{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"ME\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-staff-up-irs-for-better-service-swifter-refunds", "King, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Staff Up IRS for Better Service, Swifter Refunds", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King, alongside 23 of his Senate colleagues, wrote a letter urging the Trump Administration to help Americans get more responsive service and expedited refunds by restoring staff and resources at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), the independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps taxpayers resolve issues within the IRS. TAS has faced dramatic attrition since this administration began, and at its current staffing level, it faces significant challenges handling its current caseload and helping taxpayers in Maine and across the country. The Senators are urging Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent to stop hiring freezes, reduction-in-force efforts, and properly staff TAS.\n\n\u201cTAS ensures the American people have a voice within the IRS [\u2026] We are concerned that the recent personnel cuts at TAS and the ongoing hiring freeze will greatly hinder these advocates' ability to provide quality, timely service to taxpayers who need help,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\n\u201cSince January, the Trump Administration's deferred resignation programs and efforts to reduce the federal workforce have resulted in nearly one in four TAS advocates departing the IRS [\u2026] According to the National Taxpayer Advocates FY2026 Report to Congress, these losses of IRS customer service personnel have created \"vulnerabilities in service delivery\u2026and taxpayer assistance.\" We are concerned that the rapid decrease in staff will increase remaining advocate\u2019s case load and taxpayers\u2019 wait times for service,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\n\u201cAccording to the January 20, 2025, Presidential Memorandum, the IRS hiring freeze will remain in place until the Secretary of the Treasury determines that ending it is in the \"national interest.\" [\u2026] We expect you agree with us that ensuring Americans can access their full tax benefits in a timely manner falls squarely within the \u201cnational interest,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senator King, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (D-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).\n\nThe letter text can be found here and below.\n\n###\n\nDear Secretary Bessent,\n\nWe write to urge you to lift the freeze on hiring additional staff at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and ensure that both the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) have enough staff to ensure they meet the needs of the American taxpayers.\n\nDedicated TAS advocates resolve over 230,000 taxpayer issues with the IRS every year.[1] From helping a disabled first responder receive their refund[2] to resolving a decade-long problem with a taxpayer\u2019s railroad worker\u2019s retirement tax that was holding up his refund,[3] TAS ensures the American people have a voice within the IRS.\n\nAlthough we understand there may be some isolated instances of hiring for internal positions at TAS, we are concerned that the recent personnel cuts at TAS[4] and the ongoing hiring freeze[5] will greatly hinder these advocates\u2019 ability to provide quality, timely service to taxpayers who need help. Moreover, the IRS operating divisions need enough employees to be able to implement TAS\u2019s requests for their assistance in resolving taxpayer problems.[6]\n\nSince January, the Trump Administration\u2019s deferred resignation programs and efforts to reduce the federal workforce have resulted in nearly one in four TAS advocates departing the IRS.[7] To further compound staffing issues, the Trump Administration\u2019s freeze[8] on hiring additional personnel across the IRS remains in place, making it impossible to appropriately backfill TAS staff at the levels needed to address the workload.\n\nAccording to the National Taxpayer Advocates FY2026 Report to Congress, these losses of IRS customer service personnel have created \u201cvulnerabilities in service delivery . . . and taxpayer assistance.\u201d[9] We are concerned that the rapid decrease in staff will increase remaining advocates\u2019 caseloads and taxpayers\u2019 wait times for service.\n\nOur Congressional casework teams are already seeing delays in responses and case resolution. For example, in January, a taxpayer in Georgia reached out to TAS about an issue with a tax return. Despite submitting the correct paperwork in a timely manner and multiple inquiries from Congressional caseworkers, the most recent update as of December was that the case was still being processed. This is too long for a taxpayer to wait for answers.\n\nMany IRS employees who accepted deferred resignation offers were required to stay to support the 2025 tax filing season,[10] so we have not seen the full detrimental effects of the staffing cuts. If these shortages are not addressed, the repercussions will likely be felt during the 2026 tax season.[11]\n\nAccording to the January 20, 2025 Presidential Memorandum, the IRS hiring freeze will remain in place until the Secretary of the Treasury determines that hiring additional IRS employees, including TAS caseworkers, is in the \u201cnational interest.\u201d[12] The complex nature of TAS\u2019s work demands an intense training process[13] and requires current advocates to limit their existing casework to assist.[14] With significant changes to the tax code for this upcoming filing season,[15] hiring for TAS position must begin as soon as possible.\n\nWe expect you agree with us that ensuring Americans can access their full tax benefits in a timely manner falls squarely within the \u201cnational interest.\u201d We urge you to immediately lift the IRS hiring freeze and to respond to the questions below by January 23, 2026, to provide additional clarity to the American people regarding IRS administration and service:\n\nWhat criteria are you using to evaluate what is in the \u201cnational interest\u201d with respect to the TAS hiring freeze? Do these criteria include case backlogs, current wait times, demand on caseworkers, and increased complexity due to new tax laws? If not, why?\n\nWhat is the current average caseload of tax advocates?\n\nWhat is the average wait time for tax advocates to resolve taxpayers\u2019 cases?\n\nAt the end of the last filing season victims of identity theft had to wait 20 months to resolve their cases, on average.[16] What is a reasonable wait time for taxpayers to receive assistance on issues like late tax returns or identity fraud from TAS? What is the current wait time for these cases, and what is the IRS doing to reduce it?\n\nIf TAS is unable to meet its casework demands or if the IRS is unable to process all of TAS\u2019s requests for operational assistance, what cases will be prioritized? Which taxpayers will have longer to wait to have their problems resolved?\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\n###\n\n[1] Improvements to Taxpayer Advocate Case Processing Would Result in Better Customer Service, 2025-100-024, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (Jun. 11, 2025), https://www.tigta.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2025-08/2025100024fr.pdf at 3 (Figure 2: Case Advocacy Receipts, Closures, and Cycle Time for FYs 2020 through 2024).\n\n[2] TAS Advocates for a First Responder, Taxpayer Advocate Service (Nov. 18, 2024), https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/success-stories/tas-advocates-for-a-first-responder/2024/11.\n\n[3] Taxpayer Advocate Service Helps Taxpayer Resolve 15 Years of Hardship, Taxpayer Advocate Service (Sept. 20, 2021), https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/success-stories/success-story-taxpayer-advocate-service-helps-taxpayer-resolve-15-years-of-hardship/2021/09.\n\n[4] Objective Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2026, National Taxpayer Advocate (Jun. 25, 2025), https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/JRC26_FullReport.pdf at 19 (Figure 1.3, IRS Personnel Losses by BOD/Function (as of June 4, 2025)) [FY26 Report to Congress].\n\n[5] Hiring Freeze Presidential Memorandum, White House (Jan. 20, 2025), https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/hiring-freeze.\n\n[6] 2024 Annual Report to Congress, National Taxpayer Advocate (Jan. 8, 2025), https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/reports/2024-annual-report-to-congress/full-report at 74 (\u201cDue to underinvestment in the IRS and critically low staffing levels over the past decade, taxpayers have faced: prolonged wait times for assistance; delays in processing returns and refunds; reduced access to knowledgeable IRS employees; and inconsistent application of tax laws and increasing errors.\u201d).\n\n[7] FY26 Report to Congress, supra note 4.\n\n[8] White House, supra note 5.\n\n[9] FY26 Report to Congress, supra note 4, at 30.\n\n[10] Jory Heckman, Some IRS Employees Required to Work Longer Under Deferred Resignation Offer, Federal News Network (May 8, 2025), https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2025/05/some-irs-employees-required-to-work-longer-under-deferred-resignation-offer (\u201cBut IRS taxpayer services employees and some call center representatives have been told they must remain on the job through June 30\u201d).\n\n[11] National Taxpayer Advocate Issues Mid-Year Report to Congress, IR-2025-71, Internal Revenue Service (Jun. 25, 2025), https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/national-taxpayer-advocate-issues-mid-year-report-to-congress (\u201cBut with the IRS workforce reduced by 26% and significant tax law changes on the horizon, there are risks to next year\u2019s filing season. It is critical that the IRS begin to take steps now to prepare.\u201d).\n\n[12] White House, supra note 5.\n\n[13] TAS is Taking Steps to Better Serve Taxpayers, National Taxpayer Advocate Blog (Sept. 19, 2024), https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/nta-blog/tas-is-taking-steps-to-better-serve-taxpayers/2024/09 (\u201cIt takes months, even years, to train newly hired case advocates, because they work cases that involve a wide range of procedural and technical issues, including returns processing, identity theft, audits, collection matters, and Appeals.\u201d).\n\n[14] Id. (\u201cTo compound the challenges, we have to temporarily reassign experienced case advocates to provide training and supervision for the new hires, further straining our resources to work current cases.\u201d).\n\n[15] Ellis Chen and Vanessa Williamson, The New Tax Bill Burdens an Already Overburdened IRS, Brookings (Jul. 17, 2025), https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-new-tax-bill-burdens-an-already-overburdened-irs.\n\n[16] FY26 Report to Congress, supra note 4, at 14.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-biddeford-resident-former-air-force-bomber-pilot-in-new-episode-of-answering-the-call", "King Highlights Biddeford Resident, Former Air Force Bomber Pilot in New Episode of \u2018Answering the Call\u2019", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services Committees (SASC), released his latest episode of \u201cAnswering the Call: Maine\u2019s Veteran Voices.\u201d In the series, produced in partnership with the Library of Congress\u2019 Veterans History Project, Senator King spoke with U.S. Air Force pilot Colonel Jen Fullmer of Biddeford, Maine.\n\nFullmer served at various military posts around Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and flew 90 combat missions while serving on active duty. During the interview, King asked about Fullmer\u2019s commitment to service and how she continues to provide for veterans in the community after her retirement from the service.\n\n\u201cJen Fullmer was one of the millions of Americans who has selflessly served our country, putting herself in harm\u2019s way to protect Americans \u2014 and American interests \u2014 at home and abroad,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cHowever, her commitment to service and community extends far beyond the Air Force and her combat missions. Since moving to Maine, she has worked diligently to help Maine\u2019s veterans transition to civilian life. Even more nobly, she spent countless hours helping to evacuate an Afghan national and his family, eventually resettling in Maine, who was at great risk after the United States pulled out of Afghanistan. Jen Fullmer is the very best of America and I am glad we can now preserve her story in the Library of Congress for posterity.\u201d\n\nJen Fullmer grew up in Wilton, Connecticut before enrolling at the University of Connecticut. While studying at UConn, Fullmer made friends with a Marine who served in Beirut. She was inspired by the camaraderie he had with his fellow Marines. This inspired her to apply \u2014 and being accepted \u2014 into a summer Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Vandenberg AFB in California. After completing the program and going back to Connecticut, she took a gap year and worked at the Connecticut State Capital.\n\nFollowing her year at the Connecticut State House, Fullmer enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado where she was an ROTC cadet with the goal of becoming a pilot. Fullmer received her pilot slot during her junior year in ROTC and she graduated and got commissioned in 1991. However, in 1991 the Air Force having an abundance of pilots and Fullmer was redirected to personnel work at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas, while she waited to be called for pilot training. She served as a personnel officer for three years and it was during this time the Air Force announced women would be eligible to fly combat missions. During this time, she met her future husband who was also a servicemember.\n\nAfter getting a date for pilot training, Fullmer was sent to Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas, where she learned to fly T-37s and T-38s, which prepared her to fly bomber and fighter aircraft. After completing pilot training, Fullmer was stationed at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas, where she learned to fly the B-1 and six months later she arrived at her first operational B-1 squadron at Mountain Home AFB near Boise, Idaho.\n\nFullmer, now with a few hundred flight hours in the B-1, went on to be accepted to Air Force Weapons School at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota. She graduated from Weapons School in December of 2000, and after the September 11, 2001, attacks, was deployed to Diego Garcia before returning to Randolph AFB when she was called to serve as an aide to a 4-star General. She then attended the Naval War College, returned to flying, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, two years ahead of schedule. She was deployed several times and then took command of the 9th Bomb Squadron at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas, in January of 2008. In that role, she once again was deployed to Qatar and resumed flight operations in Afghanistan.\n\nAfter that assignment, she served as the Deputy Operations Commander and then attended the Air War College at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama, where she was promoted to Colonel. Fullmer then became Chief of Staff at the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATFS), based in Key West, Florida, where she worked on countering illicit drug trafficking. Her next duty station would be at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar where she served as Vice Wing Commander form 2013 \u2013 2014. She officially retired in 2015. Notably, during her career, Fullmer flew 90 combat missions over Afghanistan and Iraq, working to defend freedoms at home and abroad.\n\nFullmer and her husband retired in Biddeford, Maine, after stumbling upon a house during a vacation. In retirement, she built and was the founding executive director of Boots2Roots, a Maine-based nonprofit organization that helps members of the active duty military transition back to civilian life in Maine \u2014 she served as the organization\u2019s executive director until 2020 and board chair until 2022. In the summer of 2021, Fullmer received word from her colleague from the Afghan Air Force she had met while at Air War College in Alabama that he and his family needed help leaving his home country because of safety concerns. Through a couple of veteran friends and a critical connection through the War College \u2014 Fullmer was able to lead efforts to help her friend and 10 of his family members safely leave Afghanistan and resettle in Maine. Today, Fullmer continues to be an active member of the Biddeford community, volunteering her time with her church and organizations that serve the local addicted and unhoused neighbors.\n\nThe Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to collect, preserve and distribute the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The interviews and primary documents from the project are then used by researchers, historians, students, and filmmakers across the country. Senator King joins many other members of Congress who\u2019ve participated in the project, and was honored by the then-Librarian of Congress on Veterans Day 2022 when she participated in a one-on-one interview with him to talk through his Maine conversations.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing free secure firearm storage to veterans. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. Senator King has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare.\n\nEarlier this year, he cosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act that would provide more combat-injured veterans with their full earned benefits. He also joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, in introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize a program that would expand access to veteran disability claims exams. Most recently, Senator King teamed up with Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) to introduce a bipartisan bill that would make the veterans\u2019 benefit claims process more streamlined and fair.\n\nYou can watch previous episodes of \u201cAnswering the Call: Maine\u2019s Veteran Voices\u201d here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/crapo-king-introduce-bill-to-streamline-state-veterans-home-inspections", "Crapo, King Introduce Bill to Streamline State Veterans Home Inspections", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), both members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), have introduced bipartisan legislation to streamline redundant inspection requirements for State Veterans Homes (SVHs) nationwide. Under current law, all SVHs must undergo an annual inspection survey by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides a comprehensive assessment of safety protocols, facility condition, clinical care practices and other standards required for certification.\n\nHowever, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also conduct a nearly identical annual inspection of SVHs serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries\u2014resulting in a roughly 75 percent overlap in the number of SVHs that face an audit from both agencies. The State Veterans Home Inspection Simplification Act would allow SVHs to forgo the CMS survey if they have met all the requirements of the annual VA survey.\n\n\u201cMaine Veterans Homes and state veterans\u2019 homes across the country are a lifeline to the brave men and women who served,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cHowever, redundant inspections hamper their ability to deliver critical services and support. The State Veterans Home Inspection Simplification Act is commonsense legislation that will ensure we continue to provide the highest quality of care to our veterans while streamlining administrative processes. Keeping our promise to veterans everywhere \u2014 from Maine to Idaho \u2014 should never be partisan and I\u2019m grateful to partner with Senator Crapo on this issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cOverlapping survey requirements take time and resources away from the core mission of State Veterans Homes \u2014 providing care to our nation\u2019s heroes,\u201d said Crapo. \u201cWe must remove unnecessary administrative burdens and allow for a more streamlined certification process, all without compromising the quality of care veterans deserve.\u201d\n\nThe CMS survey has been found to be 90 percent identical to the clinical life and safety sections of the VA inspection survey. The VA survey is considered more comprehensive as it accounts for domiciliary care and adult day health care, whereas the CMS survey does not.\n\nKey Provisions of the State Veterans Home Inspection Simplification Act:\n\nEliminate duplication: Reduce unnecessary, overlapping annual survey requirements by the VA and CMS.\n\nResource Efficiency: Free up SVH staff time and resources to focus more on veteran well-being and care.\n\nCost Savings: Cut redundant inspection expenses for taxpayers.\n\nMaintain Quality: Enable CMS to rely on robust, comprehensive VA inspection report findings.\n\nStreamline Reporting: Use VA inspection reports for the CMS Compare website to support informed consumer decision-making.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. This fall, President Trump also signed his bipartisan Improving Veteran Experience Act into law.\n\nSenator King has introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kings-bipartisan-mapwaters-act-heads-to-presidents-desk", "King\u2019s Bipartisan MAPWaters Act Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), and John Barrasso (R-WY) expressed their appreciation to their Senate colleagues for unanimously passing their bipartisan legislation that will increase public access to all available information about federal waterways. The MAPWaters Act will standardize, consolidate, and publish the digital data related to public recreation on America\u2019s federal waterways.\n\nThe MAPWaters Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year, and it now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cMaine people across the state, and Americans across the country, enjoy recreating on federal waterways like those in Acadia National Park,\u201d said Senator King, Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Caucus. \u201cThe bipartisan MAPWaters Act would combine all the available information about federal waterways into a one-stop resource containing information about recreation and navigation that you can hold in the palm of your hand. This legislation ensures that every person seeking adventure in Maine\u2019s federal waterways can do so safely and responsibly.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday is a great day for all Americans who enjoy recreating on our federal lands and public waterways,\u201d said Senator Barrasso. \u201cWyoming is home to more than 108,000 miles of rivers, and countless more lakes, ponds, and streams that help create our state\u2019s unique system of waterways. The bipartisan MAPWaters Act will ensure the most accurate information is available and easily accessible to everyone who visits our federal lands. Sportsmen and women who enjoy Wyoming\u2019s waters will benefit from access to up-to-date data of this wonderful resource.\u201d\n\nInformation about access to federal waterways, including restrictions on boating, commercial and sport fishing, and seasonal or tidal depth changes, can be difficult or impossible to access in a timely and convenient fashion. The MAPWaters Act will synthesize this important data, allowing the private sector to create products like smartphone applications to inform the public.\n\nSenator King is among the Senate\u2019s leading voices for conservation of our nation\u2019s outdoor treasures. In 2022, his bipartisan MAPLand bill to modernize park and public land mapping was signed into law. He also helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act \u2014 a bill led by Senator King \u2014 and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backed-legislation-strengthening-national-security-and-maine-economy-signed-into-law", "King-Backed Legislation Strengthening National Security and Maine Economy Signed into Law", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 The bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the Senate in a 77-20 vote and now heads to the White House to be signed into law. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senate Select Intelligence Committee (SSCI), Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), and cofounder of the Senate Arctic Caucus, has been working with his colleagues this entire year to secure strong investments in Maine\u2019s economy and America\u2019s national defense. This final legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military\u2019s technological and manufacturing needs. Earlier this year, Senator King led the Senate Armed Services Committee in supporting bipartisan measures for the finalized legislation for the Senate version of the bill.\n\nThe legislation includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, continued monitoring of brain health among servicemembers, aggressive policies to strengthen America\u2019s cybersecurity, and provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence.\n\n\u201cFor over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America\u2019s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, the Senate is continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill for the Department of Defense (DoD) that will make our nation safer and stronger,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cAs our country faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country.\n\n\u201cThere are many important provisions in this legislation \u2013 including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defense,\u201d continued Senator King. \u201cAll told, this year\u2019s defense bill will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the men and women who fight for our freedoms.\u201d\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes King-backed provisions to:\n\nINVESTS IN MAINE SHIPBUILDING AND INSTALLATIONS.\n\nThe FY26 NDAA authorizes $450 million towards the future procurement of a destroyer that Bath Iron Works can compete to build.\n\nIt also authorizes additional $450 million in funding for investments in private shipyard infrastructure like Bath Iron Works.\n\nThis legislation also authorizes the funding for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) modernization efforts \u2013 including power reliability and water resilience upgrades and the final phases of the massive drydock construction.\n\nThe bill includes an effort cosponsored by Senator King that empowers shipyards across the country, like Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, to make their own hiring decisions based on the workforce needs of their property. This is in response to previous reductions in force in early 2025 made on a political basis.\n\nPROTECTS EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AT UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM AND OTHER UNIVERSITIES.\n\nIncludes $9 million for the University of Maine System to continue vital research and workforce development training. The research will also include tests intended to scale automated manufacturing.\n\nThe FY26 NDAA also includes a new provision that helps protect university research funding and prohibits the Department of Defense from making unilateral changes to indirect cost rates without collaborating with universities and certifying a plan to the Congress.\n\nSCRAPS OUTDATED WAR POWERS AUTHORIZATION.\n\nThe legislation ends the outdated authorization for the use of military force that was used as a basis for the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, and several conflicts in the years since the original designation.\n\nINCLUDES FUNDING FOR MAINE\u2019S BUSINESSES SUPPORTING THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE.\n\nThe bill authorizes funding for Maine\u2019s large and small businesses that provide parts and components to F15 engines, F35 engines, helicopters, submarines, army vehicles, hypersonics and missiles.\n\nThe FY26 legislation also provides stable contracts and demand signals by granting multiyear procurement authority for missiles and hypersonics which have \u2018Made in Maine\u2019 components.\n\nPROVIDES THE COAST GUARD WITH MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES.\n\nThe NDAA includes the Coast Guard Authorization Act in which Senator King led several provisions including mental health. One provision is a pilot program embedding behavioral health technicians in Coast Guard clinics and authorization of additional counselors to serve Coast Guard personnel in remote and maritime communities such as Maine\u2019s coastal boat stations.\n\nAlso included in the bill is language to strengthen the Coast Guard\u2019s leadership role in maritime cybersecurity by allowing unannounced cyber exercises at ports.\n\nINVESTMENTS IN THE FUTURE SECURITY OF THE ARCTIC REGION.\n\nThe legislation officially establishes the position of the US Ambassador to the Arctic to represent and protect American interests in this vitally important and increasingly volatile region.\n\nIt also includes language encouraging the Department of Defense to invest in infrastructure that will bolster Arctic shipping lanes.\n\nPROHIBITS THE PURCHASE OF SPECIAL METALS FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARIES.\n\nThe FY26 NDAA includes language to prohibit the acquisition of special metals from non-allied foreign nations including China. Several of these special metals are manufactured right here in Maine.\n\nPREVENTS AND PROTECTS BRAIN HEALTH.\n\nIncluded in this legislation is a report specifically requested by Senator King to protect servicemembers from blast exposure and address TBI through weapons sensor development led by a Maine business.\n\nAlso included is a provision encouraging the DOD to maintain robust oversight and ensure timely implementation of suicide prevention recommendations, particularly those of the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee.\n\nHELPS ADDRESS HOUSING ALLOWANCE SHORTFALLS FOR SERVICEMEMBERS.\n\nThe FY26 NDAA will require the DOD to publish how housing allowances are calculated, what housing types are covered, and to pilot a new calculation method based on rental costs by bedroom size. This is on the heels of last year\u2019s Defense bill which increased Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates. Maine servicemembers, including members of the Coast Guard, will benefit.\n\nIMPROVES THE \u201cWARM HANDOFF\u201d SHIFT FROM ACTIVE DUTY TO CIVILIAN.\n\nIncluded in this bill is a signature priority of Senator King\u2019s that improves sharing of information between the Defense Department and State Veterans Agencies. Maine Bureau of Veterans Services advocated for this reform that will impact all servicemembers and help address the proven high-risk period when servicemembers leave the military.\n\nPUSHES BACK ON RUSSIAN AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE AND EUROPE.\n\nThe FY26 NDAA reaffirms that it is the policy of the United States to assist Ukraine in maintaining a credible defense and deterrence capability and to bolster defense and security cooperation with Ukraine to build a Ukrainian military that can defend Ukraine and deter future aggression.\n\nIt also includes oversight measures on the reduction of U.S. forces based in Europe an authorizes $175 million towards the Baltic Security Initiative.\n\nENHANCES DETERRENCE THROUGH CYBERSECURITY.\n\nThe bill includes the King-led provision to require the DOD conduct a study and report on reducing incentives for cyber attacks on defense critical infrastructure of the United States. As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, Senator King has long advocated for a strong and serious range of American responses to counter aggressive moves by adversarial nations and rogue actors.\n\nMODERNIZES OUR NUCLEAR DETERRENT.\n\nAs Co-Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is a Congressional leader working to ensure the bipartisan effort to provide oversight of strategic programs from the nuclear triad to missile defense. Senator King advocated to include important provisions addressing nuclear non-proliferation were included.\n\nThe bill strengthens the nuclear triad and nuclear command and control including cyber protections and addressing concerns with artificial intelligence.\n\nThe bill also includes important oversight of the NNSA and nuclear modernization programs, and missile defense programs to help address cost and defense industrial base concerns.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-lashes-out-at-dishonest-va-staffing-cuts", "King Lashes Out at \u201cDishonest\u201d VA Staffing Cuts", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC) released the below statement following exclusive new reporting in the Washington Post claiming that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be eliminating as many as 35,000 mostly unfilled healthcare positions, including some in Maine:\n\n\u201cAfter months of deflecting, dissembling, and doublespeak, there are now reports of damaging staffing cuts at the Veterans Administration (VA) \u2013 and as many as 35,000 health care positions could be eliminated in the upcoming weeks.\n\n\u201cAbraham Lincoln outlined the mission of the VA in his second inaugural address when he said it is America\u2019s responsibility \u2018to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.\u2019 And since its founding in 1930, the VA has worked to repay the debt we, as a country, owe to the servicemembers who defend our principles.\n\n\u201cThat is why the news that this administration is hollowing out this hallowed agency is a disservice to everyone who has worn the uniform. Cutting staff means more than cutting positions \u2013 it means cutting services and denying timely care to those who have earned these benefits. And it means asking the selfless medical professionals and support staff at the VA to do more with less. The VA has never enjoyed the budget it deserves or a smooth agency-wide, integrated process, but to be rewarded with crippling staffing cuts will cause serious physical and mental harm to our veterans.\n\n\u201cNow that they are being questioned about these cuts, the administration is trying to claim these are merely vacant positions that are going to be done away with. But to anyone who has walked into any business with a \u2018help wanted\u2019 sign on the window and faced slow or shoddy service, we know that an unfilled job is not an unnecessary job \u2013 especially when the VA Inspector General\u2019s office found a severe nationwide staff shortage earlier this year. So rather than stepping up for our veterans, this White House is cutting back. That\u2019s unacceptable.\n\n\u201cOn more than one occasion this past year in the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, I have asked administration representatives point blank whether they had plans to cancel contracts or cut staff. In those exchanges, they would claim they wouldn\u2019t fire direct care workers, but didn\u2019t address whether they would or would not fill direct care vacancies. Their responses at the time seemed incomplete or evasive; in the light of these new reports, the VA staff\u2019s denials seem outright dishonest.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-led-legislation-signed-into-law-will-help-military-life-insurance-keep-up-with-inflation", "King-led Legislation Signed into Law, Will Help Military Life Insurance Keep Up with Inflation", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a member of both the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) are celebrating the signing into law of their bipartisan bill, which to help adjust military life insurance for servicemembers and their families to account for cost-of-living increases and inflation.\n\nThe Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act will help ensure the maximum group insurance available to servicemembers and veterans account for increases in cost of living. From 2006 to 2023, the maximum insurance value available for servicemembers and veterans remained static, lagging far behind inflation rates. This law will strengthen the financial safety net for veterans, servicemembers, and their families by requiring a report to the U.S. Veterans\u2019 Affairs Department, the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, and the House Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs regarding cost-of-living increases and inflation rates every five years to ensure they don\u2019t go years without assessing inflation rates.\n\n\u201cOur servicemembers, veterans and their families make countless sacrifices every day to protect our nation, and we are indebted to their selfless service,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cWith the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, we can ensure life insurance packages for military members adjust with the rising cost of living \u2014 giving more peace of mind to military families as they increasingly face the difficulties of an unstable economy. I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues, and the President for signing a bill into law that honors our commitment to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to President Trump for his unwavering support of our brave men and women in uniform and for signing this bill into law, which will help ensure the Veterans Affairs Department can offer competitive life insurance packages that keep pace with the current cost of living.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile we can never fully repay the debt that we owe to those who serve our country, we should work each and every day to get them the benefits that they deserve,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will help ensure that the life insurance offered for our veterans and servicemembers is keeping pace with real-world costs to help protect the financial security of the families of those who serve.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe owe our servicemembers and their families a debt we can never repay, and we have a straightforward obligation to ensure they are financially secure,\u201d said Senator Cruz. \u201cThis bill brings us one step closer to fulfilling that goal, and I\u2019m thankful to President Trump for signing into law.\u201d\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. This fall, President Trump also signed his bipartisan Improving Veteran Experience Act into law.\n\nSenator King has introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-on-senate-votes-to-extend-healthcare-tax-credits-for-americans", "King Releases Statement on Senate Votes to Extend Healthcare Tax Credits for Americans", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement after two votes both failed to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which will now result in increased healthcare costs for all Americans:\n\n\u201cAmericans of all regions and political views agree that health care costs are already too high. Yet, healthcare premiums will increase yet again in just 20 days.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s votes represented a choice: a simple extension of the current health care insurance tax credits to stabilize costs or a complicated proposal that will not address the impending premium increases and threatens reproductive health.\n\n\u201cAs I have made clear, my priority is helping Maine people manage their healthcare costs and lower their cost of living. That is why one of the first bills I cosponsored this year was the Health Care Affordability Act to permanently extend the enhanced Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) \u2014 tax subsidies that lower monthly premiums for people buying their own health insurance, which will expire at the end of this year.\n\n\u201cIt is estimated that without an extension, nearly 20,000 Maine people could lose insurance, the uninsured rate would increase by 5%, and the average annual premium increase for Maine people relying on PTCs would be $3,100.\n\n\u201cWe must not let that happen. I will continue to seek a bipartisan solution.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-led-effort-to-restore-transparency-in-public-health-passes-first-procedural-hurdle", "King-Led Effort to Restore Transparency in Public Health Passes First Procedural Hurdle", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke on the Senate floor to restore transparency in public health via a congressional disapproval resolution. Senator King led the effort to reverse the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) April 2025 decision to halt public comment in a Senate procedure under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Today\u2019s bipartisan, procedural vote passed 50-49 and will lead to a final Senate vote on the motion.\n\nBefore the vote, Senator King stood on the Senate floor and encouraged his colleagues to stand up for open government and against \u201cradical obfuscation\u201d of public health decisions.\n\n\u201cMr. President, this is a nonpartisan CRA, which doesn't happen around here all that often. This is basically just public participation and good government.\n\n\u201cWhen the Administrative Procedure Act was passed in 1947, the Department of Health and Human Services didn't exist. And for about a dozen years, it didn't have much in the way of responsibility. And so, it was exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act that apply to public comment and public input on significant decisions, in agencies that apply throughout the federal government.\n\n\u201cIn the early 70's, Elliott Richardson who was the Secretary of Health and Human Services for President Nixon, issued a waiver for the exemption. Basically, what we found is that the Health and Human Services Department was vastly expanded after Medicare, Medicaid, and the other responsibilities that had been placed in that department, so, he said, in effect, we will we subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, and we'll notice the major activities that we're going to do to the public, and we'll allow public comment. It's not a veto, it's just a simple transparency of, here's what our activity is going to entail, and allow the public to comment. And that's been the law for 54 years. Through six Republican presidents, including Ronald Reagan and the first administration of Donald Trump.\n\n\u201cIn March of this year, Secretary Kennedy chose to repeal this waiver, this rule that was adopted 54 years ago, and close the processes of the Department of Health and Human Services, to the public and essentially, obscure activities that they were making so the public only learned about them after they happened. There was no opportunity, there was no notice, and there was no opportunity for the public to comment. So, we're not really talking about politics here, we're not talking about democrats and republicans, we're just talking about a fundamental rule of how our government works, in an effort to be in touch with the public, to allow them to know what's going on in these important decisions, and to have a role.\n\n\u201cNow, it's ironic, because Secretary Kennedy, in his confirmation hearing, used a term that frankly I had never heard before, but he used it repeatedly. Radical transparency. He said, we're going to have radical transparency, and we went back and looked, he used the term transparency something like 100 times in his response to questions in either in his hearing or written responses. This is the opposite of radical transparency. It's radical obfuscation. It's a deliberate action. He had to take an action to rescind this -- what had been the rule for the Department of Human Services, as they say, for 54 years, under presidents of both parties and different administrations.\n\n\u201cAnd what we're really talking about is simply allowing the public to know what these proposed actions will be and ability to comment. What's wrong with that? What's objectionable about that? It doesn't slow things down appreciably. It's not a huge impediment to executive action. And we're not talking about emergency actions. We're talking about fundamental policy decisions being made by the department.\n\n\u201cNow, here's what we're talking about. Basically, it's called the Richardson Waiver, and it was the waiver of the -- of the exemption of the department that was in the original Administrative Procedure Act. By rescinding it, which is what they did, the CRA that we're talking about today would rescind the rescission. It would basically overturn the decision of the Secretary to close the processes of the department to the public. So, it basically says, the public can't weigh in. And again, we're not talking about a veto or some extraordinary opportunity for things to be obstructed, it's just notice and comment. That's sort of the basic work that we do here in Washington. So, no ability for people to weigh in on major health care policy changes. He reorganized the entire department without any notice, without any studies or analysis or public notice of what they were doing and why. Clearly, the executive can make changes in the staffing arrangements and that kind of thing, they can \u2013 they can work on how to organize their departments, but there should be some -- when it's a wholesale reorganization, there should be some notice of, here's what we're going to do, here's the basis, here's the study we've done, here's why we need these jobs, we don't need these jobs. None of that happened after the rescission of this rule. And there was no public comment, there was no public input on really a fundamental reorganization of one of the most important -- the second-largest department we have in the United States government.\n\n\u201cHHS reduction in force and mass firings. Tremendous changes in the organization and the ability of this department, created by the congress, to meet the needs of the people that -- that the congress had in mind when they funded these programs and created this agency. They canceled thousands of grants and billions of dollars of research funds. Again, without any notice, without any opportunity to comment. Just gone. Including, believe it or not, research into Alzheimer\u2019s. Research into some of the most serious diseases that we have in this country, that are ravaging our people, cutting off research -- again, if that's what they're going to do, they should do it, but they should let the people know that they're doing it and why. And allow people to say, no, no, we think this is important. We think this area is particularly important, just to have the input. To do it arbitrarily and behind closed doors and with no notice and no opportunity for people to have input is a disservice to the American people. And that's what this has done.\n\n\u201cThousands of grants, billions of dollars, and I'm talking about, like, $11 billion in medical research. Imagine what might be in that research that's now been canceled. And people were in clinical trials, canceled. That\u2019s one of the most, I believe, one of the most important functions of the federal government, is research and supporting research. And here we are, canceling these with no notice, no opportunity for people to comment.\n\n\u201cAnother point, appoint members of important advisory committees with no public input. In the past, there was a notice posted that we're going to appoint these advisory committees and we're going to -- and come forward, make nominations, give us names. None of that happened. And we all know that there have been some pretty questionable decisions recently by these purged advisory committees. So, again, this really -- this is good government. This isn't an attack on Secretary Kennedy, or President Trump, this is just getting us to the place where the public has some input and knowledge of these major decisions that are being made that effect the health and welfare of the people of the United States. So, I hope that we can have a bipartisan vote on this today, because again, this is -- this is just a sort of wonky process vote, but it protects the public's ability to know what's going on in one of the most important departments in our government, and to have a chance to have a little say in those decisions.\n\n\u201cSo, I hope that we can have a significant bipartisan vote today. I think this will make a difference. I think it will help the country. I don't think it will hamstring the department or the Secretary in any way, and it will, in fact, improve the health and welfare of the people of the United States. Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-and-king-announce-maine-nominees-to-the-united-states-military-service-academies", "Senators Collins and King Announce Maine Nominees to the United States Military Service Academies", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 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\n\u201cWe are proud to have the honor to nominate such an impressive group of Maine students to our nation\u2019s distinguished service academies,\u201d said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. \u201cThe young people we have nominated have earned this honor through a commitment to strong scholarship, leadership, and character.\u201d\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 \u2013 Colorado Springs\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nBenjamin Abbott Winslow Winslow High School\n\nThomas Carmack Veazie John Bapst Memorial High School\n\nCourtney Christoforo Saco Thornton Academy\n\nAdrian Dyer Easton Lee Academy\n\nToby Foelix Camden Lexington High School, MA\n\nConnor Grant Houlton Houlton High School\n\nNathan Hersom Rockland Oceanside High School\n\nPatrick Hopkins Winslow Winslow High School\n\nJacob Lennon Albion Lawrence High School\n\nJennifer Lorbeski Richmond Gardiner Area High School\n\nJames Mannette Windham Windham High School\n\nRyan Moore Bangor Phillips Exeter Academy, NH\n\nJohn Pepin Rumford Mountain Valley High School\n\nIra Toracinta Kittery St. Thomas Aquinas High School\n\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nEthan Roger Boucher Rumford Mountain Valley High\n\nAndrew Cloutier Lyman Massabesic High School\n\nKeenan Collett Orono Orono High School\n\nThomas Lawson Gorham Cheverus High School\n\nJacob Lennon Albion Lawrence High School\n\nJames Mannette Windham Windham High School\n\nDylan Roberts Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth High School\n\nAdam Sciretta Bath Annandale High School, VA\n\nUnites States Military Academy \u2013 West Point\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nBenjamin Abbott Winslow Winslow High School\n\nEmma Begin Chelsea Hall-Dale High School\n\nJoshua Burns Bangor International School of Stavanger, Norway\n\nThomas Carmack Veazie John Bapst Memorial High School\n\nKeenan Collett Orono Orono High School\n\nHailey Davis Liberty Mount View High School\n\nSeth Davis Liberty Mount View High School\n\nKayla Eddy Kittery St. Thomas Aquinas High School\n\nMaxwell Heathco Freeport Freeport High School\n\nSamuel Jamison Windsor Erskine Academy\n\nEmily Mikoud Dover-Foxcroft Foxcroft Academy\n\nRyan Moore Bangor Phillips Exeter Academy, NH\n\nRyan Rosado Freeport Freeport High School\n\nKaren Yurek Bath Morse High School\n\nUnited States Naval Academy- Annapolis\n\nName Home Town High School\n\nThomas Carmack Veazie John Bapst Memorial High School\n\nKeenan Collett Orono Orono High School\n\nHoward Francis Lee Lee Academy\n\nMaxwell Heathco Freeport Freeport High School\n\nNathan Hersom Rockland Oceanside High School\n\nOwen Kelley Gorham Millbrook School, CT\n\nJacob Lennon Albion Lawrence High School\n\nEloise Lienert Brunswick Brunswick High School\n\nTrajdan MacFadyen Greenville Greenville High School\n\nMax Santagata Dover-Foxcroft Foxcroft Academy\n\nAdam Sciretta Bath Annandale High School, VA\n\nAnna Sewall East Millinocket Schenck High School\n\nTimothy Small South Portland South Portland High School\n\nIra Toracinta Kittery St. Thomas Aquinas High School\n\nEdward Vatcher Kennebunk Berwick Academy\n\nJack Venden Yarmouth Yarmouth High School\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-blasts-national-park-services-aim-to-whitewash-our-history", "King Blasts National Park Service\u2019s Aim to \u201cWhitewash Our History\u201d", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the National Parks Subcommittee, laid out his concerns over the rewriting and whitewashing of history within the National Park Service by the Trump Administration. During his opening remarks, he noted that while it is important to celebrate the triumphs of America, it is just as crucial to recognize \u2014 and learn from \u2014 our mistakes as a nation. Earlier this year, the Administration moved to scrub signs from national park and historic sites that could cast a \u201cnegative light\u201d on American history. Additionally, the Administration announced this past week that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Juneteenth would be removed as free entry days and replaced with President Trump\u2019s birthday.\n\nSenator King began, \u201cI'm also worried and concerned about the effort to whitewash our history - to rewrite history within the National Park system. Our history is a country of 250 years. We have had triumphs. We have had great, prideful moments. We have had accomplishments, heroism, a lot to be proud of, relish, and learn about. But we also have some dark parts of our history. Like any history. We are not too excited about those, but they have to be addressed. Slavery, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, segregation, the treatment of Native Americans in our history. Those are things we can't avoid \u2013we can't forget \u2014 and we don't want to forget. I recently finished a biography of the Roman statesman Cicero, and he had something that stuck with me. He said, \u201cto not know your history, to not know history is to live your whole life as a child.\u201d In other words, you are giving away a lot of human knowledge if you don't understand history. These chapters in our history, which we aren't proud of, we have to understand and learn from them and never repeat them.\n\n\u201cA couple of years ago I was at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany. I met a young man, and we were chatting. He shared something that was amazing that touched exactly on what I'm talking about today. He said when he was in high school in Germany he was required to go to a concentration camp. He was required to study the Holocaust. Talk about a dark portion of a nation's history. We are doing just the opposite. We are telling people and young people who go to our parks, \u2018We don't want to bother you about slavery. It was uncomfortable. It might make you feel uncomfortable.\u2019 We need to learn from our history, so that we learn from it and we don't repeat it,\u201d said Senator King.\n\nSenator King continued his remarks, observing that the United States should follow Germany\u2019s lead and teach historical truths that might be difficult to reckon with. He observed that an early tactic used by authoritarian regimes is to remove signs or displays showcasing dark moments in history in order to change citizens\u2019 understanding of what happened.\n\n\u201cThe administration is trying to rewrite history, and when you compare it to Germany where young people are required to learn about their dark history because they don't want to repeat it, because they want to learn something from it, and we should take a lesson from that. At Fort Polaski national monument in Georgia, the departments ordered the removal of the scourged back photograph-you\u2019ve probably all seen it-of the slave with the awful scars on his back where he had been whipped. That was removed. For what purpose? Are we trying to erase the awful legacy of slavery, that it occurred? At Harpers Ferry the department targeted the removal of several displays on slavery and the abolitionist movement. Harpers Ferry! That\u2019s why it was a monument! It was all about John Brown and slavery and abolition. To remove a display about slavery at Harpers Ferry is like removing model rockets from Cape Kennedy. It is astonishing that they should do such a thing. The Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge in New York, they removed signage which addressed Japanese internment and the forced dispossession of Native people from their traditional homelands. This does not contribute to our citizens' understanding of their history and appreciation of their history. It doesn't change the history. It doesn't change what happened. It only changes our citizens' understanding of those things. This is what happens under authoritarian governments. If you go back in history, authoritarian governments, one of the things they try to do is change their history, whitewash it, they change the story,\u201d concluded Senator King.\n\nAs a lifelong advocate for conservation and Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate\u2019s most prominent voices advocating for conservation. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation that included the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). Because of his work, in 2020, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation (NPF) \u201cHero\u201d Award. Since the creation of the LRF, Senator King has pushed park leaders to discuss funding maintenance efforts, maintaining a sufficient NPS workforce, and managing growing park visitation. Recently, Senator King pressed a Department of the Interior.\n\nSenator King\u2019s work on the National Parks Subcommittee is the culmination of more than four decades of work on land conservation efforts in Maine, including helping to establish the Land for Maine\u2019s Future program in 1987 and supporting extensive conservation projects during his time as Governor. Under King\u2019s leadership in his eight years as Maine governor, he put more Maine land under conservation than in the state\u2019s 175 year history.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-65-million-for-economic-development-projects-across-maine", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $6.5 Million for Economic Development Projects Across Maine", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins\u2014Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee\u2014and Angus King announced that 10 Maine organizations will receive a total of $6,541,337 to support important development projects. The funding comes from the Northern Border Regional Commission\u2019s (NBRC) Fiscal Year 2025 Catalyst Program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act (IIJA). Senator Collins was one of 10 senators who negotiated the IIJA.\n\n\u201cThe NBRC has long helped provide rural regions with the economic tools they need to prosper,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cThis funding will help improve critical infrastructure in communities across our state while strengthening our workforce and creating economic opportunities for Mainers.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the funding is allocated as follows:\n\nBangor YMCA - $1,000,000\n\nCaribou Utilities District - $1,000,000\n\nMonmouth Water Association - $1,000,000\n\nOutdoor Sports Institute - $1,000,000\n\nTown of Jonesport - $799,615\n\nFriends of Veterans Memorial Library - $606,691\n\nMaine Development Foundation - $500,000\n\nCenter for Entrepreneurial Studies - $499,869\n\nEastern Maine Healthcare Systems - $100,000\n\nHancock County Planning Commission - $35,162\n\nA detailed description of all funded projects can be read here.\n\nThe NBRC was established by Congress in 2008, with Senator Collins\u2019 and King\u2019s support, to fund a broad range of development projects in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York aimed at alleviating economic distress and encouraging private sector job creation. In 2023, Senator Collins introduced and Senator King co-sponsored legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the NBRC.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-slam-latest-efforts-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education", "King, Colleagues Slam Latest Efforts to Dismantle the Department of Education", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King joined a letter with a number of his colleagues to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon slamming the Department\u2019s recent announcement that it has signed interagency agreements (IAAs) to illegally outsource core functions that students and their families rely on to four other federal agencies. In the letter, the senators called on the Secretary to reverse these latest steps that would further erode the Department of Education. Earlier this year, Senator King criticized an executive order from the Trump Administration to dismantle the Department of Education, saying \u201cit could cost our children untold damage in their lives.\u201d\n\nThe senators began, \u201cThe actions you announced on November 18th to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on. Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department\u2014including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding\u2014will undermine public education.\u201d\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families. We urge you to immediately reverse course and to focus your time and attention on actions that actually help states, school districts and educational institutions improve educational outcomes and support for students,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\n\u201cWe expect you to work with Congress to pursue any ideas to streamline programs and improve public education, as the law and the Constitution require, and you have yourself stated you would do in your confirmation hearing. \u2026 Congress has unambiguously authorized dozens of education programs to be administered by the Department through numerous laws and has clearly appropriated funding on a bipartisan basis for decades to the Department to carry out those programs. Appropriations law prohibits the transfer of funds to another federal agency unless expressly authorized in appropriations law, which it has not done in this case,\u201d added the senators.\n\nThe senators continued, \u201cUnfortunately, we have already seen negative consequences for states, schools, colleges, and students as these IAAs roll out: the first IAA inked earlier this year between the Department and DOL on career and technical education and adult education has been plagued with serious challenges\u2014and it is but a small fraction of what is now being transferred to DOL.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senator King, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bernie Sanders (I-ME), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary McMahon:\n\nThe actions you announced on November 18 to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education (\u201cthe Department\u201d) are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on. Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department\u2014including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding\u2014will undermine public education. This is the latest example of this administration\u2019s complete lack of regard for our laws and its failure to provide the certainty, clarity, and stability that students and schools deserve when it comes to the federal government\u2019s approach and commitment to properly implementing federal education laws and appropriations.\n\nLet\u2019s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families. We urge you to immediately reverse course and to focus your time and attention on actions that actually help states, school districts and educational institutions improve educational outcomes and support for students. We expect you to work with Congress to pursue any ideas to streamline programs and improve public education, as the law and the Constitution require, and you have yourself stated you would do in your confirmation hearing.\n\nThe Department of Education is the only federal agency whose sole mission is to help children learn and improve their educational outcomes. The Department delivers much-needed federal funding and enforces basic educational guardrails and civil rights protections so that every child can get the quality public education that they are entitled to under the law, no matter who they are or where they live. Congress has unambiguously authorized dozens of education programs to be administered by the Department through numerous laws and has clearly appropriated funding on a bipartisan basis for decades to the Department to carry out those programs. Appropriations law prohibits the transfer of funds to another federal agency unless expressly authorized in appropriations law, which it has not done in this case. When Congress wants another agency to administer a program or function, it has expressly said so\u2014and in some cases, it has provided authority to transfer funds to allow this to happen. By contrast, Congress has not expressly authorized any other agency to administer the programs established under the previously mentioned laws, nor has it provided the authority for the Department to transfer these programs and associated funding to another agency.