we are making progress to defeat this virus and that our country is on course to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.\n\nI am particularly proud that this legislation provides an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program I co-authored, which has saved millions of jobs in this country, including 250,000 jobs in Maine alone. This will allow the hardest-hit small businesses to receive a second forgivable loan to help them stay afloat and continue paying their employees,Senator Collins continued.\n\nThis is the sixth COVID-19 relief bill Congress has passed this year, bringing the federal government's total response to the pandemic to approximately $4 trillion. To date, Maine has received more than $8 billion in federal funding to protect Mainers' health and jobs.\n\nTheEmergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020will provide $900 billion in immediate relief. Highlights of the bill include:\n\n\n \nExtension of all pandemic unemployment insurance programs by 11 weeks, with a $300 weekly supplement for 11 weeks.\n \n\n \nA second round of Economic Impact Payments will be provided. They will be $600 a person, $1,200 for joint filers, and $600 per child dependent.These checks would start to phase out for individuals earning more than $75,000, $112,500 for Heads of Households, and couples earning more than $150,000.\n \n\n \n$50.8billion for vaccines, testing, and contract tracing\n \n\n \n$82 billion for education providers\n \n\n \n$25 billion for rental assistance\n \n\n \n$10 billion to provide grants for child care providers.\n \n\n \n$13 billion to provide funding to address COVID-related impacts on farmers, ranchers, growers, timber harvesters and haulers etc., and rural communities\n \n\n \nIncludes $300 million for fishery disaster relief and $200 million for loggers.\n \n\n \n$2 billion to support themotorcoachand bus industry as well as others, including passenger ferries and school buses, similar to theCoronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act of 2020.Senators Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI)introducedthe CERTS Act earlier this year andstrongly advocatedfor its inclusion in the COVID-19 relief package.\n \n\n\n \n$7 billion in total broadband funding.\n \n\n \n$4.25 billion to SAMHSA programs for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant, tribal programs, emergency relief, and peer recovery programs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-expresses-support-covid-19-relief-highlights-small-business-provision-she", "Senator Collins Expresses Support for COVID-19 Relief, Highlights Small Business Provision She Co-Authored", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ClickHEREto read Senator Collins' floor remarks.\nClickHEREto watch Senator Collins' floor remarks.ClickHEREto download.\n\nWashington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks from the Senate floor this evening prior to the Senate's vote on agovernment funding bill and $900 billionCOVID-19 emergency relief package.\n\nThe COVID-19 relief package was based on the framework developed by a bipartisan, bicameral group led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Collins, and Mark Warner (D-VA). Itincludes a provision SenatorCollinsco-authoredthat will allow the hardest-hit small businesses to receive a second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.\n\nI am proud to have helped lead a bipartisan, bicameral coalition that literally worked, night and day, to develop a common-sense plan that provided the foundation for this final agreement,said Senator Collins.\n\nThere are many important components of the package before us, including assistance for struggling families, additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and health care providers resources to help our schools operate safely in a COVID environment, aid for the Postal Service, and for airlines, airports, mass transit, andmotorcoachcompanies that keep our country moving,Senator Collins continued.I come to the floor tonight, however, to focus on one aspect of the agreement. And that is the extension and expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP has been a critical lifeline for more than five million small employers. At one point, helping to sustain the jobs of upwards of 50 million Americans. It was one of the most successful programs in the CARES Act.\n\nEarlier this year,Senators Collins,Rubio, Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)co-authoredthe PPP to help small employers stay afloat and continue paying their workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Maine alone, the PPP has provided approximately $2.3 billion in forgivable loans to three out of four small businessesand helped sustain more than 250,000 jobs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/transportation-funding-bill-authored-senator-collins-key-wins-maine-be-signed-law", "Transportation Funding Bill Authored by Senator Collins with Key Wins for Maine to be Signed into Law", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that theFiscal Year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Billshe authored with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has passed the Senate and House and will be signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. The legislation includes programs to make critical improvements in Maine's transportation infrastructure and to promote economic and community development.\n\nImproving Maine infrastructure is essential to moving our economy forward,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have secured more than $747 million in competitive grants for Maine to enhance our transportation network. This legislation will build on those investments by funding projects that will enhance safety, move people and products more efficiently, and create jobs in communities across the state.\n\nThe legislation will provide $75.4 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion over the previous year. Transportation provisions secured by Senator Collins that benefit Maine in the annual funding bill include:\n\n \nBUILD Grants:The bill includes $1 billion for BUILD grants, which provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Since the program's inception in 2009, Senator Collins has secured $250 million for key transportation investments throughout Maine, including bridges, seaports, and rail projects. This year Senator Collinssecured $45 million in BUILD grantsto rehabilitate and replace seven bridges in Maine. Due to Senator Collins' advocacy, Maine ranks number one on a per capita basis for receiving funding through the BUILD program, and Maine grant applications through this highly competitive program have been successful in every funding round.\n \n\n \nHighway and Bridge Funding Increase:The bill supports $47 billion for Federal-aid highways from the Highway Trust Fund. In addition, $2 billion is provided from the general fund,providing Maine DOT an additional $32 million above the FAST Act funding levels. The bill also provides $16 million for theNational Scenic Byways Program.\n \n\n \nMaritime:The bill provides $390 million to pay for the increased construction cost for the first three training vessels for the State Maritime Academies,including the new training vessel for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), as well as to fully fund the fourth training vessel. In addition, $43 million is provided for assistance to the State Maritime Academies, including MMA.\n \n\n\n \nAviation: The bill provides $18 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with increased funding for aviation safety. The bill includes $3.7 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, $10 million for the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP), and $10 million for the Aviation Workforce Development Program. In addition, $165 million is provided for the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program. The EAS program provides commercial air service to Augusta, Bar Harbor/Trenton, Presque Isle/Houlton, and Rockland.\n \n\n \nAmtrak:The bill includes $2 billion for Amtrak, which supports Maine'sDowneasterservice. The bill also provides $375 million for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants, which have been helpful for theDowneaster,PanAm, and Springfield Terminal Railway Company, which recently received a$16.9 million CRISI grantto improve 75 miles of rail infrastructure in Penobscot, Somerset, Waldo, and Kennebec counties.\n \n\n \nEmergency Responder Grants. The bill includes up to $3 million for Emergency Response grants that are prioritized for rural areas and a $1 million set asidefor the Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) grants that are supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.\n \n\nSince 2009, when Senator Collins became a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured more than $747 million in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.\n\nThis legislation was approved by Congress as part of the annual budget process. Additional, emergency transportation funding Senator Collins secured is also being provided for key transportation needs to help address challenges in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-cosponsor-bipartisan-legislation-support-america%E2%80%99s-small-food-processors", "Collins, King Cosponsor Bipartisan Legislation to Support Americas Small Food Processors", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introduced theStrengthening Local Processing Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide much-needed federal support to America's small meat and poultry processors and help strengthen and streamline their operations. The legislation would give small food processors more access to information that is critical to food safety planning, allow more inspector-approved meat products to be sold across state lines, and funnel federal dollars toward training, education, and technical assistance grants. In addition to Senators Collins and King, this legislation's original sponsors are Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).\n\nThe supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, including our small farms that raise livestock,said Senator Collins.This bipartisan bill would provide some relief by clearing unnecessary, bureaucratic hurdles, which would ensure that the livestock raised in Maine can also be processed right here in our state by local, family-owned food processors and butchers.\n\nMaine's small family farms and meat and poultry processors are key building blocks of communities across our state, providing healthy, locally raised meat for their neighbors and making important contributions to the local economy,said Senator King.I'm proud to work with Senators Thune and Merkley to empower small processors to do their jobs and grow their businesses. It's our hope that this legislation will act as a helping hand in these difficult times by directing resources and investments to where they can do much good and bolster local economies around the country.\n\nAs both a farmer and as an owner operator of a small meat processing facility, I feel reform is greatly needed in the industry,said Jason Tessier of Tessiers Farm in Skowhegan.During a time of continued uncertainty and volatility in the industry, these small plants offer stability, and collectively cushion the supply chain shocks we have experienced due to COVID-19. I feel the proposed bill would offer much needed support to these small businesses, both in the way of financial assistance and also by increasing capacity through training, and streamlining process's, which would allow many of these owner operator facilities to focus more efforts toward food production.\n\nTheStrengthening Local Processing Actwould require the Food Safety Inspection Service to establish a searchable database of peer-reviewed, publicly available studies to establish and maintain Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans. This step would help small food processors develop their own HACCP plans and help expedite the HACCP approval process.\n\nTo incentivize more states to establish meat and poultry inspection programswhich small food processors need to approve their productsthe legislation would increase the federal government's cost-share for the programs from 50 percent to 65 percent. The bill would also allow state-inspected meat facilities to operate as federal inspection facilities, allowing more small and local processors to ship their products to other states and countries.\n\nLastly, the Strengthening Local Processing Act would create a grant program to support small plants by providing reimbursement grants to help cover costs associated with meeting state or federal inspection guidelines, expanding infrastructure to establish or increase harvest and processing capacity, and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and future market needs.\n\nTo meet education and training needs in the processing industry, the bill would also establish training grants to support and train small plant operators, small plant employees, and the next generation of meat processors and butchers. In addition, $10 million would be authorized in discretionary funding for higher education training and processor career training.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-covid-19-relief-agreement", "Senator Collins Statement on COVID-19 Relief Agreement", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.This evening, the final Covid-19 emergency relief package was released, which was based on the framework developed by a bipartisan, bicameral group led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mark Warner (D-VA). Their group includes Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives JoshGottheimer(D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23).\n\nSenator Collins released this statement on the agreement:\n\nThis agreement on an emergency Covid-19 relief package will provide much-needed relief for the American people. Our bipartisan, bicameral coalition led the way, working night and day to develop the commonsense plan and budget recommendations that jump-started these negotiations and provided the foundation for this final agreement. \n\nThis package extends the Paycheck Protection Program I coauthored and allows our hardest-hit small businesses, such as our restaurants and others in the hospitality sector, to receive a second PPP loan to keep them from shutting their doors for good and to allow them to pay their employees and certain overhead costs, such as for modifications to comply with public health guidelines. The compromise also provides urgently needed housing, nutrition, and unemployment compensation to struggling families, appropriates additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and provider assistance to our stressed health care system, allocates funding for schools challenged to operate safely in a COVID environment, assists the overwhelmed Postal Service, and provides assistance to our airlines, airports, mass transit, andmotorcoachcompanies that keep our country moving. From the beginning, I urged the leaders not to adjourn for Christmas without passing COVID relief. I am pleased that we will deliver this vital legislation before going home.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-group-finish-what-we-started", "Bipartisan, Bicameral Group: Finish What We Started", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in calling on Congress to deliver immediate COVID-19 relief to the American people. Earlier this week, the group shared two bills, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package.\n\nThe group is led by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Collins along with Senators King, Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23).\n\nToday we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 310,000 Americans, and hours away from a government shutdown that threatens to delay urgent aid to people in need throughout the nation. We must set our differences aside. The American people elected us to govern on their behalf, and at a time when they need us more than ever we must end the partisan games and meet this moment together for the good of the country. On Monday, our bipartisan, bicameral group presented a bill that helps provide for the emergency needs of the millions of families struggling to make ends meet. Once again, we encourage the leaders to finish what we started and deliver immediate assistance to the workers, families and businesses that need it most.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-cyberattack-likely-perpetrated-russians", "Senator Collins Statement on Cyberattack Likely Perpetrated by Russians", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins' Statement on Cyberattack Likely Perpetrated by Russians \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 12/18/2020 - 09:08    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued this statement following reports of a cyberattack on the U.S. government and multiple American companies for which Russia was likely responsible:\n\nThis cyberattack likely perpetrated by the Russians spotlights the glaring vulnerabilities of our federal cybersecurity system.\n\nThe President should immediately sign the NDAA not only to keep our military strong but also because it contains significant cyber security provisions that would help thwart future attacks.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-32-million-maine-head-start-programs", "Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $3.2 Million for Maine Head Start Programs", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded two organizations in Maine a total of $3,188,676 for their Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.\n\nHead Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this investment for families in Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Cumberland counties, which will encourage our children to grow and thrive and support Maine's working families during the current public health and economic crisis.\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows: \n\n Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care in Lewiston will receive $1,641,177.\n\n Midcoast Maine Community Action in Bath will receive $1,547,499.\n\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. Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-expand-access-care-veterans-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans-homes-be", "Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes to be Signed into Law", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Following unanimous passage by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will be sent to the President to be signed into law. The legislation was ultimately passed as part of a broad veteran benefits improvements package, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. The bipartisan legislation, authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced companion legislation in the House. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act also passed the Senate as stand-alone legislation on December 8.\n\nMaine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwill address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care.\n\nIn Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan legislation will provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.\n\nMaine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with gratitude and the highest-quality care available,said Senator King.For decades, Maine Veterans' Homes has helped our state fulfill that duty to our veterans, and this legislation will ensure they have the flexibility needed to continue to perform their vital services.\n\nBureaucrats in Washington are trying to enforce a misguided rule on Maine Veterans Homes that would not only take away medical care from some veterans, but also the roof over their heads, said Congressman Golden. The consequences for many of these vets, some of whom have dementia, are really serious and unacceptable to myself and my colleagues. I'm proud to work with the Maine delegation to get this bill across the finish line.\n\nNo one should be denied the care they need. I'm proud this bill will help Maine veterans who are living with early-stage dementia access care in state veterans' homes. The Maine State Veterans Homes are well-equipped to support veterans with dementia, and I'm glad we're taking steps to correct oversights that have previously prevented important care,said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.\n\nMVH provided early dementia care to more than 150 veterans daily for nearly 20 years when these veterans were suddenly deemed ineligible for domiciliary care. While the VA grandfathered existing veterans, nearly 40 veterans have been denied eligibility since January. This legislation will correct a decades old administrative oversight that has negatively impacted Maine veterans and their families. MVH thanks Senators Collins and King and Representatives Golden and Pingree for their advocacy on behalf of Maine veterans, and all of our nation's veterans, by advancing this important legislation through Congress, said Kelley Kash, CEO, Maine Veterans' Homes. \n\nThe State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act will allow the VA to waive certain eligibility requirements to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to be cared for in state veterans' homes when it is in the best interest of the veteran. Specifically, the legislation will require VA to implement a waiver authority, allowing the VA to grant domiciliary care per diem payments for veterans who meet at least half of the VA's current eligibility requirements or if such a waiver would be in the veteran's best interest. This will provide the flexibility to ensure this vulnerable group of veterans do not fall through the cracks and that VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/me-delegation-urges-feds-reject-petition-undermines-regulatory-process-threatens-maine", "ME Delegation Urges Feds to Reject Petition that Undermines Regulatory Process, Threatens Maine Lobster Fishery", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) today urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reject a petition for emergency interim fishery regulations regarding the North Atlantic right whale. The petition, submitted by a number of out-of-state interest groups, would bypass the established regulatory process and could set a dangerous precedent that could needlessly close lobster fisheries throughout New England.\n\nGolden, Collins, King, and Pingree also note that the data used by the petitioners in their call for an emergency rulemaking fail to incorporate the significant risks that ship strikes and fishing entanglements in Canadian waters pose to right whales.\n\nThis petition would undermine years-long cooperative efforts, which are now in the final stages of approval, and set a dangerous precedent of bypassing the regulatory process and excluding the input of lobstermen and seafood harvesters whose lives and livelihoods would be most impacted, said Golden, Collins, King, and Pingree. The short-sighted petition undermines our shared goal of protecting both the North Atlantic right whale and the New England lobster industry by ignoring the impacts of ship strikes and entanglements in Canadian waters and other fisheries, while pushing ropeless gear technology that the petitioners know is not viable and would effectively shut down the lobster fishery.\n\nThe petition would expand existing closures and effectively set new ones by prohibiting lobster traps with vertical lines in certain areas off the coast of Massachusetts. The delegation's letter notes that the petitioners suggest lobstermen use ropeless' traps, ignoring the fact that such technology is not commercially available, proven to be effective, or financially viable for fishermen.\n\nThe petitioners also fail to acknowledge data collected by the National Marine Service indicating that since 2010, when new sinking groundline and trawling-up rules were put in place, confirmed U.S. lobster gear entanglements have decreased 90 percent, compared to the thirteen years prior. In fact, there has been no direct evidence that a single right whale serious injury or mortality is attributable to the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank lobster fishery since 2004.\n\nPrevious rulemaking processes have been successful in part because they follow a public process that allows for input from lobstermen and the fishing industry. An additional federal rulemaking process is currently underway and is set to conclude by May 2021.\n\nRead a copy of the letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-900000-support-drug-free-communities-maine", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $900,000 to Support Drug-Free Communities in Maine", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine communities have been awarded a total of $914,156 to prevent youth substance misuse and foster drug-free communities. This funding was awarded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)'s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program.\n\nLast year, drug overdoses claimed the life of 380 Mainers, more than one person each day. We must take an all-hands-on-deck approach to stop the drug epidemic, as well as alcohol abuse and concerning increases in youth tobacco usage. said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This important funding will help Maine communities strengthen their efforts to prevent and reduce substance misuse through programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and community involvement.\n\nThe work of Drug Free Aroostook over the past five years has shown tremendous progress in reducing alcohol abuse among adolescence in Aroostook County. We are absolutely thrilled to continue this work for the next five years as its importance has only escalated due to the pandemic. Helping young people find healthy ways to manage difficult situations is critical at this time, said Meg Hegemann, Prevention Services Program Manager, Aroostook County Action Program. This federal funding allows us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. The 15 organizations serving this countywide collation understand that it is not enough to just say no, but that this federal funding will allow us to create pathways and strategies to serve our local youth. Working as a countywide collation we are making these healthier options available.\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows:\n\n Aroostook County Action Program will receive $36,223.\n\n Mid Coast Hospital will receive $70,845.\n\n Medical Care Development, Inc. will receive $57,138.\n\n Cumberland County will receive $29,115.\n\n Sebasticook Valley Hospital will receive $80,845\n\n Windham will receive $169,990.\n\n Presque Isle will receive $125,000.\n\n Brunswick will receive $125,000.\n\n Augusta will receive $125,000.\n\n University of New England will receive $95,000.\n\nCreated by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, DFC spearheads efforts to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance abuse. The program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-feinstein-call-inclusion-legislation-establish-smithsonian-american-women%E2%80%99s-history", "Collins, Feinstein Call for Inclusion of Legislation to Establish Smithsonian American Womens History Museum in Year-End Funding Bill", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Collins, Feinstein Call for Inclusion of Legislation to Establish Smithsonian American Women's History Museum in Year-End Funding Bill \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Tue, 12/15/2020 - 12:06    \n    \n    \n    \n  \nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) sent a letter calling on Senate and House leadership to include bipartisan legislation to establish a Smithsonian museum honoring American women in the year-end omnibus appropriations package. Senators Collins and Feinstein introduced The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act last year. Cosponsors of companion legislation in the House, Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), also signed the letter.\n\nAdditionally, the letter calls for the inclusion of legislation to create a National Museum of the American Latino in the year-end omnibus spending package. It was also signed by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) and Representatives Jose Serrano (D-NY) and Will Hurd (R-TX), lead sponsors of the National Museum of the American Latino Act.\n\nWith near universal support from Congress, as well as the public at large, The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act and the National Museum of the American Latino Act would establish museums under the storied umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution. Each museum within the Smithsonian tells a unique part of the collective history of America, but there are still so many parts left to be told, the lawmakers wrote. We thank you for your careful consideration of this urgent request and understand the delicate nature of on-going negotiations. However, we believe this represents our last best hope in seeing these museums become a reality for millions of Americans who lack historical and cultural representation within the Smithsonian.