\n\nThe November 18 announcement outlines six interagency agreements (IAAs) with the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State to transfer major responsibilities out of the Department of Education. The authorities cited in the IAAs do not enable the Department to do an end-run around the relevant authorizing and appropriating statutes. For example, the Department cites the Economy Act to justify its use of the IAA framework. While the Economy Act is routinely used by other federal agencies to enter into IAAs for the procurement of discrete goods and services that a particular agency might have expertise in and authority to provide, such as DOJ\u2019s fingerprinting authority, this authority was never contemplated to allow the transfer of major program functions or entire offices to another agency with the express stated purpose of eventually dismantling the agency or putting the Secretary \u201cout of a job.\u201d Federal resources outlining the purpose of the Economy Act make this clear. This view is further affirmed by the Department\u2019s inability to cite a single instance of using this statute or any others in a similar way prior to this year.\n\nYou have expressed your interest in working with Congress on these issues, but these IAAs were developed in secret without outside input. The fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Department makes no reference to administering these programs at other agencies and the fiscal year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), for example, makes no reference to administering them either. The Secretaries of Labor, Interior, State, and HHS have similarly never testified to Congress on how they would carry out and administer these critical education programs.\n\nSince you were nominated to lead the Department, you have routinely misled the public about the level of involvement the Department has long had in the day-to-day management of schools\u2014inaccurately suggesting that the Department was depriving states and families from making choices about their children\u2019s education, shackling teachers with burdensome regulations and paperwork and causing K-12 and college students to experience \u201cdrudgery caused by administrative burdens.\u201d On the basis of these false assertions, you have strangely claimed that we need to \u201cReturn Education to the States.\u201d In fact, states and local communities have\u2014since the founding of our republic\u2014had the primary responsibility for educating our students and the establishment of the Department in 1979 did nothing to change that fact. In fact, there are numerous federal laws that prevent the Department from being involved in the day-to-day decision making in schools and colleges as it relates to curriculum, teaching, and programs.\n\nUntil your arrival at the Department, its role has been to provide funding, support, and oversight as authorized by federal education laws to ensure students from all walks of life and in every part of the country can get a high-quality public education. The Department\u2019s programs ensure that parents get timely, accessible information about how their kids\u2019 schools are doing. They ensure students with disabilities\u2019 rights are enforced, so that they can get the education they are entitled to. The Department administers programs to help under-resourced rural school districts and allocates Impact Aid for more than 1,000 school districts with a reduced revenue base or increased costs due to a federal presence, such as a military base. It also administers programs to help first-generation and low-income students pursue and succeed in college. These are just a select few examples of the indispensable supporting role that the federal government\u2014and the Department, in particular\u2014plays in advancing educational outcomes for students.\n\nTo justify these new IAA\u2019s, you say federal funding will keep flowing to states, school districts, and colleges. But we have already seen funding held up and seriously delayed because of this administration\u2019s chaotic changes\u2014and its extreme policies\u2014and the moves you announced last week are certain to further jeopardize these funds.\n\nYou claim these actions will improve student achievement, yet your actions will significantly weaken federal monitoring of states\u2019 K-12 accountability and school improvement systems. Before Congress mandated that states develop these systems with key guardrails in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, several states had weak or no school improvement systems, which allowed vulnerable students to slip through the cracks. As part of ESEA and subsequent appropriations directives, Congress has charged OESE with improving state compliance in state and local school report cards requirements, school improvement, and more. But without the staff expertise from OESE, it is likely that DOL will be ineffective in holding states accountable for improving student outcomes.\n\nThe Department also provides deep policy expertise to ensure programs support improved student outcomes, such as through expert guidance to colleges and universities to improve college access, retention, and completion through programs like TRIO, GEAR UP, the Postsecondary Student Success Grant Program, and others. Now, DOL, who lacks the necessary expertise, is tasked with managing these programs and students will suffer as a result.\n\nDOL has no prior experience in administering education programs at this scale and complexity and will need to develop the capacity and processes to allot billions of dollars in funding to state and local educational agencies. States will also have to make changes to receive any funds distributed through DOL\u2019s grant system while continuing to draw down prior year grant funding in the Department\u2019s system. Your IAA also seems to suggest the Department will still retain some authorities over Title I-A, which means that states will now have to work with two federal agencies when they need help navigating this complex and absolutely critical program. These changes solve exactly zero problems but manage to create an onslaught of new ones. We are very concerned that these changes will mean funds our constituents rely on will not continue to flow as intended under federal education laws.\n\nIn addition to its scope and complexity, the Title I-A program primarily funds instruction and activities in elementary schools. We do not believe kindergartners or other elementary school students should be the focus of efforts to integrate workforce programming and education activities, activities that are better suited to older students. Instead of improving students\u2019 readiness for the workforce, the move of Title I-A to DOL is much more likely to deprive states and school districts of the technical assistance and support they need to effectively implement federal education funding in their schools and provide high-quality educational opportunities to all students.\n\nDOL already has a comprehensive workload to support the nation\u2019s workers and workforce programs. It is authorized and funded to administer workforce training and enforce worker protection programs for which Congress appropriates $13.5 billion in discretionary funding annually, including for roughly a dozen workforce training grant programs totaling approximately $4 billion in annual funding. In addition to lacking the subject area expertise needed to administer the Department\u2019s programs, DOL does not have the grant administration capacity to take on the work outlined in the IAA; the approximately $30 billion in the Department\u2019s funding across approximately 50 discrete formula and competitive education grant programs that you seek to transfer now to DOL dwarf its current grant administration and oversight work. Transferring basic and significant responsibilities for administering education programs to DOL creates very significant risks of delays in funding and other administrative challenges for states, school districts, institutions of higher education, and other organizations through Impact Aid, rural education programs, afterschool programs, TRIO, and foundational education formula grant programs that tens of thousands of schools count on to help provide a quality education to millions of students.\n\nUnfortunately, we have already seen negative consequences for states, schools, colleges, and students as these IAAs roll out: the first IAA inked earlier this year between the Department and DOL on career and technical education and adult education has been plagued with serious challenges\u2014and it is but a small fraction of what is now being transferred to DOL. In fact, as your own staff reportedly concluded in its analysis after this transfer, \u201cThe size and scope of OCTAE's programs are miniscule [sic] compared to other [Education Principal Operating Components] and programs\u2026Larger formula grants and competitive grants are going to be much more difficult to migrate.\u201d States and districts faced delays in accessing their Perkins CTE funding, and advocates report delays in guidance and training issued by DOL. Moreover, a CTE expert recently testified before the House of Representatives, \u201cAt a time of scarce resources, it\u2019s hard to understand why the Department is paying Labor to do work that it can do for itself.\u201d The fiscal year 2025 funding level for Perkins CTE and adult education was $2.18 billion, whereas the other programs DOL will now be responsible for are funded at roughly $30 billion. If the administrative costs balloon under these new IAAs as the administrative costs under the CTE IAA have, not only will these IAAs be terrible for students, their families, and educators, they will also be a catastrophic waste of time and money for the American taxpayer.\n\nThe Department has provided no substantive detail or even basic information about how the significant changes envisioned by these IAAs would be implemented. The other federal agencies that will suddenly have significant responsibilities in administering billions in education funding\u2014have provided no information about their roles or their capacity to carry out these programs and activities. The plan seems clear\u2014to jam these changes through for a talking point, whatever the consequences may be for states, school districts, schools, students, and families.\n\nWe once again demand that you reverse these detrimental plans and refocus your efforts on supporting state and local efforts by properly implementing federal laws intended to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all students, especially those who count on the Department doing its job most.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-vas-electronic-records-are-a-debacle", "King: VA\u2019s Electronic Records Are a \u201cDebacle\u201d", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), spoke with Alyssa Hundrup, Director of Health Care at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), about the importance of streamlining information-sharing between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and community care providers. During the exchange, Senator King pointed toward the difficulties associated with the current electronic medical records system used by the VA, calling it a \u201cdebacle,\u201d asking why proven private sector methods aren\u2019t being used, and raised the question of what role artificial intelligence (AI) could play in helping create a more cohesive information stream. Director Hundrup agreed with Senator King\u2019s analysis that AI has the potential to create a more efficient system that would benefit veterans\u2019 care.\n\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to emphasize what Sen. Sheehy just said. As I looked over my notes and questions, it comes back to decent electronic medical records. We talked about coordination with community care. Good electronic medical records. Coordination with veterans coming out of the defense department. Decent electronic medical records. And everything comes back to that. Overprescribing, or prescribing polypharmacy where there's conflicts and danger, that\u2019s where you get \u2014 that won't happen if you have decent medical records. So, every practitioner that sees a veteran sees the same information about what they\u2019re taking, what they\u2019ve been prescribed, what their history is, all of that necessary background. The development of electronic medical records for the Department of Defense and the VA has been a national debacle. We are spending billions of dollars, it is still not working, it hasn\u2019t been tested, people don't like it. I never understood frankly while we did not use the same system that is already on the shelf for thousands of hospitals across the country. Why are we inventing a new system for these patients? Sorry about the speech, but Senator Sheehy provoked it because he's absolutely right,\u201d began Senator King.\n\nSenator King continued,\u201d A personal story. Just recently I talked to an elderly friend. In our conversation I realized she was much sharper and more engaged and with it than had been the case a month or two before. I didn't really think too much about it until I later talked to her husband who said she had a fall, she had a broken knee, she went into the hospital, and her physicians looked at her prescription record and changed the prescriptions and she is a different person. Nothing else happened other than taking her off certain drugs, putting her on others, and adjusting the volume, if you will. So, this was totally obvious, and all it was was somebody seeing cohesively what the prescription record was, and I\u2019m sure that\u2019s happening with thousands of veterans. One question I have is it seems to be a primary where AI could help. AI could tell you whether there are contradictions and problems. I think that is one area where everyone is talking about AI and all the problems. But this is something where AI could quickly and instantly analyze, and would have every drug in the world, and you put in what would happen if these persons are taking these three drugs and we do this, we get an instant answer. You are nodding, nodding doesn\u2019t show up in the record. You have to say \u2018yes, senator, that was a brilliant comment.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cYes, senator. That is not a topic we have looked at in depth, but I do think you are absolutely right in terms of just even some of the record sharing. We understand from VA in terms of them stating their intent to implement our recommendations that they do anticipate using medical technologies like AI. So, I think just to loop back to the need for oversight and the need for more people, I do think there is promise that AI could alleviate some of that. We are very early and that is not something the GAO has looked at specifically, so I need to stop there but I think it has a lot of promise,\u201d responded Director Hundrup.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. This fall, President Trump signed the bipartisan Improving Veteran Experience Act into law, legislation championed by Senator King.\n\nSenator King has introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-passing-of-world-war-ii-veteran-charles-shay", "King Statement on the Passing of World War II Veteran Charles Shay", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement following the passing of Charles Shay, a member of the Penobscot tribe who served as an Army medic during World War II. He was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery carrying critically wounded soldiers to safety during the D-Day invasion in 1944, and was a recipient of the Legion of Honor, France\u2019s highest award. Shay passed away at 101 at his home in Bretteville-L\u2019Orgueilleuse in France\u2019s Normandy region.\n\n\u201cI was honored to meet and get to know Charles Shay both at his home on Indian Island and on the beaches of Normandy, at the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Charles Shay was a world-class individual who gave honor to his home state, to his tribe, to his family, and to the people of America. I know he's going to be missed by his many friends and admirers around the country, but especially on Indian Island. My warmest wishes go out to his many family and friends, and it was an honor for me to have an opportunity to meet and get to know one of Maine's most distinguished citizens.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-track-benefits-of-preventive-health-care-legislation", "King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Track Benefits of Preventive Health Care Legislation", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King \u2014 with a number of his bipartisan colleagues \u2014 has introduced bipartisan legislation to better measure the cost savings that come with improved investments in preventive health care for Maine people. The Preventive Health Savings Act would instruct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to fully study the costs and benefits that could be seen with proposed preventive health care legislation. CBO analyses are essential benchmarks that members of Congress use to determine the cost of legislation to the American taxpayer. By taking a longer-term view into consideration past the current 10-year window and incorporating prevention interventions into CBO scoring, Congress could make more informed decisions and better measure the return on investment of Americans getting ahead of health problems before they get more serious and costly.\n\n\u201cI often say, \u2018an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.\u2019 Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to keep Maine people healthy and save money for patients and taxpayers alike, and as we work to expand this care, we must first learn how we can best measure it,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe bipartisan Preventive Health Savings Act will allow Congress a more complete view of how preventative healthcare legislation can help patients stay healthy and cut costs. The cheapest surgery or treatment is the one that we avoid by getting ahead of the issue, and this bill is a simple step to reduce health care expenses, save taxpayer dollars and support Americans\u2019 long-term health.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is important we have a clear, long-term picture of the return on investment from preventive health care measures,\u201d said Senator Crapo. \u201cRemoving current CBO limitations benefits any future health care reform and helps pave the way for additional preventive measures that save lives and reduce costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cPreventive care and early detection can help patients live longer and healthier lives while also saving on long-term costs for everything from treatments to hospital visits,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen. \u201cBy accounting for preventive care, we can make smarter health care policy decisions that work better for patients and taxpayers alike.\u201d\n\n\u201cPreventive health care measures allow Americans to live longer, healthier lives and substantially lower the costs passed along to the taxpayer,\u201d said Senator Cramer. \u201cOur bill updates existing CBO rules to better allow Congress to account for long-term savings generated by investments in preventive care.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation brings together budget policy and health policy to reflect the benefits of tackling chronic disease,\u201d said American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. \u201cNot only will our patients live longer and healthier because of federally funded health initiatives, but taxpayers will benefit from savings resulting from treating chronic diseases. Allowing CBO to assess long-term savings from prevention legislation is a prescription for bending the health care cost curve.\u201d\n\nChronic diseases are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and treating affected patients accounts for over 90 percent of America\u2019s $3.3 trillion annual medical expenditures. Many of these diseases \u2014 including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity \u2014 are easily detected and largely avoidable through screenings, routine testing, and early interventions.\n\nUnder current law, however, the CBO does not take into account the long-term cost-savings associated with preventive health initiatives. The Preventive Health Savings Act would direct the CBO to more accurately reflect the cost-savings of preventive health care legislation by allowing Congressional Committees to request additional analyses of the budgetary impact of preventive healthcare legislation. By allowing the CBO to widen its budget window to better capture the costs-savings from preventive care, the legislation encourages a sensible review of health policy in order to promote public health and incentivizes Congress to invest in proven methods of saving lives and money.\n\nSenator King, known as the \u2018Prevention Senator,\u2019 has long worked on policy solutions that keep Maine people healthy and lower the costs for patients and providers alike. He has previously introduced legislation require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or outpatient substance use disorder treatment visits, without charging a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible-related fee. In doing so, this legislation also would catch smaller, or early health symptoms before they become larger threats requiring more extensive and expensive treatments. Previously, he introduced the \u2018Stand Strong\u2019 package, which included the Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act that would require the development of a National Falls Prevention Plan, the Preventive Home Visits Act, which would provide Medicare coverage for qualified care providers to assess the safety of seniors\u2019 homes, and the Wellness and Education for Longer Lives (WELL) for Seniors Act, which would improve Medicare\u2019s Annual Wellness Visit to encourage seniors and their physicians to work together and confront health issues before they become more serious. This fall, he introduced a Senate Resolution affirming support for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which is charged with making recommendations about preventive services to inform medical practices across the United States.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-collins-urgently-request-certainty-on-tariffs-for-maines-forest-products-industry", "King, Collins Urgently Request Certainty on Tariffs for Maine\u2019s Forest Products Industry", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are urgently requesting tariff relief for Maine\u2019s forest products industry. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the Maine Senators called for prompt support to Maine\u2019s forest product manufacturers, many of whom are struggling with added costs because of the tariffs.\n\nThe Maine forest products industry is deeply interconnected with Canada. Last year alone, Maine exported roughly 2 million tons of wood. Similarly, and within the same time frame, Maine imported 2.3 million tons of wood.\n\n\u201cWe are gravely concerned about the impact of the tariffs imposed on imports of timber and lumber on the forest products industry. This industry is part of Maine\u2019s heritage, boosting our state\u2019s economy, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in rural communities, and providing essential products to consumers across the United States. As such, we request that the Administration provide immediate and meaningful relief to this industry, which is already struggling to survive,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nThey continued, \u201cWe are aware that the Administration is considering measures to provide aid to agricultural industries that cannot weather the headwinds in global markets as a result of the tariffs. Accordingly, we believe that the forestry products industry should be eligible and included in any relief program. Maine\u2019s mills require certainty and predictability to plan, and the added costs from the tariffs are raising prices that they cannot absorb in a competitive global marketplace. The potential of retaliatory tariffs also poses a devasting threat.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn closing, we are supportive of the Administration\u2019s goal to strengthen domestic manufacturing and the U.S. forestry industry. However, as trade negotiations continue, we ask that you provide prompt relief to our hardworking forestry product manufacturers so they can thrive now and for years to come,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King is seen as a national leader in efforts to support Maine\u2019s forest products industry. Senators King and Collins previously introduced the bipartisan Future Logging Careers Act to help train the next generation of Maine loggers and the bipartisan Timber Innovation for Building Rural Communities Act to improve forest health and support Maine\u2019s rural economy. He also introduced legislation to establish a \u201cFuture of Forests\u201d panel tasked with making recommendations to secure the health of America\u2019s forests. Senators King and Collins were key in establishing the Forest Opportunity Roadmap Maine (FOR/ME) Initiative, a participant-led initiative that is helping to diversify the state\u2019s wood products businesses, attract investments, support research and development, and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities impacted by mill closures. In July, Senators Collins and King introduced the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, which would establish a new program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support loggers who have lost income due to natural disasters.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Bessent, Secretary Rollins, Secretary Lutnick, and Ambassador Greer,\n\nWe are gravely concerned about the impact of the tariffs imposed on imports of timber and lumber on the forest products industry. This industry is part of Maine\u2019s heritage, boosting our state\u2019s economy, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in rural communities, and providing essential products to consumers across the United States. As such, we request that the Administration provide immediate and meaningful relief to this industry, which is already struggling to survive.\n\nOver the years, the forest products industry has faced enormous challenges. Due to Maine\u2019s geographic proximity, our forest economy is deeply intertwined with our neighbor, Canada. Each day, our sawmills and pulp and paper mills move wood products across the United States-Canada border. Last year alone, Maine exported roughly two million tons of wood and imported 2.3 million tons, mostly to and from Canada. Shortly after the timber and lumber tariffs went into effect on October 14, 2025, forestry products and shipments from Maine exporters were unable to reach their destination, causing widespread confusion and disrupting supply chains.\n\nWe are aware that the Administration is considering measures to provide aid to agricultural industries that cannot weather the headwinds in global markets as a result of the tariffs. Accordingly, we believe that the forestry products industry should be eligible and included in any relief program. Maine\u2019s mills require certainty and predictability to plan, and the added costs from the tariffs are raising prices that they cannot absorb in a competitive global marketplace. The potential of retaliatory tariffs also poses a devasting threat. Our mills are holding back on future investments, and some are also cancelling planned expansions. We fear that it has already become financially unfeasible for some of our mills to operate at full capacity, and this challenge will only be exacerbated as time goes on. Our state has already lost more than half our mills over the past thirty years from our peak, and risk of future mill closures is high. The impact of these closures will be felt acutely by Maine people, nearly 30,000 of whom rely on this industry for their jobs, as well as Americans struggling with the ongoing affordability crisis and lack of adequate housing supply.\n\nIn closing, we are supportive of the Administration\u2019s goal to strengthen domestic manufacturing and the U.S. forestry industry. However, as trade negotiations continue, we ask that you provide prompt relief to our hardworking forestry product manufacturers so they can thrive now and for years to come. We welcome the opportunity to continue working with the Administration to ensure that the American forest products industry can compete, grow, and prosper. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-effort-to-repeal-provision-allowing-lawmakers-to-sue-justice-department-for-phone-surveillance", "King Cosponsors Effort to Repeal Provision Allowing Lawmakers to Sue Justice Department for Phone Surveillance", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside 27 of his colleagues, has introduced legislation to prevent the special protection of lawmakers in federal investigations. The Anti-Cash Grab Act would repeal a provision \u2014 quietly added at the last minute into the Senate government funding bill \u2014 that would award $500,000 or more in damages to senators whose records were lawfully obtained by the Department of Justice (DOJ) if their cases are successful in a court of law.\n\nThe bill comes after the Senate Judiciary Committee released FBI records related to \u201cArctic Frost,\u201d a 2021 investigation into efforts to overthrow the 2020 election. During the investigation, former Special Counsel Jack Smith legally subpoenaed the phone records of eight Republican senators, as well as hundreds of Republican officials, activists and organizations.\n\n\u201cThe American people deserve transparency and accountability, and that\u2019s what we ought to be delivering \u2014 not sneaking 11th hour provisions into a bill to end the longest running government shutdown in our nation\u2019s history,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Anti-Cash Grab Act makes it crystal clear that lawmakers should not be granted special privileges when federal investigations legally look into their activities. Period. This was a bad faith provision that has created a bipartisan outcry, and I\u2019m urging all my colleagues to support efforts to overturn it.\u201d\n\nThe Anti-Cash Grab Act is sponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI.), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT.), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brain Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-on-majority-leader-thune-to-immediately-bring-epstein-files-transparency-act-to-floor-for-vote", "King, Colleagues Call on Majority Leader Thune to Immediately Bring Epstein Files Transparency Act to Floor for Vote", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today joined dozens of his Senate colleagues in a letter urging Republican leadership to immediately vote on legislation aimed at releasing the Epstein files. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), the Caucus calls on the Majority Leader to bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which passed the House of Representatives earlier today 427-1, to the Senate floor as soon as possible for a vote. The bill would require the Department of Justice to release all documents and records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, ensuring transparency with the American people and justice for the victims.\n\n\u201cAs you know, despite promises from then-candidate Donald Trump, the current Trump Administration DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), President Trump, and his subordinates have obfuscated, misdirected, and obstructed efforts in both the Senate and the House to secure release of the Epstein files. In 2024, President Trump stated on the campaign trail that he would \u201cdeclassify\u201d the Epstein files. Attorney General Bondi, once confirmed by the Senate, indicated that the Epstein client list was \u201csitting on my desk right now to review.\u201d However, President Trump and his Administration have not kept their promises,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cNewly released emails raise serious questions about President Trump\u2019s knowledge of, and possible complicity in, Epstein\u2019s crimes. In 2011, Epstein emailed Maxwell, \u2018that dog that hasn\u2019t barked is trump.. [victim] spent hours at my house with him ,, [sic] he has never once been mentioned.\u2019 In 2019, Epstein again referenced President Trump, stating \u2018of course he knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.\u2019 These revelations further demonstrate the urgent need for the Trump Administration to provide transparency and release the full Epstein files,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cNow that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has responsibly acted to provide transparency on this matter \u2013 we call on you to quickly hold a vote in the U.S. Senate to help deliver the accountability that was promised and that so many Americans are demanding,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nJoining King on the letter are U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here or below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Majority Leader Thune:\n\nWe call on you to immediately bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 185) to a vote on the Senate floor. This bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on November 18th with bipartisan support, would require the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to make documents and records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell publicly available and provide much-needed transparency to the American people.\n\nAs you know, despite promises from then-candidate Donald Trump, the current Trump Administration DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), President Trump, and his subordinates have obfuscated, misdirected, and obstructed efforts in both the Senate and the House to secure release of the Epstein files. In 2024, President Trump stated on the campaign trail that he would \u201cdeclassify\u201d the Epstein files. Attorney General Bondi, once confirmed by the Senate, indicated that the Epstein client list was \u201csitting on my desk right now to review.\u201d3 However, President Trump and his Administration have not kept their promises.\n\nAs Members of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Leader Schumer made clear earlier this year in multiple letters to Attorney General Bondi, \u201c[a]fter missteps and failed promises by your Department regarding these [Epstein] files, it is essential that the Trump Administration provide full transparency.\u201d Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Durbin has disclosed that, according to FBI whistleblowers, FBI personnel were instructed to \u201cflag\u201d any Epstein records in which President Trump was mentioned. When Senator Durbin asked Attorney General Bondi about this during a Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, Bondi stonewalled, saying, \u201cI\u2019m not going to discuss anything about that with you.\u201d Despite multiple Senate oversight requests and House subpoenas for release of the full and complete Epstein files, DOJ and the FBI have refused to produce any information to the Senate and have failed to provide the complete set of files to the House.\n\nHouse Republican leadership has tried to provide cover for the Trump Administration by not backing efforts to require the documents to be released. Speaker Johnson refused to swear in U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva for seven weeks to block her from signing the discharge petition that ultimately forced the House vote on the bill.\n\nNewly released emails raise serious questions about President Trump\u2019s knowledge of, and possible complicity in, Epstein\u2019s crimes. In 2011, Epstein emailed Maxwell, \u201cthat dog that hasn\u2019t barked is trump.. [victim] spent hours at my house with him ,, [sic] he has never once been mentioned.\u201d In 2019, Epstein again referenced President Trump, stating \u201cof course he knew about the girls as he asked ghislaine to stop\u201d. These revelations further demonstrate the urgent need for the Trump Administration to provide transparency and release the full Epstein files.\n\nThe U.S. Senate has the chance to show strong leadership and swiftly pass this legislation. We urge you to promptly proceed to the consideration of H.R. 185 on the Senate floor pursuant to Senate Rule XIV, so that the legislation can be immediately placed on the Senate Calendar.\n\nThe victims of Jeffrey Epstein \u2013 and the American people \u2013 deserve answers, accountability and the truth. So far, they have only seen empty promises from President Trump and his Administration. Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has responsibly acted to provide transparency on this matter \u2013 we call on you to quickly hold a vote in the U.S. Senate to help deliver the accountability that was promised and that so many Americans are demanding.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-lead-bipartisan-push-for-release-of-visas-to-support-small-businesses", "King, Rounds Lead Bipartisan Push for Release of Visas to Support Small Businesses", "2025-11-14", "2025", "2025-11", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) are leading a bipartisan push for the release of supplemental H-2B seasonal employment visas to support small businesses across the United States. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer that Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) also joined in signing, King, Rounds and their colleagues call on the Administration to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for fiscal year (FY) 2026. H-2B visas fill workforce needs for American small businesses that are unable to hire enough American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions \u2013 and bipartisan research shows employing these workers boosts wages across the board.\n\nAs required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions; when the local workforce is insufficient, the H-2B visa program is seen as a necessary tool to support local economies. With Maine continuing to experience a shortage of seasonal and temporary employees, these nonimmigrant visas provide a lifeline for the economy and ensure small businesses can meet the demand for their products and services.\n\n\u201cThese visas will allow employers to supplement their U.S. workforce to keep their businesses open, as well as provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\n\u201cChronic labor shortages\u2014faced by seasonal U.S. employers throughout the nation\u2019s history\u2014have been exacerbated by the post-pandemic evolution of the American workforce. As this need grows, so does the pressure on U.S. workers, whose employers\u2019 workforce needs cannot be met with American workers alone. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that \u201ccounties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.\u201d] Issuing the extra discretionary H-2B visas in a timely manner will help alleviate these workforce shortages and, in doing so, will help create and sustain the jobs of American workers who rely on the H-2B workers to support their duties during their peak seasons,\u201d the senators continued.\n\nH-2B workers support American job growth and small businesses, by filling seasonal labor shortages. Bipartisan research has found a direct correlation between increased numbers of H-2B workers and a rise in pay across the board for all employees. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions. H-2B visas fill needs for American small businesses when there are not enough able and willing American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions.\n\n\u201cThe H-2B worker program is vital resource for hotel owners and operators to meet seasonal demands, while also supporting local employment. Each H-2B worker supports about three to five local U.S. jobs. With major events like the World Cup and America 250 on the horizon, we urge the Department of Homeland Security to release supplemental visas immediately so hotels can plan for the influx of travel demand and show the world what American hospitality looks like,\u201d said American Hotel & Lodging President & CEO Rosanna Maietta.\n\nKing and Rounds were joined on the letter by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tim Scott (R-SC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Michael Crapo (R-ID), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Barrasso (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), John Thune (R-SD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).\n\nYou can find the letter HERE and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Noem and Secretary Chavez-DeRemer,\n\nWe write on behalf of the seasonal businesses in our states who lack sufficient employees to support their operations and sustain their businesses. In light of these labor shortages, we respectfully urge that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), utilize the authority provided by Congress in the current Continuing Resolution to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B for Fiscal Year 2026. These visas will allow employers to supplement their U.S. workforce to keep their businesses open, as well as provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months.\n\nChronic labor shortages\u2014faced by seasonal U.S. employers throughout the nation\u2019s history\u2014have been exacerbated by the post-pandemic evolution of the American workforce. As this need grows, so does the pressure on U.S. workers, whose employers\u2019 workforce needs cannot be met with American workers alone. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that \u201ccounties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.\u201d Issuing the extra discretionary H-2B visas in a timely manner will help alleviate these workforce shortages and, in doing so, will help create and sustain the jobs of American workers who rely on the H-2B workers to support their duties during their peak seasons.\n\nIt is important to note that supplemental visas are set aside specifically for either returning workers or workers from Northern Central American (NCA) countries. Many returning workers are those who return to their qualified employer each year and are core members of their respective organizations, supplementing and supporting U.S. workers. NCA workers are carved out with a special tranche of visas to help foster regional stability in these impoverished nations. In addition, H-2B workers return to their home country at the end of the season and then use the legal process to return to the qualified U.S. employer for the next season. This exemption for NCA countries was initially introduced during President Trump\u2019s first term, allowing many seasonal businesses to invest in these workers, even as they continue to work with the returning workers eligible under the parameters of the supplemental tranche of H-2B visas.\n\nAn efficient analysis, issuance of a rule, and release of these visas allows the supplemental tranche of H-2B visas to meet the seasonal market demand during the market cycles when they are most needed. We thank you for your continued support\u2014in recognizing the vital benefit to the economy of these seasonal, temporary work visas\u2014and we are hopeful the maximum allowable FY26 supplemental visas will promptly be released pursuant to Congressional authority and in the same manner as in the three previous years.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-warn-of-dangerous-spike-in-street-homelessness-if-administration-makes-proposed-changes-to-homelessness-support-system", "King, Colleagues Warn of \u201cDangerous Spike in Street Homelessness\u201d if Administration Makes Proposed Changes to Homelessness Support System", "2025-11-13", "2025", "2025-11", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined dozens of his Senate colleagues urging the Trump Administration to reconsider anticipated changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, federal assistance that provides a wide range of housing and services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In a letter to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, King his colleagues urged HUD to immediately halt these harmful \u2013 and potentially illegal \u2013 changes that could result in nearly 200,000 Americans being forced back onto the streets.\n\n\u201cHUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year [Notice of Funding Opportunity], and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cFor months, we have heard from countless front-line workers, faith-based and non-profit service providers, mayors, and governors who have been frantically attempting to navigate HUD\u2019s actions and anxiously waiting for HUD to provide details around the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes. For months, our staffs have sent HUD countless questions about its intents and actions around CoC funding that have remained unanswered, undermining Congress\u2019s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. Real people in every community across the country rely on these funds to address homelessness. The funding competition process for fiscal year 2025 has not begun, and with CoC project awards beginning to expire in less than two months, HUD is simply out of time.,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cHUD\u2019s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,000 chronically homeless Americans with disabilities and families back onto the streets. We implore you to make the better choice and expeditiously renew current CoC grants for fiscal year 2025 as authorized by Congress to protect communities and avoid displacing thousands of our nation\u2019s most vulnerable individuals,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nJoining King on the letter are U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-DE), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and John Fetterman (D-PA).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here or below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Turner:\n\nWe write to express our deep concerns regarding the instability the entire homeless support system could face if funding delays, uncertainty, and rushed policy changes continue. Reports indicate that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) intends to issue a new fiscal year 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and make substantial changes to how funds are awarded. HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year NOFO[1], and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously.\n\nThe Continuum of Care program is the largest source of Federal grant funds for providing a wide range of housing and services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness that are responsive to local community needs. On September 29, 2025, Politico reported that the Department intends to make wholesale changes to the fiscal year 2025 CoC NOFO.[2] The most troubling of these changes is a new, arbitrary cap on the amount of funds that may be used for permanent housing. Currently, 87 percent of CoC funds support permanent housing, but the new NOFO reportedly limits the amount of funding for permanent housing to only 30 percent. This appears to be in contravention of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act[3], undermines local decision-making authority, and ignores decades of research that has proven that permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing are less costly and more likely to be successful in providing long-term stability than other strategies, particularly for chronically homeless people and families. Today, CoC funds serve over 750,000 Americans experiencing homelessness each year, and every community will feel the impact of this dramatic cut. The cut will be largest for major cities in absolute terms, but rural communities\u2014who experienced a 12 percent increase in homelessness between 2023 and 2024[4] and are more reliant on Federal funding\u2014are likely to feel the impacts most severely[5].\n\nIn your written testimony for the June 2025 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on HUD\u2019s fiscal year 2026 budget request, you stated that your budget aimed to \u201cbetter serve the American people while maintaining necessary assistance for the elderly and disabled.\u201d[6] However, seniors are the fastest-growing demographic among people experiencing homelessness. The share of the homeless population aged 60 years and older in 2020 was 2.6 times higher than it was in 1990.[7] By dramatically cutting funding for permanent housing, tens of thousands of older adults and people with disabilities who currently reside in CoC funded permanent supportive housing could soon lose their homes and lose access to the supportive services they need to take care of their physical and mental health needs.\n\nEach new administration can make policy changes when they take office. While we may not always agree on those policy changes, we should never have to question whether agency officials will faithfully follow the law and work to minimize harm to our constituents and communities when implementing those new policies. Reports of HUD intentionally blocking staff from examining the legality of the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes with its own attorneys are deeply troubling. We are also concerned by HUD\u2019s lack of communication with grantees, especially as any new NOFO at this point in the year would not provide grantees with adequate time or opportunity to plan for sweeping changes before some projects begin to run out of CoC funds in January 2026. Over the past decade, HUD has always issued the annual CoC NOFO by mid-August and provided on average 82 days for CoCs to develop applications. Without a NOFO published as of November 12, 2025, thousands of CoC project grants that expire between January and June 2026 will be at risk of funding disruptions or shuttering operations.\n\nFurther, HUD has taken several steps since January 20, 2025 to spark chaos and disrupt grantee operations, including applying new and likely illegal conditions to previously awarded CoC grants[8], repeatedly recompeting the fiscal year 2023 CoC Builds funding[9], proposing to eliminate the CoC program altogether[10], repeating rhetoric used by the President to villainize homeless people, and gutting the HUD workforce that implements the CoC and other community development programs[11]. All these actions raise serious questions and concerns about whether HUD is intentionally violating the law to prevent Congressionally appropriated funds from reaching the people and communities they were intended to support.\n\nFor months, we have heard from countless front-line workers, faith-based and non-profit service providers, mayors, and governors who have been frantically attempting to navigate HUD\u2019s actions and anxiously waiting for HUD to provide details around the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes. For months, our staffs have sent HUD countless questions about its intents and actions around CoC funding that have remained unanswered, undermining Congress\u2019s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. Real people in every community across the country rely on these funds to address homelessness. The funding competition process for fiscal year 2025 has not begun, and with CoC project awards beginning to expire in less than two months, HUD is simply out of time.\n\nThere is a better way forward. Congress already authorized HUD to compete CoC funds on a two-year basis for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and communities already went through a two-year planning process. The shift to a two-year funding cycle had strong bipartisan support and aimed to reduce the burden on communities and provide greater predictability of funding, and members on both sides of the aisle support this approach.[12] HUD should make the responsible choice to renew current CoC grants, proactively work with communities to promote other proven strategies \u201cbased on research and after notice and public comment\u201d[13], and work to ensure any policy changes meet all legal requirements to avoid more funding delays.\n\nHUD\u2019s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,000 chronically homeless Americans with disabilities and families back onto the streets. We implore you to make the better choice and expeditiously renew current CoC grants for fiscal year 2025 as authorized by Congress to protect communities and avoid displacing thousands of our nation\u2019s most vulnerable individuals.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-vote-toward-ending-shutdown-is-the-opening-of-an-opportunity", "King: Vote Toward Ending Shutdown is \u201cThe Opening of an Opportunity\u201d", "2025-11-09", "2025", "2025-11", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today voted to advance debate on a Senate spending bill that could eventually reopen the government in a 60-40 vote. The vote comes as the shutdown became the longest federal government shutdown in American history at 40 days. From federal furloughs to cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, the shutdown caused incredible harm to Maine families and people across the country.\n\nAt a nationally-televised press conference toward the end of the vote joined by his colleagues Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Senator King shared the following remarks:\n\n\u201cThose of us here, and those of us certainly are participating in the Democratic Caucus, are 100% committed to working on the issue of the ACA premium tax credits and preserving access to healthcare for millions of Americans.\n\n\u201cSo, the question before us, before those of us here, who decided to vote yes tonight, the question was, does the shutdown further the goal of achieving some needed support for the extension of the tax credits?\n\n\u201cOur judgment was that it will not produce that result. And the evidence for that is almost seven weeks of fruitless attempts to make that happen. Would it change in a week or another week or after Thanksgiving or Christmas? And there's no evidence that it would.\n\n\u201cWhat there is evidence of is the harm that the shutdown is doing to the country. What it's doing to millions of federal workers, but also what is doing to tens of millions of recipients of SNAP benefits. This is a true crisis for those individuals. Soup kitchens, kitchens can't fill the gap, food pantries can't fill the gap. SNAP is an essential part of the food, the food provision program in this country. So, we were faced with a series of steps that weren\u2019t working to achieve the goal we wanted with regard to the ACA, but it was at the same time creating hardship and difficulty for millions of people across this country.\n\n\u201cSo, I believe that we are closer tonight to a vote on the ACA tax credits than we were this morning. Because part of this agreement, and you heard the Majority Leader on the floor today say he has committed to putting a bill on the floor before the second weekend in December, that would be drafted by the Democrats concerning health care in the ACA.\n\n\u201cThat is a big step, because otherwise there's no way for the minority to get a bill onto the floor of the U.S. Senate. It has to be through the Office of the Majority Leader. So, that was a major step to get the Majority Leader to agree to make that commitment tonight on the Senate floor. After tonight\u2019s vote, we are closer to the possibility of work on the ACA tax credits for the people of this country than we were yesterday, and that we were a week ago, two weeks ago, or a month ago.\n\n\u201cSo, this agreement tonight is a win for the American people, and it's a win for those people that are so insistent that I'm hearing from all the time, protect our health care. Our judgment is the best way to do that is to get a bill on the floor \u2026 and we have that expression from Republican senators who are interested in working on a bill that will deal with the ACA issue and perhaps additional health care issues at the same time.\n\n\u201cSo, what happened tonight is not the closing of a chapter. It's the opening of an opportunity. What the chapter does close is the damaging shutdown that is only getting worse, that is only going to impact more and more people. It\u2019s an opportunity for us to move forward on behalf of all the people of this country on the issue of health care, but also on making the federal government function.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-experts-on-improving-veterans-shifting-to-civilian-life", "King Questions Experts on Improving Veterans Shifting to Civilian Life", "2025-11-06", "2025", "2025-11", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke with Jared Lyon, National President and Chief Executive Officer of Student Veterans of America, and retired Colonel Barbara Carson, the Managing Director of Programs and Services at Syracuse University\u2019s D\u2019Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, in a hearing of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC) about the importance of ensuring a smooth transition from active duty to veteran status. During the exchange, Senator King offered simple fixes \u2014 such as having servicemembers\u2019 contact information automatically shared with state department of veterans\u2019 affairs so that new veterans can be connected to resources in their home communities \u2014 that would ensure veterans are properly equipped with the information and resources needed to successfully resume civilian life. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 200,000 servicemembers make the transition to civilian life each year.\n\n\u201cReally what we are talking about is transition,\u201d Senator King began. \u201cI believe the Department of the Defense and the V.A. combined should spend as much time, money, and effort on transition as they do on recruiting. There was a lot of activity, and it has improved recently, but it still is not where it wants to be. There are two or three issues I have been involved with, and I would like your quick thoughts. One is pre-enrolling in V.A. healthcare before you leave active duty. You are nodding. Is that a good idea?\u201d\n\nCaron replied, \u201cYes, senator.\u201d\n\n\u201cSo, there is not that gap,\u201d Senator King continued. \u201cSecondly, Form 2648 has a box on it that says, \u2018if you opt-in, [do you] want your contact information shared with a state veterans agency?\u2019 We would like to change that to an opt-out because people often do not check boxes. [We want to] reverse the presumption so that people, unless they object to it, can have their contact [shared with state veterans agency]. My idea is if you get a state veterans organization structure in connection with VSOs, I would like someone to meet the new veteran when they are coming to the airport. That won't happen unless you have this, unless you reverse this presumption. Is that something you think is a good idea?\u201d\n\nLyon answered, \u201cYou can envision the honor flights we have to take the same concept to a newly returning veteran to a community. All politics is local, all transition is local. To the extent we can meet them at the airport that would be phenomenal.\u201d\n\n\u201cBut we can't do it unless we know they are coming, and the only way to know is if their contact info is conveyed. You would support that change?\u201d Senator King asked.\n\n\u201cWe would support that change, the opt out,\u201d Lyon concluded.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. This fall, President Trump signed the bipartisan Improving Veteran Experience Act into law, legislation championed by Senator King.\n\nSenator King has introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-pressure-trump-administration-to-fully_not-partially--fund-snap-benefits", "King, Colleagues Pressure Trump Administration to Fully \u2014 Not Partially \u2014 Fund SNAP Benefits", "2025-11-04", "2025", "2025-11", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 After benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for roughly 42 million Americans were stopped over the weekend due to the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside, 45 of his colleagues, introduced a resolution calling on the Trump Administration to immediately use all congressionally approved funding to keep families from going hungry. Though the Trump Administration relented to court rulings yesterday and announced plans to partially distribute the contingency funds available to them, Senator King and his colleagues reminded the White House of the billions available to them and that half-measures are not sufficient. In Maine, nearly 170,000 people \u2014 over 12 percent of the state \u2014 receive SNAP benefits. Several counties across the state are approaching or surpassing 20 percent of their population relying on these critical benefits.\n\n\u201cAmericans going hungry during a government shutdown is not inevitable \u2014 it\u2019s a choice,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cIn all our history, a government shutdown has never meant that Americans can\u2019t put food on their tables because Congress has appropriated contingency funds for this exact purpose. I\u2019m proud to stand with my colleagues to demand that this Administration fully fund SNAP for the month of November by using the billions of dollars at its disposal. Maine families, children and seniors rely on these critical programs and it\u2019s our responsibility to make sure they receive the help they deserve.\u201d\n\nSNAP benefits lapsed on November 1 because the Administration initially refused to use a SNAP contingency fund of $6 billion previously appropriated by Congress. After two federal judges ruled that SNAP must continue to be funded, the Administration agreed to use the $4.65 billion left in the contingency fund to finance the program. However, the contingency fund will only cover half of SNAP benefits for the month of November, and the Administration is refusing to use additional available funds using an agreement established to spend Section 32 revenue \u2014 which dedicates a portion of tariffs to support the farm sector and nutrition programs \u2014 to fully fund SNAP in the month of November.\n\nLast week, Senator King cosponsored legislation that would prevent the Trump administration from illegally withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the government shutdown. He also cosponsored legislation from Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) that would disburse SNAP benefits after its expiration, but not WIC resources. Last month, Senator King joined 45 of his colleagues in writing a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins calling on the USDA to release billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November.\n\nRead the full resolution here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-backed-legislation-would-keep-maine-families-fed-during-government-shutdown", "King-Backed Legislation Would Keep Maine Families Fed During Government Shutdown", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today cosponsored new legislation that would prevent the Trump administration from illegally withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the government shutdown. The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act directs the USDA to immediately release billions of dollars in available funds to ensure SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted, as the nation faces \u201cuncharted territory\u201d that could put America\u2019s most vulnerable at risk. The legislation also requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown.\n\n\u201cMaine families, children, veterans and seniors shouldn\u2019t have to worry about losing access to food assistance because of political tactics,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cNo one in this country should ever have to choose between paying the electric bill and putting dinner on the table. The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act is about decency and plain common sense, and it keeps faith with the Maine people who count on us most. In all our history, a shutdown has never meant Americans go hungry \u2014 and it shouldn\u2019t start now.\u201d\n\nBy law, the administration is required to use billions in available funding to keep SNAP benefits flowing in November; guidance from the USDA confirms the authority to use available funding during a shutdown. Nearly 170,000 Maine people \u2014 more than 12 percent of the state\u2019s population \u2014 receive SNAP benefits. Several counties across the state are approaching or surpassing 20 percent of their population relying on these critical benefits. Nationwide, approximately 42 million Americans rely on this critical program. In 2024, over 18,000 Maine people received WIC benefits. As it stands, if the current government shutdown extends into November, nutrition assistance would not be issued.\n\nSenator King has also cosponsored legislation from Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) that would disburse SNAP benefits after Friday\u2019s deadline, but not WIC resources. Last week, Senator King joined 45 of his colleagues in writing a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins calling on the USDA to release billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-strategic-command-nominee-on-presidents-missile-test-claims", "King Questions Strategic Command Nominee on President\u2019s Missile Test Claims", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today questioned Vice Admiral Richard Correll, nominee for the rank of Navy Admiral and to serve as Commander of United States Strategic Command, on whether foreign adversaries Russia and China are in the process of testing nuclear weapons. The hearing comes the morning after President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military to immediately resume nuclear weapons testing through a late night announcement on the social media platform Truth Social. During the exchange with Senator King, Vice Admiral Correll confirmed neither country is currently testing nuclear weapons.\n\nSenator King began, \"We have been talking about this phrase the president used yesterday \u2014 I feel like we\u2019re doing Talmudic analysis here of the words \u2014 \u2018Because of other countries\u2019 testing programs, I\u2019ve instructed the Department of War \u2014 Department of Defense \u2014 to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis.\u2019 Are any other countries doing explosive testing of nuclear warheads?\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator, I want to thank you for the time in your office. I really appreciated your time and the conversation. To my knowledge, the explosive testing, the last explosive nuclear testing was by North Korea, or DPRK (Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea), and that was in 2017 to be publicly confirmed,\u201d replied Vice Admiral Correll.\n\n\u201cBut Russia and China have not done explosives that we know of, is that correct,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cNo, for China, the last publicly acknowledged test was in 1996,\u201d replied Vice Admiral Correll.\n\nKing continues, quoting the President, \u201c\u2018We are testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis.\u2019 It could be that what he is talking about is delivery systems. Is that not correct? Just recently we learned about the new Sky Fall Russian missile. Is that a reasonable interpretation of what he is saying, rather than explosive testing of weapons.\u201d\n\n\u201cI don't have insight into the president's intent. I agree that could be an interpretation,\u201d responded Vice Admiral Correll.\n\nSenator King concluded, \u201cWe hope that is clarified in the coming days.\u201d\n\nThe last time the United States tested a nuclear weapon was 33 years ago in a 1992 test in Nevada, which is still operated today by the U.S. government but not currently authorized for nuclear weapons testing. In the past two weeks, Russia has confirmed testing of a nuclear-powered cruise missile, held a nuclear readiness drill and tested a nuclear-powered autonomous torpedo \u2014 but a nuclear weapon itself has not been tested. Over the past five years, Chinese President Xi Jinping has roughly doubled China\u2019s nuclear warhead arsenal, but also has not initiated active testing.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Senator King co-leads the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, where he provides oversight on nuclear enterprise and missile defense. The subcommittee provides oversight to ensure the country has a safe, secure, effective, and credible nuclear force. He has previously spoken up about the emerging threats of Russia and China\u2019s development of \u201cnightmare weapon\u201d hypersonic missiles and the need to protect against terrorists obtaining a nuclear weapon. Senator King has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries. He remains committed to a safe and reliable nuclear stockpile and the longstanding policy and treaty that bans atmospheric, underground, underwater, and exoatmospheric (or high-altitude) explosive testing of nuclear weapons.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-presses-usda-to-immediately-release-billions-in-snap-funds-to-help-feed-maine-families", "King Presses USDA to Immediately Release Billions in SNAP Funds to Help Feed Maine Families", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Senator Angus King (I-ME) today joined 45 of his colleagues in writing a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins calling on the USDA to release billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November.\n\nNearly 170,000 Maine people \u2014 over 12 percent of the state \u2014 receive SNAP benefits. Several counties across the state are approaching or surpassing 20 percent of their population relying on these critical benefits. Nationwide, approximately 42 million Americans rely on this critical program. As it stands, if the current government shutdown extends into November, nutrition assistance would not be issued.\n\nThe senators began, \u201cWe were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will \u2018run out of money in two weeks.\u2019 In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.\u201d\n\n\u201cFirst, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown,\u201dwrote the senators.\n\nThe senators continued, \u201cIn the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA\u2019s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state agencies and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption.\u201d\n\nThis letter is co-signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here or below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Rollins,\n\nThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is our nation\u2019s largest food assistance program, serving 42 million people, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 4 million people with disabilities. Any halt in SNAP funding will have devastating impacts for program beneficiaries, increasing food insecurity and undermining family budgets. Given the critical importance of SNAP benefits, the USDA must take all steps possible to ensure that families do not go hungry.\n\nWe were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will \u201crun out of money in two weeks.\u201d In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November. First, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown. In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November.\n\nAmericans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA\u2019s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state agencies and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption. Democrats remain at the table and ready to negotiate reopening the government.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-trump-administrations-unauthorized-demolition-of-the-historic-east-wing-of-the-white-house", "King Statement on Trump Administration\u2019s Unauthorized Demolition of the Historic East Wing of the White House", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration carrying out unauthorized demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House in order to build a $200 million, 90,000 square-foot ballroom:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s desecration of the White House is an insult to the American people and a betrayal of his obligation to safeguard our history and heritage. While each President has left some mark on the building, none has attempted to so drastically alter its fundamental structure and purpose. The proposed outsized ballroom will be twice as big as the entirety of the current White House and cover more than two acres.\n\n\u201cThe White House does not belong to President Trump; it belongs to the American people \u2013 he is but a temporary resident with no right to despoil this iconic landmark on his personal whim. The house was purposefully never intended to be a palace, but rather a residence befitting a democratically-elected leader, and an important symbol of our rejection of the trappings of royalty.\n\n\u201cEchoing Ronald Reagan, my first thought is, \u2018Mr. Trump, don\u2019t tear down this house.\u2019\u201d\n\nOriginally, the Trump Administration claimed the ballroom expansion would not interfere with the existing structure of the White House. Presidents have the authority to make minor changes such as redecorating the private residence and Oval Office, but major structural changes must be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). As of October 22, no plans have been filed with the NCPC to demolish the East Wing and build the new structure. Prior to the demolition, the East Wing housed the Office of the First Lady and served as the primary public entrance.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-call-out-va-secretary-for-lack-of-responsiveness-during-shutdown", "King, Colleagues Call Out VA Secretary for Lack of Responsiveness During Shutdown", "2025-10-10", "2025", "2025-10", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), joined members of the Committee to criticize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for unnecessarily ending critical services for veterans during the government shutdown. In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, King and his colleagues also called out the VA for politicizing the lapse in appropriations to end communication with Congress and halt operations, even though the Department has already been funded in a multi-year appropriations bill that remains unaffected by the current government shutdown.\n\n\u201cCongress has provided the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with multi-year funding, which ensures a government shutdown has minimal impact on veterans\u2019 health care and benefits,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cThat is why we are deeply concerned that your Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) refuses to initiate, dispatch, or respond to congressional inquiries on behalf of our veteran constituents. Every single day, veterans and their families come to our offices for help in getting their health care and benefits from VA. Often, they come to us as their last resort. We take those concerns or their specific cases directly to VA and advocate on their behalf. Thus, any delay in responding to this outreach or dispatching their cases will cause harm to the veterans we serve\u2026The Department must revisit this prioritization scheme and dedicate sufficient staff and resources necessary to accomplish the task of responding in a timely manner to ALL constituent casework requests initiated by Congress.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201c\u2026[W]e know that previous administrations planned to continue dispatching and responding to congressional inquiries during government shutdowns by utilizing non-furloughed employees. The fact that VA has chosen not to prioritize communication with Congress on policy matters is clearly a leadership decision and a direct affront to our constitutional duty to oversee the work of the Department.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo make matters worse, it appears that leaders within your Department have used congressionally appropriated funds to send politically charged messages to veterans and VA staff about the shutdown in what seem to be clear violations of the Hatch Act. We remind you and your leadership team that we are tracking these violations and taking them very seriously. While the Trump Administration may not enforce the Hatch Act currently, we will not hesitate to investigate these violations,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nJoining King on this letter are U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and U.S. Representatives Mark Takano (D-CA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), and Delia Ramirez (D-IL).\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans\u2019 personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his \u201cDepartment of Government Efficiency\u201d (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans\u2019 medical records stored in VA\u2019s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.\n\nMost recently, Senator King\u2019s legislation to improve customer service at the VA was signed into law by the President. He also introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the lawmakers\u2019 letter is available here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Mr. Secretary:\n\nWe write to urge you to reverse your weaponization of the current lapse in appropriations and restore vital congressional communications to ensure our veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve, which are covered by multi-year appropriations and should not be affected by the current shutdown.\n\nCongress has provided the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with multi-year funding, which ensures a government shutdown has minimal impact on veterans\u2019 health care and benefits. That is why we are deeply concerned that your Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) refuses to initiate, dispatch, or respond to congressional inquiries on behalf of our veteran constituents. Every single day, veterans and their families come to our offices for help in getting their health care and benefits from VA. Often, they come to us as their last resort. We take those concerns or their specific cases directly to VA and advocate on their behalf. Thus, any delay in responding to this outreach or dispatching their cases will cause harm to the veterans we serve.\n\nWe understand that a lapse in appropriations requires certain nonessential functions to cease. However, it is imperative that the Department continue to be fully open, transparent and communicative with elected representatives in Congress. This is why we find the October 2, 2025, communication from OCLA Assistant Secretary Don Bergin to our Committees so troubling.\n\nNot only does it show a lack of commitment to the relationship with Congress in overseeing the work that we have mandated to continue during a shutdown, but it also diminishes the role of Senators and Representatives in protecting the health and welfare of our veterans, a concern which we know you share. And nowhere is this lack of prioritization more acutely felt than with respect to casework submitted to OCLA by Member offices. While we understand that, according to Assistant Secretary Bergin, \u201c\u2026casework involving the health and welfare of veterans will be prioritized\u2026\u201d during this lapse in appropriations, it is difficult to rationalize how EVERY veteran-related casework would not be categorized as necessary to protect the life and property of veterans. The Department must revisit this prioritization scheme and dedicate sufficient staff and resources necessary to accomplish the task of responding in a timely manner to ALL constituent casework requests initiated by Congress.\n\nMoreover, we are troubled that Assistant Secretary Bergin asserts that, \u201cVA cannot initiate, dispatch, or respond to congressional request\u2026\u201d during this shutdown. The use of the word \u201ccannot\u201d is likely intentional in this context. It is also greatly misleading. We know that OCLA has carryover funding at its disposal during this shutdown and may choose which activities to prioritize with that funding. Additionally, we know that previous administrations planned to continue dispatching and responding to congressional inquiries during government shutdowns by utilizing non-furloughed employees. The fact that VA has chosen not to prioritize communication with Congress on policy matters is clearly a leadership decision and a direct affront to our constitutional duty to oversee the work of the Department.\n\nTo make matters worse, it appears that leaders within your Department have used congressionally appropriated funds to send politically charged messages to veterans and VA staff about the shutdown in what seem to be clear violations of the Hatch Act. We remind you and your leadership team that we are tracking these violations and taking them very seriously. While the Trump Administration may not enforce the Hatch Act currently, we will not hesitate to investigate these violations.\n\nTo that end, we respectfully request the following information as soon as possible:\n\nPlease provide us with a \u201cstatus of funds\u201d report for the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, along with a specific breakdown of prior fiscal year carryover and a delineation of which activities within OCLA this funding has been dedicated toward.\n\nPlease provide a breakdown of current staffing levels within OCLA, disaggregated by function. Additionally, we would like a breakdown of how many staff have left OCLA since January 3, 2025, disaggregated by reason for their departure to include retirement (regular or VERA), Delayed Resignation Program, termination, reassignment or other.\n\nAccording to Assistant Secretary Bergin\u2019s message, OCLA staff is \u201c\u2026committed to working on government shutdown activities.\u201d Please provide a detailed description of those activities, along with a list of which specific staff are assigned what duties during this shutdown.\n\nWhich if any staff of OCLA are involved in planning for the White House\u2019s planned Reductions in Force during this lapse in appropriations, which appear to violate the law?\n\nWhich if any staff of OCLA have been involved in the shutdown-related messages sent to employees and veterans on behalf of the Department in apparent violation of the Hatch Act?\n\nIt has come to our attention that information has continued to be shared with the House Committee on Veterans Affairs (HVAC) Majority, which has not been shared with either the HVAC Minority or the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs Majority and Minority, even after the shutdown commenced, contrary to Mr. Bergin\u2019s message. Please provide us with all communications sent to the HVAC Majority of which the Minority was not copied or provided.\n\nMr. Secretary, we respect that you have the difficult task of maintaining access to care and benefits during an uncertain funding environment. However, it is crucial that you view the Congress as a partner in this effort, and not the enemy. Therefore, we encourage you to continue robust communication with Congress and dedicate sufficient time, both staff and your own, to the task.\n\nThank you in advance for your attention to this matter. And we look forward to your timely response.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-backed-legislation-supporting-maine-economy-and-strengthening-national-security", "Senate Passes King-Backed Legislation Supporting Maine Economy and Strengthening National Security", "2025-10-10", "2025", "2025-10", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a 77-20 vote. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), had previously worked with his colleagues to secure strong investments in Maine\u2019s economy and America\u2019s national defense. This legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military\u2019s technological and manufacturing needs. Earlier this year, Senator King led the Senate Armed Services Committee in supporting bipartisan measures for the finalized legislation that passed out of committee.\n\nThe legislation includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including: support for servicemembers an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), a comprehensive new approach to monitoring brain health, aggressive policies to strengthen America\u2019s cybersecurity, provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. The bill will now be conferenced with the House of Representatives before heading to the President\u2019s desk for signature.\n\n\u201cFor over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America\u2019s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, the Senate is continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill for the Department of Defense (DoD) that will make our nation safer and stronger,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cAs our country faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country.\n\n\u201cThere are many important provisions in this legislation \u2013 including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defense,\u201d continued Senator King. \u201cAll told, this year\u2019s defense bill will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the men and women who fight for our freedoms.\u201d\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes King-backed provisions to:\n\nINVEST IN MAINE SHIPBUILDING AND INSTALLATIONS.\n\nThe FY26 NDAA authorizes $5.4 billion for two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including one that Bath Iron Works will build beyond the previously approved funding in the continuing resolution. $450 million in additional funding is provided for investments in shipyard infrastructure that will also benefit Bath Iron Works and Huntington Ingalls.\n\nThis legislation also authorizes the funding for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) modernization efforts \u2013 including the final phase of funding for the Dry Dock extension that will allow PNSY to continue to maintain the Navy\u2019s submarine fleet.\n\nThe bill includes an effort co-sponsored by Senator King that empowers shipyards across the country to make their own hiring decisions based on the workforce needs of their property and not leave these determinations for military officials to make from a distance.\n\nPREVENT AND PROTECT BRAIN HEALTH. Included in this legislation is a report specifically requested by Senator King to protect servicemembers from blast exposure and address TBI through weapons sensor development led by a Maine business. Also included is a provision encouraging the DOD to maintain robust oversight and ensure timely implementation of suicide prevention recommendations, particularly those of the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee.\n\nHELP ADDRESS HOUSING ALLOWANCE SHORTFALLS FOR SERVICEMEMBERS. The FY26 NDAA will require the DOD to publish how housing allowances are calculated, what housing types are covered, and to pilot a new calculation method based on rental costs by bedroom size. This is on the heels of last year\u2019s Defense bill which increased Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates. Maine servicemembers including members of the Coast Guard will benefit.\n\nIMPROVE THE \u201cWARM HANDOFF\u201d SHIFT FROM ACTIVE DUTY TO CIVILIAN. Included in this bill is a signature priority of Senator King\u2019s that improves sharing of information between the Defense Department and State Veterans Agencies. Maine Bureau of Veterans Services advocated for this reform that will impact all servicemembers and help address the proven high-risk period when servicemembers leave the military.\n\nSUPPORT FOR UKRAINE. The FY26 NDAA reaffirms that it is the policy of the United States to assist Ukraine in maintaining a credible defense and deterrence capability and to bolster defense and security cooperation with Ukraine to build a Ukrainian military that is capable of defending Ukraine and deterring future aggression.\n\nENHANCE DETERRENCE THROUGH CYBERSECURITY. The bill includes the King-led provision to require the DOD create a credible cyber deterrent strategy against cyberattacks by mid-2026.\n\nMODERNIZE OUR NUCLEAR DETERRENT. As Cochairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is a Congressional leader working to ensure the bipartisan effort to provide oversight of strategic programs from the nuclear triad to missile defense. Sen King advocated to include important provisions addressing nuclear non-proliferation were included. The bill strengthens the nuclear triad and nuclear command and control including cyber protections and addressing concerns with artificial intelligence. The bill also includes important oversight of the NNSA and nuclear modernization programs, and missile defense programs to help address cost and defense industrial base concerns.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-ukraines-defense-against-russia-proving-modern-value-of-drone-warfare", "King: Ukraine\u2019s Defense Against Russia Proving Modern Value of Drone Warfare", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), questioned General Kenneth Wilsbach, nominee to serve as Chief of Staff of the Air Force, on the importance of prioritizing America\u2019s drone warfare capabilities, as well as supporting technologies such as 3-D printing to drive down production costs. During the exchange, Senator King highlighted Ukraine\u2019s extensive use of drones for aerial reconnaissance and attacks and noted that the United States military should be investing similarly in the unmanned warfighting technology. General Wilsbach agreed with Senator King\u2019s assessment, calling it a useful military tactic.\n\n\u201cA question about drones: to me it underlines the cumbersomeness of our military procurement system\u2026.Ukraine is now producing 200,000 drones a month at an average price of $500. We don't have remotely that capacity here. And I believe we are missing, I think, the major lesson of Ukraine, which is the importance of drone warfare. I would hope that this might be, again, a place of new emphasis. Not only defensive, which you have mentioned, but also offensive. I find it astounding what the Ukrainians have been able to do. Think of that, 200,000 drones produced a month, average cost $500. We've got to have a major initiative in this area, in my view. Do you agree,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\nGeneral Wilsbach replied, \u201cI do, senator. And we have come to the same lessons learned that you have, that this is a tactic that would be useful for us, and it creates massive dilemmas for your adversary, because they have to honor those 200,000 a month. They don't know what they are up to. They might have a weapon on them, there might be a decoy, but they have to honor them, and you end up overwhelming their defenses, and then you eventually get one to the target and you achieve objectives. We\u2019re learning that lesson, and by the way, 3D printing \u2014 you can 3-D print one-way attack drones at scale. So, we should invest in that, I believe.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Senator King has previously spoken up about the emerging threats of Russia and China\u2019s development of \u201cnightmare weapon\u201d hypersonic missiles. He previously urged the Department of Defense (DoD) to take advantage of private sector technologies or risk losing access to innovative defense technologies and encouraged the (DoD) to reevaluate its acquisition process of defense technologies. Senator King has also been a strong advocate for the use of 3-D printing. He previously supported a $2.8 million congressionally-directed spending award to UMaine for 3-D print wind turbine blades, as well as the use of the 3D printer to create two logistics vessels for the U.S. Department of Defense.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-shares-updated-thoughts-on-the-ongoing-federal-government-shutdown", "King Shares Updated Thoughts on the Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown", "2025-10-08", "2025", "2025-10", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement providing an update to the ongoing federal government shutdown:\n\n\u201cThe imminent expiration of the tax credits which make health insurance affordable for millions (including tens of thousands in Maine) is a totally avoidable crisis. They could and should have been extended earlier this year when the Republican-only tax bill was passed\u2014which extended (and made permanent) tax breaks for billionaires.\n\n\u201cBut it didn\u2019t happen and the dramatic increase in health insurance premiums will hit in the next several weeks.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s why I have been working intensely with Senators on both sides of the aisle to find a solution to this problem while at the same time trying get us out of the current increasingly dangerous government shutdown, so far without success.\n\n\u201cI intend to continue that work and as long as there are Republican Senators willing to talk, I\u2019ll be at the table\n\n\u201cBut as serious as the health insurance crisis is, I believe the shutdown itself and the additional powers it conveys to Donald Trump and his henchmen, is the greater risk. The greatest challenge our country faces right now is the accelerating slide toward authoritarianism. Troops in our cities, ignoring the law, defying the courts, trampling on the free press, weaponizing the legal system, and more examples everyday, have brought our country to the most dangerous moment in my lifetime.\n\n\u201cAnd this shutdown has the potential to make all this worse by further empowering Donald Trump, Steven Miller, and Russell Vought.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s why I have decided to stick with my vote to reopen the government rather than continue the shutdown in the hopes of coming to a resolution on health insurance. This is not an easy decision\u2014made more so by the Republicans\u2019 refusal to even discuss the health insurance issue\u2014but in the end, I have determined that preserving our democracy has to be the highest priority.\n\n\u201cI hope I\u2019m wrong about this risk, but the stakes are too high to take that chance.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-block-trump-administration-attempt-to-gut-the-federal-government-and-essential-services", "King Votes to Block Trump Administration Attempt to Gut the Federal Government and Essential Services", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) voted to keep the government open because a shutdown will give President Trump the ability to do far greater damage \u2013 plans he shared in public comments earlier today. A full statement can be found below:\n\n\u201cI just came from the Senate floor where I took one of the most difficult votes I've taken since I've been in the Senate. I voted to keep the government open for a continuing resolution. The irony of this vote is, many feel that this was an opportunity to stand up to Donald Trump, to vote no and to fight back.\n\n\u201cThe irony \u2013 the paradox is \u2013 by shutting the government, we're actually giving Donald Trump more power. And that was why I voted yes. I did not want to hand Donald Trump and Russell Vought and Stephen Miller additional power to decimate the federal government, to decimate the programs that are so important to so many people.\n\n\u201cHere is what Donald Trump said just this afternoon: \u2018We can do things during a shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them. He means the Democrats like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like. We can do things medically in other ways, including benefits we can cut numbers of people out.\u2019\n\n\u201cMaya Angelou once said, \u2018If someone tells you who they are, you should believe them.\u2019 Donald Trump, in this quote, tells us what he plans to do if there's a shutdown and it will not be good for the American people. This was a difficult vote, but in the end, I could not, in good conscience, vote to shut the government down and hand even greater power to the trio of Donald Trump, Stephen Miller and Russell Vought. This was a vote of conscience on behalf of the State of Maine and the people of the United States.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-department-of-education-to-continue-funding-usm-umf-upward-bound-programs", "Maine Delegation Urges Department of Education to Continue Funding USM, UMF Upward Bound Programs", "2025-09-26", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote to Education Secretary Linda McMahon urging her to reverse the Department of Education\u2019s decision to terminate funding for two federally funded TRIO Upward Bound programs in Maine: the Veterans Upward Bound Program at the University of Southern Maine (USM) and the River Valley Upward Bound Program at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF). The TRIO Upward Bound program helps prepare low-income and first-generation students for success in higher education by providing academic support, mentoring, and other college readiness services. Both the USM and UMF programs were awarded five-year TRIO grants in 2022 and expected funding to continue through 2027, but the Department recently notified them that funding would end prematurely on September 30, 2025. Both programs have filed formal requests for reconsideration.\n\n\u201cThe Department\u2019s decision to terminate funding for these Upward Bound programs is deeply upsetting, and the negative impact on the students enrolled in these two programs cannot be overstated,\u201d the Delegation wrote.\n\n\u201cUpward Bound has proven its effectiveness in the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students who often face barriers to accessing a college education,\u201d they continued. \u201cWe have seen the lives of many young people changed by the TRIO program. In fact, some of our own staff members went through TRIO and tell us that they would not have pursued higher education but for the support and opportunities it provided.\u201d\n\n\u201cRather than terminate funding after the third year of this five-year grant, we urge you to use all available authorities to work with these programs and allow them to operate with continued funding in full compliance with the current Administration\u2019s priorities. Given the importance of these TRIO programs to the students they serve, we are hopeful you will work with them achieve this outcome,\u201d the Delegation concluded.\n\nThe Veterans Upward Bound Program at USM currently serves 125 veterans and has a waitlist of additional veterans seeking services. Maine has one of the highest percentages of veterans in the nation. The River Valley Upward Bound Program at UMF serves roughly 60 students in Oxford County and, together with a partner program, supports 139 students across 14 high schools in Maine.\n\nThere are six other Upward Bound programs in the university system that have already received their continuation awards.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be read here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-king-collins-celebrate-national-lobster-day", "Senators King, Collins Celebrate National Lobster Day", "2025-09-25", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins are celebrating Maine\u2019s iconic lobster industry after the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan resolution recognizing September 25, 2025 as \u201cNational Lobster Day.\u201d The resolution recognizes the crustacean as a foundational part of Maine\u2019s economy and culture, as well as highlights the environmental and economic impact of this important industry.\n\n\u201cLobsters are synonymous with Maine\u2019s identity, history, and culture,\u201d said Senator King and Collins. \u201cFueling the lobster\u2019s iconic status are the hardworking men and women who wake up early every morning in towns across our coastline to carry on the proud lobstering tradition. Together, they work to ensure the long-term health, resiliency, and sustainability of our waters. Today is an opportunity to not only honor Maine\u2019s favorite crustacean, but to also recognize the success of our lobstermen and women who contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to our local economy, bringing immeasurable pride to our great state.\u201d\n\n\u201cNational Lobster Day is a chance to honor the tradition and impact of Maine Lobster \u2014 an industry that has sustained generations of families and coastal communities,\u201d said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful to Senator King and his office for recognizing the hardworking men and women who make this fishery possible and for helping ensure Maine Lobster remains a source of pride for Maine and a favorite on tables nationwide.\u201d\n\nLobster is a top economic driver for the state of Maine, and in 2024, the industry brought in over $709,000,000. Senators King and Collins have been top advocates for the Maine lobster industry, securing more than $1.9 million for lobster research in 2024 to address critical knowledge gaps and improve fisheries. In 2022, Senators Collins and King secured a provision in the annual appropriations spending bill which included a regulatory reprieve to protect Maine\u2019s sustainable lobster industry from misguided regulations that would have been devastating for the industry.\n\nRead the full resolution here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-combat-political-redistricting-abuse", "King, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Combat Political Redistricting Abuse", "2025-09-22", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), is introducing legislation to combat partisan efforts to gerrymander congressional districts ahead of the next census in 2030. The Redistricting Reform Act would prohibit states from mid-decade redistricting and would require every state to adopt a nonpartisan, independent redistricting commission (IRC), similar to the advisory commission that Maine currently uses. The legislation comes amid partisan efforts to redraw congressional districts ahead of the competitive 2026 midterm elections, particularly in Texas and California.\n\n\u201cAbusing the redistricting process is one of the most serious threats to democracy and our Constitution,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cNot only does partisan and off-schedule redistricting damage and disenfranchise American citizens\u2019 fundamental right to vote, but it also contributes to rising polarization in Congress and further diminishes public faith in our political process. I\u2019m proud to cosponsor this critical piece of legislation that will ensure the American people are accurately represented by their elected officials and hope that we can begin to discourage hyper partisan politics. Voters should choose their officials, not the other way around.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Redistricting Reform Act would require IRCs to have 15 commissioners, evenly divided into three groups \u2014 majority party, the minority party and unaffiliated/minor party. The composition of each commission would be representative of the state\u2019s demographic and geographic diversity, with enough members from racial, ethnic, and language minority communities to allow meaningful participation in the redistricting process.\n\nTo comply with the legislation, each state redistricting plan must:\n\nComply with the U.S. Constitution;\n\nComply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and all applicable federal laws;\n\nEnsure minorities receive equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect their preferred candidates; and\n\nRespect communities of interest, including shared interests and representational needs based on common ethnic, racial, economic, Tribal, social, cultural, geographic, or historic identities, or arising from similar socioeconomic conditions.\n\nUnder the bill, IRCs may not unduly favor or disfavor a party on a statewide basis and cannot use political data for determining districts, except to make sure that any plan complies with the first three criteria above to ensure it does not lead to partisan political bias. The legislation also mandates that IRCs hold at least three noticed public hearings and receive a majority vote, including a vote from all three political affiliation subgroups, before enacting a plan. A three-judge court would help ensure IRCs are established by the necessary deadlines and enact their plans in line with the required deadline and public engagement opportunities. The bill also affords the U.S. Attorney General and private citizens the right to sue to remedy IRC issues that arise.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\nSenator King has long championed increasing civic engagement and historical literacy, especially among younger Americans. As a former member of the Senate Rules Committee, he previously introduced a bipartisan bill, the Civics Secure Democracy Act, which would make a $1 billion annual investment in civics and history at K-12 and higher education institutions across the country. He also introduced bipartisan legislation to designate a National High School Seniors Voter Registration Day to encourage school districts nationwide to help high school seniors register to vote. Most recently, he introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster civics education resources for school children across the United States.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-urge-administration-to-continue-issuing-paper-checks-for-americans", "King, Colleagues Urge Administration to Continue Issuing Paper Checks for Americans", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is leading several of his Congressional colleagues in urging the leaders of the Treasury Department and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to delay the implementation of a federal executive order requiring the federal government to eliminate paper checks. President Trump issued an Executive Order requiring the Treasury Department to stop issuing paper checks by September 30 for all payments across the federal government \u2013 including Social Security benefits, vendor payments, tax refunds, and more. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and OMB Director Russell Vought written by Senator King and signed by the Maine Delegation as well as Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lawmakers share how cutting off access to paper checks will disproportionately affect older and rural Americans \u2014 as well as the domestic forest products industry \u2014 if not implemented in a strategic manner.\n\nThousands of individuals rely on paper checks \u2014 many of whom live in rural areas, or may be elderly, disabled, or low-income. Although individuals can apply for a waiver to receive paper checks, the process is needlessly bureaucratic and there is little information if the Department of Treasury office has the workforce available to process waivers applications. It is also unclear as to whether those with existing waivers will need to re-apply to maintain the status quo and if people need to apply for multiple waivers across different agencies.\n\n\u201cThe domestic forest products industry manufactures over $435 million worth of products and directly employs more than 925,000 people across the country, many of whom live in rural areas,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cThis industry produces essential items that Americans use every day, from paper to packaging. As you know, E.O. 14247, issued on March 25, 2025, requires the Treasury Department to stop issuing paper checks for all payments across the federal government, including benefits payments, vendor payments, and tax refunds, by September 30, 2025. We believe that digital delivery and paper checks can exist in a complementary manner. Not only do paper checks support our domestic pulp and paper industry, many individuals and businesses do not have access to digital financial services and rely solely on paper checks.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cWe are concerned that the accelerated implementation schedule of E.O. 14247 does not provide adequate time for our constituents to transition to electronic payments and may impede them from receiving their hard-earned benefits and other critical payments from the federal government. Over 5 million households across the United States do not have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union. These rates are particularly high among low-income households which cannot meet minimum balance requirements, as well as those who opt not to use these financial institutions due to trust or privacy concerns. As a result, these households are reliant on cash and paper checks. Overwhelmingly, older adults use cash and paper checks to conduct regular financial transactions.\u201d\n\n\u201cFurther, rural Americans and those living on Tribal lands have geographic and digital infrastructure challenges that prevent them from using traditional and technology-based financial services. According to the Federal Communications Commission, 22.3 percent of Americans in rural areas and 27.7 percent of Americans in Tribal lands lack reliable broadband coverage, which limits their ability to use internet-based financial services. In addition, rural and Tribal areas often lack easy geographic proximity to brick-and-mortar banking branches and automated teller machines, making it difficult to access financial services, including bank accounts. Farmers, small business owners, and others in these areas frequently rely on paper checks to conduct their regular business with associates and the government alike,\u201d the Members of Congress concluded.\n\nJoining King on the letter are Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) as well as Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) and Jared Golden (D-ME-2).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Bessent and Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express our concerns regarding the implementation of Executive Order (E.O.) 14247, Modernizing Payments to and from America\u2019s Banking Account, and its impact on the United States forest products industry, as well as to older and disabled Americans, small business owners, and farmers.\n\nThe domestic forest products industry manufactures over $435 million worth of products and directly employs more than 925,000 people across the country, many of whom live in rural areas. This industry produces essential items that Americans use every day, from paper to packaging. As you know, E.O. 14247, issued on March 25, 2025, requires the Treasury Department to stop issuing paper checks for all payments across the federal government, including benefits payments, vendor payments, and tax refunds, by September 30, 2025. We believe that digital delivery and paper checks can exist in a complementary manner. Not only do paper checks support our domestic pulp and paper industry, many individuals and businesses do not have access to digital financial services and rely solely on paper checks.\n\nWe are concerned that the accelerated implementation schedule of E.O. 14247 does not provide adequate time for our constituents to transition to electronic payments and may impede them from receiving their hard-earned benefits and other critical payments from the federal government. Over 5 million households across the United States do not have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union. These rates are particularly high among low-income households which cannot meet minimum balance requirements, as well as those who opt not to use these financial institutions due to trust or privacy concerns. As a result, these households are reliant on cash and paper checks. Overwhelmingly, older adults use cash and paper checks to conduct regular financial transactions. Hundreds of thousands of older and disabled adults frequently opt to receive government benefits, including earned benefits like Social Security, through paper checks. More than 120,000 veterans and survivors receive their disability compensation, survivor benefits, and other compensation through paper checks.\n\nFurther, rural Americans and those living on Tribal lands have geographic and digital infrastructure challenges that prevent them from using traditional and technology-based financial services. According to the Federal Communications Commission, 22.3 percent of Americans in rural areas and 27.7 percent of Americans in Tribal lands lack reliable broadband coverage, which limits their ability to use internet-based financial services. In addition, rural and Tribal areas often lack easy geographic proximity to brick-and-mortar banking branches and automated teller machines, making it difficult to access financial services, including bank accounts. Farmers, small business owners, and others in these areas frequently rely on paper checks to conduct their regular business with associates and the government alike.\n\nWe urge the Administration to extend the timeline for the implementation of E.O. 14247 and conduct frequent outreach to individuals and businesses regarding this transition. Further, we request that you respond to the following questions in writing by no later than September 26, 2025:\n\nWhat new procedures has Treasury developed to grant additional waivers for electronic payment and collection methods?\n\nWhat steps have been taken by federal agencies to communicate the transition to the digital delivery of federal payments, the process to receive an exception through waiver request, and eligibility criteria for waivers?\n\nHave Treasury or other federal agencies engaged with stakeholder groups through a public campaign to raise awareness of the transition to electronic funds transfer? If so, please disclose the groups which have participated and the communication channels utilized, such as direct mail, community events, public service announcements, social media, or traditional media.\n\nWhat financial institutions, financial technology applications, or other banking methods have federal agencies promoted during the implementation of this Executive Order?\n\nHow many requests for waivers have been received since March 25, 2025, broken down by type?\n\nWhat is the average wait time to process waiver applications from submission to approval or denial, and how are individuals or businesses alerted of the final decision?\n\nDoes the waiver application process require individual applications for each payment type? If so, what steps are being taken to better coordinate between agencies to reduce the need to apply for a waiver multiple times for different payment types?\n\nHow many personnel at Treasury are staffing the Electronic Payment Solution Center and its Waiver Line?\n\nIf individuals or businesses are still going through the waiver exemption application process after September 30, 2025, will they continue to receive paper checks in the interim?\n\nIf a taxpayer has filed their 2024 tax return but has not yet received it by September 30, 2025, will they be able to get their return by paper check if they have already elected this method?\n\nWhat steps are federal agencies already taking and plan to take in the future to further safeguard individual and business financial data and reduce fraudulent payments made through electronic payment?\n\nPlease share any documentation related to the implementation of this Executive Order, including compliance plans submitted by heads of agencies to the Office of Management and Budget and the implementation report submitted to the President through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.\n\nPlease list all financial institutions, consumer groups, and other stakeholders that Treasury has consulted on implementation of this Executive Order since March 25, 2025, including information on the nature of these discussions.\n\nWe thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-bolster-civics-education", "King and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Civics Education", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster civics education resources for school children across the United States. Introduced to mark Constitution Day, the Constitution education Is Valuable In Community Schools (CIVICS) Act would require elementary and secondary education federal grant recipients to include U.S. Constitution education\u2014through hands-on programming for teachers and students\u2014to be eligible for continued funding. The bill recognizes the importance of teaching American history, government, geography, and the importance of the Constitution to basic civic literacy.\n\nSenators James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined King on the legislation.\n\n\u201cGood civics education creates good citizens. The U.S. Constitution is the blueprint for democracy and freedom, and its survival relies on each generation understanding our history and the values Americans have held sacred since our founding,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cOur democratic system of governance is an anomaly in world history, and if we truly want a government of, by, and for the people, we must make sure people have the perspective and knowledge required to do their part in protecting it. I hope this bipartisan legislation allows young Americans to better understand and engage with America\u2019s foundational principles.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Constitution isn\u2019t just paper and ink. The soul of our nation rests in what our Constitution represents: the rule of law, personal responsibility without government coercion, protection of humanity, and a limited federal government,\u201d Senator Lankford said. \u201cWe must continue to safeguard those values and defend the Constitution\u2019s carefully crafted guarantees of our freedoms and rights. Our children will only live our American values if we intentionally commit to pass down our Constitutional values to the next generation.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Reagan said that freedom is 'never more than one generation away from extinction.' Through civics education, we teach American students to value our country\u2019s history and principles. The founders\u2019 ideals were revolutionary in their time, and they are no less important today. I am glad to see Republicans, Democrats, and Independents unite around this important legislation,\u201d said Senator Wicker.\n\n\u201cSince 1788, the U.S. Constitution has withstood the test of time\u2014serving as the basis of our nation\u2019s government and the supreme law of the land,\" said Senator Kaine. \"As a former civil rights attorney and constitutional law professor, I\u2019ve had critical discussions with my fellow Americans about this cornerstone document. Those kinds of conversations are critical to our ability to uphold the values our country was founded on, and the future of our democracy and rights. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to foster more of those discussions and strengthen students\u2019 understanding of the Constitution.\u201d\n\nConstitution Day was established in 1952 and Congress expanded recognition in 2004, requiring public schools and federal agencies to teach the Constitution and civics lessons. The American History and Civics Education program was established under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, and created grants for institutions of higher learning and other organizations to develop evidence-based approaches to improve the quality of American government, history, and civics. However, these entities are not required to include educational programs regarding the Constitution or Bill of Rights. Under the CIVICS Act, the institutions that receive these grants would be required to develop programming that teaches the Constitution.\n\nSenator King has long championed increasing civic engagement and historical literacy, especially among younger Americans. As a former member of the Senate Rules Committee, he cosponsored a bipartisan bill, the Civics Secure Democracy Act, which would make a $1 billion annual investment in civics and history at K-12 and higher education institutions across the country. He also introduced bipartisan legislation to designate a National High School Seniors Voter Registration Day to encourage school districts nationwide to help high school seniors register to vote.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-military-nominees-on-legal-authority-for-caribbean-attacks", "King Questions Military Nominees on Legal Authority for Caribbean Attacks", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), pressed Derrick Anderson, nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict in the Department of Defense (DoD), about his views on the legality of the recent unprecedented lethal strikes on vessels in the Caribbean ordered by the Trump Administration. Earlier this month, a first strike on an alleged drug boat killed 11 people. A second strike was carried out just days ahead of the hearing and claimed three lives. The Administration has not publicly disclosed evidence of drugs or weapons onboard the ships, nor provided a full legal or military justification for why this deadly strike was the preferred option.\n\n\u201cMr. Anderson, what is the authority for the lethal strikes on the ships in the Caribbean that have recently been carried out by the administration, that I believe would fall under your jurisdiction and the new position you are being nominated for,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cSenator, I appreciate the question. I was not involved in the operation, nor do I know any of the details but what I have seen on the news in small clips, Senator, and what I can tell you is that in my capacity as a green beret, I understand the complexities of operations, planning operations, and all the different factors, but again Senator I was not involved in it,\u201d replied Mr. Anderson.\n\n\u201cBut don't you think that one of the early things that you should assess \u2014 you listed all those things \u2014 and the first is, \u2018Is this a legal action of the United States government?\u2019 Wouldn\u2019t that be part of your calculation,\u201d questioned Senator King.\n\n\u201cSenator, again, I was not involved in that operation,\u201d stated Mr. Anderson.\n\n\u201cI understand that, but I am talking in the future. You might be in this job in three weeks and be ordered to strike another ship in the Caribbean. Are you going to ask a question about what is the legal authority for that strike,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cSenator, certainly, and even in my capacity as a Green Beret team leader on the ground, we always had legal opinions and legal chops on our operations. So, if confirmed, Senator, I will comply with all laws and regulations and ensure that we have input from all portions of the Department,\u201d responded Mr. Anderson.\n\n\u201cAnd make no mistake, I have been urging in this Committee for years: stronger interdiction of drug smuggling coming in through the Southern Ocean. But interdiction is different than a lethal strike. I think it is just a question of, \u2018What is the authority?\u2019 We should have notification back and forth to Congress, that\u2019s the way this process is supposed to work. Under the War Powers Act, and under the Constitution, it is our job to declare war and it is the president's job to be Commander in Chief, so I hope you\u2019ll take that question seriously and it will be one of the first I hope you\u2019ll look into should you be confirmed for this position,\u201d concluded Senator King.\n\nEarlier in the hearing, Senator King pressed Platte Moring, nominee to serve as the Inspector General of the Department of Defense (DoD), on his ability to remain objective and provide factual guidance without fear of influence or retribution from the Administration. Inspector Generals serve a unique role given they are embedded within a federal agency but are required to provide objective reporting to agency heads and Congress to better ensure accountability and improve government operations\n\nSenator King began, \u201cMr. Moring, you're being appointed to a position that is an anomaly in any government \u2013 that is an independent watchdog over the government itself. And I guess my first question is, do you need this job? Because your predecessor was summarily fired without cause and without the statutorily required notice to Congress. So, will you take the necessary actions to look at waste, fraud, and abuse and abuse of illegal actions by the Department in your job without fear of retribution?\u201d\n\n\u201cYes, Senator. I will, in an independent and objective manner as required by the statute,\u201d said Mr. Moring.\n\n\u201cYou understand that that is a solemn obligation because we cannot be in the Department every day. We cannot be in touch with whistleblowers, people that are of concern. You are performing an essential function in the Department, and I believe that you are eminently qualified to do so, and I think you understand that responsibility, but I would like a renewal of that commitment of independence, fearlessness, and calling them as you see them,\u201d requested Senator King.\n\n\u201cSenator King, as we discussed in your office yesterday, you have my commitment to be everything that you just described. It has been a hallmark of my legal career to provide independent, unbiased legal advice whether it is to a client, commander, or the general counsel of the Department,\u201d replied Mr. Moring.\n\n\u201cI believe you will do that, and for that reason I will support your nomination,\u201d finished Senator King.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security, foreign policy issues, and an active, vocal supporter of the importance of democratic values and defeating terrorism. Senator King traveled to the Middle East earlier this year, to get a closer look at the threats to stability in the region, calling for continued American engagement in the region. This summer, Senator King pressed a Department of Defense (DoD) nominees on his thoughts about the current role of ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorists groups in the African region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-calls-on-armed-services-chairman-to-hold-hearing-on-urban-militarization-plans", "King Calls on Armed Services Chairman to Hold Hearing on Urban Militarization Plans", "2025-09-17", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is calling on SASC Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) to hold a hearing on President Trump\u2019s deployment of American troops into American cities. More specifically, the letter he sent with several SASC colleagues encourages Wicker to work with Department of Defense (DoD) leadership to evaluate these ongoing military deployments to American cities and their impact to military readiness, American civil liberties, and public trust in our military.\n\n\u201cWe request that you convene an Armed Services Committee hearing with Department of Defense (DoD) leadership regarding the deployment of members of the Armed Forces to American cities and efforts to increasingly dedicate DoD forces, assets, resources and personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators continued, \u201cConcerningly, DoD has deployed members of the Armed Forces to Los Angeles and the District of Columbia and the President has openly stated that an expansion to other cities, including Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans and Memphis is imminent. In response, state and local leaders are actively protesting the Administration\u2019s actions and attempting to remove these military personnel from their streets. These deployments could have devastating effects on our military readiness and trusted relationship between the public and the servicemembers who are meant to protect them from external threats.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American people deserve clarity on the chosen priorities and missions of the Department of Defense and the short- and long-term implications for national security and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars of this new focus on a mission usually reserved for law enforcement professionals,\u201d the Senators concluded. \u201c\u2026We believe it is critical that we conduct public oversight to ensure that the use of military power remains lawful, constitutional, strategically justified and responsible and transparent to the American public.\u201d\n\nAlong with King, the letter is cosigned by SASC Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elizabeth Slotkin (D-MI) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security, foreign policy issues, and an active, vocal supporter of the importance of democratic values.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Chairman Wicker:\n\nWe request that you convene an Armed Services Committee hearing with Department of Defense (DoD) leadership regarding the deployment of members of the Armed Forces to American cities and efforts to increasingly dedicate DoD forces, assets, resources and personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).