\n\nClick HERE to read the full letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-colleagues-introduce-legislation-stop-medicare-physician-payment-cuts", "Collins, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Stop Medicare Physician Payment Cuts", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), John Boozman (R-AR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced legislation to prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021. TheHolding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020would ensure payments to medical physicians are maintained at current levels for the next two years.\n\nThese reimbursement cuts primarily fall on the backs of health care providers across non-primary care specialties  from radiology to physical therapy to orthopaedic surgery. If these ill-timed payment cuts go into effect, they could have a devastating effect on providers, health care practices, and, most important, patient access to care, said Senator Collins. Our legislation would halt these payments cuts from going into effect at the start of the New Year, helping to ensure that we do not further burden our health care system that is already struggling due to the pandemic.\n\nCutting physician payments is the last thing CMS should be doing when we're in the middle of a pandemic. Patients deserve access quality and affordable health care, said Senator Boozman. This legislation is necessary to achieve this.\n\nIf our heroes this year are people who wear scrubs, then it is unconscionable to hit them with Medicare cuts as a New Year's gift, said Senator Hyde-Smith.This legislation needs to be passed before the holidays to provide relief to the very healthcare professionals who bear the burden of fighting this pandemic.\n\nHealth care providers in North Dakota and across the country face significant financial strain caused by COVID-19. They can't afford these cuts, and we can't afford to lose their services,said Senator Cramer. Our bill helps ensure these providers can continue the admirable service they've displayed throughout the pandemic without having another reason to worry about their bottom line.\n\nMany frontline health care providers face substantial Medicare reimbursement cutsbeginning on January 1st.Our health care system is already under tremendous strain due to the pandemic, said Senator Cotton. Our bill stops these cuts from taking effect and imposing any further burden on our providers during this public health emergency.\n\nThe legislation is supported by a number of health care industry groups including the American Medical Association, American Optometric Association, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.\n\nOur nation's physicians are under incredible strain due to COVID-19, and this bill begins to correct a misguided and ill-timed policy that would cut health care spending in the middle of a pandemic. Time is running out to reverse these cuts and protect patients, said David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, American College of Surgeons Executive Director.\n\nSenator Collins has long been a champion of improving access to health care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In an effort to avert destabilizing cuts to medical providers that could harm patients' access to health care, Senator Collins sent a letter to Senate leaders in October, urging them to advance legislation that would prevent these sharp reductions in payment.\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) and Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) in October.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-share-details-two-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-bills-along-bipartisan", "Collins, King Share Details of Two Bipartisan Covid-19 Emergency Relief Bills Along with Bipartisan, Bicameral Group", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE to download.\nClick HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. Click HERE to download.\n\nWashington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group in sharing additional details regarding two COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The group is led by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Collins along with Senators King, Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23).\n\nThe Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Warner, Cassidy, Shaheen, Murkowski, King, Romney, Hassan, Portman and Durbin, would provide as much as $748 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Cassidy, Murkowski, Romney and Portman, would provide $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections. The Problem Solvers Caucus is working on a version in the House.\n\nWe have had a Christmas miracle occur in Washington. We worked night and day for over a month to put together an emergency COVID relief package. My hope is that our hard work will spur our leadership on both sides of the aisle to take our products and use them as the basis for a COVID relief package that is urgently needed by our struggling families, hard-hit small businesses, health care providers, Postal Service, schools, and so many others, said Senator Collins. I'm particularly proud of the $300 billion small business provision that Senator Jeanne Shaheen and I led. It includes an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, which has saved millions of jobs in this country, including 250,000 jobs in Maine alone. Surely we can come together and provide this relief before Christmas. The American people deserve no less.\n\nAfter weeks of negotiations marked by good-faith efforts on both sides of the aisle to strike a compromise, today we have reached an agreement that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars for Americans who are struggling, said Senator King. This agreement extends unemployment benefits for workers who've lost their jobs due to the pandemic's economic impact; provides another crucial lifeline for the nation's small businesses, and strengthens our public health infrastructure as healthcare providers across the country prepare to deliver vaccine doses in the months ahead. Our agreement is far from perfect; I strongly would have preferred additional funding for unemployment, and would rather that the critical funds for state and local infrastructure were included in the overall package rather than broken out. However, we don't have time to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. When you look at our initial framework, this final agreement isn't a glass that's half full -- this glass is eighty percent full. I support this measure because the American people are in desperate need of relief, and they don't have time for months of Congressional haggling; they need action, now. This legislation should be viewed as a starting point, to get us through the worst of the long winter ahead  and in the next several months, Congress should continue negotiating in an effort to prepare additional relief legislation this coming spring.\n\nThe American people are hurting in ways we haven't seen in generations. The next several months are going to the most difficult stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, and we as Members of Congress have a responsibility to act. Food banks are overwhelmed with requests, small businesses are being forced to shut their doors again, we are on the verge of a devastating housing crisis and millions of Americans still find themselves unemployed. The two bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief bills shared today are a compromise that will carry the American people through April 1st of next year to ensure our healthcare crisis doesn't become an economic catastrophe. For Congress to do nothing in the face of a national crisis of this magnitude is unacceptable and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these bipartisan solutions. We're not going home for Christmas until this gets done, Senator Manchin said. \n\nI will be the first to admit that this deal is imperfect. But these challenges are simply too urgent to allow politics to interfere, and an imperfect deal is better than no deal. With unemployment and other benefits scheduled to run out just before Christmas, the American people cannot afford for us to wait. After several weeks of work, I hope that this bipartisan bill moves us closer to providing real relief to the American people without further delay, said Senator Warner.\n\nCOVID infections are rising. Small businesses owners and their employees are afraid of going bankrupt and losing their jobs. Families are wondering how to afford food and rent. This bill reflects weeks of good-faith negotiations from both Republicans and Democrats to find a solution that delivers relief to struggling Americans. This is Congress' last chance to pass a relief bill before Christmas. We must deliver for the good of our country, said Dr. Cassidy. \n\n300,000 Americans have been taken by COVID-19. As hospital beds fill up, small businesses close their doors and Americans struggle to put food on the table, the urgency to get financial relief to our communities cannot be overstated. The bipartisan legislation we've announced today  written in good-faith and across party lines  are the only relief bills that can clear Congress. Senate and House leaders must act swiftly, said Senator Shaheen. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been overwhelming and no person or industry has been spared. This legislation responds to those who have been hardest-hit, including our small businesses and child care providers, and it addresses pre-existing problems in our society that have been worsened by the pandemic, such as food insecurity and the substance use disorder epidemic. This legislation will help Americans get through the darkest months of this crisis, but our work is not over. We will need to build on this bipartisan effort in the weeks and months ahead to ensure New Hampshire families and all Americans have the assistance they need to recover.\n\nAcross the nation, Americans continue to struggle with significant health and economic impacts due to COVID-19. In Alaska, I continue to hear from small businesses who are struggling to keep their doors open as well as many who are uncertain they will be able to pay rent or even feed their family. Congress must fulfill our obligation to the American people by providing emergency relief to those who have been hit the hardest by the impacts of this pandemic. People are looking to Congress for leadership in a time of serious need and these targeted measures will make an immediate difference,said Senator Murkowski. It is time to put partisan differences aside and provide Americans with the relief they so desperately need. I urge my colleagues to support this much needed legislation for the sake of all those who are struggling.\n\nAfter many weeks of good faith efforts, I'm pleased we were able to reach agreement on a two part relief package that includes emergency relief for small businesses, unemployment insurance, funding for vaccines and health care providers, as well as state and local assistance and a national liability shield for COVID-related lawsuits. This compromise represents the best path forward for Congress and the Administration to provide much-needed relief for the American people before the end of the year, said Senator Romney.\n\nPeople in New Hampshire, and across the country, urgently need additional COVID-19 relief, said Senator Hassan. We have come together, compromised, and found bipartisan agreement on a strong emergency relief package that will help protect lives and livelihoods  and there is significant bipartisan, bicameral support for it. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line.\n\nThe Senate should not adjourn until we have passed a new COVID-19 package to provide the relief Americans need, and I'm pleased to announce this bipartisan effort with my colleagues. Together, we have crafted two packages, one that will support our health care response to this pandemic and, just as important, provide a bridge of additional aid to bolster our economy until vaccines are widely available and Americans feel safe returning to normal life. The second package is focused on ensuring that state and local governments have the funding they need to provide essential services while protecting businesses, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations from frivolous lawsuits. I hope all of our colleagues will support these bipartisan products, said Senator Portman.\n\nIt is clear that we are at a critical moment. I'm hopeful that with the first shipment of a vaccine arriving today at hospitals across the country, we will be able to turn the corner on this pandemic. But we also know that it will take time and resources to vaccinate enough people, and the winter is going to be hard for many families and businesses. With this in mind, this group of Democrats and Republicans came together and worked on compromise, emergency relief legislation in the areas where we could agree totaling $748 billion. This package does not include everything I think we need. However, it is an honest compromise, Senator Durbin said. While the fight continues over state and local funding and corporate liability immunity, we must provide some emergency relief for the American people before we go home for the holidays. I support the $748 billion bipartisan package. I urge my colleagues to support this package, and I call on the Senate Majority Leader to bring it to the floor for a vote this week.\n\nThis team effort is an example of how Congress should, can, and must work together, and a model for governing in a way that the country needs and deserves. This remarkable, bipartisan, bicameral effort from rank and file members has fulfilled our mission to develop an emergency relief down payment that can help our entire nation, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). Now, the House and Senate must come together in the spirit of unity, in the spirit of humanity, and in the spirit of America  and pass this emergency relief package before Christmas, so that our country can begin the new year in the spirit of hope and optimism and with much needed relief.\n\nBy staying in the room and refusing to give up, we've crafted a comprehensive proposal that directly addresses the short-term economic needs of the nation and ensures millions of American families will go into the holidays with the federal support they deserve, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY). This effort proves working together is not dead, and it is possible to solve problems if by listening in good faith. Let's get emergency relief across the finish line and passed into law without delay.  \n\nBackground documents for the bills can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-55-million-costs-mitigating-spread-covid-19-maine", "Senators Collins, King Announce $5.5 Million for Costs of Mitigating Spread of COVID-19 in Maine", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine has received an additional $5,570,755 to reimburse the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) including KN95 surgical masks for frontline responders, as well as disposable non-sterile isolation gowns and disposable isolation suits. This funding was awarded to the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).\n\nAs we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that health care professionals across Maine are properly equipped to treat individuals who contract the virus and prevent further transmission, Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. We welcome this continued critical support, which helped provide PPE to our frontline workers and ensure the safety of individuals, families, and communities throughout Maine.\n\nIn the midst of the pandemic, Senators Collins and King have fought hard to secure federal funding for PPE for Maine. Last month, the Senators announced that Maine received nearly $2.3 million for such medical supplies. In April, the Senators urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor to help Maine more easily access PPE secured by the COVID-19 Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force. As of November 13, FEMA has obligated more than $163 million in federal support to Maine, and as of November 18, FEMA and the Strategic National Stockpile have provided Maine with more than 1,498,514 gloves, 43,525 face shields, 41,290 surgical gowns, 204,393 surgical masks, and 566,775 N95 respirators.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-strengthen-national-defense-heads-president%E2%80%99s-desk-provisions-championed-0", "Legislation to Strengthen National Defense Heads to Presidents Desk with Provisions Championed by Senator Collins", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would authorize $731.6 billion for national defense, passed the Senate by an overwhelmingly bipartisan, veto-proof vote of 84-13 today. Senator Collins urges the President to quickly sign this crucial bill into law.\n\nThe NDAA represents one of Congress' most important responsibilities. For the past 59 consecutive years, Congress has come together in a bipartisan manner to craft this annual legislation, said Senator Collins. The NDAA authorizes funding to support our brave military members serving overseas, including a three percent pay raise for our troops in this year's bill, and sets policy for our nation's military and critical national defense priorities. The legislation also contains provisions important to our state, supporting the jobs of the hardworking Mainers who make invaluable contributions to our national security, including at BIW, PNSY, Pratt & Whitney, and DFAS Limestone.\n\nSenator Collins authored an amendment that was adopted in the final bill:\n\n Strengthening the Navy. An amendment Senator Collins authored and Senator Angus King (I-ME) co-sponsored would prohibit the Navy from reducing its current 104-ship destroyer requirement unless the Secretary of the Navy submits a report to Congress demonstrating that any proposed reduction would not jeopardize our national security. This amendment will help to protect our shipbuilding industrial base, including Bath Iron Works, which will be essential to reach the goal of a 355-ship Navy.\n\n\nThe NDAA also includes a number of provisions Senator Collins strongly advocated for that will benefit Maine:\n\n Support for BIW. The NDAA authorizes the procurement of nine battle force ships, including two Arleigh-Burke destroyers, one of which will be built by the highly skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works.\n\n Support for PNSY Employees. Provisions championed by Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) would help PNSY firefighters develop alternative work schedules and exempt public shipyard workers from DOD's government lodging program when it would adversely affect their mission.\n\n Infrastructure Improvements at PNSY. The NDAA authorizes $160 million for the first phase of funding for PNSY's $715 million Multi-Mission Dry Dock #1 extension military construction project, which will be authorized and funded over three years due to its large size. This project will ensure PNSY is able to support the Navy's Virginia-class submarines for decades to come.\n\n Support for Defense Contractors in Maine. The NDAA authorizes 93 fifth-generation Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and seven CH-53K King Stallion helicopters. Pratt & Whitney's North Berwick factory manufactures the F-35's top-of-the-line engine, and Hunting Dearborn in Fryberg has been making important contributions to both the F-35 and CH-53K programs for years.\n\n Support for Semiconductor Industry. An amendment co-sponsored by Senator Collins would make critical investments in commercial and defense-related microelectronics projects to ensure the United States remains a world leader in the industry. This will help keep our national security strong and benefit domestic manufacturers of semiconductors, like On Semiconductor and Texas Instruments that have factories in South Portland.\n\n Navy Station in Cutler. The NDAA authorizes $26.1 million for the construction of additional perimeter security at the Navy's detachment in Cutler, an important installation that allows Navy commanders to communicate with U.S. and NATO ships, planes, and submarines operating in the Atlantic. This project was the Navy's #1 unfunded military construction priority and was included in the NDAA at Senator Collins' request.\n\n Coronavirus response. The bill includes numerous provisions related to ensuring servicemembers have adequate diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and personal protective equipment, along with resources and authorities to support overall readiness.\n\n Pay Raise. Authorizes a three percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces and prioritizes support for family readiness, including spouse employment opportunities and child care.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/more-50-million-covid-19-financial-relief-has-been-awarded-maine-farmers", "More Than $50 Million in COVID-19 Financial Relief has been Awarded to Maine Farmers", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TODAY is the last day to apply for CFAP funding: Farmers.gov/cfap\n\nWashington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maine farmers have been awarded a total of$50,329,634 to dateto help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to COVID-19. The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), created through the CARES Act, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America's farmers.\n\nThe supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, from newly founded farms to operations that have been passed down from generation to generation,said Senator Collins.These direct payments, which I worked to include in the CARES Act, will help provide some relief.During this difficult time, I will continue to advocate for Mainefarmers.\n\nIn addition to facilitating the Farmers to Families Food Box program, CFAPis providing vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face significant additionalmarketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.\n\nThe USDA is accepting applications until December 11th.More information aboutCFAP can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) resource page:Farmers.gov/cfap.\n\nTo date, the funding has been allocated as follows:\n\n Dairy farmershave been awarded $13,153,412.\n\n Livestock farmershave been awarded $2,223,469.\n\n Non-Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $706,936.\n\n Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $15,128,560.\n\n Eggs/Broilershave been awarded $36,519.\n\n Sales Commoditieshave been awarded $17,800,886.\n\n Acreage-based crops have been awarded $1,279,852.\n\nCFAP payments are available for eligible producers of specialty crop commodities categorized as either sales commodities or flat-rate crops. Specifically:\n\n Sales commodities have payment calculations that use a sales-based approach, where producers of eligible commodities are paid based on five payment gradations associated with their 2019 sales. Eligible fruits, vegetables, horticulture, tree nuts, honey, and maple sap are categorized as sales-based commodities.\n\n Flat-rate crops either do not meet the five-percent-or-greater national price decline trigger noted above or do not have data available to calculate a price change, but will have CFAP 2 payments calculated based on eligible acres of the crop planted in 2020.\n\n+++\n\nFollowing a push by Maine's Congressional Delegation and Governor Janet Mills, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)announcedin August that maple syrup producersare now eligible for CFAP's direct financial relief. In June, Senator Collins, along with and Senator King and Representatives Pingree and Golden, senta letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue (PDF)in support ofmaplesyrupproducers' eligibility for direct relief from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). In addition to maple syrup producers, aquaculture farmers were also made eligible for CFAP payments after Sen. Collins and the delegation urged USDA to include them in the program. In April, Senator Collins and the delegation sent aletterto Sec. Perdue in support of aquaculture farmers' eligibility for this direct relief.\n\nIn July, Senator CollinsvisitedVan Buren, where 760 food boxes through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program were distributed to members of the community.The food boxes, which contained products from Maine farmers, were purchased through a$2.14 million contractrecently awarded to Maine Farmers Exchange (MFX)to participate in the program.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Collins visited Native Maine Produce and Specialty Foodsto meet with managers and employees andcelebratea $1.35 million contract the wholesale food distributor was recently awardedto distribute 45,000 food boxes, each holding 25 pounds of produce, to Maine food banks.\n\nSenator Collins has helped to lead bipartisan efforts in Congress to direct more support to farmers. Sheco-signed a series of lettersto the USDA, urging Secretary Sonny Perdue to prioritize assistance to Maine farmers, including those in the dairy, potato, and blueberry industries.\n\nSenator Collins and Representative Pingreealsowrote to USDAto emphasize the need to provide assistance directly to growers as well as support local producers and their supply chains, andshe joinedSenators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in leading a group of bipartisan Senators in urging the USDA to target COVID-19 relief provisions to reach local farmers.\n\nIn aletterto the USDA, Senator Collins elevated the concerns and questions raised by representatives of the potato industry, including the Maine Potato Board, who are facing an unprecedented crisis due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Furthermore, Senator Collins offered recommendations for theCFAPthat would address the supply backlogand called for direct relief for potato growers.\n\nIn May, Senators Collins, King, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)introduced the Farming Support to States Act, a bipartisan bill to provide states access to immediate, flexible funding to aid in responding to urgent and emerging issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in America's agriculture economy and food supply chain.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-expand-access-care-veterans-early-stage-dementia-protect-state-veterans-homes-passes", "Bill to Expand Access to Care for Veterans with Early-Stage Dementia, Protect State Veterans Homes Passes Senate", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) to address a current gap in care for veterans in Maine living with early-stage dementia. The State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives.\n\nMaine Veterans' Homes(MVH) has provided domiciliary care for veterans with early-stage dementia in its homes since 2004, but newly enforced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eligibility requirements have limited access for many of these veterans. TheState Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Actwould address this by providing the VA with additional flexibility to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to receive this care.\n\nIn Maine, we lead the way in caring for our veterans. For more than 40 years, Maine Veterans' Homes has been a vital part of our State's commitment to our heroes. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was cared for by the Veterans' Home in Caribou at the end of his life, so I know firsthand the compassion and care that Maine Veterans' Homes provide, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan bill would provide the flexibility needed to ensure that veterans with early-stage dementia do not fall through the cracks and that the VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.\n\nMaine's veterans stepped up and answered the call to protect our state and our nation, and we have a responsibility to repay them with gratitude and the highest-quality care available, said Senator King. For decades, Maine Veterans' Homes has helped our state fulfill that duty to our veterans, and this legislation will ensure they have the flexibility needed to continue to perform their vital services.\n\nThis bipartisan legislation grants much-needed flexibility to the VA system in order to make sure that our veterans get the health care they need and have earnedand State Veterans Homes are a critical part of that health care delivery, said Senator Sullivan. This is good news for Alaska's veterans and those who have served our country across the nation, some of whom are falling through the cracks due to outdated criteria. I was pleased to work with Senators Collins and King and with our veterans community in Alaska on this important bill.