\n\nConcerningly, DoD has deployed members of the Armed Forces to Los Angeles and the District of Columbia and the President has openly stated that an expansion to other cities, including Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans and Memphis is imminent. In response, state and local leaders are actively protesting the Administration\u2019s actions and attempting to remove these military personnel from their streets. These deployments could have devastating effects on our military readiness and trusted relationship between the public and the servicemembers who are meant to protect them from external threats. The Washington Post reported on September 9 that the National Guard, in measuring public sentiment about President Trump\u2019s federal takeover of D.C., assessed that its mission is perceived as \u201cleveraging fear,\u201d driving a \u201cwedge between citizens and the military,\u201d and promoting a sense of \u201cshame\u201d among troops and veterans. In July, the New York Times reported that the retention rate for the National Guardsmen deployed to Los Angeles was projected to be 21 percent, far lower than the Guard\u2019s typical 60 percent rate.\n\nSince January 20, 2025, DoD has surged its assistance to DHS across the country. The military has fielded platforms and systems that are much more expensive than their civilian alternatives, such as using military aircraft for deportations and relying on warships and Army surveillance systems for detection and monitoring along the border and in U.S. territory. There has been no official public accounting of how the costs of using these assets compare to more affordable alternatives, which military missions these assets have been redirected from in order to support another agency and whether the DoD has been reimbursed for its services or is effectively siphoning its resources, intended for use by the military, to non-military agencies and missions. DoD has also designated at least five military installations for detentions or support to Federal agents, and detailed DoD and military personnel in rising numbers to provide administrative and logistical assistance for interior law enforcement, with undisclosed impacts to the kind of tough, realistic training required to build lethality and readiness for core military missions.\n\nAdditionally, in many public statements since his confirmation, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has regularly prioritized the southern border over the Indo-Pacific, despite a bipartisan consensus that U.S. defense policy should focus on the complex security challenges in that region. Just last week, press reported that the upcoming National Defense Strategy will formalize this priority order.\n\nThe American people deserve clarity on the chosen priorities and missions of the Department of Defense and the short- and long-term implications for national security and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars of this new focus on a mission usually reserved for law enforcement professionals.\n\nWe request the opportunity of a public hearing to help Congress and the public better understand the implications of such large-scale redirection of the U.S. military and defense apparatus for support to traditionally non-military missions. We call on the Department to explain to Congress and the American people how it plans to resource, execute and justify such a campaign, and how doing so will impact military readiness, the U.S. military\u2019s execution of core missions of deterring and preparing for war, public trust in our military, implications for servicemembers and their families across the United States and the safety of the American people.\n\nAs Members of this Committee, we take seriously our solemn responsibility to make sure the U.S. military is properly led, authorized, well-resourced, supported and able to conduct its mission of defending the nation -- without distraction, inefficiency or partisanship. At the same time, our Constitution based our democracy on maintaining clear boundaries between the military and domestic functions of civilian law enforcement, expressed especially in the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments that responded to British Army overreach. We believe it is critical that we conduct public oversight to ensure that the use of military power remains lawful, constitutional, strategically justified and responsible and transparent to the American public.\n\nFor these reasons, we urge the Committee to convene a hearing at the earliest opportunity to examine these issues directly with Department of Defense leaders.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-aim-to-designate-september-as-national-literacy-month", "King, Colleagues Aim to Designate September as National Literacy Month", "2025-09-16", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside a bipartisan group of his colleagues, is cosponsoring a resolution recognizing the importance of literacy, as well as encouraging more Maine people and Americans of all ages to pick up a good book. The resolution establishes September 2025 as \u201cNational Literacy Month.\u201d\n\n\u201cReading will open your eyes to new worlds and ideas,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cFor people of all ages, literacy not only expands economic opportunities and growth, but also encourages us to think more and be more skeptical consumers of information. When we invest in literacy, we invest in our families, communities and our society. I\u2019m proud to work with my colleagues to cosponsor this resolution highlighting the importance of literacy, and I remain committed to advocating for literacy awareness for all Maine people, and people across our nation.\u201d\n\nReading is a cornerstone for personal growth, economic opportunity, and a strong society. Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the most important predictors of whether a student will graduate high school and succeed in a career, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to a 2020 study by Gallup in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, it is estimated that low levels of adult literacy could be costing America as much as $2.2 trillion a year.\n\nIn recognition of National Literacy Month, throughout the month of September, schools, libraries, non-profits, and other organizations will host a variety of activities, events, and free workshops highlighting the importance of building and strengthening literacy skills and the benefits of reading on healthy development.\n\nThe resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Katie Britt (R-AL), James Lankford (R-OK), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Supporters of the resolution include the National Parents Union, Ed Trust and Educators for Excellence.\n\nSenator King has been steadfast champion of literacy programs for Maine people, and previously cosponsored a resolution recognizing the lifelong impact childhood literacy programs have on the success of Maine children and their communities.\n\nFull text of the resolution can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-king-led-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-ocean-navigation-and-safety", "Senate Passes King-led Bipartisan Bill to Improve Ocean Navigation and Safety", "2025-09-12", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014The U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation to improve ocean navigation and safety in federal waters. The Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (MAPOceans) led by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Caucus, and Ted Cruz (R-TX), would modernize mapping information on public oceans to improve public safety and provide navigation guidance through a user-friendly smartphone app. If passed into law, the MAPOceans Act would create a one-stop shop that would help to ensure sportsmen and women can recreate in a safe and responsible manner.\n\n\u201cMaine\u2019s Atlantic coastline is an incredible natural treasure that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the country,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe bipartisan, and now Senate-passed, MAPOceans Act combines all the available information about ocean recreation and navigation into a one-stop resource \u2014 a phone app \u2014 containing information about ocean recreation and navigation. From deep-sea anglers to sailors and lobstermen, this legislation ensures that every person seeking adventure in Maine can do so safely and responsibly.\u201d\n\n\u201cRecreational fishing and boating are a favorite pastime of many families who cherish the outdoors. But far too often, a relaxing day on the water can turn into a frustrating time when you can\u2019t navigate waterways and restricted areas,\u201d said Senator Cruz. \u201cThat is why I introduced MAPOceans Act, alongside Sen. King, to ensure fishery information is easily and centrally accessible. This is commonsense legislation, and I urge my House colleagues to take up this legislation so anglers and boaters can spend more time enjoying America\u2019s beautiful waterways instead of deciphering confusing data sources.\u201d\n\nSenator King is among the Senate\u2019s leading voices for conservation of our nation\u2019s outdoor treasures. In 2022, his bipartisan MAPLand bill to modernize park and public land mapping was signed into law. He also helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act \u2014 a bill led by Senator King \u2014 and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act. The historic legislative package continues Senator King\u2019s career-long focus on conservation efforts, dating back to his work prior to running for elected office through his years as Governor and his service in the Senate. Over the course of his time in the Blaine House, Governor King was responsible for conserving more land across Maine than all Governors before him combined.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-statement-on-the-24th-anniversary-of-the-september-11tth-attacks", "King Statement on the 24th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks", "2025-09-11", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in recognition of the 24th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks:\n\n\u201cTwenty-four years ago, nearly 3000 innocent lives were taken by terrorists who sought to shake the foundations and values of our nation. Across our country, we watched in shock and horror as everyday Americans going about their daily business became victims in one of the darkest days \u2014 and deadliest attacks \u2014 in American history. The tragic events of that day are seared into the memory of so many of us, as well as the heroic response from our first responders.\n\n\u201cToday, we honor and remember those we lost on September 11th, 2001. From the everyday New Yorkers, firemen, policemen, Pentagon workers, and the brave passengers of Flight 93 who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We are forever in debt to those who ran towards danger that day, and in the days, weeks and years afterwards. Those men and women embody the very best of the American spirit, and they deserve our full respect and gratitude.\n\n\u201cWe must never forget the attacks and the lives lost that day, as well as how our nation united around our shared values. Today is a solemn opportunity to remind ourselves of the words on our currency and buildings: E Pluribus Unum \u2014 from many, one \u2014 and how we are always stronger when we stand together. The values of democracy and freedom we defended twenty-four years ago continue to bond us together and the years since have proven that no enemy \u2014 foreign or domestic \u2014 will be able to destroy the defining principles of our country.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-you-just-lost-my-vote-after-he-grills-va-nominee-over-cuts", "King: \u201cYou Just Lost My Vote,\u201d After He Grills VA Nominee Over Cuts", "2025-09-11", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), questioned a Trump Administration nominee about the reckless approach the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has taken with regard to contract reductions. In a tense exchange with Dr. Karen Brazell, the nominee to serve as the VA Under Secretary for Benefits, Senator King directly asked if she had been involved with the contract cancellation process. Throughout the line of questioning, Dr. Brazell refused to provide a straightforward answer, even after several attempts from Senator King, to find out whether she could be credited with helping create the framework for the murky contract cancellation process.\n\nSenator King began, \u201cAsking you a pretty straightforward question. Did you have anything to do whatsoever with the review of the contract of your former employer? That is a pretty straightforward yes or no question: I did, or I didn't.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator, I have not reviewed the contracts with my former employer\u201d said Dr. Brazell.\n\n\u201cThat is not what I asked. I asked, did you have anything to do whatsoever with that review,\u201d Senator King repeated\n\n\u201cSenator, I have not reviewed any contracts of my former employer. Again, I am not a contracting authority,\u201d replied Dr. Brazell.\n\nSenator King asked again, \u201cThat\u2019s the third time you\u2019ve given me that answer and for the third I\u2019m going to say, \u2018that\u2019s not what I\u2019m asking.\u2019 I\u2019m asking were you involved anyway whatsoever with the review with the contract of your former employer.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator King, I have answered that. I am not a contracting official or contracting authority. I have not reviewed the contracts of my former employer,\u201d responded Dr. Brazell.\n\n\u201cYour failure to answer that question \u2014 you just lost my vote on this nomination,\u201d said Senator King.\n\nFailing to receive an adequate answer to his initial line of questioning, Senator King moved on by asking Dr. Brazell about what she meant in an earlier statement about \u201ctaking risks\u201d regarding how the VA handles veterans care and disperses benefits.\n\nSenator King continued, \u201cIn your opening statement, you used the term \u2018risk\u2019 three or four times or five times with regard to people under your supervision. I don't want the people under your supervision that are making decisions about benefits for veterans taking risks. What in the world did you mean by taking risks?\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator, when you employ new technology, and I think you know that from your time at L.L Bean per our discussion when I visited you, there are opportunities for folks when we \u2014 you have got to learn your mistakes. You have to fail fast. You do that in a test environment, understanding the constraints of the technology and how it is going to interface with the legacy systems when you go to a live environment. So, test it in a production environment. Fail fast, learn faster,\u201d said Dr. Brazell.\n\n\u201cI just don't like the idea of a test environment and risks being taken with people's lives and disability compensation. If you are talking about working a model, that is one thing. But if you are talked about real people and real decisions, the idea of risks and experimenting is not acceptable,\u201d responded Senator King.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act.\n\nRecently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans\u2019 personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his \u201cDepartment of Government Efficiency\u201d (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans\u2019 medical records stored in VA\u2019s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.\n\nIn February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of wounded, ill and injured veterans.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-white-house-about-legal-authority-for-strike-in-the-caribbean", "King Questions White House About Legal Authority for Strike in the Caribbean", "2025-09-10", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is pressing the White House for additional information on a strike against what it claimed was a \u201cnarcoterrorist\u201d threat to America in the Caribbean. In a letter to President Donald Trump, King and several of his SASC colleagues point out that the Constitution gives the Congress the authority to declare war \u2013 and no declaration has been made for the use of lethal force against this potential target in the Caribbean. In the letter, they pose ten questions about the strike and why traditional interdiction tactics used effectively for decades were not deployed.\n\nThe strike on an alleged drug boat killed 11 people. Despite its claims in press and social media, the Administration has not substantiated them with evidence of drugs or weapons onboard the ship, nor provided a full legal or military justification for why this deadly strike was necessary.\n\n\u201cOn September 2, 2025, the U.S. military at your direction struck a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, hundreds of miles from the United States and reportedly killing all 11 individuals onboard. Your Administration has asserted, without evidence, that the individuals on the vessel and the vessel\u2019s cargo posed a threat to the United States,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cThis strike followed press reports in early August that your Administration had secretly signed a directive for the use of U.S. military force across Latin America \u2013 despite the lack of any legal basis for such use of military force. Your September 4th War Powers Report to Congress following the strike noted \u2018the potential for future such actions,\u2019 but provided no legitimate legal justification and was scant in details regarding the legal or substantive basis for this or any future strikes.\u201d\n\nThe Senators continued, \u201cOn issues of national security, our top priorities are protecting Americans, American interests, and our servicemembers who put their lives on the line every day.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the interest of ensuring that Congress\u2019s response to this unprecedented step is consistent with these priorities, we assert that Congress made no declaration of war nor did it authorize the use of military force for future similar operations,\u201d the Senators concluded. \u201cClassifying a clear law enforcement mission as counterterrorism does not confer legal authority to target and kill civilians.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security, foreign policy issues, and an active, vocal supporter of the importance of democratic values and defeating terrorism. Senator King traveled to the Middle East earlier this year, to get a closer look at the threats to stability in the region, calling for continued American engagement in the region. This summer, Senator King pressed a Department of Defense (DoD) nominees on his thoughts about the current role of ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorists groups in the African region.\n\nJoining King on the letter are Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Corey Booker (D-NJ).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear President Trump:\n\nOn September 2, 2025, the U.S. military at your direction struck a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, hundreds of miles from the United States and reportedly killing all 11 individuals onboard. Your Administration has asserted, without evidence, that the individuals on the vessel and the vessel\u2019s cargo posed a threat to the United States. This strike followed press reports in early August that your Administration had secretly signed a directive for the use of U.S. military force across Latin America \u2013 despite the lack of any legal basis for such use of military force. Your September 4th War Powers Report to Congress following the strike noted \u201cthe potential for future such actions,\u201d but provided no legitimate legal justification and was scant in details regarding the legal or substantive basis for this or any future strikes.\n\nOn issues of national security, our top priorities are protecting Americans, American interests, and our servicemembers who put their lives on the line every day. In the interest of ensuring that Congress\u2019s response to this unprecedented step is consistent with these priorities, we assert that Congress made no declaration of war nor did it authorize the use of military force for future similar operations. Classifying a clear law enforcement mission as counterterrorism does not confer legal authority to target and kill civilians.\n\nFurther, we request immediate answers from your Administration to the following questions:\n\n1. Your Administration has confirmed multiple times in multiple venues that the Department of State\u2019s designation of an entity as a sanctioned Foreign Terrorist Organization does not confer authority for the Department of Defense to use military force against that entity. In light of this legal fact, please clarify the legal and substantive basis for targeting and killing civilians suspected of being affiliated with a designated entity. Please also provide a copy of all legal assessments conducted by the White House, Department of Justice, Department of Defense, or any other entity prior to the strike.\n\n2. As noted above, in your September 4th War Powers Report to Congress, you note the \u201cpotential for further such actions.\u201d However, you do not specify in that report, nor have you specified elsewhere, any legal authority to take military action to target and kill civilians, including those suspected of committing crimes. What is your legal authority to conduct lethal military operations against civilians at sea, within Venezuela or within other Latin American countries?\n\n3. Please confirm whether you intend to comply with the reporting and withdrawal requirements of sections 4(a)(1) and 5(b) of the 1973 War Powers Resolution. If not, why not?\n\n4. Who were the individuals targeted in the strike, and what intelligence does the Administration have regarding their identities, any imminent threat they did or did not pose, what crimes they were accused or suspected of, and what alleged affiliations they had with a narcotrafficking criminal organization?\n\n5. How were the individuals targeted in the strike positively identified as lawful targets for lethal military force? What legal review was conducted for assessing whether the use of lethal force in this context and against these particular criminal suspects was lawful under both domestic and international law?\n\n6. Your Administration initially stated that the vessel \u2013 reportedly a speedboat \u2013 was in transit to Trinidad & Tobago, but then later asserted it was en route to the United States. What was the reason for this discrepancy? Can the Administration clarify the expected destination of the vessel?\n\n7. Did the individuals on that vessel pose an imminent threat to the lives of others? If so, what was the nature of that threat and what other measures short of lethal force were available to avert that threat? Were any escalation of force measures, including interdiction of the vessel, conducted or attempted prior to the strike? If not, what rationale was utilized to support the assessment that standard interdiction tactics\u2014such as boarding, seizure, and arrest\u2014were insufficient or inapplicable in this scenario? If no assessment was conducted, why not?\n\n8. What assessment, if any, was conducted regarding whether the use of lethal force in this context could undermine intelligence-gathering opportunities that would come from capturing potential traffickers alive?\n\n9. What assessment, if any, was conducted regarding whether the use of lethal force in this context and against the individuals killed would violate any U.S. laws or place U.S. personnel in jeopardy of violating domestic or international law?\n\n10. Has the intelligence community conducted an assessment of the potential responses by Tren de Aragua or other Latin American criminal entities to lethal strikes by the U.S. military, including the potential for violent action in the United States? If so, please provide a copy of that assessment.\n\nWe request that you provide urgent responses to these questions no later than the close of business on Wednesday, September 17.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-warren-call-for-end-of-trickery-by-large-corporations-avoiding-paying-taxes", "King, Warren Call For End of \u201cTrickery\u201d by Large Corporations Avoiding Paying Taxes", "2025-09-10", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are leading a bicameral group of their colleagues in a letter urging Treasury Secretary and Acting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Scott Bessent to strongly implement a tax law passed by Congress that requires the largest American corporations to pay their fair share in taxes. The corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) requires that companies reporting over $1 billion in profits to their shareholders must pay at least 15 percent of those profits in taxes, applying to approximately 150 of America\u2019s wealthiest corporations.\n\nFrom 2018 to 2020, 39 Fortune 500 companies generating $122 billion in profit paid $0 in federal income tax. One of the most profitable companies in the United States secured a 4.3 percent effective tax rate on its $43.4 billion income during the same period, less than one-third of the rate paid by the average American taxpayer. The CAMT, which was included as a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), imposed a 15 percent minimum tax based on financial income reported to investors and creditors for corporations earing over $1 billion beginning in tax year 2023. However, as of recent under the Trump Administration, Treasury and the IRS have started to loosen certain requirements to help fewer corporations become subject to the tax, further eroding the Congressional intent of the law.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our concern about the Trump Administration's recent publication of multiple interim guidance notices that create new loopholes in the corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) for the largest and wealthiest corporations. These notices will allow major corporations to circumvent the law by using accounting trickery to pay zero taxes on their massive profits,\u201d the lawmakers began.\n\n\u201cPrior to CAMT\u2019s enactment, corporations worth billions of dollars would routinely pay little or no federal income tax. From 2018 to 2020, 39 Fortune 500 companies generating $122 billion in profit and paid $0 in federal income tax. One of the most profitable companies in the United States secured a 4.3 percent effective tax rate on its $43.4 billion income during the same period, less than one-third of the rate paid by the average American taxpayer,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cThe Trump Administration has announced its intent to completely redo the 2024 proposed CAMT regulations, signaling openness to making even more changes and delaying a final regulation indefinitely. In combination, these actions indicate that under President Trump, the IRS is at best delaying the full implementation of CAMT to allow the largest corporations to avoid paying taxes, and at worst abandoning its legal responsibility to administer and enforce CAMT altogether.\u201d\n\n\u201cCAMT is the law of the land, passed by Congress with the strong support of the American people and largely left in place as President Trump and the Republican Congress rewrote the nation\u2019s tax laws earlier this year. The Administration is required to faithfully and punctually implement CAMT consistent with Congressional intent,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ed Markey (D-MA), as well as Representative Don Beyer (D-VA).\n\nA copy of the letter can be found here, and is included in full below:\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Bessent:\n\nWe write to express our concern about the Trump Administration's recent publication of multiple interim guidance notices that create new loopholes in the corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) for the largest and wealthiest corporations. These notices will allow major corporations to circumvent the law by using accounting trickery to pay zero taxes on their massive profits.\n\nPrior to CAMT\u2019s enactment, corporations worth billions of dollars would routinely pay little or no federal income tax. From 2018 to 2020, 39 Fortune 500 companies generating $122 billion in profit and paid $0 in federal income tax. One of the most profitable companies in the United States secured a 4.3 percent effective tax rate on its $43.4 billion income during the same period, less than one-third of the rate paid by the average American taxpayer.\n\nCongress passed the corporate alternative minimum tax as part of the Inflation Reduction Act to put an end to this chicanery. CAMT requires that companies reporting over $1 billion in profits to their shareholders must pay at least 15 percent of those profits in taxes, applying to approximately 150 of America\u2019s wealthiest corporations.\n\nBut since CAMT became the law of the land, Congressional Republicans have been doing everything they can to get rid of it, including introducing a law to repeal the CAMT just six weeks after it was enacted. Accountable.US reported that large financial firms and industry groups have also spent more than $1 million lobbying Congress on the CAMT during the first half of 2023 alone. The oil and gas industry secured a carveout from CAMT in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). And now, after failing to repeal CAMT entirely in the OBBBA, the Trump Administration is attempting to further erode the CAMT through the Internal Revenue Service\u2019s (IRS) two new interim guidance notices. These notices weaken CAMT under the cover of bureaucratic rulemaking and give the largest and wealthiest corporations yet another get-out-of-paying-taxes-free card.\n\nMost troubling, Notice 2025-27, issued this June, allows companies to avoid CAMT if their income\u2014under a simplified accounting method\u2014is below $800 million. The Biden Administration previously set the safe harbor threshold precisely at $500 million in its proposed CAMT rule after calculating that a higher safe harbor threshold would risk exempting corporations that should be subject to CAMT under statute. Now, less than nine months later and with zero justification, this new guidance summarily asserts that an $800 million safe harbor will not run that risk. We are seriously concerned that this cursory loosening of CAMT enforcement will simply allow more wealthy corporations to avoid paying their legally owed share.\n\nFurther, this notice also indicates future potential erosion of the CAMT tax base by stating that Treasury and the IRS will reconsider the treatment of unrealized capital gains. This signals a possible reversal of the Biden Administration\u2019s decision to reject industry requests to exempt unrealized capital gains from adjusted financial statement income (AFSI), laying groundwork for an even weaker final rule.\n\nNotice 2025-28, issued in July, introduces a number of additional methods for calculating a corporate partner\u2019s distributive share of partnership AFSI, expanding taxpayer discretion. Though the guidance is framed as simplifying the application of CAMT to partnerships, it creates additional complexity for tax administrators and risks enabling gaming and inconsistent outcomes across similarly situated taxpayers.\n\nThe Trump Administration has announced its intent to completely redo the 2024 proposed CAMT regulations, signaling openness to making even more changes and delaying a final regulation indefinitely. In combination, these actions indicate that under President Trump, the IRS is at best delaying the full implementation of CAMT to allow the largest corporations to avoid paying taxes, and at worst abandoning its legal responsibility to administer and enforce CAMT altogether.\n\nCAMT is the law of the land, passed by Congress with the strong support of the American people16 and largely left in place as President Trump and the Republican Congress rewrote the nation\u2019s tax laws earlier this year. The Administration is required to faithfully and punctually implement CAMT consistent with Congressional intent. Accordingly, we urge the IRS to rescind Notice 2025-27 and Notice 2025-28 and finalize the Biden Administration\u2019s proposed CAMT regulations without delay, and request that you respond to the following questions in writing by September X, 2025:\n\nHow many corporations do you project will utilize the $800 million safe harbor compared to the $500 million safe harbor?\n\nHow many corporations do you project will elect to utilize one of the new methods of calculating distributive shares of partnership AFSI described in Notice 2025-28 as compared to the existing methods described in Proposed \u00a71.56A-5 and \u00a71.56A-20?\n\nWhat external input did Treasury and the IRS receive to support its drafting of Notice 2025-27?\n\nWhat external input did Treasury and the IRS receive to support its drafting of Notice 2025-28?\n\nPlease list all corporate officials or representatives that Treasury and the IRS have spoken to about the CAMT since January 20, 2025, including information on the nature of these discussions.\n\nWhen do Treasury and the IRS expect to release the new proposed CAMT rule?\n\nWhen do Treasury and the IRS expect to release the final CAMT rule?\n\nAside from the safe harbor provision and treatment of partnerships, what other provisions do Treasury and the IRS plan to change in the new proposed CAMT rule?\n\nWhat new evidence or input will Treasury and the IRS solicit and use to inform its rulemaking?\n\nHow many personnel at the IRS are working on the CAMT rule?\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/during-suicide-prevention-month-king-and-colleagues-urge-secretary-of-va-to-reinstate-funding-for-suicide-prevention-efforts", "During Suicide Prevention Month, King and Colleagues Urge Secretary of VA to Reinstate Funding for Suicide Prevention Efforts", "2025-09-09", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), led his colleagues in urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reinstate funding for suicide prevention efforts that has been terminated for the upcoming fiscal year and protect remaining, unspent funds from being clawed back. In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, King and his colleagues argue that the VA should be using every tool available to prevent the unnecessary deaths of veterans who risked their lives in service to the nation.\n\nAt present, Maine is one of only 10 states (and 2 territories) that received this funding. However, the VA has haphazardly determined that these suicide prevention efforts are not a \u201cgood return on investment\u201d and are therefore terminating the funding.\n\nThe Senators began the letter, \u201cWe write regarding the recent notification that funding to our states to plan and develop Suicide Mortality Review (SMR) Committees will not be renewed for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and regarding the potential that any unused FY2025 funds may be clawed back. You have repeatedly stated that veteran suicide and suicide prevention is a top priority for you personally and for the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA), and we are concerned that cutting funding for the SMR projects in our states will make it harder to address veteran suicide.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur states know the severe impacts of veteran suicide all too well,\u201d they continued. \u201cThat is why they were awarded cooperative agreements to plan and develop SMR Committees to help address veteran suicide through a public health lens. SMR is grounded in evidence-based methods that are championed by the VA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This initiative prioritizes a review of veteran suicide deaths to identify systematic gaps and implement strategies to address suicide prevention for veterans in their communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe encourage the VA to continue with year two of funding to give our states the opportunity to implement their plans, allowing them to demonstrate the value of SMR committees. The VA can\u2019t possibly be accurately evaluating the return on investment of this funding if they are only considering the planning phase and not allowing time for implementation. Additionally, in line with the President\u2019s February 18 directive to all agency heads (\u201cRadical Transparency About Wasteful Spending\u201d), we urge you to \u201cmake public\u2026the complete details of every terminated program, cancelled contract, terminated grant, or any other discontinued obligation\u201d (emphasis added) of the VA funds used for these cooperative agreements. The public has a right to know why the VA is cutting services intended to save veterans\u2019 lives and support veterans\u2019 families,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nJoining King on this letter are Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans\u2019 personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his \u201cDepartment of Government Efficiency\u201d (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans\u2019 medical records stored in VA\u2019s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.\n\nMost recently, Senator King\u2019s legislation to improve customer service at the VA was signed into law by the President. He also introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Collins:\n\nWe write regarding the recent notification that funding to our states to plan and develop Suicide Mortality Review (SMR) Committees will not be renewed for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and regarding the potential that any unused FY2025 funds may be clawed back. You have repeatedly stated that veteran suicide and suicide prevention is a top priority for you personally and for the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA), and we are concerned that cutting funding for the SMR projects in our states will make it harder to address veteran suicide.\n\nOur states know the severe impacts of veteran suicide all too well. That is why they were awarded cooperative agreements to plan and develop SMR Committees to help address veteran suicide through a public health lens. SMR is grounded in evidence-based methods that are championed by the VA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This initiative prioritizes a review of veteran suicide deaths to identify systematic gaps and implement strategies to address suicide prevention for veterans in their communities.\n\nThese cooperative agreements were meant to help our states evaluate veteran suicide from a new perspective and try to determine if there are related factors influencing these deaths. These efforts take time, coordination, and a multi-disciplinary approach from a large number of community members. However, our states agreed to undertake these efforts because they believed that lives could be saved. The VA funded planning efforts, only to end funding after one year and before implementation could begin.\n\nWe encourage the VA to continue with year two of funding to give our states the opportunity to implement their plans, allowing them to demonstrate the value of SMR committees. The VA can\u2019t possibly be accurately evaluating the return on investment of this funding if they are only considering the planning phase and not allowing time for implementation. Additionally, in line with the President\u2019s February 18 directive to all agency heads (\u201cRadical Transparency About Wasteful Spending\u201d), we urge you to \u201cmake public\u2026the complete details of every terminated program, cancelled contract, terminated grant, or any other discontinued obligation\u201d (emphasis added) of the VA funds used for these cooperative agreements. The public has a right to know why the VA is cutting services intended to save veterans\u2019 lives and support veterans\u2019 families.\n\nAccording to the 2024 National Veterans Suicide Prevention Annual Report, an average of 17.6 veterans die by suicide each day. We should be using every available tool to prevent these deaths. Without this funding from the VA, our states will not be able to continue their critical work to meet federal and state suicide prevention goals to help save lives.\n\nWe look forward to continuing to work together on this important issue and we thank you for your attention to this matter that greatly impacts veterans in our states.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-help-the-american-horticulture-industry-bloomlegislation-would-plant-the-seeds-to-encourage-government-entities-to-exclusively-buy-flowers-cut-greens-from-american-growers", "King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help the American Horticulture Industry Bloom", "2025-09-08", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), has introduced bipartisan legislation to prioritize domestic horticulturists and farmers, and strengthen the American floral industry. The American Grown Act would require the Executive Office of the President, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of State to only purchase flowers and cut greens grown in the United States.\n\n\u201cWhen the federal government spends taxpayer dollars on American-made products, those funds help small businesses, including many Maine people, succeed right here at home,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cUnder the current system, the vast majority of flowers and cut greens purchased by the U.S. government are foreign grown, meaning the economic benefits are flowing to foreign markets. The American Grown Act is an opportunity to prioritize American-grown flowers, a simple fix that will boost both our flower industry and economy at large.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf there\u2019s one cause that can bring members of Congress together, it\u2019s the commitment to Buy American,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cEvery year, our federal agencies purchase millions of dollars\u2019 worth of flowers and greenery for official events and ceremonies using taxpayer dollars. This money should benefit our American farmers and growers. By making this straightforward, patriotic principle the law of the land, we can support the men and women who power this industry \u2014 including the hundreds of hardworking growers right here in Alaska.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaska\u2019s floriculture industry has rightfully garnered global recognition, as we grow the largest, most vibrant peonies in the world. It is well past time that our domestic federal agencies \u2014 particularly the White House, State Department, and Department of Defense \u2014 support American cut-flower growers and strengthen local economies that benefit from this industry,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cI am proud to co-sponsor this legislation once again, and sincerely hope my colleagues join us in standing up for American grown and domestic jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American flower industry, and California in particular, grows vibrant flowers and greenery, and it\u2019s important that the hard work of our country\u2019s growers is supported,\u201d said Senator Schiff. \u201cOur bipartisan bill ensures that the federal government continues to boost this robust industry while creating jobs and promoting American grown products.\u201d\n\nSenator King is a staunch advocate for the Maine agriculture industry. Earlier this year, Senator King cosponsored the Honor Farmer Contracts Act which released withheld federal funding and allocated it back to farmers as Congress had intended. He is an original sponsor of the bipartisan Dairy PRIDE Act which combats the mislabeling of non-dairy products and requires accurate labeling of dairy and non-dairy products as mislabeling is harmful to dairy farmers selling their products in a crowded marketplace. Senator King also cosponsored the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give milk producers a greater voice in dairy pricing.\n\nAdditionally, Senator King is an annual cosponsor of the federal \u2018National Dairy Month\u2019 resolution. Earlier this year, he introduced the bipartisan Innovative Feed Enhance and Economic Development (FEED) Act to help cut red tape in the livestock feed sector. This summer, alongside Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), he introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for small farms and ranches to provide locally produced meats to consumers.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-bill-signed-into-law-veteran-customer-service-office-becomes-permanent", "King Bill Signed into Law, Veteran Customer Service Office Becomes Permanent", "2025-09-05", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), today applauded the signing into law of his bipartisan Improving Veteran Experience Act by President Donald Trump. Under the new law, the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) will become a permanent part of the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA), ensuring it can continue to provide consistent and quality care for the veteran community. Established in 2015 the VEO collects veterans\u2019 feedback through surveys and uses that data to continuously improve the VA\u2019s website and other resources used by veterans interacting with the VA. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was an original cosponsor of the legislation.\n\n\u201cVeterans across Maine and our nation consistently and courageously answer the call of duty when serving, and we owe it to them to deliver the very best care,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cSupporting our veterans should never be partisan, and customer service should not be reserved just for the private sector. The signing into law of the Improving Veteran Experience Act is a perfect example of government providing a necessary public service. I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to Senator John Cornyn for his work helping get this important legislation over the finish line. Today, we celebrate codifying a long-awaited and much-needed office that is laser focused on improving veterans\u2019 ability to access their hard-earned benefits.\u201d\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans\u2019 personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his \u201cDepartment of Government Efficiency\u201d (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans\u2019 medical records stored in VA\u2019s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.\n\nRecently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-science-not-ideology-should-drive-national-energy-policy", "King: Science, not \u201cIdeology\u201d Should Drive National Energy Policy", "2025-09-04", "2025", "2025-09", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), today questioned Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) nominees on their commitment to cost effective, renewable energy technologies. In the hearing with FERC nominees Laura Swett and David LaCerte, King pressed for support to wind and solar energies as they are significantly cheaper energy options than fossil fuels, and swifter to develop. King also asked the nominees about the importance of batteries in the longevity and success of stabilizing the electric grid.\n\nSenator King began his questioning by asking the nominees about the cheapest forms of electricity generation.\n\nSenator King began, \u201cMs. Swett, what is the cheapest form of electricity generation today in the country?\n\n\u201cThank you for the question, Senator. I have not looked into that issue, but I am happy to look into it and answer any questions you may have,\u201d Swett replied.\n\nSenator King followed up on his question, \u201cWell, I\u2019ll help you. It is wind and solar by a mile, by a factor of two. The fellow who left here under difficult circumstances was correct. The cheapest form of energy today is wind and solar by a long shot. Let's take a case study in Iowa. Any idea how much wind power supplies to the electricity supply of Iowa?\u201d\n\n\u201cI don't know the specific number,\u201d Swett answered.\n\n\u201cSixty percent,\u201d Senator King responded. \u201cIowa is the fifteenth lowest electricity cost in the country and in the past year we have already learned average electricity prices across the country have gone up between six percent and ten percent. In Iowa, it has actually gone down a half a percent. The point is: you both have talked about being agnostic. I hope you will hold to that because we cannot ignore the reality around us that this administration is extremely hostile \u2013 and that is a mild term \u2013 to renewable energy. And the second point \u2013 I talked about price \u2013 is speed. There is no question that wind and solar are the quickest to deploy. Senator Heinrich mentioned if you wanted a new gas plant today, it would be seven years between permitting and the fact there is a five-year wait time for turbine. A major solar project should go online in a year or a year and a half. So, I just hope that you all will be true to your word today and not follow what amounts to an ideology that says we cannot have wind and solar.\u201d\n\nSenator King then asked the nominees about the important role batteries play in transmission and stabilizing the electric grid.\n\nSenator King then asked, \u201cRenewables plus batteries is a baseload, batteries can also have an important role to play in transmission. Ms. Swett, can you discuss that? Stabilizing the grid?\u201d\n\n\u201cThank you for the question, Senator,\u201d Swett responded. \u201cI have not looked into the battery engineering components as they relate to the grid, but I would absolutely be open to any type of technology that would stabilize or enhance our existing grid if I had the honor of being confirmed.\u201d\n\nSenator King questioned, \u201cMr. LaCerte, thoughts on batteries?\u201d\n\nLaCerte replied, \u201cThank you, Senator. I agree with the premise that batteries could be an important component of increasing the reliability of baseload. I think as our technologies evolve, that those batteries will become more and more efficient and effective. I think it\u2019s definitely worth continued monitoring, and usage is something that should be looked at by FERC.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has advocated for climate solutions that support Maine communities and has been one of the Senate\u2019s most vocal advocates for improving energy technologies and development as a way to unlock America\u2019s clean energy future. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to unlocking the promise of clean energy development opportunities created in the historic Inflation Reduction Act . In addition to a recent discussion with FERC, he has stressed the importance of streamlining and speeding project timelines while maintaining environmental standards to the Secretaries of Energy and Interior.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-led-effort-secures-delay-of-removal-of-navigational-buoys-in-gulf-of-maine", "King-led Effort Secures Delay of Removal of Navigational Buoys in Gulf of Maine", "2025-08-18", "2025", "2025-08", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Weeks after he led a bipartisan group of New England Senators in urging the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to delay its plans to remove navigational buoys in the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic Ocean, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) received confirmation that the USCG will accept their recommendation. In a letter addressed to the Senators, USCG Director of Marine Transportation Systems, Michael D. Emerson, agreed with the Senators and outlined the Coast Guard\u2019s plan to modify and extend the stakeholder engagement process to better understand the impacts of the proposal.\n\nThe USCG launched the Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative in April 2025, a component of its broader Short-Range Aids-to-Navigation Modernization effort. This initiative proposed the discontinuation of 351 coastal buoys across New England (Maine accounts for the largest share at 145 buoys). At the same time, an additional 2,349 buoys and beacons are under review for future removal as part of the Harbor Buoy Modernization Initiative and the Shallow Water Level of Service Study (SWLOSS), scheduled for phased implementation from 2026 through 2029. In total, some 2700 buoys are up for consideration for removal along the New England coast.\n\n\u201cI appreciate your concern that the Coast Guard slow down the effort to ensure that the needs of communities and mariners in your states are understood. Accordingly, the Coast Guard will modify and extend the process. The Northeast District will review first round comments, assess feedback., and re-advertise with any changes to the current proposal. This notice will include changes to aids in the vicinity of proposed discontinuations (such as relocations, lighting, or increased nominal range); which will provide users a more complete change picture,\u201d Emerson wrote in response to the Senators.\n\nThe Coast Guard\u2019s response is in line with the Senators\u2019 prior request in June:\n\n\u201cWe urge the agency to slow down this effort to ensure that the agency understands the needs of the communities and mariners in our states. Therefore, we urge you to extend the public comment period and increase public and Congressional engagement as outlined in this letter,\u201d the Senators wrote in their initial letter.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King has been a steadfast supporter of the Coast Guard and Navy as well as economic and recreational usages of Maine\u2019s waterways.\n\nKing recently secured key provisions in the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support the maritime forces and ensure that America\u2019s military can continue providing best in class services to protect the \u2018territory of the brave.\u2019 In 2023, he was honored with the Congressional Sea Services Award by the Navy League Capital Council and accepted it on behalf of the men and women of the sea services. Additionally, as an engaged leader on maritime matters, Senator King has previously secured legislation that bolstered USCG and marine transport cybersecurity, healthcare for sentinels, and increase pay and housing allowances for Maine Coasties. He also successfully negotiated provisions enacted into law that supported Maine lobsterman and Maine Windjammers.\n\nAdditionally, as a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Senator King has been a longtime advocate for Maine\u2019s outdoor resources. Last year, Senator King helped secure critical funding for the American Lobster Research Program\u2014an organization that supports projects to address critical knowledge gaps about American lobster and its fishery in a dynamic and changing environment. Senator King also helped pass the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act, legislation that provides approval for the restoration of a Maine fishway to allow fish such as herring, alewives, and the endangered Atlantic salmon to migrate upstream.\n\nThe full text of the letter led by Senator King can be found here.\n\nMariners, and professional and recreational boaters, are highly encouraged to provide constructive feedback to the Coast Guard about the proposed changes. Information can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-pingree-introduce-new-policy-proposal-offering-tax-credits-to-working-waterfronts-at-risk-of-natural-disaster-damage", "King, Pingree Introduce New Policy Proposal Offering Tax Credits to Working Waterfronts at Risk of Natural Disaster Damage", "2025-08-01", "2025", "2025-08", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 As America enters hurricane and storm season, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) \u2014 along with Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Greg Murphy (R-NC) \u2014 are introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to offer a disaster mitigation tax credit to working waterfronts located on the coasts and on navigable waterways. The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million when they invest in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually.\n\nSenator King has been at the forefront of supporting working waterfronts as they face the effects of sea level rise and storm damage. This new legislation would ensure that working waterfronts have the financial resources to shore up their infrastructure and prevent the oftentimes devastating consequences of natural disasters.\n\n\u201cMaine\u2019s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine is facing challenges that will define our state\u2019s success for generations to come,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts up and down the coast of Maine with the necessary financial resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. Thanks to Senator Cassidy for working with me to ensure our waterfront businesses have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s empower coastal businesses to invest in flood and disaster prevention before a storm hits,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cDoing so protects our way of life, fishing and coastal industries, and the livelihoods of Louisiana families.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom lobstering to boatbuilding, working waterfronts are the economic backbone of many coastal communities \u2014 but they\u2019re vanishing under pressure from development and intensifying climate impacts,\u201d said Congresswoman Pingree. \u201cIn Maine, we've seen firsthand how vulnerable our waterfront infrastructure is to extreme storms and flooding. At a time when coastal communities in Maine, Louisiana, North Carolina, and across the country are feeling the impacts of an ever-changing and increasingly volatile climate, working waterfronts and those they support need the tools to prepare for the next disaster, not just recover from the last. Our bipartisan, bicameral bill is about protecting jobs, preserving access, and ensuring the future of our coastal way of life.\u201d\n\n\u201cProperties used for commercial purposes in areas at risk of erosion and intense weather systems face unique challenges,\u201d said Congressman Murphy, M.D. \u201cAs the representative of more than 80% of North Carolina's coastline, I understand how tide changes and storms can jeopardize local economies that conduct business along our shores. Ensuring the resiliency of waterfront commerce is essential to our coastal communities and this legislation enables businesses to mitigate the financial costs that come with working in these areas.\u201d\n\nWorking waterfronts are comprised of physical property (including support structures over water and other facilities) that provide access to navigable waters to persons engaged in commercial fishing, recreational fishing and boating businesses, boatbuilding, aquaculture, or other water-dependent business used for the purpose of supporting a water-dependent business. The tax credit would be available to any small business that operates a working waterfront. For example, a coastal business owner can use this tax credit to invest in business-related infrastructure to protect property so that it does not suffer damage from rising water and storms.\n\n\u201cIsland Institute is grateful to Senator Angus King for introducing this visionary piece of legislation. Maine\u2019s working waterfront businesses will need all the tools they can get; this tax credit will be an important resource for small business owners, many of whom were affected by catastrophic January 2024 storms. This bill assures that small working waterfront businesses can take steps today that will help them to prepare for future impacts of climate change,\u201d said Kimberly A. Hamilton, PhD, President of Island Institute.\n\nSenator King is a longtime supporter of working waterfronts and small businesses. He previously joined the entire Maine Delegation in writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in support of Governor Janet Mills\u2019 requests that they treat the multiple devastating winter storms as a disaster event for purposes of damage assessment and federal reimbursement for cleanup. He also has introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to reauthorize the Small Business Administration\u2019s (SBA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program, which would give small businesses the opportunity to take out low-interest loans for the purpose of proactively implementing mitigation measures that protect their property from future disaster-related damage. Most recently, he was named a 2024 Hero of Main Street for his support of small businesses across Maine.\n\nThe full bill text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/how-in-the-world-senator-king-confronts-pentagon-nominee-on-impact-to-cybersecurity-priorities-amid-massive-cuts", "\u201cHow in the World?\u201d Senator King Confronts Pentagon Nominee on Impact to Cybersecurity Priorities Amid Massive Cuts", "2025-07-31", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today questioned a Department of Defense nominee on the harmful impact of staffing cuts to the Defense Department that tests weapons systems including testing for cybersecurity. In an exchange with Dr. Amy Henninger, nominee to be Director of Operational Test and Evaluation at the Department of Defense (DoD) during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), King questioned whether she was in support of the existing staffing cuts and whether, if confirmed, she believed she would have enough resources to keep Americans safe.\n\nSenator King began, \u201c70% of the staff in the office you are designated to lead has been cut, yet at the same time, the challenges of investing in a new technology, particularly the challenges of cyber and ensuring cybersecurity of the whole supply chain, have multiplied in recent years. How in the world are you going to do your job when you've only got 30% of the people who were there a year ago?\n\n\u201cThank you for the opportunity to expand on that, Senator King. I have not been briefed on the details, the Secretary of Defense, his memorandum and decisions after the memorandum,\u201d Dr. Henninger replied. \u201cI understand that there is a 60-day period, where there will be a reconsideration of any resources that might be necessary. I don't know where that stands right now. The operational test and evaluation community spreads out responsibility, across a number of entities, including the service OTAs who actually do the cyber testing. At DOT&E, the office that you were talking about in your question, specifically provides oversight and analysis for a certain number of programs that were on the oversight list. And when I get into the office, I will do an independent analysis.\u201d\n\nSenator King concluded, \u201cI think this office is very important, particularly at this moment in time.\u201d\n\nAs former Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) and current member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Senate Select Intelligence Committee (SSCI), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress\u2019 leading experts on cyberdefense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyberstrategy that emphasizes layered cyberdeterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director.\n\nTogether with Solarium Co-Chair former Representative Mike Gallagher, King previously urged the Biden Administration to better protect the public health sector from cyber threats and called for stronger, collaborative efforts to address the growing threat. Senator King has also introduced the bipartisan Strengthening Cybersecurity in Health Care Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) perform consistent evaluations of its cybersecurity systems, and provide biannual reports on its current practices and progress on future safety procedures it is working to implement. He also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand the cybersecurity workforce by training veterans for in-demand jobs. Senator King also joined his colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Streamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act to help address challenges associated with the current patchwork of inconsistent cybersecurity policies between agencies.