\n\nMVH provided early dementia care to more than 150 veterans daily for nearly 20 years when these veterans were suddenly deemed ineligible for domiciliary care. While the VA grandfathered existing veterans, nearly 40 veterans have been denied eligibility since January. This legislation will correct a decades old administrative oversight that has negatively impacted Maine veterans and their families. MVH thanks Senators Collins and King for their advocacy on behalf of Maine veterans, and all of our nation's veterans, by advancing this important legislation through the Senate, said Kelley Kash, CEO, Maine Veterans' Homes. \n\nThis bill would allow State Veterans Homes across the nation to provide much needed care and support to veterans with early stages of dementia and other special needs who are currently deemed ineligible because of outdated and incongruous medical criteria, said Melissa Jackson, President, National Association of State Veterans Homes. It's a win-win-win for the State homes, the VA, and most importantly, for veterans by expanding care options to help meet the growing demand early dementia and memory care services.\n\nThe State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act would allow the VA to waive certain eligibility requirements to allow veterans with early-stage dementia to be cared for in state veterans' homes when it is in the best interest of the veteran. Specifically, the bill would require VA to implement a waiver authority, allowing the VA to grant domiciliary care per diem payments for veterans who meet at least half of the VA's current eligibility requirements or if such a waiver would be in the veteran's best interest. This will provide the flexibility to ensure this vulnerable group of veterans do not fall through the cracks and that VA can help address the growing needs for assistance for these patients.\n\nA companion bill, sponsored by Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME), has been introduced in the House.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-urges-transparency-state%E2%80%99s-covid-19-vaccine-allocation", "Maine Delegation Urges Transparency on States COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Goldenwrote to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, urging HHS toprioritize transparent and timely communication with state partners regarding COVID-19vaccinedistribution. Maine'sreportedfederal allocation ofvaccines falls short of initialprojections, leading to considerable public confusion.\n\nThe development and fair distribution of a safe and effectivevaccineare critical to successfully containing the COVID-19 pandemic,said the lawmakers in a letter.It is imperative that states have accurate and transparent information aboutvaccineallocations. In recent weeks, Operation Warp Speed significantly changed its projections on the number ofvaccinedoses that states should expect to receive through the Tiberius portal without an accompanying explanation for the changeWe encourage HHS to provide greater public transparency on state-by-state allocations, allocation methodologies, as well as distributions.\n\nFull text of the letter is availableonlineand below:\n\nDear Secretary Azar,\n\nAs the COVID-19 pandemic extends into a second year, we commend the scientific community for its outstanding achievements in developing diagnostic tests, therapeutics, and vaccines. In particular, the development and fair distribution of a safe and effective vaccine are critical to successfully containing the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring a smooth roll-out will require seamless coordination at every level.\n\nTwo promising vaccine candidates have already sought Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other vaccine candidates are on the horizon. As these vaccine candidates move towards FDA approval, it is imperative that states have accurate and transparent information about vaccine allocations. In recent weeks, Operation Warp Speed significantly changed its projections on the number of vaccine doses that states should expect to receive through the Tiberius portal without an accompanying explanation for the change. Regrettably, the lack of a real-time explanation to state officials resulted in considerable public confusion in Maine.\n\nWe acknowledge the fluidity of this procurement process. Changes in timelines for the vaccine approval process, supply shortages, and other manufacturing challenges all contribute to a shifting landscape. At the same time, in order for states to better refine their distribution plans and to avoid a misunderstanding of what may be driving those projection changes, states need immediate clarity when major changes are made. Without clear and timely communication, public confidence in the distribution process could waver.\n\nWe also encourage HHS to provide greater public transparency on state-by-state allocations, allocation methodologies, as well as distributions. These types of public disclosures will help ensure greater accountability and ensure equitable access.\n\nWe appreciate your attention to these concerns. Please reach out if we can be of assistance as this important process continues.\n\nThis press release is available onlinehere.\n\n###", 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-4", "Senators Collins and King Announce Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  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\nWe are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation's distinguished service academies, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. The young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character.\n\nThe following students from Maine have received nominations as candidates to the military academies from Senators Collins and King:\n\nUnited States Air Force Academy  Colorado Springs\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nJoseph Bergen Yarmouth Yarmouth High School\nPaxton Dionne Bangor Bangor High School\nGarrett Engstrom Alton  Old Town High School\nHarrison Hartnett Oxford Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School\nEmelyn Hatch Pittsfield Maine Central Institute\nAugust Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School\nKathleen Hughes Yarmouth Yarmouth High School\nAndrew Klein Cumberland Center Greely High School\nJonathan Leal York York High School\nBrendan Mailloux Portland Portland High School\nTyler Ormonde Whitefield Erskine Academy\nJaimey-Leigh Weidner Bowdoin Mount Ararat High School\n\n\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nGlory Blethen Boothbay Boothbay Region High School\nAugust Huffard Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School\nSumner Rugh Chebeague Island Yarmouth High School\n\n\nUnites States Military Academy  West Point\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nJack Begin Chelsea Cony High School\nGarrett Engstrom Alton Old Town High School\nBryan Frost Newburgh Hampden Academy\nCharles Fussell Orrington John Bapst High School\nCalvin Healey York York High School\nAidan Joyce Scarborough Scarborough High School\nBenjamin Keller Falmouth Falmouth High School\nJonathan Leal York York High School\nJacob Lowe Saco Thornton Academy\nDaniel Penney Hollis Center Waynflete\nKelby Young Chelsea Erskine Academy\n\n\nUnited States Naval Academy - Annapolis\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nKylie Bedard Saco Thornton Academy\nPatrick Bergen Yarmouth Yarmouth High School\nSawyer Carson Belfast Belfast Area High School\nFelix Cutler Winter Harbor Tabor Academy\nAnna Drinkert Orono Orono High School\nRylee Eaton Little Deer Isle Deer Isle Stonington High School\nDelaney Feeney Winthrop Kents Hill High School\nCharles Griebel Hope Camden Hills Regional High School\nEmelyn Hatch Pittsfield  Maine Central Institute\nKathleen Hughes Yarmouth Yarmouth High School\nJacob Lowe Saco Thornton Academy\nLily Pires Yarmouth Yarmouth High School\nSadie Skinner Orr's Island Mount Ararat High School\nOlivia Tiner Winslow Winslow High School\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-protect-seniors-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-other-dementias-elder-abuse-be-signed-law", "Bill to Protect Seniors with Alzheimers & Other Dementias from Elder Abuse to be Signed into Law", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have unanimously passed legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to protect seniors with dementia from harm and exploitation. The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Their bipartisan bill will ensure that the Department of Justice's elder abuse training materials take into account individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.\n\nApproximately one in 10 seniors age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. For people with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the prevalence is much higher, with some estimates putting it at just over 50 percent.\n\nAs Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, one of my top priorities is protecting our seniors against abuse, said Senator Collins, a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic,there may be increased risk forelder abuse, including elder financial exploitation. Our bipartisan bill will help to ensure that the frontline professionals who are leading the charge against elder abuse have the training needed to respond to cases where the victim or a witness has Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.\n\nI watched my mother struggle and ultimately succumb to Alzheimer's, and it pains me that a growing number of Americans living with Alzheimer's and dementia are at risk of potential abuse, neglect and exploitation, said Senator Menendez. I am thrilled that our legislation is now heading to the president's desk for his signature. This bill will ensure those with AD/ADRD are able to live with dignity in safe and healthy environments, while providing critical education and training to caregivers, health providers and law enforcement. I applaud the House for passing this bill and hope the president signs it without delay.\n\nWe ought to do all we can to ensure the Justice Department is well-prepared to respond to crimes involving Alzheimer's patients and folks with other forms of dementia. These cases can be particularly challenging at each stage, from investigation to prosecution. This legislation will strengthen our collective response to these crimes, which are unfortunately all too common. I'm glad the House passed this important bill and look forward to it being signed into law soon, Senator Grassley said.\n\nThe legislation is supported by the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Alzheimer's Impact Movement, Elder Justice Coalition, American Geriatrics Society, American Society on Aging, B'nai B'rith International, Gerontological Society of America, International Association for Indigenous Aging, Jewish Federations of North America, Justice in Aging, LEAD Coalition (Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease), National Adult Protective Services Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A), National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, and SAGE: Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders.\n\nI want to thank Senator Collins for her leadership along with Senator Menendez and Senator Grassley for their efforts to introduce and ensure passage of the bipartisan Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) executive director. Thanks to this important bipartisan work, this new law will better equip emergency personnel and other professionals to work with and support individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementia who are at heightened risk for abuse, leading to higher quality outcomes for individuals with dementia.\"\n\nSpecifically, the Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act would:\n\n \nRequire that the National Elder Justice Coordinator take into account people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias when creating or compiling elder abuse training materials;\n \n\n \nInstruct DOJ to consult with stakeholders, as appropriate, in developing these materials and to review and update existing materials; and\n \n\n \nInclude information in DOJ's annual report about where to access the publicly available training materials.\n \n\nThe bill builds on the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, which became law in October 2017 and required DOJ to create training materials to help criminal justice, health care, and social services personnel assess and respond to elder abuse cases. It also aligns with recommendations from the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease, which include disseminating information on abuse of those with dementia and educating law enforcement about interacting with these individuals.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-pingree-urge-us-army-corps-engineers-address-beach-erosion-camp-ellis-saco", "Collins, King, Pingree Urge U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Address Beach Erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King, Pingree Urge U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Address Beach Erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco \n                    \n                              \n  \n  To date, 38 homes have been lost to erosion in Camp Ellis  \n        \n      Posted Wed, 12/09/2020 - 14:04    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C.  In a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree voiced their support for the City of Saco formally expressing interest in entering into a Project Partnership Agreement with the USACE to address the ongoing beach erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco. A letter of support from the city was required before the USACE could move forward with a project to modify the jetty and renourish the beach.\n\nWe were encouraged by the letter of support from the City of Saco, which was backed by the full City Council and the City's newly elected Mayor Bill Doyle, Senators Collins and King and Congresswoman Pingree wrote. To date, 38 homes have been lost due to erosion, along with dunes, a railroad, and four streets. This continuing loss of property prompted the City of Saco to request Federal assistance to mitigate further shoreline impacts we appreciate your willingness to work with the City of Saco to find a solution.\n\nThe USACE has been working with Saco to find a solution to address erosion at Camp Ellis through Section 111 of the 1968 River and Harbor Act, which provides authority for the Corps to develop and construct projects for prevention or mitigation of damages caused by Federal navigation work. Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree have championed efforts to resolve the challenges created by the USACE's Camp Ellis Jetty.\n\nClick HERE to read the letter to USACE Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-120000-housing-authorities-aroostook-sagadahoc-counties", "Senator Collins Announces $120,000 for Housing Authorities in Aroostook, Sagadahoc Counties", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that two housing authorities in Maine have received a total of $120,541 to support housing assistance to low-income families. This funding was provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Public Housing Operating Program.\n\nMaine's housing authorities provide vital support to individuals and families with disabilities,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to providing the resources to help meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.\n\nThe funding was allocated as follows:\n\n Housing Authority of Fort Fairfield received $7,314.\n\n Bath Housing Authority received $113,227.\n\nAs the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine. She helped to securea total of$46.5million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communitiesthroughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-37-million-maine-health-centers-combat-covid-19", "Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $3.7 Million for Maine Health Centers to Combat COVID-19", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, and Angus King announced that two Health Centers in Maine have been awarded a total of $3,682,207 to address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies, and boost telehealth capacity in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will benefit health centers in Penobscot, Lincoln, Kennebec, Oxford, Somerset, Franklin, Sagadahoc, and Androscoggin counties.\n\nCommunity health centers provide affordable health care to our nation's most vulnerable citizens.As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, these medical providers are needed now more than ever,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.This important funding will assist the dedicated staff at Maine health centers as they continue to care for COVID-19 patients throughout our state.\n\nThe funding was allocated as follows:\n\n HealthReach Community Health Centers received $2,101,747.\n\n Health Access Network received $1,580,460.\n\nSenators Collins and Kinghelped tosecurenearly $4 million in September, nearly $13 million in April, and more than $1 million in Marchfor Health Centers across the State of Maine. These facilities provide access to cost-effective primary and preventive care for more than 200,000 people in Maine and are a critical part of the nation's primary care network. Across the nation, Health Centers serve approximately 29 million patients at over 10,000 sites in both rural and urban communities in every state in the nation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bill-cosponsored-collins-king-increase-disability-insurance-access-individuals-als-be", "Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Increase Disability Insurance Access for Individuals with ALS to be Signed into Law", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act by voice vote. This bipartisan legislation will eliminate the five-month waiting period before ALS patients can receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned by contributing into Social Security. Cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), this legislation will build on previous steps by Congress and the Social Security Administration to accommodate the difficult prognosis for those diagnosed with ALS. Last week, the Senate passed the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act by a vote of 96 to 1. The bipartisan bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.\n\nAmericans living with ALS, as well as the family members that care for them, should not have to wait to access important benefits that can help mitigate the financial burden that often accompanies this heartbreaking disease, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This bipartisan legislation will help to ensure that those with ALS have the immediate support they need, and we look forward to seeing this bill become law. \n\nAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the ability of the brain to control muscle movements. Individuals with ALS progressively lose the ability to speak, walk, and breathe. The intended purpose of a five-month waiting period is to allow temporary conditions to reverse. However, there is currently no cure or treatment to halt or undo the effects of ALS, and some ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before ever receiving benefits. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act will help alleviate some of the financial hardship that accompanies an ALS diagnosis and support those living with ALS and their families.\n\nThe ALS Disability Insurance Access Act was cosponsored by 67 Senators, and the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives was cosponsored by 305 members.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-group-introduces-bill-support-victims-%E2%80%98havana-syndrome%E2%80%99", "Bipartisan Group Introduces Bill to Support Victims of Havana Syndrome", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.In a bipartisan effort to support American public servants who have incurred brain injuries from probable microwave attacks, a bipartisan group of 10 Senators introduced a bill today that would authorize additional compensation for injured individuals. The legislation was introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Sasse (R-NE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Burr (R-NC), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Tom Cotton (R-AR).\n\nLast week, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on the more than 40 U.S. diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, and at least a dozen U.S. diplomats at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China, who suffered symptoms consistent with the effects of directed, pulsed, radiofrequency energy. Ailments have included dizziness, tinnitus, visual problems, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties. Although the attacks first began in late 2016, many of the affected personnel continue to suffer from health problems.\n\nUnder the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), a federal employee may currently receive a schedule award if the employee suffers the loss or loss of use of a part of the body, but not if the impairment is to the brain, back, or heart. The proposed legislation would provide the CIA Director and the Secretary of State additional authority to compensate their personnel who incur brain injuries in connection with war or a hostile act.\n\nPublic servants who work in our embassies and consulates overseas make many personal sacrifices to represent America's interests abroad, and they deserve our strong support, said Senator Collins. As we investigate the source of previous microwave attacks and seek to prevent them from occurring in the future, this legislation would provide additional financial assistance to Americans who were injured and continue to experience debilitating symptoms.\n\nAs the Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I understand the lengths that our CIA officers go to in order to obtain critical intelligence and keep our nation safe, said Senator Warner. Given the daily risks that these brave men and women endure for the sake of democracy, the least we can do is put financial safeguards in place for those afflicted by these awful attacks.\n\nThe mysterious injuries afflicting U.S. public servants and their loved ones are serious and for far too long, these Americans have suffered without the health care they need to manage their symptoms and recover. Providing them access to long-term, emergency health benefits has been a top concern for me, which is why I'm glad to partner with Senator Collins and this bipartisan group of lawmakers to build on that important work, said Senator Shaheen. This legislation will add an important new benefit that the employees with brain injuries can use toward their long-term care and recovery. It also includes my language to ensure that federal retirees continue to have the option of accessing these benefits even after they have left government service. Federal employees impacted by these incidents should be heard, believed and assisted on their path to recovery. I'm encouraged by the bipartisan progress in Congress to address their needs, but more must be done to determine the causation of these attacks and prevent them from affecting any other employees.\n\nThe United States has a responsibility to care for any American public servant who sustains serious injuries while working on behalf of our nation, said Senator King. This legislation would ensure that we are fulfilling that duty by providing for U.S. government employees who were afflicted by these mysterious ailments while serving oversees, with some still struggling with the effects to this day. It is imperative that Congress pass this law to support those harmed while representing our nation abroad  and that the United States identify and defend against the source of these injuries, so we can protect our public servants from similar threats in the future.\n\nThe men and women serving our nation abroad often do so at the risk of their own health and safety, said Senator Burr. Since 2016, multiple U.S. officials serving in Cuba and in China have been the victims of attacks that cause sudden hearing loss and brain damage. This legislation helps those who have been afflicted with what is now called Havana syndrome' by making sure any brain injuries are covered. I'm proud to work with Senator Collins on this important bill and I look forward to the Senate's consideration.\n\nIt's common sense that our public servants should have access to care to treat injuries connected with their service protecting our country, said Senator Bennet. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward modernizing our system to keep pace with the evolving threats we face and ensure that government officials serving in posts overseas who sustain traumatic brain injuries receive the care they need.\n\nCIA agents and Foreign Service Officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe, said Senator Cotton. This bill rightly ensures they're taken care of as they seek treatment and recover from all types of cowardly attacks by our adversaries.\n\nThe additional compensation for brain injuries would be provided to injured State Department or CIA employees at the discretion of the agency head. This legislation would also require the CIA and State Department to report to Congress on how this authority is being used and if additional legislative or administrative action is required.\n\nClick HERE to read the text of the bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-call-permanent-expansion-telehealth-coverage-end-year-legislation", "Collins, King Call for Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Coverage in End of Year Legislation", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of 49 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions from the Collins and King-sponsored CONNECT for Health Act that have allowed Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country to utilize telehealth services from their homes, as well as more types of health care providers to provide telehealth, were included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act now to make those measures permanent.\n\nTelehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe, the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealth. Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic.\n\nThe bipartisan and bicameral Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act was first introduced in 2016. The bill, which is cosponsored by 47 senators including Senators Collins and King, is considered the most comprehensive telehealth legislation in Congress.\n\nIn addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.), Tom O'Halleran (D-Ariz.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Elise M. Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Ron Kind (D-Wis.).\n\nThe full text of the letter is below and available here.\n\n+++\n\nDear Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Minority Leader McCarthy:\n\nAs we near the end of the year and the 116th Congress, we urge you to include provisions in end of the year legislation to make permanent expanded coverage of Medicare telehealth services. Specifically, immediate action to permanently waive geographic restrictions for originating sites, authorize health centers in rural and underserved areas to provide telehealth, and allow beneficiaries to use telehealth in their homes would be key steps to ensure much-needed certainty about Medicare telehealth coverage for health care providers and to improve access to care for patients.\n\nTelehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe. Telehealth is also important in increasing capacity at health care facilities and reducing health care providers' use of scarce personal protective equipment. For these reasons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance at the beginning of the pandemic advising individuals and health care providers to optimize the use of telehealth services.\n\nThe Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act included provisions from our bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act to increase access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, waivers of statutory geographic and originating site restrictions have allowed Medicare beneficiaries to use telehealth services in all areas of the country, as well as in their homes. In addition, more types of health care providers including health centers in rural and underserved areas, are authorized to provide distant site telehealth services, among other important flexibilities.\n\nThis new authority resulted in a rapid increase in telehealth utilization. An early analysis of the expansion of Medicare telehealth coverage during the pandemic shows that before the public health emergency, about 13,000 beneficiaries in fee-for-service Medicare received telehealth services in a week, but by the last week of April, nearly 1.7 million beneficiaries received telehealth services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also found that beneficiaries are getting care through telehealth at similar rates across demographics. In response to these findings, CMS stated that, The rapid adoption of telemedicine among providers and patients has shown that telehealth is here to stay.\n\nHowever, the authority for this expanded coverage of Medicare telehealth services is temporary and tied to the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, which is renewed in three-month increments. We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealtheven now during the pandemic. Ramping up telehealth requires significant costsincluding the purchase of equipment such as tablets and webcams, telehealth platforms, additional staff, provider training, and changes to electronic health records, billing, and patient engagement processes. Without more certainty about the future of Medicare coverage, many organizations are not investing in all of these areas to optimize the use and availability of telehealth.\n\nTherefore, Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over. We understand that further data analysis is underway to assess the impact of the telehealth changes that have been available during the public health emergency. However, to fully benefit from telehealth during the pandemic, there are steps Congress should take before the end of the year to expand access to telehealth with appropriate guardrails and beneficiary protections.\n\nIn particular, Congress should immediately provide permanent authority to waive or remove the geographic restrictions on originating sites in section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act so that a beneficiary's ability to receive telehealth services is no longer based on where he or she lives. Services that CMS has determined to be clinically appropriate to be delivered through telehealth should be available to all beneficiaries, not just some. CMS concurs, stating that The data have shown that telehealth can be an important source of care across the country, not just for those living in rural areas.\n\nWe also urge action to permanently authorize Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics to provide distant site telehealth services and to allow patients to receive clinically appropriate telehealth services in their homes. These actions would address the restrictions on originating sites that CMS has stated are the greatest barriers to the expansion of Medicare telehealth services as well as ensure that health centers can continue their pivotal role in providing health care in rural and underserved areas.\n\nTelehealth is an area of strong bipartisan support, and Congress can, and should, act now to lead the way in ensuring expanded access to telehealth. We appreciate your collaboration on this important issue.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/icymi-senators-collins-warner-pen-op-ed-calling-action-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-package", "ICYMI: Senators Collins, Warner Pen Op-Ed Calling for Action on Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark Warner (D-VA) authored an op-ed that appeared in The Washington Post regarding the bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework that the Senators unveiled last week. The $908 billion package is being spearheaded by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Rob Portman (R-OH). A breakdown of the COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found here.\n\nWe've worked hard to achieve a covid-19 compromise package. We can't afford inaction.\nThe Washington Post| By: Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Susan Collins\n\nClick HERE to read the op-ed online\nAs the country stared into the abyss of a once-in-a-generation health and economic crisis earlier this year, Congress responded by passing five bills totaling approximately $3 trillion in relief to stave off disaster. Most economists agree that this prompt action kept millions out of poverty and prevented small businesses across the country from shuttering permanently. But nearly nine months since the pandemic began, at least 280,000 Americans have died, funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has run dry, and up to 12 million people could lose jobless benefits by year's end, portending a miserable Christmas season unless Congress once again acts.\n\nDespite a broad consensus that more relief is desperately needed, for months congressional leaders and the White House have been trapped on a merry-go-round of negotiations that have led only to one stalemate after another. Millions of struggling families watched as Washington dysfunction hijacked a debate with their lives and livelihoods at stake.\n\nWe're proud to work across the aisle to solve the most pressing issues facing our nation, even though it has subjected us both at times to criticism from people in our own parties who would rather smear the other side than get things done. At a moment like this, with millions of Americans getting sick or losing their jobs, we felt the stakes were simply too high to allow partisan warfare to prevent us from delivering relief to the people of Maine, Virginia and all of America.\n\nSo we began quietly reaching out to like-minded colleagues to explore ways to break the partisan logjam among party leaders. Out of the public eye and off TV, we worked for two weeks over Zoom and socially distanced pizza dinners to negotiate a compromise on emergency funding that senators from both parties could find a way to support. The result is a bipartisan $908 billion relief framework that, if passed, would help Americans at least get through the next four months as vaccine manufacturing and distribution ramp up. The process, too, can serve as a template for progress on other difficult but vital issues in our closely divided Senate.\n\nThe framework includes money for small-business loans and another round of much-needed PPP funds, targeted to those small businesses that are suffering most due to covid-19, such as restaurants and live entertainment venues. It will provide $35 billion to help health-care providers struggling under the weight of a record number of cases and hospitalizations, and billions more for testing, contact tracing and vaccine distribution. It also provides billions for rental assistance and unemployment benefits for Americans who have found themselves jobless through no fault of their own, and it relieves student borrowers by allowing them to continue deferring federal loans.\n\nIt includes $160 billion to keep state and local governments from laying off teachers, first responders and sanitation workers in the middle of the pandemic, as well as funding for broadband, education, nutrition, agriculture, airlines, motor coaches, Amtrak and mass transit. It also invests in the low-income and minority communities that have been hardest hit by covid-19 by setting aside funding for community-based lenders that have a demonstrated history of getting capital into underserved communities, with the goal of staving off a wave of Black and Latino business closures.\n\nThe total package of $908 billion is much smaller than the $2.2 trillion sought by Democrats in the House, and much larger than the $500 billion plan Republicans put on the floor in October. Our package is a common-sense compromise that includes the best ideas from both Republicans and Democrats and focuses on areas where there is consensus.\n\nWe fully acknowledge that parts of this agreement  as well as items not included  will be difficult pills for some senators in both parties to swallow. But the cost of inaction is higher if millions of American families are forced into the holiday season wondering whether they will be able to put food on the table or keep a roof over their heads.\n\nAt a moment like this  as intensive care units are flooded with desperately sick patients, restaurant workers wonder how they are going to survive the cold weather ahead and parents are forced to send their children to bed hungry  it would be both foolish and heartless not to do something. We believe this compromise is necessary to provide urgently needed relief to the American people ahead of what will be, according to all the experts, a long and difficult winter.\n\nInaction at this critical juncture would be a self-inflicted wound from which our country would take years to recover.\n\nClick HERE to read the op-ed online.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-welcomes-hampden-resident-her-bangor-office", "Senator Collins Welcomes Hampden Resident to Her Bangor Office", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins Welcomes Hampden Resident to Her Bangor Office \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 12/07/2020 - 08:27    \n    \n    \n    \n  \n        \n    \n  \n  \n      \n  \nClickHEREfor a high resolution photo\n\nBangor, ME- U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Noelle Dana, a resident of Hampden, has been awarded an internship in her Bangor Constituent Service Center. Noelle is the daughter of James Dana.\n\nIt is always a pleasure to give Mainers an opportunity to become actively involved in the legislative process and to serve the citizens of Maine,said Senator Collins. Noelle has a strong work ethic and a commendable desire to work in public service, and I am delighted to welcome her to my Bangor office.\n\nNoelle is ajuniorat the University of Notre Dame, where she is majoring in classics and pre-health. She is heavily involved in Student Government and the College Mentors for Kids program at the University. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year to attend a fellowship and then pursue an M.D., J.D. dual-degree program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-shaheen-bill-ensuring-access-national-parks-disabled-veterans-signed-law", "Collins, Shaheen Bill Ensuring Access to National Parks for Disabled Veterans Signed into Law", "2020-12-05", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Act bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME)and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) was signed into law. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Actwill ensure free lifetime entry to U.S. national parks and other federal lands for all veterans who incurred or aggravated disabilities while serving in the U.S. military.\n\nUnder theFederal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), individuals must be classified as having a permanent disability in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, leaving uncertainty as to whether all wounded veterans have access to this program. The Wounded Veterans Recreation Act clarifies the current statute to ensure that these heroes always have access to America's outdoor recreational lands.\n\nThe brave men and women who have served in our military and have been wounded defending our nation should always have free access to our national parks and recreational areas  the American land they fought to protect,said Senator Collins. From Acadia to Denali, and everywhere in between, this law will ensure that disabled veterans can continue to access our country's national treasures for outdoor recreation, which can help heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war.\n\nThis new law is just one way to show our appreciation for our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for this country. Access to our parks and lands is helpful to many veterans with rehabilitation, so I'm very happy to see our bipartisan effort to ensure that access  free of charge  become law,said Senator Shaheen. We owe our veterans the very best when they come home to help them build safe, healthy and happy lives. I look forward to building on the bipartisan spirit that gave way to this new law so we can continue to deliver for our veterans.\n\nThe text of theWounded Veterans Recreation Actcan be readhere.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine%E2%80%99s-congressional-delegation-governor-mills-convene-call-covid-19", "Maines Congressional Delegation, Governor Mills Convene Call on COVID-19", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Augusta, METoday, Governor Janet Mills and U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden convened a Zoom conference call to discuss COVID-19 and the Congressional Delegation's work in Congress to support the State's efforts.\n\nWe had a productive, in-depth discussion this morning regarding Maine's response to the ongoing public health and economic crisis, including our joint efforts to increase testing availability, prepare for vaccine distribution, and deliver additional state and local aid,said Governor Mills, Senators Collins and King, and Representatives Pingree Golden.We all agree that we urgently need an additional federal relief package to support families, small businesses, employees, students, and health care providers who are struggling, and we discussed the latest framework for a COVID-19 relief package proposed by Senators Collins, King, and a bipartisan group of their colleagues. We have stood united in advocating for the resources Maine needs, and we remain committed to working together to help our families and communities weather this storm.\n\nSince March, Congress has passed five bills and provided around $3 trillion in COVID-19 relief, including more than $8 billion for Maine, which is approximately double Maine's annual budget.Under Governor Mills, the State has committed $1.24 of the $1.25 billion in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF), almost half of which has gone to support Maine businesses,including money to replenish the Unemployment Trust Fund. On Tuesday, Senators Collins and King joined a bipartisan, bicameral group inannouncinga $908 billion COVID-19 emergency relief framework.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-legislation-curbing-plastic-marine-debris-unanimously-passes-senate", "Collins, King Legislation Curbing Plastic Marine Debris Unanimously Passes Senate", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) applauded the passage of theSave Our Seas 2.0 Actby the U.S. Senate.The bipartisan bill,introduced in June, seeks to tackle the problem of plastic waste on a global scale by spurring innovation and finding uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans. The legislation builds on the initial progress made by theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018.\n\nCountless jobs in Maine and in coastal communities across our country rely on the health of the ocean. The Maine lobster, aquaculture, and tourism industries are among the many critical sectors of our economy that are dependent on Maine's pristine waters,said Senator Collins. I look forward to seeing this legislation become law, which will help to accelerate the removal of plastic waste and prevent future marine debris, protecting this vital resource for generations to come.\n\nMaine's waters and Maine's well-being are inextricably linked  meaning any threat to our oceans is also a threat to the livelihood of Maine people,said Senator King.This bipartisan legislation is a step in the right direction as we work to protect our ocean so future generations can access its widespread economic potential, as well as experience its unparalleled beauty. I'm pleased to see our bill pass the Senate and look forward to the President signing it into law for the benefit of generations to come.\n\nRoughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife and wash ashore on even the most isolated stretches of coastline. Plastic has been found in areas as remote as the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Collinswas honored with the Congressional Champion of 2019 Awardfrom ConservAmerica for her leadership in conservation and clean energy initiatives at the organization's annual dinner. To honor his lifelong environmental stewardship and advocacy, Senator King received the inaugural Hero Award last month from the National Park Foundation. TheSave Our Seas 2.0 Actis also cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Brian Schatz (D- Hawaii), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/irs-implement-collins%E2%80%99-bill-help-prevent-con-artists-stealing-tax-refunds", "IRS to Implement Collins Bill to Help Prevent Con Artists from Stealing Tax Refunds", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced this week that, starting in January, the Identity Protection (IP) PIN program will now be expanded to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identities. This expansion was prompted by the Taxpayer Identity Protection Act, bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Doug Jones (D-AL) to thwart identity theft tax refund fraud and prevent American taxpayers and seniors from falling victim. This legislation was signed into law last year as a provision in the Taxpayer First Act.\n\nEach year, tens of thousands of Americans are victims of tax refund fraud, and seniors are particularly vulnerable, said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee. Having an IP PIN has proven to protect against identity theft. This expansion by the IRS is an encouraging, concrete step to help protect taxpayers from being ripped off by criminals and ensure that they receive the refunds to which they are entitled.\n\nThe IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. An IP PIN helps the IRS verify a taxpayer's identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return.\n\nTaxpayers who obtain an IP PIN should never share their code with anyone but their trusted tax provider. The IRS will never call to request the taxpayer's IP PIN, and taxpayers must be alert to potential IP PIN scams.\n\nClick here for more information on the IP PIN program: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/national-tax-security-awareness-week-day-3-irs-expands-identity-protection-pin-opt-in-program-to-taxpayers-nationwide", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-passes-bill-cosponsored-collins-king-increase-disability-insurance-access", "Senate Passes Bill Cosponsored by Collins, King to Increase Disability Insurance Access for Individuals with ALS", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The U.S. Senate passed the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act by a vote of 96 to 1. This bipartisan legislation would eliminate the five-month waiting period before ALS patients can receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned by contributing into Social Security. This legislation, cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), would build on previous steps by Congress and the Social Security Administration to accommodate the difficult prognosis for those diagnosed with ALS. The bipartisan bill now awaits consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nAmericans living with ALS, as well as the family members that care for them, should not have to wait to access important benefits that can help mitigate the financial burden that often accompanies this heartbreaking disease, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This bipartisan legislation would help to ensure that those with ALS have the immediate support they need, and we are pleased that it is one step closer to becoming law. \n\nAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the ability of the brain to control muscle movements. Individuals with ALS progressively lose the ability to speak, walk, and breathe. The intended purpose of a five-month waiting period is to allow temporary conditions to reverse. However, there is currently no cure or treatment to halt or undo the effects of ALS, and some ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before ever receiving benefits. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act would help alleviate some of the financial hardship that accompanies an ALS diagnosis and support those living with ALS and their families.\n\nThe ALS Disability Insurance Access Act is cosponsored by 67 Senators, and the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is cosponsored by 302 members.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-unanimously-passes-collins-king-resolution-marking-december-19-2020-%E2%80%9Cwreaths-across", "Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Marking December 19, 2020, as Wreaths Across America Day", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 19, 2020, as Wreaths Across America Day. Traditionally, a convoy of volunteers travels from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of American veterans interred there. International Paper, which has a corrugated packaging facility in Auburn, is donating 7,500 boxes and helping to purchase wreaths and transport them to Arlington National Cemetery.\n\nWreaths Across America is a powerful demonstration of respect and appreciation for our veterans  both those that we've lost and those still with us,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We are so proud that this heartfelt expression of gratitude originated in the great State of Maine and has become an enduring symbol of our nation's gratitude for veterans' valor and sacrifice. This resolution remembers and honors America's veterans this holiday season, while also teaching generations to come of the sacrifices that have been made to secure our freedoms and to defend our liberty.\n\nGiven the COVID-19 pandemic, precautions will be taken this year to balance health and safety requirements and the desire for families of those interred at Arlington National Cemetery and the Soldier's and Airmen's Home Cemetery to participate in this year's Wreaths Across America event. The event will be closed to the public but a phased schedule has been established to allow for the participation of family pass holders, the Military District of Washington, soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the Wreaths Across America organization. A full statement from the Arlington National Cemetery can be found here.\n\nIn 2019, approximately 2.2 million wreaths were laid at more than 2,200 locations across the U.S. and overseas.This included more than 13,300 wreaths placed at the American Cemeteries in Luxembourg and the Netherlands, in remembrance of those lost during World War II.\n\nSenator Collins' father was a World War II veteran who was wounded twice during the Battle of the Bulge.\n\nRead the full resolution HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-funding-combat-youth-substance-use", "Collins, King Announce Funding to Combat Youth Substance Use", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $375,000 to Maine organizations working to support drug-free communities throughout the state. Specifically, HHS awarded $125,000 each to Healthy Communities of the Capital Area in Gardiner, River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition in Rumford, and the Westbrook School Department.\n\nAcross our state, the pandemic's economic and social impacts have magnified substance use challenges for too many Maine people, said Senators Collins and King. As necessary health precautions such as social distancing make it harder for Mainers to access support systems, it is more vital than ever that we increase our outreach. These funds will offer significant resources to help support drug-free communities in Gardiner, Rumford, Westbrook, and the surrounding communities. \n\nThis funding was awarded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)'s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. Created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, DFC spearheads efforts to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance abuse. The program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-join-bipartisan-group-push-tax-relief-maine%E2%80%99s-brewers-distillers", "Collins, King Join Bipartisan Group in Push for Tax Relief for Maines Brewers, Distillers", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined a bipartisan group of 55 of their colleagues in urging Senate leadership to include the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act in the next legislative package. Making permanent a temporary measure in the 2017 tax reform law, the legislation provides excise tax relief to the growing craft beverage industry, helping these entrepreneurs reinvest more in their businesses and our communities.\n\nIt is imperative that the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act be included in the next appropriate legislative package and acted upon before the end of the year,the Senators wrote.As businesses struggle to retain workers and stay open, allowing the current rates to lapse would force many businesses across the country to lay off workers or close their doors permanently. With the support of 77 Senators and 351 Representatives, this bill is a bipartisan priority and an important economic lifeline to thousands of businesses across the country.\n\nIn addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was signed by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rob Portman (R-OH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tom Tillis (R-NC), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Braun (R-IN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Mazi Hirono (D-HI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Steve Daines (R-MT), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bob Casey (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).\n\nClick HERE to read the full letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-650000-support-maine-shellfish-industry", "Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $650,000 to Support Maine Shellfish Industry", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine Shellfish Developers, LLC, of Walpole received a total of $649,690 to increase the production of low-cost, sustainable oysters and bolster Maine's seafood economy. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.\n\nSmall businesses are the backbone of Maine's economy, and helping them to reach their growth potential strengthensour communitiesand creates new employment opportunities, particularly inruralareas of our state,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome USDA's investment in Maine Shellfish Developers, which will foster cutting-edge research and help strengthen Maine's oyster industry.\n\nThe SBIR Program encourages the growth of domestic small businesses by offering competitively awarded grants to support high-quality research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture. These small business ventures are recognized as having the potential for larger scale commercialization as well as benefits to the community at large.\n\nSenators Collins and King are steadfast supporters of Maine's marine economy. Earlier this year, they worked to secure funding through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the Seafood Economic Accelerator (SEAMaine), an economic strategic roadmap to diversify markets and strengthen Maine's seafood industry.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-covid-19-emergency-relief-framework", "Collins, King Announce COVID-19 Emergency Relief Framework", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch the full press conference. Click HERE for high-resolution video.\nClick HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks.Click HERE for high-resolutionvideo.\nClick HERE to watch Senator King's remarks. Click HERE for high-resolution video.\n\nWashington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Tom Reed (R-NY-23), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH-16), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Dean Phillips (D-MN-3), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7), and Fred Upton(R-MI-6) of the Problem Solvers Caucus announced a bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework that will help American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis.\n\nThis bipartisan, bicameral group worked night and day throughout the Thanksgiving recess because we recognize that families all across America are struggling, that businesses are closing, and that hospitals are overwhelmed, said Senator Collins.I am particularly pleased that this package includes funding for another round of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans, which has helped keep our small businesses afloat. In Maine alone, the PPP has helped sustain the jobs of 250,000 workers.