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-legislation-to-streamline-green-card-status-for-at-risk-immigrant-youth", "King Cosponsors Legislation to Streamline Green Card Status for At-Risk Immigrant Youth", "2025-07-31", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to help provide an expedited pathway to green card status for young immigrants under 21 whose case of abandonment, abuse or neglect by their legal guardian has been evaluated and affirmed by a U.S. state court. The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act, S. 1965, aims to exempt Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) children from annual employment-based visa caps. This would end years-long backlogs and allow these children to move forward with their lives as lawful, productive, permanent residents of the United States.\n\n\u201cFor generations, our country has been a beacon of hope for immigrants seeking a better life,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cHowever, navigating the immigration system and pathway to legal citizenship is often a lengthy, cumbersome process \u2014 especially for younger immigrants trying to escape abuse or neglect. The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act would gently ease some of the barriers to obtaining a green card for vulnerable minors and help keep these children safe and out of harm\u2019s way. We owe it to the young people seeking refuge in our country to provide them with the tools and support to achieve their American dream.\u201d\n\nThe Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) was established in 1990 to create a pathway to lawful permanent residence (a \u201cgreen card\u201d) for immigrant children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected by their parents or guardians. Children who receive SIJS have faced horrific conditions in their home countries, leaving them unable to return and often with few resources here in the U.S. Despite being a humanitarian visa, the pathway to a green card for SIJS children runs through the employment-based immigration visa system \u2014 subjecting SIJS recipients to annual worldwide and country-specific visa limits. This has resulted in thousands of children stuck in a backlog, unable to move forward with their lives.\n\nThe Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act is cosponsored by Senators Cortez Masto (D-NV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM).\n\nSenator King is a strong opponent of the Trump Administration\u2019s continued efforts to repeal protections for DACA recipients, also referred to as \u201cDreamers.\u201d He has repeatedly sought a legislative solution to provide stability for DACA recipients. Most recently, he sent a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Angelica Alfonso-Royals, highlighting the popular support for providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship and request that the Trump Administration comply with the recent Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that mandated the resumption of processing of DACA applications. Most recently, he cosponsored a bill to prohibit the sharing of personal data of DACA program applicants with immigration officials.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-leads-senate-resolution-affirming-importance-of-prevention-task-force-that-guides-medical-best-practices", "King Leads Senate Resolution Affirming Importance of Prevention Task Force that Guides Medical Best Practices", "2025-07-30", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are introducing a Senate Resolution affirming support for the forty-year-old federal task force charged with guiding medical best practices across the United States. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), recently reported to be in the early stages of being disbanded, is responsible for making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications. These prevention measures guide patients and providers in their treatment options to keep Americans healthy with the secondary order effect of keeping treatment costs down.\n\nCreated in 1984, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is a scientifically independent, volunteer panel of national experts that works to improve the health of people nationwide. Task Force members come from the fields of preventive medicine and primary care, including internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, obstetrics and gynecology, and nursing. Their recommendations are based on a rigorous review of existing peer-reviewed evidence and are intended to help primary care clinicians and patients decide together whether a preventive service is right for a patient's needs. As required by the Affordable Care Act, public and private insurers also use the USPSTF recommendations to determine what preventive interventions should be covered without cost-sharing by patients.\n\n\u201cEvery Maine person deserves access to affordable, evidence-based medicine,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, historically, has been that guiding light: a group of independent experts that came together to offer science-backed treatment options for everything from heart disease to HIV prevention and routine cancer screenings. I have always said that \u2018an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,\u2019 but the ongoing threats from the Trump Administration to disband the task force are the latest example that the cheapest medical procedure is the one that never is needed because of precautions and treatment ahead of time. While I hope this does not come to fruition, I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure that this task force can continue to operate in an apolitical landscape for decades to come.\u201d\n\n\"The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force makes evidence-based recommendations so Americans can get preventive care like cancer screenings and HIV prevention for free\u2014but the Trump administration is threatening to rip that away,\u201d said Senator Warren. \u201cI will always fight to lower health care costs and protect health care for Americans.\"\n\n\"Everyone deserves a fair chance to live a healthy life. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force helps make that possible by grounding preventive care in the best available science, not ideology. Senator King\u2019s resolution is a strong affirmation that evidence, not politics, should guide how we keep people well,\" said Dr. Aaron Carroll, president and CEO of AcademyHealth, a non-partisan group that supports the creation and use of evidence to improve the health of all Americans.\n\nJoining King on the resolution are Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).\n\nSenator King, known as the \u2018Prevention Senator,\u2019 has long worked on policy solutions that keep Maine people healthy and lower the costs for patients and providers alike. He has previously introduced legislation require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or outpatient substance use disorder treatment visits, without charging a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible-related fee. In doing so, this legislation also would catch smaller, or early health symptoms before they become larger threats requiring more extensive and expensive treatments. Most recently, he introduced the \u2018Stand Strong\u2019 package, which included the Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act that would require the development of a National Falls Prevention Plan, the Preventive Home Visits Act, which would provide Medicare coverage for qualified care providers to assess the safety of seniors\u2019 homes, and the Wellness and Education for Longer Lives (WELL) for Seniors Act, which would improve Medicare\u2019s Annual Wellness Visit to encourage seniors and their physicians to work together and confront health issues before they become more serious.\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-streamline-information-sharing-between-community-care-providers-and-va-medical-centers", "King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Information-Sharing Between Community Care Providers and VA Medical Centers", "2025-07-29", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) have introduced legislation to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implement guidelines to streamline information-sharing between community care providers and VA medical centers. The Coordinating and Aligning Records to Improve and Normalize Governance (CARING) for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 would enable the Office of Integrated Veteran Care to better track medical documentation after a veteran receives care from a community provider. It would also require the VA to measure the performance of timeliness and efficiency in obtaining community care records.\n\nNearly 75% of veterans return to VA medical centers for continued care after receiving services from community providers, increasing the risk of medical documentation between providers falling through the cracks. The Office of Integrated Veteran Care of the Veterans Health Administration currently lacks systemwide visibility into whether medical documentation from community providers is being received, jeopardizing oversight and clinical coordination for Maine\u2019s veterans.\n\n\u201cVeterans in Maine and across the country have sacrificed greatly in service to the nation and it is our job to now return the favor,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 would ensure that veterans have access to the best care by improving information-sharing between community care providers and VA medical centers to reduce the chances of important details falling through the cracks. I am grateful to my colleague, Senator Ricketts, for working with me on this important legislation putting veterans first.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cIn order to ensure our veterans receive the best standard of care, it is important that their medical history is shared and available for VA medical centers following care in the community. This bill will help establish guidelines and procedures for VA medical facilities to obtain medical documentation from community care providers.\u201d\n\nThe CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 would require that the Office of Integrated Veteran Care supervised by the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs:\n\nDevelops guidance for the efforts of medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs in obtaining final medical documentation after a veteran receives services from a community care provider pursuant to a referral from that medical center;\n\nEstablishes goals and related performance measures for medical centers of the Department in obtaining initial and final medical documentation from community care providers;\n\nEstablishes and monitors goals and related performance measures for the completion by such providers of core trainings and ensures that such providers complete the required training course; and\n\nTakes steps to ensure that the Office of Integrated Veteran Care and any contractor for that Office communicate clear and accurate information to such providers regarding the core trainings recommended or required by that Office, including whether such training is recommended or required.\n\nAs reliance on community care for veterans continues to grow, establishing clear expectations for tracking final documentation and creating monitoring goals and performance measures will enable the Office of Integrated Veteran Care to identify gaps and strengthen the systemwide exchange of information. This legislation is supported by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans\u2019 personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his \u201cDepartment of Government Efficiency\u201d (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans\u2019 medical records stored in VA\u2019s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.\n\nRecently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d Senator King also recently joined his colleagues in raising concerns over proposed plans to terminate 83,000 VA employees, and participated in a special investigative SVAC hearing to question witnesses who were terminated due to DOGE cuts. In May, Senators King and Blumenthal wrote again to Secretary Collins demanding an explanation for DOGE cuts to cancel contracts at VA that would impact health care for Maine veterans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-releases-statement-amid-growing-nutrition-crisis-in-gaza", "King Releases Statement Amid Growing Nutrition Crisis in Gaza", "2025-07-28", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Amid the growing nutrition and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement severing his support for the current Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:\n\n\u201cI cannot defend the indefensible. Israel\u2019s actions in the conduct of the war in Gaza, especially its failure to address the unimaginable humanitarian crisis now unfolding, is an affront to human decency. What appears to be a deliberately-induced famine among a civilian population\u2014including tens of thousands of starving children\u2014can never be an acceptable military strategy.\n\n\u201cWhile clearly justified in responding to the horrific attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli citizens, that tragic event cannot in turn justify the enormous toll on Palestinian civilians caused by Israel\u2019s relentless bombing campaign and its indifference to the current plight of those trapped in what\u2019s left of Gaza.\n\n\u201cI in no way accept or condone the actions of Hamas, but recent events have placed a moral burden on Israel to ameliorate the current crisis, a burden it has thus far totally failed to meet.\n\n\u201cFor these reasons, I am through supporting the actions of the current Israeli government and will advocate\u2014and vote\u2014for an end to any United States support whatsoever until there is a demonstrable change in the direction of Israeli policy. My litmus test will be simple: no aid of any kind as long as there are starving children in Gaza due to the action or inaction of the Israeli government.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/to-help-farmers-and-cut-meat-costs-king-paul-introduce-bill-to-reduce-red-tape-for-maine-farmers", "To Help Farmers and Cut Meat Costs, King, Paul Introduce Bill to Reduce Red Tape for Maine Farmers", "2025-07-28", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY) have introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for small farms and ranches to provide locally produced meats to consumers. As beef prices in the United States hit record highs, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act would give individual states the freedom to permit intrastate distribution of custom-slaughtered meat such as beef, pork, goat or lamb to consumers, restaurants, hotels, boarding houses and grocery stores. Custom-slaughter facilities are annually inspected facilities \u2014 Maine\u2019s state standards are \u201cat least equal to\u201d federal government standards \u2014 that process safe, and clean meat from small farms for private consumption, but are not currently allowed to make public sales.\n\n\u201cMaine farmers should not face redundant barriers when it comes to meeting increased demand for fresh, locally produced meats,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe PRIME Act would put a stop to unnecessary federal regulations by empowering states to regulate the processing and local sale of meat. This bipartisan legislation is a solid step toward restoring a measure of commonsense to the process, supporting Maine\u2019s farmers and bolstering the local foods movement, all while protecting consumer safety. If Maine or Kentucky wants to let a farm sell fresh, tested, safe meat in their communities using a custom slaughterhouse and proven methods, the federal government doesn\u2019t need to get involved.\u201d\n\nUnder current law, farmers and ranchers must have their animals processed at a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified facility to sell their product commercially. However, many states such as Maine have a limited amount of USDA-approved processing facilities, which are often at capacity. This makes it expensive and time-consuming for farmers to transport their animals, sometimes across the state or even out of state when they intend to sell the meat to their neighbors. The PRIME Act would give states the authority to allow meat from custom-slaughter facilities to be sold for general consumption. This would help relieve the significant shortage of processing capacity and allow small farms, ranches, and slaughterhouses to significantly increase sales.\n\nIn addition to Senators King and Paul, cosponsors include Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Mike Lee (R-UT). Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.\n\nSenator King is a staunch advocate for the Maine agriculture industry. Earlier this year, Senator King cosponsored the Honor Farmer Contracts Act which released withheld federal funding and allocated it back to farmers as Congress had intended. He is an original sponsor of the bipartisan Dairy PRIDE Act which combats the mislabeling of non-dairy products and requires accurate labeling of dairy and non-dairy products as mislabeling is harmful to dairy farmers selling their products in a crowded marketplace. Senator King also cosponsored the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give milk producers a greater voice in dairy pricing. Additionally, Senator King is an annual cosponsor of the federal \u2018National Dairy Month\u2019 resolution. Earlier this year, he introduced the bipartisan Innovative Feed Enhance and Economic Development (FEED) Act to help cut red tape in the livestock feed sector.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-rounds-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-crack-down-on-trespassing-on-sensitive-government-property", "King, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Trespassing on Sensitive Government Property", "2025-07-25", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), have introduced legislation to better ensure access to U.S. Intelligence Community property is only available to authorized personnel. The bipartisan Intelligence Community Property Security Act would strengthen the penalty for trespassing on sensitive property under the jurisdiction of the Intelligence Community.\n\nCurrently, Title 18 of United States Code \u2014 which outlines laws pertaining to crimes and criminal procedures \u2014 does not express address criminal incursions onto U.S. intelligence sites. The bill would revise criminal penalties to address the severity of the crime, and the pointed threat repeat offenders pose to U.S. national security interests.\n\n\u201cThe 21st century threat landscape is complicated, but there are some simple and straightforward steps we can take to protect our security and operations \u2014 like make sure that our Intelligence Community facilities are not compromised by unauthorized trespassers,\u201d said King. \u201cThe bipartisan Intelligence Community Property Security Act would take action to strengthen the penalties for bad actors and offenders attempting to intrude on intelligence sites. It\u2019s commonsense legislation that will help better protect American people and interests.\u201d\n\n\u201cHaving unauthorized personnel trespassing onto some of our nation\u2019s most sensitive sites presents a grave national security risk. We can\u2019t take these offenses lightly,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cOur legislation would strengthen the punishment for repeated offenses and, in turn, better deter those bad actors who may try to infringe on these properties. Now more than ever, it\u2019s critical to protect our intelligence sites from foreign adversaries.\u201d\n\nA member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues. In addition to his committee work, Senator King serves on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group, and is co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission \u2014 which has had dozens of recommendations become law. Earlier this year, he joined fellow Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) colleagues in writing a letter to the White House about the risks to national security by allowing unvetted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff and representatives to access classified and sensitive government materials.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-criticizes-va-nominee-for-harmful-ready-fire-aim-contract-terminations", "King Criticizes VA Nominee for Harmful \u201cReady, Fire, Aim\u201d Contract Terminations", "2025-07-24", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), questioned a Trump Administration nominee about the reckless approach it\u2019s taking to contract and staff reductions at the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA). In his exchange with John Bartrum, Nominee to be Under Secretary for Health, King reasoned that it is virtually impossible to make dramatic, across-the-board reductions with thought, care and precision while protecting care for veterans because of the speed in which the reductions are happening.\n\nSenator King began, \u201cI\u2019ve done a little examination, this is full of contracts for nursing services, nursing home services you mentioned prosthetics, probably a dozen prosthetics contracts being canceled. It is hard for me to believe that all of these are unnecessary contracts. $13 billion worth of contracts. It worries me is that there seems to be a pattern of ready, fire, aim at Veterans\u2019 Affairs. You started with hiring freeze applying to everybody, then, oh no, it doesn't apply to medical people. That was a good decision, but it should not have been, it shouldn't have been made in the first place. Then it was 83,000 people are going to be fired by the end of the year, now it is 30,000, not fired, but we are going to downsize by 30,000. And I just wonder if upon review, I can't believe all 16,000 of these contracts, and then the email, of course, lists three or four ones that we would all say, okay, those probably aren\u2019t necessary but prosthetics contracts, nursing contracts, nursing home contracts, it really bothers me. Mr. Bartrum, you mentioned we don't have a good staffing model. That may well be true, but I think you should start with the staffing model and then decide what the right size of the staff is. Not start with 30,000 or a month ago, it was 83,000 and work backwards. Do you see what I'm saying? Analyze the staff, do the staffing model, determine what you need and then make those decisions instead of starting with what amounts to a quota, and reverse engineering. Give me some thoughts about that.\n\n\u201cSenator King, I don't disagree with the way using analytics to determine what you need for staffing, building to the staffing, which is why my earlier comment was, I really want to work on our staffing and what the staffing should be. On your question about the contracts, a lot of those we also found that we had multiple contracts in multiple areas for similar things and we could also consolidate into more regional and national contracts. Where you see some contracts that might be terminated on the list, there may be additional contracts expanded out or scope changed to renegotiate it into a regional contract because you have the same contractor in some cases providing service in certain areas,\u201d Bartrum replied.\n\nSenator King replied, \u201cIt is hard for me to believe in the time we have had in the last few months, this list of 16,000 contracts has had the kind of careful review that, I will predict, that a month or two from now there will be another memo saying, well, there are a bunch of contracts we are not going to cut or eliminate. I want to see more planning before the decisions are made that could so significantly affect veteran care.\u201d\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans\u2019 personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his \u201cDepartment of Government Efficiency\u201d (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans\u2019 medical records stored in VA\u2019s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.\n\nRecently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d Senator King also recently joined his colleagues in raising concerns over proposed plans to terminate 83,000 VA employees, and participated in a special investigative SVAC hearing to question witnesses who were terminated due to DOGE cuts. In May, Senators King and Blumenthal wrote again to Secretary Collins demanding an explanation for DOGE cuts to cancel contracts at VA that would impact health care for Maine veterans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-presses-navy-nominee-for-certainty-on-shipbuilding-defense-contracts", "King Presses Navy Nominee for Certainty on Shipbuilding, Defense Contracts", "2025-07-24", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today pressed the U.S. Navy for a firmer commitment to long-term shipbuilding plans at shipyards like Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard \u2013 plans that would give Maine communities and defense contractors greater predictability. In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), King pressed Admiral Daryl Caudle, the nominee for Chief of Naval Operations, about his desire to maintain these long-term plans to allow the shipyards hire and maintain their workforces.\n\nSenator King began, \u201cWe talked about industrial base. It was touched upon. One of the things that has been missing, isn\u2019t on your watch, is a 30-year shipbuilding plan. We always talk about the industrial base. One of the things the industrial base needs is a consistent demand signal. Part of that is a 30-year ship building plan that says to the private sector, here are the ships we are planning to build, here\u2019s the schedule, here's is what we are looking for in terms of the modern Navy. I hope that can be one of the things you attend to on your watch, producing that overdue 30-year shipbuilding plan.\n\n\u201cWell Senator, I often joke at my office that you cannot change a 30-year ship building plan every year. That is called a one-year ship building plan,\u201d Admiral Caudle jokingly replied.\n\nSenator King promptly responded, \u201cAnd that\u2019s what we have had.\u201d\n\n\u201cYes sir. Changing year 31 is okay, but not year 1. You have my commitment on that, and I am a big fan of multiyear procurement, incremental funding, multi-ship buy, anything that can stabilize our precious private and public workforce with clear planning demand signal I am an advocate for,\u201d Admiral Caudle said.\n\n\u201cThat is absolutely a very important observation. As you say, the consistent demand signal allows the ship building community to hire and maintain their workforce. We cannot have troughs in terms of the demand,\u201d Senator King concluded.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King has championed funding for both Bath Iron Works (BIW) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). Recently, Senator King and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, discussed the importance of utilizing lessons from the private sector to maintain best practices for ship designing, building, and maintenance. Last year, he strongly urged Mr. Frederick J. Stefany, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition to prioritize long-term investments in the defense industrial base \u2013 including Bath Iron Works\u2014to avoid a \u2018trough\u2019 between contracted work, resulting in a likely loss of workers and threatening American national security.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-calling-on-us-senate-to-ratify-global-ocean-governing-agreement", "King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Calling on U.S. Senate to Ratify Global Ocean Governing Agreement", "2025-07-23", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, has introduced a bipartisan resolution urging the U.S. Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS, which has been ratified by 170 parties, defines the rights and responsibilities of nations regarding the world\u2019s oceans \u2014 including guidelines for businesses and the management of marine natural resources \u2014 and provides a legal framework to protect those rights while avoiding conflict.\n\n\u201cAmerica is an Arctic Nation, but as we fail to assert our rights on the global stage, we allow rival countries to seize opportunities in our maritime territory that should rightfully be ours,\u201d said U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator Angus King (I-ME). \u201cSigning on to the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea would give us our rightful seat at the table for international conversations about territorial rights, navigation, environmental protections and economic opportunities \u2014 especially in the race for critical minerals that will unlock our technological future. Every military official and diplomatic appointee I have met with has said that America joining the Law of the Sea Treaty would assist in advancing America\u2019s interests, increase our supply chain resilience, and strengthen our national security. The High North offers historical possibilities for America\u2019s future, but we are holding ourselves back by standing still.\u201d\n\nUNCLOS \u2014 sometimes referred to as the \u201cconstitution of the oceans\u201d \u2014 is a comprehensive legal framework governing all uses of the world\u2019s oceans and seas, and their resources. It also allows for further development of specific areas of the law of the sea. It is the globally recognized framework for dealing with all matters relating to the law of the sea, governing areas including, but not limited to, environmental control, marine scientific research, economic and commercial activities, and the settlement of disputes relating to ocean matters. Without American agreement to the treaty, the United States cannot enforce their maritime boundaries and rights against nations like China, Japan, and India investing in icebreakers and other High North hardware.\n\nThe treaty was opened for signature on December 10, 1982, and was entered into force on November 16, 1994. The United States signed UNCLOS on July 29, 1994, but the U.S. Senate has not yet voted to ratify the treaty, despite urging from environmental, scientific, labor, and industry organizations.\n\nIn addition to Senator King, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Todd Young (R-IN). The full text of the resolution is available here.\n\nAs Co-Chair of the U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus, Senator King is an advocate for Maine and America\u2019s interests in the North Atlantic and Arctic region \u2014 with Maine being the first port in the contiguous 48 states that will see increased traffic via activity in northern waters. Along with Caucus co-chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), King introduced the Arctic Commitment Act in 2022 to improve America\u2019s posture and opportunities in the Arctic. He has been calling for the appointment of an Arctic Ambassador since 2015, and pushed for the confirmation of the first Arctic Ambassador last year. King also laid out the challenges and opportunities of a warming arctic in an article in the Wilson Quarterly, and in last year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act, he successfully secured the inclusion of provisions including funding authorizations for University of Maine to increase America\u2019s activity and opportunities in the Far North. Earlier this year, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King warned the Commander of the United States European Command of the \u201clooming threat\u201d of Arctic aggression.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-to-witness-electric-bills-in-maine-are-rising-storage-and-transmission-solutions-should-be-pursued", "King to Witness: Electric Bills in Maine are Rising, Storage and Transmission Solutions Should Be Pursued", "2025-07-23", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke about the rising costs of electric bills in Maine and the path forward to address these rising costs via transmission upgrades and battery storage for renewable energy sources. In his exchange with Rob Gramlich, the President of Grid Strategies LLC, King highlighted that while battery storage capabilities exist today, the demand is only growing greater. King also shared that by simply upgrading existing transmission lines, the United States can lower the cost of home energy in places like Maine.\n\nSenator King began, \u201cThe word transmission has come up numerous times a day and how important it is and what an important part it is of this discussion. Unfortunately, this morning, the Department of Energy terminated a loan program for a major interregional transmission system in the Midwest. So, here we are talking about how important transmission is, and here is the Department of Energy \u2013 and it was not a grant, it was a loan guarantee program. I just think the timing is somewhat ironic.\n\n\u201cWe all know that solar and wind are intermittent. We understand that [and] everybody knows that. I was in the hydro business, that is also intermittent. It doesn't always rain. As well as wind, biomass and large-scale conservation. What is really happening is really dramatic in terms of energy storage,\u201d Senator King continued. \u201cIf you have adequate energy storage, solar and wind are baseload, because you have something to make up the difference. I used AI \u2026 to check on where we are on batteries. As of five minutes ago, the U.S. added a record 10.4 gigawatts of utility scale battery storage in 2024, marking a 66% increase from the prior year. In 2025, the EIA anticipates a record-setting year with another 18 gigawatts of utility scale battery storage on the grid. Looking ahead, the EIA forecast the U.S. battery storage will nearly double, reaching 65 gigawatts by the end of 2026.\n\nSenator King continued, \u201cIn other words, the battery industry is no longer a fantasy or a distant dream. It is happening right now in a very substantial scale. As you point out come Mr. Gramlich, it saved the day in Texas and California, and is already working, the idea of integrating batteries with solar and wind. Let me talk for a minute though about transformation. Mr. Gramlich, this is what worries me, it used to be an electric bill in Maine was 25% transmission and distribution and 75 source of energy. It is now about 50/50 and transmission is getting more and more expensive. Everybody knows we have to rebuild the grid. My concern it\u2019s going to be done in an expensive way that will add dramatically to ratepayers\u2019 cost. Mr. Gramlich, you are nodding. I take it you agree. The record doesn\u2019t show nodding.\n\nGramlich responded, \u201cAbsolutely. We are doing transmission in sometimes the most expensive way possible now and we can change that.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to deliver carefully considered, timely approvals of sorely-needed clean energy projects. Senator King has also been one of the Senate\u2019s most vocal advocates for improving energy storage technologies and development and worked to include significant storage investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Most recently, Senator King reiterated the importance of an \u201call of the above\u201d energy policy strategy during an ENR hearing considering the nominations of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-more-than-205-million-for-economic-development-projects-across-maine", "Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $20.5 Million for Economic Development Projects Across Maine", "2025-07-23", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King announced that 29 Maine organizations will receive a total of $20,588,173 to support important development projects. The funding comes from the Northern Border Regional Commission\u2019s (NBRC) Fiscal Year 2025 Catalyst Program and Timber for Transit Program and will support projects aimed at strengthening economic opportunity in communities across 13 Maine counties.\n\n\u201cThe NBRC has long helped provide rural regions with the economic tools they need to prosper,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cThis funding will help improve water infrastructure and roadways in communities across our state while strengthening our workforce and creating economic opportunities for Mainers.\u201d\n\nThe recipients of the Catalyst Program funding are as follows:\n\nBoothbay Region Water District - $1,000,000\n\nCity of Gardiner - $1,000,000\n\nMount Desert Island Hospital - $1,000,000\n\nPresque Isle Utilities District - $1,000,000\n\nTown of Waldoboro - $1,000,000\n\nRegional Medical Center at Lubec - $800,000\n\nCherryfield Town Square - $500,000\n\nEastern Maine Development Corporation - $500,000\n\nFriends of the Mountain - $500,000\n\nMain Street Skowhegan - $500,000\n\nMaine Department of Labor - $500,000\n\nMaine Outdoor Brands - $500,000\n\nParis Utility District - $500,000\n\nThe Harry E. Davis Partnership for Children's Oral Health - $499,613\n\nAssociated General Contractors of Maine - $497,961\n\nTown of Thomaston - $497,640\n\nMaine Community College System - $497,537\n\nTown of Beals - $482,236\n\nArnold Trail Snowmobile Network - $403,409\n\nGrowSmart Maine - $388,700\n\nRangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce - $303,150\n\nMidcoast Council of Governments - $300,000\n\nBangor Children's Home d.b.a. Hilltop School - $227,735\n\nIsland Institute - $181,712\n\nTown of North Haven - $100,000\n\nThe recipients of the Timber for Transit Program funding are as follows:\n\nTown of Island Falls - $2,808,000\n\nCity of Presque Isle - $2,500,000\n\nUniversity of Maine, Orono Campus - $1,000,000\n\nInland Woods and Trails - $600,480\n\nA detailed description of all funded projects can be read here.\n\nThe NBRC was established by Congress in 2008, with Senator Collins\u2019 and King\u2019s support, to fund a broad range of development projects in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York aimed at alleviating economic distress and encouraging private sector job creation. In 2023, Senator Collins introduced and Senator King co-sponsored a bill to reauthorize and strengthen the NBRC.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-prohibit-sharing-of-personal-data-of-daca-program-applicants-with-immigration-officials", "King Cosponsors Bill to Prohibit Sharing of Personal Data of DACA Program Applicants with Immigration Officials", "2025-07-22", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has joined legislation to prohibit the sharing of sensitive personal data, like taxpayer and health information, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act would provide a statutory guarantee to current and prospective Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program applicants, also known as Dreamers, that the private information they provide in their applications will not be used against them. This comes as the Trump Administration increases information sharing to advance its mass deportation agenda.\n\nThe Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act will prohibit the DHS Secretary from disclosing information included in an individual\u2019s application for the DACA program to law enforcement agencies, including ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for any purpose other than the implementation of the DACA program, with limited exceptions.\n\n\u201cDreamers are productive, established members of our community woven into the fabric of our lives; neighbors and friends that go to school, work at the local store, and contribute honestly to American society no matter the passport they hold,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cThe Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act would allow thousands of law-abiding Dreamers to continue living their lives and making contributions to society without fear of their personal information being misused by those enforcing the administration\u2019s misguided deportation agenda.\u201d\n\nSince 2012, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA, contributing an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power and paying $40 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes. In 2021, a federal district court judge paused the DACA program and prevented USCIS from approving any new DACA applications. In March 2025, however, a Fifth Circuit decision giving United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) the authority to start processing initial DACA applications from states other than Texas went into effect.\n\nLast month, the Trump Administration gave Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personal data, including immigration status, on millions of Medicaid enrollees and announced it would require some undocumented immigrants to register with DHS. The Administration also finalized an agreement giving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to taxpayer data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, the Administration\u2019s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently gained access to key immigration databases, including the Executive Office for Immigration Review\u2019s (EOIR) Courts and Appeals System (ECAS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services\u2019 (USCIS) Data Business Intelligence Services, which contains information on noncitizens who have applied for DACA, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) Unaccompanied Alien Children portal.\n\nSpecifically, the Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act will:\n\nDirect the DHS Secretary to protect the information included in an individual\u2019s application to the DACA program from disclosure to ICE, CBP, and any other law enforcement agency for any purpose other than the implementation of the DACA program;\n\nProhibit the DHS Secretary from referring anyone with deferred enforcement protections pursuant to the DACA program to ICE, CBP, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and any other law enforcement agency; and\n\nProvide limited exceptions for when an individual\u2019s application information may be shared with national security and law enforcement agencies, namely:\n\nTo identify or prevent fraudulent claims;\n\nFor particularized national security concerns; and\n\nFor the investigation or prosecution of a felony, provided that the felony in question is not related to the applicant\u2019s immigration status.\n\nIn addition to King, this bill is cosponsored by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Brian Schatz (D-HI), John Fetterman (D-PA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Jack Reed (D-RI), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT).\n\nSenator King is a strong opponent of the Trump Administration\u2019s continued efforts to repeal protections for DACA recipients. He has repeatedly sought a legislative solution to provide stability for DACA recipients. Most recently, he sent a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Angelica Alfonso-Royals, highlighting the popular support for providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship and request that the Trump Administration comply with the recent Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling to resume processing applications for DACA. Previously, Senator King joined a group of his Senate colleagues in a letter urging former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to immediately take up the bipartisan House-passed American Dream and Promise Act, which would establish a path to citizenship for Dreamers and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). In addition, King led a bipartisan proposal with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) that would have provided legislative protections for Dreamers.\n\nA one-page summary of the bill is here.\n\nThe text of the bill is here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-to-africa-command-nominee-were-taking-our-eye-off-the-terrorism-ball", "King to Africa Command Nominee: \u201cWe\u2019re Taking Our Eye off the Terrorism Ball\u201d", "2025-07-22", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) questioned a Trump Administration nominee about his thoughts on the current role of ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups within the African region. In his exchange with Air Force Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, nominee to be general and Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), King asked if America\u2019s focus on Asian nations in the Pacific is undercutting its ability to root out and counter terrorism in Africa and the Middle East.\n\n\u201cGeneral Anderson, one of the things that concerns me, and it relates somewhat to the aid question, but more generally is the rise of terrorism. And you mentioned September 11th. That was 19 people, and my concern is with our so-called pivot to the Indo-Pacific we're taking our eye off the terrorism ball. Could you share with us the thoughts about the status of Al Qaeda and ISIS in Africa, and what we should be watching out for and being concerned of?\u201d Senator King asked.\n\n\u201cYes, Senator, I appreciate that concern, and if confirmed, I will definitely make this a priority to assess as it's been four years since I was at SOCAFRICA [Special Operations Command Africa],\u201d General Anderson responded. \u201cWith that said though, we have seen the terrorist groups move much of their operations into the ungoverned spaces of Africa, both ISIS and Al-Qaeda. We're seeing ISIS active in Somalia as well as in West Africa \u2013 ISIS West Africa. AQIM [Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb] and their affiliate, JNIM [Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin], are also very active in the Sahel, both with intent to attack US interests.\u201d\n\nGeneral Anderson continued, \u201cWhether or not they have that capability is not clear. And so, to your point, one of the greatest concerns we have is having enough resources and enough relationships to be able to understand how these threats are progressing. So, we have an adequate amount of indicators and warnings and we know what the threat to the United States could be so we could take action. The access is also critical with our partners to understand what's happening with these threats, and I would also say what is happening with some of the other powers there, and how they may be working with them or maybe not acting in our interests, so that we can understand what the threat landscape is on the continent.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security, foreign policy issues, and an active, vocal supporter of the importance of democratic values and defeating terrorism. Senator King traveled to the Middle East last month, to get a closer look at the threats to stability in the region, calling for continued American engagement in the region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/protecting-veterans-from-claim-sharks-senator-king-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-fight-unaccredited-claims-representatives", "Protecting Veterans from \u201cClaim Sharks,\u201d Senator King and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Fight Unaccredited Claims Representatives", "2025-07-21", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), has introduced legislation to protect veterans from unaccredited claims representatives seeking to defraud them of their benefits. The VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to warn veterans more effectively about unaccredited VA claims representatives, or \u201cclaim sharks.\u201d\n\nClaim sharks are unaccredited agents or companies that charge veterans fees, usually between $5,000 and $20,000, to help them file their initial VA benefits claims\u2014a service that is supposed to be free to veterans. Unfortunately, because these actors operate outside the bounds of VA regulations, the VA has little authority to go after them. The VA is currently required to warn veterans about unaccredited claims representatives on its websites, but only after veterans log in to their VA benefits accounts. This approach limits the reach and efficacy of the notice requirement, increasing the risk that some veterans may not see the warning until after they have already begun working with unaccredited claims agents.\n\n\u201cVeterans in Maine and across the country rely every day on accredited veteran claims representatives for assistance with filing disability claims,\u201d said King. \u201cHowever, there are bad actors who proactively prey on veterans, offering assistance while illegally charging them high costs for services that Veterans Service Organizations perform for free. The VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act would require the VA to more aggressively warn veterans about unaccredited agents who are scamming our men and women who served. This commonsense legislation is a simple way to help protect veterans from predatory companies and ensure they receive their earned benefits.\u201d\n\nThe VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act would address this shortcoming by requiring the VA to post warnings on its public-facing websites, without requiring veterans to first create or log in to an account. The legislation would also require the VA to include a warning discouraging veterans from sharing their VA account or bank account log-in credentials with unaccredited agents, as many claim sharks deduct their \u201cfees\u201d from veterans\u2019 benefits.\n\nJoining King on the legislation are Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nAs a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Senator King has worked to ensure America\u2019s veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs, such as the PACT Act and the John Scott Hannon Act. In the past, he has cosponsored the Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act to create criminal penalties for organizations that charge unauthorized fees to help veterans file disability claims with the VA \u2013 an action prohibited under current law, but one that does not carry any criminal charges. He has also sent letters to VA leadership urging the department to enforce existing protections for veterans filing for disability benefits.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-increase-access-to-affordable-childcare-in-maine", "King, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Increase Access to Affordable Childcare in Maine", "2025-07-18", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining legislation to lower childcare costs and address the nationwide shortage of affordable childcare. The Child Care for Working Families Act is comprehensive legislation that would put a cap on childcare costs for working families, address childcare deserts by providing grants to open new facilities, support higher wages for childcare workers, provide comprehensive funding for Head Start to provide full-day, full-year programming, and expand access to pre-K programs.\n\nIncluded in the legislation is a provision that would enable the typical family in America to pay less than $15 a day for childcare\u2014with many families paying nothing at all\u2014and no eligible family paying more than 7% of their income on childcare.\n\n\u201cAffordable and accessible childcare is one of the most pressing needs for working families in Maine and across the nation, and it presents a huge hurdle to mothers and fathers who want to enter the workforce,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Child Care for Working Families Act would provide ample resources for communities across the country to support childcare options that are open for the full day and don\u2019t break the bank. When families have access to care, they can succeed as parents and professionals.\u201d\n\nThe average cost of childcare is now $13,128\u2014a 29% increase since 2020 that outpaces inflation. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, the average annual costs of child care for two children exceeds median rent\u2014and in 41 states and the District of Columbia, the cost of care for one infant exceeds in-state university tuition. The crisis costs the U.S. economy over $100 billion each year. An estimated 18,000 people in Maine are currently out of the labor force due to a lack of child care, while the child care crisis costs Maine nearly $403 million in annual costs.\n\nMore specifically, the Child Care for Working Families Act will:\n\nMake childcare affordable for working families.\n\nThe typical family earning the state median income will pay less than $15 a day for childcare.\n\nNo working family will pay more than seven percent of their income on childcare.\n\nFamilies earning below 85% of state median income will pay nothing at all for childcare.\n\nIf a state does not choose to receive funding under this program, the Secretary can provide funds to localities, such as cities, counties, local governments, districts, or Head Start agencies.\n\nImprove the quality and supply of childcare for all children and expand families\u2019 childcare options by:\n\nAddressing childcare deserts by providing grants to help open new childcare providers in underserved communities.\n\nProviding grants to cover start-up and licensing costs to help establish new providers.\n\nIncreasing childcare options for children who receive care during non-traditional hours.\n\nSupporting childcare for children who are dual-language learners, children who are experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care.\n\nSupport higher wages for childcare workers.\n\nChildcare workers would be paid a living wage and achieve parity with elementary school teachers who have similar credentials and experience.\n\nChildcare subsidies would cover the cost of providing high-quality care.\n\nDramatically expand access to high-quality pre-K.\n\nStates would receive funding to establish and expand a mixed-delivery system of high-quality preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds.\n\nStates must prioritize establishing and expanding universal local preschool programs within and across high-need communities.\n\nIf a state does not choose to receive funding under this program, the Secretary can provide funds to localities, such as cities, counties, local governments, districts, or Head Start agencies.\n\nBetter support Head Start programs by providing the funding necessary to offer full-day, full-year programming and increasing wages for Head Start workers.\n\nIn addition to King, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-MN), Corey Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-WI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nSenator King has long worked to expand access to childcare. He secured millions to improve child care services in the 2022 and 2023 omnibus appropriations bills, and worked to authorize the planning and development of a new child development center at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He is also the cosponsor of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act, which would permanently expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit that helps households offset their childcare costs. Most recently, he joined bipartisan legislation to lower childcare costs and address the nationwide shortage of affordable childcare. The Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act would provide competitive grants for states to train childcare workers and build or renovate childcare facilities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-king-collins-smith-introduce-bill-to-combat-lyme-and-other-tick-borne-diseases", "Senators King, Collins, Smith Introduce Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases", "2025-07-16", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) today introduced legislation to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, their landmark legislation to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases, which became law in 2019. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joins them as an original co-sponsor. The Kay Hagan Tick Act unites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Confirmed cases of Lyme disease reached a record number in Maine \u2013 3,035 \u2013 last year. Senators Collins and Smith named their bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) who passed away on October 28th, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus.\n\n\u201cOur state has been battling diseases like Lyme for decades, so it is critical we continue to invest in our research and understanding of these vector-borne diseases to better protect Maine residents and visitors,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Kay Hagan Tick Act will further the prevention efforts that keep us safe by funding research, testing and diagnostics along with resources for improved data collection. I am proud to work on this critical bipartisan legislation that will help mitigate this long-term public health threat for the future safety and health of all Maine people.\u201d\n\n\u201cLast year, Maine reported over 3,000 cases of Lyme disease\u2014a record in our state. The reauthorization of our Tick Act is urgently needed to continue to support those who struggle with Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses and keep improving research, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention for these terrible diseases,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cResources from the Tick Act have led to exciting developments such as the first-ever clinical trial for a Lyme disease vaccine for people, which is underway right now at the MaineHealth Institute for Research.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy home state of Minnesota is proud to have more than 10,000 lakes and thousands of rivers for us to enjoy, and we\u2019re always especially eager to get outside after a long winter,\u201d said Senator Smith. \u201cUnfortunately, the number of Lyme disease cases in the state\u2014and states across the country\u2014is on the rise. This bill would empower regional centers to lead the response against these diseases and expanded the federal government\u2019s role in researching, testing and treating these diseases. For the sake of Americans\u2019 health and well-being, we need to keep moving this bill forward.\u201d\n\n\"Reauthorizing the Kay Hagan Tick Act will continue the nation's coordinated framework for tick-borne disease surveillance, diagnostics, and prevention\u201d, said Griffin Dill, Director of the University of Maine Tick Lab. Continued support means earlier detection, targeted interventions, and fewer families facing the physical and financial burden of Lyme disease and other emerging infections. Through this investment, Congress can ensure a proactive approach to safeguarding our communities from increasing threats related to ticks.\"\n\n\u201cWith an estimated 500,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year, it is critical that the United States is equipped to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to this growing public health threat,\u201d said Bonnie Crater, co-founder and board member at Center for Lyme Action. \u201cWe applaud the foundation laid by the Kay Hagan Tick Act, which established the National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in Humans and we are committed to working with Congress and federal agencies to ensure this strategy is fully implemented and strengthened. We commend Senator Collins, Senator King, and Senator Smith for their bipartisan leadership in advancing the reauthorization of this vital legislation to protect the health and safety of Americans nationwide.\u201d\n\nUsing a three-pronged approach, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would:\n\nRequire the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue implementing and updating, as appropriate, its National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People. This strategy has been integral in expanding research into tick-borne diseases, improving testing and diagnostics, and coordinating efforts across the federal government.\n\nReauthorize Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years. Funding for these centers, which was allotted in 2017, expires this year. These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S. There are four centers located at universities in California, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin.\n\nReauthorize CDC Grants to State Health Departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness. These awards would help states continue to build a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other vector-borne diseases and amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships.\n\nIn May, Senator Collins delivered the opening remarks at the Center for Lyme Action Congressional Series and spoke to the need for continued federal funding for tick-borne disease research. Click here to watch and here to download her remarks. Senator Collins has also urged leading health officials to continue to support the development of treatment for these illnesses, including the clinical trials currently ongoing in Maine for the first Lyme disease vaccine for people.\n\nSenator King is a longtime advocate for the elimination of vector-borne diseases. His SMASH Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize critical public health tools that support states and localities in their mosquito surveillance and control efforts, especially those linked to mosquitos that carry the Zika virus, and improve the nation\u2019s preparedness for Zika and other mosquito-borne threats like West Nile virus, chikungunya, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (\u201ctriple-e\u201d) virus was signed into law in 2019. A re-authorization of SMASH was introduced in 2023 and included in the Pandemic All-Hazards Preparedness Act Reauthorization.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bad-policy-to-downright-dangerous-king-says-on-floor-in-preparation-for-vote-on-recissions-legislation", "\u2018Bad Policy to Downright Dangerous,\u2019 King says on Floor in Preparation for Vote on Recissions Legislation", "2025-07-15", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today spoke on the Senate floor against the \u2018Recissions Package\u2019 currently being considered by the governing body. This legislation aims to remove Congressionally-approved funding from critical public services including, but not limited to, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) which helps to fund Maine Public broadcasting and public interest newsgathering nationwide, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) which leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage and directs and coordinates the world\u2019s response to health emergencies before they can pose a threat to American lives.\n\nMore specifically, King made the point that this bill is a further abdication of congressional authority to fund national priorities, also known in the Constitution as \u201cthe power of the purse.\u201d\n\nEarly in the speech, King highlighted the importance of public broadcasting and its impact on the American people.\n\nKing began, \u201cPublic broadcasting has a unique place in the United States and our media environment in that it is the only media form not driven by advertising and advertising dollars. It cannot be driven by ratings. It therefore is able to provide programming to the American people that they probably almost certainly would not have access to otherwise. It wouldn't simply find a home on commercial broadcasting because the ratings wouldn't be there, but that doesn't mean the programming isn't important.\n\nKing then spoke about international interests that have wide-ranging effects on the health and safety of people here at home.\n\n\u201cVaccination campaigns, food security, nutrition programs, disaster response, refugee support. This aligns with our American values. As I say, it's a relatively small part of the budget. It helps to stabilize fragile states. It cuts the risk of extremism and terrorism and conflict. And James Mattis put it best. General James Mattis, one of the most distinguished military officers of our time, said, \u2018If you don't fund the state department fully, then you're going to have to buy me more bullets.\u2019 That puts it most succinctly, you're going to have to buy me more bullets, because the programs of USAID tend to stabilize the world and mitigate the tendency toward extremism and violence. And since we have started to gut A.I.D., which was one of the first actions of this administration in January and February, China has stepped into our shoes,\u201d King continued.\n\nKing concluded the speech by speaking about the critical separation of powers that is \u2018melting away.\u2019\n\n\u201cAll of those checks and balances which has become a kind of cliche are there for a fundamental reason, and that's to protect our liberty. To protect us from the danger of power being concentrated in one set of hands. Now the framers thought that they didn't have to worry about this, having set up the Constitution the way they did, because they said never will the Congress give up its power. The term they used was ambition must be made to counteract ambition. That there would be institutional rivalry and we would never give up. They didn't reckon on parties. They didn't reckon on party primaries. They didn't reckon on the executive having such sway with the legislative branch that the checks and balances essentially have melted away.