\n\nAfter nearly nine months of the coronavirus pandemic and far too little federal support, millions of Americans are facing financial ruin. It's past time for Congress to put political arguments aside and step up for those in need, said Senator King. If enacted into law, today's bipartisan package would increase unemployment benefits to help families make ends meet, give essential assistance to small businesses on the verge of closing, provide funds to the state and local governments who've led the response to this crisis, and much more  including support for schools, hospitals, and vaccine distribution. This plan isn't perfect, and will require future Congressional action in order to help our country fully weather this pandemic  but if we pass this bill before the year's end, we'll extend a lifeline to millions of Americans in need just as cases are spiking, CARES Act protections are expiring, and winter is arriving. The American people need us to work together to save lives and livelihoods  so let's get it done.\n\nMillions of Americans have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are hurting, but Congress has been deadlocked for months with both sides unwilling to compromise to help our fellow Americans who are in desperate need, Senator Manchin said. The bipartisan, bicameral framework announced today proves that we can reach across the aisle and create meaningful compromise that will help those who need it most for the next few months. Our $908 billion framework provides our front line healthcare providers, students, families, small businesses, and workers with the support they need and deserve during this devastating pandemic. I urge my fellow colleagues to work with our bipartisan, bicameral group on this proposal so Congress can finally pass an emergency COVID-19 relief package to help Americans and West Virginians during this difficult stretch of the pandemic.\n\nAfter many days of bipartisan negotiations, I'm proud that we've reached a compromise to help Americans get through the holiday season, while providing much-needed relief for small businesses, local governments, health care providers, and low-income and minority communities, among others, said Senator Warner. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put the months of stalled negotiations behind us, and to support this bipartisan compromise in order to ensure that families across the country are not forced to spend the holiday unable to put food on the table.\n\nThis is a bipartisan, bicameral effort that creates a pathway forward to bring relief to those who need it most. Republicans and Democrats in both chambers got much of what we wanted, and neither got everything we wanted. That combination reflects what Congress is supposed to do: reconcile priorities and deliver for the American people, said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nThroughout New Hampshire  from small businesses struggling to make payroll to hospitals fighting to keep their doors open and beds available  I'm hearing from Granite Staters who cannot wait any longer.And they shouldn't. Over a quarter of a million Americans have died from COVID and more than 13.5 million Americans have been afflicted with it. The human toll of this crisis is crushing and that's before we even address the severe economic fallout it created, said Senator Shaheen. Some of those hardest hit have been our small businesses. When this body came together in March, we worked in good-faith to deliver the CARES Act that provided immediate relief through the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.We put our heads together again and have come up with a new bipartisan framework to build on that progress to help small businesses get to the other side of this crisis, and to provide funds for state and local government governments, support for vaccine development and distribution, assistance for our schools and universities, and relief for our health care providers. But this is just step one. We need more leaders on both sides of the aisle to join us so we can finish what we've started and deliver the relief that Americans are calling for.\n\nI am honored to work with an exceptional group of Senators, as well as colleagues in the House, on a bipartisan measure to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In my home state of Alaska, Anchorage is officially going into our third round of hunker-down orders, shutting down businesses, restaurants, bars, hair salons, gymsessentially bringing to a halt the day-to-day life of many people in Anchorage. Many of our rural villages and off road communities are also in various stages of shutdown to control the spread of this awful virus. These lockdowns come at a significant cost. As the long winter approaches, the uncertainties of job loss, food insecurity, and stable housing all continue to grow, said Senator Murkowski. Our response  our responsibility  is to come together not as Republicans with a plan or Democrats with a counter-plan, but coming together with a proposal that will provide for targeted emergency relief for the American people. I am calling on my colleagues to join us in advancing the proposal we offer today, to provide much-needed relief for our nation.\n\nThis is not a $1.8 trillion stimulus bill. This is a relief measure half that amount$908 billion, with $560 billion in repurposed funds from the first CARES Act, so the amount of new money is actually $348 billion, Senator Romney said. Included in this measure is a liability provision that provides a temporary suspension of any liability-related lawsuits at the state or federal level associated with COVID-19, giving states enough time to put in place their own protections. I am very pleased to be part of this effort, and urge my colleagues to come together on a deal.\n\nOur bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief framework provides the most viable path forward in months, and we must seize this opportunity now to provide critical relief for the American people,Senator Hassansaid. I am grateful to my colleagues from both parties for coming together on this bipartisan effort, and I will do everything I can to get a deal across the finish line.\n\n\nThe House Problem Solvers Caucus, made up of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, helped draft and endorsed the package.\n\nA breakdown of the COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/king-collins-introduce-legislation-designate-york-river-%E2%80%98wild-and-scenic%E2%80%99", "King, Collins Introduce Legislation to Designate York River as Wild and Scenic", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, and Susan Collins (R-Maine) will introduce legislation to officially designate the York River as part of the National Park Service's Wild and Scenic River System. Today's legislation comes after a National Park Service study proposed by Senator King determined the river is eligible and suitable for designation. In addition, a number of surrounding communities have expressed their support for this designation through public referendums and town council votes, as the change would open up new funding to maintain and protect the health of the river, while ensuring that land use management is regulated through existing local and state authorities, the same as before the designation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and is cosponsored by Representative Jared Golden (D-Maine).\n\nGenerations of Southern Maine people have built their communities around the York River's important ecological benefits and the economic opportunities it creates, said Senators King and Collins. After an extensive process, including a study from the National Park Service, years of engagement with local communities and residents, and working with the state of Maine, we're proud to introduce legislation to designate this important waterway as a partnership Wild and Scenic River. This designation will allow new sources of funding to support both the health of the York River and the economic prospects of the communities that rely on it.\n\nLocal voices expressing their support for the Senators' bill include the York Lobstermen's Association, local community leaders, and leading environmental groups:\n\nThe York Lobstermen's Association strongly supports the designation of the York River into the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers program, said York Lobstermen's Association President Jeff White. \"We are delighted to learn that this proposed legislation will be introduced by Senator King and Senator Collins. The York River is the lifeblood for the commercial fisheries off of York Harbor and is vital to having a sustainable local commercial fishery. The establishment of the York River into the Wild and Scenic Rivers program helps to ensure that the York River will be preserved for the future and that a robust local commercial fishery will be sustained into the future.  \n\nFew local issues have seen the broad and passionate support that York River designation has, said Judy Spiller, Kittery Town Councilor and Member of the York River Study Committee. The reasons are simple. With the tide, one can float from the headwaters down the River through history from remnants of precontact settlement through marshes and forests that nourish a rich biota ending at the River mouth with stately colonial homes and a thriving lobster fishery. The watershed - a shared York, Eliot, Kittery, and South Berwick resource - buffers us from intense regional development pressure and the pristine forested areas supply clean drinking water. And in the future, if protected, the watershed will provide resilience in the face of rising sea levels. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the York River and its tributaries are at once reassuringly always the same yet always subtly different: inspirationto all those who encounter it. Designation will preserve that for us and our children and our children's children and on.\n\nA Wild and Scenic River designation for areas within the York River would promote better access and protect the river's natural resources that so many communities depend on for clean water and outdoor recreation like fishing, paddling and more, said Lauren Cosgrove, Northeast Senior Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association. As a convergence of salt and freshwater, the York River and its many tributaries are home to rare spawning fish like Smelt, and vast wildlife from spotted salamanders to the long-eared bat. Its wetlands improve the overall health of the watershed and serve as a natural barrier to help absorb storm surges and filter nutrients, combatting the threats of climate change. We welcome the additional protection this designation provides and the benefits it will have for generations to come.\n\nIf the York River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River, it will become eligible for increased federal funding and other resources to help maintain the river in its current healthy, natural, and free-flowing state. These funds can be used for education and outreach; historic, scientific, and economic research; and conservation efforts.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-manchin-introduce-resolution-dedicate-november-national-homeless-children-and-youth", "Collins, Manchin Introduce Resolution to Dedicate November as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 19 Senators in introducing their bipartisan resolution to recognize November 2020 as National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month. The Senators also urged their colleagues to support the Emergency Family Stabilization Act which was introduced in June.\n\nSchool is challenging enough without students having to worry about where they will sleep each night. Without the proper support, these young people are at risk of dropping out of school and are in greater danger of exploitation. We must make sure our nation's homeless youth have the same opportunity to succeed as their peers, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan resolution recognizes the hard work being done by businesses, organizations, schools, and volunteers to prevent youth homelessness.\n\nAcross the United States, over 1.5 million children and youth are currently experiencing homelessness and there are over 10,000 homeless youth in West Virginia alone. It's simply unacceptable. Our children deserve to feel safe with a bed to sleep in night after night and food to fill their bellies. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to help raise awareness about this growing issue and the difficulties so many of our children face every day, said Senator Manchin. This issue isn't going away by itself and the COVID-19 pandemic is making it worse. I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan, bicameral Emergency Family Stabilization Act which will create new, dedicated funding to assist communities that are working with children and youth experiencing homelessness. We have to work together to implement solutions that help our homeless children and youth in need.\n\nThe resolution is cosponsored by Senators Cantwell (D-WA), Murkowski (R-AK), Hirono (D-HI), Hassan (D-NH), Feinstein (D-CA), Coons (D-DE), Blumenthal (D-CT), Peters (D-MI), Reed (D-RI), Van Hollen (D-MD), Wyden (D-OR), Smith (D-MN), Merkley (D-OR), Klobuchar (D-MN), Sinema (D-AZ), Booker (D-NJ), and Brown (D-OH).\n\nThe following organizations have endorsed the resolution: SchoolHouse Connection, National Network 4 Youth, First Focus Campaign for Children, Covenant House, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Education Association, National Head Start Association, National PTA, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, True Colors United and ZERO TO THREE.\n\nClick HERE to read the resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-650000-maternal-and-child-health-services-maine", "Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $650,000 for Maternal and Child Health Services in Maine", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has received $649,998 toimprovethe health of Maine's mothersand children. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Maternal and Child Health Services Programand will support efforts to lower maternal mortality, reduce infant mortality, and enhance the delivery of maternal care.\n\nMaine families deserve access to quality, regular care and a variety of specialized treatment options for mothers andchildren,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.We welcome this funding, which will support a range of programs that care for the evolving health needs of Maine women and children,providing familieswith every opportunity to succeed from the start.\n\nThe Maine Department of Health and Human Services serves approximately one-third of the people of Maine, providing health care and social service support to children, families, the elderly, the disabled, people with mental illness or substance use disorders, and those living below the poverty level.\n\nSenator Collins is the lead cosponsor of theQuality Care for Moms and Babies Act, a bipartisan bill to provide funding for new community partnerships to address the high rate of maternal and infant mortality. Senator King has cosponsored theRural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (Rural MOMS) Act,a bipartisan bill that would improve data collection, expand services, and award funding to help ensure that new and expecting moms living in rural communities get the care they need.The United States has the worst rate of maternal deaths in the developed world and one of the highest rates of infant mortality.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-klobuchar-legislation-crack-down-fraud-targeting-seniors-passes-senate", "Collins, Klobuchar Legislation to Crack Down on Fraud Targeting Seniors Passes the Senate", "2020-11-23", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chairman of the Aging Committee, and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that their legislation to crack down on fraud targeting seniors has passed the Senate.A related version passed theHouse last week.\n\nTheSeniors Fraud Prevention Actwould help fight scams designed to rob seniors of their assets by directing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create an office to educate seniors about fraud schemes and improve the agency's monitoring and response to fraud complaints. Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Peter Welch (D-VT)led companion legislation in the House.\n\nAs Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, protecting seniors from fraud and abuse is one of my top priorities,said Senator Collins. TheSeniors Fraud Prevention Actwill enhance fraud monitoring, increase consumer education, and strengthen the complaint tracking system. Raising awarenessparticularly among older Americans who are more likely to be targetedis key to protecting seniors' hard-earned savings.\n\nWe must ensure all Americans have safety and dignity in their senior years,especially as we confront the coronavirus pandemic,said Senator Klobuchar. New schemes designed to defraud seniors appear almost daily. These aren't simply a nuisancethese scams can wipe out a person's entire life savings. Passing this bipartisan legislation is a critical step to combat fraud targeting seniors.\n\nTheSeniors Fraud Prevention Actwould help protect seniors from fraud schemes by creating an office at the Federal Trade Commission with themission of helping fight scams designed to strip seniors of their assets by educating seniors about fraud schemes and improving the Commission's response to fraud complaints. The bill would alsorequire the FTC, the agency responsible for handling consumer complaints, to coordinate with other agencies to monitor for fraud schemes targeting seniors. In addition, the bill would require the FTC to distribute information  to seniors, their families, and their caregivers  that explains how to recognize fraud schemes and how to contact law enforcement authorities in the event that a senior is targeted for fraud. The Senators have introduced this bill in the three previous Congresses. In 2016, the legislation passed the Senate Commerce Committee without opposition, and in 2017, the legislation passed the Senate with unanimous consent.\n\nAs the Chairman of the Aging Committee, Senator Collins has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers from fraud, and she has championed policies to support seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. Under Senator Collins' leadership, the Aging Committee has held 25 hearings to examine scams affecting older Americans and also releases an annualFraud Bookoutlining the top 10 scams reported to the Committee's Fraud Hotline.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-116-million-puritan-produce-three-million-additional-covid-19", "Senator Collins Announces $11.6 Million for Puritan to Produce Three Million Additional COVID-19 Testing Swabs Per Month", "2020-11-23", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bangor, MEU.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that Puritan Medical Products, a medical supplies manufacturer based in Guilford, has been awarded $11.6 million to expand its COVID-19 testing swab production. This award, which was funded through thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Actenacted in April, will be used to increase production of swabs by three million per month.\n\nIncreased testing is crucial to tracking and slowing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping our communities safe. Puritan Medical Products has risen to this challenge by exponentially increasing its production of testing swabs, creating hundreds of jobs in Guilford and Pittsfield in the process,said Senator Collins. I am very proud of the dedicated Mainers who have been involved in this manufacturing effort that is so critical to the health of our nation, and I will continue to advocate for the resources that they need to keep up the fight.\n\nAs a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collinsworked to secure a $75.5 million investmentfor Puritan using Defense Production Act funds in April, which increased Puritan's production of testing swabs and helped to build a modern manufacturing facility in Pittsfield.In August, Senator Collinsannounced a $51.2 million grantthat allowed Puritan to retrofit an additional facility in Pittsfield. Together, these contracts brought Puritan's total production of flock tip swabs and foam swabs to at least 90 million per month as well as allowed the company to hire hundreds of additional employees.\n\nThe new award will help modify the newest plant in Pittsfield to accommodate additional object flocking machines to make swabs for Cue Health. This funding will cover additional engineering work, changes in utilities, and overtime needed to keep the overall project on schedule. The complete project timeline has not changed, and Puritan will have intermediate operational capacity as a result of this additional funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-smith-resolution-honoring-contributions-school-principals-maine-and-across", "Senators Collins, Smith Resolution Honoring Contributions of School Principals in Maine and Across the Country Passes Senate Unanimously", "2020-11-23", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) to honor principals and recognize the contributions they make to help students succeed in Maine and throughout the United States. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is a cosponsor of the resolution.\n\nPrincipals in Maine and across the country have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic, working to keep school communities safe as they continue to prepare students for the future,said Senator Collins. This resolution recognizes the countless contributions and tireless devotion of our nation's principals to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education.\n\nPrincipals work with educators to create school communities where students can learn and thrive,said Senator Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee. I'm glad we can honor them in this way, and recognize how principals are so critical to the success of students and schools in Minnesota and across the country.\n\nThe resolution is also cosponsored by SenatorsMazieHirono(D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Pat Roberts (R-KS), JohnBoozman(R-AR), and Chris VanHollen(D-MD).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-300000-boost-outdoor-recreation-and-tourism", "Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $300,000 to Boost Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Industries in Western Maine", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the University of Maine has received $286,800 to deliver workforce training for the growing outdoor recreation and tourism industries in western Maine. This funding was awarded through a partnership betweentheNorthern Border Regional Commission(NBRC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).\n\nOur state's natural resources are one of its biggest assets, and it's critical that we work to safeguard them for the enjoyment of generations to come,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. We welcome this investment at the University of Maine, which will preserve and protect western Maine's rich history and beautiful landscapes by expanding workforce and professional development opportunities for Mainers.\n\nThe NBRC is a federal-state partnership that was created by Congress in 2008 to help alleviate economic distress and encourage private sector job creation throughout the northern counties of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.\n\nAs a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collinsworked to secure$25 million for theNBRCin the fiscal year 2020 appropriations package. In 2018, Senators Collins and Kingco-authoredlegislation reauthorizing this program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-18-million-support-coastal-resilience-efforts-across", "Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $1.8 Million to Support Coastal Resilience Efforts Across Maine", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine has received a total of $1,786,308 to restore, increase, and strengthen coastal communities, as well as enhance habitats for fish and wildlife. This funding was awarded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's(NFWF) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF).\n\nMaine is home tocountless coastal communities andpreciousocean ecosystems, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of hardworking Mainers in thefishing and maritimeindustries,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. These investments will help reduce land loss along our coast and restore wetland habitats, ensuring that Mainers can enjoythesenatural resources in our state for generations to come.\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows:\n\nThe Southern Maine Planning and Development Commissionwill receive $130,000 to develop a coastal resilience plan in southern Maine.\nTheDowneastSalmon Federationwill receive $107,780 to restore more than 50 acres of salt marsh; provide sea-level rise and storm surge protection; and protect fish, wildlife, and plant species at theMachiasBay estuary in Washington County.\nThe Maine Department of Marine Resourceswill receive $1,548,528 to increase the fish habitat inSabattusRiver, restore several miles of the Androscoggin River, and improve water quality.\n\nThe NCRF grants will contribute to the restoration or enhancement of natural features such as coastal marshes and wetlands, dune and beach systems, oysterreefs,forests, coastal rivers, and barrier islands. These natural buffers can help reduce the impacts of storms, rising sea levels, and other extreme events on nearby communities and habitats.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-nearly-750000-reduce-recidivism-maine", "Collins, King Announce Nearly $750,000 to Reduce Recidivism in Maine", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $749,586 toVolunteers of America Northern New England to help adults and juveniles return to their communities and establish healthy routines and practices that keep them out ofthe criminal justice system. Specifically, the funding is awarded through the FY20 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program and will support individual programs in communities throughout the state of Maine. The Second Chance Act reauthorization was part of the bipartisan FIRST Step Act, signed into law in 2018 andsupported by both Senators Collins and King.\n\nWhenMaine peopleconvicted of a crime have paid their debt to society, theydeserve a second chance to lead healthy,happy, and productivelives,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.This funding will help these peopleestablish the routines and support systems they need to successfully re-enter society.We are proud to stand with the Volunteers of America Northern New England, and strongly support this mission to reunite former inmates with their loved ones and improve community safety throughout Maine.\n\nVolunteers of America was established in 1896 to support Americans as they weather difficult times and circumstances. Volunteers of America Northern New England specifically serves the people of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont with the promise to reach out and provide opportunity for individual and community involvement. Volunteers of America supports and empowers America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. They are also largest provider of affordable housing in the nation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-500000-support-maine%E2%80%99s-specialty-crops-industry", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $500,000 to Support Maines Specialty Crops Industry", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $500,000 to Support Maine's Specialty Crops Industry \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Wed, 11/18/2020 - 11:12    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that Maine specialty crop growers and the University of Maine will receive a total of $534,303. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program and administered through the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF). \n\nAgriculture is an integral part of Maine's rural communities, from newly founded farms to operations that have been passed down from generation to generation,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.These investments will strengthen Maine's agricultural sector by supporting the development of more resilient fruits and vegetables and boosting farmers' sales through increased marketing.\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows:\n\nBlue Barn LLCwill receive $62,800 to market, distribute, and produce a new Maine wild blueberry beverage.\n\nDaybreak Grower's Alliancewill receive $38,216 to expand its specialty crop sales.\n\nMaine Maple Producers Associationwill receive $22,500 to increase the sales of Maine pure maple syrup.\n\nMaine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Alliancewill receive $64,956 to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and increase farmer's compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act.\n\nUniversity of Maine's School of Biology and Ecologywill receive $84,647 to improve wild blueberry production and resilience to warming and $79,994 to improve pest management practices in Maine wild blueberries.\n\nUniversity of Maine's School of Food and Agriculturewill receive $52,402 to develop new peach varieties with improved cold hardiness.\n\nUniversity of Maine's Maine Food and Agriculture Centerwill receive $14,595 to expand Maine's winter squash storage life, $83,321 to conduct pest management on Maine potatoes and $30,872 to expand Maine's berry industry and improve farm profitability.\n\nMaine DACF GAP Programwill receive $12,000 to administer a pilot project aimed at expanding opportunities for Maine produce growers.\n\nThe SCBG Grant Program helps specialty crop growers sell more products locally and globally, protect crops from pests and diseases, and market products to be competitive. Since 2002, the SCBGprogram has awarded more than $6.5 million toMaine DACF to support the growing number of specialty crop producers who are selling to local and regional markets.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-300000-health-and-wellness-funding-wabanaki-community", "Collins, King Announce $300,000 Health and Wellness Funding for Wabanaki Community", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Collins, King Announce $300,000 Health and Wellness Funding for Wabanaki Community \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Tue, 11/17/2020 - 12:45    \n    \n    \n    \n  WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $300,000 to Wabanaki Health and Wellness to bolster the organization's health services, including its work to address substance use disorders and support nutrition in tribal communities.\n\nAs this pandemic continues to spread across the nation, it is critical that we invest in public health infrastructure to support communities throughout Maine, said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Wabanaki Health and Wellness plays a vital role in supporting Maine's tribal communities, and we're grateful that this funding will help support this agency's efforts to support public health during this critical moment.\n\nEstablished in 1996, Wabanaki Health and Wellness is a not-for-profit organization for tribally-enrolled Native Americans in Penobscot, Washington, and Aroostook Counties.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-authored-collins-shaheen-expand-access-national-parks-disabled-veterans-heads", "Legislation Authored by Collins, Shaheen to Expand Access to National Parks for Disabled Veterans Heads to Presidents Desk", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) that will give free lifetime National Parks passes to all American veterans who incurred or aggravated disabilities while serving in the U.S. military cleared the House of Representatives. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Actpreviously passed the Senateand now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\nThe bill will amend the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) and make all veterans with a service-connected disability eligible for a free, lifetime pass allowing entry to National Parks and other recreational lands and waters held by the United States. Under the 2004 law, individuals must be permanently disabled in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, creating uncertainty on whether all wounded veterans have access to this program. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Actwill clarify the current statute to ensure that these heroes have access to America's outdoor recreational lands.\n\nThe brave men and women who have served in our military and have been wounded defending our nation should always have free access to our national parks and recreational areas  the American land they fought to protect,said Senator Collins. From Acadia to Denali, and everywhere in between, this legislation will ensure that disabled veterans can continue to access our country's national treasures for outdoor recreation, which can help heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war.\n\nWe owe our veterans every resource they need to build healthy and happy lives when they come home. TheWounded Veterans Recreation Actis a bipartisan, common-sense bill that will help make good on that effort by amending the law to expand access to our federal lands and parks, free of charge, to veterans living with service-related disabilities.said Senator Shaheen.This bill would help open the door for more of our veterans to visit these beautiful spaces, which can play an important role in their rehabilitation. I'm pleased the House has passed this legislation and urge the President to sign it into law as soon as possible.\n\nThe text of theWounded Veterans Recreation Actcan be readhere.\n\nUnder the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), veterans need to be classified as having a 100 percent permanent disability in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Senators Collins andShaheen'sbill will amend this law so all veterans with service-related disabilities will be eligible for a free, lifetime pass to national parks and federal lands.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-shelton-nomination-federal-reserve-board", "Senator Collins Statement on Shelton Nomination to the Federal Reserve Board", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins' Statement on Shelton Nomination to the Federal Reserve Board \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Tue, 11/17/2020 - 13:46    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement ahead of today's vote to advance the nomination of Federal Reserve nominee Judy Shelton:\n\nI will vote against Judy Shelton's nomination to be a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.In her past statements, Ms. Shelton has called for the Federal Reserve to be less independent of the political branches and has even questioned the need for a central bank. This is not the right signal to send, particularly in the midst of the pandemic.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-146-million-contract-awarded-bath-iron-works", "Senator Collins Announces $146 Million Contract Awarded to Bath Iron Works", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins Announces $146 Million Contract Awarded to Bath Iron Works \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Tue, 11/17/2020 - 08:41    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that the U.S. Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works (BIW) a $146,118,867 contract modification to a previously awarded contract for DDG Planning Yard Services. Senator Collins is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.\n\nArleigh Burke-class destroyers are the workhorses of the Navy, defending our national security and protecting our interests around the globe, said Senator Collins. This funding will allow BIW's engineers, designers, and planners to continue providing technical expertise to the Navy and strengthen Maine's economy. The hardworking and highly skilled men and women at Bath Iron Works build the world's highest quality ships, and I will always fight to ensure they have the resources they need.\n\nThis funding is a cost-plus-award-fee modification to a previously awarded contract for planning yard services. Under the contract BIW will provide expert design, planning and material support services for both maintenance and modernization of DDGs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-urges-vote-bipartisan-bill-establish-smithsonian-american-women%E2%80%99s-history", "Senator Collins Urges Vote on Bipartisan Bill to Establish Smithsonian American Womens History Museum", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to read Senator Collins' remarks.\nClick HERE and HERE to watch Senator Collins' testimony.Click HERE and HERE for high-resolutionvideo.\n\nWashington, D.C. At a Senate Rules Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins provided testimony in support of legislation she introduced with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to establish a Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall. Senators Collins and Feinstein introduced The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act last year. The House of Representatives passed companion legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support in February.\n\nThe very first bill that I introduced to create such a museum was in 2003, and at that time, Senator Mikulski and Senator Feinstein were cosponsors of that bill, said Senator Collins. This year, as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage and the decades-long fight for women's equality at the ballot box, it is fitting that we at long last establish an institution in our nation's capital to honor American women.\n\nAs our Women's Suffrage Centennial year draws to a close, I can think of no better way to honor those women and that momentous achievement than by passing The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act, continued Senator Collins. In Washington, we all enjoy the many museums along the National Mall that commemorate various aspects of our history and our culture. We even have a museum that celebrates buildings. Surely if we can have a museum that celebrates buildings, we ought to have one and are long overdue in establishing one that celebrates the many contributions of American women to our nation.\n\nIn December 2014, Congress created a Congressional Commission to study the potential for an American museum of women's history in Washington, D.C. This bipartisan commission'sreportrecommended the creation of a new Smithsonian Museum dedicated to women's history. Incorporating the recommendations of the bipartisan Commission, this bill would establish a national museum to collect, study, and create programs on a wide spectrum of American women's experiences, contributions, and history.\n\nThe bipartisan bill is supported by the American Historical Association, the National Coalition for History, the Women's Business Development Center, Women in Aerospace, the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Women in Defense, the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission, and many other organizations.\n\nIn March, SenatorsCollins and Feinsteinsent aletterto Senate leadership, urging them to bring up thelegislation for consideration by the full Senate as soon as possible.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-14-million-maine-housing-authorities", "Senator Collins Announces More Than $1.4 Million for Maine Housing Authorities", "2020-11-16", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that five housing authorities in Maine will receive a total of $1,480,872 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Mainstream Voucher Program.\n\nMaine's housing authorities provide vital support to individuals and families with disabilities, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to providing the resources to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows:\n\n Presque Isle Housing Authority will receive $205,325.\n Lewiston Housing Authority will receive $452,781.\n Brunswick Housing Authority will receive $132,348.\n The Housing Authority of the City of Westbrook will receive $407,218.\n Biddeford Housing Authority will receive $283,200.\n\nAs the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine.\n\nHUD provides Mainstream vouchers to Public Housing Authorities for the development, financing, and modernization of Public Housing properties and to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/supporting-maine%E2%80%99s-farmers-and-growing-our-agricultural-economy", "Supporting Maines Farmers and Growing our Agricultural Economy", "2020-11-16", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Having been born and raised in Aroostook County, I know how essential agriculture is to our state's economy and our way of life. Supporting Maine's dairy, potato, and special crop industriessuch as our wild blueberry growershas always been one of my top priorities in the Senate.\n\nThe Maine Farm Bureau is a strong advocate for our State's farmers, and has been an invaluable resource helping me to better understand the issues confronting our agriculture community today. I was honored to receive the organization's Friend of the Farm Bureau Award on Oct. 16 for my work to support this vital sector of our economy. More than 8,000 family farms throughout our State help sustain rural communities, protect the environment, and preserve the open space that is a vital part of our heritage.\n\nThe award presentation took place at Misty Meadows Farm in Clinton, the town that is considered the dairy capital of Maine, with 13 percent of our State's milk production coming from seven farms. Misty Meadows Farm, which is owned and operated by John and Belinda Stoughton and Tom and Kimberly Wright, has been recognized for its high-quality milk and, in typical years, hosts Maine Farm Days.\n\nWith the exception of three not-for-profit educational farms, Maine's 205 dairy farms are family owned and operated. Maine's dairy industry generates $570 million annually, contributes more than $25 million per year in state and local taxes, and provides more than 4,000 jobs.\n\nThe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Maine's families, farmers, and food systems have been serious and are certain to persist for months to come. That is why I have helped to lead bipartisan efforts in Congress to direct more support to farmers.\n\nWith my support, Congress passed COVID relief bills establishing a $19 billion relief program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for our nation's farmers and producers, known as the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP. Additionally, I urged Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to prioritize assistance to Maine farmers, including those in the dairy, potato, and blueberry industries.\n\nFollowing my advocacy, Maine farmers receivedmore than $34.5 million in direct payments through CFAP. That includes more than $14 million for potato growers, nearly $12 million for dairy farmers, and nearly $2 million for livestock producers. USDA is accepting applications for the second round of CFAP through Dec. 11, and this round better accommodates specialty crop producers like our blueberry growers. I strongly encourage them to apply.  \nI also worked to ensure that Maine benefitsfrom the Farmers to Families Food Box Program I championed thatis supporting farmers across the nation with up to $3 billion in purchases of fresh produce, dairy, and meat and distributing these products to low-income Americans in need.After noMaine distributors were awarded a contract in the first round of funding, I led the effort that convinced the Secretary of Agriculture to rectify the program's shortcomings,resulting in contracts of $2.14 million awarded to the Maine Farmers Exchange in Presque Isle and $1.35 million to Native Maine Produce and Specialty Foods in Westbrook.\n\nCombined, these two contracts enabled the distribution across Maine this summer of more than 10,000 food boxes per week for eight weeks, totaling more than 1.8 million pounds of food that was provided directly to Mainers in need. It was so inspiring to join organizers and volunteers in both Westbrook and Van Buren to assemble and distribute some of the food boxes to help seniors and families struggling during the pandemic. As a founding member of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I know that Maine is so fortunate to have a statewide network of non-profits that have partnered with local farmers and food distributors to deliver boxes of nutritious food that was grown and produced here in our state.\n\nAlthough the public health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19 has been unprecedented, the commitment and collaboration shown by Mainers helping Mainers today make me confident that we will prevail.I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that Maine farmers and families have the support and resources they need to get through this difficult time.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-casey-announce-senate-passage-bipartisan-rosie-riveter-congressional-gold", "Senators Collins, Casey Announce Senate Passage of Bipartisan Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. On the heels of Veterans Day, theRosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Actunanimously passed the Senate. This bipartisan bill, authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA), will award a Congressional Gold Medal to Rosie the Riveters, the brave women who answered our nation's call to action and learned new skills, many building the vehicles, weaponry,and ammunitions that were critical to the war effort. The legislation was cosponsored by 76 Senators, including every female Senator.\n\nThis bipartisan legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 16 million Rosie the Riveters' will provide a long-overdue recognition of these incredible women who stepped up in a time of great need,said Senator Collins. During World War II, mothers, wives, and daughters answered our nation's call to action by working tirelessly in factories, farms, shipyards, airplane factories, and other institutions in support of our Armed Forces. Their hard work, dedication, and 'We Can Do It' spirit has inspired many future generations of women.\n\nThese Rosie the Riveters' played an invaluable role in our Nation's efforts during the war. They rose to the challenge and set a powerful example  not only for working women, but for all Americans. Millions of women helped support our troops during WWII, whether they worked on assembly lines, addressed the troops' medical needs or tended to ships and farms. Today, their example continues to inspire generations to embody the We Can Do It' spirit. The Rosies' are among our Nation's greatest living heroines, and they deserve this long-overdue recognition for their tremendous service to our country,said Senator Casey.\n\nThe percentage of women in the workforce jumped from 27 percent to nearly 37 percent between 1940 and 1945. By the end of the war, nearly one out of every four married women worked outside the home. These Rosie the Riveters took positions across various industries, but the aviation industry saw the biggest increase of female workers  with more than 310,000 working in the aircraft industry in 1943, representing 65 percent of its workforce.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/defense-funding-bill-includes-provisions-championed-senator-collins-strengthen-pnsy-support", "Defense Funding Bill Includes Provisions Championed by Senator Collins to Strengthen PNSY & Support Employees", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the fiscal year (FY) 2021 defense and military construction funding bills, which include provisions U.S. Senator Susan Collins championed to support Maine industries that have an indispensable role in our defense, including Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). The Senate and House will now work to develop the final FY 2021 funding bills before the expiration of the current continuing resolution in December.\n\nThe significant investments this legislation makes at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard are essential to protecting our nation from proliferating threats around the globe, said Senator Collins. I have long advocated for the Navy to address the modernization needs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and this legislation will help build on funding I have previously secured for critically needed upgrades.\n\nThe funding bills include a number of priorities Senator Collins advocated for:\n\n Multi-Mission Dry Dock #1 Extension at PNSY (Navy): Includes $160 million for the first of three installments of the $715 million overall project.\n\n Shipyard Infrastructure OptimizationProgram:The explanatory language stresses the importance of the Navy's public shipyard dry dock capacity study and presses the Navy to adequately prioritize public shipyard infrastructure.\n\n Firefighter Alternative Work Schedule: The explanatory language supports efforts to set up Alternative Work Schedules to improve duty schedules for firefighters at PNSY.\n\n Naval Apprenticeships: The report language directs the Navy to induct a class of no fewer than 100 apprentices at each of the four public shipyards. Senator Collins champions this provision annually.\n\n Ship Depot Operations and Maintenance: Provides $7 billion for Ship Depot Maintenance and $2.18 billion for Ship Depot Operations support. These accounts fund PNSY's general operations.\n\n Facility Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (FSRM):Provides $3.46 billion for an account that helps PNSY and the other shipyards address the current backlog of FSRM infrastructure projects (examples include recurring maintenance and repair projects, renovations, replacing tile and carpeting, etc).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-secures-funding-appropriations-bill-support-shipbuilders-biw", "Senator Collins Secures Funding in Appropriations Bill to Support Shipbuilders at BIW", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the fiscal year (FY) 2021 defense funding bill, which includes provisions U.S. Senator Susan Collins championed to support Maine industries that have an indispensable role in our defense, including Bath Iron Works (BIW). The Senate and House will now work to develop the FY 2021 funding bill before the expiration of the current continuing resolution in December.\n\nThe value and importance of our naval assets to security and stability have never been greater, which is why it is so critical that we grow the Navy's combat capabilities to be able to meet challenges around the world, said Senator Collins. Through my senior position on the Appropriations Committee, I secured funding for two DDG-51 Flight III ships. Funding included in this legislation will also help BIW make investments in the shipyard to ensure their hardworking employees have the cutting-edge tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. BIW is home to the best shipbuilders in the world, and this funding will help them stay competitive far into the future.\n\nThe FY 2021 Department of Defense funding bill provides $696 billionan increase of $2.6 billion above the FY 2020 enacted level.\n\nAdditionally, the bill includes a number of priorities Senator Collins advocated for:\n\n \nDDG-51 Shipbuilding: Includes funding fortwoDDG-51 Flight III ships. Additionally, the bill includes $130 million above the President's budget request of $29 million for DDG-51 advanced procurement specifically for a third DDG-51 in the next fiscal year.\n \n\n \nSurface Combatant Shipyard Infrastructure:Includes $215 million for surface combatant shipyard infrastructure. This funding can be tapped into for yard improvements similar to the $130 million awarded to BIW earlier in the year.\n \n\n \nDDG-51 Acquisition strategy report language:To ensure stability in the industrial base and shipyards, the bill includes explanatory language requiring the Navy to provide a fully funded strategy for the procurement of large surface combatants (LSC) in next year's budget request.\n \n\nIn January, Senators Collins and Angus King sent a joint letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper objecting to the Navy's proposal to reduce its shipbuilding program.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-more-14-million-york-county-head-start-program-amid-covid-19", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $1.4 Million for York County Head Start Program Amid COVID-19", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $1.4 Million for York County Head Start Program Amid COVID-19 \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Thu, 11/12/2020 - 10:43    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded York County Community Action Corporation a total of $1,453,544 for its Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.\n\nDuring this public health crisis, Head Start programs throughout our state have continued to provide children with key educational tools and resources, as well as access to nutritious meals and health screenings,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  We welcome this important investment in York County, which will help to ensure that students continue to have the strong foundation they need to grow and succeed.\n\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. Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/significant-eu-trade-victory-maine-lobster-advances", "Significant EU Trade Victory for Maine Lobster Advances", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins welcomed the news today that the European Parliament's trade committee voted 40-2 in support of an agreement to eliminate tariffs on live and frozen American lobster, which will help to substantially boost sales of Maine lobster to European markets. The deal now awaits a vote by the full European Union parliament. Senator Collins strongly advocated for this agreement and raised the concerns of Maine's lobster industry directly to the White House and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.\n\nSeveral years ago, the European Union was a top destination for American lobster, accounting for approximately 15 to 20 percent of annual lobster exports. In 2017, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was implemented between Canada and the European Union, reducing tariffs to zero on live Canadian lobsters and eliminating tariffs over a period of several years on frozen and processed Canadian lobsters. This put American lobster exporters at a serious disadvantage because, unlike Canadians, American exporters were facing tariffs of between 8 and 30 percent to sell into the European Union.\n\nThe agreement will reduce tariffs on live and frozen U.S. lobsters to 0%, retroactive to August 1st. The agreement is expected to last for five years, with the European Union taking steps to make it permanent.\n\nThe overwhelming support this trade agreement has received is encouraging news for Maine's lobster industry, which has experienced a number of challenges in recent years ranging from the pandemic to the trade war, said Senator Collins. Once this significant victory is finalized, U.S. lobster will be placed on a level playing field with Canadian lobster, and this lucrative market will be reopened. I will continue to work closely with Maine's hardworking lobstermen and women, processors, and dealers to help ensure the needs of this vital fishery are addressed.\n\nThis is a step in the right direction for US lobster businesses. They have been anxiously awaiting additional details on this deal since it was announced August 21, 2020. While we recognize that there are additional steps before the agreement is fully realized, we are thrilled to see a 40-2 vote from the EU Trade Committee as the plan advances to the European Parliament and European Committee, said Annie Tselikis, Executive Director Maine Lobster Dealers' Association. We are grateful for the attention and support from Sen. Collins and the entire Maine delegation as they have played a critical role as a facilitator between the industry and the Office of the US Trade Representative.\n\nIn April 2018, Senator Collins urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to help expand foreign markets for American lobster in response to the economic harm caused by CETA.\n\nIn July 2018, Senator Collins pressed U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer to continue fighting for the Maine lobster industry, citing CETA and China's retaliatory tariffs.\n\nIn June 2018, the Maine Delegation hosted a meeting between top USTR officials, members of the Maine Lobster Dealers' Association, and local lobstermen to discuss the impact of federal trade policies on the state's most productive and profitable fishery.\n\nIn November 2019, Senators Collins, and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree called on USTR Lighthizer to prioritize a trade deal with the European Union that would reduce or eliminate E.U. tariffs on Maine lobster.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/housing-funding-bill-authored-sen-collins-key-wins-maine-advances", "Housing Funding Bill Authored by Sen. Collins with Key Wins for Maine Advances", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill that was authored by Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee. The legislation includes Senator Collins' provisions to support vulnerable Mainers and strengthen communities. Senator Collins drafted the bill with broad, bipartisan input, and it now heads to a Conference Committee before it will be voted on by the full Senate and House.\n\nIncreasing the supply of safe, affordable housing and strengthening our communities are among my top priorities as Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan bill will bolster housing for low-income families and seniors, reduce homelessness, and support revitalization projects across Maine.\n\nThe FY 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill provides $74.8 billion in new funding, $561 million more than last year. Housing provisions secured by Senator Collins to benefit Maine include:\n\n Community Development Block Grants. The bill provides $3.425 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation.\n\n Housing during substance abuse recovery. The bill provides $30 million for assistance to States to provide temporary housing to those who are in recovery from a substance use disorder. Maine will receive $1 million.\n\n Funding for youth homelessness. The bill includes $80 million for grants and technical assistance to test comprehensive efforts to end youth homelessness in urban and rural areas.\n\n Section 8 Vouchers for youth aging out of foster care. The bill includes $20 million for new family unification vouchers to prevent youth exiting foster care from becoming homeless.\n\n Housing Vouchers for Homeless Veterans (HUD-VASH). The bill includes $40 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers to reduce veterans' homelessness.Since the program was first established in 2008, Maine has received 238 vouchers to support homeless veterans.\n\n Increased funding for lead grants. The bill includes $360 million to combat lead hazards, $70 million above last year's level. These grants will help communities protect children from the harmful effects of lead hazard poisoning.\n\n Aging in Place Home Modifications for Seniors. The bill includes $10 million for grants for home modifications to enable low-income seniors to age in place' and remain in their own homes.\n\n Section 202 Housing for the Elderly. The bill includes $853 million for the Section 202 program. Of this total, $38.5 million is for the development of new senior housing properties, and $38.5 million is for the expansion of service coordinators to properties that do not have coordinators.\n\n Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS). The bill includes $105 million for the FSS program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/more-36-million-trade-relief-has-been-awarded-maine-lobstermen-women", "More than $36 Million in Trade Relief has been Awarded to Maine Lobstermen & Women", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maine lobstermen and women have been awarded a total of $36,284,110.12 to date to help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to China's retaliatory tariffs. The funding has been provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Seafood Trade Relief Program.\n\nUnfair retaliatory tariffs as well as the COVID-19 pandemic that has closed restaurants and reduced exports have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's hardworking lobstermen and women, said Senator Collins. These direct payments I worked to secure will help provide some relief. Maine's lobster industry has sustained coastal communities and families for generations, and I will continue to fight to keep this industry strong.\n\nThe USDA will continue to accept applications for the Seafood Trade Relief Program until December 14, 2020. Click here for more information: https://www.farmers.gov/Seafood\n\nThe Maine Delegation has consistently stood with the lobster industry, which faces a number of serious threats, including the ongoing trade war with China and potential federal regulations associated with the ongoing right whale issue. Following a letter the Maine Delegation sent to President Trump in June 2019, the Administration issued a Presidential Memorandum that called on USTR and USDA to provide the lobster industry with the same form of financial assistance that has already been extended to farmers suffering as a result of China's retaliatory tariffs.\n\nIn November 2019, Senators Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingreeurged the USTRto pursue a trade deal with the European Union that would prioritize lobster; ina February 2019 letter, the Delegation asked the USTR to prioritize lobster in negotiations, noting that live lobster exports to China dropped by 64% in the first month after the retaliatory tariffs were imposed. The Maine Delegation has also pressed for the Administration to offer funding tohelp the lobster industry access new markets.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-honors-those-who-have-served-our-nation-uniform", "Senator Collins Honors Those Who Have Served Our Nation in Uniform", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click HERE to watch Senator Collins' remarks. Click HERE for high-resolution video.\n\nWashington, D.C.  In advance of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement:\n\nAs the daughter of a World War II veteran who was wounded twice in the Battle of the Bulge where he earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, Veterans Day has always had a special meaning to me.\n\nThe men and women we honor on Veterans Day have paid the price of our freedom in times of conflict, and they are our shield in times of peace. We honor those who paid the ultimate price. We honor those who lived beyond their years of military service but who have since passed on. And we honor those who are with us today.\n\nToday, nearly 20 million Americans wear the proud title of Veteran.' Maine is home to more than 114,000 veterans, the second-highest percentage in our entire country. We are proud of our State's commitment to protecting our nation.\n\nThe patriots we honor on Veterans Day served our nation and all of humanity. Those who serve today carry on this great mission. They have earned our deepest thanks, not just on this Veterans Day, but for all the days to come.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/transportation-funding-bill-authored-sen-collins-key-wins-maine-advances", "Transportation Funding Bill Authored by Sen. Collins with Key Wins for Maine Advances", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill that was authored by Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee. The legislation includes Senator Collins' provisions to make critical improvements to Maine's transportation infrastructure and promote economic development. Senator Collins drafted the bill with broad, bipartisan input, and it now heads to a Conference Committee before it will be voted on by the full Senate and House.\n\nImproving Maine infrastructure is essential to moving our economy forward, said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have secured more than $747 million in competitive grants to enhance our transportation network. This legislation would build on those investments by funding projects that will enhance safety and create jobs in communities across the state.\n\nThe FY 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill provides $74.8 billion in new funding, $561 million more than last year. Transportation provisions secured by Senator Collins to benefit Maine include:\n\n BUILD Grants: The bill includes $1 billion for BUILD grants, which provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Since the program's inception in 2009, Senator Collins has secured more than $250 million for key transportation investments throughout Maine, including bridges, seaports, and rail projects. This year Senator Collins secured $45 million in BUILD grants to rehabilitate and replace seven bridges in Maine. Maine grant applications through this highly competitive program have been successful in every funding round due to Senator Collins' advocacy.\n\n Highway and Bridge Funding Increase: The bill supports $46.4 billion for Federal-aid highways from the Highway Trust Fund, consistent with the recent extension of the FAST Act. In addition, $2.4 billion is provided from the general fund, providing Maine DOT an additional $41 million above the FAST Act funding levels. The bill also provides $35 million for the National Scenic Byways Program.\n\n Maritime: The bill provides $390 million for the new training vessels for the State Maritime Academies (SMAs) and $43 million for assistance to the SMAs, including Maine Maritime Academy. The bill provides $200 million for Port Infrastructure Development Grants. Maine Ports Authority received a $4.1 million grant in FY 2020. The bill also provides $20 million for the Small Shipyard Grant program, which helps small shipyards improve the efficiency of their operations by providing for equipment and other facility upgrades.\n\n Aviation: The bill provides $18 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with increased funding for aviation safety. The bill includes $3.7 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, $10 million for the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP), and $5 million for the Aviation Workforce Development Program. In addition, $142 million is provided for the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program. The EAS program provides commercial air service to Augusta, Bar Harbor/Trenton, Presque Isle/Houlton, and Rockland.\n\n Amtrak: The bill includes $2 billion for Amtrak, which supports Maine's Downeaster service. The bill also provides $340 million for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants, which have been helpful for the Downeaster, PanAm, and Springfield Terminal Railway Company, which recently received a $16.9 million CRISI grant to improve 75 miles of rail infrastructure in Penobscot, Somerset, Waldo, and Kennebec counties.\n\n Emergency Responder Grants. The bill includes an increase of $1 million for Emergency Response grants that are prioritized for rural areas and $1 million for the Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) grants that are supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.\n\nSince 2009, when Senator Collins became a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured more than $747 million in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/nearly-50-million-covid-19-financial-relief-has-been-awarded-maine-farmers", "Nearly $50 Million in COVID-19 Financial Relief has been Awarded to Maine Farmers", "2020-11-09", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The USDA is accepting CFAP applications until December 11th: Farmers.gov/cfap\n\nWashington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maine farmers have been awarded a total of$48,890,321 to dateto help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to COVID-19. The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), created through the CARES Act, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America's farmers.\n\nThe supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, from newly founded farms to operations that have been passed down from generation to generation,said Senator Collins.These direct payments, which I worked to include in the CARES Act, will help provide some relief.During this difficult time, I will continue to advocate for Mainefarmers.\n\nIn addition to facilitating the Farmers to Families Food Box program, CFAPis providing vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face significant additionalmarketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.\n\nThe USDA is accepting applications until December 11th.More information aboutCFAP can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) resource page:Farmers.gov/cfap.\n\nTo date, the funding has been allocated as follows:\n\n \nDairy farmershave been awarded $12,617,080.\n \n\n \nLivestock farmershave been awarded $4,443,330.\n \n\n \nNon-Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $715,233.\n \n\n \nSpecialty crop farmershave been awarded $15,044,095.\n \n\n \nEggs/Broilershave been awarded $30,733.\n \n\n \nSales Commoditieshave been awarded $14,914,020.\n \n\n \nAcreage-based crops have been awarded $1,125,830.\n \n\nCFAP payments are available for eligible producers of specialty crop commodities categorized as either sales commodities or flat-rate crops. Specifically:\n\n \nSales commodities have payment calculations that use a sales-based approach, where producers of eligible commodities are paid based on five payment gradations associated with their 2019 sales. Eligible fruits, vegetables, horticulture, tree nuts, honey, and maple sap are categorized as sales-based commodities.\n \n\n \nFlat-rate crops either do not meet the five-percent-or-greater national price decline trigger noted above or do not have data available to calculate a price change, but will have CFAP 2 payments calculated based on eligible acres of the crop planted in 2020.\n \n\n+++\n\nFollowing a push by Maine's Congressional Delegation and Governor Janet Mills, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)announcedin August that maple syrup producersare now eligible for CFAP's direct financial relief. In June, Senator Collins, along with and Senator King and Representatives Pingree and Golden, senta letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue (PDF)in support ofmaplesyrupproducers' eligibility for direct relief from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). In addition to maple syrup producers, aquaculture farmers were also made eligible for CFAP payments after Sen. Collins and the delegation urged USDA to include them in the program. In April, Senator Collins and the delegation sent aletterto Sec. Perdue in support of aquaculture farmers' eligibility for this direct relief.\n\nIn July, Senator CollinsvisitedVan Buren, where 760 food boxes through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program were distributed to members of the community.The food boxes, which contained products from Maine farmers, were purchased through a$2.14 million contractrecently awarded to Maine Farmers Exchange (MFX)to participate in the program.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Collins visited Native Maine Produce and Specialty Foodsto meet with managers and employees andcelebratea $1.35 million contract the wholesale food distributor was recently awardedto distribute 45,000 food boxes, each holding 25 pounds of produce, to Maine food banks.\n\nSenator Collins has helped to lead bipartisan efforts in Congress to direct more support to farmers. Sheco-signed a series of lettersto the USDA, urging Secretary Sonny Perdue to prioritize assistance to Maine farmers, including those in the dairy, potato, and blueberry industries.\n\nSenator Collins and Representative Pingreealsowrote to USDAto emphasize the need to provide assistance directly to growers as well as support local producers and their supply chains, andshe joinedSenators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in leading a group of bipartisan Senators in urging the USDA to target COVID-19 relief provisions to reach local farmers.\n\nIn aletterto the USDA, Senator Collins elevated the concerns and questions raised by representatives of the potato industry, including the Maine Potato Board, who are facing an unprecedented crisis due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Furthermore, Senator Collins offered recommendations for theCFAPthat would address the supply backlogand called for direct relief for potato growers.\n\nIn May, Senators Collins, King, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)introduced the Farming Support to States Act, a bipartisan bill to provide states access to immediate, flexible funding to aid in responding to urgent and emerging issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in America's agriculture economy and food supply chain.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-2020-presidential-election-results", "Senator Collins Statement on 2020 Presidential Election Results", "2020-11-09", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins' Statement on 2020 Presidential Election Results \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Mon, 11/09/2020 - 12:42    \n    \n    \n    \n  Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement:\n\nFirst, I would offer my congratulations to President-elect Biden on his apparent victory  he loves this country, and I wish him every success. Presidential transitions are important, and the President-elect and the Vice-President-elect should be given every opportunity to ensure that they are ready to govern on January 20th.\n\nI understand that the President and others have questions about the results in certain states. There is a process in place to challenge those results and, consistent with that process, the President should be afforded the opportunity to do so.\n\nI know that many are eager to have certainty right now. While we have a clear direction, we should continue to respect that process. I urge people to be patient. The process has not failed our country in more than 200 years, and it is not going to fail our country this year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-king-announce-maine-receive-363-million-heating-assistance-low-income-mainers", "Collins, King Announce Maine to Receive $36.3 Million for Heating Assistance for Low-Income Mainers", "2020-11-06", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing a total of $36,318,970 in funding for Maine through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), including $1,328,011 specifically for tribes and tribal organizations.\n\nAs the cold winter months approach, it is vital that we ensure low-income families and seniors in Maine have access to affordable home energy to protect their health and safety,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. This funding is welcome news as these programs remain important lifelines that help prevent vulnerable individuals from having to choose between heating their home, paying their bills, or going without food or medicine.\n\nSenators Collins and King have long led bipartisan efforts to support federal funding for LIHEAP. In October, Senator Collinswrote a letterwith Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that was cosigned by 38 of their colleagues, including Senator King, urging HHS to release LIHEAP funds without delay and at as high a level as possible under the continuing resolution.\n\nHHS released a total of $3.36 billion to states, tribes, and territories.\n\nThe following funding will be allocated to Maine tribes, which is a portion of the $36,318,970 in LIHEAP funds awarded to the State of Maine:\n\n \nAroostook Band of Micmac Indians $158,053\nHoulton Band of Maliseet Indians $158,053\nPassamaquoddy Tribe--Indian Township $301,573\nPassamaquoddy Tribe--Pleasant Point $420,749\nPenobscot Tribe $289,583\n \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-vote-counting-process-2020-elections", "Senator Collins Statement on Vote-Counting Process for the 2020 Elections", "2020-11-06", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n                \n  \n  \n  \n        \n                         Senator Collins' Statement on Vote-Counting Process for the 2020 Elections \n                    \n                              \n  \n    \n        \n      Posted Fri, 11/06/2020 - 08:34    \n    \n    \n    \n  Bangor, MEU.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement on the vote-counting process for the 2020 elections:\n\nStates have the authority to determine the specific rules of elections. Every valid vote under a state's law should be counted. Allegations of irregularities can be adjudicated by the courts. We must all respect the outcome of elections.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-colleagues-introduce-bill-expand-relief-measures-under-sba%E2%80%99s-7a-loan-program-0", "Collins, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Relief Measures under SBAs 7(a) Loan Program", "2020-11-05", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the Small Business Task Force, joined Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), JimRisch(R-ID), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) in introducing theSmall Business Access to Recovery Capital Act. The legislation would provide expanded relief measures to the 7(a) loan program for one year to help small businesses cope with challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nTheSmall Business Access to Recovery Capital Actwould extend additional assistance to small businesses on top of assistance they may have received through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Senator Collinsco-authored, which supported millions of small businesses and jobs across the country. Qualifying small businesses would also be eligible for a second PPP forgivableloan under separate legislation authored by Senators Collins and Rubio.\n\nSmall businesses are the engine of our economy, but the COVID-19 pandemic is tragically forcing many families to close the doors to their small businesses that they have spent years or even generations to build,said Senator Collins.As the co-author of the Paycheck Protection Program, I have worked to help small businesses stay afloat and continue paying their employees. This bill would complement the PPP by providingexpanded relief under SBA's 7(a) loan programto help small businesses weather this public health and economic crisis.\n\nTheSmall Business Access to Recovery Capital Actwould expand small businesses' access to the 7(a) Loan Guaranty program for one year by:\n\nWaiving borrower and lender fees;\nIncreasing the government guarantee to 95%;\nIncreasing the maximum loan value from $5 million to $10 million; and\nWaiving debt repayment of principal, interest, and fees for any new loans made under the 7(a) program for one year.\n\nSenator Collins is a longtime champion of small businesses, and she recentlyreceived the Guardian of Small Business Awardfrom the National Federation of Independent Business. TheSmall Business Access to Recovery Capital Actwould build on the actions Senator Collins has taken to support small businesses during the pandemic. Earlier this year,Senators Collins, Rubio, Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)co-authoredthe PPP to help small employers stay afloat and continue paying their workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its launch in early April, more than 28,000 Maine small businesses and self-employed individuals have received nearly $2.3 billion in forgivable loans, helping to support more than 250,000 jobs throughout the state.\n\nClickHEREto read the full text of theSmall Business Access to Recovery Capital Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-colleagues-introduce-bill-expand-relief-measures-under-sba%E2%80%99s-7a-loan-program", "Collins, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Relief Measures under SBAs 7(a) Loan Program", "2020-11-04", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the Small Business Task Force, joined Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) in introducing the Small Business Access to Recovery Capital Act. The legislation would provide expanded relief measures to the 7(a) loan program for one year to help small businesses cope with challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nThe Small Business Access to Recovery Capital Act would extend additional assistance to small businesses on top of assistance they may have received through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Senator Collins co-authored, which supported millions of small businesses and jobs across the country. Qualifying small businesses would also be eligible for a second PPP forgivableloan under separate legislation authored by Senators Collins and Rubio.\n\nSmall businesses are the engine of our economy, but the COVID-19 pandemic is tragically forcing many families to close the doors to their small businesses that they have spent years or even generations to build,said Senator Collins. As the co-author of the Paycheck Protection Program, I have worked to help small businesses stay afloat and continue paying their employees. This bill would complement the PPP by providingexpanded relief under SBA's 7(a) loan programto help small businesses weather this public health and economic crisis.\n\nThe Small Business Access to Recovery Capital Act would expand small businesses' access to the 7(a) Loan Guaranty program for one year by:\n\n Waiving borrower and lender fees;\n Increasing the government guarantee to 95%;\n Increasing the maximum loan value from $5 million to $10 million; and\n Waiving debt repayment of principal, interest, and fees for any new loans made under the 7(a) program for one year.\n\nSenator Collins is a longtime champion of small businesses, and she recently received the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business. The Small Business Access to Recovery Capital Act would build on the actions Senator Collins has taken to support small businesses during the pandemic. Earlier this year, Senators Collins, Rubio, Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)co-authoredthe PPP to help small employers stay afloat and continue paying their workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its launch in early April, more than 28,000 Maine small businesses and self-employed individuals have received nearly $2.3 billion in forgivable loans, helping to support more than 250,000 jobs throughout the state.\n\nClick HERE to read the full text of the Small Business Access to Recovery Capital Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-king-announce-nearly-250000-maine-nursing-homes-combat-covid-19", "Senators Collins, King Announce Nearly $250,000 for Maine Nursing Homes to Combat COVID-19", "2020-11-04", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that82 Maine nursing homes and nursing facilitieshave been awardedan additional$247,577to support increased testing, staffing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs. Thisfundingadds to the $10.4 million Senators Collins and Kingannouncedin August. This targeted distribution from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund is funded through $175 billion includedin the bipartisan CARES Act and thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.\n\nIn the midst of this ongoing public health and economic crisis, it is crucial that the residents and staff of our nursing home communities remainsupported and protected,said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. Thisadditionalfunding willprovide nursing homes with resources and training to improve infection and support our health care providers on the front lines.\n\nUnder this distribution, nursing homes that demonstrated a significant reduction in COVID-19 related infections and deaths between August and September will be eligible to apply for additional funding to improve quality and infection control in their facilities. This performance-based payment structure will reward nursing homes for keeping new COVID-19 infection and mortality rates among residents lower than the communities they serve.\n\nTo further support nursing homes,HHS also announced todaythe Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) will be partnering with America's nursing homes to create the National Nursing Home COVID Action Network. Through the Network, AHRQ will offer trainingand mentorship to the approximately 15,400 nursing homes across the country to supplement efforts aimed at protecting residents and staff.\n\nIn August, Senators Collins and King announced that 93 skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes in Maine had been awarded$10.4 millionto support increased testing, staffing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs. In May, following Senator Collins' advocacy, Maine nursing homes received nearly$18 millionthat helped protect the health of residents and staff and support nursing homes struggling with significant expenses or lost revenue due to COVID-19.To date, Maine health care providers have received more than $490 millionin relief from the HHS Provider Relief Fund.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-700000-support-affordable-housing-efforts-maine-amid-covid", "Senator Collins Announces More Than $700,000 to Support Affordable Housing Efforts in Maine Amid COVID-19", "2020-11-02", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a total of $729,161to the Portland and Brunswick publichousing agenciesto support affordable housing and bolster COVID-19 prevention and response efforts.Thisfunding was awarded througha provision of the CARES Act that Senator Collins authoredthat directed $48.5 billion to support housing and transportation programs.\n\nAs we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, additional resources are vital to help bolster Maine's housing programs that serve our seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked hard to secure these vital resources for Maine's communities, and I will continue to ensure they receive assistance during this difficult time.\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows:\n\n \nThe Portland Housing Authority will receive 628,272.\n \n\n \nThe Brunswick Housing Authority will receive $100,889.\n \n\nAs the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins helped to securea total of$46.5million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communitiesthroughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-partnership-develop-affordable-energy-solutions-maine%E2%80%99s-island", "Senator Collins Announces Partnership to Develop Affordable Energy Solutions for Maines Island Communities", "2020-11-02", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the Island Institute has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy to address high energy costs, reliability, and infrastructure challenges faced by island communities. The Island Institute is one of just five community-based partners from across the country participating in the Energy Transitions Initiative (ETI) Partnership Program.The partnership was made possible due to the $3 million that was included for the ETI in theFY20 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.Senator Collins authored this provision as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.