\u201d King concluded.\n\nSenator King has been consistently sounding the alarm on President Donald Trump\u2019s existential threat to the Constitution, and the need for Congress to assert its institutional role. Most recently, he invoked former Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith calling on his Republican colleagues to stand up to the President\u2019s threats to democracy. King previously gave a speech on the Senate floor sharing that this administration is doing \u2018exactly what the Framers [of the Constitution] most feared\u201d and a speech where he shared his growing concerns over the Trump Administration\u2019s usurpation of Congressional authority. Senator King also previously declared that the proposal to halt all federal grant and loan disbursement was illegal and a direct assault on the Constitution. More recently, he joined 36 Senators in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sharing the detrimental effects of the Trump Administration\u2019s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He also joined fellow Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) colleagues in writing a letter to the White House about the risks to national security by allowing unvetted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff and representatives to access classified and sensitive government materials.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-press-for-answers-on-striking-inconsistency-of-immigration-policies-for-afghans-living-in-the-us", "King, Colleagues Press for Answers on \u201cStriking Inconsistency\u201d of Immigration Policies for Afghans Living in the U.S.", "2025-07-15", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King and a number of his Senate colleagues are pressing the White House for clarity on their shifting immigration policies for Afghans living in the United States. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King and his colleagues point out that the justifications for the decisions to implement a large-scale travel ban, which applies to Afghanistan, and terminate Temporary Protected Status, conflict with one another. Many of these Afghan nationals played essential, life-saving roles in supporting American servicemembers during the war in Afghanistan over two decades.\n\nAfghanistan remains gripped by violence and instability; the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), continues to launch attacks against ethnic and religious minorities and against the Taliban, leading to innocent civilian casualties. If Afghan nationals are forced to return to Afghanistan, many risk being caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and ISKP, threatening their human rights and freedoms. These risks are on top of retribution risks for Afghan nationals that supported American armed forces.\n\n\u201cWe write to you with deep concern over President Donald Trump\u2019s recently announced so-called travel ban and its striking inconsistency with the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s justification for termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. We respectfully request that you provide detailed information regarding the State Department\u2019s assessment of the conditions in Afghanistan to clarify the Trump Administration\u2019s position,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cAs you know, the U.S. visa vetting system is a multi-layered process involving extensive background checks, biometric data collection, interagency information sharing, and screening against a range of national security databases that works to keep residents of our country safe,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cAccording to the Brennan Center for Justice, \u201c[m]ore than 40 national security experts from across the political spectrum have unequivocally told courts that travelers to the U.S. should not be vetted on religious or national stereotypes, but rather on specific threat information.\u201d\n\nHighlighting the inconsistencies between the reasoning for including Afghanistan in the travel ban and ending the country\u2019s TPS designation, they wrote, \u201cThis [travel ban] determination appears to be at odds with the Trump Administration\u2019s stated position just weeks ago. May 12, 2025, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem announced that DHS was ending TPS for Afghanistan. The basis offered in the Federal Register notice for this decision was \u2018notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions.\u2019\n\n\u201cAs you are aware, many Afghan allies that received TPS stood shoulder to shoulder with American servicemembers for nearly two decades during the war in Afghanistan. Many fled to the United States out of fear of persecution by the Taliban or retaliation for such cooperation with the United States. It is unsafe for political targets of the Taliban to be forced to return against their will. TPS protections must be maintained for Afghan nationals in the United States,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn addition to King, the letter was signed by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nSenator King has long supported the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for America\u2019s Afghan allies who assisted the U.S. government during the war in Afghanistan \u2013 having written that the policy likely saved Afghans from \u201ca death sentence\u201d in Defense News. Most recently, he signed a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting answers on the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for those who served alongside America\u2019s military. King had also cosponsored the Afghan Allies Protection Act to increase the number of authorized visas for Afghan civilians who risked their lives to support the U.S. mission, remove extraneous paperwork requirements and improve the program\u2019s efficiency during the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Rubio:\n\nWe write to you with deep concern over President Donald Trump\u2019s recently announced so-called travel ban and its striking inconsistency with the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s justification for termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. We respectfully request that you provide detailed information regarding the State Department\u2019s assessment of the conditions in Afghanistan to clarify the Trump Administration\u2019s position.\n\nOn June 4, 2025, President Trump announced via a proclamation entitled \u201cRestricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats\u201d that he was imposing travel restrictions for foreign nationals entering the United States. Among the countries included in this proclamation is Afghanistan. Specifically, the proclamation bans most entry into the United States from Afghanistan, stating the following as justification:\n\n\u201cThe Taliban, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, controls Afghanistan. Afghanistan lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures.\u201d\n\nAs you know, the U.S. visa vetting system is a multi-layered process involving extensive background checks, biometric data collection, interagency information sharing, and screening against a range of national security databases that works to keep residents of our country safe. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, \u201c[m]ore than 40 national security experts from across the political spectrum have unequivocally told courts that travelers to the U.S. should not be vetted on religious or national stereotypes, but rather on specific threat information.\u201d Categorically banning foreign nationals from coming to the United States based on their country of origin is discriminatory and harmful to our nation\u2019s international relations and security interests.\n\nThe proclamation further states that you, as the Secretary of State, were directed to make this determination, in consultation with other members of the President\u2019s Cabinet including the Secretary of Homeland Security. Per the proclamation, you ultimately determined that \u201ca number of countries remain deficient with regards to screening and vetting,\u201d including the country of Afghanistan. Placing a blanket ban on another country\u2019s citizens is a severe action, and the title of the proclamation states that it is being done \u201cto protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats.\u201d This determination appears to be at odds with the Trump Administration\u2019s stated position just weeks ago. On May 12, 2025, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem announced that DHS was ending TPS for Afghanistan. The basis offered in the Federal Register notice for this decision was \u201cnotable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions.\u201d Specifically, the notice points to:\n\nthe totality of Taliban rule and lessening overt presence of ISIS-K and other various terrorist organizations;\n\na decrease in large-scale violence and humanitarian need;\n\na growing economy; and\n\nincreased tourism, with tourists \u201csharing their experiences on social media, highlighting the peaceful countryside, welcoming locals, and the cultural heritage.\n\nFurther, Secretary Noem found that \u201cpermitting Afghan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States.\u201d The Federal Register notice cited consultation with your Department in making this determination.\n\nThese seemingly incompatible recent decisions indicate a troubling lack of consistency in the Administration\u2019s analysis of country conditions in Afghanistan. Either Afghanistan is safe for the return of Afghan refugees and nationals that fled following the return of the Taliban to power or it is not.\n\nAccording to Human Rights Watch, in 2024, Taliban authorities intensified their crackdown on human rights, especially against women and girls, who are banned from attending secondary school or university and are unable to move freely. The Taliban also continues to detain and torture journalists, curtailing free speech and media. The 2023 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report covering Afghanistan found that women\u2019s rights rapidly declined and restrictions on freedom of expression increased. The horrific human rights conditions in Afghanistan are unsafe for Afghan nationals to return to and returning would put their personal safety at immediate risk. Additionally, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), continues to launch attacks against ethnic and religious minorities and against the Taliban, leading to innocent civilian casualties. If Afghan nationals are forced to return to Afghanistan, they will be caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and ISKP.\n\nAs you are aware, many Afghan allies that received TPS stood shoulder to shoulder with American servicemembers for nearly two decades during the war in Afghanistan. Many fled to the United States out of fear of persecution by the Taliban or retaliation for such cooperation with the United States. It is unsafe for political targets of the Taliban to be forced to return against their will. TPS protections must be maintained for Afghan nationals in the United States.\n\nWe would request that you immediately provide answers to the following questions:\n\nPlease provide detailed reports or information that the State Department is relying upon in advising the Department of Homeland Security and the White House as to the conditions in Afghanistan.\n\nHow can you assure Afghan nationals fearing persecution in Afghanistan that the Taliban will not retaliate against them based upon their relationship with the United States?\n\nCongress has a strong interest in understanding what information the Trump Administration is using to carry out its policies and how it is making national security decisions that impact all of our constituents. We look forward to receiving your response.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-on-potential-recissions-legislation-checks-and-balances-essentially-have-melted-away", "King on Potential Recissions Legislation: \u2018Checks and Balances Essentially have Melted Away\u2019", "2025-07-15", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today spoke on the Senate floor to speak on the Senate floor against the \u2018Recissions Package\u2019 currently being considered. This legislation aims to remove Congressionally-approved funding from critical public services including, but not limited to, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) which helps to fund Maine Public broadcasting and public interest newsgathering nationwide, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) which leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage and directs and coordinates the world\u2019s response to health emergencies before they can pose a threat to American lives.\n\nMore specifically, King made the point that this bill is a further abdication of congressional authority to fund national priorities, also known in the Constitution as \u201cthe power of the purse.\u201d\n\nThe full transcript of Senator King\u2019s floor speech from this morning is below.\n\n+++\n\n\u201cMr. President, I'd like to talk today about the rescission bill that will be coming before us in the next couple of days, and I want to really cover two points \u2013 what is being done in this bill, and how it's being done. I think they are equally important. In fact, I think perhaps how it is being done is more significant in the long run. The rescission bill talks about essentially two areas, public broadcasting, and USAID. In my view, the rescission, the total rescission of those two agencies, by the way \u2013it is a total rescission\u2014 it's not selective cutting of certain programs or partially, it's the whole thing, both in the corporation for public broadcasting and USAID, go from bad policy to downright dangerous, and I want to talk about that for a minute.\n\n\u201cPublic broadcasting has a unique place in the United States and our media environment in that it is the only media form not driven by advertising and advertising dollars. It cannot be driven by ratings. It therefore is able to provide programming to the American people that they probably almost certainly would not have access to otherwise. It wouldn't simply find a home on commercial broadcasting because the ratings wouldn't be there, but that doesn't mean the programming isn't important.\n\n\u201cMy kids were raised on \u2018Sesame Street.\u2019 It made a huge difference in their readiness to go to school, in their understanding of language and numbers, and the whole basis of our education system. \u2018Sesame Street\u2019 is a program that wouldn't find a home on commercial broadcasting. Likely, also with \"Nova\" with \"Nature\" and yes, the \"PBS Newshour.\"\n\n\u201cThe [corporate] news business today has become more entertainment because it's based upon advertising [and] attracting viewers and therefore is more inciteful. And I don\u2019t mean - I mean that c-i-t-e not s-i-g-h-t. More inciting to people's anger and unrest in order to keep them viewing. Whereas the PBS Newshour is pretty much straight news. It wouldn't get ratings on MSNBC or Fox News, but it provides a source of news both in terms of nationally, but also in each state.\n\n\u201cThe local national public radio \"All Things Considered\", those kinds of programming are essential to providing information. Now, some people may think it's biased. I don't think anything done by a human is going to be free of any and all bias, but it is pretty much straight news. And it's an asset to our communities, particularly our rural communities.\n\n\u201cAnd by the way, this isn't where we have federal dollars that are supporting all of these initiatives. In fact, the majority of the support for public broadcasting, both television and radio, comes from the public, from contributions. So, in effect, our federal dollars are matched to a very high degree by the public making their own contributions. That's an indication of how much the public values these wonderful assets to our information environment here in the country. And to cut off federal funding is just -- it's an essential piece of the funding. A lot of it goes to the local stations. We talk about the corporation for public broadcasting, we think of PBS and the national programs, but a lot of this funding ends up going to the local stations all over the country that provide essential sources of information to their public.\n\n\u201cBy the way, the costs we're talking about is ridiculously low. I did the calculation. The relationship between the cost of the public broadcasting to the federal budget is, let's see, it's seven cents to $10,000. That's the ratio. Seven cents out of $10,000. That's what we're talking about here, an almost immeasurable part of the federal budget, but the return on investment is enormous. It's enormous. If this were a gigantic $100 billion program, we'd be having a different kind of discussion, but this is a relatively small program in the context of the federal budget, with a very high return on investment to the American people.\n\n\u201cNow let's talk about USAID and the [majority] whip was just talking about that. He listed a number of projects that I think are questionable, that I don't necessarily support, but USAID is an essential part of our foreign policy to help to stabilize unstable parts of the world, to extend America's soft power, to build America's brand, and yes, to do some very essential projects. For example, in PEPFAR, which is an initiative of the George W. Bush administration, involving AIDS, the estimate is that that initiative since its beginning in 2005 has saved 25 million lives. 25 million lives were saved by that program that will be destroyed by this bill. You can't tell me that having that level of benefit to the people of the world does not [result in] the benefit of the United States, the sponsor of the initiative.\n\n\u201cSame thing with malaria. The estimates are that the malaria program, which goes back to I believe it was the Obama Administration, has prevented 1.5 billion cases of malaria, which is a real plague in many parts of the world, and saved 11 million lives. Just those two programs together, those two USAID projects, have saved 36 million lives, and we're talking about cutting them off. That's not only bad policy, it's cruel. It's cruel, and it undermines the credibility of this country.\n\n\u201cNow, of course, foreign aid has a lot of benefits aside from the ones that I've just outlined. By the way, if the Congress and the Administration wants to cull the programs and say we don't think this one is necessary, this is not a good expenditure of the people's money, that's fine. But that's not what this bill does. This bill throws out the beneficial baby with the questionable bathwater. It is a total abdication of America's engagement with the world.\n\n\u201cVaccination campaigns, food security, nutrition programs, disaster response, refugee support. This aligns with our American values. As I say, it's a relatively small part of the budget. It helps to stabilize fragile states. It cuts the risk of extremism and terrorism and conflict. And James Mattis put it best. General James Mattis, one of the most distinguished military officers of our time, said, \u2018If you don't fund the State Department fully, then you're going to have to buy me more bullets.\u2019\n\n\u201cThat puts it most succinctly, you're going to have to buy me more bullets, because the programs of USAID tend to stabilize the world and mitigate the tendency toward extremism and violence. And since we have started to gut A.I.D., which was one of the first actions of this administration in January and February, China has stepped into our shoes.\n\n\u201cI'm on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Intelligence Committee. I have seen and heard testimony that China is basically stepping in where we're walking away. We are handing Africa and Latin America to the Chinese. In some cases, to the very programs that we were sponsoring. They're the ones now engaging with local governments, local leadership, getting the credit for helping with these kinds of problems across the world. We're giving away the goodwill that is part of the American brand. We're giving away the opportunity to build alliances, to strengthen our influence, especially in competition with regimes like China and Russia.\n\n\u201cIt also creates markets for U.S. goods and the U.S. economy. A significant share of the foreign aid ends up going back to businesses and NGO's here in the United States. So, it actually contributes to our economic development. Countries that are receiving this USAID end up being partners and customers of U.S. goods, products, and services. I mentioned it saves lives, it aligns with our values, and there's nothing wrong with talking about values. That's a part of what we should be doing. USAID is doing important work all over the world. I met with USAID people in Kabul, Afghanistan. I met with them in Jordan, where they're working on a water desalinization project that will literally save Jordan. Jordan is a country that has no water, and they're facing a tremendous crisis. One of the projects that they're relying on is a very large water production facility supported by USAID. That's the kind of project that I think we need to continue.\n\n\u201cAgain, I would not say that every single project they've sponsored is what I would have agreed upon. That's our job as oversight bodies, to take a look at the projects being sponsored, the administration can also do that, and they can then cull the projects we don't think are a useful expenditure of the government's money, or the people's money. But not the wholesale destruction of an agency that is critical, I believe, to the foreign policy of the United States.\n\n\u201cSo, that's the picture on these rescissions. I believe the more important question, though, Mr. President, as I've mentioned, is how this is being done. The question is, who has the power in our government over appropriations? That's the fundamental question. Where is the power over appropriations, where do the federal dollars go?\n\n\u201cThe answer, of course, is the Congress. Article 1, Section 8. The Congress has the \u2018power of the purse.\u2019 The president can submit his budget, and he can submit a budget that zeros out USAID, that zeros out corporation for public broadcasting. But then, the way the process works, we have hearings, we have meetings with the appropriation committee. The appropriators meet, decide, discuss, debate, and come to the floor with a bill that represents the consensus of those on the appropriations committee. And then we consider it here.\n\n\u201cThis process that we're talking about here\u2014this rescission process\u2014turns the whole thing upside down. It basically says the administration can decide programs that are going to go away, and you can take it or leave it, Congress. I believe it shreds the appropriations process. The appropriations committee, indeed, this body, becomes a rubber stamp for whatever the administration wants.\n\n\u201cThe deeper problem, Mr. President, is I believe this is another step in Congress' abdication of its constitutional authority, which has dramatically accelerated since January. The war power, Article 1, Section 8, an express power of the Constitution, we barely could have a debate about that, and the President attacked another sovereign country, which may have been the right thing to do, but there was no consultation, there was no attempt whatsoever to engage Congress, which has the power over declaring war, before that step was taken.\n\n\u201cForeign trade, again, foreign trade, trade among nations is the term in the Constitution, is expressly delegated by the Constitution to the Congress, and the Congress has delegated some of that authority to the president, to a president, any president, under emergency circumstances. But this President has expanded emergency to mean just about anything.\n\n\u201cWe learned this week he's talking about a 50% tariff against Brazil because he doesn't like the way the current government is treating the prior president. Has nothing to do with trade, has nothing to do with trade deficits or the tariffs. It has to do with something the President individually doesn't like. That's not the way the systems supposed to work. The up and down rollercoaster we\u2019ve been on with regards to tariffs is a perfect example of why one person shouldn't have this authority. This should be something done thoughtfully and systematically here in the Congress. Under Article 1 Section 8, to debate and decide what appropriate tariff levels there are across the world and not this helter skelter up and down changing every other day that has not only affected inflation in this country and brought it up, but it\u2019s also created enormous uncertainty both in our markets and across the world. And finally, we see the power of the purse, Congress\u2019s fundamental responsibility.\n\n\u201cAnd by the way, Mr. President, as I talk to my colleagues, particularly my Republican colleagues, about this issue over the last several months, one of the common refrains is, don't worry, we don't have to buck the President because the courts will take care of it. The courts will take care of us. They'll protect us. Well, that ain't happening. The ridiculous decision of the Supreme Court yesterday on the Department of Education is an indication that we cannot count on the courts to protect us from the depredations of an authoritarian, proto authoritarian regime. They basically said the President can continue to gut the Department of Education because we are going to hear the case later and decide when it comes. They did the same right with birthright citizenship. They punted on the issue and allowed the activities, the authoritarian-like activities to continue before they get to the case in their own good time.\n\n\u201cSo we can't count on the courts. That means we're it. The Congress, the Senate has to stand up for the Constitution. What this bill is, is another building block in the edifice of authoritarianism that we've seen built, that we are seeing built before our eyes. A building block in the edifice of authoritarianism.\n\n\u201cWhy is this important? Is this just a dispute between the Congress and the President, politics as usual. Democrats undermining a Republican president, and it's just going to be all about the midterms and the elections of 2028? No, this is much deeper than that.\n\n\u201cThe fundamental premise of the Constitution is the separation of power and the reason it's there is because history tells us if power is concentrated, it's dangerous. Madison put it bluntly in the 47th Federalist: \u2018The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive and judiciary in the same set of hands may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.\u2019 He used the word tyranny. Madison wasn't mincing words. History tells us that if you concentrate power in one set of hands it's dangerous. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. We know that from 1,000 years of human nature. And that was exactly what the framers of the Constitution were trying to prevent by this complicated, difficult structure where there's power in the Congress, power in the states, power in the executive, power in the courts, two houses of Congress vetoes, overrides.\n\n\u201cAll of those checks and balances which has become a kind of cliche are there for a fundamental reason, and that's to protect our liberty. To protect us from the danger of power being concentrated in one set of hands. Now the framers thought that they didn't have to worry about this, having set up the Constitution the way they did, because they said never will the Congress give up its power. The term they used was ambition must be made to counteract ambition. That there would be institutional rivalry and we would never give up. They didn't reckon on parties. They didn't reckon on party primaries. They didn't reckon on the executive having such sway with the legislative branch that the checks and balances essentially have melted away.\n\n\u201cSo this bill is important because of the merits, as I talked about, about the danger of wiping out USAID and all the good it does in the world and the good it does for our country, and also wiping out public broadcasting and all the good that it does, the irreplaceable good that it does for the people in the United States.\n\n\u201cBut it's also more dangerous than ever because it's one more step, as I mentioned, in the breakdown of the fundamental constitutional structure that says power must be divided, because if it's concentrated in one set of hands -- and I don't care if it's Donald Trump or the archangel Gabriel. It's dangerous to have the power in one set of hands. That's how we lose our liberty.\n\n\u201cMadison said when the executive and legislative are united in one body, there can be no liberty. Mr. President, we must listen. We must listen to history, to the people that brought us here, the people that brought us this government, the geniuses that formed this structure to protect the liberty of the American people. And it may seem like a small thing. This is one more bill, one more item. But it is one more step, in my view, toward empowering the executive at the expense, not of the Congress, but of the people. But of the people of the United States.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I don't know what it's going to take, but I hope this debate, this discussion will lead us to finally say this is a line too far. We're going to draw a line here, and we'll establish a relationship with the president that is cooperative, collaborative, bipartisan, and sharing the power that the Constitution gives to each of us.\n\n\u201cThere's nothing less than the liberty of our people that's at stake. I therefore urge my colleagues to vote against this bill and begin a discussion in the appropriations process as to these two elements and how they should be structured and funded. That's the way it should be done, not by the dictate of a President, of one who is trying to collapse the authority in our Constitution into his own hands. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-asserts-role-on-armed-services-committee-to-support-maine-economy-and-strengthen-national-security", "King Asserts Role on Armed Services Committee to Support Maine Economy and Strengthen National Security", "2025-07-14", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), worked with his committee colleagues this week to secure strong investments in Maine\u2019s economy and America\u2019s defense posture through the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military\u2019s technological and manufacturing needs leading to a more prosperous Maine and a stronger national security for the United States.\n\nThe legislation passed out of committee in a bipartisan 26-1 vote and represents the first step in bipartisan negotiations to pass a fiscal year budget for the armed forces and national defense interests. It includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including: support for veterans, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), a comprehensive new approach to monitoring brain health, aggressive policies to strengthen America\u2019s cybersecurity, provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country.\n\n\u201cFor over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America\u2019s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions, and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, we are continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill out of Committee that will make our nation and state safer and stronger,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cAs our global community faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country.\n\n\u201cThere are many important provisions in this legislation \u2013 including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defense,\u201d continued Senator King. \u201cAll told, this year\u2019s defense bill will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the men and women who fight for our freedoms.\u201d\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes King-backed provisions to:\n\nINVEST IN MAINE SHIPBUILDING AND INSTALLATIONS.\n\nThe FY26 NDAA authorizes $550 million for DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that Bath Iron Works will build beyond the previously approved funding in the continuing resolution.\n\nThis legislation also authorizes the funding for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) modernization efforts \u2013 including the final phase of funding for the Dry Dock extension that will allow PNSY to continue to maintain the Navy\u2019s submarine fleet.\n\nThe bill includes an effort co-sponsored by Senator King that empowers shipyards across the country to make their own hiring decisions based on the workforce needs of their property and not leave these determinations for military officials to make from a distance.\n\nPREVENT AND PROTECT BRAIN HEALTH. Included in this legislation is a report specifically requested by Senator King to protect servicemembers from blast exposure and address TBI through weapons sensor development led by a Maine business. Also included is a provision encouraging the DOD to maintain robust oversight and ensure timely implementation of suicide prevention recommendations, particularly those of the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee.\n\nHELP ADDRESS HOUSING ALLOWANCE SHORTFALLS FOR SERVICEMEMBERS. The FY26 NDAA will require the DOD to publish how housing allowances are calculated, what housing types are covered, and to pilot a new calculation method based on rental costs by bedroom size. This is on the heels of last year\u2019s Defense bill which increased Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates. Maine servicemembers including members of the Coast Guard will benefit.\n\nIMPROVE THE WARM HANDOFF. Included in this bill is a signature priority of Senator King\u2019s that improves sharing of information between the Defense Department and State Veterans Agencies. Maine Bureau of Veterans Services advocated for this reform that will impact all servicemembers and help address the proven high-risk period when servicemembers leave the military.\n\nSUPPORT FOR UKRAINE. The FY26 NDAA reaffirms that it is the policy of the United States to assist Ukraine in maintaining a credible defense and deterrence capability and to bolster defense and security cooperation with Ukraine to build a Ukrainian military that is capable of defending Ukraine and deterring future aggression.\n\nENHANCE DETERRENCE THROUGH CYBERSECURITY. The bill includes the King-led provision to require the DOD create a credible cyber deterrent strategy against cyberattacks by mid-2026.\n\nMODERNIZE OUR NUCLEAR DETERRENT. As Cochairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is a Congressional leader working to ensure the bipartisan effort to provide oversight of strategic programs from the nuclear triad to missile defense. Sen King advocated to include important provisions addressing nuclear non-proliferation were included. The bill strengthens the nuclear triad and nuclear command and control including cyber protections and addressing concerns with artificial intelligence. The bill also includes important oversight of the NNSA and nuclear modernization programs, and missile defense programs to help address cost and defense industrial base concerns.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-collins-golden-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-our-troops-and-strengthen-domestic-manufacturing", "King, Collins, Golden Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Our Troops and Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing", "2025-07-08", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure our troops are wearing high quality, safe and reliable footwear as part of their uniforms. The Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act would expand current uniform regulations to ensure the combat boots worn by our servicemembers are entirely manufactured in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials thus strengthening our national security and creating good-paying jobs.\n\nU.S. Representative Jared Golden (D-ME-02), a Marine Corps. combat veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), is an original sponsor of companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cOur military depends on the availability, accessibility, safety and quality of the uniforms worn by our servicemembers,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe bipartisan BOOTS Act will ensure that all combat boots and parts worn by the American military are made in the USA\u2014both boosting our domestic economy and ensuring the safety of the boots supply chain. Thank you to my colleagues for putting our servicemembers first.\u201d\n\n\u201cRequiring our servicemembers\u2019 combat boots to be produced in the United States with American materials improves military readiness and strengthens our defense industrial base,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThis bipartisan bill would help avoid supply disruptions in times of crisis, create more jobs and investment domestically, and better outfit our nation\u2019s troops.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican warfighters should be supplied American gear, including footwear,\u201d said Representative Golden. \u201cEnsuring domestic suppliers are first in line to provide equipment to our service members is good for troops, good for the jobs, and good for domestic manufacturing. I\u2019m proud to cosponsor the BOOTs Act to provide American-made footwear to the men and women who volunteer to defend America.\u201d\n\nThe BOOTS Act would mandate that all optional combat boots worn by U.S. military servicemembers are Berry Amendment-compliant, or 100 percent made in the United States with U.S.-sourced materials. The current loophole has allowed for a major increase in low quality, foreign-made boots and has led to a significant decline in demand from American companies, which in turn reduces domestic manufacturing capabilities and undermines the domestic defense supply chain. In the event of a major conflict, the current clothing and textile supply chain would be too fragile to meet demand.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by A&E, American Sole, Belleville Boot Co., Draper Knitting, Emtex Global, G-Form, Glacial Lakes Rubber and Plastics, Grassland Stamping, Hope Global Manufacturing, Mississippi TanTec, McRae Footwear, Meramec, Meridian, Milliken, New Balance Athletics, PolyLabs, Rubberlite, Signet Mills, SX Industries, Thorogood, Unifi, Vibram Corporation, W.L. Gore and Associates, Worthen Industries, YKK USA, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), U.S. Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA) and Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC).\n\n\u201cThe BOOTs Act closes a gap in the Berry Amendment by requiring all military footwear sold through Department of Defense exchanges to be domestically sourced. Currently, foreign-made boots undermine military readiness and disadvantage American manufacturers, weakening the U.S. supply chain. This commonsense change ensures uniform consistency, reduces confusion for servicemembers, and supports the domestic industrial base as manufacturers rebuild capacity,\u201d said Bill McCann, Executive Director of the United States Footwear Manufactures Association.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-gravely-concerned-by-possible-weapons-pause-in-delivering-military-aid-to-ukraine", "King \u201cGravely Concerned\u201d by Possible Weapons Pause in Delivering Military Aid to Ukraine", "2025-07-03", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in response to reports that the White House may be pausing congressionally-directed weapons shipments to Ukraine:\n\n\u201cI am gravely concerned by the potential \u201cpause\u201d in the supply of crucial weapons necessary for the defense of the Ukrainian people. To slow or stop the delivery of promised weaponry (which reportedly were already in Poland on their way to Kiev) is a serious policy and humanitarian mistake.\n\n\u201cThese systems are designed to intercept and destroy incoming aerial attacks of exactly the type that Russia has escalated recently against civilian targets in Ukraine. Cutting off the delivery of this desperately needed shield puts civilian lives at greater risk and sends a dangerous signal to Moscow.\n\n\u201cThe only thing that will bring Putin to the table, as the President desires, is a demonstration of U.S. resolve and a continuing show of force in the face of intensifying Russian aggression. This decision undermines both of these objectives, significantly weakening the President\u2019s hand in brokering peace.\n\n\u201cStopping Putin in Ukraine is critical to the preservation of Ukraine as a sovereign nation and the protection of her brave people, but it is in our interest as well by deterring further Russian aggression elsewhere in Eastern Europe which would lead to a much wider conflict. After all, America is sending our superior and sophisticated arsenal; Ukraine is sending its fathers, sons and brothers to the front \u2013 in defense of democratic values.\n\n\u201cThis regrettable decision should be reversed and repudiated at once\u2014for Ukraine, for the United States, and for the world.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-regressive-downright-cruel-tax-bill-that-will-significantly-harm-maine-people", "Senate Passes \u2018Regressive, Downright Cruel\u2019 Tax Bill that will Significantly Harm Maine People", "2025-07-01", "2025", "2025-07", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, the United States Senate passed the so-called \u2018Big Beautiful Bill\u2019 tax and budget legislation \u2014 a bill that was passed by the Republican majority with a single tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance. Maine DHHS estimates that, because of this legislation, 31,000 Mainers would be disenrolled from MaineCare in the first year and estimates suggest that 4 rural Maine hospitals could close. In addition, it is estimated that 20,000 Mainers will lose their coverage under the Affordable Care Act.\n\nThe bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration in the days ahead.\n\nU.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) previously spoke on the Senate Floor to share remarks on the bill that he called \u201cirresponsible, regressive, and downright cruel\u201d and highlighted the inevitable harm it would do to Maine people \u2014 adding he found it \u201cimmoral\u201d to take food from vulnerable children while giving larger tax breaks to well-off Americans.\n\nA statement from Senator King on final Senate passage of the bill is below:\n\n\u201cWe just voted on the so-called Budget Reconciliation, a bill which was passed by the Republican majority on a straight party-line vote. This bill will have catastrophic impacts on Maine people. In fact, I think this is the worst, most regressive and harmful piece of legislation I've ever seen.\n\n\u201cHere's the way I can best explain the consequences of this disastrous bill:\n\n1. It will have devastating impacts upon Maine itself, on our state and on our state budgets.\n\n2. It's going to have devastating impacts on Maine people.\n\n3. It's a gross transfer of wealth from lower income people to the very wealthy.\n\n4. Even with these devastating cuts, the bill still explodes the federal deficit which will result in higher interest rates and a drag on business expansion in Maine and across the country.\n\n\u201cI call this the Great Maine Robbery. First, it\u2019s going to shift millions of dollars to state budgets \u2014which means Maine taxpayers will be left footing the bill for essential services like healthcare and food assistance. It will also likely result in the closure of rural community health centers and hospitals \u2014 although the health fund in this bill will provide some limited relief to Maine hospitals, it do anything for the thousands who will lose their health care under the terms of this bill. This will leave Maine people traveling further and spending more money out of pocket than they would otherwise. Many Maine people will also likely lose their MaineCare and CoverME marketplace coverage entirely, and significant Medicare cuts from this bill will harm Maine\u2019s older adults.\n\n\u201cEssentially, this bill is a \u2018shift and shaft\u2019 to provide huge tax cuts for those making more than $400,000 per year in exchange for the elimination of critical programs that Maine people rely on for food, health and safety. This is not politics \u2014 this is the wellbeing of Maine people, and even though this bill is huge setback, I remain committed to fighting for them every single day.\u201d\n\nAccording to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would add $3.3 trillion dollars to the federal deficit over the next ten years, while also cutting $1.1 trillion from Medicaid over the same time, resulting in 11.8 million Americans losing healthcare. Maine DHHS estimates that, if passed as is, 31,000 Mainers would be disenrolled from MaineCare in the first year and estimates suggest that 4 rural Maine hospitals would close.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-on-senate-floor-this-tax-bill-is-irresponsible-regressive-and-downright-cruel", "King on Senate Floor: This Tax Bill is \u201cIrresponsible, Regressive, and Downright Cruel\u201d", "2025-06-30", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke on the Senate Floor to share remarks on the so-called GOP \u2018Big Beautiful Bill\u2019 and the potential harm it would do to Maine people. In the next hour, the bill is scheduled for an extended series of votes on amendments before a final Senate vote is held.\n\nAccording to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would add $3.3 trillion dollars to the federal deficit over the next ten years, while also cutting $1.1 trillion from Medicaid over the same time, resulting in 11.8 million Americans losing healthcare. Maine DHHS estimates that, if passed as is, 31,000 Mainers would be disenrolled from MaineCare in the first year and estimates suggest that 4 rural Maine hospitals would close.\n\n\u201cMr. President. This bill is a farce. Imagine a bunch of guys sitting around a table, saying, I've got a great idea. Let's give $32,000 worth of a tax breaks to a millionaire and we\u2019ll pay for it by taking health insurance away from lower- income and middle-income people. And to top it off we cut food stamps, SNAP, and food aid to people? It's a joke. I would say it's a joke, but it's not the least bit funny. I've been in this business of public policy now for 20 years, eight as governor, 12 years in the United States Senate. I have never seen a bill this bad. I have never seen a bill that is this irresponsible, regressive, and downright cruel.\n\n\u201cThe basic premise of the bill as I said is to cut benefits for the American people, particularly in the areas of health care and food, in exchange for tax cuts for the very wealthy. Now, I know my colleagues are going to come to the floor, because I've had this discussion before, they're going to say, no, this is a middle-class tax cut. This is going to cut taxes for people in the middle-class. Well, here's a little suggestion of how to get out of this mess, if you cap the tax cuts at people making $400,000 a year, a pretty healthy income, the cost of this bill would drop by 60%, and you wouldn't have any need to cut Medicare \u2014 I mean Medicaid \u2013 and by the way, there are Medicare cuts also built into this, and SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program]. $400,000. In other words, we're for the middle-class tax cuts, that's okay, but just stop it at $400,000 and don't give the tax breaks to the people.\n\n\u201cA millionaire under this bill gets a $32,000 tax cut. A person making $5 million or $10 million gets a couple hundred-thousand-dollar tax cut. I don't think they need it. They sure as hell don't need it as much as people need health insurance. So, just to put a fine point on it, this bill is literally\u2014 and remember my $400,000 suggestion\u2014 we're taking care of the middle class, but with 60% of the cost above $400,000 in income, this bill is literally taking food out of the mouths of kids to give a millionaire a $32,000 tax break. That's the facts. They're ugly. And like I said, if we were talking about this at a lunch table, people would say, that's a joke, that's ridiculous. Nobody would suggest that. But here we are.\n\n\u201cBut several of my colleagues have pointed out there's no rush on this bill. We don't have to do this bill by July 4 or July 10. There's no rush. These tax cuts don't expire until the end of the year. Let's take our time and write a decent bill. Let's kill this bill. It would only take four or five senators on the other side. We can kill this thing, start over and write a decent bill on a bipartisan basis. I think we'd find agreement on middle-class tax cuts. But I think we could also do some things with expenditures that wouldn't be so bloody harmful. Medicaid. Let me start with hospitals. In Maine, I've talked to the hospitals. I've talked to the hospital association. I've talked to small hospitals, large hospitals. They're mostly running on a 1%, 2%, or 3% margin. The analysis is this could cost us two to five of our rural hospitals. And when a rural hospital goes out, several things happen. One thing is the economy of the town goes with it. In most of these small towns, the hospital is the major employer.\n\n\u201cSo you're talking about the economics of those jobs in a small town that will make a huge difference in that local economy. The second thing that happens is, a loss of services for everybody in town, not just the people on Medicaid. That hospital closes, everybody in town is going to have to drive another 30, 40, 50, 100 miles to get care. And they're going to have to not only \u2014 there may be closures. There will certainly be cutting of services. We already have a serious problem in Maine of obstetric services. We have a county with no obstetric services. And that's only going to get worse under this bill. The hospitals are pleading with us to not do this. And again, do we really need to do this to give a millionaire a $32,000 tax break? It doesn't make any sense.\n\n\u201cNow, I've talked about hospitals. But let's talk about people. The analysis is 60,000 people in Maine would lose their insurance coverage: 40,000 under Medicaid and about 20,000 under the Affordable Care Act. And I \u2014 we've had a lot of personal stories tonight. I want to tell a story about myself. When I worked here in the 70's, I had insurance. It was employer-supported insurance. We paid part of the premium. I had insurance as a senior staff member in this \u2014 junior staff member in this body 50 years ago. Because I had that insurance that covered a free checkup, I went in and had my first physical in eight years. And I wouldn't have had that physical if the insurance hadn't have covered it. I wouldn't have been able to spring for it. I had that physical and the doctors found a little mole on my back.\n\n\u201cAnd they took it out. And I didn't think much of it. And I went in a week later and the doctor said you better sit down, Angus. That was malignant melanoma. You're going to have to have serious surgery. And a friend of mine who is a doctor said Angus, here's my best advice. Let them be as radical as they want in that surgery. And I had the surgery and here I am. If I hadn't had insurance, I wouldn't be here. And it's always haunted me that some young man in America that same year had malignant melanoma, he didn't have insurance, he didn't get that checkup, and he died. That's wrong. It's immoral. The idea of cutting health insurance from people is not just \u2018oh, they just won't have coverage for their doctors' visits.\u2019 No. People die when they don't have health insurance. There's statistical analysis to bear that out.\n\n\u201cSo, this isn't any joke. And by the way, people say well, we're talking about fraud in Medicaid. Listen, at almost a trillion-dollar cut in Medicaid, 15 million people being cut off, 60,000, 40,000 in the state of Maine, that isn't fraud. That's cutting people who need the care. And I don't understand the obsession and I never have, and I stood right there and watched John McCain cast that vote to Saven the \u2014 to save the Affordable Care Act along with my colleague, Susan Collins. I don't understand the obsession with taking health insurance away from people. I don't get it. Trying to take away the Affordable Care Act in 2017 or 2018 and now this. What's driving this? What's the cruelty to do this, to take health insurance away from people knowing that it's going to cost them \u2014 it's hard to calculate the cost up to and including losing their lives.\n\n\u201cOkay, let's talk about SNAP. Let's talk about SNAP. The average benefit for SNAP is $6 a day. You feed yourself on $6 a day? The average cost of a meal in the U.S. Is about $100 a day. So we're already below cost, if you will. But here's what it means in my state. 20% of the children in my state are food insecure. And we're talking about cutting SNAP and taking dollars away from those kids. And I was interested in that. And I thought oh, that's pretty bad. I'm worried. Maine is 20%. 20% of our kids are food insecure.\n\n\u201cSo, I did a little research. In Arkansas it's 24% of the kids who are food insecure. In Iowa, 17%. South Carolina, 14%. Michigan, 19%. Missouri, another 19%. That's one out of five kids are food insecure. And we're going to cut that food in order to give a millionaire a $32,000 tax cut. Mr. President, that's not only bad policy, it's downright immoral. Okay, what's the other problem with this bill? There are so many. You know, so many problems, so little time. It's irresponsible. It adds about $4 trillion to the deficit. And by the way, this current policy thing doesn't pass a straight face test. A seventh grader knows it's nonsense. You've got to borrow the money to pay -- if this bill doesn't pass, then there isn't a $4 trillion hit on the budget. If it passes, there is. And the thing that really gives a lie to this nonsense is also in this bill is a $5 trillion increase in the debt ceiling. If it's not really debt, then we don't need to increase the debt ceiling. It's a sham. Voodoo budgeting.\n\n\u201cSo, I don't want to hear any more from my colleagues about deficits. I don't want to hear any more crocodile tears about deficits. We're mortgaging our future. I hear all this drama about deficits from people who are voting for this bill to add $4 trillion to the deficit unnecessarily. I'm \u2014 there's the saying of a famous new Englander, your actions speak so loud, I can't hear your words. Your actions speak so loud, I can't hear your words. Your actions are, you're adding to the deficit unnecessarily. So don't talk to me about deficits.\n\n\u201cNow, the first rule if you're in a hole is stop digging. And we're in a hole, Mr. President. We're in a hole. So, you stop digging by not passing this bill or not passing it in the extreme form that it is to give the tax benefits, 60% of the tax benefits to people making over $400,000 a year. The reason \u2014 what's driven the deficit, if you go back and look over the last 20 years, there are three things. One, were the unpaid for Bush Tax Cuts, we had major tax cuts and then a war we put on a credit card. The unpaid for Trump Tax Cuts in 2017 and Covid. Now, Covid was an emergency. And the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009 and 2010, those were emergencies. That's where you run deficits. But you don't run deficits when times are good. And that's exactly what we're doing here. If you're in a hole, stop digging. And by the way, the Committee for Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan group has said \u2014 I haven't heard this mentioned \u2014 this bill will actually accelerate the insolvency of the social security trust fund and the Medicare trust fund.\n\n\u201cThere's a nice thing for you. It will make those funds go insolvent sooner than would otherwise be the case. Gutting the IRS. By the way, I have another suggestion for my colleagues. You want to find $600 billion a year, enforce the tax laws against cheaters. That's the estimate. $600 billion a year is left on the table because cheaters, mostly high income, are not paying the taxes they owe. The poor stiff that gets a 1040, he has to pay it. Everybody knows what he's making. But these people with the fancy lawyers and accountants \u2014 and I'm not talking about tax avoidance here. I'm talking about stone cold tax evasion, $600 billion a year.\n\n\u201cThat would be nice instead of cutting Medicare and Medicaid and food stamps. Another piece of this bill that hasn't gotten much attention is ICE. The current budget of ICE is $9 billion a year. Under this they're increasing it $75 billion over four years. That's an additional $18 billion a year. They're tripling the budget of ICE. They're tripling the budget. We're dangerously close, Mr. President, to creating a federal police force which we've never had in this country, and we shouldn't have. By the way, I have never in my life seen a law enforcement officer with a mask on. I don't get where that came from. A law enforcement officer wearing a mask. Where I come from, people that wear masks are not the good guys. And I don't understand that, but to triple this budget, you wonder where that's going to take this country.\n\n\u201cSo let me go back to the beginning. All this damage to give a tax break to guys making a million bucks. The Chairman of the Finance Committee wasn't here when I said this. Mr. Chairman, if we limit the tax cuts to people making $400,000 and less, it will reduce the cost of this bill by 60%. It will ameliorate the need for any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. It would also minimize the hit on the debt and the deficit. There's no rush to pass this bill. Let's kill it, give it a merciful death over the next 24 hours, and then start over writing a responsible bill to deal with the expiring tax cuts for the middle class and deal with issues within the federal government that should be addressed. But this bill is not the answer. It is a sham.\n\n\u201cAnd it is a shame. And it's embarrassing to even be debating this bill. It should never come before us in this form. I hope that enough of my colleagues will see that this is an unnecessary damage to the citizens of this country and the citizens of their state, every state citizens are going to suffer. And this is something that we nor this body can and should prevent. Mr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reminder-maine-congressional-delegation-accepting-military-academy-nomination-applications", "Reminder: Maine Congressional Delegation Accepting Military Academy Nomination Applications", "2025-06-30", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, Jr., and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced that they are accepting nomination applications from Maine high school students for appointments to the United States service academies operated by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marine. No nomination is required to apply to the United States Coast Guard Academy.\n\nStudents should apply for a nomination in the spring and summer of their junior year. Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden began accepting nomination applications as of May 15, 2025, from students for admission to the academies in the summer of 2026.\n\nFor more information please contact:\n\nSenator Susan Collins\n\nContact: Karen Staples\n\n207-784-6969\n\ncollins.senate.gov\n\nSenator Angus King, Jr.\n\nContact: Katie Fellows\n\n207-352-5216\n\nking.senate.gov\n\nRepresentative Chellie Pingree\n\nContact: Dorian Cole\n\n207-774-5019\n\npingree.house.gov\n\nRepresentative Jared Golden\n\nContact: Kim Rohn\n\n207-249-7400\n\ngolden.house.gov\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-demand-answers-on-potential-political-personal-discrimination-at-va", "King, Colleagues Demand Answers on Potential Political, Personal Discrimination at VA", "2025-06-26", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and several of his colleagues are calling on the administration to explain secret hospital guideline changes. In a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins, the Senators request an explanation of why certain VA Medical Center bylaws were changed in a way that could invite discrimination against veteran patients and health care providers.\n\nRecent reporting has uncovered how the Trump Administration is secretly changing guidelines in a way that leaves VA providers and patients with ambiguity regarding whether certain protected traits, including their political affiliation or sexual orientation, can serve as reasons for denial of health care for veterans or the hiring of medical professionals.\n\n\u201cWe write today to request information regarding recent changes to patient and staff policies governing medical facilities within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),\u201d wrote the Senators in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins. \u201cHaving reviewed past and current versions of bylaws for multiple medical facilities within the Department, we have confirmed the Department made changes, in secret and without notification to the veterans you serve or to Congress, that could allow for discrimination in treating patients and hiring medical professionals.\u201d\n\nThe Senators explicitly detailed the difference between the previous version of the bylaws and the new version. Language that previously required VA providers to care for veterans regardless of politics, marital status, age, national origin, and disability has been removed from certain VA health care facilities\u2019 medical bylaws. Language that also previously ensured decisions for who was able to be a part of VA\u2019s medical staff were made without regard to political affiliation, marital status, age, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and union membership have been removed from certain VA facilities\u2019 medical bylaws.\n\nWhile the Department has cited President Trump\u2019s discriminatory \u201cDefending Women\u201d Executive Order (EO) as rationale for making these changes, the Senators asserted that as \u201ca grossly overzealous interpretation of this EO and egregious misuse of power.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile many of the previously specified traits that have been removed from VA facilities\u2019 bylaws potentially remain protected under existing statutes, the message VA is sending by stripping explicit references to these criteria is still deeply disturbing. Allowing, let alone encouraging, this ambiguity opens the door for widespread discrimination. These changes invite uncertainty as to whether a patient can be denied access to their earned health care or whether a provider is considered unfit to serve veterans based on anything other than their expertise and credentials. Even the appearance of allowing discrimination directly violates VA\u2019s own mission\u2026\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nThe Senators concluded, \u201cIt is your duty to answer to veterans, the public, and Congress as to why VA is sowing confusion and potentially putting veterans at risk and jeopardizing the Department\u2019s medical workforce, clinicians\u2019 licensure, and accreditation of its medical facilities nationwide. We insist you publish proper justification and clarification of these changes so as to leave no uncertainty as to the Department\u2019s protections for patients and employees against unlawful and unethical discrimination.\u201d\n\nIn addition to King, the letter was also signed by Democratic leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA).\n\nThe full text of the Senators\u2019 letter is available here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Collins:\n\nWe write today to request information regarding recent changes to patient and staff policies governing medical facilities within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Having reviewed past and current versions of bylaws for multiple medical facilities within the Department, we have confirmed the Department made changes, in secret and without notification to the veterans you serve or to Congress, that could allow for discrimination in treating patients and hiring medical professionals.