\n\nMaine's islands are special places that have often been inhabited by members of the same families for generations,said Senator Collins.One of the persistent challenges these communities face, however, is maintaining affordable, reliable access to electricity.As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I strongly pushed for the funding to support islands with developing innovative energy solutions for residents.This partnership will harness the Island Institute's in-depth knowledge of Maine's coastal communities and the Department of Energy's expertise to help provide low-cost power.\n\nThe ETI Program will assist the Island Institute with developing cost-effective, resilient energy infrastructure for island communities. In addition, it will allow ETI to pursue energy transition efforts that address energy challenges, build capacity, accelerate the sharing of best practices and innovation between regions, and leverage local expertise into commercial opportunity.\n\nSince 1983, the Island Institute has worked proactively and collaboratively to help 120 island and coastal communities in Maine to tackle the most pressing environmental and socio-economic issues they face.\n\nSenator Collins is a champion of Maine's island and coastal communities.Last month, sheannouncedthat the Isle au Haut received more than $200,000 to install a solar power array, enabling the island to receive 100 percent of electricity from clean, renewable solar power.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-pushes-usda-again-fix-shortcomings-farmers-families-program-ensure-state", "Maine Delegation Pushes USDA Again to Fix Shortcomings of Farmers to Families Program to Ensure In-State Contractors and Farmers Can Benefit From Fourth Round of Funding", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today requesting fixes to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program to ensure Maine-based contractors have a fair shot to be selected whenthefourth round contracts are awarded. No companies in Maine were chosen by USDA to be suppliers in the first or thirdtranche of funding for the Farmers to Families Food Box program.\n\nIn the first round of the Farmers to Families program announced in April, no Maine-based contractors were selected and the coverage of the program was extremely limited within the state. Consequently, there was a significant missed opportunity for USDA to benefit Maine's farmers, food insecure families, and small businesses at a time when they were struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,the Maine lawmakers wrote in their letter to USDA.\n\nWe appreciate that you worked to address the concerns raised in our letters dated May 29 and June 18 and ultimately included two Maine-based contractors in the second round of awards. However, we were disappointed that once again no companies in Maine were chosen to supply the third round announced in September.While non-profit partners have received a substantial supply of food boxes from an out-of-state distributor, helping to alleviate hunger among Maine families, the economic impact of the program for farmers and businesses in Maine has been more limited as significant federal support flows to other states,said the Maine delegation in their letter.\n\nRead the full delegation letterhere.\n\nIn April, the Farmers to Families Food Box Program was established by USDA using funds from the Families First Coronavirus Response ActandCARES Act. Under the program, USDA purchases up to $4 billion offresh produce, dairy, and meat and distributes these products to food insecure Americans in Farmers to Families Food Boxes.\n\nMaine distributors were left out of the program to begin with, but following advocacy from the Maine delegation,Maine Farmers Exchangein Presque Isle andNative Maine Produce & Specialty Foodsin Westbrook were awarded USDA contracts in the second round of funding for the program. \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/nearly-41-million-covid-19-financial-relief-has-been-awarded-maine-farmers", "Nearly $41 Million in COVID-19 Financial Relief has been Awarded to Maine Farmers", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The USDA is accepting CFAP applications until December 11th:Farmers.gov/cfap\n\nBangor, ME U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maine farmers have been awarded a total of$40,588,764to dateto help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to COVID-19. The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), created through the CARES Act, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America's farmers.\n\nThe supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, from newly founded farms to operations that have been passed down from generation to generation,said Senator Collins.These direct payments, which I worked to include in the CARES Act, will help provide some relief.During this difficult time, I will continue to advocate for Mainefarmers.\n\nIn addition to facilitating the Farmers to Families Food Box program, CFAPis providing vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face significant additionalmarketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.\n\nThe USDA is accepting applications until December 11th.More information aboutCFAP can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) resource page:Farmers.gov/cfap.\n\nTo date, the funding has been allocated as follows:\n\n \nDairy farmershave been awarded $11,725,845.\n \n\n \nLivestock farmershave been awarded $1,864,125.\n \n\n \nNon-Specialty crop farmershave been awarded $715,233.\n \n\n \nSpecialty crop farmershave been awarded $15,044,095.\n \n\n \nEggs/Broilershave been awarded $12,021.\n \n\n \nSales Commoditieshave been awarded $11,227,445.\n \n\nCFAP payments are available for eligible producers of specialty crop commodities categorized as either sales commodities or flat-rate crops. Specifically:\n\n \nSales commodities have payment calculations that use a sales-based approach, where producers of eligible commodities are paid based on five payment gradations associated with their 2019 sales. Eligible fruits, vegetables, horticulture, tree nuts, honey, and maple sap are categorized as sales-based commodities.\n \n\n \nFlat-rate crops either do not meet the five-percent-or-greater national price decline trigger noted above or do not have data available to calculate a price change, but will have CFAP 2 payments calculated based on eligible acres of the crop planted in 2020.\n \n\n+++\n\nFollowing a push by Maine's Congressional Delegation and Governor Janet Mills, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)announcedin August that maple syrup producersare now eligible for CFAP's direct financial relief. In June, Senator Collins, along with and Senator King and RepresentativesPingreeand Golden, senta letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue (PDF)in support ofmaplesyrupproducers' eligibility for direct relief from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). In addition to maple syrup producers, aquaculture farmers were also made eligible for CFAP payments after Sen. Collins and the delegation urged USDA to include them in the program. In April, Senator Collins and the delegation sent aletterto Sec. Perdue in support of aquaculture farmers' eligibility for this direct relief.\n\nIn July, Senator CollinsvisitedVan Buren, where 760 food boxes through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program were distributed to members of the community.The food boxes, which contained products from Maine farmers, were purchased through a$2.14 million contractrecently awarded to Maine Farmers Exchange (MFX)to participate in the program.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Collins visited Native Maine Produce and Specialty Foodsto meet with managers and employees andcelebratea $1.35 million contract the wholesale food distributor was recently awardedto distribute 45,000 food boxes, each holding 25 pounds of produce, to Maine food banks.\n\nSenator Collins has helped to lead bipartisan efforts in Congress to direct more support to farmers. Sheco-signed a series of lettersto the USDA, urging Secretary Sonny Perdue to prioritize assistance to Maine farmers, including those in the dairy, potato, and blueberry industries.\n\nSenator Collins and RepresentativePingreealsowrote to USDAto emphasize the need to provide assistance directly to growers as well as support local producers and their supply chains, andshe joinedSenators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in leading a group of bipartisan Senators in urging the USDA to target COVID-19 relief provisions to reach local farmers.\n\nIn aletterto the USDA, Senator Collins elevated the concerns and questions raised by representatives of the potato industry, including the Maine Potato Board, who are facing an unprecedented crisis due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Furthermore, Senator Collins offered recommendations for theCFAPthat would address the supply backlogand called for direct relief for potato growers.\n\nIn May, Senators Collins, King, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)introduced the Farming Support to States Act, a bipartisan bill to provide states access to immediate, flexible funding to aid in responding to urgent and emerging issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in America's agriculture economy and food supply chain.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-participates-groundbreaking-ceremony-central-maine-healthcare-cancer-care", "Senator Collins Participates in Groundbreaking Ceremony for Central Maine Healthcare Cancer Care Center in Lewiston", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ClickHERE,HERE,HERE,HERE, andHEREfor high-resolution photos\n\nLewiston, ME  This morning, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, delivered remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) Cancer Care Center. The $38 million project brings together cutting-edge oncology services in a convenient location on the Central Maine Medical Center campus in Lewiston. The accessible, centralized location will benefit patients who will not have to make their way to different parts of the campus for their care.\n\nI doubt that there is anyone here today whose life has not been affected by cancer, either personally or in a loved one. Against this scourge that causes so much pain and suffering, so much fear and uncertainty, and so much heartbreak, CMH and the Central Maine Cancer Institute fight back with skill, technology, dedication, and compassion,said Senator Collins. By consolidating all oncology services in one new building with state-of-the-art equipment, patients will have convenient access to the highest quality care close to home. This centralized location will enhance the Cancer Institute's outstanding multispecialty, team-based care.\n\nWith more than 8,000 new diagnoses each year, cancer incidence in Maine is above the national average. By consolidating all oncology services at CMH, the renovation will allow patients to receive care without having to travel to other care providers, saving the community nearly $1 million annually in travel costs and preventing patients from having to drive more than 35,000 hours each year.\n\nState regulators gave the final approval to the project in April. Construction is slated to begin Nov. 2 and to be completed in the first quarter of 2022.\n\nSenator Collins has been a longstanding champion for greater investments in biomedical research, oncology services, and telehealth infrastructure. Through the CARES Act, she has helped secure more than $490 million in COVID-19 relief for Maine health care providers, including $33 million for the CMH hospital system. In addition, Senator Collinssuccessfully advocatedfor a $2.6 billion increase for the NIH in the fiscal year 2020 appropriations package.\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/following-bipartisan-effort-led-senator-collins-medicare-proposes-coverage-expansion", "Following Bipartisan Effort Led by Senator Collins, Medicare Proposes Coverage Expansion of Continuous Glucose Monitors", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed rule change that would expand Medicare Part B coverage and payment for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).\n\nTheproposedchanges to Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotic Devices and Supplies (DMEPOS) coverageand payment policies would classify all CGMs (not just limited to therapeutic CGMs) as durable medical equipment (DME) and establish payment amounts for these items and related supplies and accessories. If finalized, the proposal would build on Medicare's decision in 2017 to provide coverage for certain CGMs following advocacy by Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).\n\nAs the Chairman of the Aging Committee, I have heard from numerous seniors who, when transitioning from employer-provided insurance to Medicare, were shocked to learn that the technologies they have relied upon for years to manage their diabetes are no longercovered,said Senator Collins.Following a push Senator Shaheen and I led, Medicare provided coverage for certain continuous glucose monitors in 2017, which transformed the lives of the millions of Americans who rely on these devices to successfully manage diabetes. This proposed rule builds on that successful policy by providing better coverage for CGMs to help keep patients healthy and provide relief from high out-of-pocket costs.\n\nAccording to CMS, With one in every three Medicare beneficiaries having diabetes, this proposal would give Medicare beneficiaries and their physicians a wider range of technology and devices to choose from in managing diabetes. This proposal will improve access to these medical technologies and empower patients to make the best healthcare decisions for themselves.\n\n+++\n\nAs co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) haveworked togetherto increase awareness of the threats posed by diabetes, invest in research, and improve access to treatment options.In response to the Senators' bipartisan effort, CMSfirst approved the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)in January 2017 and allowed Medicare beneficiaries to use smartphone apps in conjunction with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) inJune 2018.In order for Medicare coverage to continue to keep pace with innovation, Senators Collins and Shaheenintroduced legislationlast November that would create a special task force at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to examine and address barriers that seniors face in accessing the latest diabetes management technologies.\n\nLast year, the Senatorsintroduced a billto roll back more than a decade of insulin prices hikes, and they have consistently pressed to hold insulinmanufacturers,insurers, and PBMs accountable for the skyrocketing cost of life-saving insulin.\n\nAdditionally, Senators Collins and Shaheenintroduced a billto expand access to diabetes self-management training and theyled the bipartisan push in the Senateto ensure continued support for the Special Diabetes Program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/supporting-veteran-caregivers-america%E2%80%99s-hidden-heroes", "Supporting Veteran Caregivers, Americas Hidden Heroes", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Supporting our veterans and those who serve today is among our greatest obligations. That obligation includes supporting America's hidden heroes  the 5.5 million family caregivers who provide essential daily care to loved ones who bear the wounds of their service protecting our nation and our freedom.\n\nThe effects of military service often do not end with a tour of duty. For many veterans and their families, the journey sometimes extends for a lifetime. For some veterans with both visible and invisible scars, the transition home is not easy. Recovery, too, can take decades. Along the way, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, and other family members and friends step in to serve.\n\nMilitary family caregivers provide roughly $14 billion a year in voluntary, uncompensated care. They often sacrifice their own physical and emotional well being to do so.They may have to miss work, turn down promotions, or even leave the workforce, creating enormous financial strain for families.\n\nAddressing the challenges facing these devoted family caregivers has been one of my highest priorities. In 2017, I chaired a hearing that focused on military caregivers at which former Senator Elizabeth Dole testified.When theVA MISSION Actwas enacted in 2018, it included provisions I championed requiring a phased expansion of the VA Caregiver Support Program to include veterans of all generations, rather than only post 9/11 veterans.\n\nVeterans, regardless of when they served, should be eligible for caregiver assistance. For years, the VA Caregiver Support Program has made resources such as a stipend, counseling, and training available to loved ones who have taken on a caregiver role for a veteran with service-connected injuries or illnesses. This important resource can improve quality of life and can result in faster and improved rehabilitation and recovery for a veteran. However, only post-9/11 veteran caregivers have historically been eligible to receive these benefits.\n\nNow, due to the legislation I coauthored, the VA has officially launched the first phase of expansion of the Caregiver Support Program to include pre-9/11 veterans and their caregivers. This first phase of the VA Caregiver Support Program expansion allows the VA to provide a stipend and resources to thousands of caregivers of veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.\n\nThe expansion rolls out in two phases. Effective this Oct. 1, the first phase included eligible veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975.\n\nEffective Oct. 1, 2022, the second phase will include eligible veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty between May 7, 1975, and Sept. 11, 2001. The VA has also expanded and expedited the hiring of key staff to ensure veterans and caregivers receive timely, accurate assessments and eligibility determinations, as well as an improved customer experience.\n\nThe progress we have made in supporting military caregivers would not be possible without the untiring efforts of former Senator Elizabeth Dole, whose husband, former Senator Robert Dole, was severely wounded during World War II. Since its founding in 2012, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation has done much to raise awareness of the need to support these selfless caregivers, and in 2014 commissioned the largest-ever study on the vital role military caregivers play and the sacrifices they make.\n\nI was honored to receive the firstCongressional Caregiver Champion Award from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. It was particularly moving to be presented with that award byMaine's Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow, Marjorie Pennington, whose husband, Matthew, was grievously wounded in Iraq. Her words describe the dedication of our family caregivers: He fought for our freedom, and I will always fight for him. The patriots caring for a wounded warrior are among America's hidden heroes and they need our support.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-supreme-court-nomination", "Senator Collins Statement on Supreme Court Nomination", "2020-10-25", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement today following the Senate's vote to advance the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett:\n\nWhen the Senate considers nominees to the United States Supreme Court, it is particularly important that we act fairly and consistently, using the same set of rules, no matter which political party is in power.\n\nWhen President Obama nominated Judge Garland eight months before the 2016 presidential election, I met with him and maintained that he was entitled to a hearing. Others argued that the winner of that year's presidential election should be allowed to choose the nominee, and that is what happened. My views did not prevail, and the standard was established that a nominee to the Court would not be voted on prior to the election in a presidential election year. This year, a vacancy has also occurred, notably much closer to the election.\n\nPrior to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, I stated that, should a vacancy on the Supreme Court arise, the Senate should follow the precedent set four years ago and not vote on a nominee prior to the presidential election. Since her passing, I have reiterated that in fairness to the American people -- who will either be re-electing the President or selecting a new one -- the decision on the nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy should be made by whoever is elected on November 3rd.\n\nBecause this vote is occurring prior to the election, I will vote against the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. To be clear, my vote does not reflect any conclusion that I have reached about Judge Barrett's qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court. What I have concentrated on is being fair and consistent, and I do not think it is fair nor consistent to have a Senate confirmation vote prior to the election.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-cardin-introduce-bipartisan-bill-improve-access-home-health-care-furnished", "Collins, Cardin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Home Health Care Furnished By Telehealth Amid Public Health Emergencies", "2020-10-23", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth (HEAT) Act, a bipartisan bill to provide Medicare reimbursement for audio and video telehealth services furnished by home health agencies during the COVID-19 emergency and future public health emergencies. U.S. Representatives Roger Marshall (R-KS), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), and Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nHome health serves a vital role in helping our nation's seniors avoid more costly hospital visits and nursing home stays. The COVID-19 emergency has further underscored the critical importance of home health services and highlighted how these agencies are able to use telehealth to provide skilled care to their patients, said Senator Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee. This bipartisan bill would ensure that seniors in Maine and across the country retain access to remote home health services during the COVID-19 emergency and future public health emergencies.\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has challenged home health providers' ability to provide care to patients in their homes. Home health providers have been able to overcome these challenges by utilizing telehealth to deliver some services to Medicare beneficiaries, said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee. This legislation allows home health services to be provided via telehealth during a public health emergency in order to ensure patients receive needed care.\n\nThe Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth (HEAT) Act would authorize Medicare reimbursement for home health services provided through telehealth during a public health emergency where telehealth can be used appropriately. The services would not be reimbursed unless the beneficiary consents to receiving the services via telehealth. To ensure that the Medicare home health benefit does not become a telehealth-only benefit, Medicare reimbursement would only be provided if the telehealth services constitute no more than half of the billable visits made during the 30-day payment period.\n\nThe bipartisan bill has been endorsed by several home health organizations and agencies, including Northern Light Health, MaineHealth Care at Home, LeadingAge, the Visiting Nurse Associations of America, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), and the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare.\n\nOn behalf of Northern Light Home Care clinicians and patients in our care, I want to thank Senator Susan Collins for her outstanding leadership in sponsoring legislation to require Medicare to cover home care services provided by visual or audio telehealth communication during an emergency period. During the COVID-19 pandemic our nurses and therapists cared for patients throughout the State of Maine providing telehealth care allowing the patient to stay at home and receive essential clinical services. Access to telehealth care in the home avoided hospital or emergency room care for thousands of patients including children, older adults and individuals living in shelters, said Lisa Harvey-McPherson RN, Northern Light Health Vice President Government Relations.\n\nWe are grateful to Senator Collins for sponsoring this important legislation that will provide critical support for telehealth services during times of public health emergency. Though telehealth has proven to be a highly efficient and effective means of providing needed care, particularly for our seniors, Medicare reimbursement continues to present a barrier to realizing its full potential. This bill takes an important step to expand access to needed telehealth services that have proven to improve health outcomes while reducing total costs for patients with chronic health care conditions, said Donna Deblois, President of MaineHealth Care at Home.\n\nMany of our home health members have been providing critical services without reimbursement during the pandemic. The HEAT Act would resolve this inequity and put our home health members on par with all other providers with regards to flexibility during this and future public health emergencies. LeadingAge and our partners VNAA/ElevatingHOME thank the sponsors, Senators Collins and Cardin and Representatives Sewell, Marshall, Arrington, and Thompson, for all of their work on this important legislation, said Katie Smith Sloan, President/CEO of LeadingAge and Acting President/CEO of the Visiting Nurse Associations of America/ElevatingHOME.\n\nFrom the early onset of the COVID-19 pandemic it has been well known that limiting person-to-person contact is key in reducing transmission and infection rates, said Bill Dombi, President of NAHC. Enabling home health agencies to incorporate telehealth visits into the plan of care, with reimbursement, will unlock new means of safe care delivery bringing peace of mind to Medicare beneficiaries. This bill, the Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth (HEAT) Act, will ensure that home health providers are able to utilize the full array of tools at their fingertips to reduce the risk of virus transmission, protecting patients in their homes, and health care professionals on the frontlines. NAHC thanks Senators Collins and Cardin, and Representatives Marshall, Sewell, Arrington and Thompson for their continued leadership in enabling patients to safely receive care in the home.\n\nThe Partnership applauds Senators Collins and Cardin for their introduction of this important legislation, which supports the provision of telehealth to Medicare home health patients. We thank the Senators for their ongoing and steadfast support for home health. It's especially important during the COVID19 pandemic, as home health is an even more important lifeline for America's disabled and elderly community, said Joanne Cunningham, Executive Director, Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare.\n\nClick HERE to read the bill text.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 177, "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": "Senate", "p1": "ME", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 177, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2020&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 177, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ME&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "ME", "label": "ME", "count": 177, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 177, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-10-23,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecollins~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fcollins-cardin-introduce-bipartisan-bill-improve-access-home-health-care-furnished", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2020&_next=2020-10-23%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecollins~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fcollins-cardin-introduce-bipartisan-bill-improve-access-home-health-care-furnished&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 149.12021160125732, "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"}