\n\nPrevious versions of the bylaws outlined specific prohibitions on discrimination against patients \u201con the basis of race, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, or disability\u201d (Article III, Section 3.03, paragraph 1). The new version prohibits discrimination only \u201con the basis of any legally protected status, including legally protected status such as race, color, religion, sex, or prior protected activity.\u201d Additionally, whereas prior versions of bylaws prohibited medical staff hiring decisions based on, among other criteria, national origin, gender, lawful partisan political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, and membership or non-membership in a labor organization (Article III, Section 3.01, paragraph 3), all of these specific criteria have been cut from the new version of the text. The Department, under your leadership, cites only Executive Order (EO) 14168 \u201cDefending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government\u201d as reasoning for implementing these bylaw changes. This is a grossly overzealous interpretation of this EO and egregious misuse of power.\n\nWhile many of the previously specified traits that have been removed from VA facilities\u2019 bylaws potentially remain protected under existing statutes, the message VA is sending by stripping explicit references to these criteria is still deeply disturbing. Allowing, let alone encouraging, this ambiguity opens the door for widespread discrimination. These changes invite uncertainty as to whether a patient can be denied access to their earned health care or whether a provider is considered unfit to serve veterans based on anything other than their expertise and credentials. Even the appearance of allowing discrimination directly violates VA\u2019s own mission: \u201cTo fulfill President Lincoln\u2019s promise to care for those who have served in our nation\u2019s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.\u201d\n\nThese new guidelines are deeply dangerous and pernicious in practice and principle. It is your duty to answer to veterans, the public, and Congress as to why VA is sowing confusion and potentially putting veterans at risk and jeopardizing the Department\u2019s medical workforce, clinicians\u2019 licensure, and accreditation of its medical facilities nationwide. We insist you publish proper justification and clarification of these changes so as to leave no uncertainty as to the Department\u2019s protections for patients and employees against unlawful and unethical discrimination.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/maine-delegation-presses-labor-secretary-to-reopen-job-corps-centers", "Maine Delegation Presses Labor Secretary to Reopen Job Corps Centers", "2025-06-26", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 In a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Maine\u2019s Congressional delegation opposed the agency\u2019s attempt to bypass Congress and close Job Corps centers nationwide. The move, which DOL calls a \u201cphased pause in operations,\u201d comes just months after officials froze enrollment at the Loring and Penobscot Job Corps Centers \u2014 exacerbating rural workforce shortages in central and northern Maine.\n\n\u201cBy calling this plan a pause, the DOL is closing Job Corps centers without Congressional approval\u2026\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cThe agency\u2019s decision, which has been temporarily paused by the courts, to dismantle a widely popular, successful program has put hundreds of low-income Mainers at risk.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers also wrote that as Job Corps staff in Maine have tried to meet the DOL\u2019s timeline to close the Penobscot and Loring facilities, \u201ccomplications are impacting students and staff alike. Some students at both Job Corps Centers in Maine are not able to return home and are facing a risk of homelessness, and while organizations around these communities are helping, their resources are limited.\u201d\n\nMaine\u2019s Job Corps is among the agency\u2019s most successful and productive programs, with the Penobscot Center ranking fourth in the most recent national Job Corps Report Card. This report measures how efficiently students at each center attain trade credentials and improve other skills like math and reading.\n\nLoring\u2019s Job Corps Center currently has 129 staff members and is one of the largest employers in rural northern Maine. It currently enrolls 228 students and opened in 1997 \u2014 just a few years after the closure of the Loring Air Force Base devastated the region.\n\nThe Penobscot Job Corps has 223 students enrolled, and 65 students have graduated since July 2024. Of those graduates, 58 students have been verified as placements into employment, the military, or higher education, and five have transferred to other centers for advanced training opportunities. Penobscot is home to the only Advanced Marine Pipefitting training program in Job Corps, which is a feeder program for future BIW and PNSY employees.\n\nYesterday, a federal judge temporarily extended a block on the administration\u2019s Job Corps plan while a lawsuit over the move remains ongoing.\n\nA copy of the delegation\u2019s letter can be found here, and is included in full below:\n\n+++\n\nJune 26, 2025\n\nThe Honorable Lori Chavez-DeRemer\n\nSecretary\n\nDepartment of Labor\n\n200 Constitution Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20210\n\nDear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer,\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to the sudden announcement by the Department of Labor (DOL) to begin a phased pause in operations at Job Corps Centers nationwide. This follows an earlier decision to halt enrollments at centers in Maine with which we also disagree. Given the immediate and significant impact these decisions will have on hundreds of young Mainers currently enrolled at or interested in the Loring Job Corps Center and the Penobscot Job Corps Center, as well as the economic repercussions to the surrounding communities that need a skilled workforce, we urge you to retract this announcement.\n\nSince its inception in 1964, Job Corps has been a vital program for countless young Americans across the country. In Maine, we have seen firsthand the benefits that the Job Corps has both on young students and their communities. The program has provided countless opportunities for low-income students to tap into their true potential and secure good-paying jobs. The job placement rate for the Maine centers is well above the national average, placing students in local healthcare settings, masonry, welding and beyond. Students from the Maine centers have gone on to work within Maine\u2019s storied shipbuilding industry, join the Armed Forces, and work at Maine\u2019s Community Colleges. Employers across the State that hire Job Corps graduates have developed long-standing relationships with the centers, finding that the students have been well-prepared to join the workforce.\n\nBy calling this plan a pause, the DOL is closing Job Corps centers without Congressional approval. Since the DOL\u2019s announcement, we have heard from students, parents, local employers, and community officials about the devastating consequences that closing the Maine centers will have on some of our most disadvantaged young people. It bears emphasizing that as small and rural communities in Maine and across the country struggle with labor shortages, Job Corps provides businesses with a reliable source of workers armed with the necessary skills to productively contribute to our local economy.\n\nThe agency\u2019s decision, which has been paused by the courts, to dismantle a widely popular, successful program has put hundreds of low-income Mainers at risk. Additionally, the Maine centers provide stable employment for residents of its closest communities. The Loring Job Corps Center is one of the largest employers in Aroostook County, employing nearly 130 Mainers. The DOL\u2019s plan would prevent around 260 highly skilled employees from sharing their knowledge and expertise with Maine\u2019s next generation of students living in small and rural communities.\n\nIn Maine, while dedicated Job Corps staff at Loring Job Corps Center and the Penobscot Job Corps Center are working around the clock to comply with DOL\u2019s decision and expedited timeline, complications are impacting students and staff alike. Some students at both Job Corps Centers in Maine are not able to return home and are facing a risk of homelessness, and while organizations around these communities are helping, their resources are limited. There are additional hurdles in securing transportation for students in these rural communities and ensuring that every student\u2019s documents are in order.\n\nWe urge the Department of Labor to reopen Job Corps centers in Maine and across the country, and work with Congress to seek a path that can build on the successes of the program. We appreciate your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-technology-is-what-wins-wars-king-stresses-in-armed-services-hearings", "\u201cAdaptation of New Technology is What Wins Wars\u201d King Stresses in Armed Services Hearings", "2025-06-26", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with Michael Dodd, the nominee to serve as the Assistance Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, about the importance of developing and deploying new defense technologies. During his discussion with Dobb, Senator King highlighted that previously the United States has significantly underfunded the development of advanced weapon technologies like directed energy\u2014 the class of weapons systems that use electromagnetic energy, such as high-energy lasers. At the end of the exchange, he received commitment from Dodd, that if confirmed, he will aggressively work to advance directed energy platforms.\n\nSenator King began, \u201cMr. Dodd, you have, I think, one of the most important jobs in the Pentagon, which is technology. The adaptation of new technology is what wins wars. Genghis Khan was able to conquer the world because of his utilization of the stirrup, which enabled his archers to shoot from horseback. It was that technology that enabled him, the longbow. In the battle of Agincourt, enabled 6,000 British troops to defeat an army of 20,000 French. You mentioned several technologies in your testimony, but we have been basically slow on several technologies. We\u2019ve been slow on drones, hypersonics, and particularly on directed energy, which you didn't mention. In the age of drones, directed energy can be more important than ever. The prior administration woefully underfunded the development of directed energy. I hope that is something you will pursue in your new position. \u201c\n\n\u201cThank you for raising that important issue. If confirmed, directed energy would be a technology area in the critical technologies portfolio. I am a staunch advocate and believer, as you referenced, in a one to many response, in utilizing many faster, cheaper platforms. Certainly, in the counter U.S. Domain, directed energy will play a role in that. High-performance microwaves are making some significant advances. Those platforms have been protyped and are being tested currently. We are excited, it confirmed, to see the growth and scaling of energy platforms,\u201d responded Dodd.\n\n\u201cWell in the red sea today, we are shooting down $20,000 Yemeni and Iranian drones with $4 million missiles. That is unsustainable. A shot from a directed energy is about $.75. This is urgent. I hope it is pursued not only systematically but also with some urgency,\u201d said Senator King.\n\nDodd replied, \u201cSenator I\u2019m fully committed to pursuing directed energy platforms if confirmed.\u201d\n\n\u201cThank you,\u201d finished Senator King.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Senator King has previously spoken up about the emerging threats of Russia and China\u2019s development of \u201cnightmare weapon\u201d hypersonic missiles. He previously urged the Department of Defense (DoD) to take advantage of private sector technologies or risk losing access to innovative defense technologies and encouraged the (DoD) to reevaluate its acquisition process of defense technologies. Additionally, Senator King has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries. In a recent Armed Services hearing, he received commitment from Secretary of the Navy John Phelan to advocate for an increase in the directed energy budget.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/patrick-dempsey-joins-senator-king-in-inviting-maine-people-to-share-real-life-impacts-of-cuts-to-mainecare-and-coverme", "Patrick Dempsey Joins Senator King in Inviting Maine People to Share Real-Life Impacts of Cuts to MaineCare and CoverME", "2025-06-25", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, in partnership with fellow Maine native Patrick Dempsey, U.S. Senator Angus King is calling on Maine people to speak up and share their stories of how potential cuts to MaineCare and CoverMe will impact their health and their wallets. In a new public information campaign, King and Dempsey highlight that the only way to save Medicaid (also known as MaineCare in Maine) and CoverME is to speak up, call your elected officials and share the potentially devastating consequences of this legislation.\n\nSenator King: As you've probably heard, there's a terrible bill that's now coming up in the Senate, probably this week, that's going to have a severe impact on Maine, particularly people who receive Medicaid and hospitals who depend upon Medicaid reimbursement. So, my friend Patrick Dempsey has a few thoughts on this. Here he is, and what I want you to do is be in touch with my office at the address below to share your stories about what these cuts will mean to you.\n\nPatrick Dempsey: Hey there. I want to talk to you about what's happening in DC right now and the potential of losing Medicare and Medicaid across the country, but in particular, as you know, I grew up in Maine, and I care very deeply about the health and wellness of our fellow Mainers and also Americans in general. But if this bill goes through, those two things will be lost, but we can do something about it. Use your voice. Call your senator now. Senator King has set up an email that you can go to. It's called health_stories@king.senate.gov tell your story, voice your opinion, and let's stop this.\n\nSenator King has been a longstanding advocate for affordable and accessible healthcare, especially to ensure sufficient funding for Medicaid and Medicare. Earlier this month, he sent a letter to the Majority Leader and select committee chairmen laying out significant concerns about how this partisan bill will place incredible burdens on state budgets, ultimately reducing critical services like Medicaid and SNAP.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-blumenthal-call-for-investigation-into-cancelled-contracts-impacting-veterans", "King, Blumenthal Call for Investigation into Cancelled Contracts Impacting Veterans", "2025-06-24", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC) Ranking Member Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General to launch an investigation into the Trump Administration\u2019s controversial, unilateral cancellation of VA contracts at the direction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite multiple requests from Senators King and Blumenthal, VA Secretary Doug Collins refuses to send Congress the complete and updated list of VA contracts canceled or proposed for cancellation \u2014 a list Secretary Collins consistently touts in public hearings, on social media and in interviews.\n\nThe Senators began, \u201cWe write to request the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiate a review of the mass cancellation of VA contracts launched by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Secretary Collins, and other officials of the Department and the impact of these actions on veterans and VA operations. These activities began soon after January 20 and are ongoing.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince February of this year, Committee Minority staff have investigated these activities using public government contracting databases, internal VA documents, conducting interviews with VA employees and contractors, and other methods. The preliminary findings after analyzing more than 650 VA contracts \u2018terminated for convenience\u2019 between January 20 and May 30, 2025, extracted from federal contracting databases, are that a majority appear to be for services directly for veterans or critical VA operations to include for safe health care delivery,\u201d wrote the Senators. While Collins and VA officials have refused to turn over the complete and updated list of contracts canceled, contract data is available online in near real time \u2014 including information on the cancellation of VA contracts.\n\n\u201cTo add to these alarming facts, recent media investigations, to include two stories released by ProPublica on June 6, have found evidence that DOGE and VA officials used ill-conceived Artificial Intelligence (AI) formulas and algorithms to make or inform contract cancellation decisions \u2014 cutting out meaningful input from VA career experts to assess the impact of ending these services. This adds an entire new level of unease connected to the decision-making, security, governance, and quality control of the entire process,\u201d continued the senators. The damning reporting from ProPublica outlined in the letter exposes the careless nature of Secretary Collins and DOGE\u2019s contract cancellation process at VA, including the use of flawed, error-prone AI tools to determine what contracts would be canceled.\n\n\u201cHowever, this process which included cancelling hundreds of contracts, many in a several-day period, then restoring dozens just a few days later, is not an indication of good program management but rather waste, carelessness, and chaos. We are deeply concerned about how these cancellations, which are ongoing, are or will impact veterans\u2019 health care, benefits, and other services; harm VA\u2019s ability to perform oversight and program improvement; and eliminate or significantly hinder the availability of critical tools to maintain safe and clean facilities. A non-partisan and independent review of these matters is critical,\u201d concluded the Senators.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans\u2019 personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his \u201cDepartment of Government Efficiency\u201d (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans\u2019 medical records stored in VA\u2019s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.\n\nRecently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d Senator King recently joined SVAC Ranking Member Senator Blumenthal in writing a letter to Secretary Collins raising concerns over proposed $1 spending limits on VA purchase cards which are used to pay for gas to transport disabled veterans to apportionments, buy medical supplies and more. Senator King also joined his colleagues in raising concerns over proposed plans to terminate 83,000 VA employees, and participated in a special investigative SVAC hearing to question witnesses who were terminated due to DOGE cuts. Last month, Senators King and Blumenthal wrote again to Secretary Collins demanding an explanation for DOGE cuts at VA that would impact health care for Maine veterans.\n\nThe full text of letter can be found here or below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Case,\n\nWe write to request the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiate a review of the mass cancellation of VA contracts launched by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Secretary Collins, and other officials of the Department and the impact of these actions on veterans and VA operations. These activities began soon after January 20 and are ongoing.\n\nSince February of this year, Committee Minority staff have investigated these activities using public government contracting databases, internal VA documents, conducting interviews with VA employees and contractors, and other methods.\n\nThe preliminary findings after analyzing more than 650 VA contracts \u201cterminated for convenience\u201d between January 20 and May 30, 2025, extracted from federal contracting databases, are that a majority appear to be for services directly for veterans or critical VA operations to include for safe health care delivery. They include more than two dozen for medical supplies and equipment; four for cancer and tumor registries; more than 110 for construction and infrastructure services to include maintenance of boilers; prosthetics, including the conversion of a van for a veteran; more than 15 nursing home care contracts; more than 150 dealing with a wide range of quality of care, medical oversight, and hospital accreditation preparedness services; PACT Act implementation; and more. These are all areas that have been the subject of hundreds of OIG reports and investigations and known to be matters in which VA needs more support, not less. In addition, to date, no evidence has been provided by VA that any thoughtful contingency planning was put into place before these services were cancelled. Compounding our concerns are the hiring freeze, deferred resignations, terminations, and planned mass reductions of VA\u2019s workforce that in theory is responsible for absorbing some of this work.\n\nTo add to these alarming facts, recent media investigations, to include two stories released by ProPublica on June 6, have found evidence that DOGE and VA officials used ill-conceived Artificial Intelligence (AI) formulas and algorithms to make or inform contract cancellation decisions\u2014cutting out meaningful input from VA career experts to assess the impact of ending these services. This adds an entire new level of unease connected to the decision-making, security, governance, and quality control of the entire process.\n\nAs way of background, on February 24 and 25, 2025, Secretary Collins announced on social media his plan, carried out with Elon Musk and DOGE, to cancel hundreds of VA contracts he claimed were for \u201cPowerPoint slides and meeting minutes\u201d and indicated were valued at $2 billion. After directing career officials in the Department to start the cancellations, a list of more than 870 contracts was leaked to Congress and the media. The reality was that these contracts were predominantly for direct services for veterans or supporting VA operations including: suicide prevention and mental health treatment; disability claims processing, exams and auditing; radiology services; outreach regarding burial benefits and health care services; and contracts to conduct oversight activities to identify and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nWhen the true content of mass contract cancellations was exposed, VA\u2019s leadership team directed career officials to pause some cancellations. Public records show some contracts previously cancelled at the Secretary\u2019s direction were then reversed while others remain cancelled and new contracts are being cancelled each week. On March 3, 2025, VA announced that instead of more than 870 contracts, it would cancel 585 contracts with an alleged value of $1.8 billion but provided no details. This has been a consistent pattern and problem. Despite repeated requests in letters to the Secretary, questions at hearings, and dozens of emails to VA officials, as of the date of this letter, the Department has not provided a single briefing or a complete and accurate list of the contracts it has cancelled, descoped, modified, or otherwise changed as part of this process or the underlying methodology, reasoning, and contingency planning. On May 16, VA provided Congress with a list of more than 445 contracts which it indicated were \u201cterminated and closed.\u201d This list was so riddled with errors and inaccuracies to call into question the veracity of the entire document.\n\nSince the beginning of this process, Secretary Collins and VA officials have repeatedly denied\u2014without supporting evidence\u2014that the cancellations will negatively affect veterans or VA operations, including saying:\n\n\u201c[t]he termination of these contracts will not negatively affect Veteran care, benefits or services, and will help VA better focus on its core mission: providing the best possible care and services to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors\u201d, VA Press Release, March 3, 2025;\n\n\u201cas part of its review, VA career subject-matter expert employees responsible for the contract cancelations were given the option to stop a cancellation if they felt it would negatively impact health care, benefits or services for Veterans or VA beneficiaries\u201d, VA Press Release, March 3, 2025;\n\n\u201cVA will not cancel contracts for work that provides services to veterans or that the agency cannot do itself without a contingency plan in place\u201d, VA Spokesperson, \u201cDOGE Developed Error-Prone AI Tool to \u201cMunch\u201d Veterans Affairs Contracts,\u201d ProPublica, June 6, 2025;\n\n\u201c[c]ontracts that directly support Veterans, beneficiaries or provide services VA cannot do itself, such as a nurse who sees patients or an organization that provides third-party certification services, respectively, were not canceled. Contracts that involved services VA has the ability to perform itself were typically canceled\u201d, Secretary Collins, letter to Congress, May 2, 2025.\n\nBased on these findings and information, we ask VA OIG to conduct a review of these matters which may include a focus on:\n\nthe impact of these cancellations on veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors health care, benefits, memorial affairs and related services;\n\nthe impact of these cancellations on VA operations such as quality of care oversight, patient safety, accreditation, medical supplies and equipment, IT security, research, construction and maintenance;\n\nthe use of AI and/or algorithms to guide decision-making to include the recipient and purpose each VA contract identified by DOGE VA employee Mr. Sahil Lavingia that has been terminated; the formal assignment and instructions given to Mr. Lavingia with respect to assessment of VA contracts to include whether they included the use of AI and the approval of relevant code; the data integrity and protection measures taken, if any, to ensure the safeguarding of any personally identifiable information; and the extent to which this and any other related use of AI by DOGE or the VA violated any policy, procedure, regulation, or statute;\n\nthe extent, timing, and substantive involvement, if any, of VA career subject matter experts in the decision-making regarding cancellations;\n\nthe existence of contingency plans to replace the services prior to contract cancellations;\n\nan identification of the contracts cancelled, descoped, stopped or allowed to expire at part of this mass cancellation effort;\n\nthe financial transfer of funding from cancelled contracts to other VA activities; and\n\nother relevant matters as determined by VA OIG\n\nWe firmly support VA efforts to regularly review services procured by the Department and that process should be built into any functioning acquisition and program management operation at VA. However, this process, which included cancelling hundreds of contracts, many in a several-day period, then restoring dozens just a few days later, is not an indication of good program management but rather waste, carelessness, and chaos. We are deeply concerned about how these cancellations, which are ongoing, are or will impact veterans\u2019 health care, benefits, and other services; harm VA\u2019s ability to perform oversight and program improvement; and eliminate or significantly hinder the availability of critical tools to maintain safe and clean facilities.\n\nA non-partisan and independent review of these matters is critical. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/former-governors-in-senate-gop-reconciliation-bill-will-slash-medicaid-services-snap", "Former Governors in Senate: GOP Reconciliation Bill will Slash Medicaid Services, SNAP", "2025-06-23", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) led a number of his Senate colleagues who previously served as state governors to communicate to Republican leadership the devastating impacts of the Senate reconciliation bill on states. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo and Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairman John Boozman, the former governors lay out their significant concerns about how this partisan bill will place incredible burdens on state budgets, ultimately reducing critical services like Medicaid and SNAP.\n\nThe former Governors began, \u201cWe write as a group of former governors to share our perspective on the impact that the Senate reconciliation bill will have on state budgets. We have significant concerns about how this bill passes incredible burdens onto state budgets in order to finance tax cuts that disproportionately benefit ultra-wealthy taxpayers and ultimately reduce long-term economic growth.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe impact of these cuts \u2013 some of which are even deeper in the reconciliation bill released by the Senate Finance Committee \u2013 will also be especially felt by hospitals, nursing homes, and other health facilities particularly in rural communities,\u201d the group continued. \u201cMore uninsured patients mean reduced revenues, increased costs for services, and a greater burden of uncompensated care for hospitals, all of which may result in staff or service reductions. And when costs for uncompensated care go up, states and localities often must step in and provide additional funds to keep these vital community health providers afloat. Estimates suggest that 338 rural hospitals nationwide are at risk of closing due to the House reconciliation bill, including two in Maine, two in South Dakota, two in Nevada, three in Idaho, six in Virginia, and five in North Carolina.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe reconciliation bill also cuts over $200 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through 2034\u2014the largest reduction in the program\u2019s history\u2014 and shifts billions in benefit costs from the federal government to states for the first time. States, which have historically only overseen eligibility, are unprepared to absorb this financial burden. Based on data from 2023, states would be responsible for substantial new costs: $36 million in Maine, $984 million in Florida, $176 million in Virginia, $84 million in West Virginia, $130 million in Colorado, and $16 million in Nebraska. The reconciliation bill also shifts the majority of administrative cost burden onto states, requiring them to cover 75% of the cost-share instead of 50%, further straining state budgets. Many states will be forced to reduce access to food assistance, cut other essential services, raise taxes, or potentially opt out of SNAP altogether,\u201d the Senators highlighted.\n\nThe former Governors concluded, \u201cRed and blue states alike must balance their budgets, which means every dollar in added federal cost must be made up by either raising new revenues or making harmful cuts. If the reconciliation bill is passed, even in the best of times, states would need to spend billions more to provide similar or equal Medicaid and SNAP services and benefits. Should a severe economic downturn occur, states will be faced with an even more dire budgetary outlook. Tax increases at the state level would have to be considerable to fully fill the gap, something most states will not be able to do. If unemployment rises, our constituents will be reliant on these services more than ever \u2014 a failure to provide them or limit their scope would only result in pushing more people into poverty. This outcome, however, is avoidable. It is not too late to reverse course instead of cutting critical programs and shifting massive costs on to state taxpayers to offset tax cuts benefiting the wealthiest taxpayers.\u201d\n\nJoining King on the letter are Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Majority Leader Thune, Chairman Crapo, and Chairman Boozman:\n\nWe write as a group of former governors to share our perspective on the impact that the Senate reconciliation bill will have on state budgets. We have significant concerns about how this bill passes incredible burdens onto state budgets in order to finance tax cuts that disproportionately benefit ultra-wealthy taxpayers and ultimately reduce long-term economic growth.\n\nThe reconciliation bill proposes what would be the largest Medicaid cut in history. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office\u2019s analysis of the similar House passed reconciliation bill, cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage, along with the failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits, will result in at least $1 trillion in cuts to health coverage and lead to 16 million people losing access to healthcare coverage. Across the country, more than 78 million people rely on Medicaid and the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program \u2013 all of whom will be affected by these cuts in some capacity, and it is disingenuous to insist otherwise.\n\nAs Medicaid is a joint federal-state program, states will see cuts to their Medicaid programs totaling nearly $800 billion. For example, under the House-passed bill, state cuts over the next 10 years would total $2 billion in New Hampshire, $13 billion in Missouri, $19 billion in New Jersey, $5 billion in Iowa, $10 billion in Colorado, and nearly $5 billion in West Virgina. States will be forced to raise taxes or make cuts to these critical healthcare services or other important priorities, like education, childcare, housing, or disaster relief and recovery efforts. In fact, recent evidence shows that when states lose Medicaid funding, it is often Medicaid benefits that help seniors and people with disabilities, like coverage for home- and community-based care, that are first to be cut.\n\nThe impact of these cuts \u2013 some of which are even deeper in the reconciliation bill released by the Senate Finance Committee \u2013 will also be especially felt by hospitals, nursing homes, and other health facilities particularly in rural communities. More uninsured patients mean reduced revenues, increased costs for services, and a greater burden of uncompensated care for hospitals, all of which may result in staff or service reductions. And when costs for uncompensated care go up, states and localities often must step in and provide additional funds to keep these vital community health providers afloat. Estimates suggest that 338 rural hospitals nationwide are at risk of closing due to the House reconciliation bill, including two in Maine, two in South Dakota, two in Nevada, three in Idaho, six in Virginia, and five in North Carolina.\n\nThe reconciliation bill also cuts over $200 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through 2034\u2014the largest reduction in the program\u2019s history\u2014 and shifts billions in benefit costs from the federal government to states for the first time. States, which have historically only overseen eligibility, are unprepared to absorb this financial burden. Based on data from 2023, states would be responsible for substantial new costs: $36 million in Maine, $984 million in Florida, $176 million in Virginia, $84 million in West Virginia, $130 million in Colorado, and $16 million in Nebraska. The reconciliation bill also shifts the majority of administrative cost burden onto states, requiring them to cover 75% of the cost-share instead of 50%, further straining state budgets. Many states will be forced to reduce access to food assistance, cut other essential services, raise taxes, or potentially opt out of SNAP altogether.\n\nAs former governors, we are concerned that state governments will be forced to absorb both the administrative burden and the human cost of implementing and enforcing these changes, all while attempting to meet the basic needs of constituents left without assistance. SNAP currently supports 42 million Americans\u2014including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans\u2014and provides vital economic stability during downturns. If these changes are enacted, millions of people\u2014including families with children, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans\u2014would see their food assistance either eliminated entirely or reduced significantly. This will destabilize state budgets and unravel the basic assistance program that helps people weather economic hardship.\n\nRed and blue states alike must balance their budgets, which means every dollar in added federal cost must be made up by either raising new revenues or making harmful cuts. If the reconciliation bill is passed, even in the best of times, states would need to spend billions more to provide similar or equal Medicaid and SNAP services and benefits. Should a severe economic downturn occur, states will be faced with an even more dire budgetary outlook. Tax increases at the state level would have to be considerable to fully fill the gap, something most states will not be able to do. If unemployment rises, our constituents will be reliant on these services more than ever \u2013 a failure to provide them or limit their scope would only result in pushing more people into poverty. This outcome, however, is avoidable. It is not too late to reverse course instead of cutting critical programs and shifting massive costs on to state taxpayers to offset tax cuts benefiting the wealthiest taxpayers.\n\nWe stand ready and willing to work with you and Congressional Republicans on bipartisan legislation that is fiscally responsible, provides relief for middle-class taxpayers and their families, and spurs economic growth and investment. We understand that difficult tradeoffs are often necessary, however, we believe that these goals can be achieved without making cuts to essential services that everyday Americans rely upon.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/outlining-maine-economic-benefits-of-foreign-students-senator-king-urges-secretary-of-state-rubio-to-reconsider-harmful-pause", "Outlining Maine Economic Benefits of Foreign Students, Senator King Urges Secretary of State Rubio to Reconsider Harmful Pause", "2025-06-20", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) called on the State Department to reinstate student visa programs for the benefit of Maine schools and the state\u2019s local economy. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King outlined the immediate impact of revoking student visas on schools in Maine like Thornton Academy, the University of New England (UNE), Foxcroft Academy, College of the Atlantic and the University of Maine (UMaine) System.\n\nSenator King began, \u201cI write to underscore the critically harmful impacts that the Department of State\u2019s decision to pause new visa interviews for international students, as well as the Department\u2019s threats to revoke visas of Chinese students, are having on schools across the state of Maine.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese actions are deterring international families from sending their students to the U.S.\u2014the tuition of which contributes significantly to the revenue of secondary schools and institutions of higher education in Maine. Thornton Academy, which functions as the public high school for students in Saco, and its neighboring towns in Maine, has already seen a loss of $120,000 in revenue due to the withdrawal of Chinese education programs from their summer camp. Thornton Academy anticipates a potential annual loss of $6.6 million should the Administration\u2019s policy remain in place\u2014a loss of one third of the school\u2019s annual budget for employee salary payments,\u201d King continued.\n\nKing concluded, \u201cInternational students studying at schools in Maine are subsidizing the cost of local education, saving taxpayers money, and providing Maine students with unmatched opportunities. These are not funds coming from the pockets of our community, the taxes of our businesses, or from the federal government. These are funds brought in from outside of the United States and used to the benefit of all our students both domestic and international.\n\nKing has long supported the impact and contributions of international students. Earlier this year, he introduced legislation to streamline the bureaucratic process for international students to obtain legal status and bolster the United States\u2019 STEM labor force.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Rubio:\n\nI write to underscore the critically harmful impacts that the Department of State\u2019s decision to pause new visa interviews for international students, as well as the Department\u2019s threats to revoke visas of Chinese students, are having on schools across the state of Maine.\n\nThese actions are deterring international families from sending their students to the U.S.\u2014the tuition of which contributes significantly to the revenue of secondary schools and institutions of higher education in Maine. Thornton Academy, which functions as the public high school for students in Saco, and its neighboring towns in Maine, has already seen a loss of $120,000 in revenue due to the withdrawal of Chinese education programs from their summer camp. Thornton Academy anticipates a potential annual loss of $6.6 million should the Administration\u2019s policy remain in place\u2014a loss of one third of the school\u2019s annual budget for employee salary payments. College of the Atlantic, a small liberal arts college in Bar Harbor, Maine, projects a loss of thirty five percent of their net tuition due to these policies. These are just a few examples\u2014schools across Maine report that real and projected reductions in international student enrollments, and the corresponding loss of revenue associated with their tuition, will almost certainly result in staff layoffs. These layoffs will not only harm students but also have a damaging ripple effect on our local economies.\n\nThe non-monetary contributions of these students to Maine communities cannot be overstated. Our state university system hosts students from 85 countries. Foxcroft Academy, a day and boarding school in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, hosts about 20% of its entire student population from countries around the world. These students bring diverse cultures and perspectives to their new communities and create an opportunity for all Maine students to consider the world with a far greater exposure than otherwise possible.\n\nNot only does Maine benefit from these students, but the education that they receive in our state has also taken them far\u2014international students who studied in Maine have participated in global academic competitions, become published authors, and have even become professors themselves. The Administration has yet to provide a compelling reason for its decision to rob our communities of this worthwhile exchange.\n\nInternational students studying at schools in Maine are subsidizing the cost of local education, saving taxpayers money, and providing Maine students with unmatched opportunities. These are not funds coming from the pockets of our community, the taxes of our businesses, or from the federal government. These are funds brought in from outside of the United State and used to the benefit of all our students both domestic and international.\n\nI urge you to reconsider the Department of State\u2019s policies regarding international student visa pauses and revocations, for the benefit of Maine and the entire nation.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-blasts-defense-secretary-for-presenting-incomplete-fy26-pentagon-budget", "King Blasts Defense Secretary for Presenting Incomplete FY26 Pentagon Budget", "2025-06-18", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) blasted the Department of Defense (DoD) for not presenting the committee with a full year 2026 fiscal budget that fully reflects the department\u2019s funding priorities and needs. In an unprecedented move, the DoD is submitting its FY2026 budget in two pieces \u2013 the core budget that reflects no increase in spending, and an additional budget via the GOP reconciliation bill to make up the difference and match the threats facing the United States.\n\nIn the conversation with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, King suggested that the DoD budget needs to be presented to the committee in its entirety to prevent a yearly partisan decision making process.\n\n\u201cLet me talk about the budget. I don't understand why the budget is coming to us in two pieces. Why not give us an honest base budget instead of putting a piece of it in reconciliation? As I understand it, OMB (the Office of Management and Budget) is saying we are going to have a flat defense budget for the next four or five years. Are we playing reconciliation every year from now on? Why not give us an honest budget telling us what your priorities are, and we can consider it. This committee always works on a bipartisan basis on the defense budget. We all want to see some increases in the defense budget, yet you are giving us this fake [version] \u2014 here is a piece of the project, here is another. In the base budget you are cutting ship building in half and saying, well we\u2019re going to make it up in reconciliation. Are we going to have reconciliation every year? Which basically puts a significant part, 10% or 15% of the defense budget in a wholly partisan decision-making process, whereas in the history of this committee it has always been bipartisan. Why are we doing it this way,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cSenator, from our view the budget number, $961 [billion], meets the requirements for threats we face,\u201d responded Secretary Hegseth.\n\n\u201cThat's not the number. The number is $892.6 [billion]. You\u2019re adding reconciliation. That is my whole point. Why not give us a base budget of $961 [billion] or whatever the right number is? What you consider the right number and then we can operate and make our decisions? Why do it in this bifurcated way that really is fooling the American people about what the defense budget is,\u201d Senator King questioned.\n\nSecretary Hegseth replied,\u201d We are not trying to fool anybody, sir. It is two bills, one budget. We\u2019re working with OMB. I feel very comfortable with the number of $961 billion.\u201d\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s not my question. Why is it being done this way? Why is it being done this way? Why don't you give us a straight up budget for the defense department? That is my question,\u201d said Senator King.\n\n\u201cSenator, this is a straight up budget for the defense department. It\u2019s a 13% increase over what Joe Biden gave us,\u201d responded Secretary Hegseth.\n\nSenator King replied, \u201cIt is not. It is a two-part defense budget. Part of it is in reconciliation instead of in the budget that is being presented to this committee. This committee only has a partial review of the budget. I don\u2019t understand why we can\u2019t have an honest, straight forward, budget instead of this son of OCO (overseas contingency operation), that you\u2019re putting over on us.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King has long championed sound fiscal Defense funding for priorities in Maine and across the United States. Maine defense industries, University of Maine, and the Maine National Guard rely on annual funding levels and Defense Department budget details to plan investments and maintain their workforce. There is over $4 billion in defense business conducted annually in Maine impacting every county. Budget bills help these stakeholders with short-term and long-term forecasting and are economic drivers for the state of Maine.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-highlights-administration-hypocrisy-slashing-irs-funding-will-balloon-federal-deficit", "King Highlights Administration Hypocrisy: Slashing IRS Funding Will Balloon Federal Deficit", "2025-06-18", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining efforts to highlight the hypocrisy of White House policy slashing funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), resulting in diminished enforcement for \u201cwealthy tax cheats.\u201d In a letter to IRS Commissioner Billy Long, King and his colleagues suggest that plans to slash IRS funding would balloon the federal deficit and result in $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade.\n\nIn June last year, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he was \u201calarmed by the size of [the government\u2019s] deficit,\u201d and publicly championed a plan to cut the annual deficit from just over six percent of GDP to three percent. In an interview in April, Deputy Treasury Secretary Faulkender reiterated that the Administration\u2019s intent is to \u201cbring the deficit down.\u201d When pressed by Senators in written questions, Secretary Bessent affirmed his commitment to lowering the deficit to three percent of GDP by the end of President Trump\u2019s term.\n\nThe Senators began, \u201cWe write to you with concern regarding the Trump Administration\u2019s hollowing out of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For too long, the IRS has been underfunded and operating with outdated technology and inadequate staffing \u2013 resulting in unacceptable levels of service to taxpayers and enabling wealthy tax cheats to evade taxes. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in 2021, finally provided the IRS with the resources the agency needed to modernize and improve efficiency, but Congressional Republicans quietly slashed that funding in recent years. It is critical that we protect and build on the IRA\u2019s investments. Otherwise, we risk failing honest, hardworking taxpayers while ballooning the federal deficit.\u201d\n\n\u201cReducing the tax gap by ensuring that high-income individuals pay the taxes they owe should be an obvious bipartisan approach to making progress on the federal deficit,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cFurther, it is a good investment \u2013 one study found that $1 spent on auditing the highest earners yields $12 in returns to revenues. And after recent investments in enforcement targeted at high earners, the IRS collected over $1 billion in back taxes from just 1,600 wealthy taxpayers.\u201d\n\n\u201cAll of this is occurring at the same time that the Administration and Congressional Republicans are teeing up another huge deficit-busting reconciliation bill that includes massive tax cuts for the wealthy, which the House of Representatives recently approved. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, an extension of the 2017 Republican tax bill, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, would add $52 trillion to the national debt over the next 30 years, adding more debt to the nation\u2019s balance sheet in three decades than in the previous 249- year history of our country\u2019s existence. This extension is only one component of this larger bill. These actions are inconsistent with your public commitments to meaningfully reduce the federal deficit and will undo the improvements made to the IRS\u2019s taxpayer services,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nTreasury Secretary Bessent last week took a victory lap touting increased IRS revenue in the most recent filing season. Yet, earlier this year, the Trump administration began workforce reductions at the IRS, including a plan to reduce IRS employee headcount by 40 percent. Tens of thousands of workers have left the agency since President Trump took office. More specifically, the auditing division of the IRS division has lost 38 percent of its employees. These cuts could drive up the deficit and lead to $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade.\n\nIn addition to King, the letter is signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Bessent and Commissioner Long:\n\nWe write to you with concern regarding the Trump Administration\u2019s hollowing out of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For too long, the IRS has been underfunded and operating with outdated technology and inadequate staffing \u2013 resulting in unacceptable levels of service to taxpayers and enabling wealthy tax cheats to evade taxes. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in 2021, finally provided the IRS with the resources the agency needed to modernize and improve efficiency, but Congressional Republicans quietly slashed that funding in recent years. It is critical that we protect and build on the IRA\u2019s investments. Otherwise, we risk failing honest, hardworking taxpayers while ballooning the federal deficit.\n\nTrump administration officials have repeatedly claimed a desire to lower the deficit. In June last year, Treasury Secretary Bessent said he was \u201calarmed by the size of [the government\u2019s] deficit,\u201d and publicly touted a plan to cut the annual deficit from 6.4 percent of GDP to three percent. In an interview in April, Deputy Treasury Secretary Faulkender reiterated that the Administration\u2019s intent is to \u201cbring the deficit down.\u201d When pressed by Senators in written questions, Secretary Bessent affirmed his commitment to lowering the deficit to three percent of GDP by the end of President Trump\u2019s term. Despite these commitments, the Administration\u2019s signature tax priorities\u2014gutting the IRS and passing significant tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy\u2014will massively drive up the deficit and place a greater burden on future generations.\n\nAmerican workers pay their taxes on time and in full, often through automatic withholdings on their paychecks. A small subset of high-income taxpayers, though, find complicated workarounds to shield income from the taxes that they owe. This has resulted in a massive gap between revenue owed and revenue collected \u2013 known as the \u201ctax gap.\u201d The latest IRS estimate was that this tax gap was nearly $700 billion in 2022 \u2013 or 17 percent of the total taxes owed. This shifts more of the tax burden on hardworking Americans who abide by the law.\n\nReducing the tax gap by ensuring that high-income individuals pay the taxes they owe should be an obvious bipartisan approach to making progress on the federal deficit. Further, it is a good investment \u2013 one study found that $1 spent on auditing the highest earners yields $12 in returns to revenues. And after recent investments in enforcement targeted at high earners, the IRS collected over $1 billion in back taxes from just 1,600 wealthy taxpayers.\n\nInvestments in the IRS also make it easier for law-abiding taxpayers to file their taxes. Decades of underfunding and lack of investment at the agency left customer service in a poor state prior to passage of the IRA. For years, taxpayers struggled to get through on customer service lines or find an in-person assistance center to receive help with their tax return. Recent investments in the IRS have finally allowed the agency to start investing in long-overdue improvements, allowing for significant new and enhanced services for taxpayers. As of June 2024, call wait-times had dropped from 28 minutes to 3 minutes, the agency had opened 54 new taxpayer assistance centers, and online services had started expanding.\n\nBut the Trump administration is planning to turn back the clock on this progress. When reductions in force began at the IRS this spring, personnel essential to the filing season operations were required to continue working until mid-May, which limited the impact of staffing losses on tax revenue for the 2025 season. But the continuing layoffs at the IRS will kneecap the agency\u2019s ability to do its basic job. President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have executed massive cuts to the IRS workforce\u2014including a plan to reduce IRS employee headcount by 40 percent. Tens of thousands of workers have left the agency since President Trump\u2019s inauguration. The IRS division that audits billionaires and the ultrawealthy has already lost 38 percent of its employees and had its funding rescinded by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. Even before these massive layoffs, IRS audits were already at a 23-year low. Further cutting IRS staff means less staff to monitor wealthy tax cheats and collect the tax revenue that will help offset our budget deficit. If IRS staffing levels are nearly halved, as the Administration has promised, these cuts could lead to $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade. And layoffs of this magnitude will significantly damage the agency\u2019s customer service capacity.\n\nAll of this is occurring at the same time that the Administration and Congressional Republicans are teeing up another huge deficit-busting reconciliation bill that includes massive tax cuts for the wealthy, which the House of Representatives recently approved. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, an extension of the 2017 Republican tax bill, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, would add $52 trillion to the national debt over the next 30 years, adding more debt to the nation\u2019s balance sheet in three decades than in the previous 249- year history of our country\u2019s existence. This extension is only one component of this larger bill. These actions are inconsistent with your public commitments to meaningfully reduce the federal deficit and will undo the improvements made to the IRS\u2019s taxpayer services.\n\nAccordingly, we ask that you provide responses to the following questions by June 30, 2025:\n\n1. Given the proven return on investment from increasing staffing levels at the IRS, how did the Administration determine that a 40 percent across-the-board cut in the IRS workforce was prudent?\n\n2. What analyses did the Administration conduct on the impact of IRS workforce cuts on deficit reduction goals, including nearly halving the division of the IRS that investigates tax evasion? Please share the revenue impact of these workforce cuts.\n\n3. In anticipation of the 2026 tax filing season, what metrics are the IRS using to ensure that revenue collections are maintained at equal or greater levels and do not decrease?\n\n4. The Administration has instituted a prolonged hiring freeze for the IRS. The National Taxpayer Advocate noted that IRS customer service positions have an attrition rate of 19 percent. With additional workforce reductions, how does the IRS intend to sustain adequate levels of customer service? Please share relevant documentation, including performance metrics for casework, phone service, and in-person assistance centers.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bipartisan-bill-to-combat-national-security-threats-from-china", "King Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Combat National Security Threats from China", "2025-06-17", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), is cosponsoring legislation to counter threats to U.S. national security posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act would direct the Attorney General to prepare a report on the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) efforts to combat threats from China and espionage in the United States, so that the federal government can better form a fact-based, up-to-date strategy to contain and confront China.\n\nChina poses one of the greatest threats to the United States\u2019 national security and economy. In February 2023, the United States Air Force shot down a Chinese spy balloon that had traveled through American airspace for several days \u2014 an apparent act of Chinese provocation. It was also revealed last year that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has secretly been operating \u201cservice centers\u201d across America \u2014 raising questions about China\u2019s surveillance efforts in our country. Additionally, China has leveraged much of its legal system to steal American intellectual property. It leads America\u2019s adversaries as the top thief of United States\u2019 intellectual property (IP). According to the Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property, the CCP has stolen IP that is estimated to cost the United States from $225 billion to $600 billion every year.\n\n\u201cFor decades, the Chinese Communist Party has consistently worked to undermine our national security, weaken our economy and steal intellectual property,\u201d said Senator Angus King. \u201cThe first step in combatting any threat is to ensure we have a clear understanding of the facts. The bipartisan Counting Chinese Espionage Reporting Act would be a commonsense, invaluable step forward in countering these serious threats posed by Chinese agents. By using our own intelligence and annual reporting from the Department of Justice, we can better protect our communities and companies from foreign bad actors.\u201d\n\nThe Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act would:\n\nDirect the U.S. Attorney General, in coordination with other relevant government agencies, to prepare an annual report on the DOJ\u2019s efforts to counter threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).\n\nSpecifically, the report would include details pertaining to:\n\nThe theft of American intellectual property (IP) and research\n\nThreats from non-traditional collectors, such as researchers in laboratories, at universities and at defense industrial base facilities\n\nAn accounting of DOJ resources dedicated to combating threats from the CCP\n\nA member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Alongside the Maine delegation he urged the DOJ to crackdown on illegal Chinses-owned marijuana operations in Maine. In the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), he secured a key provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to submit yearly reports focused on deterring hostility from adversaries like China and Russia. During hearings, Senator King has been a vocal advocate for strengthening the United States\u2019 deterrence strategy to defend itself from multiple forms of Chinese aggression.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-press-white-house-to-resume-processing-daca-applications", "King, Colleagues Press White House to Resume Processing DACA Applications", "2025-06-16", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and his colleagues are urging the White House to abide by a court ruling and resume processing applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Angelica Alfonso-Royals, the Senators highlight the popular support for providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship and request that the administration comply with the recent Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling to resume processing applications for DACA.\n\nSunday, June 15th marks the thirteenth anniversary of President Obama establishing the DACA program via policy memorandum in 2012. Since then, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA, empowering recipients to bolster their careers and contribute an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power and $40 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes.\n\nThe Senators wrote, \u201cNoncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship, and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cConsistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nThe Senators concluded by reiterating their request, \u201cWe urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible.\u201d\n\nIn 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. More than 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS.\n\nOn January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen\u2019s injunction to Texas.\n\nIn addition to King, the letter is signed by Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nSenator King is a strong opponent of the Trump Administration\u2019s continued efforts to repeal protections for DACA recipients. He has repeatedly sought a legislative solution to provide stability for DACA recipients. He previously joined a group of his Senate colleagues in a letter urging former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to immediately take up the bipartisan House-passed American Dream and Promise Act, which would establish a path to citizenship for Dreamers and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). In addition, King led a bipartisan proposal with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) that would have provided legislative protections for Dreamers.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Acting Director Alfonso-Royals:\n\nNoncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship,1 and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.2 Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately.\n\nIn 2001, the Dream Act was introduced on a bipartisan basis to provide a path to citizenship to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children but remained vulnerable to deportation. Since that time, the Dream Act has been introduced in every Congress. It has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate with bipartisan majority votes, but no version has yet to be signed into law.3 In response to bipartisan pressure to protect Dreamers until Congress acted, 4 the Obama Administration implemented DACA through a policy memorandum in 2012.\n\nSince 2012, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA. Many DACA recipients report that deferred action\u2014and the accompanying employment authorization \u2014allowed them to apply for their first job or move to a higher-paying position more commensurate with their skills.7 Since its establishment, DACA recipients have contributed an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power, and $40 billion dollars in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes.\n\nIn 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. Over 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS.\n\nOn January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen\u2019s injunction to Texas. 11 Pursuant to the order, in Texas, DACA must resume as a limited program providing protection from deportation for current DACA recipients, but without access to work authorization or driver\u2019s licenses as part of those renewals. This order went into effect on March 11, giving USCIS the authority to start processing initial DACA applications from states other than Texas. However, three months later, USCIS has not made any public announcement on whether new DACA applications will be processed; nor has the agency begun processing initial applications that have been pending with the agency for years.\n\nWe urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tomorrow-is-officially-vets-get-outside-day-after-senators-king-cassidy-resolution-passes-senate-unanimously", "Tomorrow Is Officially \u201cVets Get Outside Day\u201d After Senators King, Cassidy Resolution Passes Senate Unanimously", "2025-06-13", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), both members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), marking Saturday, June 14th as \u201cVeterans Get Outside Day.\u201d The resolution encourages veterans, especially those struggling with mental health challenges, to spend time in the great outdoors. Veterans have free lifetime access to National Parks and Maine State Parks.\n\n\u201cFrom beach walks on the rocky coast to a challenging hike in the woods, Maine\u2019s extraordinary outdoor spaces can bring moments of calm during the most difficult times,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cI hope that \u2018Vets Get Outside Day\u2019 will encourage Maine veterans to find a relaxing outdoor space that helps them process their daily stressors. It\u2019s a simple way to promote two of Maine\u2019s greatest treasures \u2014 the great outdoors and our brave veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cResuming civilian life can be isolating,\u201d said Senator Cassidy. \u201cWhen veterans stay active and connected with their community, their mental health and quality of life improve. That is what today is all about.\u201d\n\nThe resolution calls on veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges to walk, run, hike, bike ride, or simply spend time outside on June 14th, 2025, as part of an effort improve mental health Over 460,000 veterans were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries between 2020 and 2024, and there were 6,407 veteran suicide deaths in 2022. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors in nature can have positive impact on an individual\u2019s mental health and lessen feelings of isolation.\n\nVeterans can dial 9-8-8 and then press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24-hours a day.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America\u2019s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing free secure firearm storage to veterans. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.\n\nSenator King has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. Earlier this year, he cosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act that would provide more combat-injured veterans with their full earned benefits. He also joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, in introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize a program that would expand access to veteran disability claims exams. Recently, Senator King teamed up with Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) to introduce a bipartisan bill that would make the veterans\u2019 benefit claims process more streamlined and fair. Earlier this year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his \u201coutstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-new-england-colleagues-urge-coast-guard-to-delay-removal-of-navigational-buoys", "King, New England Colleagues Urge Coast Guard to Delay Removal of Navigational Buoys", "2025-06-12", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Angus King and a bipartisan cohort of the New England Senate Delegation are urging the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to delay the removal of navigational buoys off the coast of New England so they can better engage with stakeholders and understand the impacts of the proposal. In a letter to Coast Guard Commandant Kevin Lunday, the Senators ask for USCG to extend the comment period for public input, undertake more extensive outreach and enhance the compilation of data before making any final decisions on the removal of the navigational buoys.\n\nThe USCG launched the Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative in April 2025, a component of its broader Short-Range Aids-to-Navigation Modernization effort. This initiative proposed the discontinuation of 351 coastal buoys across New England (Maine accounts for the largest share at 145 buoys). In parallel, an additional 2,349 buoys and beacons are under review for future removal as part of the Harbor Buoy Modernization Initiative and the Shallow Water Level of Service Study (SWLOSS), scheduled for phased implementation from 2026 through 2029. In total, some 2700 buoys are up for consideration for removal along the New England coast.\n\nThese efforts collectively represent a significant reconfiguration of the region\u2019s maritime navigational infrastructure affecting both commercial and recreational mariners; despite the technical justifications for the initiative, the USCG approach has raised concerns throughout New England\u2019s maritime community.\n\n\u201cWe write regarding our concerns with the First District Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative and related efforts. Principally, we have reservations about how this would affect the safety of mariners throughout District One, the timeline the agency is proposing and the sufficiency of the agency\u2019s communications with stakeholders of the proposed changes. We understand the need to modernize the Aids-to-Navigation (ATON) system, and we commend the agency for proactively initiating a program to assess current systems and to propose appropriate changes. However, we urge the agency to slow down this effort to ensure that the agency understands the needs of the communities and mariners in our states. Therefore, we urge you to extend the public comment period and increase public and Congressional engagement as outlined in this letter,\u201d the Senators began.\n\n\u201cWe understand that Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC), Electronic Charting Systems (ECS) and smartphone navigation applications have changed many facets of navigation,\u201d they continued. \u201cHowever, prudent mariners continue to depend on non-electronic and traditional means of navigating, including charts and visual navigation aids like buoys and related ATON.\u201d\n\nThe Senators concluded, \u201cWith respect to the First District Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative, we are troubled that the current proposal would discontinue 916 buoys and beacons (309 Coastal and 607 Harbor buoys) in District One as soon as this year and into 2026. We appreciate the need to modernize, but the Coast Guard and other stakeholders need to maximize navigation safety utilizing all available means \u2013 electronic and visual. As you are well aware, mishaps continue to show the need for mariners to competently pilot their vessels, and effective coastal piloting relies on GPS, Radar and visual navigational aids including buoys, beacons, lights, ranges and lighthouses.\u201d\n\nJoining King on the letter are Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumental (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Susan Collins (R-ME).\n\nThe full of the text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Acting Commandant Lunday:\n\nWe write regarding our concerns with the First District Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative and related efforts. Principally, we have reservations about how this would affect the safety of mariners throughout District One, the timeline the agency is proposing and the sufficiency of the agency\u2019s communications with stakeholders of the proposed changes. We understand the need to modernize the Aids-to-Navigation (ATON) system, and we commend the agency for proactively initiating a program to assess current systems and to propose appropriate changes. However, we urge the agency to slow down this effort to ensure that the agency understands the needs of the communities and mariners in our states. Therefore, we urge you to extend the public comment period and increase public and Congressional engagement as outlined in this letter.\n\nWe understand that Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC), Electronic Charting Systems (ECS) and smartphone navigation applications have changed many facets of navigation. However, prudent mariners continue to depend on non-electronic and traditional means of navigating, including charts and visual navigation aids like buoys and related ATON. Indeed, the agency\u2019s regulations on ATON acknowledges that \u201cThe Coast Guard maintains systems of marine aids to navigation consisting of visual, audible, and electronic signals which are designed to assist the prudent mariner in the process of navigation.\u201d\n\nWith respect to the First District Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative, we are troubled that the current proposal would discontinue 916 buoys and beacons (309 Coastal and 607 Harbor buoys) in District One as soon as this year and into 2026. We appreciate the need to modernize, but the Coast Guard and other stakeholders need to maximize navigation safety utilizing all available means \u2013 electronic and visual. As you are well aware, mishaps continue to show the need for mariners to competently pilot their vessels, and effective coastal piloting relies on GPS, Radar and visual navigational aids including buoys, beacons, lights, ranges and lighthouses.\n\nBecause the scope of the proposed effort is significant and will have a lasting impact, we request that the Coast Guard extend the comment period for public input on the District One initiative until September 1, 2025, undertake more extensive outreach and enhance the compilation of data on which the agency is relying. Specifically, we request a dedicated public website on this initiative, an extension to the comment period, a briefing after the agency has winnowed its list of ATON to discontinue and a commitment to implement the District One ATON effort no earlier than October 1, 2026. The extension of the public comment period will allow the Coast Guard to conduct outreach, enhance public comment via additional means other than a single email address (e.g. a dedicated website) and allow mariners to practically consider these changes during peak recreational and commercial seasons. Lastly, we also are seeking a delay in implementing the actual changes by approximately one year to allow for sufficient review and collaboration ahead of implementation.\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this matter and request a follow-up discussion with you regarding this matter by June 26th, 2025.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-collins-king-announce-uss-gravely-to-visit-eastport-for-fourth-of-july-celebration", "Senators Collins, King Announce USS Gravely to Visit Eastport for Fourth of July Celebration", "2025-06-12", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Eastport will receive a port visit during the city\u2019s 2025 Fourth of July celebration. The U.S. Navy has committed to sending the guided missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107), which has a crew complement of approximately 330 sailors.\n\nUSS Gravely is a battle-tested warship and recently saw action in the Red Sea.\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to the U.S. Navy for honoring the State of Maine with this port visit during Eastport\u2019s Fourth of July celebration,\u201d said Senators Collins and King. \u201cThe arrival of the USS Gravely will give Mainers a special opportunity to meet the sailors bravely serving our country. It\u2019s an honor to welcome these servicemembers to our state as we mark Independence Day, and we thank the Navy for making this visit possible.\u201d\n\nThe Eastport Fourth of July parade and festival is the largest in the state and draws thousands of Maine people every year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-severe-weather-season-king-and-colleagues-call-on-white-house-to-nominate-an-experienced-fema-administrator", "Ahead of Severe Weather Season, King and Colleagues Call on White House to Nominate an Experienced FEMA Administrator", "2025-06-11", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 With Maine facing a severe weather season, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined his colleagues calling on the White House to nominate an experienced Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator. In a letter to President Donald Trump, King and his colleagues expressed serious concern about the ongoing absence of a Senate-confirmed FEMA Administrator and steps his administration has taken to weaken and destabilize the agency, including the abrupt termination last month of Cameron Hamilton, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator.\n\nTo date, President Trump has failed to nominate an Administrator or appoint someone who satisfies the qualifications specified for the role. David Richardson \u2014 Mr. Hamilton\u2019s replacement as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator \u2014 told agency staff last week that he did not know the United States has a hurricane season.\n\n\u201cIn recent months, your administration has reduced FEMA staff by roughly 30%, rescinded grant funding local communities rely on to recover from disasters and significantly scaled back emergency management training for state officials,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cTaken together, these actions have impeded ongoing recovery efforts and undermined the national response to future natural disasters.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe agree that FEMA can do better and needs reform. But dismantling the agency and weakening its leadership will only leave states and localities stranded when disaster strikes. To preserve the long-term integrity of FEMA and ensure our nation\u2019s preparedness for future disasters, we urge you to nominate a qualified Administrator that will restore confidence in the agency as soon as possible,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senator King, the letter was cosigned by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear President Trump,\n\nAs peak disaster season approaches, we write with serious concern about the ongoing absence of a Senate-confirmed FEMA Administrator and steps your administration has taken to weaken and destabilize the agency.\n\nTo date, you have failed to nominate an Administrator or, in the absence of such an official, appoint someone who satisfies the qualifications specified for that role in statute. The abrupt termination of Cameron Hamilton as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator last month injected further instability into an agency already struggling to navigate mass reductions in force.\n\nMr. Hamilton\u2019s termination came just one day after his appearance in front of the House Appropriations Committee, at which he testified, \u201cI do not believe it is in the best interests of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency.\u201d\n\nWe share Mr. Hamilton\u2019s concerns. In recent months, your administration has reduced FEMA staff by roughly 30 percent, rescinded grant funding local communities rely on to recover from disasters, and significantly scaled back emergency management training for state officials. Taken together, these actions have impeded ongoing recovery efforts and undermined the national response to future natural disasters.\n\nMr. Hamilton\u2019s departure leaves a vacuum of leadership at FEMA. David Richardson \u2014 Mr. Hamilton\u2019s replacement as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator\u2014 told agency staff last week that he did not know the United States has a hurricane season. Mr. Richardson will head the federal response to any hurricanes that hit our shores this season.\n\nWe agree that FEMA can do better and needs reform. But dismantling the agency and weakening its leadership will only leave states and localities stranded when disaster strikes.\n\nTo preserve the long-term integrity of FEMA and ensure our nation\u2019s preparedness for future disasters, we urge you to nominate a qualified Administrator that will restore confidence in the agency as soon as possible.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-spars-with-interior-secretary-over-harmful-arbitrary-budget-cuts-to-national-parks", "King Spars with Interior Secretary Over Harmful, Arbitrary Budget Cuts to National Parks", "2025-06-11", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the National Parks Subcommittee, demanded answers from Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as to why the National Park Service\u2019s (NPS) budget is being cut by $1.2 billion. During the exchange, Senator King pressed Secretary Burgum to justify the cuts and made clear that arbitrary budget decisions will have devastating consequences for national parks across the country \u2014 not just to operations, but to the visitor experience at locations nationwide.\n\nThe hearing comes as the Trump Administration has implemented drastic cuts to federal land agencies such as the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service at the request of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These actions, alongside aggressive pushes to privatize federally managed lands and reshape environmental policy, pose serious threats to public land protections. The cuts to the National Park Service, as of late, are now facing bipartisan pushback in Congress.\n\n\u201cThe 1.2 billion dollars you are cutting from the National Park Service is devastating to the National Park Service. It doesn't amount to anything in terms of our federal budget. I did a calculation, if our federal budget was the height of this room, what you are cutting from the National Park Service is the combined height of two credit cards. In other words, to save virtually no money from the federal budget, we\u2019re devastating one of America's treasures. And that\u2019s what I don't understand. You yourself a few minutes ago said you don't have the data; you don't have the visitation data. This is ready, fire, aim. How about waiting a year, developing the data, finding out what it is because you can\u2019t convince me that a detailed analysis of the National Park Service took place in the last couple of months to justify this pitiful submission to this committee. So, I\u2019m anxious to hear. We all know the term bang for the buck, this is damage for the buck. This is huge damage to the Park Service for a very minimal return in terms of reduction to the deficit, reduction of our federal budget. Why in the world, given your commitment to the national parks, the new Teddy Roosevelt Park in your state, why did you let them do this,\u201d asked Senator King.\u201d\n\nSecretary Burgum replied, \u201cSenator, I want to \u2014 first, I appreciate the chart you are holding up behind there. I believe that number, if I can see it correctly, probably is the full-time staffing as opposed to the summer and seasonal. I think we actually have \u2014 it is a mix. I think that line I\u2019m trying to see \u2014\"\n\n\u201cYou allowed more seasonals for this year, but I understand only half of them have been hired and are in the summer right now,\u201d said Senator King.\n\n\u201cMore than half have been hired but again this is a mix. Again, I just got back from a trip to Alaska. I was at Kenai Fjords. This is a beautiful and amazing park. The road gets plowed in May; it snows over in November. This is a classic case where we need a lot of staffing. cruise ships are stopping in Seward and hundreds of thousands of villagers coming over a three- or four-month period and in the wintertime, the visitor centers aren\u2019t even open. So, we have to figure out a way to be able to do flex staffing. It is not as simple as the raw number. The one number I was able \u2014,\u201d responded Secretary Burgum.\n\nSenator King finished, \u201cThere may be details in here but is pretty unmistakable the trend on this chart. I don't understand \u2014 you are saving a very small amount of money, and you are gutting \u2014 I looked it up last night--the National Park Service is the most popular federal agency. The most popular federal agency. Why in the world would you target this agency particularly when you yourself in your testimony said I don't have the data? This is ready, fire, aim. Get the data. Understand the details of the budget. Give us something like this, and then we can decide what the plan should be to echo the Vice Chair, what is the plan for doing this in a thoughtful way, not an arbitrary way of all probationary employees and that kind of thing?\u201d\n\nAs a lifelong advocate for conservation and Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate\u2019s most prominent voices advocating for conservation. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation that included the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). Because of his work, in 2020, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation (NPF) \u201cHero\u201d Award. Since the creation of the LRF, Senator King has pushed park leaders to discuss funding maintenance efforts, maintaining a sufficient NPS workforce, and managing growing park visitation. Recently, Senator King pressed a Department of the Interior\n\nSenator King\u2019s work on this legislation is the culmination of more than four decades of work on land conservation efforts in Maine, including helping to establish the Land for Maine\u2019s Future program in 1987 and supporting extensive conservation projects during his time as Governor. Under King\u2019s leadership in his eight years as Maine governor, he put more Maine land under conservation than in the state\u2019s 175 year history.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-modern-cost-effective-weapons-systems-should-be-deployed-in-red-sea-future-conflicts", "King: Modern, Cost-Effective Weapons Systems Should be Deployed in Red Sea, Future Conflicts", "2025-06-10", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with Secretary of the Navy John Phelan and raised the importance of properly funding cutting-edge directed energy programs \u2014 the class of weapons systems that use electromagnetic energy, such as high-energy lasers. Calling it the \u201cweapon of the future,\u201d he received commitment from Secretary Phalen to advocate for an increase in the directed energy budget.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s unclear in the budget where the directed energy money is if it\u2019s in there. Those missiles that we\u2019re using in the Red Sea to knock down $20,000 Yemen drones cost $4 million apiece. Directed energy is an incredibly important priority. The prior administration grossly underfunded it. I hope this administration will pay attention. This is cost-effective and it\u2019s the weapon of the future. Mr. Secretary, are you going advocate for directed energy and see an increase in that budget,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cYes, senator. I think it\u2019s very important. Our capability, and as you mentioned, it\u2019s a cost-effective one. We continue to be working very hard with the one system we have been testing live right now that appears to be working well, so we continue to work on that. So, yes,\u201d replied Secretary Phelan.\n\nSenator King also touted Bath Iron Works\u2019 (BIW) role in helping construct the U.S. Navy\u2019s Guided-Missile Destroyer (DDG) ships. Earlier in their exchange, Senator King thanked Secretary Phelan for his visit earlier this year to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) to discuss the strategic value of developing a strong workforce and expanding shipbuilding in the U.S. to stay ahead of foreign adversaries.\n\n\u201cI want to thank you for your visits to the Portsmouth naval shipyard and Bath Iron Works, particularly for the time you took to talk with the men and women on the deck plates, the people who are out there doing the work. It meant a lot to those people, it meant a lot to the workforce, and the fact that you took the time to do that, I think is exemplary. The other thing I want to note at the beginning, we always get in these hearings and there\u2019s a lot of criticism and harsh questions. I want to compliment the Navy for the performance in the Red Sea. It\u2019s the longest protracted naval battle since World War II, and the Navy has performed extraordinary well. I've had briefings both in this committee and the Intelligence Committee about the work that has been done under very difficult circumstances, so I think that should be acknowledged in a hearing like this. I should also note some of the workhorses in the Red Sea are DDGs, which are \u2014 I visited a government facility some years ago that had a spot on the map of the whole world of all the U.S. Assets, and DDGs were all over that map. Truly the workhorse of the Navy,\u201d said Senator King.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Senator King has previously spoken up about the emerging threats of Russia and China\u2019s development of \u201cnightmare weapon\u201d hypersonic missiles, which he has described as \u201cstrategic game-changers.\u201d He previously urged the Department of Defense (DoD) to take advantage of private sector technologies or risk losing access to innovative defense technologies and encouraged the (DoD) to reevaluate its acquisition process of defense technologies. Additionally, Senator King has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries.\n\nThe Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) is a key economic driver in Maine, supporting thousands of jobs integral to America\u2019s national security. After calls from Senators King and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the U.S. Department of Defense exempted the shipyard workforce from the civilian hiring freeze. The Senators, alongside Sena too Susan Collins (R-ME), once again called on the Administration to process PNSY civilian hires to support the work of the Shipyard. Earlier this year, Senator King visited the Shipyard with Navy Secretary Phelan to highlight the Shipyard\u2019s role in supporting U.S. national security and the need to bolster the Shipyard\u2019s workforce to meet workload demand.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-murkowski-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-maines-coastal-workforce-fisheries-and-infrastructure", "King, Murkowski Introduce Bill to Strengthen Maine\u2019s Coastal Workforce, Fisheries and Infrastructure", "2025-06-10", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced legislation that would lay the groundwork to boost the workforce, energy and shoreside infrastructure, food security, and economies of coastal communities in Maine and across the country. The Working Waterfronts Act, which is also co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), is comprised of more than a dozen provisions, would support efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and strengthen federal conservation research projects. Included in the legislation is Senator King\u2019s Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act which would allow businesses that provide direct assistance to fishing operations \u2014 like gear producers or cold storage \u2014 to access loans from the Farm Credit System (FCS) that are already offered to service providers for farmers, ranchers and loggers.\n\n\u201cMaine\u2019s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine faces both historic opportunities and challenges that will define our state\u2019s success for generations,\u201d said Senator King. \u201cThe Working Waterfronts Act would provide Maine\u2019s working waterfronts up and down the coast with the necessary financial, energy and infrastructure resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. It would also help support the necessary workforce to sustain our coastal businesses. Thanks to my colleagues for working with me to ensure our waterfronts have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cOne of my priorities this Congress was reintroducing the Working Waterfronts Act, a comprehensive and collective effort to harness the potential of the blue economy for Alaska's coastal communities,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cWith 66,000 miles of coastline, it is vital Alaska strengthens our shoreside infrastructure and supports workforce development to ensure the sustainability and growth of our fisheries, tourism, and mariculture sectors. This legislation will provide essential resources for alternative energy initiatives, improve community processing facilities, and promote safety and wellness in the maritime workforce. Together, we can build a resilient future for our coastal communities while addressing climate change and preserving our precious marine ecosystems.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe men and women who make their living in Maine\u2019s blue economy face growing challenges, including rising costs, workforce shortages, and changing ocean conditions,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation would help address these issues by improving shoreside infrastructure, supporting the next generation of maritime workers, and investing in ocean ecosystem maintenance to ensure that Maine\u2019s coastal communities remain strong for years to come.\u201d\n\nBill Highlights:\n\nInvesting in Energy and Shoreside Infrastructure\n\nTax Credits for Marine Energy Projects supports projects that produce electricity from waves, tides, and ocean currents.\n\nFishing Vessel Alternative Fuels Pilot Program provides resources to help transition fishing vessels from diesel to alternative fuel sources such as electric or hybrid, and funds research and development of alternative fuel technologies for fishing vessels.\n\nRural Coastal Community Processing and Cold Storage Grant increases support for community infrastructure such as cold storage, cooperative processing facilities, and mariculture/seaweed processing facilities by establishing a competitive grant program through the Department of Commerce for rural and small-scale projects.\n\nWorking Waterfronts Development Act establishes a grant program for infrastructure improvements for facilities benefitting commercial and recreational fishermen, mariculturists, and the boatbuilding industry.\n\nBoosting Maritime Workforce Development and Blue Economy\n\nFishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act strengthens financial support for fishery operations by expanding Farm Credit eligibility to fishing industry support businesses.\n\nMaritime Workforce Grant Program establishes a Maritime Workforce Grant Program, directing the Maritime Administrator to award competitive grants supporting entities engaged in recruiting, educating, or training the maritime workforce.\n\nFishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act expands the Coast Guard and CDC\u2019s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fishing Safety Research and Training (FRST) Grant Program to include projects supporting behavioral health in addition to the projects currently supported dedicated to occupational safety research and training.\n\nOcean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act establishes at least one ocean innovation cluster in each of the five domestic NOAA Fisheries regions, as well as the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico regions. The ocean cluster model fosters collaboration between different sectors \u2013 including public, private, and academic \u2013 within a geographic region to promote economic growth and sustainability in the Blue Economy.\n\nSupporting Sustainable and Resilient Ecosystems\n\nCoastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act enhances collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring through ongoing mechanisms for stakeholder engagement on necessary research and monitoring. This provision would also establish two Advisory Board seats for representatives from Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia affected by ocean acidification and coastal acidification.\n\nVegetated Coastal Ecosystem Inventory establishes an interagency working group for the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive national map and inventory detailing vegetated coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems. This inventory encompasses habitat types, species, ecosystem conditions, ownership, protected status, size, salinity and tidal boundaries, carbon sequestration potential, and impacts of climate change.\n\nMarine Invasive Species Research and Monitoring provides resources and tools to mitigate the impact of invasive species and help limit their spread by authorizing research and monitoring grants for local, Tribal, and regional marine invasive prevention work. This includes training, outreach, and equipment for early detection and response to invasions.\n\nSenator King is a longtime supporter of working waterfronts and small businesses. He previously introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to reauthorize the Small Business Administration\u2019s (SBA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program, which would give small businesses the opportunity to take out low-interest loans for the purpose of proactively implementing mitigation measures that protect their property from future disaster-related damage. He also led a bipartisan bill to provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually. In 2024, he was named a Hero of Main Street for his support of small businesses across Maine.\n\nSenator Collins has consistently fought to strengthen Maine\u2019s working waterfronts. Earlier this year, she successfully pushed the Department of Commerce to restore full funding for Maine Sea Grant, ensuring continued support for coastal research and marine industries in Maine. She secured $15 million in federal funding in the 2024 funding package to help coastal communities recover from storm damage and to launch a new grant program at the Economic Development Administration for working waterfronts. She previously introduced the bipartisan Working Waterfront Preservation Act to create a $20 million annual grant program to support working waterfronts nationwide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-to-white-house-immediately-reverse-damaging-unconstitutional-cuts-to-job-corps", "King, Colleagues to White House: \u201cImmediately Reverse\u201d Damaging, Unconstitutional Cuts to Job Corps", "2025-06-09", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 With the Trump administration attempting to shutter the nation\u2019s largest jobs training program for low-income and at-risk young people, Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside 39 of his Senate colleagues, sent a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer urging her to reverse the unconstitutional and illegal cuts to the Job Corps program that are harming student and communities in Maine and across the country. These cuts have left 25,000 students and thousands of staff across 99 Job Corps centers in the lurch, including nearly 500 Maine students and nearly 270 Maine employees\n\n\u201cThe Administration\u2019s decision to illegally and abruptly terminate Job Corps center operations has left 25,000 students and thousands of staff across 99 Job Corps centers in the lurch,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cThe sudden \u2018pause\u2019 of operations at Job Corps centers puts young people\u2019s lives at risk, especially a significant number of students who were experiencing homelessness before arriving to the program. Local communities will pay a steep price, especially the thousands of individuals who work at the centers and will lose their livelihoods.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe urge you to immediately reverse this decision to prevent a lapse in education and services for Job Corps students. We further urge that the Department restart enrollments, expeditiously restart background checks, and make any contract extensions or modifications necessary to ensure no interruptions or delays for students or program operations,\u201d concluded the senators.\n\nFor more than 60 years, Job Corps has helped millions of young people in rural communities and cities alike to finish high school, learn technical skills and get good-paying jobs while providing stable housing, medical and mental health care, and other supportive services. Through Job Corps programs, young people receive the training they need to start in good-paying jobs that support their communities after graduation \u2013 including as wildland firefighters, nurses, electricians, machinists, pipefitters, and welders. Last month, however, the Trump administration indefinitely \u2018paused\u2019 operations at Job Corps sites across the country.\n\nJoining Senator King on the letter are Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL.), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI.), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Patty Murray (D-WA).\n\nSenator King has been consistently sounding the alarm on President Donald Trump\u2019s existential threat to the Constitution. He previously gave a speech on the Senate floor sharing that this administration is doing \u2018exactly what the Framers [of the Constitution] most feared\u201d and a speech where he shared his growing concerns over the Trump Administration\u2019s usurpation of Congressional authority. Senator King also previously declared that the proposal to halt all federal grant and loan disbursement was illegal and a direct assault on the Constitution. Previously, he joined 36 Senators in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sharing the detrimental effects of the Trump Administration\u2019s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and has also joined fellow Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) colleagues in writing a letter to the White House about the risks to national security by allowing unvetted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff and representatives to access classified and sensitive government materials.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer:\n\nWe write to express our grave concern with the \u201cpause\u201d of operations that began at Job Corps centers on May 29, 2025, which will harm students and local economies in every state across the country. The Administration\u2019s decision to illegally and abruptly terminate Job Corps center operations has left 25,000 students and thousands of staff across 99 Job Corps centers in the lurch. The sudden \u201cpause\u201d of operations at Job Corps centers puts young people\u2019s lives at risk, especially a significant number of students who were experiencing homelessness before arriving to the program. Local communities will pay a steep price, especially the thousands of individuals who work at the centers and will lose their livelihoods.\n\nWe urge you to immediately reverse this decision to prevent a lapse in education and services for Job Corps students. We further urge that the Department restart enrollments, expeditiously restart background checks, and make any contract extensions or modifications necessary to ensure no interruptions or delays for students or program operations. Congress passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, which includes $1,760,155,000 for Job Corps and ensures that Job Corps Centers are funded for the new program year that begins on July 1, 2025. We write to remind you of your obligation to faithfully implement the law.\n\nSince 1964, Job Corps has helped millions of low-income or at-risk young people develop the skills and resilience needed to succeed in work and life. As the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults ages 16-24, Job Corps programs help students complete their high school education, learn high-value technical skills, and connect to employment through intensive education, training, and support services in a residential setting while providing stable housing, medical and mental health care, and other supportive services to ensure their success. At a time when more than 72 percent of jobs will require training beyond a high school diploma, Job Corps provides students with the opportunity to become wildland firefighters, nurses, electricians, machinists, pipefitters, CDL drivers and welders and more.\n\nJob Corps centers operate in rural and metropolitan regions nationwide and contribute to their local communities and economies. Many centers have partnered with employers, local workforce development boards, government agencies, and community-based organizations to develop the future workforce and meet the needs of local employers.\n\nAbruptly canceling contracts for the nation\u2019s Job Corps centers will leave students and communities in the lurch and undermine opportunities for young people to get education and training to succeed in valuable trades. Rather than gutting this valuable program, we urge you to work with Congress to strengthen accountability and program quality for the betterment of young workers, employers needing skilled labor, and communities nationwide, such as reforms included in the bipartisan, bicameral WIOA reauthorization bill from last Congress. We request that you provide written answers to the following questions as soon as possible, but not later than June 20, 2025.\n\nPlease provide a list of onboard strength (enrollment) at each center before January 20, 2025 and before the operations pause on May 28, 2025.\n\nWith Job Corps operations on pause, how does the department plan to fulfill its obligations to implement the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which includes $1,760,155,00 for Job Corps serving students?\n\nPlease provide information on the number of students experiencing homelessness prior to enrollment at a Job Corps center based on enrollment at each center on May 28, 2025.\n\nPlease provide a list of every contract that has been terminated or modified since January 20, 2025, including the total amount of funds to each operator, the amount of funds that each operator has spent up to the date of the contract\u2019s termination or modification, and the amount of remaining unspent funds for each contract.\n\nWhat authority is the Department using to \u201cpause\u201d operations? Please provide a citation in law or regulation.\n\nThe concept of a \u201cpause\u201d does not exist in Job Corps authorizing statute and appears to be an attempt to illegally shut down Job Corps operations without following requirements in law. Section 159 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) includes clear requirements and processes for the closure of Job Corps Centers that were not followed in this \u201cpause\u201d. How does the Department define a \u201cpause\u201d and how is it different than a \u201ctermination\u201d?\n\nOn April 25, 2025, the Department\u2019s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) released the first-ever Job Corps Transparency Report, which is used throughout the DOL press release to pause operations at centers.\n\nCenters have returned funding to DOL when enrollments were lower than expected (but that\u2019s not reflected in this report.) Please provide an updated cost per enrollee that accounts for money returned to DOL.\n\nThe report also provides cost per enrollee based on enrollment from program year 2023. DOL has much more up-to-date enrollment numbers. Please provide an updated cost per enrollee with the enrollments on campuses as of May 28, 2025, incorporating onboard strength at each campus.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-calls-for-answers-on-cancellation-of-protected-status-for-afghans-living-in-us", "King Calls for Answers on Cancellation of Protected Status for Afghans Living in U.S.", "2025-06-05", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and long a fierce advocate to protect Afghans who supported and protected American troops, joined 28 of his Senate colleagues to call on the White House for answers on the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for those who served alongside America\u2019s military. In a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators note the devastating impact of this decision, including on the many Afghans who supported the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan and who face significant danger upon their return.\n\n\u201cWe write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025. This decision is devastating for resettled Afghan nationals in the United States who have fled widespread violence, economic instability, challenging humanitarian conditions, and human rights abuses in their home country. Many of these Afghans fearlessly served as strong allies to the United States military during the war in Afghanistan, and we cannot blatantly disregard their service. We respectfully ask that you redesignate Afghanistan for TPS to ensure Afghan nationals in the U.S. are not forced to return to devastating humanitarian, civic, and economic conditions,\u201d the lawmakers began.\n\nThey continued, \u201cThe Secretary of Homeland Security \u2018may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.\u2019 This is why, following the withdrawal of American troops and the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, in May 2022 the U.S. designated Afghanistan for TPS.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe grave conditions that forced Afghan nationals to flee and seek refuge in the U.S. following the return of the Taliban to power remain. Because of this harsh reality, forcing Afghan nationals in the U.S. to return to Afghanistan would be reckless and inhumane, and would threaten the safety and well-being of thousands of individuals and families, especially women and girls,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn addition to King, the letter was signed by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Corey Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nSenator King has long supported the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for America\u2019s Afghan allies who assisted the U.S. government during the war in Afghanistan. More specifically, he cosponsored the Afghan Allies Protection Act to increase the number of authorized visas for Afghan civilians who risked their lives to support the U.S. mission, remove extraneous paperwork requirements and improve the program\u2019s efficiency during the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Noem and Secretary Rubio:\n\nWe write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025. This decision is devastating for resettled Afghan nationals in the United States who have fled widespread violence, economic instability, challenging humanitarian conditions, and human rights abuses in their home country. Many of these Afghans fearlessly served as strong allies to the United States military during the war in Afghanistan, and we cannot blatantly disregard their service. We respectfully ask that you redesignate Afghanistan for TPS to ensure Afghan nationals in the U.S. are not forced to return to devastating humanitarian, civic, and economic conditions.\n\nThe Secretary of Homeland Security \u201cmay designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.\u201d This is why, following the withdrawal of American troops and the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, in May 2022 the U.S. designated Afghanistan for TPS. In September 2023, the U.S. extended and redesignated TPS for Afghanistan. The Administration\u2019s decision to terminate TPS for Afghanistan negatively impacts approximately 9,000 Afghan nationals.\n\nIn your announcement, you state that \u201cthere are notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions.\u201d But you also concede that threats of violence and terrorism, as well as humanitarian concerns, remain. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), continues to launch attacks against ethnic and religious minorities and against the Taliban, leading to innocent civilian casualties. If Afghan nationals are forced to return to Afghanistan, they will be caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and ISKP. According to Human Rights Watch, in 2024, Taliban authorities intensified their crackdown on human rights, especially against women and girls. Women and girls are banned from attending secondary school or university and are unable to move freely. The Taliban also continues to detain and torture journalists, curtailing free speech and media. The 2023 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report covering Afghanistan found that women\u2019s rights rapidly declined and restrictions on freedom of expression increased. The horrific human rights conditions in Afghanistan are unsafe for Afghan nationals to return to and returning would put their personal safety at immediate risk.\n\nWe are also deeply concerned about the State Department Human Rights Report finding that widespread arbitrary and unlawful killings against officials associated with the pre-August 2021 government have occurred. Afghan nationals who assisted the U.S. military should not be put in harm\u2019s way because they supported the U.S. in its fight against the Taliban. This would be a betrayal of those who bravely served alongside our servicemembers for nearly two decades.\n\nAfghan civilians still face devastating humanitarian and economic conditions. Over half of the population in Afghanistan needs urgent humanitarian assistance. Human Rights Watch reports that in 2024, 12.4 million people were facing food insecurity and 2.9 million were at emergency levels of hunger. The World Bank also found that in Afghanistan, as of May 2025, \u201cper capita income has stagnated, while poverty and food insecurity remain pressing challenges, exacerbated by high unemployment and restrictions on women's economic participation.\u201d\n\nThe grave conditions that forced Afghan nationals to flee and seek refuge in the U.S. following the return of the Taliban to power remain. Because of this harsh reality, forcing Afghan nationals in the U.S. to return to Afghanistan would be reckless and inhumane, and would threaten the safety and well-being of thousands of individuals and families, especially women and girls.\n\nIn August 2021, Americans welcomed Afghan nationals at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia with open arms, and we refuse to turn our backs on them now. We strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to terminate TPS for Afghanistan and ask that you respond to the following requests no later than two weeks of receipt of this letter:\n\nPlease provide any reports that credibly determine that conditions have improved in Afghanistan since 2023.\n\nThe TPS termination announcement stated that \u201cthere are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security.\u201d Please provide additional details on how the Administration made this determination and how widespread these allegations of fraud and threats are.\n\nDescribe the collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to reach the determination that Afghanistan no longer meets the conditions for designation for TPS.\n\nPlease provide any reports that indicate the Taliban is no longer a threat to Afghan nationals that assisted the United States military during the war in Afghanistan.\n\nWhat steps are you taking to ensure that Afghan nationals who previously had TPS will not be sent back to persecution or torture in Afghanistan?\n\nThank you for your attention to this urgent matter and we hope to receive your responses soon.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:38Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-seeks-follow-through-from-us-army-on-weapon-blast-overpressure-efforts", "King Seeks Follow Through from U.S. Army on Weapon Blast Overpressure Efforts", "2025-06-05", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with General Randy George, Chief of staff of the Army, and Daniel Driscoll, Secretary of the Army, about the importance of addressing brain injuries in servicemember and veterans caused by repeated exposure to weapon blasts. During the exchange, Senator King received confirmation from both General George and Secretary Driscoll that life-saving initiatives \u2014 advocated for by Senator King \u2014 have been put into action to better understand and mitigate the effects of blast overpressure. In October 2023, a shooter opened fire on and killed 18 Maine people in Lewiston. The shooter, an Army reservist, worked as an instructor at a hand grenade training range where it is believed he was repeatedly exposed to low-level blasts. An analysis of his brain later showed evidence of severe traumatic brain injury.\n\n\u201cIn October of 2023, a tragic event occurred in Maine where an army reservist killed 18 people in a matter of minutes. Subsequent to that it was determined that he had substantial brain injury, most likely because he was a trainer in munitions, by blast overpressure and continued exposure. There was a lot of activity at the time in the army and in the Pentagon generally on this issue of blast overpressure and mental health baselining, and I just want to be sure are you aware of that work and I just want to be sure that it isn't lost in the transition from one administration to another. This is a very serious problem. It turns out this one case in Maine was kind of a notorious one. This is something that, throughout the armed services, particularly in the army. General, do you want to address that? Are we staying after this issue,\u201d questioned Senator King.\n\n\u201cWe are staying after that. It was about three weeks ago that we had the team up to talk about that, so in operators we\u2019re using one of our very specialized units that do a lot of these very high-end kind of training. It\u2019s, right now, we have implemented the neurological testing, so people going on \u2014,\u201d responded General George.\n\n\u201cYou\u2019re doing a baseline,\u201d asked Senator King.\n\n\u201cThat's the baseline. We are, you know, changing, again, it's how you train as well, and you kind of alluded to that. Do you need the level of explosives when you\u2019re doing certain kind of training? How can you reduce that? We\u2019re looking at equipment. How do we change, you know, for example, the Kevlar might be helpful against, you know, bullets coming at you, but it does other things when you have concussive events, and so, how do we change that? So, I probably, once a quarter, I will have discussions on this, and these are ongoing with what we\u2019re doing. And so, we\u2019re continuing on with that \u2014,\u201d replied General George.\n\n\u201cAnd Senator, I can just echo, this does come up often. We are trying to look at our training. Obviously, we\u2019re choosing to expose soldiers to things and make sure that it is worth the risk,\u201d added Driscoll.\n\n\u201cI appreciate that, and all the right work has been done at the fairly high level. I just want to be sure it gets down to the ground in terms of day-to-day activity that it\u2019s not just reports in the Pentagon but that it is direct changes in the way equipment and training and those things, because, as I say, this turns out to be a widespread problem and something we need to address,\u201d finished Senator King.\n\nDuring just three months in 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) provided treatment to service members nearly 50,000 times for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which are considered the \u201csignature wound\u201d of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. For troops with mild TBI, \u201cthe most important cause of brain injury was the long-term exposure to explosive weapons.\u201d Researchers using data from blast analysis sensors worn by U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan also determined that, \u201c75 percent of the troops\u2019 [blast] exposure was coming from their own weapons.\u201d Despite this, service members continue to train with weapons with unsafe blast levels, and sadly, many have of these injuries have led to high levels of mental illness and suicide.\n\nFollowing the Lewiston shooting, Senator King has been working with his colleagues to increase mental health funding and address brain injuries. Last summer he wrote a letter to the former Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Lloyd Austin urging the Department to expedite protection of servicemembers from weapon blasts and TBIs. Prior to that letter he urged leaders of the Appropriations Committee to support the strongest possible funding for the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research program within the DoD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDRMP). Earlier this year, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to study impacts of lower-intensity weapon blasts on veteran mental health. He also was successful in securing a provision to protect service members from brain injuries in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In a recent Armed Services hearing, Senator King receive commitment from a DoD nominee to maintain focus on addressing brain injuries stemming from weapon blast traumas.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:38Z"], ["https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-fight-to-help-home-renters-continue-receiving-emergency-assistance", "King, Colleagues Fight to Help Home Renters Continue Receiving Emergency Assistance", "2025-06-03", "2025", "2025-06", "Independent", "Senate", "ME", "Angus S. King, Jr.", "K000383", "www.king.senate.gov", "angusking", "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), with a bicameral group of his House and Senate colleagues, is calling on Congressional Appropriations leadership to include enough funding for the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program as part of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding legislation. Tens of thousands of Americans depend on this vital program for safe, stable, and affordable housing. The letter comes as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced in March that the program will soon run out of money due largely to rents rising at the fastest pace in decades.\n\n\u201c[Public Housing Agencies] in every state have benefited from the improved voucher issuance and utilization that the EHV program provides, as have the people and communities they serve,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cCongress must provide sufficient and robust funding to ensure that the families who rely on EHVs don\u2019t lose their housing.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe EHV program provides rental assistance to help end and prevent homelessness,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cAt a time when housing costs and homelessness continue to rise, we respectfully request that you provide adequate funding in the FY26 THUD Appropriations bill to renew all EHVs to ensure that those who have been served by the program do not lose their housing support and to ensure landlords continue receiving the rental payments they depend on to maintain their properties.\u201d\n\nAs of April, this critical program supports 107,000 individuals who are mostly children under five years old, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and domestic violence survivors. Support for the program is especially important as the Trump Administration cuts vital HUD funding and support staff. The EHV program was established in 2021 through the American Rescue Plan. Congress originally authorized $5 billion in funding for 70,000 vouchers through September 2030, with increased flexibilities for public housing authorities that made the program more successful than typical housing vouchers.\n\nSenator King has long been committed to ensuring Maine people across the state can access safe and affordable housing, as well as working with his colleagues on creative solutions to combat the housing shortage. He recently introduced the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to create nearly two million new affordable homes across the country \u2014 including thousands in Maine. Earlier this year, he introduced the bipartisan Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act to expand existing grant program so rural homeowners can create more housing on their property and help ease housing shortfall.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Chair Hyde-Smith, Ranking Member Gillibrand, Chair Womack, and Ranking Member Clyburn:\n\nAs you develop the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, we respectfully request that you include funding to ensure that the nearly 60,000 households who are currently being served by the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program do not fall into homelessness.\n\nDuring the pandemic, Congress appropriated $5 billion in mandatory funding for the EHV program to help people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including survivors of domestic violence and victims of human trafficking, access safe, stable and affordable housing during a moment of crisis.\n\nSince 2021, the success of the EHV program and its design, which includes critical administrative flexibilities that are responsive to a tumultuous housing market, cannot be overstated. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that EHVs are leasing at a rate faster than any previous housing voucher program within HUD and drove unprecedented collaboration among public housing agencies (PHAs), homeless services organizations, and victim services organizations to provide rapid and effective housing assistance to vulnerable populations. PHAs in every state have benefited from the improved voucher issuance and utilization that the EHV program provides, as have the people and communities they serve. Congress must provide sufficient and robust funding to ensure that the families who rely on EHVs don\u2019t lose their housing.\n\nWe understand that the Subcommittee must make difficult decisions. However, the EHV program provides rental assistance to help end and prevent homelessness. At a time when housing costs and homelessness continue to rise, we respectfully request that you provide adequate funding in the FY26 THUD Appropriations bill to renew all EHVs to ensure that those who have been served by the program do not lose their housing support and to ensure landlords continue receiving the rental payments they depend on to maintain their properties. Thank you for your consideration of this request and your continued support for the most vulnerable Americans.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 239, "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": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Independent", "label": "Independent", "count": 239, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2025&party=Independent", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 239, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ME&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "ME", "label": "ME", "count": 239, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 239, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-06-03,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eking~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fking-colleagues-fight-to-help-home-renters-continue-receiving-emergency-assistance", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=ME&year=2025&_next=2025-06-03%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eking~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fking-colleagues-fight-to-help-home-renters-continue-receiving-emergency-assistance&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 282.64287672936916, "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"}